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The Library of Congress
AUDIO-VISUAL CONSERVATION
at The LIBRARY ..if CONGRESS
Packard Campus
for Audio Visual Conservation
www.loc.gov/avconservation
Motion Picture and Television Reading Room
www.loc.gov/rr/mopic
Recorded Sound Reference Center
www.loc.gov/rr/record
Senate Vote of $50,000 Kills O Wis Film Bureau
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-^FDAIL
y\. 84, NO. 1
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1943
TO EXTEND LOEWS TOP EXECS! CONTRACTS
Factional Mouthpiece Role Holds Danger— Myers
Industry Must Not be Used
As Propaganda Machine,
Allied Executive Warns
By AL STEEN
Associate Editor, THE FILM DAILY
West End, N. J.— The motion
picture industry must not be-
some a mouthpiece for any one
segment of the
Government o r
it will find itself
in a dangerous
spot, Abram F.
Myers, general
counsel of Na-
tion a 1 Allied,
warned at the
Allied of New
Jersey annual
conference here
yesterday. The
picture business
is not and
should not be
a propaganda machine except in the
(Continued on Page 11)
William Goetz to Open Offices of His Own
Company, International Pictures, on Tuesday
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — William Goetz who resigned as vice-president in charge of pro-
duction for 20th-Fox to form his own producing organization, has announced
the association of Leo Spitz as chairman of the board of the new company
which will be known as International Pictures, Inc. Goetz completes his duties
at the 20rh-Fox studio, Saturday.
Offices of International Pictures will be opened next Tuesday in the Corinne
Griffith building. No plans for distribution or selection of a studio for produc-
tion have been made as yet.
Nunnally Johnson has been signed to produce.
ABRAM F. MYERS
No Freon Relief in
Sight for Theaters
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — No relief is in sight
from the recent WPB order forbid-
ding the sale of freon for theater
air conditioning plants, A. G. Smith,
(Continued on Page 6)
97% Holdovers for
"Action in Atlantic"
Out of its first 410 engagements,
Warners' "Action in the North At-
lantic" has been held over in 398
situations, a score of 97 per cent,
according to the company's playdate
department. All of the remaining
12 dates were in stands with a
set policy that precludes holdovers.
From a gross standpoint, more than
100 "Action" bookings already have
either approximated or exceeded
"Casablanca" according to the home
office.
Senate Votes End
Of OWI Film Bureau
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The war job done by
the motion picture industry is once
again back in the lap of the indus-
try— just about as completely as it
was a year ago prior to the forma-
tion of the OWI. Slight Government
aid may be looked for, but the em-
phasis is upon the word "slight."
The end of the OWI motion picture
bureau as an effective instrument to
(Continued on Page 10)
Open War Stamp Drive
To Build "Shangri-La"
Nation's exhibs., 13,000 strong,
allied with the country's retail
stores and newsboys, today launch
a month's campaign to sell an extra
dollar's worth of War Stamps to
every American.
The resulting $130,000,000— which
(Continued on Page 6)
Allied May Re-write
Its Decree Changes
West End, N. J.— Some of the
proposals made by Allied for changes
in the consent decree may be re-
written so as to be more specific,
it was indicated here yesterday by
some Allied leaders. It was asserted
by some that the recommendations
were too general and it was hinted
that the Department of justice
would like more details as to re-
(Continued on Page 11)
Reserves Decision On
Racketeer Dismissal Plea
Mayer, Rubin, Bernstein,
Weingarten Deals Before
Stockholders on July 29
By LOU PELEGRINE
FILM DAILY Staff Writer
The board of directors of
Loew's, Inc., has ordered a spe-
cial meeting of the company's
stockholders to ask approval for the
renewal of the contracts of four top
executives, Louis B. Mayer, J. Rob-
ert Rubin, David Bernstein and Law-
rence Weingarten, it was learned
yesterday. The meeting will be held
the morning of July 29 at the com-
pany's home office.
In the notice to stockholders Nich-
olas M. Schenck, president of M-G-
(Continued on Page 7)
Decision was reserved yesterday
by Federal Judge Murray Hulbert
on motions to dismiss the indictment
against the six alleged Chicago
gangsters charged with conspiracy
to extort more than $1,000,000 from
the film industry. One of the mo-
(Continued on Page 6)
More % Deals Warners' Aim
Small Isolated Accounts to be Exceptions
1,000 Attend 20th-Fox
Family Club Outing
Bear Mountain Park, N. Y.— With
some 1,000 executives and club mem-
bers' in attendance, the 20th Cen-
tury-Fox Home Office Family Club
(Continued on Page 12)
A concerted effort to extend the
number of percentage deals, as more
beneficial to the exhibitor as well as
the distributor, is expected to be
urged on Warners' sales force at the
regional sales meeting which will be
called to order by Ben Kalmenson,
general sales manager, at 10 a.m.
(Continued on Page 12)
Exhib. Aggressiveness
Urged on Pic Rentals
West End, N. J. — More aggres-
sive complaints on the film rentals
situations on the part of exhibitors
were advocated by Sidney Samuel-
son, national Allied leader, at the
second day's sessions of New Jersey
Allied's 24th annual conference at
(Continued on Page 10)
N. J. Allied Re-elects
Loewenstein Prexy
West End, N. J. — Harry Loewen-
stein was re-elected president of New
Jersey Allied at its annual confer-
ence here yesterday. Lou Gold was
(Continued on Page 7)
Armour Quits Post
With Disney Abroad
Reginald Armour announced yes-
terday that he had resigned as
European managing director for
Walt Disney Productions. Armour,
who recently arrived in New York
from London, stated that he will
vacation for a few months after
which he will indicate his future
plans.
^ m $130,000,000 IN WAR STAMP SALES WILL BUILD AIRPLANE CARRIER — DO YOVR BIT! J^ ^
==
4 jK
^*a?
_pv
Thursday, July 1, 194
Vol. 84, No. 1 Thurs., July 1, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE :
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN
Publisher
General Manager
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address-
Filmday, New York.
• Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Willc, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correct 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Wednesday, June 30)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 16 16 16
Col.Piets. vtc. (2'/2%) 18Vi 18Vz 18'/i + V4
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 17% "Vi l7Vi
Con. 'Fm. Ind. pfd
East. Kodak 166 165 1653/4 + %
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq 23 >/2 225/8 225/8 — Va
Loew's, Inc 60 Vi 60 Vi 60y2 — V4
Paramount 277/8 273/4 27y8 — Vs
RKO 9'/8 9 9
RKO $6 pfd 95 94'/2 9414 _ i/2
20th Century-Fox ... 2^% 21 213/8 + l/4
20th Century-Fox pfd. 32% 32l/4 32% + Va
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 147/8 14% 1434 — l/8
do pfd 88I/4 88'/4 88\4
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. iB'way 3s55... 773/8 773/8 773/8
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
101 V4 101 101 — 1/4
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 3% 3Vz 3% — Va
Radio-Keith cvs 1% 134 1% -f l/8
Sonotone Corp 31/2 3% 3Vi
Technicolor 1234 1234 12% — Va
Trans-Lux 33/4 31/4 3% -f %
Universal Corp. vtc
Universal Picts
7,572 Eastman Employes
In Service; 12 Gold Stars
Rochester — Eastman Kodak em-
ployes now in the armed service
total 7,572. Of this total, 12 have
given their lives.
Gold Bars for Lionel Toll
Camp Lee, Va. — Lionel Toll, editor
of the Independent, New York trade
paper, will be commissioned a sec-
ond lieutenant in the QMC on gradu-
ation tomorrow from OCS here.
comma mid goiiig
WILIAM F. RODGERS, M-G-M vice-president
in charge of sales, returns to New York today
from a visit to the Culver City studios.
M-G-M branch managers RALPH MAW of
Buffalo and HERMAN RIPPS of Albany will
be in New York next Tuesday to confer with
E. M. SAUNDERS and other home office of-
ficials.
B. G. DE SYLVA, executive producer of
"For Whom the Bell Tolls," arrived in New
York yesterday by train from Toronto, to re-
main for the premiere of "For Whom the Bell
Tolls."
MITCHELL RAWSON, Warners' Eastern publi-
city manager, returns late today from Charlotte,
N. C, where he went to complete arrangements
for the preview of "Mission to Moscow" there.
BETTY HUTTON leaves the Coast for New
York today.
DAVE PALFREYMAN is en route from the
Coast to New York.
JULIUS J. EPSTEIN and PHILLIP C. EP-
STEIN have arrived from Burba nk.
ALLEN G. SMITH of the WPB left Washing-
ton yesterday for a two weeks' Southwestern
tour.
IRVING BERLIN spent yesterday in Washing-
ton conferring with Maj. Irving J. Phillipson,
head of Army Emergency Relief.
FRED MARSHALL is in New Haven from
New York on Universal exploitation of "Next of
Kin."
MRS. HOOT GIBSON, is vacationing in
Wilkes-Barre, her home city.
RICHARD F. WALSH, IATSE president, is on
a Western trip.
ED PESKAY, eastern representative of Edward
Small Productions, is on the Coast for con-
ferences.
JUDY GARLAND is en route to Philadelphia
from the Coast.
MOE A. LEVY, 20th-Fox district manager
in charge of the Minneapolis, Des Moines and
Omaha territories, who has been in town for
sales conferences, returns to his headquarters
in Minneapolis tomorrow.
Cleveland Friends Fete
Fellman on Departure
Cleveland — Nat Fellman was guest
of honor at a farewell dinner held
by members of the film colony to
speed him on his way to New York
where he takes over his duties as
booker for the Warner theater de-
partment under Clayton Bond. Fell-
man was head of the local theater
booking department until his recent
promotion. Dinner was at Korn-
man's restaurant, after which the
group, consisting of more than 50
film men representing every ex-
change and composed of the leading
exhibitors, adjourned to the Variety
Club.
RKO to Screen Next Five
In Exchanges July 12-15
RKO's next block of five pictures
will be screened July 12-15 in the
company's exchanges. The group
consists of "The Sky's the Limit,"
"Behind the Rising Sun," "Pitticoat
Larceny," "The Falcon in Danger"
and "Mexican Spitfire's Blessed
Event."
Chi. Equipment Firms
Working on July Fourth
Chicago — Motiograph, DeVry, Bell-
Howell and Wenzel Projector will
work July Fourth holiday on Army
and Navy equipment. Motiograph
is granting employes two weeks' va-
cation with pay. Many of its em-
ployes forsaking the vacations to
work on Government orders, receiv-
ing extra compensation.
George F. Dembow Elected
To National Screen Board
George F. Dembow, vice-president
in charge of sales, has been elected
to the board of National Screen Ser-
vice Corp. to fill a vacancy, it was
announced yesterday by President
Herman Robbins.
Selznick Strikes New Note
In Picture Making
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A new note in film
making is being applied by David
0. Selznick in preparation of his
next picture, "Since You Went
Away." It is, in effect, a blueprint
of the picture, a pre-production de-
sign as complete as the detailed
drawings of a building by an archi-
tect before construction begins.
Selznick has had collaborating
with him William L. Pereira.
Selznick and Pereira plan scenes
one by one during the development
of the story proper and write the
action and dialogue to fit Pereira's
illustrations.
Mrs. Margaret Buell Wilder, au-
thor of book of the same title as the
picture, is collaborating with Selz-
nick on the screen story. She and
Selznick outline to Pereira the steps
in the story. Pereira then sketches
roughly the scenes, and composes a
scene exactly as it will be photo-
graphed. Then Selznick and Mrs.
Wilder write sequences to fit Pere-
ira's sketches, and he in turn com-
bines his sketches with the dialogue
to give the director a complete vis-
ual blueprint to shoot from.
Three OWI Posters Going
To Exhibs. for August
Exhibs. will receive three more
OWI posters for August lobby dis-
play. The one-sheets which are
available from National Screen Ser-
vice exchanges are "I'm Counting On
You," a warning against careless
talk; "This is the Enemy" and
"United Nations Fight For Free-
dom."
WAC has also recommended that
the OWI include a fourth poster
which exhibitors might choose to dis-
play during the showing of a spy or
saboteur movie. It is "A Warning
From the FBI" which requests that
any evidence of sabotage or the pres-
ence of enemy agents be reported
immediately to the FBI.
Ohio and Penn. Towns
To Vote on Sunday Pix
T!
Cambridge, O. — The Sunday movi1 '
question has bobbed back up hei
with recommendation by a commi
tee of the Municipal Council th£
it be submitted for referendum ne>
Fall.
All efforts to have Sunday movie]"
here have been rejected by the vo '
ers in the past. Issue has beef
brought up this time through/
nels trying to secure Sunday rl
tion for service men.
Youngstown, O. — A referendui
vote on Sunday movies will be takejuj
this year at Greenville (Pa.) ne^e
here. Backers of the plan hold th^f
Sunday shows would provide ente:jf(
tainment for soldiers from near-tf
Camp Shenango.
:,
NEW YORK
THEATERS
ih
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
THE YOUNGEST PROFESSION
with
VIRGINIA WEIOLER, EDWARD ARNOLD
and Five Important Guest Stars
AN M-G-M PICTURE
MARCH OF TIME— "INVASION"
Gala Stage Revue • Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Clrel* 6-460 J
--
BETTY GRABLE
GEORGE MONTGOMERY* CESAR ROMERO le
COW* UlAMD
:£■
a 2oth century-fox PiCTUDE in TECHNICOLOR
* PLUS A BIG STAGE SHOW *
BUY Q ^ y W 7lhAVE.
BONDS !\V A 1 50th ST.
"DIXIE" • I" Person
with ~k ANDREWS SISTES
BING CROSBY * TIM HERBERT
DOROTHY LAMOL'R -jfc- MITCHELL AYRE
A Paramount Picture -fa and his orchestra
Cool
PARAMOUNT Times Squar<
EH33
B'WAY
47th St.
PI
>>•
GEO. SANDERS . MAUREEN O'HARA
"THIS LAND IS MINE"
and
"CHATTERBOX"
JOE E. BROWN • JUDY CANOVA
Irhursday, July 1, 1943
TW
DAILY
[anuck's First Pic
'Woodrow Wilson
rr
■ \7est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Joseph M. Schenck
nnounced that Col. Darryl F. Za-
uck will return to 20th-Fox July 6
) assume charge of production. He
jK Zanuck will devote most of his
a to the production of pictures of
fonal and international signifi-
i ance, first of which will he "Wood-
j jw Wilson."
lj Zanuck said, "In returning to the
fe idustry, I feel greatly honored to
3 2 charged with the respossibility
f c producing a picture based on the
!| fe of Woodrow Wilson and others
W this scope and importance.
"Pictures of this type are of the
_tmost importance today and for
Tie post-war world, for I am con-
inced that they not only have a
tal meaning, but at the same time
mtain dramatic elements that go
i make fine entertainment.
"At this time I wish to thank all
i roducers, directors, writers and
■-;her fellow-workers who carried on
> magnificently in my absence and
/ their loyalty and efficiency helped
ji> maintain the success and high
estige of 20th-Fox product."
)PA Driving Ban May
Shutter Suburban Nabes
r Newark, N. J. — Week-end b.o. biz
Jn; the nabes along the outskirts of
ijJie city, has hit a new low in past
,'ieeks, direct result of the pleasure-
H'iving ban, clearly indicating that
iyme of the smaller independents
■,ay be forced to close temporarily
• at least until such time as the
m is lifted.
' "It's simple arithmetic," one man-
ner declared. "Theatergoers who
ve in the outskirts and the suburbs,
ce remaining at home through most
the week. By the time Saturday
id Sunday rolls around, they're
1 fed up and rarin' to go and will
i ffer the inconvenience of a long
~"ip in a crowded bus to get down-
Twn for a first-run. In their shoes,
-H probably do the very same thing."
Jlivia de Havilland
M. A. Schlesinger
Charles Laughton
William Wyler
Don Eddy
Irving Kahal
Charles D. Brown
Madge Evans
Jeanne Crozat
K. H. Cochrane
0. P. Madsen
Helen Weber
H. W. Rosch
A. Aronson
A. M. Brilant
Don Beddoe
THE
;\M l"*" ^q>-^ ^^^
5^
US
I,
T T T
• • • YE EDITOR, discussing the changing movie audience, not
so long ago pontificated — as editors will — upon the plight of the exhibi-
tor's peactime standby, meaning the family of the mythical Mister X,
salaried white collar worker It was duly noted that Mister X's living
costs and taxes have soared skywards like a frightened mountain goat
during the last few years while his pay envelope has failed to fatten
And it was observed that thus Mister X might be said to have ac-
tually taken a sizeable salary slash, with the obvious inference that in-
sofar as Mister X is concerned — and his number is legion — the Washing-
ton talk of excess purchasing power is so much piffle
T ▼ T
• • • ALL of which makes extremely interesting what Rep. Wil-
liam B. Barry, D., N. Y., had to say in the House this week The
distinguished solon from Queens County told President Roosevelt in a
letter that the moves to kill food subsidies would keep millions of
white collar workers away from the nation's film theaters, for— to quote
the Representative— "if they go to movies, they won't be able
to eat" And, added the St. Albans lawyer who has been in the
House since 1935, theater box offices have already suffered
T T ▼
• • • WHETHER film biz's interest in the price roll-back and sub-
sidy moves is academic or otherwise, certainly the trade must be con-
cerned with the Department of Labor figures quoted by Mr. Barry
When food costs in 56 cities rise 46.2 per cent in 17 months and pay in-
creases in the same period total only 15 per cent, and even such pay in-
creases do not go to millions of white collar workers, there is a distinct
threat to the box office Mark, too, that the Congressman makes no
mention of the materially higher taxes nor of other increases in living
costs And already the Treasury's tax sharps are plotting stiffer
levies, with a view to enactment early in the new year Maybe it
isn't the business of this industry to fight the battle of any particular
group But whether it is or not, surely self-interest alone ■warrants
the trade to give a thought or two to the plight of Mister X and his kin
After all, they have been loyal customers, week in and week out,
in the halcyon days of peace And in the post-war period, when the
war workers have retreated to the Smokies, it is to Mister X, et al, that
the industry must look again for not only profits but sustenance
Make no mistake about that, pal
T ▼ ▼
• # m CUFF Notes: Ann Corio will tour RKO theaters in the
East again in October, with her salary boosted to §1,750 a week
Meanwhile, she'll appear in another for Monogram, dubbed "The Sul-
tan's Daughter". ... 0 Add how to spend a vacation in wartime:
Manager John Hesse, of the Roger Sherman, New Haven, will
spend the next fortnight moving into a new home in Spring Glen. . . .
9 New York debut of RKO's "Bombardier" at Loew's Criterion tomor-
row night will attract Carl L. Norden, bombsight inventor, and mem-
bers of the Norden organization's Old Timers Club. ... * Final
shooting day of "The Night is Ending" at 20th-Fox saw the entire staff
and crew feting Director Leonide Mo guy at luncheon. ... 9 If min-
iature rooms interest you, don't miss Jerome H. Hoffheimer's collection
now on view in the Radio City Music Hall's grand lounge. ... 0 Play-
ers speaking "below the border" languages will be featured in future
Harry Sherman Hopalong Cassidy pix
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!.
DATE BOOK
Today: Theater industry's $130,000,000 "Shangri-
La" war stamp drive starts.
July 1-3: Warners regional sales meeting, New
York.
July 6: 20th-Fox special stockholders meeting,
home office.
July 6-10: Warners regional sales meeting,
Chicago.
July 12-14: RKO Radio sales meeting, Waldorf-
Astoria.
July 14-15: Kansas-Missouri Theaters Association
convention, Kansas City.
July 14-15: Conference Board of National Con-
ference of the Entertainment Industry for
War Activities meets at Actors Equity.
July 14-17: Paramount semi-annual sales meet-
ing, Hotel Pierre.
July 15-17: Warner' regional sales meeting,
San Francisco.
July 29: Loew's stockholders special meeting,
home office.
Aug. 11-12: Allied board meeting, Baltimore.
Sept. 9: ITOA installation luncheon, Hotel
Astor.
Legion Theatrical Post
Headed by Sam Cornelia
Detroit — Theatrical Post of the
American Legion has elected as new
officers for 1943-44: commander, Sam
Cornelia, Panoram operator; senior
vice-commander, Harry R. Berns,
New Bijou Theater; junior vice-com-
mander, Edmund Burke, Main Thea-
ter, Royal Oak; adjutant, Harry
Brewer, Harper Theater; finance of-
ficer, H. Owen Bliugh, Calvin Thea-
ter, Dearborn; sergeant-at-arms, Ed-
ward O'Flynn, musician; executive
committeeman, William Marley, Na-
tional Theater Engineering Co,;
chaplain, Fred R. Johnson, musician;
historian, Lee Crowell, Fox Theater;
district delegates, Harry Carson and
Gil Light, Michigan Theater; district
delegates, Harry Carson and Max
Kolin, Oriole Theater.
M.P. Relief Funds'
Year's Receipts $754,861
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Treasurer George
Bagnall of the Motion Picture Relief
Fund reports the organization has a
surplus of $1,351,581 and that total
receipts in 1942 amounted to $428,-
427.82 and expenses to $448,461.62.
Funds received from the radio shows
increased total receipts to $754,-
861.04.
Jean Hersholt was re-elected presi-
dent.
WEDDING BELLS
Lt. Robert Gilbert, former office
manager for the Staak and Pierce
Theaters, Inc., at Oskaloosa, la., was
married to Margaret Lally of Des
Moines. The marriage took place
at Cheraw,, S. C. Gilbert is an as-
sistant special service officer at Mor-
ris Field, Charlotte, N. C.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Betty Grable and
Harry James plan to be married at
Las Vegas, Nev., over the week-end.
Shangri-La" War Stamp
Drive in July- Join up!
DULY
Thursday, July 1, 1943
SAG Suspends Craig
As Member for 1 Year
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The Screen Actors
Guild has suspended from member-
ship, for a period of one year, Hal
Craig, a Class B member.
Craig was found guilty of con-
duct unbecoming a member of the
Guild, at a trial before the board
of directors on June 28. Specific
basfs of the charge was that Craig
filed with Paul V. McNutt, chairman
of War Manpower Commission, and
caused to be published a statement
that the Guild was "producer-con-
trolled," having a producer as its
president and other producers as its
board of directors.
In announcing- results of disciplinary ac-
tion ag-ainst Craig', the Screen Actors Guild
said:
"Trial of Craig disclosed that his statement
was made recklessly, without supporting
facts. He was represented by counsel and
goven an opportunity to present supporting
evidence from witnesses. He introduced no
evidence from witnesses.
"Craig admitted at the hearing' that he
had no evidence that the Guild was domin-
ated or controlled by the motion picture
producers. When his testimony was sifted,
it was reduced to an unsupported allegation
that the Guild might not properly represent
its members because two out of the 33
members of the board had what Craig
regarded as employer status.
"These two board members were identi-
fied as James Cagney, president of the
Guild, and Charles Boyer, a director. The
Guild introduced evidence that Cagney was
financially interested in company which
produces only pictures in which Cagney ren-
ders services as an actor, and that Boyer
is an employe of Universal as an actor and
actor-producer, and that he has no financial
interest in the company.
"Record of Cagney and Boyer in devoting
their time to Guild duties in interests of
all actors speaks for itself. There is nothing
in that record, much less in Craig's testi-
mony, to support the belief that these two
out of 33 Guild board members could —
if they wanted — -make the Guild 'producer
controlled.'
"The Guild proceeded with disciplinary ac-
tion against Craig', with full realization that
the question of free speech would be raised.
The Guild has always welcomed criticism
with constructive motives, but Craig's reck-
less charge could only be destructive. Free
speech does not embrace the right to shout
'fire' in a crowded theater.
"The Guild board has a responsibility to
protect the record and reputation of the
organization. In the interests of all mem-
bers. Craig's statement was particularly
injurious at this time when the Guild is
attempting to establish a self-governing unit
for extra players, and simultaneously is
attempting to negotiate for improvements
for extras in contracts with producers. The
effort to establish an autonomous unit for
extras has been delayed by obstructionist
tactics on the part of extra groups strug-
gling for power, and Craig's statement served
to abet the activities of these groups and
injure the interests of extra players gen-
erally.
"Through disciplinary action against Craig,
the Guild affirms its intention of protecting
the interests and reputation of the entire
organization."
REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS
(M-G-M Cartoon)
"Who Killed Who"
M-G-M 8 Mins.
Mildly Entertaining
Every now and then the cartoon
fashioners are tempted into mak-
ing a travesty of the blood-and-
thunder crime theme. Herewith is
the latest. For the most part it
is amusing, and should be satis-
factorily received by the fans. Es-
sentially its appeal springs from
rapid action and tricky animation.
But it has virtually no story. Such
as the latter is, it delineates the ef-
forts of an exaggerated detective
to find out who killed the aged oc-
cupant of a mansion. Ghosts and
all manner of eerie
"The Lonesome Mouse"
M-G-M 8 mins.
Fair
A Technicolor cartoon with a lim-
ited number of laughs. It is likely
to appeal primarily to the kids. The
characters are a mouse and a cat.
The mouse rejoices when the cat is
put out of the house. Loneliness puts
a quick end to his rejoicing. Most
of the footage has to do with his
efforts to get the cat back into the
house. Once the cat is back both
start fighting all over again.
IN NEW POSTS
LESTER COLE, assistant, Paramount Theater,
New Haven.
WILLIAM DEWAN, manager, RKO-Schine Palace,
Syracuse.
TED EMERSON, manager, Paramount Theater,
Omaha.
EMMETT L0CKARD, manager, Omaha Theater,
Omaha.
HARRY WOOLFE, United Artists branch maj
Vancouver.
'<
forms bob out of closets, cellar, et
al, to furnish suspense and humor.
ectoplasmic ' Mark it down as mildly entertaining.
Open War Stamp Drive
To Build "Shangri-La"
(Continued from Page 1)
is $80,000,000 more than the average
month's sales of stamps — will be ear-
marked for construction of an air-
plane carrier to be named the Shan-
gri-La.
This particular promotion has
excited the interest of exhibitors
because of the reasonableness of the
request; it is felt there will be few
"turn-downs" since the moviegoer
will be asked to buy only an extra
dollar's worth.
In addition to the special clips
prepared by the Newsreel Division
in Hollywood, and featuring Hedy
Lamarr, Maria Montez and Lynn
Bari with Captain Ted Lawson, one
of the Tokio raiders, the War De-
partment has advised that there will
be another sequence filmed in North
Africa. This sequence will "star"
Gen. Jimmy Doolittle purchasing
stamps from a Red Cross nurse.
Reserves Decision On
Racketeer Dismissal Plea
Gronigen Buys Iowa
Houses of March Bros.
Rene Chouteau Gets Wings
St. Louis — Rene Chauteau, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Henri Chouteau, has been
commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the
Marine Air Corps, following gradua-
tion from the flying school in Pen-
sacola, Fla. His brother Capt. Henri
Chouteau of the Royal Air Force
Ferry Command was killed in an
airplane accident three weeks ago.
His father formerly owned the Lib-
erty Theater.
Alton, la. — John Gronigen has
purchased theaters in Alton and
Orange City, from the March
brothers.
Small at Goldwyn Studios
West Coast Bureau Of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Edward Small Pro-
ductions has completed negotiations
for space at Samuel Goldwyn Stu-
dios. Small is now at General Ser-
vice Studios and will move into his
new headquarters shortly. This
makes the fourth United Artists
producer to come to the Goldwyn lot
this year. Others are Cagney Pro-
ductions, Samuel Bronson Produc-
tions and Spitz-Skirball.
(Continued from Page 1)
tions attacked the sufficiency of the
indictment from a legal standpoint.
Another is a special plea through
which defense counsel hopes to prove
-that the statute of limitations bars
prosecution under the extortion in-
dictment. The third is a demand
for a bill of particulars.
Defense counsel, James D. C. Mur-
ray, in pleading for the motions, ac-
cused George E. Browne and William
Bioff, former IATSE executives, of
"attempting to obtain surcease from
their sorrows by effecting a general
jail delivery of my clients." Mur-
ray intimated that the recent ex-
tension of the term of the New York
Federal Court in the cases of
Browne and Bioff, who are now
serving sentences of eight and 10
years, respectively, prompted them
to involve his clients in the Federal
probe of alleged racketeering in the
film industry.
Murray asked for a delay in the
trial of the case to Sept. 7 on the
grounds of difficulty in rounding up
witnesses. The court indicated that
postponement might be granted and
told Murray to confer with Special
Assistant U. S. Attorney General
Boris Kostelanetz on the proposed
delay.
No Freon Relief in
Sight for Theaters
Hitchcock Pix Withdrawn
Film Classics, Inc. has withdrawn
"The Lady Vanishes" and "The Girl
Was Young" from release and will
offer the Alfred Hitchcock pictures
as a combined Hitchcock program.
New prints- and accessories are in
preparation.
Forrest Kelly Stricken
Massillon, O. — Forrest A. Kelly,
53, former manager of the Lincoln
theater here for 20 years, died while
seated in his automobile at Chagrin
Falls.
Mrs. Wilkinson Dead
Wilmington, Del. — Mrs. Anna Wil-
kinson, mother of Charles Wilkin-
son, assistant manager of the Com-
erford, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died at
her home here.
Carl Duncan Dead
Canton, O. — Carl Duncan, owner
and operator of the Killbuck theater
at nearby Killbuck died in Coshocton
hospital, where he recently under-
went an operation. His widow and
a son survive.
(Continued from Page 1)
WPB amusments chief, wrote Ar-
thur W. Mayer of the WAC Yester-
day. Although at least one major
theater in Pittsburgh may be forced
to close its doors because of the
ban on sale of the refrigerant, there
is only a slim chance that relief will
be offered.
Smith explained that freon is pro-
duced by only one plant in the
country, and that nearly three times
this plant's annual capacity of
1,200,000 pounds could be used. Half
this capacity is allocated for ci-
vilian use, but nearly all goes into
food preservation, etc. Substitution
of methyl chloride is possible, but
it is not advised because methyl is
a toxic poison. Its use is barred by
law in many localities. In addition,
its use would require changes in
the ajr conditioning system for which
priority could not be extended.
He has been assured by the Gen-
eral Industrial Equipment Division
of WPB, Smith wrote, "that there
has not been, nor will there be any
discrimination in the uses of freon
refrigerant for comfort cooling pur-
poses. He has further assured us
that if the restrictions are relaxed
and the demands for freon for es-
sential war uses decreases, the
motion picture industry will be
given equal consideration with other
civilian enterprises using air con-
ditioning for comfort cooling.
"In clarifying this statement, this
means that where air conditioning
for comfort cooling is incidental to
the benefits of a business enter-
prise, such as a department store,
office building (public or private)
or any other type of civilian busi-
ness that motion picture theaters
will receive equal consideration.
"We are unable, at this time to
estimate when the restrictions will
be relaxed, but we can assure you
that the industry will be informed
of any changes as quickly as the B
information is relayed to us by Mr. |
Millham of the General Industrial
Equipment Division."
:
%■■■■
noti
I
Lii
let
!;.
k
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:
res I
Add 10 Per cent License Penalty
Harrisburg, Pa.— Theaters, places
of amusement, brokers and auction-
eers, have been notified by the treas-
urer's office that beginning July 1,
a 10 per cent additional penalty will
be added to all unpaid mercantile
licenses.
al"
k
ft;
I
ITT; ;
ota!
Thursday, July I, 1943
$
DAILY
Mayer, Rubin, Bernstein, Weingarten to Renew
Loew Stockholders to Act
July 29; Pacts Run to '46;
Three Years More Possible
(Continued from Page 1)
-Y-v appealed for retention of the
Varices of the four executives for
o«e good of the company.
"I have arranged these extensions
in harmony with our policy to ob-
tain and hold the best available
men," he said, "for it is my belief
that the success of our enterprise is
due to the manpower that operates
it. It is my personal opinion that
the retention of these executives
through the renewal of their con-
tracts is in the best interests of the
company and the stockholders."
New Pacts Expire Aug. 31, 1946
Each of the proposed contracts,
which have been recommended by
the audit and finance committee of
the company and authorized by the
board of directors, is for a term
expiring Aug. 31, 1946, Schenck in-
formed the stockholders, "with pro-
vision for a further extension of
three years upon notice by the com-
pany and acceptance thereof by the
other party."
Schenck's statement to the stock-
holders disclosed that Mayer, man-
aging director of production, had
been serving the company without a
contract since the expiration of his
old agreement on Dec. 31, 1942.
"Pending negotiations for a new con-
tract, he has continued to render
services, leaving the matter of com-
pensation for future adjustment,
Schenck pointed out.
The contracts of Bernstein, a vice-
president and treasurer; Rubin, a
vice-president and general counsel,
and Weingarten, production super-
visor, terminate on Dec. 31, 1943.
All new contracts have the same ex-
piration date, Aug. 31, 1946.
Get Same Pay and Bonus
The four executives will receive
the same rate of weekly compensa-
tion and bonus payment under the
new agreements, according to the
notice to stockohlders. Mayer has
been getting $3,000 per week, plus
3.77 per cent of the combined annual
let profits; Bernstein, $2,000, plus
L% per cent bonus; Rubin, $2,000,
plus a bonus of 1.4 per cent; Wein-
garten, $3,250, plus a bonus of
35/100ths of one per cent.
The proxy statement lists earn-
ngs for the four men for the fiscal
rear ended Aug. 31, 1942, as follows:
Mayer— $157,500, fixed salary;
;792,265.84, bonus; $949,765.84, to-
al.
Bernstein— $106,000, fixed salary;
175,719.95, bonus; $281,719.95, to-
al.
Rubin— $103,000, fixed salary;
163,836.36, bonus; $269,836.36, to-
al.
Weingarten — $170,625, fixed sal-
ary; $41,001.32, bonus; $211,626.32,
otal.
The notice to stockholders revealed
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
SIGNED
MISCHA AUER, termer, 20rh-Fox.
ASSIGNMENTS
JEAN YARBOROUCH, producer-director, "Hi
Ya Sailor," Universal.
IRVING RAPPER, director, "Rhapsody in Blue,"
Warners.
JACK FIER, producer, "Cyclone Prairie Rangers,"
Columbia.
MARION PARSONNET, screenplay, "The Ghost
ot Monte Cristo," Edward Small.
DAWN POWELL, screenplay, "Time to Be Born,"
Edward Small.
EDDIE KAY, production manager, "Teen Age,"
Continetal.
ED KULL, cameraman, "Teen Age," Con-
tinental.
CASTINGS
OSCAR LEVANT, "Rhapsody in Blue," Warners-
MISCHA AUER, "State Fair," 20th-Fox; JOHN
CARRADINE, WALLY BROWN, and ALAN
CARNAY, "An American Story," RKO;
ALLEN JONES, EVELYN ANKERS and BILLIE
BURKE, "You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith,"
Universal; DONALD WOODS, "Hi Ya
Sailor," Universal; BARRY FITZGERALD, "The
Padre," Paramount; HORACE McNALLY, "Ameri-
ca," M-G-M; EMMA DUNN and LIONEL ROYCE,
"The Cross of Lorraine," M-C-M; JUNE DUPREZ,
"Talent School," Jack Schwarz-PRC; VERNELL
VERNON, "Tiger Fangs," Jack Schwarz-PRC;
THURSTON HALL and RAFAEL STORM, "Foot-
light Clamour," Columbia; JIMMY DAVIS,
"Cyclone Prairie Rangers, "Columbia; LENORE
AUBERT, "Up in Arms," Samuel Coldwyn.
BETTY HUTTON, "Incendiary Blonde," Para-
mount; JIMMY DUNDEE, GEORGIA CAINE and
ESTHER HOWARD, "Hail the Conquering Hero,"
Paramount.
TITLE SWITCHES
"The Cross of Lorraine," formerly "A Thousand
Shall Fall," M-G-M.
CASTING WITHDRAWALS
HENRY WILCOXCN, out of "The Story of Dr.
Wassell," Paramount.
Cuban Spanish Pix Houses i City-Operated Theater
Forced to Slash Scales I Pays Northampton Well
Havana (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — First-run theaters here,
devoted to the release of Spanish
product, have been forced to slash
their admission scales of 40-50 cents
to an all-day level of 29 cents. Step
has been taken because these stands
realize that without air conditioning
equipment, such as serves the so-
called luxury houses, it is impos-
sible to compete unless there is a
financial-saving inducement. While
the action of the houses is one of
extremity, it has been taken in good
spirit, prompted by the realization
that no air conditioning equipment
can possibly be available until the
war's end, and that the scale-cut-
ting is the price which must be paid
for economic survival.
Principal houses exhibiting U. S.
films here are all equipped with air
conditioning units.
Northampton, Mass. — Operated
under the supervision of its board
of trustees for the past six months,
the Academy of Music, municipally-
owned and operated motion picture
theater, has earned a net income of
approximately $4,500, it was dis-
closed here. This sum represents
more revenue than the city received
from the theater over a combined
period of the past five to seven years
when it was under private manage-
ment.
Theater will remain open through-
out the Summer.
Last Buffalo Drive-in Folds
Buffalo — Harlem Road Drive-In,
has shuttered due to the pleasure
driving ban. Stand was the last
Drive-In in this territory to hold out
against the gas shortage.
that Mayer had agreed to waive fixed
salary payments for the first four
months of this year. The terms of
his contract would be effective as of
Jan. 1, 1943.
Bonuses are to be computed on the
basis of net earnings from compa-
nies and ventures in which Loew's,
Inc., owns an interest of 25 per
cent or more and dividends or re-
ceipts from all other companies and
ventures.
Deductions Before Bonuses
Under their new contracts for the
four executives would not be al-
lowed to share in profits until the
following deductions were made
from net earnings:
1 — $2,745,744, representing $2 per
share on the issued and outstanding
common stock of Loew's at Jan. 1,
1943, other than shares issued as a
stock dividend.
2 — $2 per year on each share of
common thereafter issued for cash
or property.
3 — Cumulative dividends on any
preferred stock of Loew's (not ex-
ceeding seven per cent per annum)
and dividends on preferred stock of
the companies in which Loew's has
a stock interest (to the extent that
such preferred stock is held by others
than the company).
4 — All taxes, except taxes arising
from profits on sale or exchange of
property where such profits are not
included as income for the benefit of
the participant.
5 — Interest on bonds, mortgages
and moneys borrowed and amortiza-
tion of bonuses and expenses in con-
nection therewith and in connection
with issues of preferred stock.
6 — All fixed compensation paid but
no percentage compensation based
on the combined net profits of the
company paid or payable to any em-
ploye or executive.
7 — Depreciation on the Culver City
studio and on all other real and
personal property.
Saturday Midnight
Pix Click in Towns
Dallas — Saturday midnight shows
instituted by B. R. McLendon in his
Texan Tri-States Theaters, head-
quartering in Atlanta, for a group
of very small towns, nine at present,
have endured for 11 years, and make
one of the three profitable playtimes
of the week. Other profitable days
are Saturday, with westerns, and
Sunday, when "A" pictures are
played. This experience has set a
pattern which other exhibitors have
followed.
Booking policy from the beginning
has been horrors, murder mysteries,
musicals, and suitable "B" releases,
all on flat rental. Shows have been
sold at prevailing top box-office
scales, 25c or 30c, according to the
town, without the stimulation of
giveaways or other extraneous pro-
motion. Success was gained through
consistent booking and careful at-
tention to the cultivation of this
show.
McLendon has found two facts:
rural trade in town for Saturday
shopping attend the afternoon or
evening show and remain over for
the midnight show; and that he gets
a patronage for the midnight show
that does not attend any other time.
This second group he finds to be
regular attendants week after week.
N. J. Allied Re-elects
Loewenstein Prexy
'(Continued from Page 1)
elected vice-president for the north-
ern New Jersey unit and Ralph Wilk-
ins was elected vice-president for the
Southern unit. Dave Mate was re-
elected secretary; Dave Snaper,
treasurer, and Ed Lachman, assis-
tant treasurer, the later, a new post.
Morris Spewak was re-elected ser-
geant at arms.
Elected to the board of directors
were Basil Zeigler, John Harwan,
Morris Spewak, Jacob Unger and
named as ex-ofncio members were the
following former presidents of the
unit: George Gold, Sidney Samuel-
son, Lee Newbury and Irving Dol-
linger.
Dollinger V.-P. of N. J.
Allied's Eastern Unit
West End, N. J. — Irving Dollinger
was elected vice-president of Allied
Eastern regional units at the New
Jersey conference yesterday. Dol-
linger said that because of the many
problems now facing the independent
exhibitors, he expected to hold reg-
ional meetings every six months,
transportation permitting.
Managing Army Theaters
Chicago — Lt. J. E. Petrakovic, for-
merly with Allied here, is now man-
ager of Army theaters at Camp
Ellis.
—Wk.
\
'
ow
DEANNA JOSEPH
DURBIN - COTTEN
HERS TO HOLD
HOWARD HAWK'S
CORVETTE K-225
JOIN THE "SHANGRI-LA" WAR STAMP DRIVE DURING JULY^
fjffft"*
* DAILY
Friday, July 2, 1942
"Buying Clinics"
For Allied in East
(Continued from Page 1)
whether they have made good deals
or not and make suggestions.
Eastern Regional leaders will
meet every 60 days on clinic matters
and, in addition, there will be local
parleys.
As a means of combatting van-
dalism, a suggestion was made at
the Regional Conference to appeal to
the Boy Scouts of America for help.
Because the average Boy Scout is
well trained in behavior and proper
conduct, it is believed that the use
of the Scouts in curbing hoodlum-
ism will be effective. The Scouts
will be informed that they will not
be "squealing" on an acquaintance if
they catch one in an act of vandalism,
inasmuch as the destruction of ma-
terials today in reality is equal to
sabotage and they will be helping
to combat sabotage if they will co-
operate.
Irving Dollinger, Eastern Region-
al vice-president, said that he al-
ready has used Boy Scouts in the
work and has found it effective.
Col. H. A. Cole also has found the
plan successful in Texas, it was said.
Both the plans for "buying clinics"
and the use of Boy Scouts will be
proposed to all Allied units and may
be adopted on a national basis when
the National Board meets in Bal-
timore next month.
IATSE Warns of Fire Risk
Thru Inexperienced Help
Prompted by the alarming in-
crease in theater fires, the IATSE
has issued a stern warning against
the use of inexperienced help in the-
ater jobs involving an element of
risk, such as projectionists and cus-
todians of stage properties.
The alliance declared in the latest
issue of its official bulletin that as
result of the shift of trained man-
power occasioned by the war "we
should take every conceivable pre-
caution to protect public life and
property," adding that "at the same
time by maintaining the operations
of theater plants for the duration we
will not jeopardize our present or
future livelihood."
Cole Gets Extra Gas
For Caravan Meets
Dallas — Extra gas has been al-
lowed by the Dallas Gas Rationing
Board to Col. H. A. Cole for his
trip over the state to fill Allied
Caravan dates, because of the WAC
work also accomplished at these
meetings. Additional dates on the
Caravan itinerary are, San Antonio,
July 6 and Houston, July 8, with
a final meeting at Dallas after Cole's
return.
TO THE COLORS!
* DECORATED *
GEORGE KOHLER, USA, formerly, Bausch &
Lom Optical Co., Rochester, N. Y., awarded
the Purple Heart.
* COMMISSIONED *
IRVING TOMBACK, USA, formerly, World Play-
house, Chicago, commissioned a lieutenant.
* TO OFFICERS~SCHOOLS *
BERNARD TEITEL, son of Abe Teitel, Chicago
theater owner.
* ARMY *
ROY DEWANNER STALLINCS, manager, Im-
perial, Charlotte.
GEORGE ROSE, M-G-M, Chicago.
MAX FACTOR, Universal, Chicago.
HAROLD VAN RIEL, 20th-Fox home office art
department.
STANLEY BALCKBURN, manager, Paramount,
Omaha.
* NAVY *
JOSEPH BYRNES, Granada, Olyphant, Pa.
JOSEPH DEVINE,, Comerford, Scranton, Pa.
— • —
* MERCHANT MARINE *
CHRIS CHIN, assistant cashier, 20th-Fox, Chi-
cago.
— • —
* ACTIVATED *
LT. COM. NORTON RITCHEY, USN, vice-
president in charge of foreign distribution,
Monogram Pictures.
40 Pix tor Recaptured Lands
OWI to Direct Distribution, Exhibition
(Continued from Page 1)
necessary, the number will be in-
creased, it is understood. For the
present, however, the total stands
at 40. Titles of pix and languages
to be employed in the versions are
restricted until the United Nations
strike.
Sitting in for the Government at
yesterday's huddle were Robert Ris-
kin, who heads the film bureau of
OWI's overseas division; Charles
Goldsmith, formerly with Metro, and
Harry Kosiner, formerly with UA.
A backlog of features with titles
superimposed in appropriate langu-
ages has been built up during the
past several months. In addition,
several companies, including War-
ners, M-G-M and Universal have
been lining up departments to dub
the actual languages into their sound
tracks. OWI is leaving choice as to
dubbing or use of titles up to the
individual companies.
Warners is said to have French
dubbed versions of its best pictures
for use in North Africa and against
the time when French speaking coun-
tries will be liberated. Company is
also said to have Italian versions
under consideration at its Coast stu-
dio. M-G-M has placed Robert Eis-
ner in charge of its French depart-
ment while Harold Sugarman has
charge of synchronization at the Uni-
versal plant. Twentieth-Fox is re-
ported planning French versions in
England.
Foreign managers at yesterday's
meeting also discussed the Austra-
lian situation and mapped moves to
be made in an effort to secure funds
still blocked there.
Appeals Court Upholds
Conviction of Hirsch
The U. S. Circuit Court of Ap-
peals yesterday upheld the con-
viction of Martin A. Hirsch, former
Treasury Department auditor who
was sentenced to two years' im-
prisonment and fined $2,000 on a
charge of perjuring himself before
the special Federal grand jury prob-
ing alleged racketeering in the film
industry.
Hirsch was named as having
posted $25,000 bail for Nick Circella,
alias Nick Dean, Chicago labor
racketeer now serving eight years
for aiding George E. Browne and
William Bioff in the shakedown of
film companies.
Isidore Zevin, former bookkeeper
for Browne who was indicted for
perjury in the racketeering probe,
yesterday had his trial postponed
to July 26 by Federal Judge Murray
Hulbert.
Van Nomikos Closing City
Chicago— The Van Nomikos City
theater will close for the Summer.
Recommended That NEIC
Act as an Advisory Body
(Continued from Page 1)
merit field have now accepted the invitation
to join in the work of the Council to go all
out to aid the nation's war effort through
a pool of amusement talent. The eight or-
ganizations which had announced their ad-
herence since last week's 25 are: SAG, Hol-
lywood Victory Committee, SWG, Artists
and^ Managers Guild, Chorus Equity, Authors
League, National Theatrical Conference and
the Theatrical Wardrobe Attendants Union.
Plan for the conference to he held at the
Waldorf-Astoria on July 14 and 15 was
drawn up as follows:
First day: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 noon, a
general business meeting. At 12 :30 lun-
cheon with speakers representing the Gov-
ernment and the Army outlining their re-
spective needs from the entire industry. At
the 2:30 p.m. session there will be three
major speakers, one of whom at least will
represent the Government, and the national
organization will be set up.
Second day the sessions will be thrown
open for a discussion of what the Council
members will do to meet the needs of the
Army, the Government, the production front
and the civilian front.
Veronica Lake Hospitalized
Hollywood — Veronica Lake, in-
pured in a studio fall, will be hos-
pitalized for several days. She is
an expectant mother.
HCLLyWCCD
DIGEJT
SIGNED
AUDREY YOUNG, termer, M-C-M.
ASSIGNMENTS
LEWIS ALLEN, director, "Our Hearty Were
• Young and Cay," Paramount.
CASTINGS .lo:
AL JOLSON, "Rhapsody in Blue," \js».ners;
LYLE TALBOT. "Up in Arms," Samuel Coldwyn;
TOMMY BATTEN, "The Kid in Upper 4,"
M-C-M; JUNE HAVOC and SHELDON LEONARD
"Timber Queen," Paramount; EDGAR BUCHAN-
AN, "Buffalo Bill," 20rh-Fox; DAME MAY
WHITTY, "Gaslight," M-G-M; DOUGLAS
FOWLEY, "The Story of Dr. Wassell," Paramount
GEORGE GIVOT, "Government Girl," RKO
LUIS ALBERNIj RALPH HODGES, "Nearly
Eighteen," Monogram; MARGARET O'BRIEN.
"My Name is Ruth," M-C-M.
MICHAEL ARLEN, treatment, "If Winter
Comes," M-C-M.
CASTINGS
FREDDIE STEELE, "Hail the Conquering
Hero," Paramount; ALAN NAPIER, "Ministry
of Fear," Paramount: TOM NEAL, "There's
Something About a Soldier," Columbia.
STORY PURCHASES
"Pile Buck," from JOHN and WARD HAWKINS
"Saboteur," purchased from Terneen Corp
by Columbia.
SCHEDULED
"My Name is Ruth," producer, EDGAR SEL-
WYN, story, ELINOR GRIFFIN and JOHN
TWIST
Si
I
BIR Will Approve
Certain Pay increases
(Continued from Page 1)
ployers can show that the increases
are necessary to maintain efficiency
throughout the longer work week.
The BIR jurisdiction extends only
to salaried employes receiving over
$5,000 per year and to executive ad- f
ministrative and professional em- f(
ployes earning less than that but
not represented by a union. An
executive employe, however, must
ieceive over $30 per week and an
administrative or professional em-
ploye over $200 per month.
The maximum increases which will
be permitted by BIR's salary stab-
ilization units will be those amounts
necessary to retain minimum differ-
entials between wage earners and
the salaries of their supervisors. No
set rule is established and approval
is required at all times except on
Oct. 3, 1942, and there has been no
change in it since.
Complete regulations for workers!
in the higher pay brackets are still
awaited.
Rivoli Air Show Plugs "Tolls"
Montague Salmon, managing di
rector of the Rivoli Theater, has
turned over the 22nd broadcast of
"Poetry and Music," Sunday, 12 to
1)2:15, to Paramount which will
present a "For Whom the Bell Tolls':
program. Screen and radio artists
will participate, in addition to Hen-
ry Sylvern, at the console; Herbert
Sheldon, reader and announcer, and
Jess Randolph, the Voice of the
Organ.
Building
Remodeling
j^m^mmf^mi
Equipment
Maintenance
DAILY
* * * *
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, JULY 2, 1943
• * * *
SERVICE PACTS INSURE WARTIME OPERATION
Two Patent Measures to Be Hoppered in Fall
Bone Bill Would Not
Call for Compulsory
Licensing by Inventors
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Two measures af-
fecting compulsory licensing of pat-
ents will be presented to Congress
following the Summer recess, Sena-
tors Scott W. Lucas (Dem., 111.) and
I Homer T. Bone (Dem., Wash.), Pat-
ents Committee chairmen announce.
tSen. Lucas will revive his measure
''calling for compulsory patents li-
censing introduced last year but
which died before the 77th Congress
had a chance to act upon it, while
Sen. Bone will introduce a bill de-
scribed as a modification of the
Lucas proposal.
While the Bone bill will not call
for compulsory licensing, he holds
that the measure ties in the anti-
(Continued on Page 8)
Equipment Field Notes
78% of Possibilities
Covered by Projection
And Sound Agreements
20-Year Life Span
For Patents Urged
Washington Bureau of THE FILM iDAILY
1 . Washington — Compulsory licens-
ng of patents, urged by the TNEC,
.vas not recommended by the Pat-
ents Planning Commission in its re-
>ort submitted to President Roose-
velt. Commission, in effect, thus re-
ected the need for such a measure,
lemand for which has been based
»n the contention that patents cov-
ering valuable inventions have
{Continued on Page 8)
Eastman's Dr. Jones
Awarded Ives Medal
Rochester — Dr. Loyd A. Jones,
chief physicist of the Eastman Kodak
Research Laboratories, has been
awarded the Frederick Ives Medal
for 1943 for distinguished work in
optics, it has been announced by the
Optical Society of America, which
makes the award biennially.
In addition to his work in optics,
Dr. Jones is leading authority on
tone reproduction in the photographic
process.
PRODUCTION of fiber floor-mats has
' been cut off via issuance of a WPB
order putting coir, — the fiber obtained from
the shell of the cocoanut, — under restrictive
controls. In the past, coir has been used
primarily in manufacture of door mats,
widely used by theaters, and there is no
available substitute. The material is being
allocated to manufacture of deck mats for
Navy and merchant ships.
* * *
Dr. C. E. Kenneth Mees, research
director for Eastman Kodak, has been
named one of eight specialists to act in
an advisory capacity to the office of
Quartermaster General on problems of
feeding, clothing and equipping the
Army.
* * *
The Joy Theater in Dardanelle, Ark.,
owned by Malco Theaters, Inc., has been
gutted by fire with a loss estimated at
$25,000, partially covered by insurance.
Manager J. C. Nelson said projection equip-
ment and fixtures were a total loss. Im-
mediate rebuilding of the house is planned.
* * *
Hattie Lutt, former aide at Roches-
ter's Lyceum Theater, is serving as an
information clerk in the office of the
Rochester War Council.
* * *
The Prince, Princeville, III., in the Peoria
district, has been reopened by its new
owner, Harold Bouton. House was damaged
by fire several weeks ago and was later
sold by Ernest Peltier to Bouton. It has
been entirely repaired and redecorated.
* * *
Arthur T. Hinnant and Clyde P.
Pierce have bought the Clarence The-
ater in Clarence, Mo., from John Hick
erson. They will modernize the house.
* * *
Manager Ed Sperling, of the Confection
Cabinet Co., vending machine channel to
theaters, bid $75,000 at the Chicago Candy
Co. auction to stimulate sales of War
Bonds. He was leading bidder during the
big event at the Hotel Sherman there.
* * *
Plans are under way to reopen the
DeSoto Theater, Lake City, Fla. New
sound equipment is being installed and
other improvements made.
* ♦ ♦
Indianapolis Victor Division of RCA has
opened a downtown employment office there
at 137 East Market St., for the sole pur-
pose of hiring workers for the plant. RCA
officials believe that the step will be a
direct aid in acquiring the number of people
needed for the local plant at the present
time.
* * *
A new projection screen unit, de-
signed primarily for our Armed Forces,
and now available for educational and
other visual training use, is announced
by Radiant Manufacturing Corp., Chi-
cago. The new item, called the Radiant
Day-Time Projection Box, permits
showing of pictures in broad daylight
by means of a shadow box construc-
tion. It has large audience capacity
and assures high intensity dtte to a glass
beaded, brilliant "Hy-Flect" screen sur-
face, it is said.
Bell & Howell have developed a new
grinding compound which improves, techni-
cians assert, the quality of finished lenses.
Other plants throughout the country are
adopting the new compound.
Research to Bolster Markets
Commercial Methods "Streamlined" in RCA
New Florida Theater
To Open In a Month
Crestview, Fla. — The new Elgin
theater is nearing completion and
will be opened within a month. Neil
Robinson and Tom Barrow are own-
ers.
Post-war expansion of new mar-
kets with substantial reductions in
consumer prices are seen as a result
of applying scientific research meth-
ods to commercial distribution, RCA
announces through David Sarnoff,
president. On the basis of two years'
experimental study, the company be-
lieves that scientific methods of cut-
(Continued on Page 8)
Unprecedently large volume of
service pacts in force between thea-
ter interests and service organiza-
tions, such as Altec and RCA, assure
for the war's duration the efficient
operation of film houses, a checkup
discloses. Survey of the situation
was prompted this week by dis-
patches from England which cited
the fact that theaters there, after
three years of war, are undergoing
a critical stage of "physical decline"
from the standpoint of equipment,
particularly projection and sound
units.
Currently, there are more than
9,000 U. S. film houses, it is esti-
mated, having either service pacts
or receiving service, in the case of
(Continued on Page 8)
Post-War Theater
For Detroit Suburb
Detroit — First post-war theater
project for this territory has been
launched on the architect's boards
by Max Allen, owner of the Lincoln
Park Theater in the suburb of Lin-
coln Park, and his brothers. Project
is a 2,000-seat house to adjoin the
present theater which will become
a subsequent-run.
New one will be called the Willow,
taking its name from the Ford Wil-
(Continued on Page 8)
NTS Surveying Post
War Equipment Needs
An equipment survey, via a bro-
chure to be mailed to every exhibitor
in the country within the next few
days, will be undertaken by National
Theatre Supply, it was revealed by
Walter E. Green, president, in his
talk at the Allied of New Jersey
meeting earlier this week. Survey is
part of the NTS program to insure
ample quantities of equipment for
replacement, modernization and new
theaters when peace comes.
^ f^HELP JIMMY BOOLITTLE KEEP THAT TOKYO RETURN DATE — BUY WAR STAMPS IN JVLY^
EQUIPMENT NEWS
&*\ DAILY ■
Friday, July 2, 1942
A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre-
hensively covering the equipment field, pub-
lished every second week by Wid's Films and
Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York
City. John W. Alicoate, Publisher; Donald
M. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B.
Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipment
Editor; West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood
Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk,
Bureau Chief.
Service Agreements
Insure Operation
(Continued from Page 7)
some circuits, from special depart-
ments especially set up for that pur-
pose. The accepted potential of the-
aters which are logical customers for
service is said to be between 11,000
and 12,000. Therefore, as matters
now stand, approximately 78 per
cent of the potential is guaranteed
projection and sound equipment pro-
tection.
Were it not for the fact that so
many U. S. houses are "guarded" by
service contracts, together with the
favorable circumstance that a fairly
satisfactory back-log of parts has
been provided through the foresight
and energies of projector and sound
manufacturers, as well as through
the contractual action of service
companies themselves, domestic
houses might well be in the uncom-
fortable position in another eight
months of war that British stands
now find themselves. Latter's prob-
lem is of course accentuated by the
manufacturing emergency faced at
the time of the conflict's outbreak
when the making of reserve parts
had to be sacrificed to the greater job
of providing more urgently-needed
sinews of war. Also an important
factor in Britain's sound and pro-
jection dilemma is her inability to
import parts from this or any other
country.
One of the most reassuring factors
in the matter of continued effective
operation of U. S. stands is the full
understanding of this essentiality by
the War Production Board, head of
whose Amusement Division is A. G.
Smith, filmland alumnus, experienced
both in the exhibition field itself as
well as the technical realm pertain-
ing thereto.
For Excellence in the Production
of Motion Picture Sound Equipment
IT'S A FACT!
War-born DEVRY preci-
sion Theatre Projectors
and Sound Systems pre-
sent developments far
beyond previously ac-
cepted standards .DEVRY
Corporation, 1112 Armi-
tage Avenue, Chicago, 111.
DeVW
Hollywood • CHICAGO • New York
20-Year Lite Span
For Patents Urged
(Continued from Page 7)
sometimes been bought up or sup-
pressed.
Commission's recommendations in-
cluded a suggestion that Congress
pass legislation setting up a reason-
able, understandable standard of
patentability and a proposal to limit
the patent terms from 20 years from
the time of application instead of
17 years from the time of granting
of a patent. As the law now stands,
inventors are sometimes able to re-
frain from pushing a patent appli-
cation so that a long pending per-
iod preceeds the 17 year life of a
granted patent. This was complained
against by Thurman W. Arnold when
he was head of the anti-trust division.
Commission also called for com-
pulsory recording with the U. S.
Patent Office of (a) all existing
agreements to which one of the part-
ies is a citizen of a foreign country;
(b) all existing agreements, regard-
less of citizenship, which include
any restrictions as to price, quan-
tity of production, geographical
areas or fields of use, and (c) all fu-
ture agreements regardless of re-
strictions and citizenship of the part-
ies.
A proposal to empoyer the Pat-
ent Office to withdraw a patent in-
advertently granted was included.
It recommended that any person be
given the right to challenge a patent
within six months after its grant.
First Post-War Theater
For Det. Suburb Launched
(Continued from Page 7)
low Run plant which is a few miles
westward. It is the first theater to
be planned in the region of this
plant since it was started a year and
a half ago. No prospects of war-
time construction are planned, al-
though house would cater to the
recreation needs of thousands of new
war workers. Charles N. Agree is
the architect.
Midwest Theat. Supply
Reports New Carpet Jobs
Cincinnati — Jake Gelman of Mid-
west Theater Supply announces that
new carpet has been installed in
the Eminence, Eminence, Ky.; the
Clark, Grayson, Ky.; and the Clinton
in Blanchester, and also in the Brad,
Bradford, O. Midwest also fully
equipped the Heights, recently re-
opened by Robert Epps at Lock-
land O.
WHITEWAY
ELECTRIC SIGN & MAINTENANCE CO.
Thomas F. Flannery, President
315-17 W. Walton St. Chicago, III.
Delaware 9111
UJWR Presenting 25
Trucks to Russians
United Jewish War Relief is pre-
senting 25 mobile trucks to the
Soviet Mission for use on the battle-
front. Equipment includes DeVry
sound projectors, Hallicraftex radio,
Shure microphones and RCA turn-
tables, it is announced by Norman D.
Olson, manager of the DeVry Corp.
export department.
Research to Bolster
Post-War Markets
(Continued from Page 7)
ting distribution costs will be a ma-
jor factor in maintaining current
high levels of employment, and that
the new type of commercial research
must be given importance equal to
already established technical re-
search methods.
Study resulted from an examina-
tion of radio industry costs which
revealed that production costs were
approaching a minimum but that dis-
tribution costs were excessively high,
and was undertaken by Commercial
Research, a new department of RCA
Victor Division, in Chicago. De-
partment has completed nearly 40
research projects in distribution, has
developed new methods and prac-
tices in both wholesale and retail
distribution, installed a new system
in Chicago for the wholesale distri-
bution of phonograph records and
has prepared plans for passing on
the results of its research to RCA
Victor's independent wholesale and
retail dealers.
According to Sarnoff, the new
methods of "streamlining" distribu-
tion are believed to be significant be-
cause they are largely fundamental
and, therefore, adaptable to other
lines of merchandise.
LARGEST SELECTION OF
Popcorn Machines
We Buy — Sell — and Service
All Makes — All Models
Write us
KRISPY KORN EQUIPMENT
120 S. Halsted St. CHICAGO, ILL.
WE CAN
STILL SUPPLY
all standard 35mm. pre-
cision projector replace-
ment parts.
We do not sell to
theatres, direct.
FREE — Our latest
complete projector parts
catalog.
GIVE your dealer's name,
when writing to get your
copy of our catalog.
WENZEL PROJECTOR CO.
2505-19 South State St.
Chicago, III.
Senate Will Get Two
Patents Proposals
(Continued from Page 7)
trust law, as does the Lucas bill. He
proposes to insure licensing of vital
patents via a "court approach" and
claims that the bill is not inconsistent
with the position taken in the recent
Patents Planning Commission report
which failed to recommend cor^nu]-
sory licensing.
Popcorn Equipment
Demand Said Heavy
Chicago — The Krispy Korn Equip-
ment Co. at 120 S. Halstead St.,
reports a large demand from both
the theater trade and the armed ser-
vices for popcorn equipment. The
factory is operating both day and
night. The company is also buying
used equipment.
Reopens Modernized Varsity
Urbana, 111. — Theodore K. An-
thony has reopened the modernized
Varsity Theater.
SEEKING A DEPENDABLE
SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR YOUR
THEATRE
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INTERNATIONAL OFFERS:
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machine folded, reserve seats, etc.
Write for samples, prices or other information.
Delivery free Maine to Virginia.
INTERNATIONAL
TICKET (M\ COMPANY
52 GRAFTON AVE. \9g/ NEWARK, N. J.
Sales Of/ices m Principal Centers
t's the pickest
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The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
2fc
84, NO. 3
NEW YORK, TUESDAY, JULY 6, 1943
TEN CENTS
STAGE JITS, NOVELSJEATURE WBJJNEUP
Exhibs. Watch New Tax Effects on Attendance
Pay Envelope Deductions
Find Theater Men Appre-
hensive of Dip in 'Takes'
Wide speculation over possible ef-
fects of the 20 per cent payroll de-
ductions, effective this week, exists
among both circuit and independent
theater men. Operators are appre-
hensive that the salary slice will
cause a dip in theater attendance,
particularly in houses largely pat-
ronized by lower scale workers and
white collar employes, many of whom
have not benefited from the extra
(Continued on Page 7)
Employes of OWI Pic
Bureau Given Notice
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — "Practically every-
one" in the OWI motion picture bu-
reau has been notified that he is
terminated as of July 15, Lowell
Mellett, bureau chief, admitted Fri-
■ day. Who the exceptions are, he
(Continued on Page 6)
"Canteen" Biz 35-50%
Ahead in First 1 1 Key Runs
"Stage Door Canteen" in its first
11 key city engagements is running
from 35 to 50 per cent ahead of the
company's top-grossing pictures, re-
(Continucd on Page 6)
C 'uban Critics Group
Raps Censor Ruling
Havana (By Air Mail, Passed by
Censor) — Association of Motion Pic-
ture and Theater Writers is pro-
testing a ruling of the Cuban Film
Censorship Board which ordered the
destruction of "La que se Murio de
Armor" and prohibits its export or
exhibition. Board claims that the
Cuban patriot Jose Marti is por-
trayed in an unfavorable light in
the picture while the Association
holds that the Board is exceeding its
powers.
WARNERS OBTAIN $15,000,000 LOAN
Brings to $23,000,000 Fund to Retire Domestic Bank Loans,
Debentures and Preferred Stock
Warner Bros, on Friday boosted to
$23,000,000 the total of new financ-
ing made available to the company
when it obtained $15,000,000 in
loans from a group of banks in this
and other cities to retire all pres-
ently outstanding domestic bank
loans, six per cent debentures and
preferred stock. The loans will ma-
ture through June 1, 1949, with in-
terest at the rate of 2% per cent
per annum. That the $23,000,000 fi-
nancing deal was set was reported ex-
clusively in The Film Daily June 30.
The domestic bank loans to be paid
(Continued on Page 6)
Leffon PRC Central
District Manager
Appointment of Nat Lefton as
PRC's district manager for Cleve-
land, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and De-
troit was announced Friday by Ar-
thur Greenblatt, general sales man-
ager, at the closing session of the
company's regional sales conference
at the Park Central Hotel.
Lefton, who took over the Cleve-
(Continued on Page 7)
Picketing of "Moscow"
Brings Boston Arrests
Boston — Two pickets, one a young
married woman, the other a min-
ister, were arrested in front of the
Paramount theater as they and
{Continued on Page 3)
RKO, Disney Add Year
To Releasing Pact
Walt Disney short subjects and
features will continue to be distrib-
uted by RKO for another season un-
der the terms of an agreement signed
Friday between Ned E. Depinet, pres-
ident of RKO Radio, and Roy Dis-
ney representing Walt Disney Pro-
ductions, it was announced by N.
Peter Rathvon, RKO president.
New pact covers distribution of
(Continued on Page 8)
Okay Seen for 20th-Fox
National Theaters Deal
The proposal to purchase from the
Chase National Bank the controlling
interest in National Theaters for
$13,000,000 is expected to be ap-
(Continued on Page 2)
Metro Starts Sales Analysis
Each Account to be Studied, Rodgers Says
Omaha Curfew Ordinance
Aimed at Juve Vandalism
Omaha — A curfew ordinance for-
bidding children under 16 on the
streets from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless
with an adult and making parents
liable has been introduced in City
Council.
Police Commissioner Richard Jep-
(Continued on Page 6)
In an effort to analyze every ac-
count so that an intelligent sales ap-
proach can be made, M-G-M sales
executives next week will fan out
over the country and visit all of its
exchanges. First of the sessions will
be held in Cincinnati on Friday.
Procedure, according to W. F.
Rodgers, general sales manager, is
an annual event. Every account, he
said, will be given a careful and
(Continued on Page 6)
Six Musicals and As Many
Biographies Included on
Program for New Season
With Labor Day, opening of the
1943-44 season nine weeks away,
Warners has a backlog of 14 features
completed; five
more are in pro-
duction, and a
dozen are ready
to start shooting
as soon as studio
space is available,
Ben Kalmenson,
general sales
manager, an-
nounces. Lineup
will include 12
Broadway stage
hits, an even larg-
er number of pub-
lished novels, and
will comprise six
musicals and six biographies.
Market conditions will decide the
(Continued on Page 8)
BEN KALMENSON
War Short a Week
If Pic Bureau Ends
Groundwork for a plan whereby
the projected 52 war shorts may be
distributed in the absence of the
OWI film bureau was laid at a meet-
ing of the distributors' committee
(Continued on Page 6)
1XEIC Service Flag
For All Show World
The National Entertainment In-
dustry Council is mapping plans to
raise in Times Square a service flag
to represent the entire amusement
world. The raising ceremonies will
take place on July 14, probably
around midnight, at a site at 43rd
St. and Broadway. Workers in every
branch of show business will partici-
pate in the exercises. They have
been asked to appear in working
get-up. Harry Brandt is handling
arrangements for the filming of the
event.
DAILY
Tuesday, July 6, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 3 Tues., July 6, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terras (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address-
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo* de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
20th-Fox Publicity-Ad
Staff Fetes Joe Shea
Members of the 20th-Fox public-
ity, advertising and exploitation de-
partment on Friday said good-bye to
Joe Shea at a luncheon at Barbetta's
Restaurant. Shea has left the com-
pany, where he was trade press con-
tact, to become New York publicity
representative and story editor of
William Cagney Productions, posts
which he takes over officially today.
Among those present were Rod-
ney Bush, Sidney Blumenstock, Sam
Shain, Dave Bader, Molly Grill, Kay
O'Brien, Ruth Simon, Dorothy May,
Jeanette Sawyer, Christy Wilbert,
Lou Frich and Ira Tulipan, plus
Earl Wingart and Sgt. Irving Kahn,
former members of the department.
Joe Shea Opens Office
Joe Shea, New York publicity man-
ager and Eastern story editor for
William Cagney Productions, has
opened his office at 729 7th Avenue,
Room 311.
MITCHELL MAY, Jr.
CO., INC.
INSURANCE
Specializing
in requirements of the
Motion Picture Industry
75 Maiden Lane, New York
510 W. 6th St Los Angeles
® The Broadway Parade S
Picture and Distributor Theater
Mission to Moscow (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 10th week Hollywood
Spitfire (RKO Radio-Goldwyn-Howard) — 4th week Rivoli
Coney Island (Twentieth Century-Fox) — 3rd week Roxy
Stage Door Canteen (United Artists-Sol Lesser) — 2nd week Capitol
The Youngest Profession (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 2nd week Music Hall
Dixie (Paramount Pictures) — 2nd week Paramount
Best Foot Forward (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 2nd week Astor
Crime Doctor (Columbia Pictures) Globe
Bombardier ( RKO Radio Pictures) Criterion
Two Tickets to London (Universal Pictures) Rialto
This Land is Mine (RKO Radio Pictures) (a-b) Palace
Chatterbox (Republic Pictures) (a) Palace
Leather Burners (United Artists) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
Cowboy Commandos (Republic Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
♦ FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURES ♦
The Russian Story (Artkino Pictures) — 5th week Stanley
A Fire in the Straw (Herbert Rosener) (a) World
The Pledge to Bataan (Adventure Pictures) (a-d) World
Marvels of the Bullring (Crovos-Mohme) Belmont
♦ FUTURE OPENINGS ♦
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Paramount Pictures) — July 14 Rivoli
Stormy Weather (Twentieth Century-Fox Films) — July 21 Roxy
Let's Face It (Paramount Pictures) — Aug. 2 Paramount
This is the Army (Warner Bros. Pictures) — July 28 Hollywood
DuBarry Was a Lady (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c) Capitol
Mister Lucky (RKO Radio Pictures) (c) Music Hall
Thin Ice (Universal Pictures) (c) Criterion
Victory Through Air Power (Walt Disney) — July 17 Globe
The Constant Nymph (Warner Bros. Pictures) — July 23 Strand
Action in the North Atlantic (Warner Bros. Pictures) — July 8 (a-b) Palace
Prairie Chickens (United Artists) — July 8 (a) Palace
Hotel Concordia (Crovos-Mohme) (c) Belmont
(a) Dual bill, (b) Subsequent run. (c) Follows current bill, (d) News film with
English commentary.
Downey's Illness Delays
Mich. Arbitration Hearings
Detroit — -Setting of a date for
hearing in both of the two arbitra-
tion cases filed here since 1942, one
by the Family Theater in Grand
Rapids, and the other by the Huron
Theater in Pontiac, has been delayed
by the serious illness of Frank J.
Downey, M-G-M branch manager,
who is a principal figure in both
cases. Downey is not expected back
until some time in August.
Vacation schedules, particularly of
counsel for the majors involved, are
also causing difficulties in setting a
suitable date for the hearings.
951-Star Service Flag
Raised at Metro Studios
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Working model of the
new U. and
will comprise six
musicals and six biographies.
Market conditions will decide the
(Continued on Page 8)
War Short a Week
If Pic Bureau Ends
Groundwork for a plan whereby
the projected 52 war shorts may be
distributed in the absence of the
OWI film bureau was laid at a meet-
ing of the distributors' committee
(Continued on Page 6)
HEIC Service Flag
For All Show World
The National Entertainment In-
dustry Council is mapping plans to
raise in Times Square a service flag
to represent the entire amusement
world. The raising ceremonies will
take place on July 14, probably
around midnight, at a site at 43rd
St. and Broadway. Workers in every
branch of show business will partici-
pate in the exercises. They have
been asked to appear in working
get-up. Harry Brandt is handling
arrangements for the filming of the
event.
DAILY
Tuesday, July 6, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 3 Tues., July 6, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN
: : Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address-
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 VVardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
20th-Fox Publicity-Ad
Staff Fetes Joe Shea
Members of the 20th-Fox public-
ity, advertising and exploitation de-
partment on FridAy said good-bye to
Joe Shea at a luncheon at Barbetta's
Restaurant. Shea has left the com-
pany, where he was trade press con-
tact, to become New York publicity
representative and story editor of
William Cagney Productions, posts
which he takes over officially today.
Among those present were Rod-
ney Bush, Sidney Blumenstock, Sam
Shain, Dave Bader, Molly Grill, Kay
O'Brien, Ruth Simon, Dorothy May,
Jeanette Sawyer, Christy Wilbert,
Lou Frich and Ira Tulipan, plus
Earl Wingart and Sgt. Irving Kahn,
former members of the department.
Joe Shea Opens Office
Joe Shea, New York publicity man-
ager and Eastern story editor for
William Cagney Productions, has
opened his office at 729 7th Avenue,
Room 311.
MITCHELL MAY, Jr.
CO., INC.
INSURANCE
Specializing
in requirements of the
Motion Picture Industry
75 Maiden Lane, New York
510 W. 6th St. Los Angeles
H The Broadway Parade H
Picture and Distributor Theater
Mission to Moscow (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 10th week Hollywood
Spitfire (RKO Radio-Coldwyn-Howard) — 4th week Rivoli
Coney Island (Twentieth Century-Fox) — 3rd week Roxy
Stage Door Canteen (United Artists-Sol Lesser) — 2nd week Capitol
The Youngest Profession (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 2nd week Music Hall
Dixie (Paramount Pictures) — 2nd week Paramount
Best Foot Forward (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 2nd week Astor
Crime Doctor (Columbia Pictures) Globe
Bombardier (RKO Radio Pictures) Criterion
Two Tickets to London (Universal Pictures) Rialto
This Land is Mine (RKO Radio Pictures) (a-b) Palace
Chatterbox (Republic Pictures) (a) Palace
Leather Burners (United Artists) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
Cowboy Commandos (Republic Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
♦ FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURES ♦
The Russian Story (Artkino Pictures) — 5th week Stanley
A Fire in the Straw (Herbert Rosener) (a) World
The Pledge to Bataan (Adventure Pictures) (a-d) World
Marvels of the Bullring (Grovos-Mohme) Belmont
♦ FUTURE OPENINGS ♦
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Paramount Pictures) — July 14 Rivoli
Stormy Weather (Twentieth Century-Fox Films) — July 21 Roxy
Let's Face It (Paramount Pictures) — Aug. 2 Paramount
This is the Army (Warner Bros. Pictures) — July 28 Hollywood
DuBarry Was a Lady (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c) Capitol
Mister Lucky (RKO Radio Pictures) (c) Music Hall
Thin Ice (Universal Pictures) (c) Criterion
Victory Through Air Power (Walt Disney) — July 17 Globe
The Constant Nymph (Warner Bros. Pictures) — July 23 Strand
Action in the North Atlantic (Warner Bros. Pictures) — July 8 (a-b) Palace
Prairie Chickens (United Artists)— July 8 (a) Palace
Hotel Concordia (Grovos-Mohme) (c) Belmont
(a) Dual bill, (b) Subsequent run. (c) Follows current bill, (d) News film with
English commentary.
Downey's Illness Delays
Mich. Arbitration Hearings
Detroit — Setting of a date for
hearing in both of the two arbitra-
tion cases filed here since 1942, one
by the Family Theater in Grand
Rapids, and the other by the Huron
Theater in Pontiac, has been delayed
by the serious illness of Frank J.
Downey, M-G-M branch manager,
who is a principal figure in both
cases. Downey is not expected back
until some time in August.
Vacation schedules, particularly of
counsel for the majors involved, are
also causing difficulties in setting a
suitable date for the hearings.
951-Star Service Flag
Raised at Metro Studios
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Working model of the
new U. iS. cruiser Los Angeles, now
being built to augment the American
battle fleet, was presented to Admiral
I. C. Johnson by Louis B. Mayer at
Metro's studios Friday in connection
with the raising of a service flag
honoring 951 studio employes now in
uniform. Model will be taken on a
War Bond-selling and WAVES re-
cruiting tour through the West.
Navy wants 1,000 WAVES to re-
place 1,000 men needed for the Los
Angeles' complement.
Mich. VFW Slaps "Moscow"
Detroit — Formal condemnation of
"Mission to Moscow" was voted in
a resolution by the State conven-
tion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
following an attack by Michigan
Department Commander Joseph W.
Mann, charging that the film ridi-
culed American democracy and Con-
gress.
Okay Seen for 20th-Fox
National Theaters Deal
(Continued from Page 1)
proved today at the special meet-
ing of the 20th-Fox stockholders to
be held at the company's home office.
Approval of the deal will open the
way to making the circuit the wholly-
owned subsidiary of the film company.
At present Chase owns 58 per cent
of the shares of National Theaters,
with 20th-Fox holding the remaining
42 per cent.
The stockholders also are expected
to act favorably on a proposed
amendment to the company's charter
authorizing the creation of a new
prior preferred stock to be sold
publicly, with the proceeds going
toward the purchase of the National
Theater shares from Chase.
Farewell Luncheon Given
For Turnbull at 20th Studio
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A farewell luncheon
at which every department of the
studio was represented was given
for Ernest Turnbull, managing di-
rector of the Hoyt circuit, who re-
turns to Australia in the next few
days. Also present were executives
of Fox West Coast Theaters and
theater division and district manag-
ers from all over the nation. Among
those on hand were Joseph M.
Schenck, Spyros Skouras, William
Goetz, Charles Skouras, Tom Con-
nors, Murray, Silverstone, Joe E.
Brown. Schenck, Charles Skouras
and Turnbull were the chief speak-
ers.
Turnbull said that after the war
Australia will offer a still more
prosperous market to American pic-
tures.
Thompson Back from
Pacific to Convalesce
Detroit — Neal Thompson, son of
N. Dow Thompson, former office man-
ager of Allied Theaters of Michigan,
now district manager at Reno for
T & D, Jr., Enterprises Circuit, has
been returned to the Marine base at
San Diego, Cal., to recover from
malarial fever contracted in eieht
months' service in the South Pa(
including Guadalcanal. He was first
hospitalized in New Zealand.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
THE YOUNGEST PROFESSION'
with
VIRGINIA WEIDLER, EDWARD ARNOLD
and Five Important Guest Stars
AN M-G-M PICTURE
MARCH OF TIME— "INVASION"
Gala Stage Revue « Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-460Q
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
The Timeliest MARCH OF TIME
J^ BETTY GRABLE fc
GEORGE MONTGOMERY* CESAR ROMERO
Cone? isiamd
A JOTH CENTURY- FOX PICTURE in TECHNICOLOR
• PLUS A BIG STAGE SHOW •
BUY W% f\ V "V "HAVE.
BONDS IV W ^V 1 50th ST.
"DIXIE" • In Person
with *k ANDREWS SISTERS
BING CROSBY TfV TIM HERBERT
DOROTHY LAMOL'R -fc MITCHELL AYRES
A Paramount Picture -jf and his orchestra
Cool
PARAMOUNT Times Square
PALACE
B WAY &
47th St.
GEO. SANDERS . MAUREEr
1 O'HARA
"THIS LAND IS MINE"
ana
"CHATTERBOX"
JOE E. BROWN . JUDY CANOVA
p
loTw'sSTRTE
ON SCREEN
THE HUMAN
COMEDY
STARRING
MICKEY ROONEY
I
A
IN PERSON
TITO GUIZAR
MILDRED
BAILEY
EXTRA!
VAN
ALEXANDER
& ORCH.
Tuesday, July 6, 1943
mB$i
DAILY
Warners (hi. Sales
Meet Opens Thursday
Second of Warners' regional sales
meeting gets under way Thursday at
the Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, in
the wake of the curtain raiser which
closed at the Waldorf here on Sat-
- fllay with a breakfast to the dele-
tes hosted by Ben Kalmenson,
"SSies head, and several windup con-
ferences.
Friday's session of the local meet-
ing drew 120, including Warner
Theaters department execs. On the
dais, in addition to Kalmenson, were
Joseph Bernhard, Samuel Schneider,
Harry M. Kalmine, Mort Blumen-
stock, Harry Goldberg, Arthur Sach-
son, Roy Haines, Jules Lapidus, Sam
E. Morris, Howard Levinson, Nor-
man H. Moray, A. W. Schwalberg,
Albert S. Howson. In addition to
the previous day's delegation, at-
tendance also included Stuart Aarons,
H. M. Doherty, Rudy Weiss, Stan-
ley Hatch, and other theater and
sales department executives.
After his introductory remarks. Kalmen-
son turned the rostrum over to Albert S.
Howson, Eastern scenario editor and direc-
tor of censorship, who talked for over three
hours on the company's inventory of com-
pleted pictures, those in production and in
preparation and story properties held by the
company for early production. Howson gave
details of more than 60 stories, all defi-
nitely scheduled for release in coming- sea-
sons.
Joseph Bernhard, who delivered the prin-
cipal talk on the opening- day, again spoke
briefly, and there were short addresses by
Harry M. Kalmine, on exhibition matters:
Mort Blumenstoek, on advertising- and mer-
chandising plans: Harry Goldberer, who cited
the number of pictures with sociological value
produced regularly by Warners: Samuel
Schneider, on business matters: Sam E.
Morris, on general topics: Howard Levin-
son, on legal aspects of contracts; Arthur
Sachson, on sales, and others.
Roy Haines, Jules Lapidus, A. W.
Schwalberg and Norman H. Moray also held
group meetings with the salesmen, with Ed
Hinchey. Mike Dolid, H. M. Doherty and
Stanley Hatch among the participants.
M of T Will Introduce
Black at Buffet Supper
Howard Black, vice-president of
Time, Inc., recently designated to
take charge of M of T sales and dis-
tribution policies, will be introduced
to the trade press at an informal
buffet supper at the Cloud Club in
the Chrysler Building Thursday. A
screening of the latest M of T sub-
ject, "Bill Jack vs. Adolph Hitler,"
will precede the reception.
Al Wilkie Jay Blaufox
Don M. Mersereau Frank E. Garbutt
Sam Lefkowitz
T ▼ T
Yes, Sir, a Great Affair!
• • • IT WAS A GREAT affair We mean New Jersey Allied's
annual conference last week down at West End, N. J Maybe it
was because the affair was held far from outside diversions that might
have attracted the delegates away from the purpose of the sessions
Anyway, nobody can deny it was one of the biggest and best affairs
held by the unit thanks to E. Thornton Kelley, Harry Lowenstein
and others who helped to make it a success A highlight of the
affair, hitherto un-publicized due to trade paper deadlines at their
respective presses, was 20th Century-Fox's cocktail party which im-
mediately preceded the banquet Thursday night 20th-Fox proved
to be a grand host and the guy who said he didn't enjoy himself wasn't
there And then there was M-G-M's exhibit — a wagon full of scrap
metal with a hundred dollar war Bond as the award for the person
who guessed the total weight And then there was the Walt Dis-
ney-UA booth which had a complete exhibit of aircraft models, from
the first effort of the Wright brothers to those of modern design — all
in the interest of "Victory Through Air Power" And UA kept the
convention visitors informed of up-to-the-minute news with a teletype
which ground out second-by-second records of world events In fact,
practically every outfit in the business from Newcomer Cinema-Craft up
to the loftiest major had an interesting exhibit And that "cabaret"
Wednesday night was flooded with the best talent ever seen at a
New Jersey Allied convention or a national one for that matter
T T T
• • • A demonstration of real classy swimming and diving was
presented Thursday morning in the out-door pool alongside the
Hollywood Hotel the event being highlighted by somebody-
pushing Bennie Brooks into the water And to get away from
the social side of the event the boys really got down to work on their
own problems even at the sacrifice of several good gin rummy
and poker games While it was obvious that several exhibs. had
axes to grind, it was unique that not a resolution of condemnation or
otherwise nor a specific grievance was offered for adoption by the
respective resolutions and grievance committees Yes, taking it
all-in-all New Jersey Allied put on a great convention and show and
there was some talk about holding future meetings at the same place,
most of the boys preferring it to the rush-and-push of Atlantic City,
the former scene of the New Jersey unit's annual get-to-gethers
T ▼ T
• • • OF course, it's only natural under the circumstances, but
that doesn't detract one bit from the Paramount publicity bull's-eye
scored by the Satevpost in its current issue for Para.'s new short series,
"Little Lulu" The "Keeping Posted" column is largely devoted to
Little Lulu's forthcoming film debut and to Little Lulu's pen-and-ink Mom,
Marge, who introduced the cartoon character in June, 1935 There's
an unconscious bit of humor, too, in the fact that the "Keeping Posted"
column this time is spotted alongside the white space for which another
major company paid heavy dough. . . • Speaking of mags., the July
12 issue of Life will be given over to Republic's Roy Rogers and the
inevitable Trigger while the issue's close-up feature will be H. Allen
Smith's profile of R.R.
T ▼ ▼
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
COmiHG and GOING
SPYROS SKOURAS, 20th-Fcx prexy. is back
from studio production conferences.
HARRY COHN has arrived in New York.
DAVID ROSE has gone to the Coast.
F. J. A. McCARTHY, Southern division sales
| manager, returns to the Universal home office
today from Atlanta foils wing close of his last
regional meeting there.
FRED MEYERS, Universal Eastern division man-
ager, returned from Philadelphia at the week-
end.
JUDY GARLAND has arrived in New York.
This week the star will start on another USO-
Camp Shows four.
MAJ. WILLIAM WYLER is in Hollywood.
BRETAICNE WINDUST returned to the Coast
Monday from New York.
EDWARD C. RAFTERY returned from Holly-
wood yesterday.
0. HENRY BRICCS, PRC prexy ARTHUR
CREENBLATT, sales chief, and NAT L. LEFTON,
new PRC district manager, leave for the Coast
on Friday.
ROUBEN MAMOULIAN has returned to the
Coast after seven months in New York.
TOM CONNORS, 20th-Fox distribution head,
and MAURICE SILVERSTONE, the company's
foreign chief, have returned from the Coast.
ROBERT SCHLESS, general foreign manager
for Warners, is back from a 10-day trip to
Mexico.
BILL BRUMBERG and PHIL ENCEL, Warners
field reps, for the Central and New England
territories, respectively, returned from New
York over the week-end.
Picketing of "Moscow"
Brings Boston Arrests
(Continued from Page 1)
others protested against the show-
ing of "Mission to Moscow" in Bos-
ton. Previously the Boston City
Council had demanded that the film
be not shown but Mayor Maurice J.
Tobin overruled this demand and
permitted the film to open after an
extensive Warner exploitation cam-
paign.
The local film critics Friday
treated the film very cautiously,
neither enthusing over it nor con-
demning it and obviously feeling
their way.
Those arrested were the Rev. Vil-
mar Rose of Rockland, pastor of a
Unitarian church and member of the
Socialist party, and Mrs. Ruth C.
Penley of Boston's West End. Both
were carrying placards denouncing
the showing of the film. The pickets
represented the trade branch of the
Boston local of the ^Socialist party.
Each was released on bail for trial
this week.
City and State censors cleared the
firm.
STORKS
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Chief Petty Officer
Artie Shaw, USN, now overseas, is
the father of a son, Steven, born at
Good Samaritan Hospital. Mother
is the former Betty Kern, daughter
of Jerome Kern.
Warners'
ACTION IN THE
NORTH ATLANTIC
1 Warners'
MISSION TO MOSCOW
I "Warners'
/ EDGE OF DARKNESS
■ Warners'
AIR FORCE
Warners'
CASABLANCA
Warners'
YANKEE DOODLE DANDY
Warners'
THE HARD WAY
Warners'
NOW, VOYAGER
Warners'
GENTLEMAN JIM
/' Warners'
GEO. WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE
Warners'
ACROSS THE PACIFIC
Warners'
DESPERATE JOURNEY
/^-'Warners'
BACKGROUND TO DANGER
vi / I 1/7
\v)
^Vv
L
yyx>
Tack L. Warner, Executive Producer
^^mm^m
Tuesday, July 6, 1943
&*\ DAILY
Warners (hi. Sales
Meet Opens Thursday
Second of Warners' regional sales
meeting gets under way Thursday at
the Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, in
the wake of the curtain raiser which
closed at the Waldorf here on Sat-
.^-4ay with a hreakfast to the dele-
^_ ps hosted by Ben Kalmenson,
iSRes head, and several windup con-
ferences.
Friday's session of the local meet-
ing drew 120, including Warner
Theaters department execs. On the
dais, in addition to Kalmenson, were
Joseph Bernhard, Samuel Schneider,
Harry M. Kalmine, Mort Blumen-
stock, Harry Goldberg, Arthur Sach-
son, Roy Haines, Jules Lapidus, Sam
E. Morris, Howard Levinson, Nor-
man H. Moray, A. W. Schwalberg,
Albert S. Howson. In addition to
the previous day's delegation, at-
tendance also included Stuart Aarons,
H. M. Doherty, Rudy Weiss, Stan-
ley Hatch, and other theater and
sales department executives.
After his introductory remarks. Kalmen-
son turned the rostrum over to Albert S.
Howson, Eastern scenario editor and direc-
tor of censorship, who talked for over three
hours on the company's inventory of com-
pleted pictures, those in . production and in
preparation and story properties held by the
company for early production. Howson gave
details of more than 60 stories, all defi-
nitely scheduled for release in coming: sea-
sons.
Joseph Bernhard, who delivered the prin-
cipal talk on the opening: day, again spoke
briefly, and there were short addresses by
Harry M. Kalmine, on exhibition matters:
Mort Blumenstock, on advertising" and mer-
chandising" plans: Harry Goldberg", who cited
the number of pictures with sociological value
produced regularly by Warners: Samuel
Schneider, on business matters: Sam E.
Morris, on general topics: Howard Levin-
son, on legal aspects of contracts: Arthur
Sachson, on sales, and others.
Roy Haines, Jules Lapidus, A. W.
Schwalberg and Norman H. Moray also held
group meetings with the salesmen, with Ed
Hinchey, Mike Dolid, H. M. Doherty and
Stanley Hatch among the participants.
M of T Will Introduce
Black at Buffet Supper
Howard Black, vice-president of
Time, Inc., recently designated to
take charge of M of T sales and dis-
tribution policies, will be introduced
to the trade press at an informal
buffet supper at the Cloud Club in
the Chrysler Building Thursday. A
screening of the latest M of T sub-
ject, "Bill Jack vs. Adolph Hitler,"
will precede the reception.
Al Wilkie Jay Blaufox
Don M. Mersereau Frank E. Garbutt
Sam Lefkowitz
T T T
Yes, Sir, a Great Affair!
• • • IT WAS A GREAT affair We mean New Jersey Allied's
annual conference last week down at West End, N. I Maybe it
was because the affair was held far from outside diversions that might
have attracted the delegates away from the purpose of the sessions
Anyway, nobody can deny it was one of the biggest and best affairs
held by the unit thanks to E. Thornton Kelley, Harry Lowenstein
and others who helped to make it a success A highlight of the
affair, hitherto un-publicized due to trade paper deadlines at their
respective presses, was 20th Century-Fox's cocktail party which im-
mediately preceded the banquet Thursday night 20th-Fox proved
to be a grand host and the guy who said he didn't enjoy himself wasn't
there And then there was M-G-M's exhibit — a wagon full of scrap
metal with a hundred dollar war Bond as the award for the person
who guessed the total weight And then there was the Walt Dis-
ney-UA booth which had a complete, exhibit of aircraft models, from
the first effort of the Wright brothers to those of modern design— all
in the interest of "Victory Through Air Power" And UA kept the
convention visitors informed of up-to-the-minute news with a teletype
which ground out second-by-second records of world events In fact,
practically every outfit in the business from Newcomer Cinema-Craft up
to the loftiest major had an interesting exhibit And that "cabaret"
Wednesday night was flooded with the best talent ever seen at a
New Jersey Allied convention or a national one for that matter
▼ ▼ ▼
• • • I demonstration of real classy swimming and diving was
presented Thursday morning in the out-door pool alongside the
Hollywood Hotel the event being highlighted by somebody
pushing Bennie Brooks into the water And to get away from
the social side of the event the boys really got down to work on their
own problems even at the sacrifice of several good gin rummy
and poker games While it was obvious that several exhibs. had
axes to grind, it was unique that not a resolution of condemnation or
otherwise nor a specific grievance was offered for adoption by the
respective resolutions and grievance committees Yes, taking it
all-in-all New Jersey Allied put on a great convention- and show and
there was some talk about holding future meetings at the same place,
most of the boys preferring it to the rush-and-push of Atlantic City,
the former scene of the New Jersey unit's annual get-to-gethers
T ▼ T
• • • OF course, it's only natural under the circumstances, but
that doesn't detract one bit from the Paramount publicity bull's-eye
scored by the Satevpost in its current issue for Para.'s new short series,
"Little Lulu" The "Keeping Posted" column is largely devoted to
Little Lulu's forthcoming film debut and to Little Lulu's pen-and-ink Mom,
Marge, who introduced the cartoon character in June, 1935 There's
an unconscious bit of humor, too, in the fact that the "Keeping Posted"
column this time is spotted alongside the white space for which another
major company paid heavy dough. . . • Speaking of mags., the July
12 issue of Life will be given over to Republic's Roy Rogers and the
inevitable Trigger while the issue's close-up feature will be H. Allen
Smith's profile of R.R.
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
COmmG and GOIDG
SPYROS SKOURAS, 20th-Fox prexy, is back
from studio production conferences.
HARRY COHN has arrived in New York.
DAVID ROSE has gone to the Coast.
F. J. A. McCARTHY, Southern division sales
manager, returns to the Universal home office
today from Atlanta following close of his last
regional meeting there.
FRED MEYERS, Universal Eastern division man-
ager, returned from Philadelphia at the week-
end.
JUDY GARLAND has arrived in New York.
This week the star will start on another USO-
Camp Shows tour.
MAJ. WILLIAM WYLER is in Hollywood.
BRETAICNE WINDUST returned to the Coast
Monday from New York.
EDWARD C. RAFTERY returned from Holly-
wood yesterday.
0. HENRY BRICCS, PRC prexy ARTHUR
GREENBLATT, sales chief, and NAT L. LEFTON,
new PRC district manager, leave for the Coast
on Friday.
ROUBEN MAMOULIAN has returned to the
Coast after seven months in New York.
TOM CONNORS, 20th-Fox distribution head,
and MAURICE SILVERSTONE, the company's
foreign chief, have returned from the Coast.
ROBERT SCHLESS, general foreign manager
for Warners, is back from a 10-day trip to
Mexico.
BILL BRUMBERG and PHIL ENGEL, Warners
field reps, for the Central and New England
territories, respectively, returned from New
York over the week-end.
Picketing of "Moscow"
Brings Boston Arrests
(Continued from Page 1)
others protested against the show-
ing of "Mission to Moscow" in Bos-
ton. Previously the Boston City
Council had demanded that the film
be not shown but Mayor Maurice J.
Tobin overruled this demand and
permitted the film to open after an
extensive Warner exploitation cam-
paign.
The local film critics Friday
treated the film very cautiously,
neither enthusing over it nor con-
demning it and obviously feeling
their way.
Those arrested were the Rev. Vil-
mar Rose of Rockland, pastor of a
Unitarian church and member of the
Socialist party, and Mrs. Ruth C.
Penley of Boston's West End. Both
were carrying placards denouncing
the showing of the film! The pickets
represented the trade branch of the
Boston local of the Socialist party.
Each was released on .hail for trial
this week.
City and State censors cleared the
film.
STORKS
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Chief Petty Officer
Artie Shaw, USN, now overseas, is
the father of a son, Steven, born at
Good Samaritan Hospital. Mother
is the former Betty Kern, daughter
of Jerome Kern.
th-Fox,
Chicago.
WARNERS OBTAIN $15,000,000 LOAN
Brings to $23,000,000 Fund to Retire Domestic Bank Loans,
Debentures and Preferred Stock
(Continued from Page 1)
off total $5,500,000. The debentures,
of the series due in 1948, are listed
in the principal amount of $10,139,-
500. The preferred shares outstand-
ing number 99,397.
The debentures have been called
for payment at 100% and accrued
interest on Aug. 2, 1943, but holders
may obtain payment in full at any
time, according to a company an-
nouncement. The preferred stock
has been called for redemption on
Sept. 1, 1943, at $89.65 per share.
At one time there were outstanding
$42,900,500 principal amount of six
per cent debentures and 785,604
shares of preferred stock.
Commitments have been entered
into by the company for the private
sale on or before Sept. 15, 1943, of
$8,000,000 principal amount of four
per cent serial debentures maturing
semi-annually from Dec. 1, 1949,
through June 1, 1953.
The loans were obtained from the
First National Bank of Boston, the
New York Trust Co., the Guaranty
Trust Co. of New York, the Conti-
nental Illinois National Bank and
Trust Co. of Chicago, the Pennsyl-
vania Co. for Insurances on Lives
and Granting Annuities of Philadel-
phia and the Union Trust Co. of
Pittsburgh.
With the retirement of the pre-
ferred stock the outstanding capital
stock of the company will consist
solely of 3,701,090 shares of common
after Sept. 1, 1943. This means the
voting control will return to the
common stock. According to reports
to the Securities and Exchange Com-
mission, members of the Warner
family have made large purchases
of the common in recent months.
The new financing arrangements
have the effect of greatly simplifying
the capital structure of Warner
Bros. They also will heavily reduce
the company's debt. The refunding
operations are expected to result in
tax savings, for the firm.
War Short a Week
If Pk Bureau Ends
(Continued from Page 1)
of the WAC at the Hotel Warwick
on Friday. The session was in the
form of an informal discussion with
no concrete proposal adopted official-
ly. Formal action will not be taken
until the OWI situation has been
straightened out or clarified.
Despite the apparent abolition of
its film bureau, it appears certain
that one war short will be released
weekly to the theaters. This was
promised by Arthur Mayer, of the
WAC, at the New Jersey Allied
conference in West End on Thurs-
day. Nevertheless, industry lead-
ers admittedly are concerned over
the situation and will continue to
seek a solution.
Attending Friday's luncheon meet-
ing were W. F. Rodgers, chairman;
Abe Montague, Neil F. Agnew, Paul
Lazarus, Sr., William Kupper, Wil-
liam Scully, Herman Gluckman,
Francis S. Harmon and H. M.
Richey.
Selznick Borrows Robert Walker
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — David O. Selznick has
borrowed Robert Walker from M-G-
M to play Corporal Tom Smollett in
"Since You Went Away" whose
sweetheart will be enacted by Jen-
nifer Jones, Mrs. Walker in real
life.
Luncheon Today for Young
RKO Radio is holding a trade press
luncheon in the Jensen suite at the
Waldorf-Astoria today to introduce
James R. Young, author of "Behind
the Rising Sun," which the company
Employes of OWI Pic
Bureau Given Notice
(Continued from Page 1)
would not reveal, but production and
16 mm. distribution are definitely
out.
Mellett is hopeful that some of
these terminations may be called
back when OWI Director Elmer Da-
vis finally decides how to allocate
the funds available to his agency,
but there is no assurance that this
will be the case. Davis made it plain
over two weeks ago that he is now
mainly concerned with the fate of
the motion picture bureau.
Davis Orders Hollywood
OWI Film Bureau Closed
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Nelson Poynter, Hol-
lywood director of OWI's motion pic-
ture bureau, who has been ordered
by Elmer Davis to close shop here,
will leave soon for Washington, D.
C, via Mexico City. He plans to
maintain residence in Washington
and St. Petersburg, Fla.
Poynter's assistant, Warren Pierce,
plans to join the Navy and is anx-
ious to get into the combat intelli-
gence service.
William Murray Dead
Grand Rapids, Mich. — William
Murray, 46, co-owner of the Savoy
Theater here, died in St. Mary's
Hospital after a long illness. He
was a member of Detroit Variety
Club, Knights of Columbus and
Grand Rapids Peninsular Club. Sur-
viving are a daughter, Mary Ellen,
his mother, four sisters and two
brothers.
IN NEW POSTS
RALPH MANN, manager, Strand, Montgomery.
Ala.
CORDON PYLE, assistant manager, Parker's
Broadway, Portland.
BOB BURKHARDT, Vic Shapiro and Staff, Hoi
lywood.
LESTER COLE, associate manager, Paramount
Theater, New Haven.
)OE ROBINSON, chief of service, ff Vunt
Theater, New Haven. \_^r
TOM DUNPHY, assistant manager, Majestic
Bridgeport, Conn.
DENNIS SULLIVAN, assistant manager, Durfee
Fall River, Mass.
RICHARD BUZZELL, assistant manager, Colonial,
Haverhill, Mass.
JOSEPH BOUCHER, chief of staff, Capitol
New Bedford, Mass.
TOM KIVLAN, student assistant manager, Elm
St. Theater, Worcester, Mass.
R. A. BIRD, manager, Rockingham, Bellows
Falls, Vt.
HYMIE BLOOM, manager, Claremont (formerly
Annex), E. 74th St., New York.
SID NEWMAN, manager, Franklin, Nutley, N. J
ROBERT CLARK, manager, Garden, Paterson
N. J.
JACK HECARTY, manager, Central, Newark,
N. J.
DAVID BEEHLER, manager, Capitol, Belleville, ■
N. j.
MORT BRATTER, manager, Millburn Theater,
Millburn, N. J.
ERNEST CROUCH, manager, Dixie, Rochester,
N. Y.
NEILL HENRY, manager, Liberty, Rochester,
N. Y.
GEOKCE CALDWELL, manager, Grand, Wilming-
ton, Del.
WILLIAM HUFFMAN, manager, Warner, At-
lantic City, N. J.
;AMES RICCEY, manager, Stanley, Atlantic
City, N. J.
Omaha Curfew Ordinance
Aimed at Juve Vandalism
(Continued from Page 1)
sen introduced the ordinance which
carries penalties from $1 to $100 for
each conviction and jail sentence if
fines remain unpaid.
Jepsen said he believed the ordi-
nance would give police a means of
curbing juvenile vandalism which has
increased at a tremendous rate dur-
ing recent months. First-run theater
owners began combatting the prob-
lem several weeks ago when they
announced they would no longer sell
tickets to children under 15 unless
they were accompanied by an adult.
Omaha has been without a curfew
since 1941, when a 60-year-old
statute was finally removed from the
books.
i
I
Jewish Theatrical Guild
To Name Cantor Prexy
The nominating committee of the-
Jewish Theatrical Guild of America*
has nominated the following mem-j
bers to hold office for the next year:
Eddie Cantor, president; George Jes-
sel, Ben Bernie, Jack Pearl, Fred
Block and William Morris, Jr., vice-
presidents; Sam Forrest, financial!
secretary; Dr. Leo Michel, chairmani
of relief, and Dave Ferguson, execu-
tive secretary.
AN IMPORTANT CAST IN THE MOST VALUABLE ROMANTIC PROPERTY SCREENED THIS SEASON!
Si CHARLES pJOAI
1 i i 1/ n 1/ it ■ '■ /a
^ s 3 SB ■ M^fe.
17 i/ijjii
.flea
de^i
DAILY
T
Tuesday, July 6, 19431=
Annual Sales Study
Launched by M-G-M
{Continued from Page 1)
sympathetic analysis preparatory to
the sale of M-G-M's next group of
pictures.
"While, of course, attention will
be given to accounts requiring con-
sideration because of changing con-
ditions," Rogers said, "the purpose
of these sales analyses is to prop-
erly appraise each individual situa-
tion so that when a sales approach
is made it is based on accurate in-
formation.
"We are convinced," he continued,
"that only by individual analysis of
every one of our accounts can an in-
telligent sales approach be made and
our experience of having done this
for several years has proved that
point. With our policy of placing the
responsibility of sales decision with
our branch and district managers,
they have found such a scientific
study of each individual situation
advantageous to both ourselves and
our customers."
The Cincinnati meeting will be at-
tended by E. K. O'Shea and Jack
Flynn, Eastern and Western divis-
ion sales managers, respectively; Ed-
win W. Aaron, circuit sales man-
ager; Harold Postman, assistant to
Rodgers, and E. M. Booth, branch
manager. It is estimated that about
three days will be spent in each
office.
"Canteen" Biz 35-50%
Ahead in First 11 Key Runs
{Continued from Page 1)
ports to the home office over the
holiday week-end indicated. United
Artists' current Sol Lesser release
is being held for extra playing time
in each of the 11 spots. .
Among the outstanding grosses
secured by "Stage Door Canteen" at
the end of its first week and which
accounted for the extra playing time
are the following: at the Loew's
State, Syracuse, $13,650; State,
Cleveland, $22,450; Loew's, Canton,
$11,000; Valentine, Toledo, $11,500;
Penn, Pittsburgh, $26,700; Loew's
Richmond, $12,800; Palace, Washing-
ton, $22,500; Warner-Strand, Hart-
ford, $10,500; Palace, Cincinnati,
$20,500; Roger Sherman, New Ha-
ven, $10,650 and Capitol, Broadway,
better than $74,000.
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
MRS. JOSEPHINE COBURN, manager, Esquire,
Indianapolis.
LILLIAN MARETZ, RKO, New Haven.
MRS. T. K. MASINO, manager, Virginia, At-
lantic City, y an unaffiliated company. It was
stated that 24-sheets will be made
'ran all of the company's specials and
Victory specials on the new program.
In giving a resume of the ad-
vancement in production values since
i Leon Fromkess became production
•nhief, Greenblatt stressed that "tim-
ing is the secret of PRC's progress."
iauest speakers included William
J Rowland, producer of "Follies Girl,"
'and Jerry Edwards, attorney for the
Company.
i It was learned that a deal for a
million dollar loan, to be used for
j production and expansion, was com-
pleted on Friday.
f Members of the trade press were
special guests at a luncheon which
ffollowed adjournment of the sales
meeting.
Exhibs. Watching Tax Effects
Pay-As-You-Go Plan Stirs B. O. Fears
(Continued from Page 1)
national income so often mentioned
in Washington, and who will pay
higher taxes than heretofore.
Whether the higher salary brack-
ets, plus war workers drawing bet-
ter than usual wages, will enable box-
offices to hold up is a question that
cannot be answered until after the
coming week-end. The heavy Inde-
pendence Day "take" is not consid-
ered a barometer as the initial bite
is taken from salaries for the week
beginning last Sunday.
Despite the wiping out of some
$6,533,000,000 in present tax liabili-
ties, Treasury statisticians estimate
that new collection method will yield
$3,600,000,000 more in the fiscal year
1944 and $1,094,000,000 more in 1945
than the former tax law would have
brought in. Government withhold-
ing schedules do not give immediate
consideration to deductions formerly
allowed on tax reports, and while
some of these probably will be al-
lowed on the final computations, the
tax will be collected weekly and ad-
justments put off until early in 1944.
This, tied in with the admittedly
rising cost of living, particularly
food, makes exhibs. wonder whether
a fair percentage of patrons will re-
duce their movie going in an effort
to keep up with more essential bills.
Loew to Administrate
Eastate of Harry Asher
Boston — E. M. Loew has been
named an administrator of the es-
tate of the late Harry Asher, who
lost his life in the Cocoanut Grove
fire last November. Loew replaces
Edward M. Morey who has left Bos-
ton. Administrators for the Asher
estate now consist of Loew, Ben G.
Gilbert, film attorney and Harry
"Zippy" Goldman.
Small May Do a Film
On Chi. Maternity Center
Hollywood — Edward Small is seri-
ously considering producing a fea-
ture-length film on "The Chicago
Maternity Center," one of the most
unusual institutions of its kind in
America. It was founded some 30
years ago by Dr. Joseph Boliver de
Lee, considrjed generally the most
outstanding obstetrician of the pres-
ent generation.
HCLLyWCCD
DIGEJT
SIGNED
ROBERT ELWYN, shorts director, M-C-M.
DOUGLAS MORROW, termer, M-C-M.
TONY DEVLIN, termer, Edward Small.
RENEE WHITE, termer, Jack Schwarz-PRC.
ASSIGNMENTS
"Atlantic City," Republic,
editor, "Tiger Fangs,"
ALBERT J. COHEN,
GEORGE MERRICK,
PRC
ENSIGN HAROLD F. DIXON, USN, technical ad-
visor, "The Raft," Edward Small-UA.
CASTINGS
JOAN CRAWFORD, "Night Shift," Warners;
PAT O'BRIEN, "Pile Buck," Columbia; ROBERT
DONAT, "If Winter Comes," M-G-M; DALE
EVANS, "Three Little Sisters, "Republic; MARY
ANN HYDE, "Up in Arms," Samuel Goldwyn;
FORTUNIO BONANOVA, "AM Baba and the
Forty Thieves," Universal; TONY DELVIN, "The
Raft," Edward Small.
LESTER MATTHEWS, "The Story of Dr. Was-
sell," Paramount; SHELDON LEONARD,
"Timber Queen," Paramount.
STORY PURCHASES
ALICE MEANS REEVE'S "Johnny Doesn't Live
Here Any More," Kings Bros. -Monogram.
•
SCHEDULED
"Duchess of Broadway," author-producer, E. H.
KLEIN ERT, Monogram.
TWO SMASH COMEftY HITS FROM COLUMBIA!
THE 3 STOOGES
Curly . . . Larry . . . Moe
in "THREE LITTLE TWIRPS"
®m
ALLEN JENKINS
in
"My Wife's An Angel"
THE 3 STOOGES
Curly . . . Larry . . . Moe
in "THREE LITTLE TWIRPS"
Riotous
'."Knot
■W
. . .
eol.Picts.vtc. (2i/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd..
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . .
East. Kodak
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century- Fox . .
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
NEW YORK
Para. B'way 3s55...
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 3% 31/2 3J4
Radio-Keith cvs 1%
Sonotone Corp 3%
Technicolor 12%
Trans-Lux 3Yz
Universal Corp. vtc
Universal Picts 19% 19 19 — %
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 76 79i/4
2%
17%
165%
223/4
621/4
281/z
9i/4
95
21%
321/2
151/4
891/4
BOND
78
2% 27/8 + %
171/4 171/4 + 1/4
165 165
221/4 221/4
61% 61 34 — V4
28 283,4 + 1/4
9 9—1/4
94% 943/4 + 1/4
21 Vs 21 % — 1/4
32% 32% — %
15 15 — i/8
891/4 891/4
MARKET
78 78+1
1% 13/4
33/g 3% — %
12% 12%
31/2 31/2 ....:
Appraise R. L. Blank
Estate at $492,999
Des Moines, la. — The inheritance
tax appraiser's valuation of the es-
tate of Raymond L. Blank, who was
treasurer of Tri-States and Central-
States Theaters Corps., was placed
at $492,999.32, or $195,296.95 more
than the value estimated in the es-
tate inventory.
Blank, who was 33, died March 7
of a heart attack. His father, A. H.
Blank, is president of both theater
corporations.
Mexican Production
United Stales Aid
{Continued from Page 1)
office on Sunday from a five-week
business trip to Mexico. He said
that there is very tangible evidence
of this currently, for Mexican pic-
tures are building larger audiences,
and this is a healthy condition which
works in favor of any attractions
exported to that country for exhibi-
tion. Furthermore, he added, Amer-
ican film interests are both capable
and versatile enough to meet compe-
tition and "to keep a step ahead."
At the present time, Mexico's
producers, of whom six or seven are
of top calibre, followed by some
four or five of somewhat lesser
power, are on the crest of a produc-
tion wave, turning out between 40
and 50 features, but that when the
war is over this number will prob-
ably be reduced in order to accent
quality. Studios there realize that
such production restriction is to their
advantage. No studio space is avail-
able now for expansion, otherwise
there would be even more than the
40 to 50 pictures put into work.
Gould said that the recent de-
mand of the labor union, which con-
trols film exchange employes in
Mexico City, has been met, and that
the pact, granting a 20 per cent
wage boost, was signed on June 25
by U. S. company subsidiaries there.
Relations between the distributors
and the unions are more friendly
than at any time in the past, and
this is a promising omen for the fu-
ture.
Establishment of a governing body
for filmland in Mexico, similar to
MPPDA, is crystallizing rapidly.
UA's "Moon and Sixpence" hung
up a gross in excess of 50,000 pesos
during the first week of its engage-
ment at the Chino Theater in Mex-
ico City, and the Latin-American
premiere of "In Which We Serve"
takes place today at the Alameda
there.
Will Hays Inspects Navy
Radar School in Chicago
Chicago — Will Hays, en route to
Hollywood, visited the Navy's Radar
school, in the State Lake building
quarters loaned to the Navy by B &
K. School is supervised by Lt. Com.
Will Eddy, formerly in charge of
the B & K television department.
Hays termed the Radar school "a
most impressive enterprise."
Clemens, W. Va., Circuit
Head, Dies in Plane Crash
Dunbar, W. Va. — Archie Clemens,
34, operator of The Black Diamond
Theaters Circuit, was killed instant-
ly when his plane crashed. Clemens,
a CAP licensed pilot, operated a
flying school at Montgomery, W.
Va., besides his theater activities.
Skeleton OWI Film
Bureau in Hollywood
(Continued from Page 1)
notice that the agency will continue
to clear the film work of other Gov-
ernment agencies and will also do
"liaison work." That is the only
definite indication that there will be
a skeleton OWI film bureau, with
offices here and in Hollywood.
There is a growing belief here
that WAC will take on a generous
share of the load formerly carried
by OWI, aiding in matters of public
release and the shorts program par-
ticularly. Lowell Mellett is expected
to continue to serve as chief of the
bureau — something the WAC would
probably insist upon.
Ernest Stern Sues Loew's,
Charges Patent Infringed
Wilmington, Del. — Infringement is
charged in a suit filed in U. S. Dis-
trict Court here, by Ernest Stern of
New York City, against Loew's,
Inc. The suit, filed under the U. S.
patent laws cites that on Feb. 19,
1935, U. S. letters patent No. 1,-
991,472 were granted to the plaintiff.
The plaintiff alleges that for a long
time past infringement has been
made by the defendant concern by
practicing a method of producing
and projecting sound motion pic-
tures and using a motion picture
projection procedure which method
and procedure embody the inven-
tion which has been patented by
the plaintiff.
The suit is contemplated to give
the plaintiff relief from infringement
by enjoining the defendant. It also
asks for a final injunction against
future infringement and an account-
ing of profits and damages as well
as an assessment of costs against
the defendant.
Hollywood Chamber
Hears Coe Tomorrow
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — - Charles Francis
"Socker" Coe will be the principal
speaker at a dinner sponsored by
the Hollywood Chamber of Com-
merce tomorrow. His topic will be
"Hollywood Looks Toward a New
World."
BH.»i 9-4151-4
comma aid GoinG
WILL HAYS and his wife have left Chicago
for Hollywood.
ANDREW W. SMITH, JR., 20th-Fox's East-
ern sales manager, leaves today for Washington
to assist at the installation of C. E. Peppiatt
as the company's new branch manager there.
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER of the Paramount ad-
vertising department is back at his de^ts pm
a two-week vacation.
HARRY THOMAS, Monogram distribution ex-
ecutive, left town yesterday for an extensive
trip that will take him to Pittsburgh, Cleve-
land, Detroit, Chicago and points west.
CHARLES W. KOERNER, RKO's vice-presi-
dent in charge of production, and PERRY
LIEBER, studio publicity director, will leave
Friday for New York.
STEVE BROIDY, Monogram vice-president and
general sales manager, is en route from the
Coast to Chicago, Toronto and New York.
BETTE DAVIS, now vacationing in New Hamp-
shire, returns to the Coast about July 20 to
report to Warners.
Rockefeller Center Elevator
Operators Stage a Strike
Rockefeller Center yesterday was
without elevator service for 50 min-
utes at the height of the evening
rush hour as the result of a flash
strike involving approximately 225
operators and mechanics belonging
to Building Maintenance Crafts-
men's Union, AFL. The Rockefeller
management said the strike was not
against it but was "concerned solely
with a union matter." A number of
motion picture companies and trade
publications with offices in the build-
ings were inconvenienced by the
strike.
The strikers went back to work
after a talk with Hugh S. Robert-
son, executive manager of Rocke-
feller Center, Inc., pending a con-
ference of the men, union officials
and the management to be held
later in the week to discuss the
cause of the walkout, which was not
divulged.
Rites for Mrs. Sheercm
Funeral rites for Mrs. Catherine
Sheeran, mother of Harry J. Shee-
ran, Metro salesman in Cincinnati,
were held at Queens Village, L. I.
SEEKING A DEPENDABLE
SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR YOUR
THEATRE
INTERNATIONAL OFFERS:
Dependable service . . . Low cost . . .
45 year's experience serving theatres,
stadiums, amusement parks, etc.
We can supply your needs. Roll,
machine folded, reserve seats, etc.
Write lor samples, prices or other information.
Delivery free Maine to Virginia.
INTERNATIONAL
TICKET QM\ COMPANY
52 GRAFTON AVE. X^g/ NEWARK, N. J.
Sales Of/ices in Principal Centers
YOTEBYCOMRESS
SCORED BY RABBIS
Overriding of Roosevelt on the
Anti-Strike Bill Declared
to Show Intemperance
UNENFORCEABILITY IS SEEN
Delegates Here Find Measure
New Army Chocolate Bat
Resists Heat Up to 120'
Bp«el&l to Tju New Ton Turn.
JERSEY CITY, June 27— The
Army's Jersey City Gjuarter-
master Depot and chocolate
manufacturers have developed a
chocolate bar that will remain a
solid up to 120 degrees Fahren-
heit, It was announced yesterday
by the Quartermaster Depot.
The ^average chocolate would
melt at 85 degrees and was a
tfoonSk
latest "- '
BIDS NATIONS FIGHT
RACE PERSECUTION
Grand Master Hoffman Tells
Brith Abraham an Inter-
National Pact Is Needed
groups during the Tunisian cam-
paign.
"The problem of rehabilitation in
North Africa emphasizes the need
of a program which will promote
better relations between Jew and
Moslem," he said.
A message from President
Roosevelt, read to the delegates,
expressed hope that deliberations
15,000 GIVE WEEK'S WORK
Teacher* Yield Part of Vacation
to Aid Draft Boards
Fifteen thousand school teachers
in this city will perform one week's
volunteer work during the sum-
vacation in the local draft and
appeals hoards^ CoL Arthur V. Mc-
Dermott
t+Z?
10f
the maflrieV* — V - *.
actment of th^gJJ
which, because at theiri:35je5^i^7nia5e
anee and impatience, may jeop*rd-jl875
ize the orderly democratic proce-
dures -which alone must he "*
pended upon to adjust our
economic relationships in -!3
to come. 4M
New Study Sugsee*'^^J
'The -Central,- Conferer.c-i- 13
American Rabbis suggests that tr. .-_
law* be carefully reatudied in the
light of the progressive social leg-
islation of recent years and that a
more sober and helpful measure be
enacted, which wai not sacrifice
any of the. gains which American
labor has achieved through the
years, and which will be fair to all
concerned."* ' ~~
The resolution noted "with' satis-
faction that American labor has
to a remarkable degree adhered to
its *no strike pledge' and because'
of it and the cooperation of "man-
agement and the public, our coun-j:
try has achieved an astounding' ree- 1
ord of production for the war ef-!
fort to defeat the Aids powers,'' 1*1
continued:
"Even those who are not op- -
posed to> many of the provisions of
the bUl h>v& admitted that it has]
been hastily drawn up, some of its j
provisions altogether unrelated to
the war emergency, unenforceable]
and* therefore, likely to weaken the j
respect fox law and authority." " t
/Achievement of Harmony
The new president of the 'con.-]
ference/ the Rev. Dr. Solomon B.i
jreehof of Rodef* Shalom. Congre-
gation, Pittsburgh, said harmony
on major issues had been achieved]
at the six-day meeting,
"Perhaps the reason, for the!
Spirit of cooperation which bridged
all differences," he, commented,!
"was the fact that in our coh-
^aeiouflnesa was the vivid awareness!
-ot the^ tragic- state of European!
Jewry; in the light of that un-
Bpealtable tragedy, the conference;
was more ^concerned with help toi
maxtyr>d world Iarael than withi
debate on theoretical differences.''!
Other offlcerB elected were Dr.
Abba Hfflel Silver of Cleveland,
vice president; Rabbi Harry S.
Margoila, St. Paul, Minn., treaa-
- lirer; Rabbi L. Regner. Reading,
Pa., financier secretary; Dr. Isaac
E. Marcuson, Macon, Ga., admin-
istrative secretary.
^^Is^B^^ua from coun-
mpied' hy Hitler. This
- , -——"•j money paid for their, emigration to
rdrK Eye and Ear Palestine and the- Western Heroi-
tjnfirmary -will be taken over bylsphere.
ltto^ri*ip|Jig^^^rts^Uunbla In Switzerland, food, clothing,
*££ *h-j shelter and medical aid will be giv-
Wp* to 1,000 children who .are ex-
^g^«5ted to be brought out of France
g£^frr year. Already 5303,000 has
appropriated to aid refugees
in Asiatic Russia, $300,000 for
Oh European emigrants who hav
been resettled in Central and South
America, and $100,000 for the
maintenance of 400 Dutch^refugees
in 'Surinam. Help- win be given
refugees released from. Internment
cprhpatti Jforth" Africa, as well as
^^rl?i and Second Ave- to destitute -native populations in
Algeria, Casablanca and Tangier.
EVERYBODY'S HAPPY
AT RADIO GIT Y MUSIC HALL!
*%&
ev
coov
*/'
Joan Bennett Was Daughter
8pwi*J u> The Hev Towt Tikes.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 27—
Joan Bennett, film actress and wife
of Walter Wanger, Hollywood mo-
tion-picture producer, gave birth to
ra daughter last night at the Good
Samaritan Hospital. The child was
.Bamed Stephanie. Miss Bennett's
other children are Diana, 15, born
of Miss Bennett's marriage to John
. Fox, and Melinda Markey, daugh-
ter by Eugene "Srtarkey, writer and
producer. Mr, Wanger and Miss
Bennett were married in Phoenix
In January, 1840.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER'S HILARIOUS COMEDY!
She got their autographs in
VIRGINIA WEIDLER* EDWARD ARNOLD
JOHN CARROLL' JEAN PORTER
Directed by EDWARD BUZ2ELL
Picturing en tht Great Stall *** SMrU-/««oKf £t» Couad C*SMrt »«*
Sin* Jetof if " **%vS*ptaecle tf mtbd? and dante. PrU>tad h LtoHideffwilh &f Scdeflts,
A ST OR rwoyMSmSt, 5£t£** ETiwrn^.
Popular Prices Continuous from 10 A*M*
• UT WA» tONDt
ZOOM m/
CAB/fl
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m
-u^fr'M's Talk
1 ■ of the Town
^$\cal Smotk/
CRIftMOri*
aWBJSS R4010 CITY MUSIC HULL SfWW
"A foiwy-fcons i/cHcr."— W*B
"THE YOUNGEST PROFESSION"
*jth VIRCWW WE1DLER - EDWARD ARNOLD - iOBH CARROLL
■■MAN PORTER - And FIVE IHPORTAHT GUEST STARS
A MET^O-GOtDWYN-MAVEB PICTURE
K' MARCH Of TlMf— "INVASION"
SaTSTtH: PfrflHntifis lh* wo.-M-toecwi'DonCoiKtctChsnjtwfftSeffts
fofi-feofjred io "IWN ABOUT TOWN", produced bf loorsldojf.-.wflh
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ARE SHOWINI
ROY ROGERS
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and
KING OF THE COWBOYS
SMARTEST HOI
HEART OF THE GOLDEN WEST" * "RIDIN' DOWN T
(7cwie: 'in* uo" *"iriNfi of the cawrayc%"caua ac
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V YORK DAILY NEWS IS
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St. Louis, Mo
San Diego, Calif.
. Baltimore, Md.
. Chicago, III.
. . Atlanta, Ga.
Denver, Colo.
. Newark, N. J.
. Houston, Texas
Dallas, Texas
. San Antonio, Texas
. Seattle, Wash.
.Wichita Falls, Texas
Jacksonville, Fla.
. Tampa, Fla.
Los Angeles, Calif.
. Providence, R. I.
W THE MOVIES
JiYON"*
>NDS ACROSS THE
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•Ha; T0,.Ma'-eh
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boss' busfts wh°, disl?^aPPear
their jyWnanch and Pr! 1' Uy ^em-
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Reprinted from
THE NEW YORK
DAILY NEWS
June 26, 1943
,n«- that ox ,s ^er da^ that the / and ^u"n *ians-e~'>«Aairie," "n
BORDER'
v%
DULY
Wednesday, July 7, 1943
Extended Time Only,
"Army's" Sales Plan
(Continued from Page 1)
with the Warner sales force in-
structed to obtain extended playing
time in all engagements, and wher-
ever possible to make the run longer
than that of any picture to date.
Working" in co-operation with a War De-
partment public relations staff headed by
Col. Charles Johnson, Warners will launch
the picture late this month in a series of
advanced-price premieres. The Broadway
world premiere, on the night of July 28 at
the Hollywood, will be at $50 top, with
most of the seats expected to be sold at
this figure.
Openings at $25 top already lave been
set in Washington, Baltimore, Worcester.
New Haven, Hartford and a score of addi-
tional key cities, while St. Louis, San Fran-
cisco, Seattle, Spokane, Los Angeles and
more than a hundred other Midwest, West-
ern and Southern situations already are set
to open at tops ranging from $25 down
to $2.
This advanced-price opening policy is to
be carried out in all cities down to 5,000
population, as well as in smaller places
wherever practicable.
General release date of the picture is Aug\
14. by which time it is expected that more
than 400 Technicolor prints will be ready
and working. Total print order is 450.
The Army's public relations division, in
co-operation with the Warner advertising and
publicity forces under Charles Einfeld and
Mort Blumenstoek, will set up local com-
mittees to give a strong sendoff to the pic
in all premieres. Follow-up activity also
will accompany every engagement.
Warner home office delegation which left
New York yesterday (Tuesday) for the Chi-
cago sales meeting included, in addition to
Kalmenson. Joseph Bernhard, Arthur Saeh-
son, Roy Haines, A. W. Schwalbergr, Jules
Lapidus, Norman H. Moray, Howard Levin-
son. Ed Hinchey, I. F. Dolid, Albert S.
Howson.
Blumenstoek remained in New York
due to conferences on "This is the Army/'
and may be able to attend the second day
of the Chicago sessions.
Brunet, Theater Vet, Dies
New Orleans, La. — Paul Brunet,
66, independent movie theater opera-
tor, suffered a fatal heart attack.
Brunet, in theater business since
1904, was one of the first to op-
erate a moving picture house on
Canal St. For years he ran a neigh-
borhood theater at Ursuline and N.
Clairbome. For the past few years
he was associated with his son, Paul
H. Brunet, as owner and operator
of a theater at 1309 S. Rampart St.
Thomas C. Poe Dead
Findlay, O.— Thomas C. Poe, 61,
former motion picture theater oper-
ator in Findlay, O., died in Cleve-
land, leaving his wife and two chil-
dren.
George Cukor
Raymond Hatton
Jackie Searl
Ricardo Cortez
T T ▼
"Manna for Exhibitors Luncheon"
• • • HERALDING the advent of RKO Radio's "Behind the Ris-
ing Sun," which will have multi-ply premieres in some 50 to 60 New
England and New York State stands commencing Aug. 3, and subse-
quently in the Pacific Northwest prior to general distribution throughout
the nation, the company yesterday noontide hosted a luncheon for the
author of the book on which the film is based, — James R. Young, prom-
inent journalist and lecturer who spent 13 years as a newspaper cor-
respondent in Japan Repast's venue was the Waldorf-Astoria, and
attending were, in addition to a big contingent of trade scribes, Ned E.
Depinet (who served as toastmaster), Phil Reisman, N. Peter Rathvon,
Bob Mochrie, Barret McCormick, Nat Levy, Walter Branson, Harry Gittle-
son, Harry Mandel, Rutgers Neilson, Malcolm Kingsberg, Leon Goldberg.
Louis Goldberg, Michael Hoffay, Terry Turner, Arthur Brilant, Jack Level,
Harry Reiners, R. H. Hawkinson, etc
T T T
• • • IF this informal luncheon were to be given a formal name,
it could rightly be termed the "Manna For Exhibitors Luncheon,"—
for it plainly disclosed the box office windfall in store for showmen
everywhere Ned Depinet revealed that early last February, RKO
Radio began searching for a property which would tell accurately and
dramatically the character of the enemy we are facing in the Pacific
What was sought would stand as a sort of companion-piece to
the heavy-grossing "Hitler's Children" Quest was handsomely re-
warded by acquisition of Young's book, "Behind the Rising Sun"
The author, who spent 61 days in solitary confinement under Nipponese
tormentors until his release was effected by the State Department,
then was persuaded to act as technical adviser, together with his wife
Furhermore, Young consented to make personal radio appear-
ances with the picture in its sectional day-and-date engagements
At yesterday's luncheon, he spoke at length on Japan, its people and
customs And, Mister Exhibitor, when he gives his planned series
of addresses over the radio, in conjunction with release of the film,
you'd better get your SRO sign out for early display, 'cause the talks
are sure to start a stampede of patrons to your ticket booth
T T T
• • • BECAUSE he was talking to professional pic folks yes'dcy.
Young devoted a portion of his remarks to the celluloid side of Japan
He asserted that the Japs, via characteristic guile, used not only
their own product to sell the public there on the inevitability o£ the Jap-
anese-American war, but also U. S. pix The latter they altered to
that purpose, particularly "Hell Divers" which they thefted and dubbed,
titling it "The Japanese-American War" While, the adulterated
scenes flashed on the large screen, a smaller screen beside it carried in-
flamatory titles anent the plot of the U. S. to attack Japan, and, there-
fore, that threatened Nippon should build up its armed forces to defend
itself Japan, he said, has become the largest film producing nation
in the world, with footage far exceeding our own land The Nips,
he added, are fanatical on the subject of machinery, and have been
since 1926, even lifting our mechanical creations, among them air condi-
tioning, for their own ends But the Young talk was also spiked
with amusing anecdotes, — and tragedy It is the latter element, the
viciousness of the Japanese, which will make the ether crackle when
he takes to the air-waves in behalf of RKO Radio's "Behind the Rising
Sun" It's bound to be a gargantuan gross-grabber
▼ T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! ! !
Stockholders Speed
20fh-Fox's NT Deal
(Contintced from Page 1)
that the' latter exercise an option to
purchase the Chase National Bank's
58 per cent holdings in the circuit
for $13,000,000. The deal, in which
are involved 1,044 shares of the. .-
standing capital stock of Natly.* }
Theaters, received their blessings at
a special meeting at the 20th-Fox
home office.
The option to purchase the Chase
National Bank's stock interest in
National Theaters, which was ob-
tained on May 11, would have ex-
pired on Nov. 30.
At the same time the stockhold-
ers sanctioned an amendment to the
company's charter authorizing the
creation of a new prior preferred
stock to be sold publicly, with the
proceeds going toward the purchase
of the National Theaters shares
from the Chase Bank. The issue
will consist of 100,000 shares to be
marketed at $100 per share. It is
understood that the shares, which
will carry a $4.50 dividend, will be
sold to net 20th-Fox $9,700,000. The
difference of $3,300,000 will come
from the 20th-Fox treasury.
Spyros Skouras, president of 20th-
Fox, presided at the stockholders'
meeting. Other executives of the
company in attendance were Tom
Connors, Sydney Towell, W. C.
Michel, Hermann G. Place, Felix A.
Jenkins, Dan Michalove.
Immediately following the stock-
holders' meeting the directors of
20th-Fox held a session at which
they approved sale of the new stock
to a group of underwriters under-
stood to be headed by Lehman Bros.,
Hayden, Stone & Co. and Blyth &
Co., Inc.
Ludwig Siegel Seriously 111
Chicago — Ludwig Siegel, owner of
the Lindy, is seriously ill at his
home.
IN NEW POSTS
CEORCE WALDMAN, film buying dept., Warner
Circuit, Philadelphia.
HERBERT BLASS, Twin City sales rep., War-
ners' Minneapolis exchange.
E. HART, ad salesman, Warners' Milwaukee ex-
change.
DAVID ARLEN, publicity dept., B & K, Chi-
cago.
WALDO BAIL, publicity dept., B & K, Chi-
cago.
CHARLES NELSON, Allied Theaters booking
dept., Chicago.
WARD DAY, cashier, 20th-Fox, Chicago.
JULES CREEN, assistant buyer and booker, War-
ner Theaters, Pittsburgh.
EDWARD DLOUHY, manager, Apollo, Chicago.
RAY THOMPSON, manager, Gateway, Chicago.
JOSEPH ANDERSON, manager, Belpark, Chi-
cago.
V. J. FISCHER, manager, Valencia, Evanston,
Ind.
T. DUCKWORTH, assistant manager, Coronet,
Evanston, Ind.
ROBERT LEACH, head booker, RKO exchange,
Des Moines.
Wednesday, July 7, 1943
3ft
DAILY
Key City Holiday
Grosses Ri» 28%
(Continued from Page 1)
although a record influx of visitors
provided practically all Times Square
houses with S.R.O.
Broadway Biz Phenomenal
Phenomenal business was reported
-4)jjie Broadway houses over the
.1 '-day holiday week-end. Eighty-
four thousand persons paid $63,000
to see "The Youngest Profession"
at the Music Hall on Saturday, Sun-
day and Monday. Gus Eyssell, man-
aging director, announced that was
a Fourth of July holiday record for
the house. The week is expected
to end tonight with $114,000 in the
till. A crowd estimated at close to
60,000 brought $44,000 to the Para-
mount, where "Dixie" is the attrac-
tion. "Spitfire" was good for $14,500
at the Rivoli for the three days.
Some 60,000 persons plunked out an esti-
mated $45,000 to view "Stage Door Can-
teen" at the Capitol. "Coney Island" grossed
$59,000 at the Roxy lor the three days,
with $98,000 expected for the week, which
closed last night. Business for the three
days set a record for an M-G-M show at
the Astor, where "Best Foot Forward" is
playing.
Even "Mission to Moscow," in its tenth
week, played to standees, while the New
York Strand with "Background to Danger"
did better than $40,000 in the four-day
period from Friday through Monday, an all-
time Fourth of July holiday record for this
house.
"Dixie" Wows 'Em in Dixie
Paramount, which selected the holiday
week-end to launch "Dixie" in pre-release
engagements in the South, reported heavy
increases over openings of "Holiday Inn,"
last year's Labor Day offering, with upward
percentages claimed of 28 to 67 per cent.
In Denver, isolated northern opening,
"Dixie" went 14 per cent over "Inn" figures
in four days.
An unusual feature of the week-end busi-
ness was the exceptionally strong Monday
attendance, according to circuit executives
in New York and many of the key city
sources. Ordinarily, these spokesmen pointed
out, Monday trade falls off somewhat at
the end of a three-day holiday. This year,
Monday biz topped Saturday and Sunday in
many spots.
While some theater operators express the
opinion that this splurge was the final one
before the Government starts taking 20 per
cent of pay checks, there is a widespread
belief in the exhibition field that the pub-
lic is not only in a strong spending mood but
so keen for film entertainment, and still
making so much money, that little effect
is expected when the deductions start this
week.
Single notable report of off biz for the
holiday week-end came from Boston where
an exodus of about one million for shore
resorts and mountains was reported. Hub
downtown and suburban houses took it on
the chin.
Arehort House to Parrott
Milford, la. — H. A. Parrott who
operates the Palace at Exira has
taken over the Strand at Milford
from E. C. Arehart.
Divorcement Bill in Senate
Neeley Measure Re-introduced by Kilgore
Eastman's Capt. Keliey,
Held by Japs, Dead
Rochester — Capt. James D. Keliey,
formerly of Eastman Kodak Co. has
died of disease in a Japanese
|jjBj, prison camp in which he was
\^—$ interned following his capture
in the Pacific area, the War
Department has announced following
International Red Cross advices.
(Continued f
controlling, managing, operating, or
having any interest in motion pic-
ture theaters in the United States,"
was introduced Monday by Senator
Kilgore after numerous complaints
had come to him from independent
exhibitors that the terms of the New
York consent decree are not being
lived up to by the majors.
Senator Kilgore told The Film
Daily yesterday there is no especial
significance attached to his action in
reintroducing the bill aside from the
fact that he was reminded the old
Neely bill had died when he received
the exhibitor complaints. As chair-
man of the Senate Judiciary Sub-
commitee handling the Neely bill, he
had agreed with the Department of
Justice to keep it alive in the hope
that the threat of the bill might
tend to keep parties to the decree in
step.
Says Fall Action Possible
The West Virginian said he had not studied
the exhibitor complaints and has no im-
mediate plans to push the bill. He was de-
sirous of getting it entered before the Senate
recess, however, and feels there is some pos-
sibility of action on the matter in the Fall
if the complaints appear to be well grounded.
He has no intention at this time of re-
entering ex-Senator Neely's old block-book-
rom Page 1)
ing bill, he said, although if he finds it is
needed, he will do so.
The Kilgore bill differs in no way from
Neely's old bill. Holding of and acquisition of
affiliated theaters by producers and distribu-
tors, it says, "is contrary to public policy in
that it (a) has resulted in granting to affil-
iated theaters undue preferences; (b) has
caused unfair discrimination against indepen-
dent theaters with respect to leasing of films
in commerce: (e) has enabled such producers
and distributors to acquire a virtual monop-
oly of the first-run theaters in the principal
cities and a virtual monopoly of subsequent-
run theaters in certain cities and sections;
(d) interferes with the freedom and oppor-
tunity of independent exhibitors to select and
obtain an adequate supply of quality films
for exhibition in their theaters; (e) pre-
vents the people of the several states and
the local communities thereof from influenc-
ing such election in the best interests of the
public: and tends to create a monopoly in
the production, distribution, and exhibition
of films in commerce."
After Section 2, containing definitions,
comes the "meat" of the bill, where Con-
gress is asked to declare that "it shall be
unlawful for any producer or distributor of
motion picture films engaged in commerce
to own, control, manage, buy, or book films
for, or operate, in whole or in part, any
motion picture theater or theaters located in
any State. Territory, or the District of Co-
lumbia, or to have any interest, direct or
indirect, legal or equitable, through stock
ownership or otherwise in any such motion
picture theater or theaters."
The same penalties as in the Neely bill
are provided, and the effective date of the
bill would be 18 months after its enactment.
Schreiber Named Exec.
Assistant to Col. Zanuck
(Continued from Page 1)
ly held by William Goetz. Casting
responsibilities will be shared by
Robert Palmer, James Ryan and
William Mayberry.
I. R. L. Hough has been appointed
general production manager to suc-
ceed the late William Koenig.
Guiol to Direct Own Story
For Global; UA to Release
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Fred Guiol, who was
associate producer on "The More
the Merrier" and "Penny Serenade"
for Columbia and who also directed
"Thanks a Million" for Hal Roach,
will produce and direct his own story,
"The Yanks Down Under," for Glo-
bal Productions for United Artists
release.
The screenplay is by Eugene Con-
rad and Edward Seabrook.
William Weinberg's Son
Killed in South Pacific
Chicago — Al Weinberg, son of
William Weinberg, manager of the
Ken Theater, was killed in action in
the South Seas.
August Selig Dead
Rockford, Ind. — August Selig, 73,
associated with his brother, William
N., in the old Selig Plyscope Co.,
is dead. He managed the buying and
selling for the pioneer film com-
pany. Survivors include a widow,
two sons, his brother and a sister.
"Canteen" Terms "Just,"
Sears Wires Pete Wood
(Continued from Page 1)
of Ohio secretary, who had signed
the Cleveland exhibs.' earlier wire,
Sears said he was "afraid it will not
be possible as a practical matter to
comply with the proposal to turn
over 100 per cent of the receipts of
'Stage Door Canteen' to the local
USO," called attention to the terms
of Sol Lesser's agreement with the
American Theater Wing, said UA
was "genuinely in accord with the
Stage Door Canteen movement and
considered it an obligation . . . to
deliver a record gross" and added
that the company feels, regardless
of the charitable and patriotic angle,
it is "asking just and reasonable
terms in accordance with the straight
commercial value of this picture."
First Rep. Regional
Opens Here Tuesday
(Continued from Page 1)
campaign on Roy Rogers, and pro-
motion plans for such forthcoming
pix as "Someone To Remember,"
"In Old Oklahoma," "Gay Blades,"
and "The Fighting SeaBees."
Grainger will preside at . the New York
sessions and Eastern District Sales Manager
Maxwell Gillis and Central District Sales
Manager Sam Seplowin will head a contingent
of exchangemen from these two districts:
Arthur Newman, Albany; Jack Davis, Bos-
ton; Sam Seletsky, New Haven; Morris Ep-
stein and Sidney Picker, New York; Joseph
Ensrel. Philadelphia; Jack Bellmanv Buffalo;
Sam P. Gorrel, Cleveland; G. H. Kirby, Cin-
cinnati: I. H. Pollard, Detroit; L. W. Mar-
riott, Indianapolis; and Franchise Holders
Jake Flax, Washington, and J. H. Alexander
and Sam Fineberg, Pittsburgh.
Directly after the New York meeting.
Grainger will leave for Chicago where a
sales meeting will be held July 16-17, at
the Drake Hotel. Midwestern District Sales
Manager E. L. Walton and Southern District
Sales Manager Merritt Davis wih be present,
as will the following Republic Branch Man-
agers; Will Baker, Chicago; J. G. Frackman,
Milwaukee; W. M. Grant, Minneapolis; F.
R. Moran, Des Moines; Harry Lefholtz.
Omaha; Nat Steinberg, St. Louis; Winfield
Snelson, Atlanta; Harold Laird Tampa; J.
H. Dillon, Charlotte; N. J. Colquhoun, Mem-
phis; L. V. Seicshnaydre, New Orleans; Lloyd
Rust, Dallas: Russell J. Brown. Oklahoma
City; and Franchise Holder Robert F.
Withers. Kansas City.
At the studio meeting, to be held July
22-23, Grainger will be- joined by Studio
Head M. J. Siegel and Western District Sales
Manager F. A. Bateman. Fcl'owing exchange
men will be present: Franchise Holder J.
T. Sheffield of the Northwest territory;
Branch Managers F. H. Higgins, Seattle;
J. H. Sheffield, Portland; Gcn3 Gerbase, Den-
ver; H. C. Fuller, Salt Lake City: John Frey,
Los Angeles; and Sid Weisbaum, San Fran-
cisco.
Clearance Cuts Sought
For Basil Bros. Houses
Conn. Delivery Cuts
Add to Bookers' Woes
New Haven — Delivery systems
have further curtailed service this
week, to add to the difficulty of
bookers. Decker's eliminated Friday
and Sunday service, as did Rosen's.
In addition Rosen's reported no ser-
vices hereafter for Middletown Mon-
day and Wednesday nights, for Wal-
rington, Wednesday nights, for
Torrinton, Wednesday nights, for
Rockville Monday nights, for Oak-
ville and Watertown Tuesday and
Thursday. Hoxie's serves Winsted
and Lakeville now on Monday, Wed-
nesday and Friday only; Kimmer-
lin no Bridgeport service Monday,
and Foley's goes to Canaan Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday only.
(Continued from Page 1)
name all five distributors. In Nia-
gara Falls, Basil Bros, asks that
the 35 days' clearance granted the
Strand, Cataract and Bellevue over
circuit's LaSalle be reduced to 30
days.. Buffalo complaint asks that
the four to 10 days granted Schine's
Granada Over the Varsity be elimi-
nated, so that the Varsity can play
pictures immediately after the Gra-
nada.
Allied Caravan Talking
Rentals at Cincy Today
(Continued from Page 1) ":
Caravan. The meeting embraces
Southern Ohio and Northern Ken-
tucky exhibitors and will discuss
movement for lower film rentals.
Iowa Merchants Take
Over Theater Operation
Kimballtown, la. — Local merchants
have ttaken over the operation of
the Viking theater. The house for-
merly was run by Sid Peterson.
Cantor in Stamp Drive P.A."
Eddit Cantor returns to the RKO
Palace at 2 p.m. today to aid the
Treasury Department's July Stamp
Drive.
NYC
I NC
S T
$ You are compensated
for these showings.
' :
YOUR THEATRE TODAY . . . like the Town Hall of yesterday
... is the Meeting Place for Community Security. It is the focus of
civilian performance.
YOUR THEATRE SCREEN today projects a dual influence on
the morale of your community. It relaxes and reassures . . . informs
and inspires.
TO HELP YOU to help Uncle Sam, by helping your community...
while helping yourself*. . SCREEN BROADCASTS has been selected
by War Savings, OCD, OPA, Public Health, Labor, ODT and other
agencies in Washington to bring a series of Community Security
Campaigns to your audience through sponsored presentation by
national, sectional and local concerns.
THESE FILMS are a brand new approach in screen advertising.
— — They are the first and only ever
produced under government
supervision and approved for
sponsorship on theatre screens.
They entertain because they
enlighten and encourage.
EACH CAMPAIGN includes 26 subjects, one to be screened
every other week. Each complete subject is less than one minute and
is introduced by a government agency title. The sponsor's identity is
confined to a simple credit signature at the end.
IF YOU WANT your theatre to take and hold the lead in pro-
viding greater security for your community, as thousands of theatres
are already doing, fill in and mail this reply form today.
-
SCREEN BROADCASTS
'>■■'■ ;• : ' / , • ' ,'.1V
923 13th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
p
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r— i Send your Theatre Relations Representative to see me and explain
the details of these Community Security Campaigns.
(ZI I want to see the films in this series when your representative calls.
DISTRIBUTED— In Southern, Atlantic and New England
States by Motion Picture Advertising Service Co., Inc.,
New Orleans, Louisiana.
In Northern, Mid-Western and Western States by United
Film Service, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri.
Theatre or Eihibitor's Firm Name
Owner or Manager
Street Address
State
DO NOT REMOVE
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAIIY
\*
)L. 84, NO. 5
NEW YORK, THURSDAY. JULY 8, 1943
TEN CENTS
QUICK JXHIB. REACTION TO DIVORCEMENT
Schine Asks Relief from Theater Disposal Order
Retention of Theaters
Implements Competition,
Schine Counsel Declares
By J. HOWARD GARNISH
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Buffalo — Declaring it was "an out-
rageous act of oppression "for the
Government to require the Schine
defendants to attempt to sell 16
theater interests they had acquired
since the filing of the D of J's anti-
trust suit against them, while per-
mitting the producer-distributor-ex-
hibitor defendants, who were parties
to the New York consent decree, to
retain more than 200 theaters after
(Continued on Page 9)
See Mexico Training
Field for Pix Execs.
Mexico City (By Air Mail) — Mex-
ico as a training field for American
film distribution personnel and ex-
ecutives is looming large in the post-
war scheme of things, it is learned
here.
First moves in that direction are
reported made- by three American
companies — Warners, 20th-Fox and
{Continued on Page 10)
WB Midwestern District
Head to be Named Today
Chicago — Second of the three reg-
ional sales meetings being held by
Warners this year will get under
way this morning in the Blackstone
Hotel, with Ben Kalmenson, general
(Continued on Page 10)
Argentina May Bar
U. S. Anti-Axis Pix
Buenos Aires (By Air Mail, Passed
by Censor) — Pending a stand on the
Government's general attitude toward
foreign films, decision on the admit-
tance of U. S. films with political
backgrounds has been delayed. It
is expected that films which openly
attack Axis nations will not be shown
in Argentina.
TO MEET IN CAPITAL ON OWI FUTURE
Elmer Davis and E. Palmer Hoyt Will Confer With
Representatives of the film Industry
By ANDREW H. OLDER
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A meeting of repre-
sentatives of the motion picture in-
dustry with OWI Director Elmer
Davis and Domestic Director E. Pal-
mer Hoyt will probably be held next
week here, it was revealed yester-
day.
An official of domestic branch of
OWI was considerably embarrassed
when asked if Lowell Mellett, mo-
tion picture bureau chief, would also
be on hand for the meeting. He de-
clined to answer. The entire matter
of industry co-operation with the
OWI and vice versa will be gone over,
and it is probable that the plans for
the future of the OWI motion pic-
(Continued on Page 7)
20lh-Fox Sets 15
Pix; Minor A's Out
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Twentieth-Fox, whol-
ly eliminating minor A's as well as
B's from its production program,
will send 15 top pix before the cam-
eras during the next four months
following the return of Col. Darryl
F. Zanuck, it was announced yes-
terday by Joseph M. Schenck.
Three of the 15, titles of which
(Continued on Page 8)
Denies Motion to Dismiss
Ascap Anti-Trust Suit
New York Federal Judge Henry
W. Goddard yesterday denied a mo-
tion by Ascap to dismiss the anti-
trust action brought against it, Gene
Buck, Irving Berlin, Inc., and Carl
(Continued on Page 5)
A. G. Allen Resigns
As ABC's Chairman
London — Resignation of A. G. Al-
len, DSO, MC, as chairman of As-
sociated British Cinemas, Ltd., one
of the major British theater circuits,
was announced yesterday without ex-
planation.
News of Allen's departure from
ABC stirred lively trade speculation,
with some Wardour St. quarters in-
clined to link the resignation with
(Continued on Page 7)
New 20th-Fox 100,000-Share
Issue Sold in Few Hours
The new issue of 100,000 shares
of prior preferred stock of 20th-Fox
was entirely sold out yesterday with-
in several hours after it was placed
on the market, it was reported last
(Continued on Page 8)
Trade to Aid New Bond Drive
Plan Participation at Early New York Meeting
"There Goes Lena Henry"
First by Bogeaus for UA
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — /First of three pic-
tures to be produced by Ben Bogeaus
for United Artists will be "There
Goes Lena Henry," from the novel
by Polan Banks. Bogeaus, presi-
(Continued on Page 8)
Washington Bureau, of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Nation-wide indus-
try participation in the giant third
War Bond drive planned for Sep-
tember will probably be announced
later this month. A meeting may be
held in New York between the Treas-
ury Department and WAC officials
within the next 10 days, in which
(Continued on Page 5)
"Just as Wrong as Ever/'
Kuykendall; Myers Favors
Senate Hearings in Fall
Re-introduction of the Neely
theater divorcement bill in the
U. S. Senate by West Virginia's
senior senator, Harley M. Kilgore,
under agreement with the Depart-
ment of Justice brought quick reac-
tions yesterday from the senior of-
ficers of the two national exhibitor
organizations.
Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA prexy, in
response to an invitation from The
Film Daily to comment, castigated
the bill in his telegraphed reply
from Columbus, Miss., and asserted
that "sane-thinking exhibitors every-
(Continued on Page 10)
Lensmen Acclaim 3rd
Dimension Pic Tests
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Tests reported to be
revolutionary have been completed
by four top cameramen on Polyscope,
trade name for a machine to pro-
duce third dimensional pictures. The
quartette completing tests of the
machine, of which James McMahon,
assistant director at Warner Bros.
(Continued on Page 5)
Cowan Company Plan
Links Stage and Pix
Lester Cowan is working on plans
for a company to put on plays picked
for their picture possibilities. The
company, which would be headed by
Cowan, would do away with the
(Continued on Page 6)
Hollywood Pictures
Send Circulation Up
Chicago — In the face of the ac-
tion by some newspapers in material-
ly curtailing space devoted to films
and theaters, the Daily News here
has added two pages of Hollywood
pictures each day to the evening edi-
tions. Paper reports a healthy cir-
culation response.
;M
Thursday, July 8, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 5 Thurs., July 8, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
: Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN : :
: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y.. under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address-
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
cominG URD G0IHG
RICHARD F. WALSH, IATSE head, returned
to town yesterday from a Western trip.
LOUIS NIZER leaves tomorrow for a vaca-
tion.
DON CARLE CILETTE, WB trade press con-
tact, is in Chicago.
DEWEY D. BLOOM, M-C-M exploitation
representative in Canada, pulls into town next
week for conferences with William R. Fergu-
son, the company's exploitation manager.
MONROE GOODMAN, former assistant to
Oscar Morgan at Paramount, is in town on leave
from his Air Force duties at Kelly Field, Tex.
GEORGE FREEMAN, manager of Loew's Poli,
Springfield, Mass., is in Hampton Beach, N. H.,
for his vacation.
E. C. GRAINGER is on a swing around the
Shea circuit.
WILLIAM RESNICK, writer for the Emerson
Yorke studio, is back from a research trip
through Indiana on the documentary film "Edu-
cation for Living."
SIDNEY SHELDON and BEN ROBERTS, screen
writers, are here from the Coast.
TED O'SHEA, M-G-M Eastern division man-
ager; HAROLD POSTMAN, assistant to Wil-
liam F. iRodgers, distribution head of the com-
pany, and EDWIN W. AARON, circuit sales
manager, leave for Cincinnati today to partici-
pate in the firm's sales analysis session there.
They'll be away for a few days.
ANITA LOUISE was at Camp Campbell,
Clarksville, Tenn., yesterday in her voluntary
USO-Camps Shows tour which ends at Camp
Lee, Va., on July 14.
ANNE ROONEY today starts an engagement
at Fort Riley, Abilene, Kan., on the second
leg of her USO-Camp Shows tour which closes
on July 23 at Camp Campbell, Clarksville, Tenn.
JULES FIELDS of the 20th-Fox exploitation
department is back from a 10-day trip to St.
Louis.
JEANNE HESS of the 20th-Fox publicity and
exploitation department has returned from a
vacation in Chicago.
ERNIE CROUCH, who has been helping out
at Schine's Dixie in Rochester, N. Y., returns
this week to his post at the Schine house in
Auburn.
Canadian Service Shots
For Dominion Newsreels
Montreal — Canadian men and wo-
men in the services at home and
abroad will be featured in Dominion
news reels, after July 22, according
to plans just completed by Oscar
Hanson, president of Pioneer Films.
Pioneer is launching a fast trans-
Atlantic film service which, it is/
pected, will eliminate further C\^
adian criticism that newsreels ex-
hibited here stress U. S. military op-
erations.
Briggs, Greenblatt and
Lefton to Coast Tomorrow
FINANCIAL
(Wednesday, July 7)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 16% 16i/4 163/8 + Vs
Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2%> 17V4 171/s 17'/8 — 3/s
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. 17l/2 17ft 17ft + V4
East. Kodak 165 165 165 .....
do pfd 180 1793/4 17934 — 1/4
Gen Prec. Eq 22l/4 22 22 — 1/4
Loew's, Inc 60ft 60 60ft — H/4
Paramount 283/4 277/8 283/8
RKO 9 8% 9
RKO $6 pfd 943/4 941/4 94ft— 1/4
20th Century-Fox .. 21ft 20% 21 ft
20th Century-Fox pfd. 32ft 3 2 1/4 32ft + ft
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 15 14% 15
do pfd 893/8 891/4 893/8 + ft
NEW YORK BONO MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... 35/8 3ft 3% + ft
Radio-Keith cvs 1% 1% 1% .....
Sonotone Corp 33,4 3ft 3% + 1/4
Technicolor 13 12% 13
Trans-Lux
Universal Corp. vtc
Universal Picts
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Met. Playhouse, Inc. 2nd deb. '45
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 763,4 79ft
O. Henry Briggs, president of
PRC, Arthur Greenblatt, vice-presi-
dent in charge of sales, and Nat
Lefton, Cleveland and Cincinnati
franchise holder and recently ap-
pointed district manager for Pitts-
burgh, Detroit, Cincinnati and Cleve-
land, leave tomorrow for Hollywood,
where they will confer with Leon
Fromkess, production chief, and
PRC producers on production of the
1943-44 program.
From Hollywood, Greenblatt will
make a swing through the entire
Western and Southwestern territor-
ies. The sales chief of PRC will re-
turn to New York about Aug. 15.
Briggs will remain in Hollywood
for several weeks, returning to New
York about Aug. 1.
Predicts FM Television
Advance After the War
What the television industry ex-
pects as a post-war development,
according to Paul Chamberlain of
GE's electronics department, is the
rapid advancement of FM broadcast-
ing stations which he believes will
replace many low-powered AM sta-
tions now handicapped by interfer-
Gov't Shorts at Each Show
Or No Waiving Overtime
Syracuse— IATSE Local 376, op-
erators, has served notice on all
houses here that the practice of
waiving overtime resulting from the
screening of Government shorts has
been eliminated except in instances
where the programs are made up in
strict compliance with the policy of
showing the shorts as part of each
show.
The union charges that some
houses have been "chiseling" time
bv eliminating the Government
shorts from all except the last show
at night, thereby getting more film
run and avoiding payment of over-
time by blaming the shorts with tak-
ing up the extra running time.
Republic Takes 200 Chi.
Billboards to Boost Rogers
Chicago — Republic has taken 200
billboard stands in the Chicago ter-
ritory boosting Roy Rogers film drive
and his personal appearance next
week with his "Song of Texas" film
at the Oriental Theater. Three radio
stations will be used.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
Nathan Rosen $85,854
Estate Goes to Widow
1600
, BROADWAY
"""»»*' \ %a^ / N.T.C
MUVHt M«VI« \^ y {J,,,, 0-00ll-2-)-4
tfOtAOI I C A. nOJICttOH HOOM RIM EXCHANGE OlSKIIUIION StfVICE
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY
Theater Manager — Steady
Age 47 — Married
Excellent References
Prefer Times Sq. or
Midtown Area
Please State Minimum Salary
Box 166— Film Daily
1501 Broadway— New York City
Miami Beach, Fla. — An inventory
filed in probate court revealed that
Nathan Rosen, retired Pittsburgh
theater owner, left an estate of
$85,854.02 when he died a little
over a vear ago. Of this amount
1511,126.62 was in the Iron City
Amusement Co. of Pittsburgh, and
his interests in the Granada and
Model Theaters in Pittsburgh was
listed at $55,103.42. Entire estate
was left to his wife. Mrs. Anna
Rosen, who has aualified as execu-
trix and who resides at the family
home in Miami Beach.
Margaret M. Bleakley
Named Joe Shea Aide
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
THE YOUNGEST PROFESSION'
with
VIRGINIA WEIDLER, EDWARD ARNOLD
and Five Important Guest Stars
AN M-G-M PICTURE
NEW MARCH OF TIME
Gala Stage Revue • Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
J^C BETTY GRABLE -fc
GEORGE MONTGOMERY* CESAR ROMERO
Come? isiand
A JOTH CENTURr-FOX fICTURE in TECHNICOLOR
* PLUS A BIG STAGE SHOW *
BUY |J ^\ ■%#• W 7ihAVE.
BONDS K V A I 50th ST.
"DIXIE" * In Person
with ~k ANDREWS SISTERS
BING CROSBY "k TIM HERBERT
DOROTHY LAMOUR -fc MITCHELL AYRES
A Paramount Picture -»V and his orchestra
Cool PARAMOUNT Times Square
B'WAY &
47th St.
Humphrey Bogart • Raymond Massey
"ACTION IN NORTH ATLANTIC"
and
"PRAIRIE CHICKENS"
JIMMY ROGERS . NOAH BEERY, JR.
Margaret M. Bleaklev has joined
William Cagney Productions in New
York as assistant to Joseph Shea,
Eastern -publicity representative and
story editor. Miss Bleakley was
formerly associated with the storv
departments of David O. Selznick
and Hunt Stromberg Productions.
££& STATE
ON SCREEN
JEAN ARTHUR
JOEL McCREA
"THE MORE
THE MERRIER'
^4
OBi ' ^
r^$
i \
¥
Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer's Technicolorful Musical Comedy "DU BARRY WAS A LADY"
inspires artist Shermund o£ Esquire Magazine to paint this impression of the Du Barry Girl.
We don't expect you to read a single word of this advertisement with all the dazzling darlings of "Du
Barry Was A Lady" running over the page like mad. It's too much to ask of anyone to concentrate on
Technicolor and who wrote it and things like that except that Red Skelton is so funny and Lucille Ball
Dm-B
so gorgeous and Gene Kelly such a volcanic Ancer that you'd never forgive us if we neglected to tell
you about them — not to mention deadpan Virginia O'Brien and comic 'Rags' Ragland and the cafe society
hit Zero Mostel plus guess who and his band ... of course it's popular Tommy Dorsey playing torchy tunes
by Cole Porter and others. All in all, now that you're reading this ad.. .or have you stopp|d...it's the big-
gest eyeful of money show in years and promoted in big magazine campaigns, newspaplr teaser ads for
months, full pages in Esquire and American Weekly. And nationwide Sunday Supplement ads 3 weeks
in a row synchronized with July release. Screenplay by Irving Brecher, adapted by Nancy Hamilton,
additional dialogue by Wilkie Mahoney, directed by Roy del Ruth, produced by Arthur Freed. And re-
member "Du Barry Was A Lady" is just one of M-G-M's 4th great Group, "Seven From Heaven."
Let's Keep
Selling Bonds !
Thursday, J
ursday, July 8, 1943
Reviews of the new rums & -v
"Victory Through Air
Power"
UA-Disney 65 Mins.
DISNEY DOES SUPERB JOB WITH FILM
VERSION OF SEVERSKY BOOK; TIMELY
PIC DESERVES WIDE AUDIENCE.
Walt Disney has applied every resource
of his art to make the screen treatment
of Major Alexander P. de Seversky's book,
"Victory Through Air Power," an achieve-
ment fully worthy of his name. All the
devices of the animator's craft have been
employed with powerful effect to bring
home the message contained in the Seversky
tome — namely, that only the right use of
aerial might will gain us the decisive
triumph in our struggle against the Axis.
Despite the fine job Disney has done in
transferring Seversky's ideas to celluloid
one cannot get away from the question of
whether the film represents entertainment
in the sense that picture fans have come
to accept it. Humor is at a minimum and
is confined to that portion of the film deal-
ing with the history of aviation. "Victory
Through Air Power" is Disney in a more
serious mood — which is understandable con-
sidering the vital significance of the sub-
ject. The timeliness of the film and the
publicity that has accrued to the Seversky
book provide exploitable points in selling
the picture to the public.
"Victory Through Air Power" is a picture
that calls for the abandonment of old-
time notions of entertainment in its evalua-
tion. It must be weighed by maturer stand-
ards for the sake of its message — in this
instance a message of supreme importance
— a message that touches the welfare of
every individual arrayed against the Axis
powers. Every person seriously interested
in victory against the Axis owes it to him-
self to see the film. This is a point the
exhibitor can stress with profit to him-
self in selling the picture to his patrons.
Despite its seriousness the film manages
to be absorbing at all times. It puts over
its message with remarkable clarity and
commendable simplicity. Diagrams have
never been used with more striking effect,
nor with greater cleverness. Disney uses
them dramatically to illustrate Seversky's
concepts of air force as a weapon of vic-
tory.
After the film has sketched the develop-
ment of the airplane the screen is given over
to Seversky himself. The heir to General
Billy Mitchell's theories on the value of air
power expounds his ideas with an incisive-
ness and an authority that make it easy
to see why through the air lies the United
Nations' path to victory. Seversky shows
in detail how long-range bombing by land-
based aviation will blast the Axis out of the
war. He presents his case impressively and
eloquently, driving home his argument with
devastating logic. Seversky explains at
length why trying to lick the Axis by any
other means than air power properly applied
will be a long and arduous task calling for a
heavy cost in lives and gold. He points
out the need for a united American air
force under separate command.
The film, in which Technicolor has been
used to fine alvantage, represents a grand
job of animation.
Hats are off to all who had a finger in
the making of the picture.
CREDITS: Producer, Walt Disney, Pro-
"Isle of Forgotten Sins"
with John Carradine and Gale Sondergaard
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW
PRC 82 Mins.
ACTION-PACKED SOUTH SEAS MELO-
DRAMA OFFERS PLENTY OF ENTER-
TAINMENT.
Here is an ambitious offering in the
modest budget field. This melodrama of
the South Seas has plenty of action,
and has been well directed by Edgar G.
Ulmer, who also wrote the original story.
Peter R. Van Duinen provided excellent
production values and Raymond L. Schrock
wrote the screenplay. Ira H. Morgan con-
tributed splendid photography.
John Carradine and Frank Fenton, ex-
pert deep sea-divers, learn the location of
a liner that was scuttled by its captain,
Sidney Toler, and its purser, Rick Vallin.
In the hold of the sunken boat is $3,000-
000 in gold.
Toler and Vallin deliberately bait Carra-
dine and Fenton, determined to high-
jack the gold from the ambitious deep-
sea divers. When the treasure is finally
brought to the surface, Toler, Vallin and
their henchmen overpower the divers and
take the loot from them.
Toler and Vallin quarrel over the spoils
and kill each other. A monsoon sweeps
away the treasure, but Fenton, Carradine
and his sweetheart, Gale Sondergaard,
are saved.
CAST: John Carradine, Gale Sondergaard,
Sidney Toler, Frank Fenton, Veda Ann
Borg, Rita Quigley, Rick Vallin, Betty
Amann, Tala Birell, Patti McCarty, Marian
Colby, William Edmonds.
CREDITS: Producer, Peter R. Van Duinen;
Leon Fromkess in charge of Production;
Director, Edgar G. Ulmer; Author, Raymond
L. Schrock; Screenplay, same; Based on
story by Edgar G. Ulmer; Cameraman, Ira
Morgan; Editor, Charles Henkel, Jr.; Art
Director, Fred Preble; Dialogue Director,
Ben Kamsler; Special effects, Gene Stone;
Music, Leo Erdody.
DIRECTION, Excellent PHOTOGRAPHY,
Excellent.
Cowan Company Plan
Links Stage and Pix
(Continued from Page 1)
Broadway producer. The set-up en-
visioned by Cowan calls for him to
function as the direct representa-
tive of the film companies them-
selves, replacing the current prac-
tice of backing individual producers.
duction Manager, Dan Keefe; Scenes with
Major Seversky directed by H. C. Potter;
Animation Supervisor, David Hand; Story
Direction, Perce Pearce; Story Adaptation,
T. Hee, Erdman Penner, William Cottrell,
Jim Bodrero, George Stallings, Jose Rodri-
quez; Sequence Directors, Clyde Geronomi,
Jack Kinney, James Algar; Cameraman, Ray
Hennehan; Art Director, Richard Irvine;
Sound Recorders, C. O. Sly field, Lodge
Cunningham; Film Editor, Jack Dennis;
Interior Decoration, William Kiernan; Nar-
rator, Art Baker; Musical Score, Edward
Plumb, Paul J. Smith, Oliver Wallace.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
"Gals, Incorporated"
with Leon Errol, Harriet Hilliard,
Grace McDonald
Universal 61 Mins.
STRONG ON TUNEFULNESS BUT
MUSICAL WEAK ON COMEDY, SHOULD
GET FAIR RESPONSE FROM YOUNG
FOLKS.
"Gals, Incorporated" fails to incorporate
enough good material to get it by in the
neighborhoods without a lot of plugging.
It is a mild little musical which will have
to rest its case almost wholly on its song
content — which means that the film's appeal
is directed primarily to adolescents. For-
tunately the tunes are peppy and numer-
ous, there being 13 of them. The film
is weakest in the comedy department,
despite the presence of Leon Errol in the
cast. The gags are pretty old and badly
put over with the result that laughs are
few and far between.
The film is helped by the breezy way
in which it has been directed by Leslie
Goodwins, who obtained better results
than the script warranted. Also an aid
are the attractive settings provided by John
Goodman.
Among the chief attractions of the
picture are the Pied Pipers and Glen Gray
and his Casa Loma Orchestra. These two
aggregations, plus the singing of some of
the principals, will keep the young ones
reasonably entertained.
The story is a silly and thoroughly in-
consequential affair. The title refers to
a night club backed by Errol, wealthy
playboy, and wholly manned (if that is
the word) by lovely gals. When Errol's
sister (Minna Phillips) threatens to part
the comedian from his inheritance unless
he is remarried and behaves himself, the gals
come to the rescue by inducing one of their
number (Grace McDonald) to pose as his
wife. Complications arise when Errol's son
by a former marriage, a Marine makes
his appearance. Miss McDonald falls in
love with the lad (David Bacon) but can't
do anything about it without exposing the
whole plot. Harriet Hilliard, a cat, tries
to grab the youth for herself, but true
love conquers in the end after everything
has been straightened out.
The cast does the best it can under the
circumstances. Will Cowan acted as as-
sociate producer. Edward Dein pleads
guilty to the authorship of the screenplay,
which was suggested by a story by Dave
Gould and Charles Marion.
CAST: Leon Errol, Harriet Hilliard, David
Bacon, Maureen Cannon, Betty Keane,
Vicki Cornell, Minna Phillips, Grace Mc-
Donald, Pied Pipers, Glen Gray and Casa
Loma Orchestra.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Will Cow-
an; Director, Leslie Goodwins; Screenplay,
Edward Dein; Suggested by story by1 Dave
Gould, Charles Marion; Cameraman, Jerry
Ask; Musical Director, Charles Previn; Art
Director, John Goodman; Film Editor, Arthur
Hilton Dance Director, Josephine Earl.
DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Reginald Barlow Dead
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Reginald Barlow, 76,
veteran screen and stage actor, is
dead.
"Submarine Base"
with John Litel, Fifi D'Orsay, Alan Baxter
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW)
PRC 65 Mins.
WELL PRODUCED, DIRECTED AND
ACTED MELODRAMA PACKS PLENTY r"
SUSPENSE. (^
Here is a melodrama, well acted, pro-
duced and directed. Jack Schwarz handled
the production chores, with Harry D. Ed-
wards as associate producer. Albert Kelley's
direction maintains the suspense to the end,
while Marcel LePicard's photography is
splendid.
Alan Baxter, a fugitive from the law,
operates off an island on the Equator, off
Brazil. His "business" is furnishing torpe-
does to Nazi submarines. One day he fishes
John Litel out of the ocean. Litel, a former
New York detective, now a member of the
Merchant Marine, recognizes Baxter as a
gangster.
Baxter holds Litel a prisoner on the island,
and Litel soon becomes suspicious of Bax-
ter's newly-found wealth. George Lee, an
Englishman and long-time resident on the
island, aids Litel. George Metaxa, a Ger-
man agent, who pays Baxter for the tor-
pedoes, begins to feel that Baxter is trying
to "double-cross" him and the Germans,
and has his suspicions fully confirmed when
a Nazi submarine explodes off the island.
Baxter had been supplying torpedoes, which
were timed to explode a few hours after
taking on a load. A gun battle follows,
with Metaxa killing Baxter.
Eric Blore and Luis Alberni furnish the
comedy, while Fifi D'Orsay, Iris Adrian
and Jacqueline Dalya are among the mem-
bers of the cast.
CAST: John Litel, Alan Baxter, Eric
Blore, George Metaxa, George Lee, Rafael
Storm, Fifi D'Orsay, Iris Adrian, Jacqueline
Dalya, Anna Demetrio, Luis Alberni, Lucien
Prival.
CREDITS: Jack Schwarz; Associate Pro-
ducer, Harry D. Edwards; Leon Fromkess in
charge of production; Director, Albert Kel-
ley; Authors, Arthur St. Clair and George
Merrick; Cameraman, Marcel Le Picard;
Musical Composer and Director, Charles
Dant; Art Director, Frank Sylos; Editor, Hol-
brook, H. Todd.
DIRECTION, Splendid. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Excellent.
Warner Studio First Under
Wire for New Tax Setup
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Warners was first of
the major studios to register all em-
ployes for new 20 per cent weekly
income tax deductions, effective
July 1.
Result will be that all workers
will get full legal deductions for
dependents from outset of paycheck
bump. Tabulating department, un-
der E. L. De Patie, chief auditor,
accomplished task by wiring Wash-
ington for sample form the day Presi-
dent Roosevelt signed the bill. Form
was airmailed to studio the following
day and on the third day the printer
supplied enough official blanks to
take care of entire personnel.
JB&i
■
Thursday, July 8, 1943
DAILY
Davis to Meet Film
Reps, on OWI Future
\i
(Continued from Page 1)
ture bureau will depend largely
upon this conference.
As yet the OWI does not know
definitely how much of a job it can
do on motion pictures, and it ap-
pears that the procedure will be to
put it up to the industry as to how
much aid is needed. A proposed plan
for the organization of the bureau,
providing for only one separate of-
fice in Washington, is already drawn
up and Lowell Mellett, bureau chief,
said yesterday he expects a decision
on it within another week or so.
Mellett refused to comment on reports
that he was leaving: OWI. Other officials
of the domestic branch were also unwilling'
to comment on Mellett's status, although it
is definitely known that his remaining
with the agency is a red hot issue at the
moment. Mellett is believed to wish to
remain with the agency while there is re-
portedly a strong movement on hand to
move him out. His strong personal prestige
overshadowing that of some of his superiors,
is reported to be one of the reasons he has
been asked to step out.
The Hollywood work-liaison and script
clearance, it appears now, will be handled
by Ulric Bell, who represents the overseas
branch of the motion picture bureau on
the Coast. Bell, a former newspaper man
like Poynter, works under Robert Riskin,
head of the overseas pix bureau. He has
been alone in Hollywood until now, using
the office facilities of the domestic bureau,
but it is probably now that he will have
a staff of his own. Nelson Poynter, Mellett
representative in Hollywood, is out, and it
seems almost certain that the script clear-
ance activities of OWI will be sharply cur-
tailed. Bell will continue to advise on
scripts destined for overseas showing, and
may take over on his own responsibility
for advice on other scripts — thus providing
to a lesser extent the same service for which
Poynter was responsible. Bell will probably
get his own staff since he will no longer
have the facilities of the Coast OWI office.
Thus there may be in Hollywood something
which some industry quarters have long felt
would be desirable — a single OWI contact
rather than separate contacts for the do-
mestic and the overseas branch. That this
may became officially the ease here in
Washington and New York, too, is a possi-
bility, although there is strong resistance
within OWI to that plan.
Here in Washington the only "must" jobs
for OWI in moving pictures are the co-or-
dination of Government films and the chan-
nelling of Government agencies' requests to
the industry. Because funds are plentiful
for any of the Government agencies aside
from the military, the former task should
not prove too difficult.
Artkino to Offer four
Artkino Pictures will release five
features comprising four dramas and
a documntary during the first period
of the 1943-44 season. Titles are
"Black Sea Fighters," a documen-
tary; "She Defends Her Country,"
"A Lad from Our Town," "Guer-
rillas," and "It Started in Odessa."
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
THELMA WASHBURN, booker, RKO exchange,
Des Moines.
MRS. VERA DECKER, in charge of Schine The-
aters candy sales in Western New York,
Rochester.
MARTHA SCOTT, assistant manager, Hub,
Rochelle, III.
Theater Minute Man Plan Clicks in Cincy:
War Manpower Commission to Extend Setup
Cleveland — Trial plan to recruit employes for war production plants via
one-minute speakers at movie houses proved so successful that it will be extended
throughout this area, Synth ia Ware, head of the publicity department of the WMC
in this area declared, yesterday. With one-minute speakers recruited for indus-
try making a single appeal from the stages of seven selected theaters and a
United States Employment Service representative in the lobby to follow-up, 40
employes, more than 50 per cent women, were recruited. The WMC is delighted
with this new avenue approach to labor and will extend it materially, said Miss
Ware, who was enthusiastic over the hearty co-operation rendered by G. W.
Erdmann, secretary of the CMPEA and all of the participating theater managers.
$50,000 Bond Required
For Lease Suit Appeal
Youngstown, O. — Bond of $50,000
must be posted by any party or
parties wanting to appeal the recent
decision granting lease rights of
the Palace Theater, beginning Aug.
1, to the Dallmer Co., headed by At-
torney Gerald F. Hammond, accord-
ing to a recent ruling by Judge Ers-
kine Maiden, Jr.
The suit, heard here in April, was
brought by the Dellmer Co. to de-
termine whether it or the Public
Square Theater Co., present holder
of the lease, is entitled to the new
lease. New York Life Insurance Co.,
as mortgagee-in-possession, planned
to renew its lease with Public
Square, while the Palace Realty Co.,
owner of the property, gave a ten-
year lease to Dallmer. Judge Mai-
den decided in favor of Dallmer.
It was decided that posting of
bond to cover any losses would be the
best method of assuring operation
of the theater during pendency of
the suit. The $50,000 bond covers
only damages which the Dallmer Co.
if upheld in higher court, may suffer
by being prevented from operating
the theater during the expected 10-
month litigation in higher courts.
Franconi-Fidler Interests
Take Mono. K.C. Franchise
Dallas — Integration of the Mono-
gram franchise office in Kansas City,
with those in Dallas, Denver, and
Salt Lake City, making a four-branch
operation, said to be the most exten-
sive in the Monogram system of
franchises, is announced here by
John L. Franconi. Franconi, and his
co-partner Edwin Blumenthal, own-
ers of the Dallas Monogram fran-
chise, in association with Lon T.
Fidler, Monogram franchise owner
for Denver and Salt Lake City, have
purchased the Kansas City fran-
chise, possession being taken yes-
terday. Leland Allen, former buyer
for Commonwealth Theaters, Kansas
City, has been appointed branch
manager, and Ralph Heft office man-
ager and city salesman. Fidler and
Franconi will take turn-about for
one week in each month for general
supervision.
Cincy V. C. Outing July 19
Cincinnati — The Queen City Var-
iety Club's annual family outing is
set for July 19 at the Summit Hills
Country Club, Dixie Highway.
A. G. Allen Resigns as
Chairman of ABC
(Continued from Page 1)
a possible deal for control of the
circuit in which Warner Bros, are
financially interested.
There have been persistent re-
ports during the last few months
that A. J. Rank was angling for
control through purchase of the
dominant Maxwell estate interest.
ABC has two joint managing di-
rectors, Max Milder, representing
Warners, and E. Lightfoot, acting
for the British interests.
Allen, who is an attorney, had
been chairman of Associated Brit-
ish Cinema since the Maxwell estate
sold half of its interest in ABC
about 18 months ago to Warner
Bros. He had also been associated
with the late John Maxwell, who in
addition to his vast motion picture
holdings, had also been an attorney
himself. It is believed Allen held
very little stock in ABC.
Metro Minneapolis Branch
Plaque Honors 5 in Service
Minneapolis — Five employes of
Metro's local branch now in the
armed service, were honored when a
plaque inscribed with their names,
was dedicated at the office here iri the
presence of relatives of the quintet.
The plaque, of walnut topped by
a silver spread eagle, contains the
names of Lt. Oliver Lener, Pvt. Rob-
ert Hazelton, Corp. Melvin Turner,
Pvt. Ray Haberland and Pvt. William
Donaldson. Lerner already is over-
seas.
W. H. Workman, branch manager
unveiled the plaque.
WLB Finally Approves
SOPEG Contract With UA
War Labor Board finally has ap-
proved the SOPEG contract with
United Artists covering home of-
fice white collar workers. Pact,
signed last January, provides for a
raise increase of approximately 15
per cent, retroactive to Nov. 21 last.
BACK IN CIVVIES
Honorably Discharged
KENNETH THOMAS, from the Army, to Para-
mount Theater, Hammond, Ind.
BIG PICTURE
p^SBS*'
*****
BARTON MacLANE
HARRY SHANNON
PAT BRADV
ARLINE JUDGE
and
BOB NOLAN
■nd
THE SONS OF J0SEPH k»ne. Dlredor
THE PIONEERS ^'^T^^SlZ^'
Buy War'Bonds ! "ssoc,a,e Producer' "ABRlf GREY
It's a
REPUBLIC PICTURE
w
DAILY
Thursday, July 8, 1943
20th-Fox Sets 15
Pix; Minor A's Out
{Continued from Page 1)
have already figured in studio an-
nouncements, will toe musicals and
as many more will be in Technicolor,
Schenck said.
Roster of 15 is headed by "Wil-
son," previously disclosed as Za-
nuck's first personal production.
Slated for the color vat are Harry
Sherman's "Buffalo Bill," "Green-
wich Village," musical starring
Carmen Miranda, and the Betty
Grable vehicle, "Where Do We Go
From Here?"
Other pix placed by Schenck on
the production schedule yesterday
included: "Happy Land," "Tam-
pico," Edward G. Robinson starrer;
"Lifeboat," to be directed by Alfred
Hitchcock; "The Lodger," Mrs. Bel-
loc Lowndes' murder mystery; "Am-
bassador Dodd's Diary"; "Eve of St.
Mark," which John Stahl will direct;
"Torpedo Squadron 8," "Keys of the
Kingdom," A. J. Cronin's best sel-
ler acquired from David O. Selz-
nick; "Four Jills and a Jeep," with
Carol Landis, Martha Raye, Kay
Francis and Mitzi Mayfair, and "Mo-
ment of Music," Benny Goodman
vehicle.
Geneva Theater Closes;
Driving Ban Is Blamed
Rochester — Schine's Temple in
nearby Geneva has been closed be-
cause of the ban on pleasure driving.
Schine's Geneva and Regent have
remained open.
WEDDING BELLS
Fredericton, N. B. — Miriam Eliza-
beth Eardley, of Fredericton, and
William H. Metz, of St. John, N. B.,
were married here. The groom is in
charge of advertising for the Spen-
cer theaters.
Indianapolis — Marilyn Brown, sec-
retary in Universal booking depart-
ment, and Maurice Bassett, Shelby-
ville, Ind., have announced their
wedding for July 28.
Indianapolis — Ruth Gasper, War-
ners billing department, and f.c. P. 0.
Thomas A. Prewitt will be married
Saturday in Piedmont, Cal.
Cincinnati — Metro's Esther Shedd
married Sergt. J. M. Polito, now sta-
tioned in California.
Las Vegas, Nev. — Betty Grable
and Harry James were married Mon-
day.
New Haven — Lt. Frank Manente,
former assistant at the Loew-Poli,
was married here to Grayce Coca
and leaves for Texas with his bride.
HCLLyWCCD DIGEST
SIGNED
VICTOR SAVILLE, produce and direct "Heart of a
City," Columbia.
PETER LORRE, termer, Warners.
DON DOUGLAS, termer, iRKO.
PEGGY O'NEILL, termer, Charles R. Rogers.
FIBBER McGEE & MOLLY, two pictures, RKO.
KERMIT MAYNARD, termer, Republic.
ASSIGNMENTS
MAURICE SEIDERMAN, makeup director, "Since
You Went Away," Vanguard.
GEORGE SIDNEY, "Mr. Co-ed," M-C-M.
CEORCE SIDNEY, director, "Mr. Co-ed," M-C-M.
WILLIAM BEAUDINE, director, "The Thirteenth
Guest," Monogram.
FRED KANE, associate producer, "Dr. Paul
Joseph Goebbels, His Life and Loves," W.
R. Frank.
LEE ZAHLER, score, "Tiger Fangs," Jack
Schwarz-PRC.
ALBERT J. COHEN, producer, "Atlantic City,"
Republic.
CHARLES MARION and TIM RYAN, screen-
play, "The Thirteenth Guest," Monogram.
JACK CONWAY, director, "Dragon Seed," M-
C-M.
•
CASTINGS
PETER LORRE, "Passage to Marseille," War-
ners; ELAINE RILEY, "An American Story," and
"Higher and Higher," RKO; HENRY HULL, "Life-
boat," 20th-Fox; ANN REVERE, "Standing Room
Only," Paramount; PEGGY O'NEILL, "One Man's
Family," Charles R. Rogers for UA; WILLIAM
DAVIDSON, "Cover Girl," Columbia; KATHA-
RINE HEPBURN, "Without love," M-G-M;
RAYMOND WALBURN, "Hail the Conquering
Hero," -Paramount; YVONNE de CARLO, "The
Story of Dr. Wassell," Paramount.
ROBERT WALKER, "Since You Went Away,"
David 0. Selznick; E. J. BALANTINE, VIN-
CENT PRICE and ANTHONY QUINN, "Buf-
falo Bill," 20th-Fox; BETTE DAVIS and PAUL
HENREID, "Mr. Skeffington," Warners; ANNE
GWYNNE and PECGY RYAN, "The Man of the
Family," Universal; JACK HALEY, "Higher and
Higher," RKO; LOU CROSBY, "Revenge," RKO;
ELISHA COOK, JR., "Up in Arms," Samuel
Goldwyn; LYNN MBRRICK, "Is Everybody
Happy," Columbia; LESTER ALLEN, "Tropicana,"
Columbia; SUSAN HAYWARD "Jack London,"
Samuel Bronston-UA; MARY ASTOR, "Meet
Me in St. Louis," M-G-M; VLADMIR SOKO-
LOFF, "Passage to Marseille,' Warners; SHEL-
LEY WINTER, "Nine Girls," Columbia; HARRY
DAVENPORT, "Government Girl," RKO; WAL-
LACE BEERY and MARJ0R1E MAIN, "Ration-
ing," M-C-M; SMILEY BURNETTE, "Beyond the
Last Frontier," Republic; DAN DURYEA, "Min-
istry of Fear," Paramount; MARGO, "An Amer-
ican Story," RKO; .
•
STORY PURCHASES
LAMAR WARRICK'S "Yesterday's Children,"
M-G-M.
SCHEDULED
"There Goes Lena Henry," Ben Bogeaus for
UA release.
"Barnstorming," producer-director, LLOYD
BACON; screenplay, MATT ALLEN.
"They Also Wear Wings," producer, SAMUEL
MARX; story, COM. HERMAN HALLAND;
screenplay, JOHN TWIST, M-G-M.
"Rationing," producer, O. 0. DULL; director,
WILLIS COLDBECK.
"The Harvey Girls," screenplay, ELINOR GRIF-
FIN and WILLIAM RANKIN; music and
lyrics, HARRY WARREN and JOHNNY
MERCER, M-C-M.
'Calling All Stars," producer, IRVING BRIS-
KIN; screenplay, MONTE BRICE, Colum-
bia.
"There Goes Lena Henry"
First by Bogeaus for UA
{Continued from Page 1^
dent of General Service Studios,
bought the novel from RKO for
$25,000 and received a script by
Kettizrings as part of the deal.
Script is to be changed for added
production values and the film is ex-
pected to go before the cameras in
late September. According to Bo-
geaus, production cost will be around
$950,000.
Loretta Young has been named
as probable star of the film. Bogeaus
has launched negotiations with her,
but consummation of the deal is in
doubt, due to the star's prior com-
mitments.
Japs Holding Dugan,
First Reported Missing
Springfield, Ohio — Pvt. John E.
Dugan, reported missing in action
more than a year ago after the fall
of Bataan and Corregidor, is a pris-
oner of the Japanese in the Philip-
pines. Pvt. Dugan was employed
by Chakeres Theaters, Inc. before
his enlistment.
New 20th-Fox 100,000-Share
Issue Sold in Few Hours
{Continued from Page 1)
night by Lehman Bros, and Hayden,
Stone & Co., which head the under-
writing group which is handling the
issue. Subscription books were
closed at noon. The stock, which is
without par value and carries a
$4.50 dividend, was offered a $100
per share.
The new stock issue was sanc-
tioned by the 20th-Fox stockholders
at a special meeting on Tuesday as
a means of providing proceeds to
enable the company to acquire the
Chase National Bank's 58 per cent
interest in National Theaters.
Chicago — Chicago brokers report
the sale of the new 100,000-share
offering of Twentieth Century-Fox
preferred stock issue in this market
as satisfactory. Liberal newspaper
advertising was used to sell the
issue here.
W. L. Peacock 111
Pittsburgh — W. L. Peacock, vet-
eran Harris Circuit theater man-
ager, now stationed at the Beech-
view Theater here, was taken very
ill while on his vacation last week
and will not be able to return to duty
for at least several weeks, it is
reported.
Rohrs to Supervise Three
More Exchanges for PRC
PRO exchanges in Dallas, Okla-
homa City and Little Rock have been
added to the division supervised by
Fred A. Rohrs, it was announced
yesterday by Arthur Greenblatt,
sales chief.
Edwin R. Booth Dead
Canton, O. — Edwin R. Booth, 55,
for several seasons manager of the
old Meyers Lake park theater here,
died at his home of a heart ailment.
10 Start on Coast,
Making 47 Shooting
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Ten new pictures are
scheduled to go into production this
week, making 47 shooting. The
check-up :
At Columbia: Five shooting, in-/
eluding "Doughboys in Ireland," V
musical, starring Kenny Baker, with
Jeff Donnell, Lynn Merrick and the
Jesters; and, "Cyclone Prairie
Rangers," Charles Starrett western,
with Jimmy Davis. Jack Fier pro-
ducing both pictures.
At M-G-M: Eleven shooting.
Monogram: Three shooting-, including' "The
Thirteenth Guest," drama, which Lindsley
Parsons is producing and Bill Beaudine di-
recting.
At Paramount: Six shooting, including
"The Story of Dr. Wassell," life story of
War Hero Corydon M. Wassell, with Gary
Cooper in the title role. Others in the cast
are Laraine Day, Signe Hasso, Stanley
Ridges, Benny McEvoy, Barbara Britton,
Philip Ann, Henry Wilcoxon, Miles Mander,
Elliott Reid and Melvin Francis. A Cecil
B. De Mille production; "Standing Room
Only," a gay comedy, co-starring Paulette
Goddard and Fred MacMurray, with Roland
Young in a major supporting role. Sidney
Lanfield directing; "Hail the Conquering
Hero," comedy starring Eddie Biacken, with
William Demarest. Preston Si urges, direct-
ing; and "Ministry of Fear," psychological
mystery drama, with Ray Milland and Mar-
jorie Reynolds in the leads, supported by
Percy Waram, Byron Fougler and Erskine
Sanford. Fritz Lang directing, with Seton
I. Miller as associate producer.
At PRC: One shooting
At RKO-Radio: Five shooting, including
"An American Story," drama scripted by
Arch Oboler, with Margo in the feminine
lead, supported by Wallj Bi own, Alan Car-
nay, John Carradine, Ro'Ceit Ryan, Amalita
Ward and James Ball. John Alter producing
and directing.
Samuel Goldwyn: Two shcoting.
At Republic: Three shooting.
At 20th Century-Fox: Five shooting, in-
cluding "Buffalo Bill," westerr. in Techni-
color, with Maureen O'Hara, Joel McCrea,
Linda Darnell, Edgar Buchanan, Chief Many
Treaties, Nick Thompson. Harry Sherman
producing and William Weliman directing:.
At United Artists: Samuel Bronson's "Jack
London," based on the life of London, co-
starring Michael O'Shea and Susan Hay-
ward. Alfred Santell directing.
At Universal: Six shooting.
At Warners: Five shooting.
tack Edwards Rites Held
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Rites were held here
for Jack Edwards, 59, veteran trade
newspaperman and formerly identi-
fied with National Screen Service.
STORKS
Chicago — Oscar Brotman of Ava-
loe and Rogers Theaters announces
birth of daughter at Cuneo hospital.
Newcomer has been named Barbara
Jo.
Indianapolis — Herbert Boss, Para-
mount booker, is the father of a 5
pound, 12 ounce, baby girl, born in
the Coleman Hospital here.
St. Louis — John (Bud) Wolf berg,
USA, formerly of the Schine Cir-
cuit, Lexington, Ky., is the father
of a baby son born here.
Thursday, July 8, 1943
1KB
DAILY
Theater- Selling Order "Outrageous" — Schine
Pleads Inability to Sell
The Theaters; That Reten-
tion is for the Public Good
(Continued from Page 1)
^filing of that suit, the Schine Cir-
cuit, in a "final report" made in ac-
cordance with the temporary Federal
Court order of May 19, 1942, asks
that the divestiture section be elimi-
nated from the order and that the
circuit be permitted to retain the 10
theater interests it has not yet dis-
posed of.
The report was filed in Federal
Court by Goodwin, Rosenbaum &
Meacham of Washington and Ed-
mund M. McCarthy of New York,
counsel for the Schine defendants.
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Disposal of six of
the 16 Schine Circuit theaters which
the circuit was ordered to divest it-
self of within one year from last
May, as the result of action brought
against the circuit and major dis-
tributors by the Department of Jus-
tice anti-trust division, was reported
to the Department in a lengthy re-
port filed this month by Schine at-
torneys.
The defendants have been unable
to dispose of any of the other 10
thus far, "although they have at-
tempted to do so with the greatest
diligence," said the report. They
ask that they not be required to
dispose of the rest, thereby calling
for a clear statement of future
plans from the Government.
Of the 16 theaters reported to have
been acquired by the circuit since
the case was first brought, in Aug-
ust 1939, the following six have
been transferred: The Paramount,
Glens Falls, N. Y.; the Webster,
Rochester, N. Y.; the Clazel and the
Lyric, Bowling Green, 0.; the Pal-
act, Clifton Springs, N. Y.; and Sco-
tia, Scotia, N. Y.
Tip-off of Government Plans
The Government decision on this
request should be a sure tip-off on
its plans for November proceedings
in the New York equity suit. The
report pointed out that between the
filing of the original New York
equity suit against the majors, their
satellites, UA, Columbia and Uni-
versal at the time of the consent
decree in that case, Paramount has
been permitted to increase its the-
WHO'S WHO IN HOLLYWOOD
• • • Presenting Interesting Personalities • • •
JOHN HUBBARD. Actor. Native of East Chicago, Indiana. Started enter-
•* tainment career with Goodman Theater Repertoire Co. of Chicago in 1933.
Preferred such to offer of his father to follow in his foot-
steps, and finally become an executive with the Inland
Steel Company. After four years of 52 weeks each
playing "stock" in Chicago, mid-West and South with
this same company, he was discovered by famed
talent scout from filmland, Oliver Hinsdale, and brought
to Hollywood and Paramount. Since 1937 screen
start, Hubbard has been (except for five months) under
long-term contract at Paramount, M-G-M, Hal Roach
and Columbia; at last named studio now. Roles he liked
best were all light comedy leads: "Housekeeper's
Daughter," "Turnabout," "Dramatic School," "Our Wife,"
and "Youth on Parade." Does radio guest shots often.
Plays golf, tends his family. Wife, Lois, school days'
sweetheart, and 2-year-old daughter, Maryan. Stands,
6 ft. Hair, Light brown. Weighs, 170 pounds. Eyes,
blue-gray.
Nunn, Missing, Found
On South Sea Isle
Cleveland — Robert Nunn, Hippo-
drome usher, reported lost at sea,
was found on a South Sea Island and
was taken aboard an American war
ship, his parents have just been in-
formed.
ater holdings from 1,093 to 1,210,
including 23 first-run houses in ma-
jor cities. Loew's added four to its
20 first-run houses, Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox added 11 to its 19 first-
run Metropolitan houses and nine
to its 499 other theaters, Warners
added 15 first-run Metropolitan
houses to its 20 and 15 other the-
aters to its 507, and RKO increased
its' number of Metropolitan first-run
theaters from 19 to 29.
The consent decree itself provided that
the defendants could retain all their the-
ater holding's acquired prior or subsequent
to the filing' of the original complaint and
added that "nothing herein shall prevent
any such defendant from acquiring theaters
or theater interests to protect its investment
or its competitive portion, or for ordinary
purposes of its business."
Hold 4 Defendants Compete
Pour of the five consenting- Paramount
defendants' in the New York suit, the brief
points out, "compete, as exhibitors, with
the defendants on whose behalf this report
is made." In the light of these circum-
stances, the report declares that "it was ah
outrageous act of oppression for the Gov-
ernment to require these defendants, having
only 150 theater interests, to attempt to
sell the 15 theater inerests which they had
acquired since the filing of the complaint
against them, while it permitted the pro-
ducer-distributor-exhibitor defendants who
were also defendants in this case to retain
the 63 metropolitan first-run theaters and
141 other theaters acquired after the filing
of the complaint."
Supporting- its contention that the court
has the discretion to release the circuit from
the necessity to dispose of the rest of these
theaters and to acquire no more theaters,
the Schine circuit includes in its report a
lengthy excerpt from the statement made by
its counsel in presenting- the consent decree
to the court.
Holding that original causes of the com-
plaint— that Schine was uniformly given
first choice on first-run pictures, the dis-
tributors refused to license films on a nor-
mal competitive basis, and that Schine was
given numerous other advantages — have been
restrained by court order, the report de-
clares that "these complaints are relied upon
by the plaintiff as grounds justifying it in
permitting the Paramount exhibitor defen-
dants to retain the theaters held and to
acquire more and they are equally applicable
to the defendants here — it is apparent as a
matter of common sense that the acquisition
of additional theaters by these defendants
and the retention of those that they have,
implement rather than restrain competition
and is in the public interest.
Unwilling to Re-acquire Theaters
'Enough has been disclosed to show to
the court that the reason why the former
owners of the interests in question were
willing to sell and why they are unwilling
to re-acquire the theaters is because they
could not operate them profitably and nec-
essarily the proper operation of these the-
aters is to the advantage of the public. It
should also be apparent on the face of the
record that the public greatly profits by
the acquisition of inadequately equipped
theaters and their proper equipment and
rehabilitation by those who are able through
experience and the possession of the neces-
sary means so to do, and this has been a
factor in giving to small communities amuse-
ment facilities comparable to those enjoyed
by those which are larger."
Schine pointed out in discussing the in-
dividual theaters disposed of under the
terms of the order that the Paramount, in
Glens Falls, N. Y., was re-acquired by Para-
mount Pictures, Inc., adding that "it should
be noted that the former owner to whom
the temporary order required preference
should be given was a producer-distributor-
exhibitor operating at the time (June 31,
1942) 1,210 theaters, 107 of which had
been acquired since the filing of the suit
against it." Scoring the court's provision
that preference on acquisition of these the-
aters should go to their former owners, the
complaint pointed out also that the Clazel
anl Lyric Theaters were turned back to their
former owners, Clark and Hazel Young, and
then released at a substantial profit to Carl
H. Schwyn of Cygnet, Ohio. "The attention
of the court is further directed to the fact
that the Department of Justice had prev-
iously advised John Stump, the former owner
of the Strand Theater, Cumberland, Md., in
response to an inquiry by him, that the
privilege of re-acquisition was a personal one
and non-transferrable."
The Schine circuit again declared its posi-
tion that inclusion of the Liberty Theater,
Pikeville, Ky., among those which were
ordered disposed of was an error, on the
grounds that the theater was acquired prior
to the filing of the suit against the circuit
in August, 1939. Atempts were made, how-
ever, to dispose of the theater. In the cases
of the other theaters included in the order,
the original owners were not interested In
re-acquiring the'm, and options on all of
them, given to Sol Shafer of Rochester, N.
Y., were not exercised.
Evidence of Good Will
The company offered as evidence of its
good faith constant reports in the trade
press on what theaters remained unsold.
Brokers, however, refuse to take an interest
in arranging deals for these theaters be-
cause the order stipulated that no commis-
sion was payable. The defendant went to
considerable expense, said the report, to
try to dispose of the properties.
"The operation of motion picture the-
aters," said the report, "is a highly competi-
tive and unusually individual type of busi-
ness which requires the constant, continuous
and alert attention and services of every
member of an organization to enable it to
function efficiently and properly, not only
in the best public interest but for the pro-
tection of the property rights involved; the
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
Eddie Cantor to Address
NEIC Dinner Meeting
Eddie Cantor will be the guest of
honor at the Astor Hotel tonight at
the final dinner meeting of the con-
tinuations committee of the Na-
tional Entertainment Industry Coun-
cil before the first session of the
NEIC next week. The comedian will
speak on entertainment and its re-
lation to morale. The agenda for
the second day of the NEIC confer-
ence will be discussed at the meeting.
continuous disruption of the regular, neces-
sary and normal course of the operation of
the business of this company by its ex-
ecutive, officers and employes by the con-
stant, continuous repetitious endeavors to
find purchasers or to negotiate and prop-
erly handle inquiries for possible purchasers
and from possible purchasers has seriously
interfered with and disrupted the efficient op-
eration of these defendants' business and
adversely affected their standing in the in-
dustry."
It was pointed out also that the theaters
are not kept in good repair, since incentive
for further investment is lacking, and that
they are therefore becoming less and less
attractive as investment possibilities for
others. Responsibility for deteriorating of
these theaters is implicitly charged to the
court order requiring their disposal.
Besides the Liberty, in Pikeville, Ky.,
other theaters still undisposed of include the
Marjorie Grand. Harlan, Ky.; the Strand,
Cumberland, Md.; the Plaza, Malone, N. Y.;
the Memorial, Mt. Vernon, Ohio; the Opera
House, Lexington, Ky.; the Ada Meade, Lex-
ington; the Viv, Corbin, Ky.; and the State
and the Appalachian. Appalachian, Va.
A decision from the Department of Jus-
tice is to be looked for within another
month or so, probably, although Robert L.
Wright, in charge of motion picture consent
decree matters for the division, refused to
predict just when the decision will be made.
He would not discuss the probable answer
of the division, refusing- to comment when
this reporter predicted that, it would not be
in the affirmative.
Snorting Instinct
Moosup, Conn. — Mrs. Miriam Hess
has used the element of surprise to
build up a strong, regular Tuesday
patronage over the past five years
at the Moosup Theater. No ad-
vance publicity on the dual to be
shown is offered the public, and
even at the box office that night,
no information is given. It's "Take
a Chance" night, and they do!
Athens, 0. — Deck of playing cards or '
10 copies of popular magazines published
this year served as admission at a film
show at the Athena Theater, sponsored by
the Kiwanis Club. The cards and maga-
zines will be given to service men on troop
trains.
. . . — V . . .—
Cedar Rapids, la. — Theater usherettes
here are going all-out in the war effort.
The gals are contributing their day off each
week to farmers in and around Cedar Rapids
who need farm help.
10
DAILY
Thursday, July 8, 1943
Divorcement Bill Gets Quick Exhibitor Reaction
"Just as Wrong as Ever,"
Kuykendall; Myers Favors
Senate Hearings in Fall
(Continued from Page 1)
where, though abused by trade prac-
tices, oppose it."
Abram F. Myers, Allied's general
counsel and board chairman, in re-
sponse to a similar invitation to ex-
press Allied's viewpoint, advised
from Washington that Allied's board,
meeting in Baltimore next month,
would determine the support to be
given the Kilgore measure.
Myers added the personal belief
that hearings by a Senatorial com-
mittee next Fall, coincidental with
the end of the New York consent
decree's trial period, "would be most
helpful."
Full texts of the two exhibitor
leaders' statements follow:
KUYKENDALL:
"The Neely bill is just as wrong
as ever. It is unworkable and does
not make sense in this industry.
Any inspiration for it must come
from misguided individuals. _ We
cannot operate under its provisions.
Sane-thinking exhibitors, every-
where, though abused by trade prac-
tices, oppose it. Let's keep our
balance, now of all times. I can-
not believe the Department of Jus-
tice approves this bill, written in
malice and spite."
MYERS:
"Support to be accorded the Kil-
gore bill will be considered by Al-
lied Board Aug. 11 and 12. Immed-
iate action is not called for as Con-
gress shortly will recess for six
weeks. Theater divorcement is a
standing policy of Allied and was
reaffirmed in a resolution on May 6
last. The board then informed the
Attorney General divorcement con-
stituted the only adequate remedy.
I personally feel hearings on the
bill next Fall, coinciding with ex-
piration of test period of consent
decree, would be most helpful. Such
hearing would develop defects of
consent decree and reveal the mys-
tery surrounding its negotiation and
entry."
PCC Reps. Have no Comment
Supporting Divorcement Bill
West Coast Bureau of THE 'FILM DAILY
Hollywood — In absence of Execu-
tive Secretary Robert H. Poole, who
is out of the city on his vacation,
representatives of PCC of ITO de-
clined to comment as to whether
their organization would press for
enactment of the theater divorce-
ment bill, or support it.
Wotta Man Adam!
Chicago — Caught on the marquee
of Warners' Cosmo Theater here:
"Adam Had Four Sons"
"Seven Sweethearts"
TO THE COLORS!
* DECORATED *
CORP. SHELDON A. WALSH, USA, formerly,
Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, awarded the
Purple Heart.
Photographer's Mate, 1. F. FLYNN, USN, form-
erly with Technicolor, awarded the Air
Medal for gallantry in action in the South
Pacific area.
LT. ROSS L. BLACHLY, USA, formerly with
Eastman Kodak. Hollywood, decorated for
meritorious action in the Southwest Pacific.
— • —
PROMOTED
VAUGHN PAUL, USN, formerly Universal art
director, Hollywood, to lieutenant (j.g.).
CHARLES COOPER, USAAF, formerly general
manager, Jack Kirsch Theaters, Chicago, to
sergeant.
— • —
* ARMY *
ERNEST RICHTER, technical advisor, Universal,
Hollywood.
BEN LOVELESS, transcription dept., Republic,
Hollywood.
JAMES THOMPSON, Apollo Theater, Chicago.
EDDIE SEGUIN, publicity dept., B & K, Chicago.
HERBERT L. JOSEPHS, son of the owner of the
Triangle, Pittsburgh.
JOHN JAFFURS, JR., manager, Star, Glassport,
Pa.
JOSEPH GOLDSTEIN, son of Nathan E. Gold-
stein, president of Western Massachusetts
Theaters, Springfield. Mass.
MICKEY NUNES, son of Morris Nunes, head of
Progressive Premiums, New Haven.
WILLIAM DUCKWORTH, operator, Licking The-
ater, Licking, Mo.
LOUIS COLLINS, manager, Canton Theater, Can-
ton, Mo.
HARRY THOMS, manager, Clencoe Theater, Clen-
coe, III.
R. D. STALLINGS, manager, Imperial, Charlotte.
— • —
* NAVY *
WILLIAM BROWN, shipper, 20th-Fox, Cincin-
nati.
WILLIAM WANG, Metro home office publicist.
— • —
* MARINE CORPS *
ERNEST KORNCOLD, son of Erich Wolfgang
Korngold, Warner music composer, Holly-
wood.
— • —
* ARMY AIR FORCE *
CY JACOBSON, film buyer, Indiana-Illinois
Theater Circuit, Chicago.
* TO OFFICERS SCHOOL *
RICHARD LEWIS, motion picture editor, Times,
Indianapolis.
Superb Delivery Record
Is Hung Up by RKO Radio
What appears as a unique record
in modern film annals is about to be
attained by RKO Radio in the mat-
ter of delivering an announced sea-
son's lineup virtually 100 per cent.
Speaking to 300 delegates to the
company's annual sales meeting in
New York a year ago, Ned E. Depi-
net, organization president, prom-
ised 45 features and 185 snorts on
the 1942-43 program. Only one, —
"Grand Canyon," — will not be de-
livered, and for the reason that its
making would not be consistent with
the policy of doing everything pos-
sible to aid in the war's winning.
The picture, it is declared by the
company, was forced off the sched-
ule of attractions because transpor-
tation problems, gas rationing and
the need for tire conservation made
it impractical to film the picture on
the distant Grand Canyon location.
Bob Wile Joins Universal
Robert Wile, recently editor of the
Motion Picture Herald Round Table,
has joined Universal as assistant to
A. J. Sharick, manager of the Sales
Promotion Department. Wile will
devote most of his time to the de-
velopment of sales promotional ideas
and literature.
Estabrook Adapting "Hairy Ape"
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Jules Levey has
signed Howard Estabrook who sce-
narized "The Human Comedy," to
adapt and write the screenplay of
his "The Hairy Ape," which will be
based on hit play by Eugene O'Neill.
WB Midwestern District
Head to be Named Today
(Continued from Page 1)
sales manager, presiding. Embrac-
ing 14 exchange territories, the
Chicago assemblage will number at
least 110 and will be the largest of
the three gatherings.
Branch sales personnel attending
here includes the Midwest District,
for which a new district manager is
expected to be announced by Kal-
menson at today's session; the
Southern District, headed by Ralph
L. McCoy, and the Prairie District,
headed by Hall Walsh.
Home office delegation on hand in-
cludes, in addition to Kalmenson,
Joseph Bernhard, Arthur Sachson,
Roy Haines, A. W. Schwalberg,
Jules Lapidus, Norman H. Moray,
Howard Levinson, Ed Hinchy, I. F.
Dolid, Albert S. Howson.
Charles Einfeld, director of ad-
vertising and publicity, is due to
arrive today or tomorrow to address
the meeting before proceeding to
New York for conferences on the
launching of Irving Berlin's "This
is the Army."
Mort Blumenstock, in charge of
advertising and publicity in the
East, who was to have participated
in the Chicago sales meeting, was
detained in New York by the pres-
sure of work on "This is the Army"
and is expected to arrive here to-
morrow.
Stores Closed, Biz Declines
Rochester, N. Y. — Saturday clos-
ing policy, adopted for the Summer
by local retail stores, is cutting Sat-
urday matinee biz.
i S I CI
IN NEW POSTS
SOL FRANCIS, special home office rep., Mono
gram, Midwestern territory.
WALTER DONAHUE, assistant office manager
Columbia, Philadelphia exchange.
BOB WILE, sales promotion dept., Universal
home office.
MAXINE SMITH, publicity director, J. Walter
Thompson, Hollywood.
RALPH LAWLER, Central Illinois district man-
ager, Publix Great States Theaters, St.
Louis.
GLENN SHIPP, manager, Darb, Manteno, III.
ROBERT ANDERSON, supervisor, Anderson The-
ater Circuit, Morris, III.
MILLARD McKIRGAN, manager, Grand, Piano,
111.
EARL HOLDEN, manager, Imperial, Charlotte.
(
See Mexico Training
Field for Pix Execs.
(Continued from Page 1)
Universal — and it is understood that
other distributors also have plans.
Tip-off came when it was an-
nounced that Richard Spierman and
Mike Shatin, assigned here by War-
ners some time ago, are slated for
foreign distribution executive posts
under Robert Schless. Spierman, at
one time in India for RKO, will take
over for Warners in South Africa,
it is said, while Shatin, also ' not
without foreign experience already —
he was in Tokyo for some time — is
said scheduled for an assignment to
India.
Columbia Hands Out Two
Directorial Assignments
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Columbia has signed
Victor Saville to produce and direct
"Heart of a City." Picture, which
will be in Technicolor, will be a Rita
Hayworth starring vehicle.
With the signing of a new produc-
ing contract at Columbia, Lou Edel-
man was also handed the assign-
ment of producing a new Paul Muni
starring vehicle, tentatively titled
"At Night We Dream," which goes
into preparation immediately.
Night Club, Laching
Talent, Shows Films
Youngstown, O. — Paul Alvino,
operator of the Rendezvous Villa,
night club, has changed its name
to the Theater Club and is offering
movies three nights a week, and floor
show entertainment and orchestra
the other four nights. Using films
solves the shortage of entertainers,
according to Alvino.
3 A N
IS V V M!!Z
•1J I Z
CH ) cl cl tl ^
M i5 I3 I) A
2 f> W 4ATH
NYC
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
FILE COPY
&O NOT REMOVE
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
X75fi 84, NO. 6
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, JULY 9, 1943
TEN CENTS
MELLETTS OWI RESIGNATION REPORTED IN
NTS "Magic Bridge" Speeds Post- War Equip.
Editorial
Scratch-pad
. . . jottings
-= By CHESTER B. BAHN ===
THE more you have an opportunity to size
' up what other industries are doing to
cope with war-time problems, the more
you are impressed with what film biz is
accomplishing in that respect. ... In some
cases, there's really no comparison. . . .
Take, f'r instance, the railroads. . . . And
what follows is based on personal experi-
ence. ... In display copy in the daily press
o' late, the lines have been stressing their
war-time difficulties and how they're largely
being solved. . . . That is, all but the lack
of extra rolling stock to handle the increased
traffic. . . . But there is emphasis in the
copy on how the men in uniform are get-
ting first call on accommodations, which is,
of course, as it should be. . . . And no kicks
from this 1943 civilian, who happens to
have a couple of proxies in uniform this
time.
BUT are the boys in unform getting that
heralded "break" from the railroads?
. . . Well, your columnar reporter traveled
the other week-end on a Pittsburgh to New
York train on an "A" railroad. . . . The
dozen-odd coaches were filled 90 per cent
with men in uniform. . . . Sure, some of the
coaches were de luxe and supposedly air
conditioned. ... But the cooling equipment
was out of order. . . . And the train crew
was unconcerned. . . . The sanitary state
of the coaches, some extremely ancient,
ranged from dirty to just plain filthy. . . .
A continuous stream of cinders sifted in
the window frames. . . . Lavatories in some
coaches were merely holes in the floor, with
no flush facilities. . . . And there were no
wash basins.
DEFORE the train had completed half the
" run to New York, many of the coaches
were without drinking water and others
without paper cups. . . . And by the time
Harrisburg had been reached, service men
were moving vainly through the train in
search of a drink of water. . . . Sure, there
were several intervening stops. . . . But
there was no effort made to fill the water
tanks or to replenish the supply of cups. . . .
So, cramped in dirty seats, or sprawled
grotesquely across them and their barracks
bags in search of sleep, the service men —
some of them bearing shoulder bars —
(Continued on Page 2)
Plan Embraces Special
Survey Covering Require-
ments of Individual Houses
Film houses throughout the nation
are potential beneficiaries of a new
plan just instituted and announced
by National
Theatre Sup-
0 f National-
ist National-
Simplex-
Bl oodworth,
Inc., whereby
not only will
delivery of all
post-war the-
ater equipment
be accelerated
but made
available to
exhibition out-
1 e t s without
advance "o p -
tions" or down
payments.
Christened the "Magic Bridge"
(Continued on Page 6)
WALTER E. GREEN
Coe Pays Eloquent
Tribute to Industry
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Characterizing Holly-
wood as the best known and most
beloved "home town" on earth,
Chai'les Francis "Socker" Coe, at a
banquet of the Hollywood Chamber
of Commerce honoring the motion
picture industry said: "From this
(Continued on Page 4)
NEIC SPEAKERS
Tibbett, Maj. Gen. Osborne to
Address Conference
At its meeting at the Hotel Astor
last night the continuations commit-
tee of the National Entertainment
Industry Council, announcement was
made that several speakers have
been added to the roster of those
who will deliver addresses at the
first day's meeting of the Council,
next Wednesday. Lawrence Tibbett,
Maj. Gen. Frank Osborn and Win-
throp Aldrich were those added to
the list. Elmer Davis, OWI chief,
and Ted Gamble of the Treasury De-
(Continued on Page 4)
, Army in
Aleutians" Dispute
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — It looks as if Lowell
Mellett will leave behind him when
he retires next week from his posi-
tion as head of the OWI motion pic-
ture bureau one final disagreement
(Continued on Page 6)
Official Announcement of
His Quitting Expected to
Be Made in Capital Today
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — OWI will an-
nounce today the resignation
of Lowell Mellett, motion pic-
ture chief, effec-
tive on or about
July 15. It was
admitted by re-
liable sources
last night that
Mellett has re-
signed, although
no official confir-
mation was forth-
coming. Mellett,
former head of
the Office of Gov-
ernment Reports,
had been chief of
the domestic mo-
tion picture bu-
reau since OWI
was formed over
a year ago. Despite several misun-
(Continued on Page 5)
LOWELL MELLETT
Goldwyn, Mulvey to Host
RKO Convention Delegates
Delegates to RKO Radio's twelfth
annual sales meeting which starts a
three-day session on Monday, at the
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, will be
(Continued on Page 6)
Manpower Shortage Growing
Graver Problem Likely, WB Sales Meet Told
Kalmenson Sends Seed
To Fill Midwestern Gap
Chicago — Harry Seed, New York
Metropolitan District Manager, for
Warners, has been assigned to the
Midwest district, comprising Detroit,
Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneap-
olis, in an acting capacity for an
indefinite period, it was announced
(Continued on Page 5)
Chicago — Warning that the grow-
ing shortage of manpower may
eventually confront the industry with
a problem far more serious than that
heretofore faced was sounded at
Warners' regional sales meeting at
the Blackstone Hotel here yesterday
by both Joseph Bernhard, vice-presi-
dent of the company, and Ben Kal-
menson, sales chief.
Both speakers, who addressed the
(Continued on Page 6)
Offer Morrison Co.
Top Spot to Walker
James J. Walker, former Mayor
of New York and veteran film indus-
try leader, commenting last night in
an interview with The Film Daily,
confirmed the Hollywood report that
he had been offered the presidency
of the new Morrison film company
(Continued on Page 4)
Owl Shows Clich
In Mich. Drive-ins
Detroit — Saturday Midnight shows
for war workers in the city's two
Drive-In Theaters have proved suc-
cessful. Drive-ins are located at the
eytreme outskirts, and are con-
veniently accessible by highways
from all parts of town. Attendance
has been averaging around 50 cars to
these late shows, with a night's
total of perhaps 400 in each theater.
Tfflt
DAILY
Friday, July 9, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 6 Fri., July 9, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address-
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Thursday, July 8)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
161/2 163/8 161/2 + 1/8
18 17% 17% + i/2
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2V2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd..
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd..
East. Kodak 1
do pfd 1
Gen. Prec. Eq
toew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
■RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros
do pfd
NEW YORK
Para. B'way 3s55. . .
iPara. Picts. deb. 4s56
NEW YORK
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor
Trans-Lux
Universal Picts
3
171/2
66
80
22
6II/2
291/4
9%
943/4
21%
327/8
3 3
17 17
651/2 166
80 180
22 22
61% 61 1/4 +
+ Vs
— Vi
+ 1
+ '/4
%
28V2 29 + %
9 91/4 +
941/2 943/4 +
2H/4 21% +
32% 325/8 + Vs
'153/4
891/2
BOND
771/2
CURB
33/4
13/4
3%
13%
14% 15
893/8 893/8
MARKET
77% 771/2
MARKET
3% 33/4 + 1/4
l3/4 13/4
3% 3% + 1/s
123/4 13
19% 19i/8 19% +
Lehman Corp. Adds 15,000
Shares of 20th-Fox Com.
Addition of 15,000 shares of 20th-
Fox common to the Lehman Corp.
stock portfolio in the June quarter is
revealed in the investment house's
financial statement for the fiscal
year ended June 30.
Gambles Opening New House
Portland, Ore. — The new 750-seat
Vanport Theater is scheduled for
opening on July 15. Theater will be
operated by the Ted R. Gamble in-
terests, and will be under the per-
sonal supervision of Willard Gamble.
Scratch-pad
. . . jottings
(Continued from Page 1)
endured a night that was 100 per cent
nightmare.
A DMITTEDLY, the war has made severe
** and unusual demands on the railroads.
. . . But so has it upon the nation's thea-
ters. . . . Yet contrast the physical condi-
tion of the theaters with that of the rail-
road coaches (at least on this particular
railroad, which, incidentally, is one of those
advertising in the dailies). . . . And com-
pare, further, this industry's attention to the
welfare of the armed forces with that
described and you'll be just a bit prouder
of film biz.
Clearance Reduction
Ordered in Ohio Case
Arbitrator Robert H. Sanborn has
ordered reduction of the clearance
granted Warners' Ohio and Sigma
Theaters, Lima, O., to three days
over the Capitol, Delphos, O., in an
arbitration hearing before the Cleve-
land tribunal. Sanborn further stip-
ulated that the Capitol may play
pictures released by RKO, Loew's
and Paramount not later than 21
days after Cleveland release date.
Award came from an action
brought by E. L. Staub, owner of
the Capitol against Vitagraph, RKO,
Loew's and Paramount which pro-
tested the 14 days' clearance granted
to Lima houses. Action against Vi-
tagraph was dismissed and the costs
divided between the complainant and
the defendants.
16 mm. Pix for RCAF Camps
New Dom. Exhib. Headache
Ottawa — Increased competition is
seen for theaters in the announce-
ment 16 mm. films will be available
at upwards of a hundred camps of
RCAF simultaneously with the re-
lease of the same product to first-
run commercial theaters in a new
arrangement for distribution of nar-
row prints throughout the Air Force
by Government-recognized auxiliary
services.
Complaint had been that airmen
had to wait several months after
theater premieres before 16 mm. fea-
tures were shown in camp theaters.
RCAF has organized a distribu-
tion system of its own similar to
that of film exchanges to expedite
bookings.
"U" Signs Tex Ritter
For Seven Western Pix
West Coast Bureau of THE' FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Universal has signed
Tex Ritter to star in seven west-
erns for the 1943-44 season. They
will be made by associate producer
Oliver Drake, who made seven for
last year's release, in which Ritter
was co-starred with Johnny Mack
Brown. Fuzzy Knight will again
head the featured supporting cast.
Congress Votes to
Adjourn Tomorrow
Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The House late yes-
terday joined the Senate in approving
a recommendation that Congress be
adjourned until Sept. 14, unless sum-
moned for a special session before
then.
$1,000,000 Slander Suit
Against 306 Dismissed
Supreme Court Justice Morris
Eder yesterday dismissed the $1,-
000,000 slander action brought by
the Scoop 14th St. Theater Corp.,
owners of the City Theater, against
Local 306, operators. The court
granted the corporation leave to file
an amended complaint in a damage
action against the union, also nam-
ing as a defendant Herman Gelber,
head of Local 306. The damage ac-
tion seeks $2,200 a day for 22 days
of an alleged unlawful strike called
by the union on April 30.
The court dismissed the slander
action on the grounds that the cor-
poration did not state sufficient facts
to constitute a cause of action. The
plaintiffs had charged that a Local
306 picket had called the owners of
the house "tools of Laval."
Five "U" Features to Get
Relay-Runs in Criterion
Several of Universal's top pro-
ductions will occupy the Criterion's
screen during the next few months,
it was announced yesterday by that
company. "Hers To Hold," with
Deanna Durbin and Joseph Cotten
in the top roles, follows the current
"Bombardier" into the house. Sub-
sequently, the Abbott and Costello
comedy, "Hit the Ice," is ticketed for
the stand.
Other "U" attraction in the chain
of bookings are Howard Hawks'
"Corvette K-225," starring Randolph
Scott; Walter Wanger's "We've Nev-
er Been Licked," with Noah Beery,
Jr., Richard Quine, Anne Gwynne,
and Martha O'Driscoll; and the Tech-
nicolor opus, "Cobra Woman," star-
ring Maria Montez, Jon Hall and
Sabu.
COminG and G0IF1G
"man-
Warners Will Re-Issue
Two James Cagney Films
"The Oklahoma Kid," starring
James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart
and "Torrid Zone," starring Cagney
and Ann Sheridan, are scheduled for
re-issue by Warners to augment next
season's lineup.
"Oklahoma Kid" is tentatively
down as a September release with
"Torrid Zone" expected to follow a
few months later. Current high pop-
ularity of the stars plus fact that
Warner Bros, has several thousand
more accounts now than when the
pictures originally came out are un-
derstood to be among the reasons
for reviving them.
CHARLIE EINFELD leaves Coast today for
New York.
BRYAN FOY, Director, BOB MONTGOMERY,
JACK GOLDSTEIN and JULES FIELDS are in
Chicago for the premiere of "Roger Touhy,
Gangster."
CHARLES MORRISON leaves the Coast ^"day
for New York to confer with Jimmy Wat
the company's presidency.
HARRY M. KALMINE, assistant general"
ager of the Warner circuit, has gone to Pitts-
burgh for the dinner given for Clair Meeder,
who has been named assistant to Joseph C.
Petrillo, head of the American Federation of
Musicians. He'll be back on Monday.
OSCAR F. NEU, head of Neumade Products
Corp., is back from an extended business trip
to the Middle West.
JOHN R. WOOD, JR., business manager of the
March of Time, has gone to Washington for the
cocktail party for Charles E. Peppiatt, newly
installed 20th-Fox branch manager there.
GLORIA SWANSON is playing at the Erlanger,
Buffalo, in "Let Us Be Cay," the Rachel
Crothers comedy.
W. E. J. (Bill) MARTIN, drama editor of Ihe
Courier-Express, (Buffalo, and MRS. MARTIN are
on a Great Lakes vacation cruise.
DAVE COPLAN, United Artists Canadian
division manager, returns to Toronto today
after a short visit to the home office.
STEPHEN SLESINCER, head of Stephen Sles-
inger, Inc., has returned from Hollywood.
Skouras and Silverstone
To England Late in Month
Accompanied by Spyros Skouras,
20th-Fox prexy, Murray Silverstone,
vice-president in charge of foreign
distribution, plans to leave late in
the month on a long-contemplated
trip to England. In the event that
company business prevents Skouras
from going, Silverstone will make
the trip solo. Trip, plans for which
were formulated shortly after Sil-
verstone joined the company, has
been marking time pending comple-
tion of the National Theaters deal,
among other things.
Remodel Rio Theater
Rio de Janeiro — Luiz Severiano
Ribeiro Circuit is remodeling the
Palacio Teatro in the center of the
city.
A NEW SERVICE
GEORGE L. STONE, President
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, Inc.
with 22 years of achievement in the
commercial employment agency field
announces the inauguration of a new
departmet devoted exclusively to
RADIO & MOTION PICTURES
under the personal supervision of
FRANK McGRANN
formerly Exploitation Director of
Columbia Pictures, and for 20 years
prominently connected with theatrical,
radio and motion picture organizations.
331 MADISON AVENUE, N. Y. C.
Tel. MUrray Hill 2-6494
Certified^
^Pp
reciatioi^
^,. to the.
Republic Pictures
aorporatioa.
Saxi Jr
ours.
* San Q***"'
\Oixr Z^aroLe*^
THE REHABILITATION OF THE MEN OF SAN Q
* DAILY
Friday, July 9, 1943
Coe Pays Eloquent
Tribute to Industry
{Continued from Page 1)
town there reaches across the civil-
ized world actual beams of light
which illumine for mankind the high-
est standard of living, of broadened
education and rampant opportunity
that history has yet devised. It is
less than 50 years since the first
showing of a motion picture. , In
that time motion pictures have be-
come an indispensable part of civil-
ized living."
Coe„ introduced by Judge Harlan
G. Palmer as "a representative of an
industry which, in making its home
among us, has made us known as mo-
tion picture capital of the world,"
spoke on "Hollywood Looks Toward
a New World."
Governor Earl Warren also voiced a tribute
to the industry, stressing' the "breadth and
depth" challenge the future world will pose
to films.
Coe assured his listeners that "the indus-
try will meet that challenge with courage,
initiative and fidelity.
"Uncle Sam, in his greatest need, turned
to motion pictures to educate, to train, to
prepare men and women for the Herculean
task of world-wide war," he said. "Not
only did motion pictures respond: I am proud
to tell you that the industry performed with-
out a thought of, or collection of, profit.
As world figures go, a mere handful of hu-
mans is 20,000. Yet here in Hollywood that
average number wraps the civilized world in
that gaiety and drama which is motion pic-
tures.
"No subject is so abstruse as to deny
itself expression on the silver screen. A
new method of learning is ours. How simple
it is to learn with laughter in lesson, with
graphic demonstration of principles involved,
with interest at fever pitch as truth unfolds.
Around us a new world dawns. Philoso-
phically and materially, change is the order
of the day. Achievements of war will con-
tribute to the processes of peace. On land,
on sea and under the sea, in the air, the
new will supplant the old. Our home life
will alter commensurately.
"The motion picture industry will be
alert to its increasing responsibilities in that
new life. With photographic fidelity it will
reveal to all the who, why, when and where
of the march of progress. First offensive
against ignorance must be knowledge. What-
ever imparts knowledge easily and pleas-
antly houses ambition and routs ignorance.
Persaps that is the highest calling of motion
pictures, because it presupposes knowledge
and demands that most vital of all pic-
ture elements — entertainment."
"It is clear," he told his listeners, "that a
generation of several peoples have been in-
doctrinated with spurious philosophies of
leachery, ignorance and greed, War will
overcome these benighted peoples and their
wanton leadership, but peace will have the
problem of their remnants and offspring.
Education alone can restore decency and
democracy. And the motion picture is great-
est instrumentality of education available
to man."
WEDDING BELLS
Seattle, Wash. — Herndon Edmond,
former branch manager here for
20th Century-Fox, and Lorraine
Armstrong of this city were married
June 8 in Towson, Md., it is an-
nounced.
Peggy Dexter, British film player,
and Lt. Joseph Rose of Minnesota,
are engaged to be married.
T T T
• • • IT was "double feature" yester evening in the Chrysler
Building's Cloud Club First oil. March of Time unleashed a special
trade press preview of its latest issue, "Bill lack vs. Adolph Hitler" (and
incidentally one of the company's best), and immediately thereafter held
a reception and buffet supper for the genial and hard-hitting Howard
Black, vice.-prexy of Time, Inc., and recently named sales and distribu-
tion advisory solon by M of T From the 20th-Fox camp came Tom
Connors, George Roberts, the three Bills (Clark, Gehring and Kupper).
Martin Moskowitz, Murray Silverstone, Sam Sham, Dave Bader, et al,
and from M of T the Messrs. Dick deRochemont and Phil Williams, plus
Mary Johnson, assistant to Guest of Honor Black Ye Trade Press
representatives comprised Don Mersereau, Chester B. Bahn, Sherwin
"Sherry" Kane, Bill Formby. Jerry Jerauld, Mel Konecoff, Jim Cron, Mike
Wier, Herb Fecke, Elizabeth Cunningham, Gertrude Merriam, Chet Fried-
man, Floyd Stone, Charles Becker, and others Summary: The venue
was lofty, and so was the quality of film and menu presented
T ▼ T
0 0 0 IATSE celebrates its golden anniversary on July 17. . . .
• William B. Jaffe, prominent film attorney and legal advisor to the
New York Area's WMC, is back at his desk following a brief illness. . . .
0 Henri Elman, Chi. franchise holder for PRC, moves his exchange
tomorrow to new and larger quarters The new address is 1327 5.
Wabash Ave., and Henri will give a house-warming party to celebrate
transplanting of his biz. ... 0 Universal will test Jackie Kelk when
the "Homer" of the airwaves Aldrich Family arrives in Hollywood on
Aug. 5. . . . 0 Columbia is shooting all-Sepia short, featuring Cootie
Williams and His Band, with Laurel Watson, Eddie Vinson, and the
Douglas Bros Harry Foster is directing, and Maxwell Cohn is in
charge of production. ... 0 'Nother musical "notation": Korn Kob-
blers band has landed the melody-purveying spot on WOR's "It Fays To
Be Ignorant" program The lads have also completed a short for
Paramount, titled "Rationed Rhythm". ... 0 Spri?igfield, O., wafts
word that Maj. Hal Roach is assigned to the Materiel Division of the
Army Air Forces at Wright Field His task is to standardize pic
photographic equipment Hal and his wife (the former Lucille
Prim of Los Angeles) make their home in Springfield
T ▼ ▼
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Nebraska Variety Club
To Hold Jamboree Monday
Omaha — The Nebraska Variety
club plans an all-day theatrical jam-
boree at Peony Park Monday, to
give the public a chance to meet
those in the show business. Herbie
Kay is donating his services to the
event, proceeds of which will go to
Variety club charities. The bands
of Norton Wells and Paul Moorhead
also will play.
Guest of honor will be Jane Wy-
man. Sale of War Bonds and Stamps
will be pushed during the big pro-
gram which includes athletic events,
dancing, swimming and an exhibition
baseball game by boys from Boys
Town.
E. I. Rubin is general chairman.
Basil Complaints Tilt
Arbitration in Buffalo
Buffalo — Buffalo arbitration trib-
unal has jumped into second place
in the country in number of cases,
with the filing by Basil Bros. The-
aters of their third and fourth de-
mands within two weeks. Both are
clearance cases, naming the "Big
Five" as defendants. (The Film
Daily, July 7).
Two intervenors have filed in a
previous case brought by Basil Bros,
on behalf of the Apollo, Buffalo,
asking reduction of present 14-day
clearance for Shea's Elmwood over
the Apollo to immediately after the
Elmwood. Buffalo Theaters, Inc.,
intervened on behalf of the Elm-
wood, and M. M. Konczakowski in-
tervened as operator of the Regent
and the Grenor Corp. as owners of
the Regent's property.
IN NEW POSTS
LEW SCHREIBER, executive assistant to Darryl
Zanuck, Hollywood.
HENRY PLUDE, manager, Fort Theater, Rock
Island, III.
EMMETT LOCKARD, manager, Omaha Theater,
Omaha. , —
TED EMERSON, manager, Paramount 1 r,
Omaha. -'
FRED PLESS, manager, Uptown, Des Moines.
GEORGE LAWSON, manager, Roosevelt, Des
Moines.
Offer Morrison Co.
Top Spot to Walker
(Continued from Page 1)
by Charlie Morrison, but that "be-
fore I can even consider it, I will
have to consult primarily with my
present associates, the garment in-
dustry and Harry Brandt and the
exhibitors whom I am now serving."
One of the factors which will
largely determine any acceptance by
Walker of the Morrison offer will
be, according to its recipient, "the
time that it would require."
Consideration of the offer, Walker
added, is being given by him chiefly
because of the intimate friendship
which has existed over a number of
years between him and Morrison.
NEIC Adds Speakers
For Council Conference
(Continued from Page 1)
partment are added speakers for
Thursday.
Eddie Cantor attended the session.
He will send a message to the Coun-
cil meeting next week, it was stated.
The latest organization to join the
Council is Local 802, AFM. Several
other organizations have scheduled
meetings for next week to act on ad-
herence to the Council. These in-
clude the Radio Directors Guild,
League of New York Theaters,
IATSE, AGMA and WAC.
JULY 9
Claude C. Ezell Ralph Wilk
Frank Namczy Al Steen
1 JULY 10
Dudley Murphy Sam Wood
Joan Marsh
JULY 11
Sally Blane Walter Wanger
Friday, July 9, 1943
iftiu
* DAILY
Mellelf Reported
Resigning from OWI
(Continued from Page 1)
derstandings with the industry, he
was generally respected by all who
df^ It with him, and the industry
i ^—d in his support last month when
Or^fjress threatened to eliminate the
film bureau entirely. Only $50,000
was allocated for OWI's domestic film
activities, finally although over $1,-
200,000 had been recommended by
the budget bureau, and there simply
was not enough that could be done
by the bureau to warrant Mellett's
remaining.
The former Scripps-Howard editor
said last night that he will return to
his duties as a member of the Presi-
dent's administrative staff, and said
he did not expect to continue actively
to work with the industry.
Although Mellett will probably not
leave OWI until late next week he
will not be on hand for the meeting
among major company representa-
tives and OWI Director Elmer Da-
vis and Domestic Director E. Palmer
Hoyt, tentatively planned for early
next week. Mellett said last night
that he has not been asked to at-
tend this meeting. (No date has
yet been officially set' for the get-
together, in which Hoyt and Davis
hope to arrive at a satisfactory
means of co-operation between OWI
and the industry).
Actually this meeting was planned
before Mellett's resignation was re-
ceived, but he was not asked to at-
tend. This would indicate that his
resignation came as no surprise to
OWI officials, and seems to substan-
tiate reports of friction between
Mellett and others in the organiza-
tion.
There was no definite word on the
status of Arch A. Mercey, Mellett's
assistant, although his resignation is
expected.
Gene Buck Recovering
Gene Buck, president of Ascap,
underwent a minor operation at
Presbyterian Hospital Medical Cen-
ter. His condition is reported as
excellent.
STORKS
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Veronica Lake gave
birth yesterday to a three-pound boy,
two months prematurely. Son was
placed in an incubator and her phy-
sician reported both apparently were
doing well. She went to the hospital
last week following a studio fall.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Lt. John Lowe, USN,
and his wife, Ruby Keeler, are the
parents of a daughter born here.
A son, Ross Gaunt, Dolan, was born
to Ken Dolan and his wife, Shirley
Ross.
£ REVIEWS Of the new fiLms A
"Bomber's Moon"
with George Montgomery, Annabella
20th-Fox 70 Mins.
WEAK WAR MELODRAMA IS TOO IM-
PLAUSIBLE TO BE OF MUCH INTEREST
TO OTHER THAN KID AUDIENCES.
This "Bomber's Moon" doesn't shine
brightly. A minor war melodrama, it will
take a lot of talking up on the part of ex-
hibitors to get audiences more than passab-
ly interested in it.
Chiefly in the film's favor is a certain
amount of routine excitement of an artificial
order that will draw response primarily from
the kids. For the most part the production
is a collection of tag-ends of war films in
which the hero and the Gestapo play at
hide-and-seek.
The film is completely lacking in orig-
inality, offering a story that comes perilous-
ly close to boredom as it picks its way
through a maze of implausibilities. The chief
blame for this goes to Kenneth Garnet and
Aubrey Wisberg, who pieced the screenplay
together from a yarn by Leonard Lee.
Charles Fuhr didn't help matters by his
unimaginative direction of the film.
Produced by Sol M. Wurtzel, the picture is
one of those preposterous yarns about an
American pilot who, after he has been
forced down on German territory, plays a
game of tag with the Nazis in which he
makes complete asses of the enemy. At
no time does the film carry conviction.
What happens is stuff made only for young
minds.
This time the hero takes a gal, a Rus-
sian army doctor, with him on his flight
from the Nazis. It isn't violating a secret
to say that the fellow falls in love with
the gal.
The final set-to, the one in which our
hero escapes to England in the plane from
which the Germans plan to bomb a train
on which Winston Churchill is a passenger,
is one for the book. It has the one virtue
of bringing the film to an exciting close.
The acting in general is uninspired.
Gsorge Montgomery is the hero and Ana-
bslla the gal. Among the others in the
cast are Kent Taylor, Walter Kingsford,
Martin Kosleck, Dennis Hoey, Robert Bar-
rat.
Cast: George Montgomery, Annabella,
Kent Taylor, Walter Kingsford, Martin Kos-
Isck, Dennis Hoey, Robert Barrat, Richard
Graham, Kenneth Brown, Lionel Royce, Vic-
tor Kilian, Robert Lewis, Felix Basch, Edith
Evanson, George Davis, Mike Mazurki, Chris-
tian Rub, Ilka Gruning, William Edmunds,
Gisela Werbisek, Guy Kingsford, Wallis
Clark, Reginald Sheffield, Ferike Boros,
Hermine Sterler.
CREDITS: Producer, Sol M. Wurtzel; Di-
rector, Charles Fuhr; Screenplay, Kenneth
Garnet, Aubrey Wisberg; Based on story by
Leonard Lee; Cameraman, Lucien Ballard;
Art Directors, James Basevi, Lewis Creber;
Set Decorator, Thomas Little; Film Editor,
Robert Fritch; Special Effects, Fred Sersen;
Sound, George Leverett, Harry M. Leonard;
Musical Score, David Buttolph; Musical
Direction, Emil Newman.
DIRECTION, Fair. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Okay.
Boost Evening Scales
Buffalo — Evening admissions have
been advanced a nickel, to 55 cents,
by Basil's Lafayette, downtown first-
run. Afternoon and children's prices
are unchanged.
"Law of the Northwest"
with Charles Starrett
Columbia 57 Mins.
PICTURE OF NORTH COUNTRY CON-
TAINS ACTION AND VILLAINY GALORE
TO SATISFY DEMANDS OF ACTION
FANS.
This action film is nothing more than
the western formula in a Northwest set-
ting. The hero this time is a member of
the Royal Mounted who gets his man after
a series of exciting incidents that create
a whirlwind of movement that will stir
young fans aplenty.
The hero is played by Charles Starrett
and the head baddie, Douglas Leavitt. The
two battle it out nip and tuck right down
to the finish line, with Starrett emerging
the winner by a wide margin. The fight
is over the determination of the villain
to prevent the construction of a road to
connect with the Alcan Highway, the
strategic Alaskan highway. Leavitt has
sinister reasons for not wanting the road
built. He even resorts to murder to stop
the construction work. In his effort to
stop Starrett from getting the goods on
him the villain tries every means of dis-
posing of the hero. Starrett comes through
triumphantly after several close shaves with
death. What helps to add to the excite-
ment is the fact that the villain is a big
man in the community whose true character
is not known by the people.
Starrett puts plenty of bite into his
performance, while Leavitt enacts the vil-
lain nicely. Others in important parts are
Shirley Patterson, Authur Hunnicutt, Stan-
ley Brown and Donald Curtis.
Luci Ward's screenplay got slam-bang
direction from William Berke. Jack Fier
produced.
CAST: Charles Starrett, Shirley Patter-
son, Arthur Hunnicutt, Stanley Brown,
Douglas Leavitt, Donald Curtis, Douglass
Drake, Davidson Clark, Reginald Barlow.
CREDITS: Producer, Jack Fier; Director,
William Berke; Screenplay, Luci Ward;
Film Editor, Jerome Thorns Cameraman,
Benjamin Kline; Art Director, Lionel Banks.
DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Kalmenson Sends Seed
To Fill Midwestern Gap
(Continued from Page 1)
by Ben Kalmenson, general sales
manager, at the opening session of
the Chicago regional meeting in the
Blackstone Hotel yesterday.
"Coasted Command" July 19-20
Ned E. Depinet, president of RKO
Radio, announces that national trade
screenings of "Coastal Command,"
English-made production distributed
by the company, have been scheduled
for Monday, July 19 at 11 a.m., with
the following exceptions: Cincinnati,
8:30 p.m.; New York, 11 a.m., and
2:30 p.m.; Sioux Falls, 10 a.m.; and
St. Louis, Tuesday, July 20 at 11:30
a.m.
Rites Held for Mrs. Hand
Funeral services for Mrs. Florence
S. Hand, wife of Stanley W. Hand,
Altec staff representative, were held
at Manhasset, L. I.
* SHORTS *
"Pacific Island No. 43"
(This Is America)
RKO 17 mins.
Excellent
The work of the Navy in rehabili-
tating the sick and wounded at a
jungle medical center on an un-
named island somewhere in the Pa-
cific is the subject of the latest
of the "This Is America" series of
shorts released by RKO Radio. The
treatment is skillful and the mate-
rial highly absorbing and interesting.
The result is a short of tremendous
audience appeal the booking of
which should more than amply re-
pay the exhibitor. The picture re-
veals one phase of the Navy's ac-
tivities not commonly known. It
thus becomes an eye-opener — a fact
which gives it box-office worth apart
from its merits as entertainment.
The operation of the jungle hos-
pital and the activities of the con-
valescents are shown in expert fash-
ion. Included are many scenes
showing measures taken to safe-
guard the health of the patients and
the staff against tropical diseases.
The camera also takes the audience
to the Bethesda (Md.) Naval Hos-
pital for glimpses of the training of
medical personnel for service at the
island medical center.
With the exception of the Be-
thesda scenes the footage was shot
by Navy cameramen. Produced by
Frederic Ullman, Jr., the short has
been excellently edited by Jay Bona-
field.
"Trifles That Win Wars"
(Passing Parade)
M-G-M 11 Mins.
Highly Exploitable
Romance on the screen is not con-
fined to boy-meets-girl stuff. John
Nesbitt has captured the romantic
in this latest tab reel, which is both
intriguing and instructive, too. Ex-
hibitors with a real flare for promo-
tional showmanship can rouse their
communities via a clever and novel
campaign built around a bottle, an
ordinary billiard ball, and a spider's
web. These three are the basis of
the picture. The breaking of a cer-
tain bottle led to the discovery of
our modern shatter-proof glass; the
billiard ball to the broad avenues of
today's and tomorrow's plastics; and
the spider's web to the use of amaz-
ingly fine and accurate sight-lines
used in present optical instruments.
All are of vital consequence in win-
ning the current war. A good ex-
ploiteer can raise more hob with this
reel than with many a feature. It's
decidedly worth booking.
Films for Alaskan Outposts
Seattle, Wash. — Ed Lamb, branch
manager for RKO Radio, is asking
for 16 mm. films to send to service
men in isolated positions in Alaska.
I
"-,*.
Based on the Batman Conic Magazine Feature appearing . j , '.'.
in Detective Comics and Batman Magazines. A COlUTTIDia Chapter Play
10
Monday, July 12, 1943
Clark to Meet Execs.
On N. Y. Decree
(Continued from Page 1)
for July 22, and will attempt to visit
other regional offices of the Anti-
Trust division before then, as well
as later. From Denver he will prob-
ably go to Los Angeles, where he ex-
pects to talk with film executives.
A New York trip is also contem-
plated, as well as later visits to all
the regional offices of the division.
Clark has already invited exhibitors
to show up personally at these offices
and bring their complaints to him.
The reintroduction of the bill or-
iginally bearing the name of former
Sen. Matthew M. Neely of West Vir-
ginia— to prohibit theater ownership
by distributors or producers — was
done without his knowledge, Clark
said yesterday. Sen. Harley M. Kil-
gore reintroduced the bill Monday
and said he had done so through an
agreement with the Department of
Justice." Clark was not disturbed by
Senator Kilgore's action, and said
that although the Anti-Trust Divi-
sion has not definitely decided upon
its policy in the case, Kilgore's ac-
tion "is not embarrassing to us."
TO THE COLORS!
• DECORATED •
LT. PARKMAN W. DAVIS, AAF, formerly East-
man Kodak, Rochester. Air Medal.
— • —
* COMMISSIONED *
MA). MILTON SPERLING, USMC.
LT. MELVIN A. ANDERSON, USA, formerly with
20th-Fox los Angeles exchange.
LT. DERR NEACLEY, USA, formerly with 20th-
Fox Los Angeles branch.
PROMOTED
LT. SEYMOUR R. MAYER, Army Overseas Special
Service Division, formerly New York district
division manager for Loew's theater, to
captain.
CORP. JOHN SPRINGER, USAAF, former theater
publicity director, Rochester, N. Y., to
sergeant.
— • —
• ARMY *
"HAP" HADLEY, JR., to West Point.
D of A's War Food Play
To Bow at the Crotona
New York SPG Requests
Quick Arbitration Action
Preview Touhy Film Today
Joliet, 111. — More than 500 law en-
forcement officers of Illinois and ad-
joining states will attend a preview
screening of 20th-Fox's "Roger
Touhy, Gangster," in Joliet prison,
scene of the mobster's jailbreak to-
day. Bryan Foy, producer, and Lois
Andrews, feminine lead, will head
the film group attending.
Robert Montgomery, Hal Home's
assistant, as well as Jack Goldstein
and Jules Fields of Home's staff are
here for the premiere.
Crotona Theater, Skouras house in
the Bronx, will be the site of the na-
tion's first showing Wednesday night
of the Department of Agriculture
food play, "It's Up to You," in con-
junction with community-sponsored
war food shows and rallies featuring
presentation of the stage attraction.
According to Nick John Matsou-
kas, director of the war effort de-
partment of the Skouras Theaters
Corp., the Crotona presentation will
be followed by two more in the
Bronx. One will be at the Ogden on
Thursday; the other, at the Tuxedo
on July 19. Both theaters are Skou-
ras houses. Matsoukas is in charge
of the New York area bookings of
the food show.
Each of the Bronx performances
of "It's Up to You" will be preceded
by a community-wide parade organ-
ized by housewives.
As a curtain raiser to the Bronx
performances a 30-minute radio
broadcast on the weekly Skouras
Theaters war effort presentation,
"This Is Our Cause," was staged
yesterday over Station WINS, start-
ing at 4:30 p.m.
Film Close- Ups . . -
By MARGARET T. RILEY
Our complimentary copy of Film
Daily's big, beautiful Yearbook has
been at hand for some time, but we
always run out of space too soon
to set down a sampling of its won-
ders. This is the sixth year we have
received it and each time it gets
better and more useful.
Now that we are little more than
an armchair critic — the gas taboo,
no theatre near Boalsburg, and so
many bugs on the beans and pota-
toes— we appreciate more than ever
the receipt of Film Daily and its
annual volume full of all kinds of
information about the industry.
Aside from giving a complete
report of the film industry's par-
ticipation in the war effort (this
takes pages and pages), the Year-
book continues its usual sections
listing all productions; records of
players, directors, writers, camera-
men; and reports on any phase of
the film business you'd care to name.
There are nearly 1000 theatres in
Army camps in this country. . . .
To the Shores of Tripoli was the
Army box office favorite last year
. . . all major companies provide
16mm. size films for showing of
their features in combat areas. . . .
One of our favorite sections is
the Historical Highlights of the
Motion Picture Industry, which
starts off with a notation dated
1878 — the first known picture analy-
sis of motion was dreamed up by
Leland Stanford to prove his con-
tention that a horse's four hoofs
leave the ground at one time while
running. The 1942 items recall the
passing of John Barrymore, Carole
Lombard, Edna May Oliver, and May
Robson, among many others.
Pennsylvania's nearly 2,000 film
theatres, thanks to the 1941 Legis-
lature, may now open Sundays by
local option if in the referendum
which may be' held every four years
(instead of the former five) 20 per
cent (five per cent before) of the
highest vote cast for any candidate
request it.
Reprinted from
The Centre Daily Times
State College, Pa.
The membership of the Screen
Publicists Guild of New York has
called upon five major film compa-
nies and two circuits for speedy ac-
tion on the recently agreed-upon ar-
bitration in present contract nego-
tiations, it was learned on Friday.
The film companies are Universal,
Columbia, Paramount, RKO Radio,
M-G-M, the circuits being Loew's
and RKO Service Corp.
The guild members also have
moved for immediate further meet-
ings with United Artists and 20th-
Fox, whose contracts with the SPG
do not contain arbitration clauses,
and for early reopening of negotia-
tions with Warner Bros. The War-
ner Bros, contract comes up for
wage discussion next month.
In telegrams to the five film com-
panies and two circuits the guild
charged that "three months have
elapsed since these negotiations
were initiated and very little prog-
ress has been made." The member-
ship of the SPG accused the com-
panies with "stalling" on negotia-
tions.
Carl Rigrod of RKO Radio has
been elected second vice-president of
the SPG as successor to Lawrence
H. Lipskin, who recently resigned.
Para, to Bare First
Block at Sales Meet
Curfew Cities Enforce
Juvenile Curfew Laws
Akron, O. — Mayor George J.
Harter did not veto a curfew or-
dinance to keep children under 16
off the streets after 11 p.m. and
holding parents and guardians re-
sponsible, but allowed it to become
a law without his signature.
Girard, O. — Curfew ordinance
barring children under 17 from the
streets after 10 p.m. has been ap-
proved by City Council. The bill
provides a penalty for parents whose
children violate the measure.
Conneaut, O. — City police are en-
forcing a 10 p.m. curfew for all
children under 16.
St. Paris, O. — Village Council has
passed an ordinance providing a 11
p.m. curfew for youths under 16
years of age.
(Continued from Page 1)
Pierre, Thursday through Saturday.
District managers and district ad-
vertising reps, arrive Wednesday to
attend the FWTBT world premiere
at the Rivoli that night.
Neil Agnew, general sales " .; i-
ager, will preside at the three-day
session, while other home office
execs, will participate. First block
of pix for next season will be an-
nounced. In all probability, the par-
ley will substitute for the traditional
sales convention, it was learned.
First session Thursday will be ad-
dressed by Barney Balaban, Adolph
Zukor, Agnew, Charles M. Reagan,
and Robert M. Gillham, while B. G.
DeSylva will address the afternoon
session.
Friday morning's progTam includes discus-
sions by Oscar A. Morgan, Gillham. Stanley
Shuford, Al Wilkie, publicity manager, and
Alee Moss, exploitation manager, on adver-
tising and publicity campaigns for the first
block of pictures for the new season. Louis
Phillips of the legal department, and Claude
Lee, director of public relations, will also
speak.
Friday afternoon's session will be devoted
to further discussions of product and sales
plans by Agnew, Reagan, Hugh Owen, Eastern
division manager, and George A. Smith, West-
ern division manager.
Moss will preside at a special session for
the district advertising representatives at
which advertising and exploitation plans
will be discussed.
Screenings of new product will be held
tor the delegates Thursday and Friday night.
Conference will wind up Saturday morn-
ing with individual sessions of the district
managers with the division heads.
G. B. J. Frawley is in charge of arrange-
ments. District managers who will be pres-
ent are:
William Erbb. Boston; M. S. Kusell, New
York City; Harry Goldstein, Cleveland; E. W.
Sweigert, Philadelphia: John Kirby, Atlanta;
Allen Usher, Chicago; R. C. LiBeau, Kansas
City; Hugh Braly, Denver, Colo.: Del Good-
man, Los Angeles; J. J. Donohue. Dallas:
Gordon Lightstone, Toronto.
District advertising reps who will attend
include:
Arnold Van Leer, Boston; Ed J. Wall,
Albany; Sid Mesibov, New York City; J. M.
Joice, Cleveland; Charles C. Perry, Cincinnati;
Wm. Brooker, Philadelphia; James Levine,
Pittsburgh: E. G. Fitzgibbon, Chicago; M. D.
Cohn, Kansas City; James Lundy, Denver;
Ralph Ravenscroft, Los Angeles; W. C
Lewellen, Dallas; James C. Furman, Atlanta,
and Win Barron, Toronto.
Home office distribution executives who
will attend, in addition to those mentioned,
are: C. J. Scollard, J. A. Walsh, F. A. Leroy,
H. J. Lorber, A- J- Dunne and Jack Roper.
Seidelman Names Daff
Foreign Sales Supervisor
(Continued from Page 1)
Far-East supervisor, to post of for-
eign sales supervisor, with head-
quarters at the home office.
Daff joined the company 23 years
ago as booker in the Melbourne, Aus-
tralia, branch. He has visited 55
foreign countries in company's inter-
ests, and was in charge of organiza-
tion's offices in Japan before eleva-
tion to Far-East supervisor post.
Since the U. S. entered the war, he
has limited his travels to India, Iran.
Egypt, Turkey, Great Britain, Por-
tugal, and South, East, Central and
West Africa. He is said to be the
only U. S. film executive to have
visited Spain since the 1936 Civil
War outbreak there.
entlemen, take a bow!
I
.oday RKO salesmen from all over the country open
their annual sales meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria.
May I take this occasion to publicly express my sin-
cere thanks and the genuine appreciation of our com-
pany to the many thousand motion picture exhibitors
from coast to coast who have made it possible for these
salesmen to do the outstanding job they have turned
in during the past nine months in selling our new and
tremendously popular short subject series, "THIS IS
AMERICA".
When we started this series pretty much from scratch
last Fall, these exhibitors, acting largely on faith, took
on this brand new product with little more to guide
them other than a firm faith in RKO and an abiding
confidence in RKO's sales force. Today, as a result of
this superb and coordinated effort of salesman and
exhibitor, RKO can point with pride to a booking record
on "THIS IS AMERICA" that is the envy of the industry.
In behalf of RKO Radio Pictures I salute both the
exhibitors and the salesmen who have made this
possible.
Gentlemen, take a bow!
PRESIDENT
RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC.
"THIS IS AMERICA" is produced by Frederic Ullman, jr.,
and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.
12
v%
DAILY
Monday, July 12, 1943
Three-Point Program for WAC Parley Friday
War Pix Setup, Next Loan
Drive, NEIC Relationship
To Receive Consideration
(Continued from Page 1)
commence with a luncheon, will also
include, as result of invitations al-
ready dispatched, representatives of
all other WAC branches.
In the invitations sent by Fran-
cis S. Harmon, executive vice-chair-
man, to the Co-ordinating Commit-
tee at the request of Chairman
George J. Schaefer, and to the The-
aters Division Executive Committee
pursuant to the call of S. H. Fabian,
subjects to be brought to discussion
included :
(1) Ways and means for provid-
ing an adequate program of war in-
formation through the screen; (2)
Ways and means of co-operating
with the Treasury in the Third War
Loan Drive, Sept. 9-20; (3) Rela-
tionship of the WAC to the National
Entertainment Industry Council.
General WAC Forum
In addition, it is expected that the
floor will be thrown open for a gen-
eral WAC forum and interchange of
ideas.
The Treasury Department, through
Ted Gamble, has formally requested
Fabian to ask that the industry par-
ticipate in the Third War Loan to
an aggressive, comprehensive extent.
(Film Daily exclusively, July 8).
The dozen-day campaign, in which
the industry will participate but not
spearhead, will have as its goal a
figure somewhere around $30,000,-
000,000. Kenneth Thomson, chair-
man of the Hollywood Victory Com-
mittee, and a member of the WAC
Hollywood Division will, with WAC
member John C. Flinn, be on hand.
It is hoped that others from the
West Coast will be present to dis-
cuss potential co-operation.
With the changed status of the
Motion Picture Bureau of the Of-
fice of War Information and the
resignation of its chief, Lowell Mel-
lett, the question of supplying the
theaters with a continuing program
of war information films is a per-
tinent one. Harmon, who with Mel-
lett, before Congress cut the OWI
appropriation, fashioned the 52-week
program of all gratis films which
was to begin on Aug. 1, will present
the situation as it stands today to
the meeting.
Schaefer to Present Aims
Schaefer who has been tempor-
ary chairman of the Continuations
Committee of the NEIC, will present
the aims and purposes of that or-
ganization to the assembly.
Members of the Co-ordinating- Committee
expected to attend are:
Walton C. Ament, Edward Arnold, Barney
STORKS
Pittsburgh — It is a six-pound
daughter for Mr. and Mrs. Tony
Stern, born at the West Penn Hos-
pital here.
Montreal "Y" Girls Stage Own City Council
Meeting to Demand Films for Saves Over 12
Montreal — This municipality had a new ruling body Friday when a hundred
girls from Notre Dame De Grace YMCA set up a City Council meeting in the
city's Council Chamber and demanded admission of children over 12 to film
theaters.
They were conducted by Marian Best, their group leader, who took the
mayor's chair. A proposal was debated at some length "that the minimum age
for admission to picture shows be reduced to 12." When the vote was taken
the motion carried, the only dissenting votes being those of girls under 12 years
of age. The visitors were afterwards escorted round the building by the city
police.
Safeguards Gains— Bernhard
Post-War Major Task, WB Sales Meet Told
(Continued from Page 1)
Hotel Blackstone, with General
Sales Manager Ben Kalmenson pre-
siding.
These gains, which Bernhard said
were attained in large measure
through close co-operation between
the sales organization and exhibi-
tors, were listed by him as follows:
1. Extended runs; 2. higher
quality product; 3. Substantial
inventories of completed films
before start of selling season;
4. Increase in percentage deals;
5. Expansion of film audience to
all-time peak; 6. More equitable
box-office prices.
In the matter of extended runs, Bernhard,
pioneer and consistent advocate of maximum
playing time, said about 70 per cent of ex-
hibitors now have been won over to the
wisdom of this policy from a profit stand-
point in addition to being a protective meas-
ure under a war-time economy.
Cites Film Quality Gains
Great improvement in film quality has
been made possible partly by the longer runs,
encouraging- producers to concentrate more
on top budget productions, he pointed out.
Of distinct advantage to exhibitors, Bern-
hard said, is the fact that whereas years
ago a distributor started the new selling
season with only six or eight definite stories
and about 40 random titles, a company now
opens its annual sales meeting with prac-
tically a full year's quota of releases either
completed or in various stages of production
or preparation.
Percentage deals, according to Bernhard,
are on the increase and are bringing with
them more aggressive showmanship on the
part of exhibitor and distributor, to their
mutual advantage.
Audience I.Q. Higher Than Ever
The picture-going audience today not only
is the largest in history, and most consistent
in regular attendance, Bernhard said, but its
so called "intelligence level" has been raised
several pegs, as shown by the widespread
box-office success of scores of pictures once
regarded as too highbrow for the masses.
More equitable admission prices, already
fairly well established in most of the impor-
tant situations, will help to guarantee con-
tinuance of quality product besides lifting
the motion picture theater to the plane of
dignity and respect it deserves as result of
the great public service it renders, he de-
clared.
In order to insure preservation of these
advancements and march on to even better
things, Bernhard urged the Warner field
force to be good ambassadors of their in-
dustry as well as their company, to further
the Warner "open-door policy" in every way
possible and to maintain closer and more
friendly relations than ever before with
exhibitors.
H. O. Execs. Go to Frisco
The local regional was concluded Satur-
day with a series of special group confer-
ences on individual branch matters, and on
Sunday the home office delegates left Chi-
cago for San Francisco, where Kalmenson
will conduct his third and final business con-
ference starting Thursday. Westbound dele-
gation includes Kalmenson, Arthur Sachson,
Roy Haines, A. W. Schwalberg, Norman H.
Moray, Howard Levinson and Albert S. How-
son.
Joseph Bernhard planed back to New York
late Friday and Ed Hinehy and Mike Dolid
left Saturday for New York.
Friday morning's session wast a fast-mov-
ing, three-hour affair, with preliminary talks
by Bernhard and Kalmenson, after which
Howson gave full details of completed pic-
tures and list of story properties already set
by Jack L. Warner for early production.
James Coston, zone manager for Warner
theaters, also spoke briefly on exhibition
angles, with special comment on increasing
success of extended runs.
Friday afternoon wound up with a straight
talk by Kalmenson on selling procedure.
Concluding business sessions Saturday morn-
ing devoted to group conferences with Kal-
menson, Haines, Sachson, Schwalberg, Levin-
son addressing the men.
Three New WB Salesmen
Presented by Kalmenson
Chicago — Three new Warner
salesmen were introduced by Ben
Kalmenson at the regional meeting
here. Frank Carter, former booker,
was promoted to salesman in the
Memphis branch, while Minneapolis
has two newly appointed salesmen,
Herb Blass and W. O. McFall.
Balaban, Nate J. Blumberg, Oscar A. Doob,
S. H. Fabian, Joseph H. Hazen, Edward L.
Kuykendall, Abe Lastfogel, Mary C. MeCall,
Jr., Abram F. Myers, Robert H. Poole,
Martin J. Quigley, Philip Reisman, Herman
Robbing, William F. Rodgers, Nicholas M.
Schenck, Spyros P. Skouras, Kenneth Thom-
son, Walter Vincent, R. B. Wilby, Nathan
Yamins, Adolph Zukor.
Theaters Division Executive Committee
attendees will include:
Joseph Bernhard, E. V. Richards, Arthur
L. Mayer, E. L. Alperson, A. H. Blank,
Harry Brandt, John H. Harris, E. L. Kuy-
kendall, Sam E. Morris, Charles C. Mos-
kowitz, R. J. O'Donnell, M. A. Rosenberg,
Spyros Skouras, R. B. Wilby, Nathan Yamins,
Leonard Goldenson, Ban Michalove.
Invitations have been extended to the
following exhibitor area chairmen:
Lou R. Golding, R. B. Wilby, Sam Pin-
anski, Al Bevan, Chas. Hayman, H. F.
Kincey, John Balaban, Jack Kirsch, Jules
Rubens, Ike Libson, Wm. Skirball, R. J.
O'Donnell, Rick Ricketson, B. D. Cockrill,
A. H. Blank, E. C. Beatty, Carl Buermele,
Harry Katz, Marc Wolf, Elmer Rhoden, R. H.
Poole, Chas. Skouras, M. A. Lightman, Har-
old Fitzgerald, John Friedl, I. J. Hoffman,
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
Pittsburgh — The Exhibitors Servi^^.
has informed exhibitors that it will £ x'.x
and pick up without charge films furnished
gratis by the various distributing companies
for the brass-copper-bronze benefit shows
being held throughout the territory.
. . ._ V. . .—
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Los Angeles — All first-run theaters are
recruiting blood donors for the Red Cross,
with two of the larger houses reporting
over 1000 "enlistees" during the first two
weeks.
. . ._ V. . .—
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Total of 275 theaters in
Southern California and Arizona have been
running a silk and nylon salvage campaign
at the request of the local WPB. Special
matinees have been held and will continue
until exhibitors believe they have "scraped
the bottom" of this type of salvage. The
WPB has already acknowledged the very
satisfactory results.
E. V. Richards, Sam Rinzler, Fred J.
Schwartz, Harry Lowenstein, L. C. Griffith,
Jos. Kinsky, Jay Emanuel, M. A. Silver,
M. A. Rosenberg, Albert Finke. Robert
White, Fred Wehrenberg, Harry Arthur, John
Rugar, Tracy Barham, D. J. McNerney, Jos.
Blumenfeld, Rotus Harvey, B. V. Sturdivant,
Frank Newman, John J. Payette, W. J.
Crockett, Frank A. Hornig.
Industry-OWI Meeting
In TV. Y. Probably Thursday
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — An industry meeting
in New York with OWI Director El-
mer Davis and Domestic Director
E. Palmer Hoyt is expected to be
called for late this week. Elmer
Davis plans to be in New York Thurs-
day, and that day, it is reported
here, will likely be the day of the
get-together but this has not defi-
nitely been decided. Until this meet-
ing, it is not likely that there will
be any announcement regarding the
OWI motion picture plans. It has
not been decided whether a separate
bureau will be maintained, or the
work carried on directly under the
heads of the domestic branch.
Rumors that Leo Rosten, who has been
with OWI in Washington for some time
might assume direction of the agency's pic-
ture activities were termed groundless by re-
sponsible agency heads Friday. Rosten was
not in town and could not therefore com-
(Continued on Page 15)
WEDDING BELLS
V/est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Marriage of Maria
Montez and Jean Pierre Aumont is
expected to take place here today.
Buffalo — Josephine Wobrock, 20th
Century Theater cashier, was mar-
ried July 3 to Norman Fitzpatrick.
They are honeymooning in Canada.
,
NOTICE!
Starting August 10th, I will begin shooting "Dr. Paul
Joseph Goebbels, His Life and Loves" because I am con-
vinced, after a thorough examination of the subject matter
and public interest in it, that there is definitely a vast
market for such a powerful and unique story.
It will NOT be a war picture. It will be an intimate,
searching dramatization of the personal life of one of the
most sinister, yet fascinating, scoundrels in world history.
The main theme of the gripping story will revolve around
his attempts to seduce the one girl who had the strength of
character and courage to resist his mad desires. The
entire story is based upon actual facts. The director will be
Alfred Zeisler, who, as head producer and director at the
UFA studios in Berlin, inadvertently came in personal
contact with the Propaganda Minister and other high
German officials.
I assure you that
"DR. PAUL JOSEPH GOEBBELS,
HIS LIFE AND LOVES"
will be designed as an outstanding boxoffice attraction
and will be produced lavishly and knowingly.
14J. R. Q*a*tk
W. R. F. PRODUCTIONS
GENERAL SERVICE STUDIOS, HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
14
»
DAILY
Monday, July 12, 1943
RKO Radio Executives Assemble for Sales Convention Today
I
NED E. DEPINET
CHARLES KOERNER
PHIL REISMAN
s. barret Mccormick
WALTER BRANSON
NAT LEVY
HARRY MICHALSON
Odium Greets RKO
Meeting Delegates
(Continued from Page 1)
in addition to Odium, will be Rich-
ard C. Patterson, Jr., vice-chairman;
N. Peter Rathvon, president of RKO;
Charles W. Koerner, RKO Radio
vice-president in charge of produc-
tion; Phil Reisman, RKO Radio vice-
president in charge of foreign dis-
tribution; Gordon E. Youngman,
RKO Radio vice-president and gen-
eral counsel; Robert Mochrie, gen-
eral sales manager; Walter E. Bran-
son, Western division sales manager;
Nat Levy, Eastern division sales
manager; Leo M. Devaney, Canadian
division sales manager; Harry
Michalson, short subjects sales man-
ager; Edward Alperson, general
manager of RKO theaters; S. Bar-
ret McCormick, director of advertis-
ing and publicity; Perry Lieber, stu-
dio publicity director; Samuel Gold-
wyn, James Mulvey, Roy Disney,
Ends First Year
In 3 RKO Offices
N. Peter Rathvon, president of
RKO Corp., chairman of the Board
of RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., and
chairman o f
the Board of
Pa the News,
Inc., is observ-
ing, with the
opening today
of RKO Radio's
twelfth annu-
al sales meet-
i n g at the
Waldorf - As-
toria Hotel,
the comple-
t i o n of his
first year in
these three
offices.
I dentif ied
with RKO
N. PETER RATHVON
since 1939, Rathvon served for two
years as a director and also as chair-
man of the executive committee. In
1941 he was elected vice-president
of RKO, and a year ago he was
elevated to his present three offices.
and Frederic Ullman, Jr., president
of Pathe News, Inc.
A. A. Schubart, manager of ex-
change operations, will call the roll
of delegats which will be followed
by general business on the current
season's product and announcements
of the winners in the recent Ned E.
Depinet Sales Drive.
This morning will be devoted to a
preview of two new RKO Radio pro-
ductions, "Behind the Rising Sun,"
and "The Sky's the Limit," at the
Trans-Lux Theater. Following the
screening the delegates will be hosted
by the company at luncheon in the
Waldorf- Astoria's Wedgewood Room.
RKO SALES MEETING REGISTRANTS
Registration roster for the RKO Radio
sales convention shows the following
names:
ALBANY: Max Westebbe, branch manager;
George Tucker, Harold J. Carlock, salesmen.
ATLANTA: Hubert M. Lyons, branch
manager: Frank W. Salley, Paul Harrison.
R. C. Price, James D. Campbell, Byron S.
Bryan, salesmen.
BOSTON: Ross C. Cropper, branch man-
ager; William H. Gardiner, Harry F. Gold-
stein, Frank G. Ross, Carma L. DeVizia,
Melville M. Ames, William J. Cuddy, sales-
men.
BUFFALO: Elmer Lux, branch manager;
John G. Chinell, Norman L. Sper, Edwin J.
Smith, Sr., salesmen.
CHARLOTTE: Rovy F. Branon, branch
manager; Fred E. Dyer, James W. Sims,
R. M. Boovy, R. S. Mitchell, salesmen.
CHICAGO: Sam Gorelick, branch manager;
Harry Walders, Michael Kassel, Joe Cozzi,
John J. Clark, Seymour Borde, Harry S.
Lorch, salesmen.
CINCINNATI: Stanley C. Jacques, branch
manager; Al Sugarman, Joseph A. McKnight,
Ross Williams, Jack Frisch, John G. Furrer,
salesmen.
CLEVELAND: Bernard G. Kranze, branch
manager; Arthur Goldsmith, Robert R. Rich-
ardson, Frank E. Belles, salesmen.
DALLAS: Sol M. Sachs, branch manager;
Clarence J. Wheeler, Clarence B. Wilson,
Harold J. M alone, Lin Harrington, Francis
W. Faris, salesmen.
DENVER: Albert L. Kolitz, branch man-
ager; Ed Loy, Thomas A. McMahon, Marvin
Goldfarb, salesmen.
DES MOINES: Lou Elman, branch man-
ager; W. F. DeFrenne, Wm. B. Benjamin,
Clyde A. Pratt, salesmen.
DETROIT: Fred North, branch manager;
Milton E. Cohen, Ed Lebby, Sydney D. Chap-
man. Joe Hartman, salesmen.
INDIANAPOLIS: Maurice E. Lefko,
branch manager; Russell L. Brentlinger,
Peter J. Fortune, Herman Black, salesmen.
KANSAS CITY: James W. Lewis, branch
manager; Earl L. Dyson, A. A. Renfro,
L. O. Ringler, George W. Hinton, salesmen.
LOS ANGELES: Harry C. Cohen, branch
manager; Joseph Rubenstein, Jos. F. Samuels,
Frank J. Schiendler, R. H. Lange, salesmen.
MEMPHIS: Al M. Avery, branch manager;
Grover Wray, Glenn Calvert, David Hunt,
salesmen.
MILWAUKEE: Art N. Schmitz, branch
manager: Morris Anderson, Ed W. Spiers,
Wm. J. Foley, salesmen.
MINNEAPOLIS: C. J. Dressell, branch
manager; Wm. C. Winters, Irving Gillman,
M. A. Lipsner. Robert P. Ableson, W. Prass,
W. F. Bjorkman, salesmen.
NEW HAVEN: Barney Pitkin, branch
manager; William Canelli, salesman.
NEW ORLEANS: J. R. Lamantia, branch
manager; Wm. Shiell, Jr., M. L. Stevens,
C. Riley, salesmen.
NEW YORK: Phil Hodes, E. T. Carroll,
J. J. Dacey, Lou I. Kutinsky, Harry Zeitels,
Charles Penser, salesmen.
OKLAHOMA CITY: R. B. Williams,
branch manager; Paul D. Fielding, C. A.
Blakeley, D. Wm. Snider, Jr., salesmen.
OMAHA: Karl G. Howe, branch manager;
M. M. Rosenblatt, John W. Andrews, Mack
P. Jolly, salesmen.
PHILADELPHIA: Charles Zagrans, branch
manager; Sam Lefko, Michael Shulman, J. J.
McFadden, Jr., Ely J. Epstein, Jack Engel,
PITTSBURGH : Herb H. Greenblatt, branch
manager; I. T. Sweeney, David C. Silverman,
Irving I. Frankel, Carl Peppercorn, J.
Withers, salesmen.
PORTLAND: Mark E. Cory, branch man-
ager; Gene Engelman, George Jackson, sales-
men.
ST. LOUIS: Ray V. Nolan, branch man-
ager; Tom Williamson, Henry Arends, Her-
man Gorelick, Patrick F. Byrne, salesmen.
SALT LAKE CITY: Gift Davison, branch
manager; George H. Warren, Sam Appelman,
Harold W. Evens, James B. Griffin, salesmen.
SAN FRANCISCO : Newt P. Jacobs, branch
manager; George R. Seaeh, Earl A. Stein,
Charles J. Crowley, H. Bradley Fish, Tom
H. Bailey, salesmen.
SEATTLE: Ed A. Lamb, branch manager;
Louis L. Goldsmith, Floyd Heninger, sales-
men.
SIOUX FALLS : Sherman W. Fitch, branch
manager; James Ricketts, R. J. Helmerson,
salesmen.
WASHINGTON: Joe B. Brecheen, branch
manager; Harry E. Kahn, E. W. Grover,
Al. Folliard, O. Knox, salesmen.
TORONTO: Mark Plottel, branch man-
ager,; Meyer Nackimson, Jos. Bermack, sales-
men.
MONTREAL: H. F. Taylor, branch man-
ager: H. B. Miller, S. H. Decker, salesmen.
ST. JOHN: H. H. McArthur, branch
manager.
WINNIPEG: Jos. H. McPherson, branch
manager; Robert Radis, salesman.
CALARY: R. Doddridge, branch manager.
VANCOUVER: Wm. Spencer Jones, branch
manager.
DIVISION MANAGER: Leo M. Devaney,
Canada.
DISTRICT MANAGERS: Charles Boasberg,
Eastern Central; Ben Y. Cammack, South-
western; Robert J. Folliard, Eastern; L. E.
Goldhammer, Prairie: Leonard Gruenberg,
Rocky Mountain; J. H. Maclrrtyre, Western;
Jack Osserman, Midwestern; David Prince,
Southeastern; Gus Schaefer, Northeastern-'
R. S. Wolff, Metropolitan.
STUDIO: Charles W. Koerner, executive
vice-president in charge of production; Perry
Lieber, studio publicity director; H. Adam-
son.
HOME OFFICE: N. Peter Rathvon. presi-
dent Radio-Keith-Orpheum; Ned E. Depinet,
president RKO Radio Pictures; Phil Reisman,
vice-president, RKO Radio Pictures; Robert
Mochrie, general sales manager; Walter E.
Branson, western division sales manager;
Nat Levy, eastern division sales manager;
Harry J. Michalson, short subjects sales
manager: William H. Clark, assistant treas-
urer RKO: S. Barret McCormick, director of
advertising and publicity; Gordon E. Young-
man, vice-president and general counsel; J.
Miller Walker, secretary; Garrett Van Wagner,
comptroller.
And the following: Al Adams, publicity:
Leon J. Bamberger, sales promotion man-
ager; Arthur M. Brilant, publicity: J. Emmet
Cashman, head of playdate department; Wil-
liam E. Dahler, assistant to eastern sales
manager; Robert H. Dann, legal; Walter V.
Derham, assistant treasurer; Frank Drumm,
assistant to Nat Levy; John A. Farmer,
office manager; Norman Freeman, assistant
to Mr. Rathvon; Lou E. Gaudreau, assistant
to S. Barret McCormick; Harry Gittleson,
assistant to Walter Branson; Leon Goldberg,
treasurer; Ben Grimm, advertising manager;
David Goldman, Harold Hendee, research
director; William Home, sales department;
Sidney Kramer, manager print and negative
department; Jack Level, editor of Flash;
Clarence McGeary, sales department; Edward
J. McGuire, legal department; Oliver R.
McMahon, assistant treasurer; William J.
MeShea, assistant manager of exchange
(Continued on Page 15)
Mochrie Passes RKO
Sales Post Milestone
Concurrent with RKO Radio's sales
meeting now in three-day session at
the Waldorf-Astoria, Robert Mochrie
is celebrating
his first year
as general
sales manager.
It was just a
year ago at
RKO Radio's
eleventh an-
n u a I sales
meeting held
in the same
place that
President Ned
E. Depinet an-
nounced the
promotion o f
Mochrie to
his p r e s e n t ROBERT MOCHRIE
post. Mochrie's
entry into the film business was via
PDC. Subsequently, in turn, he joined
Warners, United Artists and RKO
Radio. In 1940 he was appointed
RKO's Eastern division sales man-
ager, after serving as Southern dis-
trict manager.
Monday, July 12, 1943
15
DAILY
4,400 Feature Prints
To Troops Overseas
{Continued from Page 1)
division screened current hit fea-
tures for 953,000 troops in Hawaii.
The Hawaii attendance figure, the
only one available for public release
at this time, included 3,803 shows
a ■ «^ the month. The most popular
pk3?e so far among all those sent
overseas, it was revealed, has been
"Stage Door Canteen." The troop
reaction wherever it has been shown
has been "wonderful," the official
said — adding that on a recent night
1,450 men sat through a driving rain
in an open-air theater in North Af-
rica to see the picture. The next
night 2,200 men saw it in the same
spot, but it is presumed that the
weather was better.
Perhaps the next most popular film so
far has been "Star Spangled Rhythm," and
. musicals are far and away the most popular
type film among- America's fig-hting- men
abroad. Comedies come next. Although 26
prints of new features are now supplied,
the figure for several months past has been
22. It started at eight and gradually worked
up with the average supplied thus far by
the industry estimated at 18, which would
mean that approximately 245 separate new
features have been printed for overseas
, showing- to the troops at industry expense.
In addition to these more than 350 shorts
have been supplied on 16 mm. film by the
industry with more than 6,400 prints shipped
out by June 30.
About 600 "transport films" have also
! been supplied. These are revivals of the
best of the old pix — usually specially re-
printed— and are for showing- on troop trans-
ports. They are used thus so that the men
on the transports shall not have seen the
; most recent pictures when they arrive at their
destination.
i Aside from the transport films, the new
prints are shipped almost entirely by air.
Some have doubtless been lost, but there is
no accurate figure. It is believed that each
print is shown a minimum of 40 to 50 times
each.
One official of the Special Service Division
referred the writer to a recent dispatch from
an INS war correspondent regarding the value
of these pix for the morale of the fig-hting
men overseas. "The next time some po-
litical windbag in Washington shoots off his
big mouth in Washington about the movie
industry," he wrote, "ask him what the
hell he's doing- for the boys who are fighting-
and dying- out here just to keep his keaster
out of a sling-. We know what Hollywood
is doing."
"And those sanctimonious patriots so swift
to smear any man who happens to be an
actor, let them take our word for it that
an actor like Rooney or Bogart can do a
million times as much g-ood mugging in front
of a camera than he can behind a gran. . .
There's something- tragically real about a
re;:l soldier boy shedding- real tears over
the make-believe soldier who is bleeding real
tomato catsup."
Significant of the hug-e volume of films
new handled by the special service division
is the fact that seven officers now work on
controlling the flow of these prints whereas
or.;:* one men working part-time handled it
only a little over a year ago.
"Heaven Can Wait"
In Roxy Bow Aug, 4
Twentieth Century-Fox's "Heaven
Can Wait" is scheduled to open at
the Roxy on Aug. 4 in what will be
the film's first pre-release engage-
ment. An extensive advance cam-
paign is planned for the picture.
RK0 SALES MEETING REGISTRANTS
(Continued from Page 14)
operations; Marty Monroe; Louis H. Miller,
assistant to Walter Branson; Francis J.
Mooney, sales department; Rutgers Neilson,
publicity manager; Harry M. Pimstein, leg-al
department; Michael G. Poller, assistant to
Robert Mochrie: A. A. Schubart, manager
of exchange operations; David L. Strumpf,
art director; Terry Turner, head of field
staff: Herbert E. Wappaus, head of contract
department : Arthur Willi, eastern talent
scout; Lewis Wolf, short subjects depart-
ment; William Zimmerman, legal depart-
ment.
BOARD OP DIRECTORS: Floyd B. Odium,
chairman; Richard C. Patterson, Jr., vice-
chairman; Frederick L. Ehrman, L. Law-
rence Green, L. Boyd Hatch, Georg-e H.
Shaw, John M. Whitaker.
FIELD MEN: Ronald Ames, Ralph Bang--
hart, Fred Calvin, David Cantor, Arthur
Catlin, George Degnon, Fred Ford, Maurice
Harris, Robert Hickey, Henry Howard, Eddie
Johnson. T. B. McCormick, Al O'Caxnp, Don
Prince, Robert Pryor, Harry Reiners, Al Selig,
Gardner Wilson, Ted Wynn.
RKO THEATERS: E. L. Alperson, J. B.
Anderson, J. Becker, J. Brennan, John A.
Cassidy, J. Conklin, A. Dawson, M. Edel-
stein, H. R. Emde, W. England, M. Fellerman,
J. Golden, Louis Goldberg-, Tom Gorman,
E. Groth, J. Hearns, Fred Herkowitz, Nat
Holt, W. Howard, W. E. Kernan, M. Kings-
berg, J. Lamont, Louis Lazar, D. Levin, Ike
Libson, V. Liguri, Ray Malone, C. B. McDon-
ald, H. Mandel, H. Meakin, H. Mirisch,
I. Morias, H. Moslek, R. Pantages, M. Polan,
Clem Pope, S. Schwartz, H. Schreiber, R.
Sherman, Mort Singer, E. Sniderman, H.
Spencer, S. Tergan, L. E. Thompson, H.
Unterfort, J. H. Walters, M. White. Al
Zimbalist.
FOREIGN HOME OFFICE: Robert K.
Hawkinson, Michael Hoffay, Harry Ehrreich,
Vladimir Lissim, Jack Kennedy.
RKO PATHE: Walton Ament, Jay Bona-
field, Dudley Hale, Frank Eaton, Frederic
Ullman, Jr.
WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS: Roy
Disney, James Finey, Kay Kamen, Gunther
Lessing, William Levy, W. Lowenberg, Leo
Samuels, F. Waldheim.
SAMUEL GOLDWYN PRODUCTIONS :
James Mulvey, Lester Rawson, Mort Nathan-
son, W. Heineman. B. Fish.
NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE: Jack
Cohen, George Dembow, William Brenner,
Harold Bennett, Walter Marcus, Paul Mooney,
Herman Robbins, Henry Reiner, Jack Levy,
Al. Stefanis, Vincent Trotta, Don Velde,
Mel Gold.
L. Hyman, representing- Sol Lesser, and
Seymour Poe.
Edward Golden, M. H. Aylesworth, Gus
Eyssell, Frank Buck, Jack Pegler.
Industry-OWI Meeting in
N. Y. Probably Thursday
(Continued from Page 12')
ment on his reported desire to succeed Mel-
lett as industry contact. Davis announced
Mellett's resignation Friday as chief of the
Motion Picture Bureau effective July 15.
"It was," said Davis, "due to budget reduc-
tions made by CongTess in appropriations
for the domestic motion picture activities of
OWT, which virtually eliminated all of the
activities of the bureau as presently con-
stituted."
As to future activities in the industry's
field, Davis said: "Our funds will not permit
any production of motion pictures by OWI
for domestic use. We will, however, con-
tinue to discharge our responsibilities for
the co-ordination of Government films and for
liaison between the Government and the
motion picture industry. We are indebted
to Mr. Mellett for the establishment of cor-
dial and satisfactory relations with the in-
dustry which we hope may continue.
"Within a week or 10 days Palmer Hoyt.
director of domestic operations, and I hope
to sit down with the heads of the motion
picture companies and discuss plans for our
continued co-operation."
More Calif. Towns to Get
Theater Defense Bureaus
(Continued from Page 1)
ency, exhibitor execs, of local Bureau
are talking similar organizations for
various incorporated cities in South-
ern California.
Currently in process of formation
is a Santa Monica Theater Defense
Bureau. Beverly Hills already has
established such a bureau, and simi-
lar setups are contemplated for
Huntington Park, Inglewood and
Glendale. The local bureau has
put a majority of theaters in good
war-time shape, with only 70 com-
ing under the recalcitrant classifi-
cation. A survey indicates that steps
might be necessary to bring these
70 into line.
Inspections of all theaters are
made monthly by a staff of volun-
teer zone inspectors and their re-
ports are relayed to the City De-
fense Council and fire department.
Samson Named to Top
Spot in Dom. by 20th-Fox
(Continued from Page 1)
promoted to General Manager of
20th Century-Fox Corp., Ltd., with
headquarters in Toronto, replacing
J. P. O'Loghlin, compelled to retire
because of illness. Samson leaves
for his new post within a few weeks.
Over 200 film distribution men and
exhibitors are expected at a testi-
monial dinner for Samson next Mon-
day in the Hotel Statler. Phil Fox,
Columbia branch manager, is
chairman.
Dominion Gov't Silent
On Status of "Moscow'
Ottawa — No comment was forth-
coming at the week-end from the Of-
fice of External Affairs in the Do-
minion Government regarding the
failure of "Mission to Moscow" to
have its advertised premiere at To-
ronto Friday although it was ad-
mitted two officials of the Depart-
ment had attended a screening of
the Warner picture for the purpose
of submitting report on the theme
for consideration of the Govern-
ment. It is understood opening of
the picture in Canada has been twice
held up in the past month and ru-
mor prevails objection has been
raised from certain quarters, said
to be French Canadian groups.
IN NEW POSTS
LAWRENCE WILTROUT, manager, Soisson The-
ater, Connellsville, Pa.
BOB SIECEL, chief of service, RKO Palace, Chi-
cago.
WALLACE BATTISTON, booker, Paramount ex-
change, Pittsburgh.
BIG PICTURE
The star all America
. loves in his newest and
1 1 greatest hit. Packed with
| typical Rogers action,
|H romance and melodies-
Of
1&&
SHEILA RYAN
BARTON MacLANEj
HARRV SHANNOI
PAT BRADV
ARUNE JUDGE
and
BOB NOUN
and
THE SONS OF
THE PIONEERS
JOSEPH KANE
Director
Original Screen Play
by Winston Miller
Associate Producei
HARRV CREV
It's a
REPUBLIC PICTURE
M
EYE
stopper!'
* .. ^*ue\r homes.- r Postei
■. ^ W 9 1 ^^ S Powers oway *-
fe 1 fc ^ , ,nlk to their homes.-!' pos,ers
■P " unasYOO''"»ia,St,,e LL>*s.m hommers ot em to
U St«H over Y- *- ^ seteen h^ -om the yery 4^*- ^ ^ t ^
-* *e nex ::;^t...yo-":bbi-¥^ot ^^jr"
marquee . . . Y° ts yoo less . . W
What Adverti»«9
teassss-
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STANDARD &
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21! W 44TH ST
NYC
B£SSS»«
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
84, NO. 8
NEW YORK. TUESDAY, JULY 13. 1943
TEN CENTS
WPB APPROVES BUILDING 100 PROJECTORS
la.-Neb. Indie Unit Backs Allied on Divorcement
President Leo F. Wolcott
Advises Attorney General
Of Attitude, Asks Action
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The first unaffiliated
exhibitor organization to go all-out
for divorcement, the Allied-Indepen-
dent Theater Owners of Iowa-Neb-
raska, Inc., has advised the Attorney
General that it "fully concurs with
and lends its unanimous support to
the report of the general counsel to
the Allied States Association board
of directors dated April 30 and the
resolution adopted by the board on
(Continued on Page 20)
Republic Increasing
Musicals Production
President James R. Grainger will
conduct the first of Republic's cur-
rent series of regular quarterly sales
meetings today and tomorrow at the
New York Athletic Club. In at-
tendance will foe Maxwell Gillis and
Sam Seplowin, Eastern and Central
district sales managers, and ex-
change representatives from those
districts.
Program schedules discussion of
(Continued on Page 12)
Scully, Depinet Reiterate
Policies on Adjustments
Columbus, O. — William A. Scully,
Universale sales chief, defining the
company's policy on adjustments, in
a let'.er to Pete J. Wood, secretary
of the ITO of Ohio, writes:
"We can truthfully say that in
(Continued on Page 15)
Ascap's $1,260,000
Best Since >40 Split
Business is good for composers, too.
The largest royalty distribution
made in any one quarter since 1940,
Ascap yesterday split a $1,260,000
melon for the second quarter of
1943, ending June 30, among its
membership and associated societies.
All Tradeshowings of "Heaven Can Wait" to Be
Before Paying Preview Audiences at Exchanges
All tradeshowings of "Heaven Can Wait" will be held in combination with
previews of the film in all of 20th-Fox's exchange centers under an innovation
announced yesterday by Tom J. Connors, the company's distribution boss. The
screenings, to which exhibitors will be admitted free, will be before regular
theater audiences. This is said to mark the first time in the industry's history
that this method of tradeshowing a film will have been used on a national basis.
The step was taken by Connors on the theory that exhibitors would be able to
benefit from the reaction of paying customers.
The tradeshowings-previews are now being arranged, with dates to be an-
nounced later.
Cities Bid
Address by Coe
.Solid click of public relations pol-
icy inaugurated by the MPPDA un-
der the direction of Charles Fran-
cis "Socker" Coe, vice-president and
general counsel, is instanced by the
fact that Coe returned yesterday
from a transcontinental swing to
find invitations from a score of cities
piled up on his executive desk.
In all probability, one will foe ac-
(Continued on Page 15)
Appeal Board Refuses
To Reopen Fried Case
A motion to reopen the Riant The-
ater, Conshohocken, Pa., clearance
award has been denied by the motion
picture appeal board. Original com-
plaint was filed by Harry Fried, op-
erator of the Riant, against the five
consenting companies and the Norris
Amusement Co., operator of the Nor-
(Continued on Page 21)
Depinet to Reveal
RKO Program Today
Ned E. Depinet, RKO Radio prexy,
will raise the curtain on the com-
pany's 1943-44 product lineup at
this afternoon's fousiness session of
the sales meeting which enters its
second day at the Waldorf-Astoria
today.
Session is scheduled to start at
2 p.m. in the hotel's Wedgewood
Room, immediately following lunch-
(Continued on Page IS)
Dom. Youths to Register
For War Work by July 24
Ottawa — A fourth manpower draft
order announced by Labor Minister
Humphrey Mitchell requires all stu-
dents 16 to 18 years of age holding
Summer jobs in theaters or film ex-
changes to register before July 24
for transfer to essential war occu-
ipations or farming, whether they
(Continued on Page 15)
Tax Deduction "Takes" Good
FILM DAILY Survey Shows No B. O. Decline
Century Circuit Wins Two
Motions in Empire Fight
Century Circuit has been victor-
ious on two motions in its fight
against Empire State Motion Pic-
ture Operators Union to prevent con-
solidation of the union with the
(Continued on Page 12)
Impact on the country's box-of-
fices of the first pay-as-you-go- Fed-
eral income tax deductions from the
pay envelopes of America's work-
ers was negligible, a nation-wide
check-up by The Film Daily indi-
cated last night.
While exhibitors were of the im-
pression that they were by no means
(Continued on Page 21)
Will Be Released Only
To Theaters That Have
Lost Machines in Fires
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Approval has been
given by WPB for the building of
100 projectors for theaters to re-
place burnt-out obsolete units for
which necessary repair parts are not
available. These machines will be
started during the present quarter,
but it is not likely that any of them
will be available before the end of
the year.
A. G. Smith of the WPB Service
(Continued on Page 4)
OWI Wants Kastner
For Overseas Pix Job
Republic Abolishes Its
Studio Publicity Dept.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Republic studio pub-
licity department has been abolished
with Walter Compton, head of the
(Continued on Page 4)
OWI is reported desirous of ob-
taining the services of Lacy Kastner,
assistant to Joseph McConville, Co-
lumbia's foreign distribution chief,
for an overseas film distribution as-
signment.
Understood that the OWI plan calls
(Continued on Page 12)
Canada's War-Time
Info. Board Expanding
Ottawa— While the OWI in the
U. S. is shrinking through Congres-
sional action, the Wartime Informa-
tion Board in Canada, headed by
John Grierson, is expanding. Ap-
pointment of A. D. Dunton, news-
paper editor, as assistant general
manager and G. C. Andrew, of Tor-
onto, to the office of board secre-
tary, is announced. Information as
to salaries and expenses of Grierson's
Bureau recently were refused to the
Canadian Parliament as not being in
the public interest.
TOE
DAILY
Tuesday, July 13, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 8 Tues., July 13, 1943
10 Cents
JOHN W. AUCOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General
Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Monday, July 12)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat }6% 16y2 163/4
Col. Piers, vtc. (21/2%) 18 17% 18 + %
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 3 3 3
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd
East. Kodak 165Vi 165 165
do pfd 180 180 180
Cen. Prec. Eq 223/4 22y2 22% -f- Va
Loew's, Inc 61% 61% 61%
Paramount 30 293/4 30 + %
RKO 95/8 9% 91/2 + Vs
RKO $6 pfd 971/2 97 971/2 + 1
20th Century-Fox ... 23 1/4 23 1/4 23% + U/4
20th Century-Fox pfd. 33 V8 32% 33 Vs + V*
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 15Vs 15 15'/8
do pfd
89 13-32 893/8 89 13-32+1-32
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55. . . 77y2 77i/2 77l/2
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. . . . 3S/8 35/8 3%
Radio-Keith cvs 2 13/4 2
Sonofone Corp 33,4 31/2 3'/i — Vs
Technicolor 13'/g 12% 13Vs + %
Trans-Lux
Universal Corp. vtc
Universal Picts 19 19 19 + %
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 773/8 79y8
pniinrn
[film storage CORPjl
ll If II V k ll
1600 B'WAY, N. Y. C. - CIRCLE 6-0081-2-3-4
HIM rXCH&MM DUTltlWTKM SttVICt
G
Levey Lining Up Nine
Ace Writers for Staff
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Jules Levey, embark-
ing upon the most ambitious pro-
duction program in his career, is
lining up nine topflight writers to
do the scripts for the five big-budget
pictures he will produce for United
Artists release. Typical of the high-
calibre names Levey is contracting
is Howard Estabrook, who adapted
"The Human Comedy." Estabrook
will adapt and write "The Hairy
Ape," which Levey will produce from
the Eugene O'Neill play by the same
name.
Levey returns to production after
devoting six months to confidential
work for the Government in connec-
tion with the war effort. While tour-
ing the country in this connection,
he talked to scores of leading ex-
hibitors and exchange men regard-
ing current box-office needs and this
information will guide him in map-
ping his program for United Ar-
tists.
Expect Film on Tunisian
Campaign at End of July
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Completion of the
film story of the Tunisian campaign,
which has been under preparation by
Colonels Frank Capra and William
O. Keighley for several months now,
is expected by the end of July, it
was revealed yesterday by Army
officials. Work has been going on in
Astoria and Hollywood with thou-
sands of feet of film on the North
African action being studied.
The completed film is expected to
run about an hour, in black and
white. It is being made for Army
showing, but Army pressure for pub-
lic showing is not at all unlikely —
especially now that Lowell Mellett,
retiring OWI pix chief and industry
champion against odd-sized Army
films, will be out of the picture.
Carr, Executive Producer
Of Monogram Productions
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Monogram Produc-
tions, Inc., subsidiary of Monogram
Pictures Corp., will again become
active in production, W. Ray John-
ston, president, announces. Unit,
inactive for the past three years,
will have Trem Carr as executive
producer with Scott R. Dunlap and
Lindsley Parsons producing.
Monogram Productions' schedule
includes "Lady, Let's Dance," star-
ring Belita; Jackie Cooper in
Ground Crew," "College Sweet-
heart," "Black Beauty," "Trail of
the Yukon," "Sweetheart of Sigma
Chi" and "Hot Rhythm."
Goldstein Back in Office
Cleveland — Harry Goldstein, Par-
amount district manager, has suf-
ficiently recovered from a six months'
illness to be able to spend the after-
noons in his office.
Kalmenson Again
Roosts Harry Seed
Promotion of Harry Seed, former
New York Metropolitan district man-
ager for Warners, to the post of
Midwest Dis-
trict Manager,
was announced
yesterday by
Ben Kalmen-
son, general
sales manager,
who arrives in
San Francisco
from Chicago
today for the
company's
third regional
sales meeting.
A successor to
Seed in New
York will be
named in a
few days.
Seed assumes his new duties im-
mediately, supervising the Chicago,
Detroit, Milwaukee and Minneapolis
territories which are part of the di-
vision under Roy Haines, Southern
and Western division sales manager.
It marks the second promotion this
year for Seed. Only a few months
ago he was advanced to the Metro-
politan post from the Central dis-
trict.
HARRY SEED
Hanson Starts Advertising
Trade War on Newsreels
Toronto — Oscar Hanson, president
of Pioneer Films, is advertising in
newspapers direct to theatergoers
to use coupons asking exhibitors to
book his Associated British News,
imported from England for weekly
release starting July 22. It is the
first time in Canada any exchange
has used newspaper displays to sell
product to the public.
Empire Universal Films has re-
taliated with a trade announcement
it already is releasing the British-
Canadian Topical Weekly, and a trade
war over newsreel rivalry has de-
veloped.
Watson Heads Sponsors
for Premiere of "Army"
Thomas J. Watson, president of
the International Business Machines
Corp. has accepted the chairmanship
of the committee that will sponsor
the world premiere of the screen
version of Irving Berlin's "This Is
The Army" for Army Emergency
Relief at the Hollywood Theater,
July 28.
Mrs. Jack Laughlin Dead
Detroit — Mrs. Esther A. Laugh-
lin, wife of Jack Laughlin, former
assistant manager of the Cass The-
ater, is dead. Her husband and one
son survive.
Blackout for Indianapolis
Indianapolis — Indianapolis will
have a taste of a 35-minute blackout
this week, sometime between the
hours of 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.
C0MIIIG and G0IDG
CHARLES FRANCIS "SOCKER" COE has re-
turned from the Coast.
PAUL LAZARUS, JR., UA ad-publicity chief,
leaves for the Coast Friday.
CLAYTON LYNCH, Metro's L. A. branch man-
ager, is in New York.
JACK MAHLER, M-G-M talent scout, is in
Louisville, Ky., from New York.
F. E. "TED" O'SHEA, EDDIE AARON S*
HAROLD POSTMAN returned to New York K.. .. -
day from Cincinnati.
CHARLES D. PRUTZMAN is off for Universal
City tomorrow. MRS. PRUTZMAN will accompany
him.
HARRY GOLDBERC, director of advertising
and publicity for Warner Theaters, left yester-
day for Philadelphia and departs for Cleveland
in connection with plans for the local pre-
mieres of Irving Berlin's "This is the Army."
JOHN A. BACHMAN, president of the Char-
lotte Variety club and manager of Warners' ex-
change in Charlotte, with three of his salesmen,
HAROLD JORDAN, H. KEETER, and DEAN
HOUSE, return today from Chicago.
TOM DUN PHY of the Majestic, Bridgeport,
Conn., is on sick leave in Maine.
JOAN DUPEE, of the Vitagraph, New Haven,
is vacationing on a ranch at Cinnabar in Peek-
skill.
ARTHUR DE BRA of the MPPDA returns today
from the Coast via a Syracuse, Ind., stopover.
AL SHERMAN, publicity consultant to the
film and photo division of the Royal Norwegian
Information Service of the Royal Norwegian
Embassy in Washington, is in town.
JAMES JOVANEY, general manager of the
Globe Film Co. of Chicago, has arrived in the
city for a week's stay to close pending deals
on the company's newest attraction, "The Power
of God."
ALFRED DE LIACRE, JR., the Broadway pro-
ducer, has gone to Hollywood.
LOWELL GILMORE, actor recently signed to a
contract by RKO Radio, has left for Hollywood
for his first assignment.
JOSEPH H. MOSKOWITZ, Eastern representa-
tive of the 20th-Fox studios, accompanied by
BERTRAM BLOCH, Eastern story editor, leave
the end of this week for studio conferences.
NORMAN FERCUSON, director of Walt Dis-
ney's South American unit, is in Mexico City
on a talent hunt. He is accompanied by HOMER
BRICHTMAN and DAN KEEFE.
FELIX JACKSON here to attend opening
of "Her's to Hold," leaves for the Coast Friday.
MRS. KEN GOLDSMITH and her four children
are en route from the Coast with the remains
of her late husband. He will be buried in New
York.
J. D. KENDIS will leave Hollywood July 23
for a swing around the exchange centers to sell
his new Continental picture, "Teen Age."
Sidney Blackmer Carl E. Milliken
Cornelius Keefe
i&
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U V
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£ m *»
u
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CHARLES COBURN &T£lSEl^?^«b1J EDMUND GOULDING
DAME MAY WHITTY
Directed by
Keep Selling The "Shangri La" Stamp Drive!
Screen Ploy by Kathryn Scolo • Ffom the Novel
and Ploy by Margaret Kennedy and Basil Dean
Music by-Erich Wolfgang Kotngold
- - - M
Tuesday, July 13, 1943
Approves Building
100 Film Projectors
{Continued from Page 1)
Equipment Division, which has abso-
lute authority over who gets these
machines, intends to be extremely
tough in letting them out. Getting
approval for them, when such things
as typewriters and laundry machines
simply cannot be built for civilian
use is a feather in the cap of the
industry, since the authorities who
approved the manufacture of them
must have been firmly convinced of
the value of the war job done by the
industry. That they will approve
the manufacture of more, however,
is extremely unlikely, and the ser-
vice equipment division will take
great pains to make certain that the
equipment goes to only those thea-
ters where fires have burnt out the
booths or where old machines are
in such bad shape that repair is es-
sential and repair parts not avail-
able.
The orders for these machines as
well as for 50 sound systems, 100
lamps and 100 rectifiers, have been
distributed among the manufactu-
rers in proportion to the number of
their products now in use by the-
aters. These will be the first lot of
such equipment for civilian use to
be made in about a year and a half.
An industry meeting will be held
here Friday to discuss the possi-
bility of making some new 16 mm.
projectors for use by Government
agencies, USO, etc., it was revealed
yesterday by Harold Hopper, head
of the motion picture section of
WPB's Consumers Durable Goods
Division. These will be entirely for
war-related Government use how-
Newspaper Contest In
Cleveland on Way Out
Cleveland — Local newspapers, it
is reported, are cutting down on
theater-newspaper co-operative ex-
ploitation contests and it is further
rumored that soon all such contests
will be taboo here. This type of ex-
ploitation has been extensively used
by all Cleveland houses.
WEDDING BELLS
Roger Conant Clement, associated
with Paramount legal department
handling foreign matters, and Esther
Augusta Riley were married last
Friday at the Church of the Trans-
figuration.
Lake Arrowhead — Janet Blair and
Sgt. Louis Bush, musical arranger
with the Air Corps Band at Santa
Ana, were married at the home of
Frank Vincent yesterday.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Beverly Hills — Maria Montez and
Joel Pierre Aumont will be married
tonight.
T V V
It Happened Last Night. . . .
• • • SINCE showmen are businessmen who operate theaters
primarily ior profit (the balance of the general motive being to gratify
their professional desire or hobby). Phil M. feels that this column should
stress the trade angle of last night's brilliant get-together in the Waldorf-
Astoria, engineered by a triumvirate comprising Walt Disney, Albert D.
Lasker and Hostess Elsa Maxwell Close to 1.000 people, elite of the
Fourth Estate, Society, the Armed Forces, Trade Unions, Public Life, and
Screen. Stage and Radio, were present for a buffet supper and, more
importantly, to witness a private, pre-release showing of Mister Disney's
celluloid translation of "Victory Through Air Power," authored by Major
Alexander P. de Seversky, who was the function's guest of honor
So, if Miss Maxwell will pardon our "talking shop." and leaving the
glamour to Society Editors, we would like to tell the Gentlemen of the
Exhibition Field a few things of consequence to their pocketbooks
Here goes:
T T ▼
• • • FIRST off, you, Mister Exhib., are hereby assured that
"Victory Through Air Power" is a glorious attraction,— magnetic and re-
vealing in content; stirring in its treatment and timeliness; rich in its
promise of Victory's attainment; and potently geared to swell theater
coffers of every size and type of stand .One can raise an audible
prayer of thanksgiving for the medium of animation, for Technicolor,
and the unrivalled genius of Walt Disney It is an unbeatable
combination wherewith to picturize the vital concepts of Major de
Seversky on the subject of air power So much for the picture
Now, and secondly, you, Mr. Exhib., have rarely if ever been offered
a film of such multiple merit Phil M. happens to know, as he
writes this, that tremendous interest in the picture is rife among heads
of leading circuits, regardless of who owns them He also knows
that their determination to play the new Disney opus spiings from
two motives, namely, the Patriotic and the Pecuniary "Victory
Through Air Power" will spur not only the war effort and hasten the
end of the Axis, but it is one of those rare cinematic properties that
will, at the same time, fill the old till No wonder that it has al-
ready lured to it such powerful sponsorship among showmen
▼ TV
0 0 0 THIRDLY, Mr. Exhib., you have rarely, if ever in these war
days, been offered a picture commanding such a huge ready-made audi-
ence The promotional campaign, launched by UA's Paul Lazarus,
Jr., in the interests of the. distributor, and David "Skip" Weshner. in the
interests of the producer, (and ALL in the interests of the exhibitor), is a
beauty The great news services are giving the pic a terrific "play,"
as are the nation's mags, radio, and commercial firms, chiefly the aero-
nautical industry Among the myriad send-offs are via AP, UP, INS,
King Features and other syndicates, Redbook, Time, Ladies Home Journal,
Liberty. Look. The New York Times Magazine Section, Parade, major
radio networks (110 spots at least!), Wright Aeronautical (with ad tie-
ups in some 40 aviation mags), the Aluminum Co. of America (via maps),
Lockheed (in 60 national mags with 70,000,000 circulation), Bendix (via
co-op newspaper campaign), etc., etc Defense factories are plan-
ning to sell in excess of 1,000,000 admissions to their employes
This all adds up to exploitation put into practical dollars We wish
we had room to tell you more Well, thanks Elsa, Walt and Al for
your hospitality last night, but here we wanted to remember Mr. Ex-
hibitor, and have them —
AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
IN NEW POSTS
•HERMAN EDWARDS, vice-president, American
Ticket Corp., Chicago.
ROBERT BEERY, city manager, Gregory Theaters,
Vincennes, ind.
HERMAN KAL, RKO Grand, Chicago.
GEORGE LEFKO, sales manager, Warners, Chi-
cago.
WARD PENNINGTON, salesman, Paramount,
Portland.
MAX HADFIELD, booker, Paramount, Seaf
JOHN KENT, salesman, Paramount, Seattle.
BILL DUGAN, Concert Artist Bureau, Portland,
Ore.
CHARLES FLOHE, manager, Majestic, Grand
Rapids, Mich.
LEO BLANK, district manager, Monogram, Des
Moines and Omaha.
FELIX JACKSON and his wife are en route
from the Coast to attend the opening of "Her's
to Hold."
Republic Abolishes Its
Studio Publicity Dept.
(Continued from Page 1)
department, Len Boyd, his assis-
tant, William Porter and Ambrose
Barker to leave the lot in two weeks.
The four girls employed in depart-
ment are expected to be transferred
to the stenographic department.
Republic's home office plans to
merge the local publicity department
with its advertising and exploita-
tion departments and will send a
representative to handle material
here. Only a skeleton department
will be maintained at the studio.
Short Subjects Forced,
Says Philly Allied Unit
Philadelphia — Direct charge that
"unnecessary and unwanted short
subjects are being forced" by dis-
tributors is again made by Sidney
E. Samuelson, business manager of
Allied Independent Theater Owners
of Eastern Pennsylvania, Allied af-
filiate, in a bulletin just released to
unit's membership.
Largely devoted to the rentals sit-
uation, bulletin contends that "the
box-office problem of the independent
exhibitor is aggravated by the gigan-
tic film squeeze play being staged
by the distributors."
"Feature product, actually pro-
duced and ready for release, is be-
ing hoarded; old features and re-
issues are being withdrawn and fea-
ture prints have been reduced," bul-
letin maintains, adding, "Now is the
time for exhibitors to take a stand
and make it stick."
STORKS
Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Bush are
the parents of a six-pound son born
on Sunday at the Mt. Vernon Hos-
pital, Mt. Vernon, N. Y. Bush is J
exploitation manager of 20th-Fox|
under Hal Home.
...
m
"am -l: //
Melisse" . . . One of America's
GREATEST WOMAN AD ARTISTS
Does Her Impression of the Year's
GREATEST WOMAN'S PICTURE
For Paramount's Ad Campaign in the
GREATEST WOMEN'S MAGAZINES
"HpHEY'RE in the army now! I've just seen these 3 adorable stars in an
■*- advance screening of 'So Proudly We Hail,' and I think it's the greatest
'woman's picture' ever. It's the first dramatic LOVE STORY OF OUR
WOMEN AT WAR . . . makes you feel like joining the Waves, Waacs,
Red Cross — anything to help destroy the enemy — Quick!
v ted ijn
IT'S all about a bunch of lovely girls
who are right in the thrilling thick
of things at the front, and believe me
you've never seen SUCH EXCITE-
MENT as these girls get into — fight-
ing through rough 'n tough sequences
black and blue.
"OEEING 3 STARS as famous as Claudette Colbert, Paulette Goddard and
Veronica Lake in 3 great romances in one picture certainly puts a lot
of ideas into your head . . . (Stop righting, boys — you can have the three
of them — that is, for your walls!)
'T
HEY have to snatch love on the run
and there are parts and partings that will
just about break your heart ... so don't for-
get to bring your hankies, especially when
Paulette — Boo Hoo! gulp.
. mm. ->•
J^- jn^ t t .. . .
|[S^ PROUDLY Wr\U I
THAT'S what I call
a TERRIFIC
ROMANCE! I mean
between Claudette and
George Reeves. She
borrows a skirt from
"Ma" McGregor to get
married in — thought
dungarees might be con-
fusing. And they spend
their wedding night in
a fox-hole, of all things!
^\4
AND P/
■ don't
PAULETTE — if you
mind — goes around
wearing a black sheer night
gown as an evening dress — to
keep up her Morale she says.
ND watch for that scene where she and
Veronica have A REAL FIGHT— WoW!
not bad — Slap, sc-ratch. . .meoW!
51NP-
HEARD in the most unusual places, "What's up
with Veronica?" Answer, "Her hair." Yessir,
The Lake exposes her entire face for her country
and she sure goes through something in this picture
specially when she screams — "Sure I'm a nurse — an angel of mercy. But
I want to kill, Yes KILL! every blood-stained Jap I can lay my hands on!"
And when her buddies are about to be captured she walks cold as ice
into the enemy lines and gives her beautiful self up to the Japs — (they
think). But there's a catch to it — you'll see!
OW take a good look at this, girls . . . It's
Sonny Tufts, Paramount's NEW STAR
on the male list. ..A big, tall, good-natured guy,
handsome and blond, with a very interesting
chest expansion and line. Wheww. . .Wheww.
YES, this picture has all this for the girls and of course nothing missing for the
boys. In one scene Georgie Reeves has to be bathed by Paulette. Says George —
"No female is going to bathe ME!" but Claudette teaches him different ... and the
part where Sonny tells Paulette "If you don't wait for me I'll break your neck!"
Mmmm — he's Wonderful! And so is the production and direction, for V \\ ./
which I'd like to give Mark Sandrich the Melisse stamp of approval. — ^^^,
HE'S put in loads of wonderful touches
like the bit where one of the girls
receives a package from home — a big pic-
ture hat trimmed with cherries .. .Not what
the well-dressed warrior will wear at the
battlefront! . . . But this picture is so full of
interesting and exciting things I can't begin
to tell them all. Just SEE IT!"
TTlsl/ssz
In response to exhibitor requests, the foregoing art and
copy material, condensed into full-page ad form as it will
appear in the fan magazines, has been made AVAILABLE
FOR LOBBY DISPLA Y in 40 x 60 two-color enlargements.
WILL ADVERTISE IT IN 35,000,000 COPIES OF
Good housekeeping . ^roman's
Home Companion • cJfttcCall's Magazine
Fifteen C^an Magazines (fm Pag«)
jQjfe, dQpok, 7~ime, ^iberty, ^ed Book, Cosmopolitan
True ^tory, American, (^\ick and ^ic {Full Columns)
SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH ITS PREMIERE
AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
*
COLBERT GODDARD • LAKE
in
u
+ go Proudly
* We Hail
•
a MARK SANDRICH production
with George Reeves • Barbara Britton • Walter Abel • Sonny Tufts
Directed bjf Mark SandMch • Written by Allan Scott • A Paramount Picture
Tuesday, July 13, 1943
Vtifa
11
-V > R€VICUS Of THE R6UJ flLfllS :< "
"The Sky's the Limit"
with Fred Asfaire, Joan Leslie
RKO 89 Mins.
SWELL LIGHT COMEDY SATISFAC-
TORILY TEAMS ASTAIRE AND MISS LES-
LIE; STRONG BOX OFFICE SHOWING IN-
DICATED.
The sky's the limit on the entertainment
' 9fe of Fred Astaire's newest film, a light
^7dy that teams him happily with Joan
Leslie. The dancing comedian breezes
through his role to the complete delight
of his fans, carrying Miss Leslie along with
him to deserved success in a chain of situa-
tions that are good for plenty of laughs.
The emphasis in "The Sky's the Limit"
is strictly on fun. Edward H. Griffith's di-
rection holds the film to a snappy pace
throughout and keeps the humorous content
uppermost at all times. Only two or three
dance numbers are permitted to break up
the action, and none of them is spectacular
enough to steer attention away from the
story itself, which is the main thing in this
film.
As Astaire's singing and dancing partner
Miss Leslie reveals a new assurance and
poise in a part that calls upon her to ex-
ercise her comedic talents. She serves as
a good foil for the brash Astaire.
Given nice production touches by David
Hempstead, the film derives from a screen-
play by Frank Fenton and Lynn Root which
contains some surprisingly good comedy lines
that fit the Astaire personality perfectly.
The yarn is scarcely to be taken seriously.
It is from first to last a gay romp in which
Astaire has a chance to play the sort of
role best suited to him — that of the cocky
blade who makes himself obnoxious in his
determination to win a fair heart, which
happens to be Miss Leslie's this time.
Astaire plays a Flying Tiger back home
on a brief furlough before undertaking a
new assignment. To avoid annoyance he
dons civilian clothes and sets out on a round
of fun on which he meets Miss Leslie, a
photographer with whom her boss, a mag
publisher, is in love. Astaire gets the gal
after a lot of hilarious complications. Much
of the comedy revolves around Astaire's
efforts to keep his identity from Miss Les-
lie.
Astaire and Miss Leslie are supported by
a fine cast in which Robert Benchley stands
out strongly as the publisher. Benchley
steals the show several times.
CAST: Fred Astaire, Joan Leslie, Robert
Benchley, Robert Ryan, Elizabeth Patterson,
Marjorie Gateson, Freddie Slack and His
Orchestra.
CREDITS: Producer, David Hempstead; As-
sociate Producer, Sherman Todd; Director,
Edward H. Griffith; Screenplay, Frank Fen-
ton, Lynn Rot; Cameraman, Russell Metty;
Special Effects, Vernon L. Walker; Songs,
Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen; Dance Direc-
tor, Fred Astaire; Musical Director, Leigh
Harline; Art Directors, Albert S. D'Agostino,
Carroll Clark; Set Decorators, Darrell Sil-
vera; Claude Carpenter; Soundman, Richard
Van Hessen; Film Editor, Roland Gross.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
"Danger! Women At
Work"
with Patsy Kelly, Mary Brian, Isabel Jewell
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW)
PRC 60 Mins.
PLEASANT LITTLE COMEDY WITH
FRESH THEME PROVIDES GOOD ENTER-
TAINMENT.
Here is a pleasant little comedy, which
has a fresh theme. It has been given good
production by Jack Schwarz and his asso-
ciate producer, Harry D. Edwards, with Sam
Newfield's direction responsible for plenty
of comedy.
Patsy Kelly comes through with another
splendid performance as a comedienne, while
Cobina Wright, Sr., Betty Compson, Mary
Brian and Isabel Jewell are among the
principals.
Patsy and her roommates, Mary Brian
and Isabel Jewell, enter the trucking busi-
ness when Patsy's uncle leaves her a truck.
The girls agree to haul a gambler's para-
phernalia from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
En route to Las Vegas, they pick up
Cobina Wright, Sr. a socialite, who is afflict-
ed with amnesia. They also give a ride
to Wanda McKay, an heiress, who is flee-
ing from her father, and Betty Compson, a
fortune-teller.
To complicate matters, the truck is
chased by high-jackers and detectives seek-
ing a $5,000 reward for finding Wanda Mc-
Kay, and Cobina Wright, Sr.'s husband.
Gertrude Walker and Edgar G. Ulmer
wrote the original story and Martin Mooney
the screenplay. Ira H. Morgan's photog-
raphy is first-rate.
CAST: Patsy Kelly, Mary Brian, Isabel
Jewell, Wanda McKay, Betty Compson, Co-
bina Wright, Sr., Allan Byron, Warren Hy-
mer, Michael Kirk, Vince Barnett.
CREDITS: Leon Fromkess in Charge of
Production; Producer, Jack Schwarz; Asso-
ciate Producer, Harry D. Edwards; Direc-
tor, Sam Newfield; Authors, Gertrude Wal-
ker and Edgar G. Ulmer; Screenplay, Martin
Mooney; Cameraman, Ira Morgan, ASC;
Art Director, Frank Sylos; Editor, Robert G.
Crandall.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
First-rate.
Schines Close in Bucyrus
Bucyrus, O. — Southern Theater, a
Schine house which has been operat-
ing a week-end policy, is closed for
the Summer.
Micu-Becker Acquire
Celina, O., Theaters
Fort Wayne, Ind. — John Micu and
Clarence W. Becker, owners of the
Indiana and State theaters, have
purchased a half-interest in two
theaters in Celina, 0., the Ohio and
the Fayette. The two Celina the-
aters will continue to operate un-
der the present management.
Urges Confirmations of
Bookings of War Shorts
Eldora, la. — Plea that all ex-
changes follow the example set by
Metro and adopted by 20th-Fox in
sending out advance confirmations
of the block-booked Government-
WAC free shorts distributed by them
is voiced by Leo F. Wolcott, president
of Allied-Independent Theater Own-
ers of Iowa-Nebraska.
"Prairie Chickens"
with Jimmy Rogers, Noah Beery, Jr.
UA-Roach 46 Mins.
LATEST ROACH OFFERING IS OLD-
FASHIONED SLAPSTICK THAT WILL
MAKE A HIT CHIEFLY WITH KIDS.
"Prairie Chickens" is out-and-out slap-
stick aimed strictly at kids and adults not
particular about the entertainment they get.
This sort of stuff has been done to death on
the screen. Only a person whose risibilities
are easily touched will be able to work up
more than a smile over the doings in the
picture, which is the latest of the "stream-
lined" features being turned out by the Hal
Roach outfit. Time has worn some of the
tricks in "Prairie Chickens" pretty thin.
It is one of the film's assets that it runs
but 46 minutes.
What happens in the picture is purely
for the kids. Although there's no end of
rushing about, nothing much actually tran-
spires in the course of the story, an extreme-
ly silly affair. The plot has to do with the
efforts of a crooked ranch foreman to
drive off visitors who are interfering with
his activities. Among the visitors are the
owner, some cowboys and a boodle of beau-
ties, who supply some sort of excitement
for the men by rushing about screaming
while clutching their garments. One of the
foreman's pet devices is having his stooges
make up as ghosts. The guy has the upper
hand until Jimmy Rogers and Noah Beery,
Jr., gets on the job and lower the boom
on him.
The shining light in the cast is Jack
Norton, that perennial screen drunk. Play-
ing the owner of the ranch, he runs away
with whatever there is to run away with in
"Pairie Chickens." He is responsible for
most of the laughs in the film. Besides
Rogers, Beery and Norton others in the
cast include Joe Sawyer, Marjorie Wood-
worth, Rosemary La Planche, Raymond Hat-
ton, Ed Gargan, Frank Faylen.
Hal Roach, Jr.'s direction is fast but no
more. Fred Guiol produced from a screen-
play by Arnold Belgard and Earle Snell based
on a stoy by Donald Hough.
CAST: Jimmy Rogers, Noah Beery, Jr.,
Joe Sawyer, Marjorie Woodworth, Rosemary
La Planche, Jack Norton, Raymond Hatton,
Marge Ann Deighton, Ed Gargan, Frank Fay-
len, Dudley Dickerson.
CREDITS: Producer, Fred Guiol; Director,
Hal Roach, Jr.; Screenplay, Arnold Belgard,
Earle Snell; Based on story by Donald
Hough; Cameraman, Robert Pittack; Spe-
cial Effects, Ray Seawright; Art Director,
Charles D. Hall; Film Editor, Bert Jordan;
Sound, William Randall; Set Decorator, W.
L. Stevens.
DIRECTION, Fair. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Okay.
* SHORTS *
"Sullivans" Via 20th-Fox
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Twentieth-Fox will
finance and release the Sam Jaffe-
Lloyd Bacon film, "The Sullivans,"
based on the combined stories of the
five Sullivan boys who lost their
lives on the cruiser Juneau. Film
will be made on the Fox lot and part
of the proceeds will go to the Sulli-
van family. Jaffe will produce and
Bacon direct.
"Bill Jack vs. Adolf Hitler"
(March of Time)
20th-Fox 17 mins.
Excellent
March of Time's latest release is
easily one of the best of the series. It
records an experiment in labor-man-
agement relations that packs terrific
interest. The subject is the defense
plant operated by Bill Jack, who
uses paternalism to the ultimate de-
gree to get the most out of his work-
ers. The footage shows the means
by which Jack is able to attain a
production record that has won him
nation-wide attention. It is a fan-
tastic success story which argues
for the application of the human
touch to dealings between boss and
worker. The free services made
available to the employes make up an
amazing list. Practically everything
is supplied free to the workers in
return for their loyalty to the man-
agement— a loyalty that drives them
to give their all for the boss. Wage
earners and employers alike will be
drawn to the film, which has the
potentialities of a strong box-office
attraction. The subject has been di-
rected superbly by Jack Glenn. Rich-
ard 18'/4 18 I8I/4+ l/4
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd
East. Kodak 165'/2 1647/8 165'/2 + Vi
Cen. Prec. Eq 23 1/4 22% 23% + %
Loew's, Inc 623/8 62 62% + %
Paramount 30 29% 29% + %
RKO 9% 91/2 95/8 + %
RKO $6 pfd 971/2 97% 971/2
20th Century-Fox . . . 23% 23 23 — 1/4
20th Century-Fox pfd. 34 33% 34 + %
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 15% 15% 15%
do pfd
89 13-32 89 13-32 8913-32
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 3% 3% 3% — %
Radio-Keith cvs 2 17/8 2
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3% + %
Technicolor 14% 13% 14 + 3/4
Trans-Lux 3% 3 3%
Universal Picts 19 18% 18%— %
"Canteen" Tops Army's
B. O. Business in June
Ace box office hit in Army motion
picture theaters in June was UA's
"Stage Door Canteen," it was an-
nounced yesterday by Fred Bund, Jr.,
assistant director of the Army Mo-
tion Picture Service.
Other four outstanding features of
the month from a box-office stand-
point were, in order, "Coney Island,"
20th-Fox; "Bataan," Loew's; "Aerial
Gunner," Paramount, and "Action in
the No- th Atlantic," Warners.
It's the first time that the Army
list showed only one "escapist" pic
registering.
"Bell Tolls" in Formal
Bow Tonight at Rivoli
Para.'s "For Whom the Bell Tolls"
bows in formally at the Rivoli to-
night as a benefit for the National
War Fund in the wake of last night's
press preview. Theater has been
closed for two days to prepare for
the premiere, including the installa-
tion of 100-foot front that covers
the building from sidewalk to roof.
Idea for the front was developed by
Alec Moss; design is by Howard Bay.
Ranking Army and Navy officers,
persons prominent in society, civic
leaders and key figures in industry,
the arts, business and finance will
make up the world premiere audi-
ence.
Here from Hollywood for the opening' are
B. G. DeSylva, Paramount executive produc-
er; Sam Wood, producer-director of "For
Whom the Bell Tolls," Dorothy Lamour, and
her husband, Capt. William R. Howard, III;
Betty Hutton and Mary Martin, both Para-
mount stars; William H. Pine, Paramount
producer, and others.
Also present will be Barney Balaban, Stan-
ton Griffis, Chester Colby, Wendell L. Willkie,
N. Peter Rathvon, Floyd Odium, Maurice
Newton, Edwin L. Weisl, Spyros P. Skouras,
Nicholas M. Schenck, Jack Cohn, John D.
Hertz, Stephen Callagrhan, A. Conger Good-
year, Earl I. McClintock, Charles Francis
Coe, William Phillips, George Skouras, Eugene
Stetson, John Hertz, Jr., G. L. Porter, Serge
Semenenko, Claude Lee, Francis S. Harmon.
Para. Lab. Workers Pay
Boost Okayed by WLB
Motion Picture Laboratory Techni-
cians' Union, Local 702, IATSE, has
received WLB approval of wage in-
creases for workers at the Para-
mount Laboratory in Astoria, it was
reported yesterday by John Franca-
villa, president of the union. The
increases, which are retroactive to
March 8, 1943, are 10 per cent for
those making less than $50 per week
and five per cent for those earning
$50 or more. The raises were pro-
vided for under the terms of the
union's contract with the laboratory
running to March 10, 1945.
Several other applications for
wage increases are pending before
the WLB. Among the firms involved
are Warners, Pathe, and Paramount
News.
Espy Joining M. Selznick
Agency as General Mgr.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Reeves Espy is join-
ing the Myron Selznick agency as
general manager, succeeding Charles
Glett, who has entered the Signal
Corps as a major. Espy has re-
signed as assistant story editor at
M-G-M to take the new post.
William S. Shartin Joins
United Artists Sales Dept.
Chicago — William S. Shartin, who
recently resigned as Warners Mid-
west district manager, is joining
United Artists sales department, ac-
cording to Rud Lohrenz, local dis-
trict manager.
Charles Morrison Here
For Talks with Walker
Charles Morrison, currently in
New York in connection with organi-
zation of his new producing organi-
zation, Morrison Film Co., expressed
the hope that James J. Walker, for-
mer Mayor of New York and film
industry leader, would accept the
presidency of the new venture.
Characterizing Walker as unsur-
passed in ability as well as under-
standing of industry affairs, Morri-
son stated that "it is worth forming
a company to get Jimmy back in the
business more actively," and added
that he believed that the only bar-
rier standing in the way of Walker's
acceptance of the offer is the "in-
tense loyalty he has to the indepen-
dent theater owners whom he now
is representing, and the garment in-
dustry."
Morrison hinted that he has several
top-flight screen properties which
will be put in production upon com-
pletion of his plans to organize Mor-
rison Film Co.
Goldberg Asks Protection
For Baltimore's Hilton
In an unusual clearance complaint
filed with the Washington tribunal,
Thomas D. Goldberg asks that clear-
ance granted the Forest and Gwynn
Theaters, Baltimore, over his Balti-
more house, the Hilton, be eliminated
and that protection be granted the
Hilton over the other theaters. Com-
plaint was filed by Hilton Theater
Co. as operator of the Hilton and
names 20th Century-Fox and Forest
Park Theater Co., operator of the
Forest and Gwynn.
Harford Theater Co., a Goldberg
company, has also filed a clearance
complaint naming 20th-Fox and the
Boulevard and Waverly Theaters,
operated by State Theater Co. Ac-
tion asks elimination of the present
14-day clearance enjoyed by the
Boulevard and Waverly over the Har-
ford.
Two Film Industry Men
Called for Cuban Army
Havana (By Air Mail, Passed by
Censor) — Only two film industry men
were called when the National Re-
cruiting Board summoned over 3,000
men between 20 and 25 years of age,
for military training in the Cuban
Army. L. Villanueva, son of the
manager of the Modernista and Marti
Theaters, Cardenas and Lilo Yarson,
actor who appears in "For Whom the
Bell Tolls," were called.
1560
Broadway
COMinG and G0II1G
LOUIS W. SCHINE and J. MEYER SCHINE
are in New York from Gloversville for the RKO
Radio convention.
RUBE JACKTER, Columbia's assistant general
sales manager, leaves today for Washington and
will return to New York over the week-end.
CUS W. LAMPE. Schine division manager, is
attending the RKO Radio sales meeting here.
AL 0. BONDY, film distributor for Geri^ .,
Electric Co., left his local headquarters yWk
terday for Schenectady on business.
MRS. EDWARD RAFTERY, wife of UA's prexy,
was in Chicago yesterday.
HARRY UNTERFORT, RKO-Schine city manager
in Syracuse, is a guest at the RKO Radio sales
conclave.
JAY GOLDEN of the RKO-Paramount-Comer-
ford pool, Rochester, is in New York attending
the RKO convention.
JIM BRENNAN, Schine district manager, is at-
tending the RKO Radio sales sessions here.
Alexander Preview Shuts
Down for the Duration
Alexander Preview Co., associate
organization of Alexander Film Co.,
but not a subsidiary of the latter,
has ceased operations for the dura-
tion because of the raw stock short-
age, it was revealed yesterday by
J. Don Alexander, whose son, J.
Don Alexander, Jr., is head of Alex-
ander Preview.
The move in no way effects Alex-
ander Film Co., it was stressed.
Preview has, since its inception
a few years ago, devoted its facili-
ties to the making of "coming at-
traction" films, and during its exist-
ence has sold an estimated $40,000,-
000 worth of such trailers.
44 Canadian Theater
Fires, $146,611 Damage
Toronto — No lives were lost
through fire in Canadian theaters
during 1942, it is reported by the
Dominion Fire Commissioner. Dur-
ing the year there were 44 fires
causing damages totaling $146,611.
Ten of these broke out in projec-
tion rooms.
Gilmore Retiring Sept. 1
Harry B. Gilmore, secretary of
the Western Electric will retire Sept.
1 after 41 years of service, it was
announced yesterday following a
meeting of the Company's directors.
Norman R. Frame, assistant secre-
tary was elected secretary by the
directors to succeed Gilmore.
HELP
IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFI-
CULTY FINDING THE RIGHT
PERSON FOR ANY VACANCY
IN YOUR ORGANIZATION-
CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(AGENCY)
331 Madison Ave. (43rd St.), N. Y.
MUrray hill 2-6494
This Is The Picture
Three years ago the Paramount studio dedicated its heart, its
hands, its hopes, to the creation of an heroic film. Nine million
man-hours of devoted care were lavished on it. Volumes of pub-
licity have preceded it. Now, filmed in superb Technicolor, its
168 minutes of entertainment at last unfold upon the screen...
These Are The dCovers
"In spite of the things that were done to me, I never kissed any
man until you. And now there are but three days and three
nights — yet they're everything. Longer than the months of torture
— longer than the years I've lived . • • There isn't anything else
but 'now' — and we must live all our life in the time that remains."
mamm
This Is The e?tory
d
Towering high as its own craggy mountain peaks over all other
best-sellers of this day and age. One million people bought it . „ .
5,000,000 read it . . . To 50,000,000 spread the fame of its superb
romance: "Nobody can write as Hemingway can of a man and a
woman together . . .This is a book, not of three days, but of all timec
These Are
. . . and all the others of
that brave, lusty, brawling,
life-loving band who flung
a desperate challenge in
the face of death — against
crushing, hopeless odds.
Gary Cooper as Robert Jordan
who had come to offer his life for a
country that was far from home —
and a cause that was near his heart.
Ingrid Bergman as Maria
Of the Close-Cropped Hair
"I do not know how to kiss, or I would
kiss you — and I shall learn to kiss
you very well."
The People
Akim Tamiroff as Pablo
"Pablo was brave in the beginning . . .
he killed more people than the cholera.
But now he is finished. He is very
much a coward and he will betray us all."
Arturo de Cordova as Agustin
"It is better to die on your feet than
to live on your knees."
Katina Paxinou as Pilar
'She is of an unbelievable barbarous-
ness,with a tongue that bites like a bull
whip . . . She would have made a good
man — but she is all woman, and all ugly."
Joseph Calleia as El Sordo
"Whether one has fear of it or not,
one's death is difficult to accept . . .
even at fifty-two, with three wounds
in you, and surrounded on a hill.'
This Is The
■■■-■. --^
For them the bridge was everything. For three breathless days
their every thought, their every movement was consecrated to its
destruction. And then — "there was a cracking roar and the middle
of the bridge rose up in the air like a wave breaking, and they
felt the blast of the explosion roll back against them ..."
K99I
These Are The eocenes
THAT HELP FILL THE SCREEN WITH TUMULTUOUS
ACTION AND TIGHT-LIPPED SUSPENSE
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The Siege on the Mountain Top
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The Massacre at the Cliflp
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The Bombing of the Cafe
The Defense of the Cave
This Is
ParamoV
v>v>v>
From the Celebrated N<
Starring
Gary £ooper
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY
SamW
DM "DBSM!*
w,» AKIM TAMIROFF • ARTURO de CORDOV
Screen Play I
The Silling
Bl by Ernest Hemingway
1
er£man
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30Cl B* G" De SYLVA' Executive Producer
S©k@C3
(JOSEPH CALLEIA • And KATINA PAXINOU
kidley Nichols
J
All America helped cast the most famous characters in modern fiction. There
are one hundred individual roles, and among them new stars emerge and famous
players attain a brilliance that will be recorded in motion picture annals.
The production, direction, and writing enlisted leading talents of the him
world. The grandeur of Technicolor in this picture has never been equalled.
This Is The Policy 1
THAT WILL BRING MAXIMUM RETURNS FROM THIS TREMENDOUS
PROPERTY TO THE BOX-OFFICES OF THE LAND
$4.40 WORLD PREMIERE, RIVOLI THEATRE, NEW YORK, JULY 14
To be followed by
RESERVED-SEAT RIVOLI THEATRE ROADSHOW ENGAGEMENT
To be followed by
RESERVED-SEAT CARTHAY CIRCLE THEATRE, HOLLYWOOD, ROADSHOW ENGAGEMENT
UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE, LOS ANGELES, ROADSHOW ENGAGEMENT
To be followed by
OTHER METROPOLITAN CITY ROADSHOW ENGAGEMENTS DURING AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
To be followed by
SELECTED PRE-RELEASE KEY CITY JR0ADSH0W ENGAGEMENTS OCTOBER 1st
To be followed by
NATIONAL ROADSHOW ENGAGEMENTS DURING 1943-44
To be followed by \.
RETURN ENGAGEMENTS FOR YEARS TO COME "
*For the Benefit of The National War F
This Is The Company
THAT IS MAKING MOTION PICTURE HISTORY—
aramsunt
Wednesday, July 14, 1943
DAJLV
13
Show World Leaders
Al NEK Conference
9
(Continued from Page 1)
will meet for the first time to adopt
plans for complete mobilization of
the amusement business in the in-
terests of victory over the Axis. The
pnference will run through tomor-
w.
Representatives of 36 major na-
tional organizations in the entertain-
ment world will hear Brig.-Gen.
Frederick Henry Osborn, chief of
the Morale Branch of the Army, tell
of the entertainment requirements of
men and women in uniform. Theo-
dore W. Gamble, director of the War
Finance Committee of the Treasury
Department, will talk on what show
business can do to aid the Govern-
ment in the coming war loan drive.
Winthrop Aldrich will speak on the
role of the entertainer in the future
plans of the National War Fund, of
which he is chairman. The highlight
of the second day of the meeting will
be a discussion of civilian morale and
entertainment on the home front by
Elmer Davis, OWI director.
Also listed on the agenda is a dis-
cussion of a pledge by members of
every branch of the entertainment
world to dedicate themselves to a
greatly stepped-up program of enter-
tainment to aid in the winning of the
war. Other business of the meeting
will be completion of a permanent
organizational set-up for the NEIC
in New York and other major enter-
tainment centers.
The idea of the NEIC, which will
function as a service agency to chan-
nel talent and facilities to points
where they can best be used, grew
out of a conference held at the Times
Hall on June 3 and 4.
The continuations committee ap-
pointed at that time with George J.
Schaefer, chairman of the WAC, as
chairman will place before the show
world representatives the results of
its planning activities in behalf of
fuller dedication of the amusement
field to the war effort.
"Canteen" in Fourth Week
"Stage Door Canteen," which
starts a fourth week tomorrow at
the New York Capitol, is expected
to go at least eight weeks there, it
is understood.
George Blake
M. J. Siegel
Dave Fleischer
Charles Weinstein
Stuart Stewart
Zita Johann
ALONG
THE
- |u™iinTTi
Conventional Jottings:
• • • TODAY marks "the end of the beginning." which is to say
the current RKO Radio sales convention in the swank Waldorf-Astoria
From this point on, the company and its distribution legions will
buckle down to the task of making the 1943-44 season a humdinger, and
there isn't a single official or delegate but that is certain it will be
Yes'day. Phil M. swooped down on the big Park Avenue hostelry to
chew the trade fat with some of the boys as they headed for their noon-
tide menu fat It was good to see Al Selig again, up from down
Pittsburgh and Washington way Al says that the perfect omen for
some of the on-coming RKO Radio features occurred right while Ned
Depinet was announcing the new lineup, — for darned if Oscar didn't
poke his head in the convention hall door right then Both the
morning and afternoon biz sessions were downright private, but Phil
M.'s little nooze hound, "Snooper," managed to slither into the sessions
and emerged with the following barking:
T T T
• • • COLONEL Carlos P. Romulo, present at the gallant last
stand of General MacArthur in the Philippines, as the latter's chief
aide, took a bow and received a spirited ovation The Grand Ball-
room's unavailability this year to the RKO sales meet, by the by,
necessitated the announcement of 1943-44 product being staged in the
hotel's Wedgewood Room,— and to an overflow audience Distaff
RKO-ites at the sales meeting were the alluring Rosalie Ross, of Rutgers
Neilson's staff, and the charming Mildred Hartman of Aagie Schubart's
department They worked like beavers outside the Sert Room,
where the publicity typewriters hummed in the best City Room fashion
RKO Radio, so Ned Depinet disclosed, has six Tim Holt west-
erns now available for immediate dating by exhibs Tim com-
pleted these half-dozen pix prior to his induction into Uncle Sammy's
Army several months ago They'll be the only horse operas the
org will have in the new season
T T T
• • • ANENT Prexy Ned, — he invited ye delegates to an open
house tomorrow at GHQ, specifically the office of "Flash," house organ
bailiwick GHQ was established by Salute's Jack (Ole Goose-Caller)
Level as a clearing house for nooze of RKO-ites now in the armed forces
lames R. Young, the Far East correspondent whose book, "Behind
the Rising Sun," is destined to be one of RKO's best bets of the season,
gave an off-the-record broadside about inside Japan Jimmy, vet-
eran member o' the Fourth Estate, is a whale of a speaker N. Peter
Rathvon. introducing his school pal, Floyd B. Odium, to the sales dele-
gates, recalled that when they were schoolmates at the University of
Colorado, Odium already had a keen financial flare, evidenced in his
poker pickings, and his facility in getting elected to college committees
with stipendiary privileges Capt. Ben Lyon held a reunion with his
pals of the Phil Reisman foreign department staff Corporal Patricia
Biddle of the WACs. formerly of the studio, dropped in to say hello,
and chatted with her former boss. Perry Lieber Terry Turner, in
charge of field exploitation under S. Barret McCormick, was able to see
his staff en masse for the first time Spread all over the country,
Terry has hitherto seen 'em singly or in pairs Cables of greetings
to the delegates were read by Ned Depinet from branch managers in
such scattered spots as Barcelona, Cairo, San Juan, P. R., Bombay,
Stockholm, Chungking, Lisbon, London and Berne, — testimony to the fact
that RKO carries on! P.S.: Good luck to you all, lads! And be
sure to always
T T ▼
AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Trade Man as Liaison
Between OWI-Pix!
(.Continued from Page 1)
and Domestic Director Palmer Hoyt
will probably see an offer by OWI
to let the industry pick a man to
carry on this work.
Organizationally the future OWI
industry liaison is pretty much of
an open question, but it was learned
that there will probably be a Holly-
wood office apart from that of Ulric
Bell, who represents the overseas
branch. The main reason for this
would be that the agency does not
want to leave itself open to charges
of censorship, since the overseas
branch does exercise censorship, in
effect.
Bell's office, were it to take over the
script clearance work formerly handled by
Nelson Poynter, Mellett representative on
the Coast, could find itself in a difficult po-
sition if it rejected a script for overseas
showing: because it could be charged that
OWI was trying: to censor it for domestic
purposes.
Furthermore, clearing- of scripts for do-
mestic purposes is probably a thing of the
past. Officials here believe that the industry
is not keen on this clearance, and they hope
to have a man in Hollywood who would not
find it necessary to work that way to ac-
complish his ends. They hope to have a
man in whom the industry has complete
confidence to do an affirmative job there —
suggesting information needs and providing
background information for the studios. It
is not unlikely that the same man will
serve both in Washington and in Hollywood.
OWI officials, if they have the man in
mind, have been quite successful in non-
cealing his identity. It is likely that they
hope for the industry leaders to name the
man.
Arch A. Mercy, who has been assistant
chief of the motion picture bureau under
Lowell Mellett, will probably be on the
scene for a time yet, having offered to stay
to help liquidate the bureau. His future
plans are believed to call for his accepting
a post with the Army.
News Agencies Cover
'Roger Touhy' Prison Show
A big turn-out of Illinois law-en-
forcement officers, newspaper corre-
spondents and photographers, mag-
azine writers and such national news
agencies as the AP, UP and INS,
totaling nearly 1,000 covered the
Stateville Penitentiary preview
showing of 20th-Fox's "Roger Touhy,
Gangstei" in Joliet, 111., last night,
Jack Goldstein, Eastern publicity di-
rector for 20th-Fox reported last
night upon his return by plane to
New York.
"Weather" at Roxy July 21
Twentieth-Fox's "Stormy Weather"
follows "Coney Island" into the Roxy
on July 21.
WEDDING BELLS
Geraldine Hucka, now a store-
keeper in the WAVES and formerly
with 20th Century-Fox exchange in
Des Moines, was married to Lt. Rob-
ert Jon Evans in Jacksonville, Fla.
She is stationed at Jacksonville.
14
Wednesday, July 14, 1943
RK0 1943-44 Program to Stress Original Stories
Five Features in Techni-
color; New Series Added
To New Season's Lineup
(Continued from Page 1)
Frank Ross and Edward A. Golden.
Five of the new season's pictures
are completed and eight are in pro-
duction.
Commenting on the program, N.
Peter Rathvon, president of RKO
Corp. said, "Our 1943-44 product
represents a careful selection which
, we think the public will find of un-
usual appeal. It is diversified and
attractive, balanced between the ser-
ious themes of our times and the
gay comedies and musicals that are
a tonic entertainment necessity to-
day."
Five to be in Technicolor
Most of the program will be based
on originals, three on magazine sto-
ries, four on books and one on a
play. Five features are to be filmed
in Technicolor, in addition to all of
the Disney releases.
Top pictures to be produced at the
RKO lots in Hollywood and Culver
City under direction of Charles W.
Koerner, include Ginger Rogers in
"Tender Comrade," to be produced
by David Hempstead from Dalton
Trumbo's original story, and "The
Gibson Girl," which Hempstead will
produce in Technicolor. Fred As-
taire and Joan Leslie will be starred
in a musical while Cary Grant will
head the cast of "Experiment Peril-
ous," from the Margaret Carpenter
best seller, also produced by Hemp-
stead.
Frank Ross Productions will make
"The Robe," in Technicolor, from
Lloyd C. Douglas' best seller. "Gov-
ernment Girl," directed by Dudley
Nichols from his own script adapted
from the Adela Rogers St. John
Ladies' Home Journal serial, will
have Anne Shirley, James Dunn,
Paul Stewart, Jess Barker, Una
O'Connor and Harry Davenport in
the cast. Edward Dmytryk will di-
rect "Behind the Rising Sun" from
Emmett Lavery's screenplay based
on the book by James R. Young for-
leign correspondent imprisoned by
the Japs, with a cast featuring
Margo, Tom Neal, J. Carrol Naish,
Robert Ryan and Gloria Holden.
Ross has completed the Jean Ar-
thur-John Wayne starrer, "A Lady
Takes a Chance" and will follow
with "One Girl in a Million," also
starring Miss Arthur. Eddie Cantor
will produce and star in "Show Busi-
ness" with a cast including Joan
Davis, Frank Sinatra, Marcy Mc-
Perfect Timing!
West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Just as the Yanks and
their allies were invading "Sicily,"
the Warners' studio was starting to
make an Italian-language version of
"Sergeant York."
Abandoned Child's Adoption by Variety Club
Hailed by Capital District as Capital Deed
Albany — Top current topic among press and public here is the adoption by
the local Variety Club of a three-year-old child left on the doorstep of St.
Joseph's Church, a note pinned to his coat by the mother who wrote that she
could no longer care for him. Little lad's adoption has driven home to Albanians
at large the humanitarian work of the Variety Club and the great -heartedness
of its showman members. Chief Barker C. J. Latta declares: "When we took
over the financing and operation of the USO Club Canteen, we thought this was
the biggest undertaking we have tackled. The adoption of the child has gained
the greatest good-will that we have ever experienced in this community. It is
planted in the minds of the public that the movie industry is doing considerable
good work for the community as a whole."
Guire, Dooley Wilson and others to
be announced.
Company's initial Bing Crosby
feature will be "Down Melody Lane,"
to be produced by Hempstead who
will also guide "Nurse Sister Ken-
ny," to star Rosalind Russell. "One
Hour of Glory" to be produced by
Casey Robinson from his own script,
will introduce the ballerina Touma-
nova and Gregory Peck, star of
Broadway. Jacques Tourneur will
direct.
Maureen O'Hara in Two
Maureen O'Hara will be co-starred
in two — with John Garfield in "Fal-
len Sparrow" from Dorothy B.
Hughes' best seller, and with John
Wayne in "Tall in the Saddle," from
Gordon Ray Young's magazine ser-
ial. Robert Fellows will produce
both.
Fellows will also produce two starring Pat
O'Brien — "The Iron Major," based on the
life of the late Maj. Frank Cavanaugh, and
"Marine Raiders." "Around the World"
stars Kay Kyser with Mischa Auer, Joan
Davis, Marcy McGuire, and Georgia Carroll,
with Allan Dwan as producer-director.
"Higher and Higher" features Michele Mor-
gan, Jack Haley, Constance Moore, Marcy
McGuire, Frank Sinatra, Paul and Grace
Hartman, Leon Errol and Mel Torme, with
production and direction by Tim Whelan.
Fibber McGee and Molly are to be starred
in "Heavenly Days," a Robert Fellows pro-
duction, directed by Richard Wallace. Pearl
Buck's "China Sky" will be produced by
Emmet Lavery with a cast headed by Mau-
reen O'Hara, Paul Henreid and Luise Rainer.
Wally Brown and Alan Carney will be
featured in a new Army life series produced
by Bert Gilroy. First of this group will be
"Adventures of a Rookie," directed by Les-
lie Goodwins with Margaret Landry, Patti
Brill and Richard Martin in the cast. Others
will be "The Rookies in Burma" and "The
Rookies in Berlin." Another new series,
"Mr. and Mrs. America," will star Leon
Errol. The Falcon, Gildersleeve and Lum 'n'
Abner series will be continued.
Geraghty on "Falcon"
First of two Falcons to be produced by
Maurice Geraghty, will be "The Falcon and
the Co-ed," featuring Tom Conway. Harold
Peary will, star in two Gildersleeves, "Gil-
dersleeve on Broadway" and "Gildersleeve,
Detective." both produced by Herman Schlom.
"Are These Our Children?" will be pro-
duced by Val Lewton with direction by As-
sociate Prpducer Edward Dmytryk. "Seven
Days Ashore" features Marcy McGuire, Fred-
rie Slack and band, and Dooley Wilson, di-
rected by John Auer. "An American Story"
stars Margo, with Wally Brown, Alan Car-
ney, John Carradine, Robert Ryan, Amelita
Ward and James Bell, from Arch Oboler's
script, produced and directed by Auer.
Val Lewton will produce a twin-bill of
four-reel features, "The Amorous Ghost" and
"The Screaming Skull." Lewton's schedule
also includes "The Curse of the Cat People,"
featuring Simone Simon, Kent Smith and
Jane Randolph. "Lord Epping Has Plans,"
Stars Leon Errol in a Bert Gilroy produc-
tion; John Auer will produce "They Creep
by Night" and "The Fanatic of Fez" (ten-
tative title) will feature George Sanders.
New Disney Camera Process
Schedules of independent producers whose
product will be released by RKO includes
Walt Disney's "Let's Go Latin," (tentative
title), which will introduce a new camera
process.
Samuel Goldwyn will supply Bob Hope in
"Treasure Chest," in Technicolor; "North
Star," from the Lillian Hellman original with
a cast including Anne Baxter, Walter Bren-
nan, Walter Huston, Dana Andrews, Ann
Harding, Jane Withers, Farley Granger and
Erich von Stroheim, directed by Lewis Mile-
stone, and Danny Kaye in "Up in Arms,"
supported by Dana Andrews, Dinah Shore,
Constance Dowling and the Goldwyn girls.
Herbert Wilcox has already completed in
England, "Yellow Canary," starring Anna
Neagle and Richard Greene and another Eng-
lish-made production, "Escape to Danger"
will co-star Eric Portman and Ann Dvorak.
Sol Lesser will contribute "Tarzan's Des-
ert Mystery," starring Johnny Weissmuller.
First of two Lum 'n' Abner productions will
be "So This is Washington," with a sup-
porting cast including Mildred Coles, Alan
Mowbray and Roger Clark, with Ben Hersh
producing and Ray MeCarey directing. Ed-
ward Golden will produce another special.
39 Two-Reel Shorts
Of the 171 scheduled shorts, 142 are one-
reelers and 29 two-reelers. Single reel
series comprise RKO Pathe News, twice week-
ly; 18 Walt Disney Technicolor cartoons; 13
Sportscopes and seven Flicker Flashbacks.
Two-reel series are "This Is America." 13;
Edgar Kennedy and Leon Errol comedies,
six each; and "Headliner Revivals," four
musical comedies, two starring Phil Harris
and band and two starring Ted Fio Rito
and band.
RKO producers include David Hempstead,
Casey Robinson, Robert Fellows, Emmet
Lavery, Eddie Cantor, Val Lewton, Bert
Gilroy, Maurice Geraghty and Herman
Schlom. Producer-directors include Dudley
Nichols, Tim Whelan, Allan Dwan, John
Auer and Herbert Wilcox. Directors: Wil-
liam A. Seiter, Lewis Milestone, Edward H.
Griffith, Ray Enright, Elliott Nugent, Rich-
ard Wallace, Edward Dmytryk, Jacques Tour-
neur, Mark Robson, Leslie Goodwins and Wil-
liam Thiele.
Personality roster includes Ginger Rog-
ers, Fred Astaire, Bob Hope, Cary Grant,
Rosalind Russell, Danny Kaye, Jean Arthur,
Olivia de Havilland, Eddie Cantor, George
Sanders, Bing Crosby, Simone Simon, Paul
Henreid, Pat O'Brien, Michele Morgan, Anna
Neagle, Luise Rainer, Maureen O'Hara, Joan
Davis, Kay Kyser, Johnny Weissmuller, John
Garfield.
Also, Toumanova, Gregory Peck, Richard
Greene, Harold Peary, Lum 'n' Abner, Wally
Brown, Alan Carney, Joan Leslie, Ann Shir-
ley, James Dunn, Lupe Velez, Paul Stewart,
Jess Barker, Una O'Connor, Harry Daven-
port, Frank Sinatra, Marcy McGuire, Dooley
Wilson, Glenn Vernon, Alan Reed, Hugo
Haas, Ruth Warrick, Robert Ryan, Russell
Wade, Mischa Auer, Georgia Carroll, Jack
Haley, Constance Moore, Paul and Grace
Hartman, Leon Errol, Mel Torme, Margaret
Landry, Patti Brill, Richard Martin, Tom
Conway, Freddie Slack and band, Kim Hunter.
Greater Opportunity
With Peace-Odium
(.Continued from Page 1)
industry's post-war future in an B.f^>
dress before the RKO Radio salW
meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria yes-"*
terday.
"I think the industry has estab-
lished itself as it never was be-
fore," stated Odium. "There is good
reason why people are going to the
theater, good reason why the pic-
ture companies are getting film to
carry on. It is because motion pic-
tures are filling a real need, helping
morale, helping build up production,
helping the men at the front, and I
think you people here should con-
sider yourselves helpers in this
effort.."
Odium declared film "will carry America
to the world because the world will be more
conscious of America than ever before."
The afternoon session, climax of the
sales meet, was given over to the 1943-44
product announcement by President Ned E.
Depinet. Morning session was addressed by
Robert S. Wolff, metropolitan district man-
ager; Robert Mochrie, general sales manager;
Nat Levy. Eastern division sales manager
and Walter E. Branson, Western division sales
manager.
Phil Reisman, RKO Radio vice-president
in charge of foreign distribution, disclosed
that plans are already under way for the
presentation of pictures in European trerri-
tories as they are freed of enemy occupa-
tion.
RKO Radio Sales Meeting
To Close With NSS Buffet
The final session of RKO Radio's
three-day sales meeting which started
Mrs. Catherine Reves Dies
Detroit — Mrs. Catherine J. Reves,
mother of Haviland F. Reves, De-
troit correspondent of The Film
Daily, died Sunday after several
months' illness. She was office
manager for her son for many years
until illness forced her retirement.
Interment will be in Woodmere Ceme-
tery today.
Monday at the Waldorf-Astoria Ho-
tel, New York, will be called to or-
der this morning at nine o'clock by
Ned E. Depinet.
Day's order of business will be de-
voted to the new season's product as
announced by Depinet yesterday. A
recess will be called at 12:30 p.m.
and the delegates will be hosted at
lunch in the Wedgewood Room. The
meeting will then be resumed at 2
p.m.
In the evening at seven p.m. the
delegates will be guests of National
Screen Service at a reception and
buffet supper in the Wedgewood
Room. The homeward return of the
delegates to their various offices
throughout the United States and
Canada will begin tonight and con-
tinue through tomorrow.
Add "Help Wanted!"
Sound View, Conn. — Because of
his inability to obtain an operator,
John P. Glackin may be unable
to open his Summer Strand here,
usually open by Memorial Day or
Fourth of July at latest.
The sensational show that exposes the
vicious Japs as the vilest villains the world
has ever known! . . . Sensationally pro-
mated!. . . Opening in August. . . Make your^
own booking plans NOW!...
LOOK
see why V*£ST*n
TO ^ JBr- ^^JB8^"^Mrt^
They sell their
THEY'RE WORSE THAN KILLERS!
own daughters? mtm'
They manhandle captive women! __^
They make war •"■"*£* women! Jg^fff j
Tue« torture W«SSI _^-m*T\«L\ I ' I
^^0n3» II 1 1 iSLl II I IJ
^ond *orC'
and MORE'
h MARGO • TOM NEAL • J. CARROL NAISH • ROBERT RYAN • GLORIA HOLDEN
Directed by EDWARD DMYTRYK • Original Screen Ploy by EMMET LAVERY
MM
Wednesday, July 14, 1943
IN*
if"*-
1 Miiy
17
Rodgers Calls M-G-M
District Conference
(Continued from Page 1)
nanager; Harold Postman, assis-
ant to Rodgers; Howard Dietz, vice-
jresident in charge of advertising
md -ublicity; Silas F. Seadler, ad-
m?* ~lig manager; William R. Fer-
guson, exploitation manager. John
3. Flynn, Western division sales
vnanager and John J. Maloney, Cen-
tal division sales manager, will sit
n.
District managers who will at-
iend the Windy City parley will
lumber John J. Bowen, New York;
ludolph Berger, Washington; Mau-
-ice N. Wolf, Boston; Robert Lynch,
Jhiladelphia; Charles E. Kessnich,
Atlanta; George A. Hickey, Los An-
gles; John P. Byrne, Detroit; Bur-
Sus Bishop, Jr., Kansas City; Harris
\ Wolfberg, St. Louis, and Samuel
L Shirley, Chicago.
Cairo House to Warners
Cue to Post-War Plans?
(Continued from Page 1)
Dpera, Cairo's second largest theater.
Following the run of "Casablanca"
n July, the theater will be closed
:or general renovation, reopening in
'September under the Warner man-
agement.
Lamar Swift Promotion
Brings Editorial Praise
Atlanta — Promotion of Lamar
Swift from Waycross manager for
jucas & Jenkins Theaters, Para-
nount Theaters, Paramount affiliate,
o Macon city manager for the same
ompany has brought into full per-
pective the intense popularity of
iwift among the residents of Way-
ross. In the featured editorial of
he Waycross Journal Herald, the
heaterman was publicly lauded for
as many outstanding contributions
|0 the community's well-being.
! Said the newspaper, in enumerat-
ng Swift's accomplishments: "Way-
ross and Ware County regrets io
ose Swift even though delighted to
:now he is moving upward in his
hosen field of work. He earned a
arge place in this city and county."
'articularly cited were his war and
iivic activities.
Solo Operation
Boston — The Coolidge Corner The-
ater has lost all of its staff except
Manager Jack Markle. Four of his
aides have gone into the armed ser-
vices and Markle is compelled to do
all of the work formerly done by
the quartet since he has to date
found it impossible to replace them
with competent men or women.
Rep. Gross At Alt-Time High
Rogers Pix Biz in 100% Gain, Confab Told
(Continued from Page 1)
Prexy James R. Grainger, who is
presiding. Meeting is being attended
by Maxwell Gillis and Sam Seplowin,
Eastern and Central district sales
heads, and exchange men from their
territories.
Grainger told the delegates that
the company will give Mary Lee a
build-up campaign akin to that
benefiting Roy Rogers, the campaign
getting under way with release of
"Nobody's Darling." Actress will get
a starring role in "Hit Parade of
1944."
Simultaneous openings of "In Old Okla-
home," are scheduled for 20 important key
situations, with the engagements to be backed
by exhibitor co-operative ad campaigns, radio
spot announcements, and 24 sheet posting, in
addition to local exploitation.
Today's session will center about discus-
sion of sales policy, as well as productions
scheduled for the immediate future, including
"Brazil," "Atlantic City," "Gay Glades,"
"The Old Waldorf," and the Roy Rogers pro-
duction, "Man From Music Mountain." All
these productions will receive similar promo-
tion in key cities.
Yates and Grainger leave tomorrow for
Chicago, where the second of Republic's
sales meetings is to be held Friday and Sat-
urday, at the Brake Hotel. Present at this
session will be Midwestern District Sales
Manager E. L. Walton, Southern District
Sales Manager Merritt Davis, and exchange-
men from these territories. Third and last
meeting in the current series is to be held
July 22-23, at the studio, where Yates and
Grainger will be joined by Studio Head M.
J. Siegel and Western District Sales Man-
ager F. A. Bateman, as well as area ex-
changemen.
Alexander Sees Blow to Pix
In Post-War U. S. Isolation
(Continued from Page 1)
to this country's world film trade,
which will, if we enter upon firm and
friendly commercial relations with
other lands, reach unprecedented pro-
portions, it was declared yesterday
by J. Don Alexander, president of
Alexander Film Co., of Colorado
Springs.
Here on a business visit, following
the shift of the firm's local offices
from 630 Ninth Ave. to 500 Fifth
Ave., Alexander asserted that not
only will American theatrical films,
but also advertising films such as
his organization produces, play a
hugely important role in foreign
lands. Alleviation of the interna-
tional resentment which is certain
to be a by-product of the conflict,
as and when hostilities cease, and
the burden of re-educating present-
enemy countries, will fall squarely
upon the American film industry, he
added.
Behind the scenes today, engineers
and designers are fashioning blue-
prints of myriad new products.
With the eventual manufacture _ of
the latter, selling and demonstration
film will have to be made, instructing
the public here and abroad in their
use. We are naturally going to share
our advances in all the various
branches of art and science with the
people of other nations, he said.
A full 90 per cent of the film now
being produced by Alexander Film
Co. are directly tied to the war effort.
These films are sponsored by na-
tional advertisers as well as mer-
chants in thousands of communities.
Typical of this product are the
Treasury Department-endorsed Bond
and 'Stamp films. Currently, the
company has about 150 salesmen cov-
ering the U. S., and each carries his
own 35 mm. equipment.
Alexander stated that he would
leave for Colorado Springs tomor-
row, stopping off in Detroit and Chi-
cago en route. Mrs. Alexander is ac-
companying him on the present trip.
Polio Outbreak Decreases
Texas Grosses by 25 P. C.
(Continued from Page 1)
Beaumont. Cases have been re-
ported from outlying places around
these cities. Some estimates have
placed the total box-office loss as
high as 25 per cent.
Raymond Willie, assistant gen-
eral manager, Inter-State, estimates
that the loss of juvenile trade is
about 50 per cent of normal, being
heaviest in the nabes. M. S. White,
with a nabe in Fort Worth claims a
Saturday drop of from 450-600 kids
to 10 only, while Leon Lewis, Lib-
erty, subsequent downtown, reports
a heavy decrease.
Willie told The Film Daily that
while no requests have come from
any Government authorities to the
theaters to close, such suggestions
have come from private sources, and
in one area in Fort Worth a com-
munity project of three days a week
has closed. In Beaumont, according
to S. L. Oakley, Jefferson, the Ctiy
Health Officer has asked exclusion
of children under 12. Swimming
pools and Sunday schools have been
closed in most of these places.
State Health Officer Dr. Geo. W.
Cox declares the spread of the dis-
ease is epidemic, with upwards of
300 cases now reported, including
some deaths. New cases are re-
ported daily and the area of inci-
dence widens with each report.
In addition to the loss of the
juvenile trade, the box-offices suffer
adult losses — those who ordinarily
attend the children, those who re-
frain because the children are kept
away, and those who abstain from
attendance through their own fear.
Report Chakeres Circuit
Taking Sam Lee's Four
Cincinnati — The Phil Chakeres
Circuit, iSpringfield, O., is reported
to have taken over four Kentucky
theaters operated by Sam Lee, and
located at Winchester and Frank-
fort.
More Chi. Men Face
Extortion Indictment
(Continued from Page 1)
be filed before Sept. 7, when the six
alleged Chicago gangsters named in
the indictment, in addition to Louis
Kaufman, business agent of Local
244, Newark operators' union, and
John Rosselli, West Coast agent for
the extortion ring, are scheduled to
go on trial. They are charged with
conspiracy to violate the Federal
anti-racketeering statutes.
Boris Kostelanetz, special assis-
tant U. S. attorney general in charge
of the prosecution, was questioned
about the identities of those ex-
pected to be added to the list of de-
fendants. He refused to comment,
although he did state that "the
special Federal grand jury is still
investigating."
The six Chicago defendants, all
assertedly members of the old Al
Capone mob, plus Rosselli, are out
on $100,000 bail each. Kaufman is
free on $25,000 bail.
New City Safety Code
Goes to Omaha's Council
Omaha — Fire Commissioner Wal-
ter Korisko has introduced an ordi-
nance in City Council providing for
a new city safety code that would
require free certificates of occu-
pancy to be obtained annually by
any public gathering place accom-
modating more than 50 persons.
The new rules, which have the
unanimous recommendation of the
Council, will come up for final ac-
tion later this month and if passed
will go into effect in October.
They provide tighter regulations
for fireproofing of decorations, tend-
ance of exit doors, passageways to
exits, fire extinguisher placement,
posting of capacity notices, direc-
tions to exits and quarterly inspec-
tion by officials of the fire depart-
ment.
The number of exits would deter-
mine capacity. Violators would be
subject to fines up to $100 and to
90 days' imprisonment.
Douglas House to Allison
Terre Haute, Ind. — John Allison,
has acquired the Virginia Theater,
here from Harry Douglas, operator
of the Cozy Theater, Duggar.
"Aleutians" May Be
Shown in 2 Versions
Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Washington — E. Palmer Hoyt, new
domestic director of the OWl who
has kept out of the Army OWI dis-
pute on the length of Capt. John
Huston's "Report on the Aleutians,"
has decided that both versions should
be offered to the industry. It is now
up to WAC, and it is believed here
that WAC will offer to handle both
■n — p — p — n — »s — i n c
21! W A- 4 T H ST
NYC
EAKUP-The Truth About RITA HAYWORTH and VICTOR MATURE
BIGGEST "BOX OFFICE GROSS"
OF ANY MOVIE MAGAZINE
MONTH AFTER MONTH THE PUBLIC PAYS MORE
MONEY FOR PHOTOPLAY — THE INDUSTRY'S
LUXURY MAGAZINE — THAN FOR ANY OTHER
MOVIE MAGAZINE PUBLISHED
^^^^n
Schine To Be Ordered to Dispose of 9
{See Column 3 Below)
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-IF DAILY
=^t. 84, NO. 10
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, JULY 15. 1943
TEN CENTS
NEIC SETS PROGRAM^ ELECTS SCHAEFER
New Eng. Indies Ask WPB Probe Pix Hoarding
Letter Proposes That Gov't
Agency 'Require' Distribs.
Release Completed Product
By FLOYD BELL
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Boston — George R. Farnum,
former Assistant U. S. Attor-
ney General, now representing
more than 200 independent theaters
in New England, yesterday released
a letter to the WPB asking for im-
mediate investigation of the extent
to which major producer-distributors
{Continued, on Page 4)
RKO Radio to Boost
Top Pix Pre-selling
RKO Radio's top pix for 1943-44
will be given national advance pre-
selling campaigns on a greater scale
than ever before, S. Barret McCor-
mick, director of advertising and
(Continued on Page 8)
Warner Frisco Meeting
To Get Under Way Today
San Francisco — Last of the three
regional sales meetings being held
by Warners this year will be called
to order by Ben Kalmenson, general
(Continued on Page 4)
WB $450,000 Bid
For 'Junior Miss' Tops
Warners reported bid of $450,000
is said to be the top offered thus
far for screen rights to "Junior
Miss," Jerome Chodorov - Joseph
Fields hit which has been playing
on Broadway since Nov. 18, 1941.
Other bids reported include: Wil-
liam Goetz, $400,000 or $355,000
plus 25 per cent of the net; Colum-
bia, $335,000 plus 30 per cent of
the net and United Artists for Mary
Pickford, $350,000 plus 45 per cent
of the net. Buyer of the property
is expected to be named within the
next two weeks with the picture due
for June, 1945 release.
"For Whom the Bell Tolls" Acclaimed as
Monumental B. O. Blessing at Its Premiere
One of the most widely-read literary properties of modern times — Ernest
Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls," romantic and tragic saga of the
Spanish Revolution which was a dress rehearsal for the present World War,
has emerged in all its stark and sensational glory upon the screen, brought
thereto by Paramount. ... It represents .... the acme of motion picture
mechanics and artistry. To showmen, wherever they may be under freedom's
skies, or whatever the size or scope of their- outlets, "For Whom the Bell
Tolls" stands as both a monumental box-office blessing and a monument to
the vast potentialities of the screen in our day.
(For full review, turn to Page 7. For report on last night's notable pre-
miere, turn to Along the Rialto, Page 4.)
'Adequate' War Info. I D off J to Press Sale
Pix Seen by Harmon Of 9 Schine Houses
Full confidence that an adequate
program of war information films
will be formulated at tomorrow's
joint meeting here of the WAC Co-
ordinating Committee, Theaters Di-
vision executive committee, and the
chairmen of the exhibitors area com-
mittees, was voiced yesterday by
Francis S. Harmon, WAC vice-chair-
man, in addressing the RKO Radio
(Continued on Page 4)
Para. District Managers
To Discuss FWTBT Policy
Policy by which "For Whom the
Bell Tolls" will be roadshown
throughout the country, will be dis-
cussed at a Paramount district man-
agers' meeting which gets under
way today at the Pierre Hotel. Neil
Agnew, general sales manager, will
(Continued on Page 2)
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The Department of
Justice intends to press for the dis-
posal of the nine theaters the Schine
Circuit reported last week it could
not sell. Assistant Attorney General
Tom C. Clark, chief of the anti-trust
division, said it is not likely that the
matter will be heard in court before
September, but the Justice Depart-
(Continued on Page 7)
Would Stop Showing of
"Roger Touhy, Gangster"
Chicago — Contending that "Roger
Touhy, Gangster," produced by 20th-
Fox would wreak irreparable harm,
damage and injury to the name, char-
acter and reputation of Touhy, At-
torney T. J. McCormick seeks a Fed-
eral Court injunction against the
(Continued on Page 2)
Rep. Plans Own Radio Show
Will Buy Time for Coast-to-Coast Program
Depinet Drive, RKO's Tops;
Prize Winners Announced
Terming the recent drive which
bore his name the company's most
successful, Ned E. Depinet, RKO
Radio prexy, announced its winners
at yesterday's session of the Wal-
(Continued on Page 7)
Plan for a Republic radio pro-
gram, to be built around the stu-
dio's talent roster and to be broad-
cast over a national hook-up, Coast
to Coast, was announced yesterday
by Herbert J. Yates and Prexy James
R. Grainger at the final session of
the New York A.C. sales meeting.
It is understood that the plan
(Continued on Page 8)
Dullzell, Brandt, Feinberg
Fill National Offices;
24 on Co-ordinating Com.
By LOU PELEGRINE
FILM DAILY Staff Writer
Plans for complete mobiliza-
tion of the amusement world to
advance the nation's war effort
were adopted
by leaders in
every branch
of show busi-
ness yesterday
at the opening
session of the
initial confer-
ence of the
National E n-
t a i n m e n t
Industry Coun-
cil at the Ho-
t e 1 Waldorf-
Astoria. The
conference, at
which 42 ma-
jor national or-
ganizations in
the entertainment world are repre-
sented, runs through today.
Officers and a co-ordinating com-
(Continued on Page 8)
GEORGE J. SCHAEFER
Dlef Clearance Pad
Approved by Board
Stipulation agreed upon by Dlef
Amusement Corp., all five signers of
the New York consent decree and
(Continued on Page 7)
Grocers Deliver Ads
For Halifax Exhihs.
Halifax, N. S. — Exhibitors have
found a solution to the problem of
how to distribute hand bills and other
advertising matter despite the short-
age of boys willing to deliver the
material. Operators of Halifax and
Dartmouth theaters now deliver the
matter in bulk to retail grocers who,
in return for cash and passes, include
copies in all out-going orders. In
some cases, retailers display advertis-
ing in their windows and get screen
advertising mention in return.
IKE
DAILY
Thursday, July 15, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 10 Thurs., July 15, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
: Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : Ceneral Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoirian (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
^ (Wednesday, July 14)
Am. Seat 17%
Col. Picts. vtc. (2V2%) 19l/4
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2%
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. . 173/g
East. Kodak 166
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq 23 1/4
Loew's, Ine 63%
Paramount 30
RKO 101/g
RKO $6 pfd 997/s
20th Century-Fox 23%
20th Century-Fox pfd. 34'/2
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 15%
do pfd
89 13-32 89 13-
17
18%
17%
19
+ %
+ %
2%
171/4
165
2%
17%
165
— %
— %
— Vi
223/4
621/4
293/4
9%
97
23%
34
23
631/4
30
10
99%
23%
34
— %
+ 1
+ %
+ %
+ 2%
+ %
15%
32 89
15%
13-32
+ Vi
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55 . . . . 77% 77% 77%
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... 3% 3% 3% + %
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 2 1% 2 + %
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 33,4
Technicolor 14% 14% 14% + %
Trans-Lux 3 1/4 3% 3%
Universal Corp. vtc
Universal Picts 183/4 183/4 18% + %
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 77% 793/4
Western AMPTO Will
Hold October Meet
Pittsburgh — At a meeting held by
the directors of the AMPTO of West-
ern Pennsylvania a motion was ap-
proved to hold their annual conven-
tion in Pittsburgh in October. It
will be a two-day business and social
affair and the exact dates, as well
as general chairman and committees,
will be announced later.
cominG mid GOinG
£
HERBERT J. YATES and JAMES R. GRAINGER
leave for Chicago today.
ED KUYKENDALL, MPTOA prexy, is expected
to arrive in New York today.
CHARLES K. STERN, assistant treasurer of
Loew's, is vacationing in Swampscott, Mass.
NUR M. COKOOL, managing director of Trin-
idad's Globe circuit, is a New York visitor.
EDWARD J. MANN1X returns to the Coast
tomorrow.
JULES J. RUBENS, executive of Publix-Creat
States Theaters, is a New York visitor.
MOE SILVER, Pittsburgh zone manager for
Warner Theaters, and HARRY FEINSTEIN, film
buyer for that territory, are in New York for
a few days.
BUDD ROGERS, N. Y. rep. for Charles R.
Rogers' releases through UA, accompanied by
MRS. ROGERS leaves today for Belgrade Lake,
Me. They will be gone for two weeks.
SAM MARX and JOHN TWIST, M-G-M pro-
ducer and writer, respectively, will leave for
the West Coast Saturday after a brief visit to
New York where they did preparatory work
on "They Also Wear Wings."
(AMES CAGNEY, who arrived in town on Tues-
day, leaves for Massachusetts tomorrow.
KENNETH THOMSON returns to the Coast
next week.
DOROTHY LAMOUR is at the Waldorf-Astoria
from the Coast. Her husband, CA-PT. WILLIAM
ROSS HOWARD, 3RD, is with her.
DEWEY D. BLOOM, M-G-M Canadian field
representative, is in New York for promotion
conferences with William R. Ferguson, M-G-M
exploitation manager.
IRVING MARTIN, publicist at the Stanley
Baltimore prior to joining the Merchant Marines,
returned from a 3,900-mile convoy trip, is
spending a brief leave here.
MRS. SAMUEL GERMAINE, wife of the 20th-
Fox booker, New Haven, is visiting in New
Orleans with her son, Pvt. Tom Cermaine, form-
erly at Vitagraph.
LEO ROSEN, manager of the Strand, Albany,
is at Lake Luzerne, returning Monday.
HARRY GOLDBERG, Troy Theater, Troy, is
in New York, while SID SOMMER, Lincoln, Troy,
leaves Monday.
Would Stop Showing of
"Roger Touhy, Gangster"
(Continued from Page 1)
company. Touhy, serving a 99-year
sentence at Statesville prison for
kidnapping also faces an additional
199-year sentence for aiding pris-
oners to escape.
The Chicago Times story says
20th-Fox offered Touhy $1,000 for
saying, "Crime does not pay," in
the film, but he refused it.
Attorney McCormick says that at
the Federal Court hearing next week
for an injunction, he will bring out
that the appearance of state officials
in the film gives it political aspects
which are also unfair to Touhy.
Small Pays $100,000 for
Booth Tarkington Novel
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Edward Small has
bought the new Booth, Tarkington
book, "Kate Fennigate," for $100,-
000 and has set a budget of $1,400,000
for the picturization of the book.
He is trying to get Claudette Col-
bert and Susan Peters for the two
leading feminine roles.
Beverly Sitgreaves Dies
Beverly Sitgreaves, 76, prominent
on the American stage for 50 years,
died yesterday in her New York
apartment after a long illness. She
had appeared in many theaters in
Europe as well as in Africa and Aus-
tralia. Funeral will be held tomor-
row at noon at the Walter B. Cooke
Funeral Home, 117 West 72nd St.,
under auspices of the Actors Fund
of America.
Aniline Stockholders
Vote in a New Board
Third board of directors since con-
trol of the company passed to the
Alien Property Custodian was elected
by the stockholders of General Ani-
line & Film Corp. Successor to Rob-
ert E. McConnell, president and
chairman of the board, will be elected
at the board's organization meeting
July 28. He resigned some months
ago.
New board comprises Neal Dow
Becker, George W. Burpee, Colvin
Brown, William F. Carey, Robert F.
Carr, William H. Coverdale, Herbert
P. Gallagher, John D. Hertz, Mat-
thew J. Hickey, Jr., William F.
Humphrey, Col. Louis Johnson,
Thomas O'Hara, Dr. E. C. Williams,
A. N. Williams and Dr. R. E. Wilson.
Leo T. Crowley as Alien Property
Custodian holds 97 per cent of the
stock of General Aniline, formerly
controlled in Germany. In 1939 the
company absorbed Agfa Ansco Corp.
"Heaven" Combination
Showings Start Monday
Combined preview-and-trade-show-
ings of 20th-Fox's "Heaven Can
Wait" will start in 30 cities on Mon-
day and will extend through Aug. 2,
it was announced yesterday by Tom
J. Connors, sales chief.
Pioneer Ore. Exhib. Dead
Portland, Ore. — Leser Cohen, 85,
one of the first theater operators in
Oregon, and for many years oper-
ating the Globe and Grand theaters,
died at his home following a short
illness. Cohen headed the Peoples
Amusement Co.
Ben Smith Recovers
Ben Smith, Monogram salesman
in Albany, is back on duty after a
siege in the Albany Hospital, where
he underwent a serious eye opera-
tion.
Saul Goldman's
VARIETY PICTURES
1325 S. WABASH — CHICAGO
THE FASTEST CROWING MIDWESTERN
INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR
Para. District Managers
To Discuss FWTBT Policy
(Continued from Page 1)
preside at the sessions, which will
continue through Friday.
Other product and policy plans for
the 1943-44 season will be taken up
at the meeting and sales and adver-
tising plans for the first block of
pictures for the new season will be
outlined.
"Air Power" Premiere
At Globe on Saturday
I
Walt Disney's "Victory Through
Air Power" will have its world pre-
miere at the Globe Saturday,
Metro Asks James Be Deferred
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — M-G-M has asked a
Beaumont, Tex. draft board to defer
Harry James, classified 1-A after his
recent marriage to Betty Grable, un-
til he finishes his current picture.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
THE YOUNGEST PROFESSION'
with
VIRGINIA WEIDLER, EDWARD ARNOLD
and Five Important Guest Stars
AN M-G-M PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue • Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
Jj<; BETTY GRABLE )C
GEORGE MONTGOMERY* CESAR ROMERO
CO*!* 1SIAND
A 20TH CINTUBY.fOX PICTURE in TECHNICOLOR
* PLUS A BIG STAGE SHOW *
BUY Q ^ V V 7M.AVE.
BONDS BV Vs# VV 1 50th ST.
"DIXIE" * m Person
with * ANDREWS SISTERS
BING CROSBY if TIM HERBERT
DOROTHY LAMOUR -fc MITCH AYRES
A Paramount Picture -fa and his orchestra
Cool
PARAMOU NT Times Square
EEH
RODDY McDOWALL • PRESTON FOSTER
"MY FRIEND FLICKA"
and
ROSEMARY LANE . PATRIC KNOWLES
"ALL BY MYSELF"
LoTweSTBTE
ON SCREEN
"BATAAN"
WITH
ROBERT TAYLOR
Saxe-;;«^°
itvi
■dV}
* Splices'
.otvca«vP^-
*****%> *****
to
oiCo^
.rtxetce w ft50
* ^iviV * S T °i V& art ^atd
oUPs'
VJ1
THIS
STATEMENT!
PETE SMITH'S "SEVENTH COLUMN" is the most
widely advertised Short Subject of all time!
(Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, of course)
Sell War Stamps to Launch
Plane Carrier 'iShangri-La"!
W-
THE
Thursday, July 15, 1943
DAILY
'Adequate' War Info.
Pix Seen by Harmon
{Continued from Page 1)
sales meeting at the Waldorf-As-
toria.
Harmon, who appeared before the
RKO Radio delegates at the request
of Prexy Ned E. Depinet, quoted ex-
tensively from the Congressional
Record's pages, stressing Senatorial
tributes to the industry for its "vol-
untary co-operation" in aiding the
war effort by exhibiting war infor-
mation pix."
"It is safe to say that for the
months ahead of us, an adequate
program will be continued," Har-
mon asserted.
The WAC vice-chairman, discuss-
ing the various types of film which
have "gone to war," stated that in-
formation just given him by the War
Department showed that as of Wed-
nesday, July 14, the industry had
delivered 5,137 features and 6,941
shorts to Army exchanges here and
in London. These films are part of
the more than 10,000 prints_ of cur-
rent movies given by the industry
for free showings to servicemen
overseas.
Warner Frisco Meeting
To Get Under Way Today
(Continued from Page 1)
sales manager, in the Mark Hopkins
Hotel this morning.
Local conclave is for the West
Coast District, headed by Henry
Herbel as district manager. Home
office sales executives who arrived
yesterday to take part also include
Arthur Sachson, Roy Haines, Nor-
man H. Moray, A. W. Schwalberg,
Howard Levinson, and Albert S.
Howson.
Marty Weiser, Western field rep,
is on hand for the three-day meeting.
To Fete Herman in Albany
Albany — Variety Club is holding
a testimonial for Leon Herman, for-
mer UA salesman here, at the Ten
Eyck, July 26. Herman is now
with UA in Buffalo. Committee con-
sists of George Jeffrys, Dick Hayes,
Sidney Stockton, Bill Williams, Wel-
den Waters and Neil Hellman.
Ben Cammack Sam Schneider
Raymond Hackett
The Bell Rings Out!
• • • LAST night the institutional and classical facade of the
local Rivoli, operated at one time by Publix, looked down upon a dis-
tinguished influx of industry potentates, national and civic leaders, high
officers of the Armed Forces, Society big-wigs. Nabobs of the arts and
commerce, and smiled And Y. Frank Freeman and his Paramount
constituents and confreres, of whom there were legion on hand, had
good cause to smile back, and did For Mister Freeman, et al. the
event, — glittering world premiere performance of "For Whom the Bell
Tolls" — , signalized a dream of three long years come true
Over that span. Paramount had the. great Hemingway novel in prepara-
tion and production, and now it was clocking its first paid admissions
Before its release life is o'er, the latter will aggregate scores of mil-
lions And of this vast "take," Messrs. Exhibitors will be the bene-
ficiaries Many of their members hereabouts were in the audience
last night, and thrilled in their showmen souls at the great film which
is to come their way
T T T
• # • OTHER wreathed smiles at the premiere were worn by
the officials of the National War Fund, enriched by the gate which
totaled more'n $7,000 Each and everyone present slapped down
$4.40 per pasteboard, and did it early and eagerly, for days ago the
occasion was a complete sell-out For each $4.40 paid, the lucky
one received the following: (1) the picture itself; (2) the satisfaction
of aiding the USO and the other war agencies within the framework
of NWF; (3) the initial public "look-see" at the precedent-making
movie; (4) entertainment communion with their fellow greats; and (5)
an unparalleled opportunity to add to personal prestige by clarioning
to their circle of friends that they had actually seen FWTBT It
was a big and bounteous bargain, boys! Mister Freeman, astute
exec, that he is, must have translated it all into biz terms, perhaps
saying to himself: "Umm, $4.40 a ticket is a giveaway! The picture
cost us (here same rapid mental calculation) just $195.39 per foot"
That, dear reader, is just about the McCoy answer
FWTBT's expenditure amounted to $2,970,000, sans prints!
T T T
• • • JUST prior to the opening, NWF leaders, headed up by
Winthrop Aldrich, president, and Prescott S. Bush, national campaign
chairman, participated with Hollywood luminaries in a WMCA broad-
cast from the Rivoli's lobby Prominent, among others in the celeb-
rity-studded audience within, were Mrs. Winthrop Aldrich, Mrs. John
Hay Whitney, Mrs. Ogden Reid. Miss Anne Morgan, Mrs. I. Borden Har-
riman, Mrs. Ogden Mills, Mrs. Clarence Mackay, Miss Emily McAdoo,
Elsa Maxwell (filmdom's favorite Social Register daughter), Mrs. Mar-
shall Field, Mrs. Bernard Gimbel From the Armed Forces, — Major
General T. A. Terry, Major General William Ottman, Major General
Sanderford larman. Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews, Rear Admiral
Munroe Kelley, etc., etc Our crowd (oh, for rubber type right
now!) included Barney Balaban, Stanton Griffis, Wendell L. Willkie,
Floyd B. Odium, N. Peter Rathvon, Spyros P. Skouras, Francis S. Har-
mon, Nicholas M. Schenck, Herbert J. Yates, George Skouras, Claude
Lee, Jack Cohn, B. G. DeSylva, Sam Wood, Dorothy Lamour, John Hertz,
Jr., Charles Francis "Socker" Coe, Neil Agnew (and his district manager
brood in for today's meetin'), Mary Martin, Betty Hutton, Will H. Pine,
Capt. William R. Howard, and scads more 'Twas a great premiere
for a great picture! A doff of the chapeau to Alec Moss for the
theater front and program!
▼ T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
N. Eng. Indies Ask
Pix Hoarding Probe
(Continued from Page 1)
are withholding completed pictures
and the justification for such prac-
tice, if any.
Farnum said he was representing
the same group who recently opened
an effort to have introduced in i -
gress a bill establishing a ce. \g
price on film rentals.
Farnum's letter asked that the
WPB "require" the majors to release
to indies "all features completed and
hoarded by them for future release,"
suggesting that if the distributors
desired to withhold pix on comple-
tion, "such part of the film stock as
is not intended for the production
of pictures for immediate release
shall be re-allocated to independent
producers."
Text of Farnum's letter to the
WPB follows:
"On behalf of a group of independent
motion picture exhibitors operating ap-
proximately 200 theaters in New England,
I hereby respectfully urge you to immed-
iately investigate the extent to which the
major motion picture producer-distributors
are deliberately withholding completed pic-
tures and the justification for such a prac-
tice, and to take the necessary action to
remedy such abuses as the facts may dis-
close.
"According to our information a large
portion of the pictures already produced
and now in the process of production are
being so hoarded.
"The practice of consuming a large part
of the raw stock allocated to producers in
the making of pictures which are not re-
leased on completion but, on the contrary,
are hoarded for some indefinite future re-
lease, we feel is entirely inconsistent with
the object and spirit of the rationing rules
and is calculated to aggravate the abuses
of monopoly and among other things, to
promote the following evils.
"First: It is artificially and drastically
limiting the supply of pictures necessary
to enable independent exhibitors to operate
their theaters.
"Second: It is giving the major producer-
distributors a distinctly unfair advantage
over independent exhibitors in bargaining
for pictures and is enabling them to de-
mand and obtain unreasonable film rentals.
"Third: It is unjust and unfair to the
public as independent exhibitors are re-
quired to fix admission prices at a level
that will enable them to survive and in the
last analysis unreasonably high rentals de-
manded by the producer-distributors for their
pictures mean high admission prices.
"We respectfully request that your board
require the major film producer-distributors
to release to independent theaters all fea-
ture pictures completed and hoarded by them
for future release, and in the event any pro-
ducer-distributor does not desire to release
all features on completion, we suggest that
such part of the film stock as is not intended
for the production of pictures for immed-
iate release shall be re-allocated to indepen-
dent producers to the end that the supply
of film reasonably necessary shall be main-
tained for the independent theaters and the
public."
10 p.m. Sedalia Curfew
Sedalia, Mo.— The City Council
has passed an ordinance providing
for a 10 p.m. curfew.
STORKS
Baltimore — Sam Ward, manager]
of the Royal here, is receiving con-
gratulations upon the birth of a.1
son at the University of Maryland)
Hospital.
«pH^
1 i
^ - B
UP*.
Let's Keep
Veiling Bonds I
LITHOUS.
Thursday, July 15, 1943
Dlef Clearance Pad
Approved by Board
(Continued from Page 1)
Warner Bros. Circuit Management
Corp. has been approved by the ap-
peals board and a consent award
ordered. Action resulted from an
oTipeal to the board by Warner Bros.
cuit, an intervenor, against an
" W/ard in the clearance complaint
filed by Dlef against the companies.
Since the appeal the interested part-
ies signed a stipulation which was
awarded by the appeals board, as
follows :
The complaint against Vitagraph
is dismissed. No clearance will be
granted in licenses hereafter entered
into by 20th-Fox, Paramount, K.KO
and Loew's to the Stanley and May-
fair Theaters, Newark, N. Y., over
the Astor, operated by Dlef. Maxi-
mum clearance of the Sanford, Irv-
ington, over the Astor will be 14
days. Maximum clearance to be
granted the Castle, Irvington, over
the Astor will be seven days on pic-
tures playing both clear and repeat
runs at the Castle. Maximum clear-
ance of the Savoy, Newark, over the
Astor will be three days. Award
does not affect clearance of the Ritz
over the Astor. Costs of the appeal
are to be borne by Warner Bros.
Circuit Management and of the ar-
bitrator equally by the parties.
Schuyler Theater, N. Y. City
Files Clearance Complaint
Schuyler Theater, Inc., operating
the Schuyler, 504 Columbus Ave. has
filed a clearance complaint with the
N. Y. Arbitration Tribunal claiming
the seven days clearance granted
the Arden, 876 Columbus Ave. is
unreasonable as to time and area as
there is no competition between the
houses. Elimination of all clear-
ance, or if the arbitrator finds there
is competition between the theaters,
reduction to one day, is asked. Loew's,
20th-Fox and RKO are named in the
complaint.
Mrs. Mary Pruniski Dead
Little Rock, Ark. — Mrs. Mary
Pruniski, 84, mother of Max Pru-
niski, vice-president of Malco The-
aters, Inc. is dead. Other survivors
are a daughter, Mrs. J. R. Bauer
WAR SERVICE
... on the Film Front
"Shangri-La Stamp Clubs," formed by
managers of the Century Circuit of 37 the-
aters, are largely credited with ringing up
$56,000 in War Stamp sales since July 1,
according to Fred Schwartz.
Club idea pits nabe youngsters against
one another to see who can sell the most
stamps by ringing doorbells, canvassing
shops, etc. Highest tally in any one neigh-
borhood nets the youngster a six-month pass
to the house.
(Continued from Page 1)
ment has already made up its mind
not to yield to the request of the
Schine Circuit that it be permitted to
retain the theaters. "Eventually
they'll have to dispose of them," said
Clark.
Depinet Drive, RKO's Tops;
Prize Winners Announced
REVIEWS Of neW f I L m 5 D of J to Press Sale
"FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS" 01 J Schine H0US8S
with Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman
Paramount 170 Mins.
BOX-OFFICE POWERHOUSE, FOR ALL THEATERS, MAGNIFICENTLY PRODUCED
AND ACTED, RANKS AMONG MEMORABLE FILMS.
One of the most widely-read literary properties of modern times, — Ernest Heming-
way's "For Whom the Bell Tolls," romantic and tragic saga of the Spanish Revolution
which was a dress rehearsal for the present World War — , has emerged in all its stark
and sensational glory upon the screen, brought thereto by Paramount at a declared
cost, without prints, of $2,970,000, and an incalculable investment of time and genius.
It is worth it all, for it represents throughout its approximately 15,200 feet, robed
in Technicolor, the acme of motion picture mechanics and artistry. To showmen, wher-
ever they may be under freedom's skies, or whatever the size or scope of their outlets,
"For Whom the Bell Tolls" stands as both a monumental box-office blessing and a monu-
ment to the vast potentialities of the screen in our day.
Weighing the elements which have gone into its cinematic fashioning, first men-
tion properly goes to Paramount's Y. Frank Freeman, who purchased the screen rights
upon the recommendation of Cecil B. DeMille, and paid $150,000 for them. To Sam
Wood, as both producer and director, must deservedly be extended the honors for hold-
ing the vital reins of the vehicle, and driving it skillfully and surely to the very peak
of eminence.
Wood, therefore, has exposed himself to the dogmatically-expressed conviction
of virtually all who have, in these exciting first stages of the picture's release,
witnessed his directorial wizardry, that he is Oscar bound. So brilliantly has he
handled the superlative cast, and dovetailed them in the transcending technical
pattern, that the famed golden statuettes of the Academy may well descend en
masse upon many of the histrionic participants as well as his production asso-
ciates at the studio.
To make the nation's marquees magnetic, and promotional campaigns rugged in
patron appeal, Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman are the stars. Through them the im-
portant element of romance is purveyed with richness and understanding, — a romance
set off thrillingly and in bold relief against events, as ominous and chilling as the
mountain fastnesses which form the story's locale, and the uncompromising warfare
and attendant fatalistic suffering which surges about and above the peasant patriots.
But Hemingway's story, the full flavor of which is captured thoroughly and magni-
ficently by Dudley Nichols' screenplay, and interpreted and imparted so admirably by
Sam Wood, owes much as a film of true greatness to the supporting cast. One comes
away from the picture with a feeling of genuine awe at the performances of Akim
Tamiroff, as Pablo; Katina Paxinou, as Pilar, of the whiplash tongue, homely features,
and iron heart; Vladimir Sokoloff, as the hardy and weatherbeaten Anselmo; Mikhail
Rasumny, as the gypsy; Joseph Calleia, as El Sordo; and all the other actors and actresses
who emerge in the action.
So familiar to millions is the story of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" that it needs
neither tabloid telling nor much of comment here. There is beauty and effectiveness
in the employment of the main title and those devoted to the picture's credits. What
would ordinarily be a stirring climax sequence to many a big picture comes sweeping
in at the outset, namely, the bombing of the cafe, and the journey of Cooper as the
American, Montana-born professor of Spanish, who has joined the forces of the Republic
in order to contribute to tyranny's defeat, to the mountain lair of some defending patriots
following his blasting of a railroad bridge, and there to seek support of a similar mis-
sion in order to wreck the men and armor of the foe.
Vast emotional impact is given to audiences via the siege on the mountain top, the
massacre of nationalists at the cliff, and the super-dramatic ending which depicts the
bridge's destruction by Cooper, and his death at the hands of the foe. The photography
by Ray Rennahan is superb, — at times even breath-taking — , and the Technicolor is
gorgeous. Gordon Jennings' special photographic effects are also notable.
To showmen who have not yet had the opportunity and consequent satisfaction of
seeing FWTBT, a suggestion is in order. The film is a feast, and a long one. As pro-
jected at the special press preview in Broadway's Rivoli on Tuesday night of this week,
the picture had no intermission. It should have, because it will give patrons a chance
to relax a bit, and better digest and appreciate the many rousing scenes.
FWTBT is a "natural" for high-powered exploitation and audience-creation.
Showmen can make any engagement as big as they want. The attraction is one
that will live long commercially and in industry and public memory. So full of
life itself, it could do no other.
CAST: Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman, Akim Tamiroff, Arturo de Cordova, Joseph
Calleia, Katina Paxinou, Vladimir Sokoloff, Mikhail Rasumny, Fortunio Bonanova, Eric
Feldary, Victor Varconi, Lilo Yarson, Alexander Granach, Adia Kuznetzoff, Leonid
Snegoff, Leo Bulgakov, Duncan Renaldo, George Coulouris, Frank Puglia, Pedro Cordoba,
Michael Visaroff, Konstantin Shayne, Martin Garralaga, Jean Del Val, Jack Mylong,
Feodor Chaliapin.
CREDITS: Producer and Director, Sam Wood; Executive Producer, B. G. De Sylva;
Author, Ernest Hemingway; Screenplay, Dudley Nichols; Cameraman, Ray Rennahan;
Music Score, Victor Young; Technicolor Color Director, Natalie Kalmus; Associate,
Morgan Padelford; Special Photographic Effects, Gordon Jennings; Process Photography,
Farciot Edouart; Art Direction, Hans Dreier, Haldane Douglas; Film Editors, Sherman
Todd, John Link; Sound Recording, Harold Lewis, Don Johnson; Set Direction, Bert
Granger; Production Designer, William Cameron Menzies.
DIRECTION, Aces. PHOTOGRAPHY, Superb.
(Continued from Page 1)
dorf-Astoria sales meeting. Among
winners were:
Major contest for U. S. branches; First,
Milwaukee: second. Denver: third, Kansas
City: fourth, Portland. Oregon. For Canada:
first, Vancouver: second, St. John.
Group contest: Group one: first, Dallas;
second, San Francisco. Group two: first,
Indianapolis; second, Charlotte. Group three:
first, Memphis; second, New Haven.
District managers: first, L. S. Gruenberg,
Rocky Mountain District: second, Ben T.
Cammack, Southwestern District; third, Da-
vid Prince, Southeastern district.
Best salesmen : Metropolitan district, E.
T. Carroll, New York; Northeastern district,
W. H. Gardiner, Boston; Eastern district,
E. T. Grover, Washington: Eastern Central
district, R. Richardson, Cleveland; South-
eastern district, P. Harrison, Atlanta; South-
western district, C. Blakely, Oklahoma City;
Midwestern district, M. Kassel, Chicago;
Prairie district, W. Benjamin, Des Moines:
Rocky Mountain district, H. Evans, Salt
Lake City: Western district, L. Goldsmifh,
Seattle: Canadian district, H. Hackimson,
Toronto.
Field men, major contest: first prize to
be divided between Bob Hickey, field super-
visor, and Ted Wynn, field man, Chicago;
second, T. Bidwell McCormick, Denver; third,
Fred Calvin. St. Louis. Kansas City.
Home office representatives, major con-
test: first, F. Duffy; second, J. Wangberg;
third, J. J. Schnitzer.
Short subject contest: first, Salt Lake
City; second, Washington; third, Minneap-
olis: fourth, Los Angeles; fifth, Memphis;
sixth, Atlanta; seventh, Cleveland; eighth,
Milwaukee: ninth, Seattle; tenth, Dallas.
Canada: first, Montreal; second, Winnipeg.
District managers: first, L. S. Gruenberg,
Rocky Mountain; second, J. H. Maelntyre,
Western.
Crowds Jam B'way to See
Notables at 'Tolls' Showing
A crowd of several thousand per-
sons gathered in front of the Rivoli
Theater last night where Para-
mount's "For Whom the Bell Tolls"
played a benefit performance for the
National War Fund — the first benefit
to be given for it — and most of its
members waited to see the film and
other notables come out after the
showing. Mounted policemen had
little trouble in controlling the good-
natured crowd, but most of those
ordered to move on simply crossed
the street and waited.
WMCA broadcast from the lobby
from 8:30 to 8:45. Those who ap-
peared before the mike for brief
speeches were Prescott Bush, na-
tional chairman of the National War
Fund, Senator Claude Pepper of
Florida, Drew Pearson, Jack Benny,
Dorothy Lamour, Betty Hutton, John
Perry, Florida newspaper man, and
B. G. DeSylva, Para.'s executive pro-
ducer.
Thursday, July 15, 1943
NEIC Sets Program,
Elects G. J. Schaefer
(Continued from Page 1)
mittee of 24 were named to put into
operation the NEIC's program of
full dedication of the amusement
forces of the country to the bolster-
ing of morale in the armed services
and on the home front. They will
serve until Dec. 31.
George J. Schaefer, chairman
of the WAC, who presided, was
elected national chairman of the
NEIC. Paul Dullzell, president
of the Associated Actors and
Artistes of America, was chosen
national vice-chairman; Harry
Brandt, president of the ITOA,
national treasurer; William
Feinberg, secretary of the As-
sociated Musicians of Greater
New York, Local 802, national
secretary. Named as territorial
vice-chairmen were James H.
Sauter, chairman of the United
Theatrical War Activities Com-
mittee, New York; Kenneth
Thomson, executive secretary of
the Screen Actors Guild, Los An-
geles; Virginia Payne, president
of the Chicago local of the Amer-
ican Federation of Radio Artists,
Chicago.
Elected to the co-ordinating com-
mittee were: George Heller, AFRA,
chairman; John Anderson, Critics'
Circle; Howard Bay, United Scenic
Artists; Kermit Bloomgarden, Amer-
ican Theater Wing; James Cagney,
president, SAG; Leonard Callahan,
SESAC, Inc.; Walt Dennis, National
Association of Broadcasters; John
C. Flinn, Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences and Society of In-
dependent Motion Picture Produc-
ers; Frederick Gamble, War Adver-
tising Council; Abel ©reen, trade
press; Abe Lastfogel, president,
USO-Camp Shows; Philip Loeb, Ac-
tors Equity Council; Bert Lytell,
president, Actors Equity; Milton
Merlin, Eastern representative, Hol-
lywood Writers Mobilization; Solly
Pernick, business manager, Theat-
rical Protective Union, Local 1;
James F. Reilly, League of New
York Theaters; Elmer Rice, presi-
dent, Dramatists Guild; Dorothy
Rodgers, executive secretary, War
Writers Board; Morris Seamon,
Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Union,
Local 751, IATSE; Matt Shelvey,
national director, American Guild of
Variety Artists; Lawrence Tibbett,
president, AFRA and American
Guild of Musical Artists; Milton
Weintraub, secretary-treasurer, As-
sociation of Theatrical Agents and
Managers; Blanche Witherspoon, ex-
ecutive secretary, AGMA; Henry
Jaffe, UTWAC.
Lavish tribute to the amusement world,
the film industry in particular, for its assist-
ant to the nation in the task oi winning the
war was voiced at the meeting'.
Henry Morgenthau, Jr., secretary of the
iury, wired that it was impossible to
pay the entertianment industry as rich a
tribute as it deserved. "What you have
done, and what you are doing for your coun-
try in this war i^ representative of the
type of patriotism," he said. "As a
citizen I am proud of you. As secretary
of the Treasury I am more than proud, for
Rep* Plans Own Radio Show
Will Buy Time for Coast-to-Coast Program
(Continued from Page 1)
contemplates a show of at least 30
minutes, to be aired a minimum of
once a week, with each program
representing a $40,000 Republic bud-
get. Company will buy the air time
and there will be no resort to com-
mercial sponsorship, it is said. If
arrangements go through, the first
program will hit the air waves about
Sept. 1.
Featured on the programs will be
Roy Rogers and Mary Lee, while the
shows will utilize virtually all stu-
dio talent. Top Republic pix will
get advance buildups and Ya-es also
sees the new program as an oppor-
tunity for the introduction of new
talent.
Republic has been using radio
with increasing frequency recently
and the results have been so satis-
factory that the company's plan for
its own show is said to be a natural
result. Plan has been mulled over
for about three months, prior to
yesterday's announcement.
SPG Protests Dismissal
Of 3 Rep. Publicity Men
W est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — In the first citation of
the employment stabilization plan
to protect the rights of workers in
the motion picture industry, the
Screen Publicists Guild protested to
Republic Productions that dismis-
sals of three publicity men announced
for July 24 would be in violation of
the Labor-Management plan for the
Southern California area which the
War Manpower Commission ordered
effective for all essential employes
July 1. '
Assurance was given the Guild by Howard
Sheehan, studio manager, that Republic had
no intention of violating either the em-
ployment stabilization plan or the studio's
contract with the Publicists Guild. Sheehan
sated that dismissal notices would be re-
viewed with regard to manpower regula-
tions. Republic had given dismissal notices
to Walter Compton, publicity director, and
to Len Boyd, Ambrose Barker, and Kenneth
Porter of his staff, stating that a reorgani-
zation of the company's publicity, adver-
tising, and exploitation operations was
planned.
Protest was filed by SPG on behalf of
Boyd, Barker and Porter. It is understood
that the provisions cited would apply equal-
ly to Compton. The committee presenting
the SPG position met with Sheehan, Al Wil-
son, labor relations contact, and Hortense
Stahl of the studio's legal department. Wil-
son stated that Republic has not subscribed
to the area plan and that the motion picture
industry plan would not be effective until
July 18.
Lesley Mason, chairman of SPG commit-
tee and a member of the WMC labor man-
agement sub-committee, explained that em-
ployment of the stabilization plan had been
mandatory throughout the Southern Cali-
fornia area as of July 1, and that special
features agreed upon for extended availability
certificates in the motion picture industry
were to become effective July 18.
I have come to depend upon you. It is im-
possible for me to estimate the value of the
help we are getting and, I hope, will continue
to get from all you people in the enter-
tainment industry. No other group can bet-
ter sell the need for sacrifice. In view of the
huge job that lies ahead, let me now call
upon you to give us more help than ever be-
fore." Morgenthau declared that those in
the entertainment business "can do more,
as individuals, to raise money and to build
spirit than almost any other single group
anywhere."
Thanks of Servicemen
The thanks of our servicemen for the en-
tertainment made available to them by the
show world were conveyed by Brig. -Gen.
Frederick Henry Osborn, chief of Special
Services, U. S. Army. Speaking at a lunch-
eon session, Gen. Osborn assured those in
show business that the armed forces of
the nation "depend on you more than you
realize." He said the show world had won
"the gratitude, the love and the admira-
tion" of the American soldiers. According
to Gen. Osborn, the work of the nation's en-
tertainment agencies will be "more important
than ever" after the war.
In touching on Army films being made by
the Government, Gen. Osborn said that such
pictures "should be shown the public only
if and when the public wants to see them."
"Anything else would be a denial of the
democracy we are defending," he declared. •
Other luncheon speakers who recognized
the power of the show world in the war
a;rainst the Axis were Ted R. Gamble, as-
sistant to Morgenthau and national director
of the War Finance Division of the Treasury,
and Bert Lytell.
Gamble's Salute to Trade
Gamble saluted show business for "the
magnificent job" it was doing "in bringing
to the American people the true story of
the war and for making them more aware
of the great issues involved." He singled
out the film industry for special praise.
"We need you and need you badly," he said.
The financial mobilization of the nation
could not have been successful without "the
wholehearted help of the theaters," Gamble
added. Increase in the number of theaters
acting a6 Stamp and Bond issuing agencies
was held necessary to raise the quota sought
in the coming Bond drive.
Pledging all the entertainment world's re-
sources to the Government in its hour of
need, Lytell called upon show people at home
to enlist as "soldiers in greasepaint" to
bolster the national morale.
Schaefer opened the conference with a
silent tribute to members of the show busi-
ness killed in the war.
The WAC chairman referred to the con-
ference as "only the beginning of a great
movement." He said entertainment was a
national asset and indispensable in wartime.
Winthrop W. Aldrich spoke on the role of
the entertainer in the future plans of the
National War Fund, of which he is chair-
man. He said the services of the show
world were vital to the fund's campaign to
raise $125,000,000.
NEIC Program Approved
Following completion of the permanent
organizational set-up for the council in New
York and other major entertainment centers,
the delegates unanimously approved the NEIC
program with certain amendments. Also
endorsed by the conference was a pledge
binding every person making his living from
show business to donate "an average mini-
mum of six weeks per year or an equivalent
of 36 performances or 36 days' work" to
the entertainment of those in the service
and on the home front as an aid to morale
The principles of the NEIC were embodied
in a resolution presented' to the conference
by Cagney.
It was revealed at the meeting that in ex-
cess of 75,000 members of the amusement
industry are in the armed forces.
Besides those already mentioned, others
at the conference included Vera Allen, Adrian
McCalman, Paul N. Turner, Richard MeCann
Oliver Sayler, Merritt E. Tompkins, Ruth
Richmond, Phil Gordon, Leo Brecher Her-
man M. Levy, Barclay Leathern, Paul' Hein-
ecke, Lillian Hellman, E. C. Mills Alan
Corelli, Augusta Ocker, Robert J. O'Donnell
Herman Gluekman, Arthur Mayer, Al Hard-
ing, Jack Alicoate, William A. Fricke Mar-
garet Speaks.
Held on Bank Night Charge
Whiting, Ind. — Carroll Bradley,
manager of Indiana-Illinois circuit
Hoosier theater, was released on
$100 bail, after his arrest for per-
mitting Bank Night in his theater.
RKO Radio to Boost
Top Pix Pre-selling
(Continued from Page 1)
publicity, told the delegates at yes-
terday's final session of the twelfth
annual sales meeting at the Waldorf-
Astoria.
"We will back up every big pic-
ture with a point-of-sale explotf* j
tion campaign spearheaded direcix I
the individual box-offices," said Mc-
Cormick. "We plan to make exten-
sive use of radio throughout the
year in addition to increased news-
paper coverage which the company
considers as the first line of box-
office defense.
"Although the 'Hitler's Children' campaign
represented the largest individual motion
picture promotional expense in the history
of the industry, our newspaper campaign was
more than doubled over any previous cam-
paign," said McCormick.
Use of national and fan mags, will be
increased, RKO's ad chief declared.
McCormick called the delegates' attention
to the fact that the shortly to be released
"Behind the Rising Sun" will get the same
promotional treatment which proved so ef-
fective for "Hitler's Children."
Homeward trek of the RKO delegates be-
gan last night. Many stayed over, how-
ever, and will leave today and tomorrow.
National Screen Service was host to the
delegates at a reception and buffet supper
last night in the Waldorf's Wedgwood Room.
Seen On Albany's Film Row
Albany — Exhibs. checking in along
film row in Albany early this week
were two namesakes, Charlie Wil-
son, Bijou, Troy and Charlie Wilson,
Lake, Indian Lake, as well as Mr.
and Mrs. Jerry LaRocque, Fairy-
land, Warrensburg; Bob Yates, Lake,
Lake George; Abraham Slutman,
head Schine booker, together with
Bernie Dimond and Elmer Sichel of
his staff; Johnny Gardner, Colony
and American, Schenectady; Mrs. T.
J. Ferguson, Copake; Mrs. Frieda
Klein, Hunter, Hunter; Carl King,
Maiden, Williamstown, Mass.; Sid
Kallet, Kallet Circuit, Oneida; Harry
Lamont, Lamont Theaters, Green-
ville; Al Bothner, Palace, Troy;
George Thornton, Orpheum, Sauger-
ties; Walter Wertime, Chester, Ches-
tertown.
Luncheon for Sam Wood
Paramount will be host for Sam
Wood, producer-director of "For
Whom the Bell Tolls," at a trade-
press luncheon tomorrow in the
Yacht Room at the Hotel Astor.
IN NEW POSTS
BEN COHEN, manager, Telenews, Cincinnati.
JOSEPH KLEIN, manager, Crown, New London,
Conn.
WILLIAM H. EARLES, Ross Federal branch man-
ager, San Francisco.
SCOTT HILLAM, Ross Federal branch manager,
Salt Lake City.
C. L. CLOWARD, Ross Federal Branch manager,
Seattle.
E. C. L'BANNON, Ross Federal branch manager,
New Haven,
JAY STERN, Ross Federal branch manager,
Detroit.
W. E. HERR, Ross Federal branch manager, In-
dianapolis.
HERBERT M. ISRAEL, field checking supervisor,
Warners, Chicago.
7&***&ULs
IHEBEUTOUS
M P ' Is 13 A INC.
1
THE MAR
cT^FTlME current releases: "INVASION!" and "SHOW BUSINESS AT WAR
t3«—
WbQ*'
In Today's Issue: The Equipment NewffSSbSbn
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
(See Pages 9 to 11)
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
fc
84, NO. 11
NEW YORK. FRIDAY, JULY 16, 1943
TEN CENTS
DAVIS_ASKS MORE HELP FROM SHOW BIZ
Para. Terms on "For Whom Bell Tolls "70-30 P. C.
Editorial
Wotta Week
. . . for trade news
By CHESTER B. BAHN
VA/OTTA week for news, that which
™" is just passing into trade history!
Consider: . . . The National Entertainment
Industry Council takes final form, sets a
program for the duration and — importantly!
— looks beyond to continued peace-time
service. Election of George J. Schaefer to
the national chairmanship is a fine tribute
to the man — and no less to the industry
with which he has been so prominently
identified. And it is tacit acknowledgment
by all show biz too, of the brilliant per-
formance by the WAC. So Congrats.,
George — and Congrats., NEIC. . . .
o
PARAMOUNT, with a "so-proudly-we-hail"
' flourish, finally unveils the long-awaited
"For Whom the Bell Tolls," and the picture
in the brilliance of its production, direction,
performance, adaptation and Technicolor
photography keeps faith with public, with
exhibitor and with author. . . . And the
latter was mighty important — make no mis-
take about it. . . . Yes, FWTBT is another
industry milestone, even without Wall
Street's guess that it will roll up a
$13,000,000 to $15,000,000 gross and with-
out Paramount's announced 70 per cent
terms.
Minimum Scale for Adults
$1.10; Children 75c; No
Shorts, Games, Giveaways
Paramount's sales policy for
"For Whom the Bell Tolls," as
outlined to the sales meeting at
the Hotel Pierre
yesterday by Neil
Agnew and
Charles M. Rea-
gan, calls for:
Terms of 70-30
per cent; solo ex-
hibition, without
any supporting
attraction — even
a short is barred
— or use of games,
giveaways, prizes
or premiums by
the theater, and
minimum admis-
sion prices of 75c
for children and adults and $1.10
(Continued on Page 7)
EUROPEAN WAR
SEEN NEAR END
May Close This Year, Says
Barney Balaban
NEIL AGNEW
UNITED ARTISTS rolls up the curtain
** at a swank Waldorf-Astoria preview
on Walt Disney's distinctive, intriguing and
persuasive treatise, Major Alexander P. de
Seversky's "Victory Through Air Power,"
and Walt encores as a foremost industry
pioneer. . . . Parenthetically, this: When
bigger and better parties are given un-
doubtedly Elsa Maxwell aga'n will head the
receiving line — but that won't be right
away.
o
DKO Radio stages a three-day sales meet-
'* ing at the Waidorf-Astoria which, for
enthusiasm over company and product and
leadership, tops all predecessors. ... If you
want to see a prime example of personal
magnetism, make it a point to see Ned
Depinet in action on the sales rostrum.
DEPUBLIC gives the trade— all arms—
,X something to think and talk about with
the disclosure that it will buy radio time
on a web, coast-to-coast, for its own radio
show utilizing studio talent. . . . And many
a radio fan will thank Herb Yates most
(Continued on Page 6)
WMC Has Super-List
Of Essential Jobs
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Issuance of a super-
list of critical occupations which
might be included among all the
various essential occupations is due
to be announced this week-end by
the . War Manpower Commission.
This critical list is expected to be
of far more importance to Selective
(Continued on Page 5)
Asserting that "this year may
well be the most important one in
our lives — it may well see the end
of the war in Eu-
rope," Barney
Balaban, P a r a.
p r e x y, pledged
that the company
will deliver the
best product in
i t s 31-year his-
tory yesterday in
addressing the
Hotel Pierre sales
meeting.
Balaban de-
clared that next
year will see fin-
a n c i a 1 indepen-
dence for the
company, through
the elimination of
senior securities,
Tells NEIC Council OWI
Will Be More Indebted to
The Trade in Coming Years
BARNEY BALABAN
adding "I believe
(Continued on Page 7)
By LOU PELEGRINE
FILM DAILY Staff Writer
Disbandment of its domestic
motion picture bureau as result
of the sharp cut in Government
funds for war information will com-
pel the OWI to turn to the show
world more than ever for assistance in
discharging its duties. This was indi-
cated yesterday by Elmer Davis,
OWI director, in an add: ess at the
closing session of the initial confer-
ence of the National Entertainment
(Continued on Page 6)
Frisco Theaters Ask
48-Hour Exemption
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
San Francisco — Charles M. Thall
of FWC disclosed yesterday that an
(Continued on Page 7)
OWI Is Seeking Film Men
Kastner to Go Overseas on Distribution
Kuykendall Scores
Gov't Regulation
With reports current that Congress
when it resumes after the present
vacation recess will see several other
proposals for film legislation uncov-
ered in addition to the recently in-
troduced Kilgore divorcement meas-
ure in the Senate, Ed Kuykendall,
MPTOA prexy, yesterday expressed
unalterable opposition to any regula-
(Continued on Page 5)
Jules Alberti is Named
Assistant to 20th-Fox Prexy
Jules Alberti, well known in the-
atrical and radio circles, and more
recently associated with the Treas-
ury Dept. as co-ordinator of star
(Continued on Page 5)
Two Arbitration Awards,
New Clearance Complaint
Two awards and a new clearance
complaint were reported yesterday
by the motion picture arbitration
system. Albany tribunal reported
that in the clearance action brought
by Edsol Corp., operator of the Scotia
Theater, Scotia, N. Y., arbitrator
reduced the clearance of the Proc-
(Continued on Page 6)
Men with film distribution experi-
ence and knowledge of a Continental
country and its language are being
sought by the OWI Overseas Motion
Picture Bureau for assignments in
presently occupied countries as the
Allied armies re-take them from the
Axis. Duties will be in connection
with distribution of superimposed
title and dubbed versions of Amer-
ican films now being prepared.
Notice of the Bureau's aim came
(Continued on Page 7)
Tom C. ClarU to be
In L. A. on July 24
Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Tom C. Clark, As-
sistant Attorney General, plans to
be in Los Angeles on July 24, it
was learned yesterday. While at the
present time Clark has no appoint-
ments there, it was said at the
D of J that he does expect to talk
with Coast industry leaders regarding
the New York consent decree.
1W
Friday, July 16, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 11 Fri., July 16, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
: : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117.
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address-
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXTCO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Thursday, July 15)
Trade Units Meet Today
On War Loan Participation
WAC personnel, comprising the
Co-ordinating Committee, the Ex-
ecutive Committee of the Theaters
Division, and Exhibitor Exchange
committee chairmen, are meeting
jointly today in the local Hotel As-
tor, at the call of S. H. Fabian for
the Theaters Division and George
J. Schaefer for the Co-ordinating
Committee, with invitations extend-
ed by Executive vice-chairman Fran-
cis S. Harmon. Degree of participa-
tion in the third war loan campaign
in September; formulation of an ade-
nuate program of war information
films; and relationship of WAC to
rhe National Entertainment Indus-
try Council are on the agenda, and
an exchange of ideas on manpower
and copper salvage probable.
Ted Gamble, assistant to Treasury
Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr.,
and National War Finance Director,
will present facts on the third war
loan. Harmon will speak on status
of war information film program,
and Schaefer is expected to discuss
NEIC, its aims and purposes.
Industrv leaders met with Elmer
Davis, OWI director, at the Harvard
Club vesterday in advance of today's
WAC meeting.
Rodqers Off to Chicago
For Sales Conferences
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 17y4 17 17 — Vs
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%) 19l/4 191/4 191/4 + 1/4
Columbia Picts. pfd. 40 40 40 — l/2
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 17% 171/4 17l/4 — i/8
East. Kodak
do pfd 179V2 1791/2 1791/2 — 1/2
Cen. Prec. Eq 227/8 223,4 223^ — i/4
Loew's, Inc 633/8 623^ 623/4 — i/2
Paramount 29% 29 29—1
RKO 10 9% 95/8 — 3/8
RKO $6 pfd 99S/8 961/2 96y2 — 33/8
20th Century-Fox . 243,4 23'/8 24 + %
20th Century-Fox pfd. 34 34 34
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 15% 1514 153/8 — 1/4
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. . . . 35/8 3% 3%
Radio-Keith cvs. . . . 2% 2 2 — %
Sonotone Corp 3% 33,4 3%
Technicolor 15% 14% 15 + %
Universal Picts 173/4 173/4 173,4— %
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 . 77% 80%
HELP
IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFI-
CULTY FINDING THE RIGHT
PERSON FOR ANY VACANCY
IN YOUR ORGANIZATION-
CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(AGENCY)
331 Madison Ave. (43rd St.), N. Y.
MURRAY HILL 2-6494
William F. Rodgers, M-G-M gen-
eral sales manager, leaves for Chi-
cago today where he will preside at
a meeting of company sales heads
and district managers which will get
under way Sunday. Home office ex-
ecutives leaving tomorrow are: E.
M. Saunders, assistant, eeneral sales
manager; E. K. "Ted" O'Shea, East-
ern sales manager; H. M. Richey.
assistant to Rodgers, in charge of
exhibitor relations; A. F. Cummings,
branch operations manager; Harold
Postman, assistant to Rodgers; How-
ard Dietz. vice-president in charg-e
of advertising and publicity; S. F.
Seadler, advertising manager, and
W. R. Ferguson, exploitation man-
ager.
Steps will be taken at the meet-
ings at the Blackstone Hotel to
carry out a nation-wide analysis of
M-G-M accounts, based on the for-
mula prepared at Cincinnati, where
the first survey was made last week.
Downs German Plane In
First 6 Weeks of Action
Staff Sgt. James J. O'Connell,
manager of the RKO 23rd St. Theater
until his enlistment in the Air Forces
last year, was credited in news dis-
patches from England yesterday with
shooting down a Focke-Wulf 190
within sight of the Dover cliffs when
the Flying Fortress of which he is
a gunner was attacked over the
Channel. Rated Aerial Engineer,
Sgt. O'Connell went overseas six
weeks ago.
More Than Ample Product
Assured, Says Kalmenson
San Francisco — Keeping the exhib.
in operation, as well as keeping the
whole industry organization going
from the production front to the
theater end, is the most important
order of the day and the sales or-
ganization in the field must bend
every effort toward this objective,
Ben Kalmenson, Warners general
sales manager declared yesterday at
the opening session of the company's
regional sales meeting in the Mark
Hopkins Hotel.
As far as product is concerned,
Kalmenson declared, there will be
more than ample for every need. He
said the better quality pictures now
being turned out are not only ab-
sorbing more playing time but also
bringing more money to exhibitors
than ever before.
The meeting will continue through
tomorrow.
COMIDG and GOIRG
WILLIAM F. RODGERS, Loew's vice prex)
and sales chief, goes to Chicago today.
CHARLES REED JONES, Republic ad-publicity
chief, leaves for Chicago today.
Republic Opens Chicago
Sales Conference Today
WB Not High Bidder
Reports originating in legitimate
theater circles that Warners were
the high bidders, with an offer of
$450,000, for the screen rights to
"Junior Miss" were denied yesterday
bv Jacob Wilk, the company's East-
ern production manager. Wilk said
Warners "have never had the slight-
est idea of offering such a sum."
Harold Lewis Joins Small
West Coast Bureau of THE FIJ.M DAILY
Hollywood — Sergt. Harold Lewis,
honorably discharged from the Army
because of his age, has joined Ed-
ward Small as production manager.
Before joining the Army, Lewis was
studio manager for RKO-Pathe.
Chicago — Second in Republic's cur-
rent series of sales conferences opens
today at the Drake Hotel, where H.
J. Yates, Sr. and Republic President
J. R. Grainger join Midwestern Dis-
trict Sales Manager E. L. Walton and
Southern District Sales Manager
Merritt Davis, and exchange-men
from these districts.
Home office reps, at the conference
include William Saal and Walter L.
Titus, Jr. Charles Reed Jones is to
attend tomorrow's session. He will
also attend the sales meeting to be
held July 22-23, at the studio; and
will then remain on the Coast for
two additional weeks prior to his
return to New York.
BETTE DAVIS left New York last night f<
Boston to visit relatives for a few days, aftei
which she will head west to start work in "Mr
Skeffington."
NAT WOLF, Cleveland zone manap? (or
Warner Theaters; J. KNOX STRACHAN, r-
tising manager, and CORP. CHARLES A.- _i(T
formerly of the booking office in that city and
now stationed at Camp Clayburn, La., are in
New York.
HARRY GOLDBERG, director of advertising
and publicity for Warner Theaters, is in Wash-
ington today and returns to New York ow
Monday.
JUDY GARLAND is due in Harrisburg, Pa.
Monday for a USO-Camp Shows appearance a-
the Carlisle Barracks.
AL STEEN of THE FILM DAILY staff returns
from a Kansas City vacation over the week-end:
PAUL N. LAZARUS, JR., UA director of ad-
vertising, publicity and exploitation, leaves to-
day for Hollywood conferences with UA pro-
ducers.
KAY BROWN, Sam Coldwyn's new story-talen
department head here, arrives from the Coasl
next week.
FRED A. ROHRS, PRC's Southeastern sal
manager who has been in New York for severa
days, returns today to his headquarters in Wash
ington, and continues shortly for a biz swin
through his territory.
B. B. KREISLER, Universal's shorts and news
reel head, leaves today for Cleveland and Pitts-
burgh, and is scheduled to return to the h.o.
on Monday.
JACK BENNY, LARRY ADLER, ANNA LEE and
WINNIE SHAW appeared for USO Camp Shows
last night at Camp Shanks, Orangeburg, N. Y.
MITCHEL CONERY, who conducts a seven
theater circuit in the Albany territory, leaves
tomorrow for a vacation in Canada, including
the steamboat cruise down the Saguenay Trail.
IRVING MENDELSOHN, Paramount booker in
Albany, is back from a vacation to Cape Cod.
while HERMAN RIPPS, Metro branch manager
there, is at Pine Mountain.
Two Resign from Columbia
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Mis. Ad Schulberg
has resigned as Columbia's talent
scout, and Jack Mulcahy has resign-
ed as a member of the studio's pub-
licity department.
Urges Catholic Boycott of
"Moscow" in Rochester
Rochester — "Mission to Moscow"
which opened at the Century here
yesterday, was rapped in the Cath-
olic Courier as "without doubt the
greatest travesty on truth ever per-
petrated on the American public."
The Rev. John S. Randal, diocesan
director of the Legion of Decency,
warned, "instead of asking that the
price of admission be refunded, our
people should protest its Rochester
showing by staying away."
The Recognized
Standard
Reference
Book of the
Motion Picture Industry
THE FILM YEAR BOOK
Published by
and given free with a
year's subscription to
THE FILM DAILY
J 501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY
STARRING
OF THE ARMED FORCES - GEORGE MURPHY
GEORGE TOBIAS-ALAN HALE-CHARLES BUTTERWORTH-KATE SMITH MBrWrKSM
Directed by I
Keep Selling The "Shangri La" Stamp Drive!
LESLIE * Lt
ay by Casey Robinson and Ca
rig Berlin's "This is the Aim)
fwueedtnrJACK L. WARN ER and HAL B. WALLIS
V
everything
«/se /V
swa'/ by J
comparison .
Mi-1 %g HOUXW if,. , „„nf "> , '-i
be reserved, at I pickets are selling tour weeks m
seats, and seats may
the option of the exhib.
advance.
L. A. Proposes Tax on All
Amusements Admissions
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The revenue and taxa-
tion and finance committees of the
Los Angeles city council have recom-
mended that theaters, cafes with
cover charge, and all places of
amusement should be taxed, putting
a levy of one cent on all admissions.
It is estimated that the proposed
tax would result in theaters paying
$1,000,000 to $1,500,000, Annually.
Proceeds are desired for renovation
of the Los Angeles sewer system.
Top Brooklyn Strand
Billing for Rogers Pic
Republic's bid-budget Roy Rogers
special, "Silver Spurs," gets top
billing at the Brooklyn Strand, where
it is opening Thursday, together with
the studio's "Headin' For God's
Country." Prior to its booking of the
previous Rogers film, "Song of Tex-
as," the Strand had never played a
western attraction.
What's in a Title?
"Best Foot Forward" has stepped
out as the top grosser of any Metro
pic ever to play the Astor.
Frisco Theaters Ask
48-Hour Exemption
(Continued from Page 1)
application for exemption from the
48-hou: week in theaters affected by
the critical labor area ruling had
been filed with the WMC regional
office.
The request for exemption was
made by all theaters in the area,
which includes all San Francisco,
Oakland, Richmond, Berkeley and
other East Bay and peninsula cities,
on the basis of a survey of personnel
and other conditions conducted by
a committee headed by Thall and
others.
Thall said that inauguration of a
48-hour week would result in no
saving of labor and that many would
have to work seven days a week if
the regulation were imposed. He
said a ruling on the application could
not, be expected for some consider-
able time.
FWTBT Features, Reviews
Make All Wire Services
"For Whom the Bell Tolls" world
premiere at the Rivoli got an unpre-
cedented number of syndicate and
spot wire breaks a total of 20 — from
New York, reviews and feature
stories hitting the AP, UP, INS and
NANA wires during the last five
weeks. AP gave the premiere a
double break, a review going out on
its "A" wire last night while an in-
terview with Y. Frank Freeman was
also spotted. UP also carried inter-
views with Freeman and Akim Ta-
miroff and its wire review covered
the pic's highlights. INS went for a
review and a Buddy De Sylva inter-
view, while NANA sent out a De Syl-
va interview as a wire feature. Pic
also cashed in with roto pages. Na-
tional syndicate-wire service cam-
paign was handled by Tom Waller's
Para.'s regular home office contact.
Broadway Theater Sold
Trebuhs Realty Co., Inc., of which
Lee Schubert is vice-president, has
purchased the Broadway Theater
from the City Bank Farmers Trust
Co., as trustee of the Prudence Bonds
Corp., for a reported $450,000. Buyer
gave back a purchase money mort-
gage for $250,000, due in seven years
at 4% per cent.
The
FE
TOUCH
MARION F. C. NICKELL, head of copy writing
dept., Filmack Trailer Co., Chicago.
RUTH COHEN, secretary to Fred Joyce, UA pub-
licity director, Chicago.
(?jz6£$& ?7io&6&0?nvi
~~
ICTORY
CARBONS
4"
^*EVo,CTI°c^CARBONS
RECOMMENDED TRIM AND RAN6E OF ARC CURRENT FOR LAMPS
USING COPPER COATED, HIGH INTENSITY, PROJECTOR CARBONS
Arc Current — Amperes
New Victory Carious — Size and Type
52-66
40-42
42-45
42-45
56-65
7 mm x 9 inch H.I., A.C. Carbons in both holders
7 mm x 12 inch or 14 inch "Suprex" Positive
6 mm x 9 inch "Orotip" C Negative
7 mm x 12 inch or 14 inch "Suprex" Positive
6 mm x 9 inch "Orotip" C Negative
7 mm x 12 inch or 14 inch "Suprex" Positive
7 mm x 9 inch "Orotip" C Negative
8 mm x 12 inch or 14 inch "Suprex" Positive
7 mm x 9 inch "Orotip" C Negative
You can obtain maximum efficiency and economy from
your Victory Carbons by observing the following simple
rules.
USE CARBON TRIM RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR PROJECTION EQUIPMENT.
The Victory Carbon trims indicated in the above table
were established by comprehensive laboratory and field
tests to ascertain the best results obtainable in all types
of equipment.
OPERATE CARBONS AT SPECIFIED ARC CURRENT.
Better projection and greater economy are obtained
when recommended arc currents are maintained. The
maximum allowable arc current is stamped on each
Victory Carbon at the left of the trade-mark.
CHECK FEED RATIO CAREFULLY.
Changes of arc current alter the ratio of burning rate be-
tween positive and negative carbons. On lamps equipped
with adjustable feed and formerly operated above 45
amperes arc current, this ratio should be adjusted to
meet the new current conditions.
A bulletin describing operation of the new Victory High
Intensity Carbons is available for distribution and will
be sent promptly upon request.
SAVE
T H E
COPPER
Most of the copper used for plating copper coated
projector carbons drops to the floor of the lamp house
when the carbons are burned. Continue to save these
copper drippings and turn them over to your supply
dealer as designated by our government.
QgyiCTORY
BUY
NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC
Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation
LTH3
Carbon Sales Division, Cleveland, Ohio
GENERAL .OFFICES
30 East 42nd Street, New York, N. Y.
BRANCH SALES OFFICES
New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco
Building
Remodeling
imB^Mi^y^m\
Equipment
Maintenance
DAILY
+ * * •
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, JULY 16. 1943
* * * *
NO FUEL OIL ALLEVIATION IS EXPECTED
Gov't Need For 16 mm. Equipment Urgent
EQUIPMENT
FIELD NOTES
Joe Goldberg, Chi. theater supply dis-
tributor, says that business is holding in
good volume, and that his firm has turned
over more than 100 pounds of copper drip-
pings the past few months, any revenue
therefrom goes to the Red Cross.
William H. Powell, formerly with
Bausch & Lomb, has been appointed
secretary-treasurer of Schick, Inc.
George Baetzel of B & L has ben
awarded $1,000 by the company for
an idea that reduced by 30 per cent
the rejections of lenses for aerial cam-
eras.
Owen Howell, of the W. R. Howell Co.,
Oklahoma City, was a Chi. visitor the other
day at the Motiograph plant. He was on
a special mission to buy equipment for the
armed services.
Martin Printz, of Cleveland's Al-
hambra Theater, is in California. Be-
fore leaving, he contracted with NTS
to repaint the theater throughout, and
to provide new stage drapes.
* * *
F. J. Wenzel, of Wenzel Projector Co.,
is recuperating from a sinus operation. He
is back at his desk, however, and declares
the plant is still at full capacity on Gov-
ernment contracts.
Prank Van Husen, owner of West-
ern Theater Supply, has left the hos-
pital in Chicago after a 30-day stay,
and is back in Omaha but still taking
things easy. He is recovering from a
fall.
Fensin seating Co. is now making con-
tracts with circuits and independents to
service their seating requirements for the
duration, including repairs and damage suf-
fered from vandalism.
Big stands up New Haven way are
still having difficulty obtaining air-
conditioner refrigerant material. What's
more, some houses in the territory have
no engineers to run the plants.
Frederic Lackens, of the Hays Corp.,
Michigan City, has just been elected presi-
dent of the National Industrial Advertisers
(.Continued on Page 10)
Projector Demand Biggest;
Sharp Reduction Foreseen
In Current 35 mm. Orders
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Manufacturers of 16
mm. photographic equipment will
meet today with officials of the WPB
Motion Picture Section here to re-
view the entire production situation.
It appears that the problem is not
so much one of cutting down pro-
duction as it is of stepping up sched-
ules in order to meet the demands
of the Army and the Navy, espe-
cially for 16 mm. projectors.
A thousand of these projectors are
on order for the military, with the
Navy now beginning to shift from
35 to 16 mm. booths even on board
(Continued on Page 11)
Name Liberty Ship
For B & L Founder
Rochester — A Liberty ship is to
be named the S.S. Henry Lomb in
honor of the Civil War hero and co-
founder of the Bausch & Lomb Op-
tical Co., the U. S. Maritime Com-
mission has announced.
Date of the launching has not
been announced, but it is expected
to be in August or September from
the Fairfield yard of the Bethlehem
Shipbuilding Co. at Baltimore, Md.
Seven workers of Bausch & Lomb
will attend the launching, the com-
pany said. A contest called the "Vic-
tory Roll Call" began this week for
(Continued on Page 11)
ARMY-NAVY "E"
FOR LIBRASCOPE
75 Second GPEC Subsidiary
To Win Coveted Honor
Earle G. Hines, president of Gen-
eral Precision Equipment Corp. (for-
merly General Theaters Equipment
Corp.), a n-
nounces that an-
other one of its
man uf acturing
s u b s id i a ries,
Librascope, Inc.,
of B u r b a n k,
Calif., has re-
eeived the
Army-Navy "E"
Award for ex-
cellence in pro-
duction of war
material for the
Navy.
Libras cope,
Inc., is managed
by Herbert Griffin as president, who
HERBERT GRIFFIN
(Continued on Page 11)
Calvin Co. Acquires
Thea. and Building
Kansas City, Mo. — The New Cen-
ter Theater, at 15th and Troost, dark
for several years, together with the
vacant fireproof building which
houses it, have been bought by the
(Continued on Page 10)
Detroit Theaters Improve
Mork Studios Report 8 Jobs In Territory
Eastman-made Telescopes
Sight Navy's Fast Gun
Rochester — A five-inch, rapid-fire
gun that turns on plane, surface
craft or submarine with 50-lb. shells
depends for its aim on two Eastman
Kodak Co.-made telescopes.
The Navy telescope, Mark 61, and
its companion piece, Mark 62, made
(Continued on Page 10)
Theaters' Supply Will
Still Depend Entirely
Upon Future War Needs
Wa'hington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Fuel oil outlook for
film theaters next Winter appears
to promise about the same situation
as last winter. The routine of get-
ting ration books and certificates
will be simpler, but the supply situ-
ation, according to present esti-
mates, seems to be about the same
as last year for the rationed states.
Only important change is the re-
laxation in requirements for con-
version of oil burners to coal. Be-
cause of the difficulty in getting
parts required for conversion, and
because of the uncertainty regard-
ing the coal supply and transporta-
tion of coal to several areas, the-
aters which burn less than 10,000
gallons of oil per year are, in sev-
(Continued on Page 11)
id-West RCA Service
Made More Compact
Chicago — RCA Service in 15 States,
with Chicago as headquarters, has
been combined under the direction
of H. V. Somerville. J. P. Ware
continues as Chicago district man-
ager, with Paul Connet in charge
of the Kansas City offices, and L. R.
Yohis in charge of the Cleveland
branch.
T. M. Fisher heads the Chicago
Photophone sales, while Paul Pfohl
(Continued on Page 10)
Detroit — Robert J. Mork, head of
Mork-Green Studios, declares that
exhibitors in this territory are con-
tinuing steady improvement and re-
placement of essential theater equip-
ment, as available, despite wartime
conditions. The company currently
has eight jobs in progress in Michi-
gan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Local jobs are: new stage draper-
(Continued on Page 11)
New "Silver Screen"
To Debut After War
Chicago — The Radiant Mfg. Co.
here is working on a third-dimen-
sion screen, it is disclosed by A.
Wertheimer of that organization. It
will be marketed under the trade
name "Silver Screen," but not until
war's end. Though company is now
making screens for the Army and
Navy, its regular theater trade is
receiving servicing consistent with
prevailing conditions.
10
EQUIPMENT NEWS
cW<
DAILY
Friday, July 16, 1943
A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre-
hensively covering the equipment field, pub-
lished every second week by Wid's Films and
Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York
City. John W. Alicoate, Publisher; Donalo
M. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B.
Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipment
Editor; West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood
Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk,
Bureau Chief.
EQUIPMENT
FIELD NOTES
' (Continued from Page 9) ^i
Ass'n., and Walter A. Bowe, of the Car-
rier Corp., Syracuse, the vice-president.
* « *
The 300-seat Varsity, Champaign,
III., twin city of Urbana, was recently
reopened by Theodore K. Anthony.
While shuttered, it was thoroughly
modernized.
* * *
Will DeVry and his family are spending
their vacation days in northern Michigan,
where Bill, to recoup a bit from his in-
cessant biz grind in the interest of the
war effort, will do a spot of fishing and
golfing.
* * *
Our Editorial sanctum had a dis-
tinguished equipment father and son
drop in this week for a visit, accom-
panied by P. A. McGuire, ad man-
ager for IPC. Duo comprised John
Griffiths, pioneer on motion picture
optics and originator of the "lens
chart" which bears his name, and tat-
ter's offspring. Both ar'e with the Cap-
ital in Ansonia, Conn., owned by War-
ners who took this stand (and others)
over from I. J. Hoffman. The Senior
Griffiths has been in the same job
there for 31 years, and Junior Griffiths
for 25, — a total, between them of 46
years. Who can boast of record's
equal? Senior is, by the by, past pres-
ident of Local 273, New Haven.
For Excellence in the Production
f Motion Picture Sound Equipment
IT'S A FACT!
War-born DEVRY preci-
sion Theatre- Projectors
and Sound Systems pre-
sent developments far
beyond previously ac-
cepted standards. DEVRY
Corporation, 1112 Armi-
tage Avenue, Chicago, 111.
DeVRY
Hollywood • CHICAGO • New York
WHITEWAY
ELECTRIC SIGN & MAINTENANCE CO.
Thomas F. Flannery, President
315-17 W. Walton St. Chicago, III.
Delaware 911 i
Calvin Co. Acquires
Thea. and Building
(Continued from Page 9)
Calvin Company, a local manufac-
turer of educational films for mili-
tary purposes and for the Depart-
ment of Agriculture and Office of
Education. Expansion of business
necessitated larger quarters and the
purchase will enable the buyers to
group their operations under one
roof.
Remodeling and rehabilitation are
expected to run from $25,000 to $30,-
000. The lower part of the theater
floor will be raised to make a level
projection studio with a 36-foot
ceiling. The space released by the
floor leveling will provide for a gar-
age at the rear of the building. A
little theater for private showings
also will be on the big theater floor.
The second floor will house the pro-
duction department which includes
writers and directors. Processing
of films will be on third floor while
the duplicating and printing will be
on the fourth. -
General offices and lounge will oc-
cupy number five. The animation
department will share the sixth with
the Movie-Mite Corporation. The
latter will overflow this space to
occupy all the seventh floor, where
this related unit of the company will
No Gate Crasher, Sic
Wind Removes Fence
Houston — Damage of $300 was
suffered by the Drive-ln Theater in
this city's suburban area on July 8
as result of a freak storm. Wind,
of gale force, sprang up just before
the evening show and ripped up some
500 feet of fencing which sur-
rounded the parking spact. Addi-
tional damage was also done.
Eastman-made Telescopes
Sight Navy's Fast Gun
(Continued from Page 9)
at Kodak are used for sighting the
dual purpose gun which has become
the favorite armament for all sur-
face ships. The telescopes are equip-
ped with color filters for use in fog,
twilight or glare, and with an il-
luminator that causes the cross
hairs, used in sighting, to light up
at night.
Modernize Geneva Theater
Geneva, 111. — The Geneva Theater
has been modernized, from canopy
to stage. Indirect lighting, modern-
istic carpets and distinctive poster
boards were installed.
continue to manufacture 16 mm.
projectors for wartime use and for
showing their films which they have
been making for 12 years.
usAIRco
AIR CONDITIONING
IS ENGINEERED
To Meet the Job Requirements and
Your Operating Budget .5
iJb&jt.
THEATRE OPERATORS don't buy air conditioning M
just for the privilege of hanging a sign from the
marquee announcing "Air Conditioning Inside". 0
Theatre Air Conditioning is bought for just one
purpose — to increase the number of buyers at the Box
Office — to attract and induce people into their house
as against the beach, the boat or a buggy ride.
• When you buy Comfort Cooling from
usAIRco you're doing business with an
engineering staff that knows how to de-
sign a system that fits the requirements of
your house — is engineered for original low
cost, and low daily operating costs.
Many a time we've come out of a The-
atre and asked — "What's the matter, is
your cooling system broken?" — And the
answer surprised us — "No, it's O. K. But
it costs too much to run it for the few
that are in there tonight. "
The man who owns a cooling system
that's so costly to operate, that he can run
it only occasionally would be better off
without such a system. So while he may
have a perfectly engineered system, he has
one that costs too much to use.
usAIRco engineers the type of cooling
system you can afford to buy and afford to
operate every day — regardless of the size
of your house — or your needs for plain
air, evaporated cooling, cold water or re-
frigerated air conditioning. usAIRco en-
gineers can fill your needs precisely.
The iobs you have planned for V-day
should receive the attention of usAIRco
right now. Write us about your plans.
UNITED STATES AIR CONDITIONING CORPORATION
Profits in Cooling for the Exhibitor
Northwestern Terminal • Minneapolis, Minn.
REFRIGERATED KOOLER-AIRE
This Unit combines every phase of refrigerated
cooling in a Single Unit. Manufactured in vari-
ous sizes, it can be used singly or in combination
with other units to give you the precise capacity
you need. Books describing this system are
available. We'll be glad to send you a copy.
id-West RCA Service
Made More Compact
(Continued from Page 9)
is in charge of the tube division.
Sidney Robards has been placed in
charge of the commercial research
department, with J. L. Spanenberg,
formerly of the Jewel Company,
Barrington, 111., named assistant.
(
B & H Promotes Schreyer
Chicago — Carl Schreyer, formerly
war purchasing expeditor for the
Bell & Howell Co., has been named
general purchasing agent.
Exhibitors of America have many du-
ties to perform these war days. You
build unity and morale through motion
picture presentations— and you promote
and support the various government
drives that are initiated to spur war
production and civilian defense.
RCA Service, like exhibitors, is carry-
ing on important war duties: RCA en-
gineers are rendering scheduled service
to projection room equipment in thou-
sands of theatres to "Keep 'em Run-
ning"—and other RCA Service groups
are installing military equipment and
instructing personnel, in this country
and at the battlefronts.
The RCA Service organization is to-
day more than nation-wide
... it is world-wide . . . serv-
ing the home front and
battlefronts too!
RCA SERVICE CO., INC.
RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA
Subsidiary
Camden, N. J.
Friday, July 16, 1943
w
DAILY
EQUIPMENT NEWS
11
Government Seeking
More 16 mm. Equip.
(Continued from Page 9)
ship and for overseas entertainment
screening. The only large military
user of 35 mm. equipment, now that
the Navy is converting to the smal-
ler size, will be the Army motion
fire service. It is unlikely that
of the large machines used by
other branches of either service will
be taken out of use, but orders for
new 35 mm. equipment will fall off
sharply. Government officials make
it plain that even with manufactu-
rers of 16 mm. projectors working at
capacity there will be no possibility
of any equipment going to operators
of 16 mm. theaters for public patron-
age.
The expansion of the 16 mm. "cir-
cuits" seems to be a matter for post-
war consideration — when it is likely
that a large quantity of machines
will be put on the market for the
military. Some 35 mm. machines are
also expected to go on the market,
but it is believed that quantities of
either type released will be insuffi-
cient to flood the market.
Librascope, Inc., Awarded
The Army-Navy "E" Flag
(Continued from Page 9)
is also vice-president of the Interna-
tional Projector Corp. and well
known in the motion picture field.
Company produces a computer of
unique design for use by the Ord-
nance and Aeronautical Departments
of the Armed Forces. This is the
second subsidiary of General Pre-
cision Equipment Corp. to be awarded
the Army-Navy "E" flag, the first
being the CineSimplex Corp. of Syra-
cuse, which in peacetime was en-
gaged in the production of cameras
for use in motion picture studios and
for newsreel work.
The six manufacturing plants of
General Precision Equipment Corp.
are presently operating at capacity
both in the manufacture of their reg-
ular motion picture equipment, most
of which is for the various depart-
ments of the Government, and also
in the manufacture of instruments
of critical and urgently needed types.
WE CAN
STILL SUPPLY
alt standard 35mm. pre-
cision projector replace-
ment parts.
We do not sell to
theatres, direct.
FREE — Our latest
complete projector parts
catalog.
CtVE your dealer's name,
when writing to get your
copy of our catalog.
WENZEL PROJECTOR CO.
2505-19 South Stat* St.
Chlugo. III.
Eastman's Manpower "Equipment" Comes From
Many Walks of the World of Entertainment!
Rochester — Musicians and actors are among the thousands of workers now
aiding the war effort at Eastman Kodak Co. Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
members at the plant include Robert Sprenkle, William Versteeg, Nelson Wat-
son, Nathaniel Paley, Herman Surasky and John Figueras. Others include:
Howard Lawson, formerfy with the Trenton Symphony; Alfred Genazzio, with
the Dallas orchestra; Albert Clapp, night club pianist; Frank Rivers, orchestra
leader; Bob Brethen, ventriloquist, formerly in vaudeville; Bill Long and Larry
Dowdell, vaudeville dancers; John M. O'Brien, former stage hand; Ronald
Langley, formerly on the stage and radio; Thomas Keane, who once worked
with both Blackstone and Thurston.
Improvements Go On
In Delroil Sector
(Continued from Page 9)
ies and stage equipment for the Col-
ony Theater for Joseph Ellul; reno-
vation of draperies and equipment in
the De Luxe Theater for Asrian D.
Rosen, and also in the Downtown
Theater for Howard Hughes, who is
readying the house for opening as
a first-run.
Schine Circuit has two jobs in
progress: stage equipment for the
Holland Theater, Belief ontaine, 0.;
and stage draperies and wall pan-
elling for the State Theater, Fos-
toria, 0.
Other jobs include: draperies and
stage equipment for Manos Theater,
Ellwood City, Pa.; front traveler and
track for Capitol Theater, Flint,
Mich., for W. S. Butterfield Circuit;
and stage draperies and complete
wall panelling for the Alhambra
Theater, Cleveland.
Popcorn, Added Attraction
New Haven— The M & P Para-
mount, downtown first-run, has
added a popcorn machine to its lobby
refreshment bar.
SEEKING A DEPENDABLE
SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR YOUR
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INTERNATIONAL OFFERS:
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45 year's experience serving theatres,
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We can supply your needs. Roll,
machine folded, reserve seats, etc.
Write lor samples, prices or other information.
Delivery Iree Maine to Virginia.
INTERNATIONAL
T I C K E T (M\ COMPANY
52 GRAFTON AVE. Vjg/ NEWARK, N. J.
Sales Of/ices in Principal Centers
LARGEST SELECTION OF
Popcorn Machines
We Buy — Sell — and Service
All Makes — All Models
Write us
KRISPY KORN EQUIPMENT
120 S. Halsted St. CHICAGO, ILL.
Name Liberty Ship
For B & L Founder
(Continued from Page 9)
perfect attendance at work. A week
before the date of the launching the
names of the perfect record holders
will be placed in a giant hat, and
the first seven names drawn will be
those to go.
Anton Otto Fischer, widely known
artist, now in the Navy, has been
commissioned to make an oil paint-
ing of the new ship.
No Improvement Seen
In Fuel Oil Supply
(Continued from Page 9)
eral States, no longer required to
convert to coal. No conversion, re-
gardless of how much fuel issued, is
required of theaters in Florida and
Georgia, while conversion is not re-
quired of those houses which re-
ceived less than 10,000 gallons of
oil in the current heating year, end-
ing Sept. 30, in the following States:
North Dakota, South Dakota, Kan-
sas, Nebraska, Missouri and the six
New England States.
Officials here are unwilling to go
out on limbs, as they did so fre-
quently last year, to predict what the
supply situation will be this winter.
Military operations, for one thing,
are quite unpredictable, and there is
grave question as to how much oil
the services will need. They insist
however, that failure to convert to
coal will mean no heating oil ^for
theaters in rationed States not men-
tioned above.
Houston's Azteca Burns
Houston — The Azteca Theater,
seating 350, was destroyed in a fire
of unknown origin which razed the
three-story brick and plastered-wall
building.
Glenn Improves Ashley
Ashley, 111. — Albert Watson of
Mount Vernon has sold the Ashley
Theater to Frank J. Glenn. The new
owner is remodeling and improving
the house. Renovation includes an
inclined floor, an air-conditioning
system and a new modern front.
use the National
to post-war
equipment
National Theatre Supply's "Magic Bridge" will help
you plan now for your post-war equipment . . . with-
out "options" or down payments of any kind.
National's "Magic Bridge" will close the gap between
your post-war plans and their speedy realization. If
you have not yet received your personal copy of the
"Magic Bridge" Equipment Survey, ask for a copy
at your nearest National branch.
NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY
Division of N ATIONAl-^*«jg^t'-BLU D WORTH, INC.
A Gtn#ro( Precision Equipment Corp. Subsidiary
M P P ID A INC
2 11 W 4-4- S T
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EASTMAN
FILMS
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
Fort Lee Chicago Hollywood
•'
More than ever the maiit-v
stay of the motion picture
industry, with every foot
contributing its full share
of exceptional quality.
i >■
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
B
i^
T rtciv>v
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
wt
84. NO. 12
NEW YORK. MONDAY. JULY 19. 1943
TEN CENTS
GOV'T APPEALS FROM CRESCENT DECISION
//
Super-Escapist" Pictures Is Paramount' s Plan
At Least a Third of Pix
For New Season Slated
To be Shot in Technicolor
Paramount will mark the 1943-44
season by the release of "super-es-
capist" films, Neil Agnew, general
sales manager, told the company's
sales execs, at the concluding ses-
sion of the Hotel Pierre sales meet-
ing here Friday. At least a third of
the new lineup will be in Technicolor.
Asserting that "the need for es-
capist films to maintain morale and
entertain our fighting forces has
(Continued on Page 11)
First-Runs Weekly
For Overseas Troops
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Four first-run pro-
grams weekly is the new rate for
overseas showing of the 16 mm.
prints given the Army by the in-
dustry for America's fighting men.
Distribution rate thus far has been
(Continued on Page 6)
Six Two-Reel Westerns
On New Warner Program
San Francisco — Warners shorts
lineup for 1943-44 of 18 two-reelers
and 68 one-reelers will include a
series of six two-reel Westerns, it
was announced here Saturday by
(Continued on Page 6)
Pa. Solons to Get
Curfew Legislation
Harrisburg, Pa. — Proposals for a
state-wide curfew for minors and
juvenile courts in every county will
be offered to the 1945 Legislature
to curb the rapid increase of juvenile
delinquency.
At a meeting held here by the
Legislature's Joint State Government
Comm'ssion, a study of parole and
juvenile delinquency was started. It
is expected that the committee will
make reports on the recommenda-
tions to be presented at the next
session.
Para. Guaranteeing Minimum 12*/%% Profit
To Exhibitors Playing "Tolls" at 70-30%
Paramount 70-30 per cent contracts for "For Whom the Bell Tolls" carry
a rider guaranteeing the exhibitor a minimum 12Vi per cent profit, it was re-
ported over the week-end in the wake of the company's New York sales meeting
which closed Friday.
FWTBT thus becomes the second pic in recent years to be offered at
70-30, with a guarantee to the theater. In the instance of GWTW, Metro gave
the house a guarantee of 10 per cent of its gross receipts as a profit.
Loew-Lyons to Make
Three UA Features
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Arthur S. Lyons, vice-
president of Producing Artists, Inc.,
organized last January to release
through United Artists, will arrive
in New York today to purchase story
properties, to negotiate with writers
for original musical and dramatic
material and to lay the groundwork
for anticipated production of plays
on Broadway.
Producing Artists, of which David
(Continued on Page 3)
War Shorts Program
Wails on Conference
Vacation 'A' Gas Order
Stirs New Eng. Protests
Boston — A storm of protest
against the vacation gas order has
arisen in the New England area.
At first glance the exhibitors and
operators were pleased over what
they believed was some relief from
(Continued on Page 6)
WAC's Co-ordinating Committee,
Executive Committee of the Theaters
Division, and chairmen of the ex-
hibitor exchange area committees,
representing more than 8,000 houses,
heard addresses Friday by Charles
P. Taft, head of the Division of Rec-
reation and Welfare of the Federal
Security Agency, and Theodore R.
Gamble, assistant to Secretary Mor-
genthau and Director of War Financ-
ing for the U. S. Treasury.
Taft's address, delivered at the
(Continued on Page 6)
Authorizations for Film
180 Days Old Cancelled
Workington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Authorizations more
than 180 days old for 35 mm. film
were cancelled at the week-end by
WPB, through an amendment to
(Continued on Page 6)
it. Research Guiding WB
Prime Factor in Strong Financial Position
Watertown, Mass., Houses
In Clearance Complaints
Two clearance complaints have
been filed with the Boston arbitra-
tion tribunal. In one Consolidated
Theater, Inc., operator of the
Plymouth, Worcester, Mass., filed
against all five claiming that the
30 days' clearance granted Loew's
Plaza or the Elm Street Theater,
(Continued on Page 11)
An important contributing factor
in the strong financial position being
achieved by Warners as summarized
by the Dow-Jones financial service
at the week-end, was revealed in the
discussions of sales policies at the
series of regional meetings which
closed Saturday in San Francisco.
In formulating and carrying out
these policies, which have placed
Warners in the unique position of
increasing gross income to an all-
(Continued on Page 10)
Would Amend Paragraph
On Defendant's Acquisi-
tion of More Theaters
By P. R. RUSSELL
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Nashville — Assistant Attor-
ney General Tom C. Clark, for
the plaintiff, the United States
Government, Friday appealed to the
Supreme Court that the Crescent
anti-trust case be remanded for a
correction of the decree with refer-
ence to asquisition of new theaters
by the exhibitor defendants. Cres-
cent and affiliated exhibitors are
(Continued on Page 6)
Reduced Scope for
U.S.N. Incentive Pix
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The industrial incen-
tive film program planned by the
Navy is so far, at any rate, consid-
erably smaller in scope than the
(Continued on Page 10)
Await Hoyt Ruling
On Length of "Aleutians"
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A decision was ex-
pected this week-end on a matter of
great importance to the motion pic-
(Continued on Page 6)
Femme Cops Arrest
200 Theater Mashers
Newark, N. J. — This city is defi-
nitely no haven for the theater
masher. At least 200 have been
apprehended by a special police-
women's squad recently appointed
by Police Commissioner John Keenan,
to make theatergoing safe for un-
escorted theatergoing women.
So well pleased is the police head
with the results accomplished by
his co-operettes that he plans to add
at least six more to the squad to
break up vandalism which in past
months has cost local operators thou-
sands of dollars in damages.
a^a»«a»™
md$t
DAILY
Monday, July 19, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 12 Mon., July 19, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y.( by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
Eecond class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10. 0U one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(July 16)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Col. Picts. vtc. (2!/2%)
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . .
East. Kodak
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox. . . .
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
89 13-32
NEW YORK
Par. B'way 3s55
Par. Picts. deb. 4s56.
High Low
19 19
3 2%
17 16%
66 166 1
178'/2 1
Close
19
+
+
225/g 221/4
63i/2 63
293/8 285/g
10 95/s
98 97
243/4 23%
34 34
15% 151/4
3
17
66
79
22V4 _
63 +
28% —
93/4 +
971/2 +
24
34
151/4 —
Net
Chg.
V*
Vb
'A
1
" Vz
Vz
1/4
%
Vs
1
89 13-32 89 13-32
BOND MARKET
Robert, Raymond Hakim,
Sam Coslow Leaving MGM
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Robert and Raymond
Hakim and Sam Coslow, M-G-M pro-
ducers are leaving the organization.
MITCHELL MAY, Jr.
C0.f INC.
INSURANCE
Specializing
in requirements of the
Motion Picture Industry
75 Maiden Lane, New York
510 W. 6th St. Lot Angeles
H The Broadway Parade H
Picture and Distributor Theater
Mission to Moscow (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 12th week Hollywood
Coney Island (20th Century-Fox) — 5th week Roxy
Stage Door Canteen (United Artists-Sol Lesser) — 4th week Capitol
The Youngest Profession (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 4th week Music Hall
Dixie (Paramount Pictures)— 4th week Paramount
Best Foot Forward (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 4th week Astor
Background to Danger (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 3rd week Strand
Bombardier (RKO Radio Pictures) — 3rd week Criterion
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Paramount Pictures) — 2nd week Rivoli
Victory Through Air Power (United Artists-Walt Disney) Clobe
Appointment in Berlin (Columbia Pictures) iRialto
My Friend Flicka (Twentieth Century-Fox) (a-b) Palace
All By Myself ( Republic Pictures) (a) Palace
Wise Guy (Monogram I ictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
Stranger from Pecos (Monogram Pictures)— Opens tomorrow (a) New York
♦ FOREiGN LANGUAGE FEATURES ♦
The Russian Story (Artkino Pictures) — 7th week Stanley
Creo en Dios (Crovos-Mohme) Belmont
A Fire in the Straw (Herbert Rosener) — 3rd week (a) World
Pledge to Bataan (Adventure Pictures) — 3rd week (a) World
♦ FUTURE OPENi JVGS ♦
Stormy Weather (Twentieth Century-Fox) — July 21 Roxy
Hers to Hold (Universal Pictures) — July 21 Criterion
The Constant Nymph (Warner Bros. Pictures) — July 23 Strand
This is the Army (Warner Bros. Pictures) — July 28 Hollywood
Let's Face It (Paramount Pictures) — Aug. 2 Paramount
DuBarry Was a Lady (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c) Capitol
Mr. Lucky (RKO Radio Pictures) (c) Music Hall
Bombers' Moon (Twentieth Century-Fox) (c) Rialto
Squadron Leader (RKO Radio Pictures) — July 22 (a) Palace
The Falcon in Danger (RKO Radio Pictures) — July 22 (a) Palace
(a) Dual bill. (b) Subsequent run. (c) Follows current bill. (d) News
film with English commentary.
Republic Execs, in Chi.
For Rogers P.A., Meeting
Chicago — Opening session of the
two-day Republic sales meeting here
on Friday at the Drake Hotel was
preceded by attendance of Herbert
J. Yates, Sr., President James R.
Grainger, Midwest District Sales
Manager E. L. Walton, and South-
ern District Sales Manager Merritt
Davis, plus exchange men from these
districts and home office officials, at
the Oriental Theater's opening per-
formance of Roy Rogers' personal
appearance in connection with the
first-run locally of his latest vehicle,
"Silver Spurs."
Large crowds greeted the western star in
the Loop area, and lined up for several blocks
on either side of the theater. At the sales
meeting many wires were received from Re-
public branches throughout the nation report-
ing large volume of bookings for the new
Rogers opus. Another indication of current
Republic product strength outcropped at the
meeting via receipts of news from Franchise
Holder Jake Flax of Washington that "Some-
one to Remember" had broken all house
records at Baltimore's Valencia, backed by a
strong promotional campaign.
Home office representatives at the meeting
on Saturday included William Saal, Walter
L. Titus, Jr., and Charles Reed Jones. Ex-
changemen contingent include Will Baker,
Chicago; J. G. Frackman, Milwaukee; W. M.
Grant, Minneapolis; F. R. Moran, Des Moines;
Harry Lefholtz, Omaha; Nat Steinberg, St.
Louis; Winfield Snelson, Atlanta; Harold
Laird, Tampa; J. H. Dillon, Charlotte; N. J.
Colquhoun, Memphis; L. V. Seicshnaydre,
New Orleans; Lloyd Rust, Dallas; Russell I.
Brown, Oklahoma City ; and Franchise Holder
Robert F. Withers, Kansas City.
Rites ior John Anderson
Monroe, Conn. — Funeral services
for John Anderson, drama critic of
the New York Journal- American who
died Friday, were held here Satur-
day. He had been drama critic of
the Journal-American and before
that of the Evening Journal, since
1928. Survivors include his wife,
Margaret; his mother, Mrs. Warren
E. Anderson, Sr.; two sisters and
eight brothers.
Bob Gillham to Coast
For Campaign on FWTBT
Robert M. Gillham, Para.'s ad-
publicity chief, left for Los Angeles
yesterday to direct the opening cam-
paign for "For Whom the Bell Tolls"
at the Carthay Circle on Aug. 18.
Bally in advance will be modeled on
the campaign for the Rivoli opening
here which cost Para, about $150,-
000.
Planning to remain on the Coast
for about a fortnight, Gillham in
the weeks immediately ahead per-
sonally will concentrate on FWTBT
openings, including those in Chi-
cago, where the pic is expected to
start in two houses, Memphis or
New Orleans — choice is yet to be
made but N. O. is favored — and
Washington. Last named bow will
come after Labor Day.
Proceeds of the Coast opening will
go to the Los Angeles Area War
Chest.
Republic Rejects Protest
Over Dismissal of Three
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Insisting it has au-
thority under the basic agreement
with the Screen Publicists Guild to
make dismissals, Republic has re-
jected the protest of the Guild over
the firing of studio publicity depart-
ment members.
Al Wilson, labor contact for the
studio, maintained that employes
could be dismissed in accordance
with any collective bargaining agree-
ment that might exist. Republic
has agreed to furnish severance pay
to the employes dismissed.
Rites Held ior Lawson
Hollywood — Funeral services for
Louis Lawson, 41, of the Columbia
Studio auditing department, were
held here last week.
5,000 Special Bookings
Being Set Up for "Army"
More than 5,000 special theater
engagements are being set up for
"This Is The Army" under a plan
which Jack L. Warner will put into
operation today on his arrival in
New York from the West Coast. A
large portion of the thousands
engagements will have special \
mieres at advanced prices, following
in general the policy of the world
premiere of the film in New York
at the Hollywood Theater on July 28.
"So Proudly We Hail"
At Music Hall Aug. 19
Paramount's "So Proudly We Hail*'
will bow in at the Radio City Music
Hall on Aug. 19, it was learned over
the week-end.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
'THE YOUNGEST PROFESSION'
with
VIRGINIA WEIDLER, EDWARD ARNOLD
and Five Important Guest Stars
AN M-G-M PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue • Symphony Oreheitra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
Jl< BETTY GRABLE JC
GEORGE MONTGOMERY* CESAR ROMERO
Cone? hiamd
A iOTH CfNTUST.FOX flCTUIE lit TECHNICOLOR
• PLUS A BIG STAGE SHOW *
BUY Q ^V *y •*#■ 7ihAVE.
BONDS l\V/A 1 50* ST.
"DIXIE" - In Persen
with ~k ANDREWS SISTERS
BING CROSBY * TIM HERBERT
DOROTHY LAMOUR if MITCH AYRES
A Paramount Picture •fc and his orchestra
Cool PARAMOUNT Times Square
B WAY &
47th St.
RODDY McDOWALL . PRESTON FOSTER
"MY FRIEND FLICKA"
and
ROSEMARY LANE • PATRIC KNOWLES
"ALL BY MYSELF"
Lo?w?.STHTEr
IN PERSON |
ON SCREEN ■
Jackie Miles 1
"BATAAN"
Eddie South 1
WITH
& ORCH. !
ROBERT TAYLOR *
J
Monday, July 19, 1943
\/*\ DULY
Loew-Lyons to Make
Three UA Features
(Continued from Page 1)
L. Loew is now president, estab-
lishes offices today in General Ser-
vice Studios. While its initial block
o^ "'x for UA calls for three million-
c__,r pix next season, Loew said
ovT^ the week-end that eventually
PA will turn out from 10 to 18 top
budget features annually.
New company's, organizational
blueprint, first announced in late
January (Film Daily, Jan. 27), as
finalized provides that top talent,
both stars and directors, shall be-
come heads of their own autonomous
picture-making companies within the
framework of the parent company
with each personality enjoying full
executive and production powers in
addition to profit participation.
"At the same time," Lyons ex-
plained before leaving for the East,
"each star or other artist will be
completely free to work outside of
his own company and will be avail-
able to the entire industry. But
there will be behind him a 'home'
production unit which will, at his
bidding, make stories of his own
choosing, by his own methods and
with profits for his own sharing. In
this way creative talent will realize
the greatest possible opportunities
and security, artistic as well as finan-
cial."
PA's first film will be a musical as
yet untitled, with music by George
and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and
Cole Porter. Ira Gershwin, Kern
and Porter have already been signed
— and negotiations are under way
with Irving Berlin. It will be pro-
duced and directed by Rouben Ma-
moulian, who has just returned from
New York. There will be either in
new or unpublished compositions
more than $250,000 invested in mu-
sic alone, it is declared.
Loew and Lyons also disclosed or-
ganization of another major company
headed by Jack Benny, who will pro-
duce a series of comedies with him-
self as star.
Clemente Giglio Dead
Clemente Giglio, 57, Italian the-
ater impresario in the U. S. is dead.
Survivors include his widow, Gemma;
a son, Pvt. Sandrino Giglio, USA;
a daughter, Adele; a brother, Jos-
eph and four sisters.
Cuttings From the Wood Lot:
• • • ONE of the busiest weeks of this or any other Summer
along local Film Row had its virtual wind-up on Friday noontide when
the Trade Press bunch broke bread with Sam Wood in the Hotel Astor's
Yacht Room The producer-director of Paramount's 'Tor Whom the
Bell Tolls" and the scribes discussed various angles and facets of the
opus, and a good and enlightening time was had by all Sam is
of the belief, — and he's in a position to judge — , that "Bell" was "one
of the toughest of pictures to make," what with the enormous amount of
location work at high altitude, the climatic conditions under which the
Technicolor photography was undertaken, the difficulties of terrain,
and ever so many other factors, not the least of which was the prob-
lem of sound-interference from brooks in the mountainous-venue
in some instances, tarpaulins were stretched, fence-like, along several
hundreds of feet of brook-borders to keep the babble from reaching
the mikes, and in other cases the tarps were actually stretched hori-
zontally over the rushing streams and battened down with rocks
The day airplanes were to fly over the mountain crest for the dramatic
bombing scenes, a member of Wood's staff hurried up from the valley
below to tell breathlessly that the Japs had just bombed Pearl Harbor
and all planes had been grounded
T T ▼
• • • FINDING a locale suitable for the bridge-destruction
sequences, and in fact the bridge itself, was another vicissitude
Something was almost invariably wrong, such as a gully being too
shallow for dramatic and photographic purposes "The Good
Lord," Sam soliloquized, "didn't know Hemingway was going to write
the book, so He didn't build everything right" The film's pro-
duction crew, upon whom Wood heaped praise along with Ingrid
Bergman, Gary Cooper, and the other cast members for being good
outdoor people, "killed more rattlesnakes than St. Patrick"
T T T
• • • WOOD discussed attentively with the trade scribes the sug-
gestion that FWTBT have an intermission in its roadshow engagements
'round the country, instead of being projected all in one big, continuous
sitting ..... With equal attentiveness he weighed the matter of cut-
ting down the pic's length somewhat, which may or may not be done,
but probably will at the concurrence of his Para, associates The
ace producer-director opines that close to 1,000 feet might be eliminated
to advantage, and 'twill be interesting to see if this comes to pass before,
other big key openings outside New York Anent the situation
faced in the cutting of any film. Wood cited that when he directed the
Red Grange starrer, "One Minute to Play," the film was cut down for
a Coast showing in order to theoretically speed it up In the
process, all immediately agreed, upon seeing the result, that the footage
did have more momentum, BUT — the vital atmosphere of the football
yarn was smothered So back went the deleted portions
One of the most interesting aspects of the chat with Wood was his
stressing the importance of photographing "thought," i.e., imparting via
close-ups what a character is thinking, — and you'll note in FWTBT that
many such shots are incorporated with powerful effect Present at
the luncheon were Bob Gillham, Al Wilkie, Al Finestone, Don M. Mer-
sereau, Chester B. Bahn, Charles "Chick" Lewis, Bill Formby, Sherry
Kane, Tom Kennedy, Mori Krushen, Mel Konnecoff, A. W. Baremore,
Chick Aaronson, Lou Pelegrine, James Jerauld, and Floyd Stone ......
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
COMinG and GO I fid
JACK L. WARNER arrives in New York today
from the Coast. He will remain through the
premiere of Irving Berlin's "This Is The Army,"
which Warner co-produced with Hal B. Wa I lis.
ROBERT M. CILLHAM, who went to the
Coast yesterday, will remain for a fortnight.
A. W. SMITH, JR., Eastern sales manager
of 20th-Fox, will be in Buffalo today for the
testimonial dinner to be given by the Variety
Club here for Sydney Samson, recently advanced
from Buffalo branch manager to district manager
for Canada.
B. C. De Sylva left Friday for Hollywood, via
a stop-over for a day in Toronto.
NORMAN H. MORAY, A. W. SCHWALBERC,
HOWARD LEVINSON and ALBERT S. HOWSON
are en route to New York from San Francisco.
BEN KALMENSON left San Francisco yesterday
for a swing through the Southwest en route to
New York.
ROY HAINES, en route to New York from the
Coast, is making stopovers in his Southern and
Western division.
B. B. KREISLER, short subject sales manager
for Universal is due back today from a trip to
Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
BERT SANFORD, )R., Altec executive, has
returned from an upstate New York tour.
FRED A. ROHRS, PRC Southeastern division
manager, has returned to his Washington head-
quarters.
E. WILLIAM FITELSON and MRS. FITELSON
are en route to Mexico City.
WILLIAM CROUCH, Soundies, Inc. executive
producer, is in town.
MAX MILDER, Warners British chief, is ex-
pected to arrive in New York in August.
VOLDEMAR VETLUGUIN has returned to the
M-G-M studios.
WIN BARRON, Paramount's director of sales
promotion in the Toronto sector, leaves New
York for his headquarters there today.
OSCAR F. NEU, head of Neumade Products,
is in Washington on business.
JACK KIRSCH has returned to Chicago from
New York.
SAM WOOD leaves for the Coast in about 10
days.
GEORGE BROWN, Paramount studio publicity
chief, left New York Saturday for the Coast.
CHARLES KOERNER, PERRY LIEBER, NAT
HOLT and RODNEY PANTACES, who came to
New York for the 12th annual RKO Radio sales
meet, left New York by train for the Coast via
Chicago on Friday.
MURPHY McHENRY of Paramount's coast
publicity staff left New York Friday for Holly-
wood.
ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD arrived Satur-
day from Hollywood.
EDWARD SCHNITZER, United Artists Westers
division manager, returned today from an eight-
week trip to exchanges under his supervision.
RISE STEVENS left New York Friday for
Hollywood.
BETTY HUTTON left Friday for a two-week
tour of Army camps under auspices of the
U.S.O.
JOSEPH H. MOSKOWITZ, New York rep. of
20th-Fox Studio, has postponed his trip to
California until July 30.
28 Radio Serials
Set To Plug "Army"
As part of the vast radio cam-
paign being put behind Warners
film version of Irving Berlin's "This
Is The Army," 28 leading network
serials already have been set to in-
sert plugs for the picture in their
scripts. Mentions of the picture will
be worked appropriately into the
dialogue of the serials, and it is
said it will be the first time a thing
of this kind has been done on such
a wide scale. List of shows includes
practically all the NBC, CBS and
Mutual network favorites.
■■
motion
nt of importance for the
ire-goers and the boxoffice takes
place in ALDANY- DALLAS- DETROIT -
OKLAHOMA CITY -ST. LOUIS and npon
subsequent days in every other key city
in the United States where the combination
Trade Showing and Preview of
^Heaven Can Wait" takes place. We are happy to
fiiave you judge the potentialities of this picture
by observing the audience's and your own reaction.
Results speak louder than words.
You. Mr. Showman* will see
for yourself.
CITY
PLACE OF SCREENING
DAY & DATE & HOUR
Albany
Madison Theatre
Mon.
7/19-
- 8:30 P.M.
Atlanta
Fox Theatre
Wed
. 7/2 1-
- 9:30 P.M.
Boston
105 Broadway
Wed
.7/21-
- 2:30 P.M.
Buffalo
Shea's Buffalo Theatre
Thurs
. 7/22-
-11:00 P.M.
Charlotte
Carolina Theatre
Fri.
7/23-
-10:45 P.M.
Chicago
United Artists Theatre
Wed
.7/21-
- 9:00 P.M.
Cincinnati
Palace Theatre
Tues.
7/20-
-10:30 P.M.
Cleveland
Hippodrome Theatre
Fri.
7/30-
-11:00 P.M.
Dallas
Palace Theatre
Mon.
7/19-
-8:15 P.M.
Denver
Denver Theatre
Mon.
7/26-
- 8:30 P.M.
Des Moines
Des Moines Theatre
Wed
. 7/2 1-
- 9:00 P.M.
Detroit
Fox Theatre
Mon.
7/19-
- 9:30 P.M.
Indianapolis
Indiana Theatre
Tues.
7/27-
- 8:45 P.M.
Kansas City
Plaza Theatre
Thurs
7/22-
- 9:00 P.M.
Los Angeles
Carthay Circle Theatre
Mon.
8/2-
- 8:30 P.M.
Memphis
Loew's State Theatre
Wed
. 7/2 1-
- 9:30 P.M.
Milwaukee
Wisconsin Theatre
Fri.
7/23-
-10:00 P.M.
Minneapolis
State Theatre
Wed
7/21-
- 9:30 P.M.
New Haven
College Theatre
Tues.
7/20-
- 8:00 P.M.
New Orleans
200 So. Liberty Street
Wed
7/21-
- 2:30 P.M.
New York City
Roxy Theatre
Thurs.
7/29-
- 8:30 P.M.
Oklahoma City
Midwest Theatre
Mon.
7/19-
- 8:30 P.M.
Omaha
Paramount Theatre
Wed.
7/28—
• 9:30 P.M.
Philadelphia
State Theatre
Fri.
7/23-
- 8:45 P.M.
Pittsburgh
Senator Theatre
Tues.
7/20—
• 9:30 P.M.
Portland
Paramount Theatre
Mon.
7/26-
- 9:00 P.M.
St. Louis
Fox Theatre
Mon.
7/19—
■8:15 P.M.
Salt Lake City
Centre Theatre
Fri.
7/23-
- 9:00 P.M.
San Francisco
245 Hyde Street
Wed.
7/21—
■ 2:30 P.M.
Seattle
Music Box Theatre
Tues.
7/27—
•10:00 P.M.
Washington
Columbia Theatre
Wed.
7/28-
- 9:00 P.M.
CENTURY-FOX
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RESULTS!
Above are just a few of the comments
from the sneak previews held on the
East and West Coasts
Monday, July 19, 1943
Gov't Appeals from
Crescent Suit Decision
(Continued from Page 1)
cited to appear in Washington, D. C,
within 40 days from date "to show
cause why the judgment rendered
against them should not be cor-
rected."
The major reason for the Govern-
ment's action in asking for a cor-
rection in the decree is indicated by
the following from a statement by
Solicitor General Charles Fahy and
made a part of the appeal:
"Experience under the tem-
porary order in the Schine case
and the consent decree entered
in the New York equity suit has
demonstrated that the problem
of the widespread elimination of
independent competition by the
large circuits cannot be solved
by action taken after the ac-
quisition occurs, is, as a prac-
tical matter, impossible to re-
store by decree of court a com-
petitive situation after the com-
petition in question has been
eliminated by acquisition of the
competitive theater or theaters.
Unless the Government is given
the remedy which the court in
this case concluded that it was
entitled to but rejected on ad-
ministrative considerations, the
Government believes that it will
be unable to secure the contin-
ued existence of independent
theater competition which the
Sherman Act contemplates."
The following "assignment of errors and
prayer for reversal," which is signed by
Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark
and Special Assistant Robert L. Wright, re-
veals what the appellant is seeking to ob-
tain through this action: "The United States
of America, plaintiff in the above-titled cause,
in connection with its petition for appeal
to the Supreme Court of the United States,
hereby assigns error to the final order and
decree of said district court entered on May
17, 1943, in the above titled cause, and say
that in the entry of the final order and de-
cree the District Court committed error to
prejudice of the said plaintiff in the fol-
lowing particulars:
Cite Court's Errors
"1. The court erred in entering paragraph
19 of the final decree which reads as fol-
lows: '(19) that the exhibitor defendants,
and each of them be, and they hereby are,
enjoined and restrained from acquiring a
financial interest in any additional theaters,
outside Nashville, Tenn., in any town where
there is already located a theater, whether
in operation or not, unless the owner of
such theater should volunteer to sell to
either of the exhibitor defendants, and when
none of said defendants, their officers, agents
or servants are guilty of any of the acts
or practices prohibited paragraph nine (9)
hereof."
"2. The court erred in declining to enter
in lieu of said paragraph (19) of the final
decree the provision contained in paragraph
29 of the proposed decrees submitted in ac-
cordance with the court's conclusion of law
No. 20, which provision reads as follows:
" 'That the exhibitor defendants and
each of them be, and they hereby are,
enjoined and restrained from acquiring
a financial interest in any additional the-
aters outside of Nashville, Tenn. Ex-
cept after an affirmative showing before
this court that such acquisition will not
unreasonably restrain competition.'
"Wherefore, plaintiff prays that the final
order and decree of the District Court grant-
ing the relief set forth in paragraph 19
thereof and denying relief in accordance with
the court's aforesaid conclusions of law No.
Six Two-Reel Westerns
On New Warner Program
(Continued from Page 1)
Norman H. Moray, shorts sales man-
ager, as the company wound up its
series of three regional sales meet-
ings with Ben Kalmenson, sales
chief, presiding. Thirteeen of the
one-reelers will be re-issues.
Program, to be wholly made at
the Burbank studios with Jack War-
ner supervising, will include a great-
er number of subjects in Techni-
color and will be marked by more
diversification in content. Individ-
ual series include:
Twelve two-reel Featurettes. Six will be
Santa Fe Trail Westerns. Other six will be
Featurettes, a diversified group, ranging from
kiddie revues and all-girl musicals to drama.
. Six two-reel Technicolor Specials. Pro-
duced in co-operation with various branches
of the armed forces, these will be along the
lines of "A Ship is Born."
Twenty-Six one-reel Merrie Melodies and
Looney Tunes, in Technicolor. Cartoons pro-
duced by Leon Schlesinger.
Thirteen one-reel Sports Parades, in Tech-
nicolor. Exclusive material from various
fields of sports.
Ten one-reel Melody Masters Bands. Each
subject will be made an intimate musical re-
vue, taking the band "Off the bandstand"
for the first time and featuring a. group of
specialties.
Six one-reel Vitaphone Varieties. Novelty
numbers, including another Howard Hill an-
imal thriller.
Thirteen one-reel Blue Ribbon Merrie Melo-
dies, A 'Hall of Fame' group representing
the best output of Schlesinger's cartoon
subjects.
Vacation 'A' Gas Order
Stirs New Eng. Protests
(Continued from Page 1)
the drastic regulations of the past
several months.
But to their disappointment they
find that the new regulations ac-
tually work to the point of taking
customers away. For it means that
the man who wishes to drive to Ban-
gor, some 300 miles, may obtain
permission to do so if he uses his
"A" cards. But the man who wishes
to pile five kids and the wife into
the car and drive down to a Summer
picture theater or even to one of
the suburbans still may not do so.
The OPA is being besieged with
inquiries as to why-the-heck it's all
right for John Jones to drive to
Montreal, but entirely wrong for
Bill Smith to drive to Revere Beach.
Trade Press Dines at '21',
Sees "Heaven" Tonight
Trade press screening of 20th-
Fox's new Ernst Lubitsch produc-
tion, "Heaven Can Wait," will be
held tonight at 8:45 at the RKO
23rd Street Theater, and prior to
the showing, trade press represen-
tatives will be guests at a dinner
in the 21 Club, starting at 6:30
p.m., which will be hosted by Sam
Shain, director of trade relations
for 20th-Fox.
Charles Coburn, one of the prin-
cipal actors in the new Lubitsch pic-
ture, will be a special guest at the
dinner and subsequent screening.
20 may be reversed and the cause remanded
for the entry in lieu of said paragraph of a
provision in accordance with said conclusions
of law and/or such other and fit relief as
the court may deem just and proper."
Warners Pix Tie Up
Stockholm Theater
Stockholm (By Air Mail) — Warners
has tied up the Park Theater, local
deluxe house with a policy of long-
run engagements. As a consequence,
Warner product in release will play
this theater exclusively, starting with
the new season in August.
Await Hoyt Ruling
On Length of "Aleutians"
(Continued from Page 1)
ture industry. Palmer Hoyt, domes-
tic director of the OWI, said Fri-
day night that he expected to reach
a decision this week-end on whether
the agency shall clear for public
showing the 50 minute version of
the Army's "Report from the Aleu-
tians." Although a shorter version,
in two reels, is also available, the
Army is insisting that the long ver-
sion be shown in the nation's the-
aters.
Hoyt admitted Friday that he had
decided earlier last week to recom-
mend that the WAC be given its
choice of the two versions, or al-
lowed to take both. The film itself,
made in full color by Capt. John
Huston, is of exceptional merit com-
pared with other Army films, and
is certainly worthy of public show-
ing. Its timeliness is waning, how-
ever, while the Army holds out for
the long version.
Hoyt is well aware of the seriousness of
the situation. He recognizes that the strong
stand of the Army is now a test of the
OWI, to determine whether that agency,
without its motion picture bureau and with-
out Lowell Mellett, will continue to exer-
cise its full authority to clear Government
picture releases, and whether OWI will, as
did Mellett, continue to consider seriously
the very real objections of the motion pic-
ture industry to being forced to schedule
odd-sized rent-free pictures.
Hoyt decided last week to let the industry
have its choice, but the Army's Bureau of
Public Relations has now taken the position
that the long picture must be shown or none
at all.
Hoyt is well aware of the importance of
his decision, recognizing that if he gives
away to the Army in this matter his posi-
tion as clearance authority for Government
films is very shaky. He will provide by his
decision a rather definite indication of where
the power regarding public showing for Army
films lies hereatfer. If Hoyt bends to the
pressure of the Army, the industry must
then prepare for similar pressure — and prob-
ably more effective. Complicating the mat-
ter is the fact that the Army has on hand
at least 200 full-color prints of the long
version of "Report From the Aleutians."
The figure may be closer to 300.
Actors Equity Regulation
Blocks FitzPatrick Plan
St. Louis — The Actors Equity reg-
ulation prohibiting the filming of
any part of a show without payment
to the stage company of an extra
full week's salary has forced James
A. FitzPatrick, producer of travel-
ogue shorts for M-G-M, to alter his
plans to include in his newest re-
lease scenes from a performance at
the St. Louis Municipal Opera. The
shots would have cost the producer
an additional $10,000 to make the
short, which is about St. Louis.
First-Runs Weekly
For Overseas Troops
(Continued from Page 1)
three new shows each week, said the
Army over the week-end, each in-
cluding one feature and one sYT^
These programs are flown 1
larly to 18 overseas exchanges oy
the Special Service Division, and,
as revealed in Film Daily last week,
over 4,400 feature prints and over
6,400 shorts had been sent abroad
by the end of last month. The Spe-
cial Service Division is especially
proud of the frequent premieres
which it offers American soldiers in
the thick of the war.
Although most of the new films sent over-
sea circulate among the troops simultane-
ously with their public showings here, on
several occasions the Special Service Divi-
sion has been able to screen outstanding pix
considerably in advance of their opening here.
A recent check by the division showed
that of the pictures being advertised in the
New York City papers, 33 already had been
sent to overseas troops. Once abroad, of
course, prints are not immediately seen by
every soldier in a theater of operations, but
move from one unit to another, with those
on the end of the list inevitably somewhat
behind.
The present print order is 23. A recent
report from the Persian Gulf on the en-
thusiasm of soldiers over their opportunity
of seeing pix from home included the com-
ment that each film makes a circuit of 1,500
miles by plane, motor and rail before being
returned to the Cairo exchange.
The Special Service Division has a grow-
ing number of projectors overseas, many of
which tour on jeeps. There are some per-
manent Army movie houses abroad, but more
often the screenings are held outdoors, the
audience sitting in a semi-circle on benches,
much the same as in the sunset concert
amphitheaters popular in this country.
Authorizations for Film
180 Days Old Cancelled
(Continued from Page 1)
L-178. Producers of entertainment
films will probably not be greatly af-
fected if at all, but the producers
of factual films, even on Government
contracts may in some cases lose the
use of film which they had been
counting on. The amendment will
hit, in the main, said one WPB of-
ficial, producers whose "eyes were
bigger than their stomachs." Sev-
eral firms had obtained authorization
for films as long ago as one year,
used less than they had estimated
for the immediate project at hand
and thus had the authority for ad-
ditional footage. If they used the
additional footage at once they were
all right, but if they waited the bal-
ance of the unauthorized film was
cancelled by the amendment.
All authorizations written lately
have contained time limits assuring
reasonable early use of the authori-
zation. Film producers and labora-
tories, however, report that some
old authorizations are still being
used, with film production schedul-
ing threatened by this unknown
"floating demand."
Rufus E. McCosh Dead
Baltimore — Rufus E. McCosh, who
engaged in free lance title work in
the silent era, died here last week.
Wk*
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with Stars in Her Eyes!
with Deanna in His Arms!
V.with Terrific Raves!
"Deanna Durbin scores her happiest grown-up
portrayal in 'Hers to Hold,' a delightful modern
comedy that opens up a brand new career for its
star ... It remained for this Felix Jackson produc-
tion to strike exactly the right note that will send
the Durbin stock to its all-time high . . .in the
immediate hit classification. Directed by Frank
Ryan with a finesse which is buoyantly refreshing."
• — Hollywood Reporter
"This latest Deanna Durbin feature is right up to
the minute, tuneful, entertaining, with sure-fire
audience appeal. Co-starred with Joseph Gotten,
actress turns in one of her most engaging and
captivating performances . . . Picture should gross
at the box office as a top Durbin presentation, and
should be billed as such."
— Daily Variety
"If this isn't the best picture Deanna Durbin has
ever made it will serve in that classification until
a better one comes along. La Durbin has shed
the last semblance of adolescence to emerge a
glamorous, alluring, talented actress without loss
of her golden voice. Certainly no picture could
have' such strong appeal to the funny-bone and
the heart without proving a boxoffice bonanza."
— Boxoffice
"Deanna Durbin's glamor and charm vie with
her gorgeous singing voice in 'Hers to Hold.' She
has developed into a charming and talented
comedienne."
— Louella Parsons
"Deanna is more glamorous than ever."
— Erskine Johnson, N.E.A,
"Deanna Durbin is at her best in this latest offer-
ing, in a role that shows her to be an exciting and
glamorous star. It should prove to be one of the
best boxoffice grossers of all the Durbin pictures.
The fans will thrill with her in her every emotion."
— Showmen's Trade Review
DEANNA
DdHBDI
CHARLES WINNINGl
Screen Play by Lewis R.I
1
A*l
"Deanna Durbin again flashes forth as one of the
screen's greatest stars— this time with a new viva-
cious love allure distinctly all her own. In this
one she very definitely registers glamor, but it is
richer than as designated by the common use of
the word. Since it is wholesome glamor — and
all-American glamor — everyone will idealize and
idolize."
— Hollywood Motion Picture Review
"This movie is chuckful of modern day fun, plenty
of laughs and a tear or two. Deanna's tops!"
■Jimmy Starr, Motion Picture Editor,
Los Angeles Herald and Express
"Deanna is prettier and singing more beautifully
than ever."
— Harold Swisher, Motion Picture Editor,
United Press Radio Service
"Solid entertainment set for big grosses. It gives
Deanna Durbin her greatest opportunity. This pic-
ture also ushers Deanna into the ranks of the
grownups, and she shows certain charm in her
new maturity."
— The Exhibitor
"Deanna fares very well in the hands of her new
producing-directing combination of Felix Jackson
and Frank Ryan, who deliver a product of high
boxoffice potentialities and strong promotional
qualities . . . she is charming and lovely . . . and
as the lady continues to grow in maturity so does
her performance and vocal capacity, reflected here
by renditions of mellow depth."
— Motion Picture Daily
"One of Deanna Durbin's strongest b.o. films . . .
in "Hers to Hold" Deanna Durbin successfully
and permanently completes transition from cine-
matic subdeb to young ladyhood. Felix Jackson,
as the star's producer, clicks solidly. He gets able
assistance in direction by Frank Ryan."
— Variety
EVELYN ANKERS • GDS SCHILLING • NELLA WALKER • LUDWIG STOSSEL
Based on a story by John D. Klorer • Directed by FRANK RYAN • Produced by FELIX JACKSON • Associate Producer, FRANK SHAW
10
Monday, July 19, 1943
War Shorts Program
Waifs on Conference
{Continued from Page 1)
luncheon session at the Hotel Astor,
dealt with the possible role of the
industry in formulating a construc-
tive program designed to educate
'teen-age youngsters of both sexes
to their role in a war-time America.
Gamble, calling the theater Bond is-
suing agents the "cash-registers" of
the Tresaury Department, asked the
aggressive, comprehensive participa-
tion of the industry in the forthcom-
ing Third War Loan, beginning Sept.
9.
While no official announce-
ment emanated from WAC re-
garding the screen program of
war information, it is understood
to include tentatively 52 re-
leases, 26 to be one- or two-
reel subjects, and 26 shorter
subjects requiring speedy na-
tional coverage, which may be
shipped by the newsreels.
The 26 full-length shorts would
play off — to the customary 15,-
000-odd theaters — in 16 weeks.
The shorter screen messages
would get national screen cover-
age in six weeks.
Francis S. Harmon, WAC ex-
ecutive vice-chairman, made it clear
that no official statement would be
forthcoming from WAC until after
further conference with the Holly-
wood Division of WAC, the News-
reel Division and Palmer Hoyt, OWI
Director of Domestic Operations.
S. H. Fabian, Theaters Division chairman,
opened the meeting of that Division, held in
the morning-. Harmon read co-op. pledges
from WAC Area Chairmen unable to attend
and a report on finances was given by Arthur
L. Mayer, treasurer.
Herman Gluckman, assistant to the chair-
man of the Distributors Division, reported
that with the efficient distribution set-up ar-
ranged by the Division headed by William
F. Rodgers, the average OWI- WAC subject
received between 15,000 and 16,000 book-
ings. Record-high booking was established
by "Paratroops," which got 15,719 bookings
in 22 weeks.
Vote War Loan Participation
Gamble's address to the joint bodies was
considered one of the most impressive tributes
to the industry ever delivered by a Govern-
ment official. The War Finance chief de-
clared that the 4,700 theaters which have
been designated official issuing agents for
securities represented 10 per cent of all the
Treasury's outlets for. Bonds and in some
cases more Bonds were sold in theaters than
in post offices. Industry participation in
I the Third War Loan was voted unanimously.
Fabian, reiterating the pledge that the in-
dustry would do all in its power to accom-
plish the results needed, declared that with
the assistance of Oscar A. Doob, chairman
of the Public Relations Division, and a spe-
cial campaign committee, the best campaign
possible would be outlined. First move will
be to increase the number of issuing agents.
The Treasury is working on an arrangement
to make WAC state bond chairmen official
members of the various state Treasury War
Savings Staffs.
Kenneth Thomson, chairman of the Holly-
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
You Said It, Gal!
Today's short short story comes
via the marquee of the Washington
Theater, Amsterdam Ave. at 149th
St:
"Edge of Darkness"
"No Place for a Lady."
SIGNED
STEPHEN LONGSTREET, writer. Vanguard Films.
WILLIAM CASTLE, director, Columbia.
CEORCE CIVOT, termer, RKO.
DOROTHY FORD, termer, M-G-M.
HENRY and PHOEBE EPHRON, writers, 20th-
Fox.
ALEXANDER GRANACH, "The Girl from Lenin-
grad, Cregor Rabinovitch-UA.
RAMSEY AMES, termer, Universal.
ASSIGNMENTS
WILLIAM CASTLE, director, "Brothers Under the
Skin," Columbia.
LOUISE RANDALL PIERSON, screenplay, "Rough-
ly Speaking," Warners.
VINCENTE MINNELLI, director, "Heavenly
Body," M-C-M.
AL HALL, "My Client Curly," M-G-M.
ROBERT KANE, co^producer, "The Sullivans,"'
20th-Fox.
HARRY FLANNERY, art director, "The Padre,"
Paramount.
ARCHIE MAYO, director, "Army Wife," 20th-
Fox.
DAVE CHUDNOW and JAY CHERNISS, music,
"Harvest Melody," Walter Colmes-PRC.
JOHNNY MATTISON, dance director, "Harvest
Melody," Walter Colmes-PRC.
WILLIAM CASTLE, director, "The Gamble of
Boston Blackie," Columbia.
CASTINGS
AGNES MOOREHEAD and GEORGE GIVOT,
"Government Girl," RKO; HERBERT MARSHALL
and BONITA GRANVILLE, "Andy Hardy's Blonde
Trouble," M-C-M; HORACE McNALLY, ROBERT
MIDDLEMASS, HOWARD FREEMAN, ROY GOR-
DON, ERVILLE ALDERSON and HAROLD LAN-
DON, "America," M-G-M; ROBERT SULLY, "The
Heavenly Body," M-G-M; SIDNEY BLACKMER,
"Broadway Rhythm," M-G-M; HENRY O'NEILL,
"A Guy Named Joe," M-G-M; THOMAS MIT-
CHELL, "Buffalo Bill," 20th-Fox; EDWARD
FIELDING, "The Story of Dr. Wassell," Para-
mount; HERBERT RAWLINSON, "Doughboys in
Ireland," Columbia.
CHARES RUGGLES, "Our Hearts Were Young
and Gay," Paramount; HERBERT RUDLEY, "Rhap-
sody in Blue," Warners; WALLACE BEERY,
"Rationing," M-C-M; ROBERT HAYNES, "Is
Everybody Happy," Columbia; MIMI FORSAYTHE,
"The Cirl from Leningrad," Columbia; JOHN
CARFIELD, "Deep Valley," Warners; THE ROSS
SISTERS, "Broadway Rhythm," M-G-M; MICHAEL
DUANE, "When My Baby Smiles at Me," Colum-
bia; JOHNNY MACK BROWN and RAYMOND
HATTON, "The Kansas Kid," Monogram; MYRNA
DELL, "Lone Ranger No. 6," PRC; JUDY COOK,
"Talent School," PRC.
GEORGE SANDERS, "Nine Lives," RKO;
STEPHANIE BACHELOR and MARION PIERCE,
"His Butler's Sister," Universal; JACK HALEY,
"One Body Too Many," and "Rhythm Ranch,"
Paramount; DAME MAY WHITTY, "Gas Light,"
M-C-M; RAMSAY AMES, "Ali Baba and the
Forty Thieves," Universal; BILLIE BURKE,
"Cildersleeve On Broadway," RKO; JONATHAN
HALE, "Jack London," Samuel Bronston-UA;
THE ANDREWS SISTERS, "Sailors on Horseback"
and "Hip, Hip, Hooray," Universal; WILLIAM
Reduced Scope for
U.S.N. Incentive Pix
Exhib. Research Guiding WB
Prime Factor in Strong Financial Position
{Continued ft
time peak while number of releases
has been the smallest in the com-
pany's history, the sales department
Was guided largely by the findings
of intensive research in the exhibi-
tion field.
Warners' extensive theater hold-
ings, located in cities of all sizes
and under all conditions of opera-
tion, enabled the company to make
a thorough study of every phase of
exhibition and find out for itself ex-
actly what confronts every type of
exhibitor including those in commu-
nities affected by wartime changes.
Own Experience Cited
With this data in hand, the sales
department under Ben Kalmenson
not only has been able to meet the
problems of its exhibitor customers
with fuller understanding and more
practical co-operation through its
"open door policy," but the findings
of the Warner research department
made it possible for the sales staff
to convince many exhibitors that
certain policies, notably extended
runs, could be made profitable in
their particular situations, by show-
ing how it had been done in com-
parable spots on the Warner circuit.
om Page 1)
This procedure is chiefly credited with
helping to boost the company's accounts to
what is understood to be the highest total
ever attained by any film company, and re-
sulting in Warner sales being $7,000,000 over
quota in the first 40 weeks of this season.
In analyzing Warners' improved financial
status and estimating that third-quarter prof-
its should top $2,000,000, as compared with
$1,570,000 in 1942, the Dow-Jones service
cites the company's unusual accomplishment
in retirement of funded debt from a total
of $126,000,000 in 1931 to slightly more
than $30,000,000 this year; the savings in
interest charges effected by recent refinancing
which included retirement of all 6 per cent
debentures and all preferred stock; substan-
tial savings in operations through the pur-
chase of property formerly leased and by the
expiration of old unprofitable leases; excep-
tionally strong position in the way of in-
ventories of completed and paid-for pictures,
and the excellent working capital position.
For Debt Retirement
Company has had about $5,000,000 annu-
ally in cash available from its depreciation
reserves for use in debt retirement, and in
the current year the net earnings will pro-
vide another $8,000,000, or about $13,-
000.000 in all. Debt has been retired in
amounts of from $4,500,000 to $8,000,000
annually, and this year about $4,800,000
paid off up to May 29.
Because of the basic financial policy of the
company to continue wiping out funded in-
debtedness, Dow-Jones says the indications
are that no very large dividends will be paid
on the common stock in the near future,
although the board may consider a moderate
dividend toward the end of this year.
wood Victory Committee, and member of
the WAC Hollywood Division, indicated that
star participation via the "Caravan" would
be possible. A "Heroes Caravan," with some
screen personality as an emcee for each group,
is also under consideration.
Following Taft's address, a committee of
seven was authorized to study and formu-
late a practical youth program. Membership
will comprise three from the Theater Divi-
sion, two from the Hollywood Division, and
one each from the Distributors and Public
Relations Division.
To Further Study NEIC
Meeting concluded with a discussion of
the National Industry Entertainment Coun-
cil. George J. Sehaefer, who has been elected
to the chairmanship of that body, outlined
its aims and purposes. A committee will
further study WAC affiliation with the NEIC.
Attending, in addition to those mentioned,
were: N. Peter Rathvon, Jack Alicoate,
Adolph Zukor, Charles Moscowitz, Abe Last-
fogel, Max Weisfelt, Sam Rinzler, John J.
O'Connor, Walton G. Ament, Lou Golding,
Sam Rosen, W. Crockett, Herman Robbins,
M. A. Rosenberg, Nate Tamins, Maurice
Wright, Ike Libson, Edward L. Alperson,
Barney Balaban, Adrian McCalman, Joseph
Hazen, Wm. F. Rodgers, H. M. Richey, Jules
J. Rubens, Ed Kuykendall, Bob Wilby, Sam
Morris, Dan Michalove, Phil Reisman, Bob
O'Donnell, Leon J. Bamberger, Jack Cohn,
Joseph Bernhard, Leonard Goldenson, W. C.
Michel, Harry Lowenstein, Robert Paskow,
Sam Shain, Don Jacocks, I. J. Hoffman, Sam
Wheeler, Spyros Skouras.
Allied Issues Brochure
On Juvenile Delinquency
(Continued from Page 1)
Navy's original announcement in-
dicated. One film has been com-
pleted, another is nearly completed,
and there is a possibility that tb~~^e
more may be made. Actually,^ J
program is smaller than that of h.«
Army, which has already turned out
seven of these incentive films, and
has another in the works. The same
distribution facilities are used by
both services.
The films are designated as "shots
in the arm" for production, and will
enjoy very limited circulation — "no
more than 10 or 15 prints." The
first film — on "De-boats, Submarine
Fighters" — runs two reels, and others
are expected not to average over 15
minutes. The second Navy film deals
with Guadalcanal and is designed to
show workers in several plants pro-
ducing for the Navy the importance
of the work they are doing.
The Army has been working on a similar
program for some months, with Maj. Dick
Maybaum in charge of production. The
program is carried on through the Industrial
Service Division of the Bureau of Public
Relations.
As for commercial production, said the
Navy spokesman, it is probable that some
commercial footage will be used in produc-
ing these films, but it will be used to "fill
in."
Both Army and Navy officers said they
were quite surprised that the production
of incentive films had suddenly come in for
so much publicity. After all, said they,
"movies are only a minor part of this pro-
gram, and we don't have the time or the
desire to go into competition with Holly-
wood."
A civilian official concerned in the gen-
eral situation here, however, implied that
more may have been contemplated, and that
the Navy release was put out as a "feeler"
to get the indiistry reaction. "There are
49.000.000 guys around here that want to
be De Milles," he said, adding that Harold
Hopper. WPB motion picture chief, and
Lowell Mellett, former OWI film chief, have
curbed the ambitions of these aspirants here-
tofore. If these ambitions had not been
stepped upon, he continued, Government raw
stock allocations of 30,000.000 feet — exclud-
ing Army and Navy footage, would have
had to be closer to 300.000.000.
Chicago — National Allied's com-
mittee on juvenile delinquency,
headed by Jack Kirsch of this city,
at the week-end released a brochure
pointing up the results of its cam-
paign to enlist the nation's screens
to help combat the spreading men-
ace of kid hoodlumism and vandal-
ism, and expressing gratification "at
the quick and favorable response it
has received from the producers to
this important appeal." Brochure
reprints Film Daily's recent editor-
ial and other Film Daily news sto-
ries as well as news stories from
other trades.
Jules Bledsoe Dead
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Jules Bledsoe, 44,
Negro opera and musical comedy
baritone, is dead. He appeared in
both the stage and film versions of
"Show Boat."
Monday, July 19, 1943
vith glowing pride two or three
years hence under normal condi-
;ions."
As an example of the company's
extensive program of "super-escap-
:st" pictures to come, Agnew cited
'Let's Face It," Bob Hope-Betty
Hutton starrer. As for Technicolor
oroductions, the sales head referred
to FWTBT, "The Story of Dr. Was-
sell," "Riding High," "Lady in the
Dark" and "Frenchman's Creek."
"The technical advances in color
have been so rapid that it seems each
new picture brings something that
never has been done before," Agnew
asserted.
While there has been mention of
varying figures for the new sea-
son's lineup, no definite announce-
ment was forthcoming at the two-
day sales session. Agnew contended
himself with enumerating some dozen
pictures, all previously disclosed and
many already completed.
Roster included in addition to those
listed above:
"Riding High," "So Proudly We
Hail," "True to Life," "The Miracle
of Morgan's Creek,' "No Time for
Love," "The Uninvited," "Hostages."
Lee Warns Para. Sales Force
On Inequities in District
Need for "eternal vigilance that
no case of unfairness and inequity
occurs inadvertently in your dis-
trict, or having occurred inadver-
tently, remains unadjusted" was
stressed by Claude Lee, Para.'s di-
rector of public relations, in ad-
dressing the company's sales meet-
ing at the Hotel Pierre Friday.
"This responsibility rests heavily
upon the shoulders of your district
managers, to whom your department
heads must look for thorough inves-
tigation and intelligent considera-
tion of any complaint that may
arise," declared Lee.
Other speakers included Oscar A. Morgan,
shorts sales chief: Neil Agrnew. sales head:
Charles M. Reapan. assistant sreneral sales
manager: Hugrh Owen. Eastern division man-
ager; Georpe Smith. Western division man-
ager; Robert M. Gillham. ad-publicity direc-
tor: Stanley Shuford, ad manager. Alec
Moss, exploitation manager; George Brown,
studio publicity manager; Louis Phillips,
legal dept. : J. A. Walsh, chief statistician.
The meeting wound up with division man-
agers' conferences with the district managers
STORKS
Chicago — A son, David Michael,
was born in Grant Hospital here
to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Honigberg.
Father now associate editor of the
Billboard was formerly Film Daily
staff correspondent in Pittsburgh.
Wotta Memory!
The boys were swapping trade
recollections between sessions at
Para.'s sales meeting at the Hotel
Pierre Friday.
"I remember when De M i lie made
'The Squaw Man,' began one.
"That's nothing," broke in an-
other, "I remember when you could
get a good steak."
The gabfest adjourned right there.
Watertown, Mass., Houses
In Clearance Complaints
(Continued from Page 1)
45 days granted the Capitol and 60
days granted the Warner are un-
reasonable. Company asked that
maximum clearance be set at 30
days in all cases and that when a
picture is moved over to the Elm St.
from the Plaza, the 30 days start on
the last day of the Plaza run.
In the other complaint, Water-
town Square Theater Co., operator
of the Strand, Watertown, Mass.,
filed against all five claiming that
the clearance granted the Coolidge
is unreasonable and asking reduc-
tion to seven days. At present Loew's
gives the Coolidge 14 days, 20th-
Fox gives 21 days while RKO and
Vitagraph give 30 days.
Veronica Lake Loses Son
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Prematurely born son
of Veronica Lake is dead. Child
was born after Miss Lake suffered a
fall at her studio.
and a session of the district advertising repre-
sentatives, all of whom attended the two-
day meeting.
Friday evening, the delegates attended a
special screening of "True to Life," one of
the important pictures on the new season's
schedule, and "Mardi Gras." first of the new
series of two-reel "Musical Parades," in Tech-
nicolor.
Gillham praised Al Wilkie and his staff for
the fine publicity campaign on FWTBT. Dele-
gates gave Wilkie an ovation.
Paramount Adds 12 to
One Hundred Per Cent Club
Ten Paramount salesmen and two
booking managers have been selected
for membership in the company's
One Hundred Per Cent Club of 1943
as having shown the most progress
and put forth the most effort during
last year, Neil Agnew, general sales
manager, announced at the final ses-
sion of the company's two-day sales
meeting at the Pierre Hotel, Friday.
The company awards each member
a $3,000 life insurance policy.
Salesmen named to the Club are
Edward H. Bell. New York; Weldon
A. Waters, Albany; Herbert C.
Thompson, Washington; William
Twig, Cincinnati; William W. Sharpe,
Charlotte; Thomas Frank, Des
Moines; Harry H. Haas, Los An-
geles; Donald R. Hicks, Salt Lake
City; Irving J. Werthamer, Milwau-
kee; Walter P. Wiens, Dallas. The
booking managers are James R.
Velde, Detroit, and John E. Kent,
Seattle.
Harmon, Disney, Fly On
Inter-Amer. U of the Air
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington— Francis S. Harmon,
WAC executive secretary, Walt Dis-
ney and FCC Chairman James Law-
rence Fly will appear on the NBC
radio program Inter-American Uni-
versity of the Air on July 31, it was
learned here Friday. Several other
important figures in motion pictures
and radio may also be heard.
Mike Cianciolo, Memphis
Nabe Operator, Stricken
Memphis — Funeral services were
held here Saturday for Mike Cian-
ciolo, owner and operator of the
Rosemary and Lincoln, local nabes,
whose death occurred Friday from a
heart attack. Cianciolo, native of
Italy but a resident of Memphis
since childhood, had been active in
various charities. His widow, two
sons and five daughters survive.
Along the Rialto
Film Daily Year Book
Fuii of Fascinating
Facts a^d Figures —
Nearly 12 Thousand
Twin-Bill Theatres;
Chatter 'n' Comment
By WILL BALTIN
Motion Picture Editor
^fHEN IT COMES TO BOOKS of the year, The Film Daily
Year Book wins our vote as the most engrossing volume
of film facts and figures to reach this desk. Each spring we
look forward with eagerness to its arrival, for within its covers
is recorded motion picture history of the past year in brief, terse
style plus considerable information of immense value to a
motion picture critic and editor * * * I keep my copy of the
year book under lock and key and thus have it available for
instant reference when you 'phone this department seeking in-
formation about your favorite player, the address of Pathe
News, etc. * * * Last week our copy of the 25th anniversary
issue of Film Daily Year Book arrived, bound in an attractive
cover of blue and white * * * We spent a pleasant few hours
thumbing through its abundant pages, devouring its palatable
contents and digesting a wealth of information.
Statistics as a general rule are cut [ "^
and dried but in the Film Daily Year : every day in pictures last year. Story
Book they provide fascinating read- purchases by studios amounted to
ing. We found the "Industry Sta- ! $4,975,000, with $300,000 being the
tistics" portion of the 1,000-page top price paid to Maxwell Anderson
volume of particular interest. For < for "Eve of St. Mark" and John
example: Steinbeck for "The Moon is Down."
Capital invested in the U. S. film ;
industry is listed at $2,061,000,000. _. , ,,■<.-+*,.„.,
There are 200,000 persons employed , Figures show that 11,160 theatres
in the industry, with an average an-!ar? PJ^ng d°uble features while
nual payroll of $325,725,000. ^ 6>568 are offering single bills.
The average daily film rental per
Approximate annual taxes paid to j U- .S; theatre is listed at only $35—
the Federal Government by the in-!wh.Vch was qulte a surPnse to tms
dustry is $360,589,600. And $65,512,- : writer.
358 was spent in newspaper and
magazine advertising during 1942. There is one moti0n picture the-
, ~~~ , . atre seat for every 12 inhabitants in
The annual Hollywood payroll is the tj. s the year book states, and
listed as $157,300,000. And cost of there is one moti0n picture theatre
film production last year approxi- j open in the tj. s. for every 8,000
mated $198,500,000. persons. The average run of any
— ; __„ picture is 3% days per theatre and
We learned that there were 550 average number of showings is 2Yz
actors and actresses under contract times daily.
last year, and that 376 features were j
produced during the 12-month peri-
od. We also found that the cost of
negatives for photographing a fea-
ture picture is $336,600, and thai it
takes about 22 days to shoot an
average film.
Average weekly attendance at
U. S. movie houses is listed at 90,-
000,000, but average daily attend-
ance per theatre is 765 persons.
These and many other facts make
The Film Daily Year Book a cher-
ished possession of every movie edi-
Among extras there were 629 men,
271 women and 41 children employed tor, exhibitor and distributor.
Reprinted from New Brunswick, .V. /., Sunday Times, May 9, 1943.
12
M. P.. P. 13. A.
2UW. 44TH ST
N . V . L . =
THE'
k DAILY
Monday, July 19, 1943
UDT Experiment with Femme Personnel Clicking
22 Women Employed Either
As Managers or Assistants
In Circuit's 18 Theaters
By H. F. REVES
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Detroit — Use of women as theater
managers, a wartime experiment re-
luctantly started a year or so back
by some few exhibitors, today looks
successful to the top executives of
United Detroit Theaters, who have
experimented more extensively with
women than any other circuit or
exhibitor. With a circuit of 18
houses, the UDT group now has 22
women in managerial posts — seven
as full managers, the rest as assis-
tants.
Other circuit operators have ex-
perimented briefly with women as
managers, some have them as as-
sistants, and, still others are reluc-
tant to make the break. In nearly
every circuit office, there are wo-
men doing duties that men formerly
performed, up to buying and booking
pictures, supervising personnel, and/
the like. In Detroit, however, these
have so far tended to remain iso-
lated cases, and only UDT has done
it as a consistent policy. One wo-
man who was named assistant man-
ager for a circuit, is now content-
edly functioning as cashier at an-
other house on the same circuit, and
the organization is seeking new male
managers.
UDT Policy Cashes In
A comparison of the UDT policy
of planning for and training women
managers with the usual haphazard
appointment of a woman with some
theater experience to the job indi-
cates the reason for the outstanding
difference. UDT's personnel policy
for years has favored the enforce-
ment of a uniform operating policy
in house management, with due con-
sideration for the local problems of
each house. Capable employes tra-
ditionally have risen in the ranks
from usher up to manager, and man-
agers and assistants have frequently
rotated between houses to get var-
iety of experience, working, as as-
sistants, under trained managers who
knew the ropes.
The same careful planning and
training was adopted for the girls,
who were not thrust into a manag-
erial job without adequate prepara-
tion. UDT has girls in a large num-
ber of its houses as usherettes, and
chiefs of service, as well as cashiers
in all houses, when the war started.
Personnel chiefs began to pick out
the likely looking prospects for
training and advancement. Adver-
tisements were used in the newspa-
Who Said the Shortest Distance Between
Two Points Was a Straight Line, Anyway?
Who said the shortest distance between two points was a straight line?
Murray Silverstone, 20th-Fox vice-prexy in charge of foreign distribution,
wants to know, and here's why:
Recently, Silverstone received a letter from Ernest Fredman, managing edi-
tor of the Daily Film Renter, London, a friend of long standing, in which Fred-
man said that he was uncertain as to the whereabouts of his son, Lt. Eric S.
Fredman, BEF, on active service.
Shortly thereafter came a letter from 20th-Fox's manager in Algiers re-
porting a pic deal made with Lt. E. S. Fredman, Bureau of Physcological Warfare,
attached to Allied Headquarters.
And so to London from New York promptly went a cable informing the
widely known British trade editor of his son's activities.
Studios' Executive
Position Excellent
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Major studios at pres-
ent are not seriously worried over
the inroads that are yet to be made
by Selective Service into the ranks
of executives, producers and depart-
ment heads, a checkup discloses.
Studio representatives point out that
the greatest damage has already
been done and that the bulk of pro-
duction tops and key men consists
of men over 38 years old.
In addition to the fact that most
of the responsible posts are held by
men more than 38 years old, occupa-
tional deferments granted by the
War Manpower Commission in April
resulted in several department heads
being deferred for 12 months. How-
ever, these deferments are subject
to revision in October, but no drastic
changes in the length of the defer-
ments is anticipated. Most of the
department heads who volunteered
for the armed services, or who were
inducted, were succeeded by their
chief assistants.
Losses in the ranks of producers,
when they occur, are rapidly filled,
with some of the studios promoting
directors and writers to producer-
ships.
Economic Re-birth
In East Texas Towns
Dallas — Early fears both of ex-
hibitors and exchangemen of a busi-
ness collapse in the purely agricul-
tural small towns of East Texas,
expected to follow a draining off of
farm personnel into military ser-
vices and war-work, have been re-
lieved from totally unexpected
sources, trade contacts have defi-
nitely established.
As summarized by Clyde Houston,
16-year M-G-M East Texas roadster,
these sources are the increased in-
comes on the farms, money sent
home by war-workers, and the infil-
tration of prosperity from national
spending into remote places. Hous-
ton says that this economic re-birth
has sustained the box-office "take"
and protected the revenues of the
distributors.
Patron types have changed. C. M.
Cooper of Mart, finds faces never be-
fore seen; more farm trade of more
advanced years; town persons, not
formerly regular attendants, and
youths and children more liberally
supplied with funds. This is con-
firmed by Ed Dorbandt, Athens, and
McLendon for his Tri-States circuit.
A roll-call of East Texas exhibitors
would show the same.
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
MRS. BERNICE COOCAN, Stanley, Baltimore,
Md.
Spain Stiffens Import Rales
Designed to Halt Flood of Native Quickies
Barcelona (By Air Mail) — The
Spanish Government has changed
the existing regulations whereby
Spanish producers could import a
certain number of foreign films for
each picture they produce. This had
led to the production of cheap and
inferior Spanish features which were
apparently made only to get an im-
port permit
Under the new regulations, all
Spanish films will have to pass the
approval of a new commission which
will grant import permits only to
those producers whose productions
are regarded as artistically valuable.
pers, indicating the possibilities of
advancement toward managerial or
other posts. The cream of the crop
of ambitious girls was gleaned in
this manner.
It was nearly a year ago that the first full
woman manager was appointed — Eleanor
Stanton at the Bloomfield Theater, in Birm-
ingham. She had the advantage of working
in a neighborhood house a block away from
one managed by the circuit's longest-estab-
lished house manager, who was in a position
to advise and render help. The experiment
soon proved successful, as the many feminine
appointments of today testify.
Special Training Courses
Meanwhile the regular training program
was in operation. Not all candidates suc-
ceeded, but those who did — and more are
still going through the mill — found good posts
awaiting them. The usual procedure has
been to start the future managers as usher-
ettes, advance them to cashiers, then to
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
Motion Picture Laboratory Techrr """"is'
Union, Local 702, IATSE, at the i JA
the month will launch a drive in the la-.- ri-
tories for old clothes. The salvaged gar-
ments will be donated to war agencies.
The union has asked the co-operation of
the employers in the drive.
. . . _ V . . . —
Chicago — Telenews theater in co-opera-
tion with the U. S. quartermaster depart-
ment, has installed a lobby display of the
various packaged foods, used overseas by
the armed forces.
... — V ... —
Little Rock, Ark.— Ed Rowley, Jr., local
WAC Public Relations chairman and man-
ager of the Robb and Rowley theaters, has
instituted a series of "Saturday Morning
Kiddie Matinees" for the collection of
scrap. Matinees, which will continue "as
long as an ounce of scrap metal remains in
Little Rock," have brought in over 600
lbs. of war-precious metals in the two per-
formances already given.
chief of service, and occasionally to a special
post as secretary to a manager. Following
this, they are given a course of training
lasting six to 12 months. In this they are
given training in every branch of theater
operation, including publicity and advertis-
ing, as well as daily routine operation and
"housekeeping problems."
UDT executives are enthusiastic over the
"consistently satisfactory performance of the
ladies who have followed the regular course
of training," as one put it. Conscientious-
ness, a sense of responsibility, and the knowl-
edge that they must prove their ability to
hold posts for two reasons — to prove the
ability of their sex, and to meet male compe-
tition when the war is over — are important
factors in their satisfactory work.
Maintain Neatness, Order
Neatness of houses is one factor UDT ha>
always stressed, and the standards of theii
houses, observed by personal inspection, ha>
not deteriorated in recent month, as it has in
many theaters because of disorderly patrons
and shortage of help — despite the obviou-
scareity of replacements of many items. The
housewifely instincts of the women manag-
ers and assistants are evidently to be credi
ted in large part with this desirable condi
tion.
Maintaining order in the average house i-
something that the girls have been able ti
do remarkably well, despite the exceptiona
problems that Detroit, with its recent his-
tory of violence, poses. Only special factoi
here appears to be that the average would
be disturber doesn't like to start a rea
fight with a girl, when he knows that hi>i
companions will be ashamed to back him ur
— a sort of buried chivalry. General agree
ment, however, is that a suitable male au-
thority in reserve, possibly in the form of thel
police, is desirable whenever real troubl
seems likely to develop.
TO THE COLORS!
* PROMOTED *
TOM CILLIAM, )R., son of the 20th-Fox branch
manager, Chicago, to 1st lieutenant.
* ARMY •
ADOLPH J. SILVERSTEIN, 20+h-Fox home office
exploitation department.
* WAC*
MRS. BARNEY OLDFIELD, former FILM DAILY
correspondent, Lincoln, Neb.
I
FILE COPT
00 NOT BEMO^
VOL >4, NO. 13
NEW YORK. TUESDAY. JULY 20, 1943
TEN CENTS
3 CRESCENT COURSES FOR HIGHEST COURT
Troops in Hawaiian Area Turn Against War Pix
Reeling 'Round - -
WASHINGTON
=By ANDREW H. OLDER;
—WASHINGTON
A LTHOUGH he's been moving cautiously
'* in everything he's done so far, there's
io reason to believe that Tom Clark will
>e a weaker anti-trust chief than was Thur-
nan Arnold. ... He impresses as a smooth,
tough — and darned decent — gent with a lot
)f charm, a sense of fairness and a knowl-
edge of human nature. . . . What he's ga-
ng to decide to do in November regarding
he New York consent decree, he hasn't
Jecided yet. . . . We're fairly certain no
ecommendation has come to him from Bob
Wright. We do feel quite certain, how-
;ver, that he'll conscientiously determine
what action to follow strictly on the basis
)f the facts put before him. . . . It's a safe
>et that he won't be turned aside from what-
ever course he decides to pursue simply be-
cause there's a war on, or because of pres-
sure from others here in Washington. . . .
Our guess is that the industry will get to
mow Clark very well — and that he will
jnjoy the respect of all those he comes in
:ontact with, whether on opposite sides
>r the same side of the fence.
• •
I OWELL MELLETT really did do a ter-
■"" rific job for OWI, when you consider
ill the various phases of the work carried
in by his office. Let's just mention the 50-
idd war shorts for which a major share
if the responsibility goes to him, his liaison
nd research work for the studios, his im-
iressive system for non-theatrical showings,
is invaluable aid to the newsreels. . . .
"hen remember that the entire operation
|'f the bureau was carried on for no more
han the budget for one good Class A fea-
ure. . . . Elmer Davis has made it plain
n several occasions that he is no enthus-
iastic friend of Hollywood — for instance, in I
radio address he delivered last Wednesday1
- e referred to all the nation's great in-
srmation media. He mentioned every im-
ortant media but motion pictures. That
rror may have been a simple one of omis-
ion, but at any rate it certainly does in-
icate how slight is Davis' regard for the
■dustry.
• •
THE disagreements between Mellett and
Davis are quite complex. Underlying
ie whole thing was a personality clash,
ut the various specific instances which
fought these differences to the fore were
{Continued on Page 2)
Soldiers Expressing Defi-
nite Preference for Musi-
cals, Comedies, Whodunits
By EILEEN O'BRIEN
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Honolulu, Hawaii (By Air Mail,
Passed by Censor) — Soldiers in the
Hawaiian area are getting tired of
"war" pictures and express a defi-
nite preference for musicals, com-
edies and good mysteries.
This trend has been observed by
Capt. Donald W. LeGoullon and his
staff who handle the motion picture
(Continued on Page 3)
HOLD LUCAS
RITES TODAY
Georgia Circuit Operator Was
Paramount Associate
Visual Education
Field Attracts PRC
Through the purchase of a major-
ity stock control of Official Films,
Inc., PRC is planning a post-war
program of visual education films
for universities, colleges and schools,
it was announced yesterday by 0.
Henry Briggs, PRC president.
Official Films, Inc., is one of the
(Continued on Page 8)
Court Refuses to Quash
Film Extortion Charges
The six alleged Chicago gangsters
charged with extorting more than
$1,000,000 from film companies will
have to stand trial in New York, ac-
cording to a ruling made yesterday
(Continued on Page 6)
Atlanta — Funeral services will be
held this afternoon for Arthur Lu-
cas, 61, Paramount partner and di-
recting head of the Lucas & Jenkins
organization, who died here Satur-
day. Services will be at the All
Saints Episcopal Church and burial
in the West View Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Harben
Daniel, Savannah; William J. Vereen,
Moultrie; I. L. Shields; Columbus;
E. E. Whitaker, Camp Ellis, 111.;
R. B. Wilby, William K. Jenkins, Roy
M. Avey and T. H. Reed, Atlanta.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rus-
sell H. Leonard, Boston; Senators
Walter F. George and Richard B.
(Continued on Page 6)
Bank of America
Financing for PA
Newly formed Producing Artists,
Inc., is slated to deliver six pictures
for United Artists' 1943-44 program
and will be the first film company
to operate on a profit-sharing basis
with its players, directors and writ-
ers, according to Arthur Lyons, vice-
president. New enterprise was
(Continued on Page 8)
Can Affirm Decision,
Order Correction or Direct
More Hearings by Davies
By P. R. RUSSELL
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Nashville, Tenn. — Although the
appeal of the Crescent case to the
Supreme Court, to be heard Aug. 25,
was made by Assistant Attorney
General Tom C. Clark and Special
Assistant Robert L. Wright for the
specific purpose of correcting the
decree of Federal Judge Elmer D.
Davies to make it mandatory for
(Continued on Page 7)
Ask SO SO Terms For "Army
Extended Time Required; Duals Banned
fjj
Loew's Ohio, Cleveland
Reopening After 5 Years
Cleveland — Loew's Ohio, built in
1921 for legit., converted into a
deluxe night club in 1935 and closed
ever since 1938 is now undergoing
extensive repairs in anticipation of
a Sept. 1 opening. J. R. Vogel, Loew
official in town last week, stated
that the Ohio will be operated as a
straight first-run. "For Whom the
(Continued on Page 6)
Selling terms for Warners' film
version of Irving Berlin's "This is
the Army" call for a straight 50-50
split between the exhibitor and the
distributor, with the latter's pro-
ceeds going to Army Emergency
Relief. Contracts already closed
with exhibs. reveal that double-fea-
turing is taboo, likewise previews
and free lists, and extended time
is called for.
On the special advanced-price pre-
(Continued on Page 3)
Long "Aleutians"
Version Okayed
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAU.Y
Washington — Palmer Hoyt, OWI
domestic director, has served notice
that OWI will no longer insist upon
exercising its authority to clear films
of other Government agencies for
release to the public. Fully aware
of the importance of his decision,
(Continued on Page 6)
SMPE Tech. Conference
Set for Hollywood Oct. 18
Society of Motion Picture Engi-
neers will hold its 54th Semi-Annual
Technical Conference in the Holly-
wood-Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood,
(Continued on Page 3)
Snap Up Chase Bank's
20th-Fox Preferred
Chase National Bank's preferred
stock holdings in 20th Century-Fox
were snapped up in a hurry after be-
ing offered by an underwriting group
headed by Lehman Bros, and Blyth &
Co., Inc. The stock was over-sub-
scribed and the books closed shortly
after going on the market yesterday.
Chase had 665,715 shares of $1.50 no
par convertible cumulative stock,
representing 73 per cent of the 905,-
081 shares outstanding on July 13.
They were offered at $33.50 per
share.
WW
DAILY
Tuesday, July 20, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 13 Tues., July 20, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
: : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :
: : : : 'Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco- Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Monday, July 19)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High Low
163,4 163,4
183/4
39'/4
2%
163/4
21%
63 1/4
281/z
9'/2
Close
163/4 —
183/4 —
391/4 —
2% .
163/4
21% —
631/4 —
28% _
91/2 —
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%) 183,4
Columbia Picts. pfd.. 40
Con. Fm. Ind 2%
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 16%
East. Kodak I66V2 I66I/4 166% +
do pfd 180 180 180
Cen. Prec. Eq 22
Loew's, Inc 63%
Paramount 28%
RKO 934
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . . 23% 23% 23% —
20th Century-Fox pfd. 333/4 33% 33% —
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 15% 1514 15!/4 .
do pfd
8913-32 8913-32 89 13-32 .
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 3%
RKO war 1%
Sonotone Corp 3%
Technicolor 15%
Trans-Lux 3%
Universal Pictures vtc. I81/2
Net
Chg.
1/4
1/4
3/4
31/7
3%
1%
1%
33/4
3%
15%
15 V?
31/4
3i/4
18%
18%
+
14
MANPOWER
YES, WE BELIEVE WE CAN
SUPPLY GRADED MANPOWER
TO FILL ANY VACANCY IN
YOUR ORGANIZATION.
CALL—
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, IN.C
(Agency)
331 Madison Ave. (43rd St.), New York
MUrray hill 2-6494
Reeling 'Round' -
WASHINGTON
(Continued from Page 1)
invariably instances where Mellett was
striving to carry the ball for the industry,
while Davis usually showed himself unim-
pressed by industry representations. . . Cer-
tainly he was not greatly impressed by the
importance of the job Mellett did, judging
from his failure to put up any sort of a bat-
tle during the budget hearings to retain the
Mellett bureau despite united industry sup-
port for it. . . . Palmer Hoyt, new domestic
director, is believed somewhat more sympa-
thetic. Although no one can tell how a
former drama critic feels about Hollywood,
Hoyt's regard for the industry may prove to
be the key to future relations between
Hollywood and OWI.
• •
A ND here's a "grapevine" tip: Keep a
■** box of aspirin handy. The motion pic-
ture industry, along with several others,
may be in for quite a headache this week.
Sicilian Invasion Film
To be Ready Shortly
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Film of the invasion
of Sicily will be available to the
War Department within a short
time," the Special Activities Branch,
Office of the Chief Signal Officer,
disclosed yesterday.
The Signal Corps Army Pictorial
Service has a special production
crew for handling motion picture
film in operation in North Africa.
Staff lays out the continuity, iden-
tifies the film and puts background
material on film to be used in con-
junction with battle shots.
Capt. Reynolds A. Scott, a Signal
Corps motion picture photographer
recently was awarded the Air Medal
for making 9 operational flights over
Kiska, is one of the men in North
Africa. Capt. Scott is one of the
three Signal Corps cameramen who
made the action picture "Report
From the Aleutians," about to be
released to the American public.
Variety Club Fetes
Samson in Buffalo
Buffalo— Variety Club's testimon-
ial dinner for .Sydney Samson, who
moves from the Buffalo branch man-
agership to become general manager
for Canada of 20th-Fox, drew more
than 200 persons last night. E. K.
(Ted) O'Shea and Dave Miller di-
vided the toastmaster's assignment.
Chairman Phil Fox read a tele-
gram from Tom Connors, 20th-Fox
sales vice-prexy, expressing his re-
gret at inability to attend and laud-
ing both Samson and his Buffalo
successor, Ira Cohn.
Five Femmes on M. H. Staff
Radio City Music Hall, for the
first time in its history, has added
five girls to its service staff, it was
announced yesterday by Managing
Director Gus S. Eyssell. Step was
necessitated because more than 11
former doormen and ushers are now
with the armed forces.
Rochester Rotarians
To Hear Coe Aug. 3
Rochester — Charles Francis "Sock-
er" Coe, vice-president and general
counsel of MPPDA, will be here Tues-
day, Aug. 3,
to address the
Rotary Club,
city's leading
civic organi-
zation, it has
been a n -
nounced.
Coe, w h o |
will spend the
day here, will
be entertained
by the local
WAC and
local theater
managers, and
will probably
pay a visit to "SOCKER" COE
Eastman Kodak Co.
Preston "Duke" Hickey, field
rep. of the Hays office, was here
making arrangements for Coe's ap-
pearance at the club.
M-G-M Sets Trade Shows
For Seven New Pictures
Tradeshows for seven new pic-
tures were announced yesterday by
M-G-M. "Salute to the Marines"
and "I Dood It!" will be shown in
exchange centers on July 27, except
in Albany where it will be screened
July 26 and in Memphis on July 31.
"Best Foot Forward" and "Young
Ideas" will be shown July 29 ex-
cept in Albany and Memphis where
it will be screened on Aug. 2. "Tartu"
and "Girl Crazy" will be screened
Aug. 2-3 except in Albany where
they are scheduled to be shown Aug.
9. "The Man From Down Under"
will be shown Aug. 3 and 5 except
in Memphis and Albany where they
may be seen Aug. 7 and Aug. 10, re-
spectively.
British Crown Film Unit
N. Y.-Bound for Shooting
A crew of the Crown Film Unit,
which produces war film for the
British Ministry of Information, is
headed for New York, where it will
film the second half of a Technicolor
production called "Western Ap-
proaches," which tells the story of
Atlantic convoys and their naval and
aerial escorts.
Among those in the party are Pat
Jackson, director, and Dora Wright,
production manager. Also in the
group are two American sound tech-
nicians of the U. S. Civilian Techni-
cal Corps assigned to the Crown
Film Unit.
Jackson Park Trust Suit
To Go to Trial on Nov. 1
Chicago — Jackson Park theater
anti-trust case against Balaban &
Katz and majors, has been set for
Nov. 1 trial in Federal Judge Mich-
ael Igoe's court.
COMinC and GOMG
JACK L. WARNER arrived from the Coast yes-
terday.
ED PESKAY blew into town from Hollywood
yesterday.
ROBERT COLDSTEIN of the New York Talent
Department of 20th-Fox, has returned to New
York after three weeks at the West Co- A studios.
SPYROS SKOURAS, head of 20th',*f'% leaves
today for the studio for conferences *ifli Joseph
M. Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck.
C. J. "PAT" SCOLLARD is in Washington to-
day.
DAVE WALLENSTEIN, B & K district man-
ager, is spending his vacation at Cedar Lake,
Wis.
AL RAYMER, Indiana-Illinois circuit booking
manager, and his family, are at Michigan City
on vacation.
ARTHUR S. LYONS, vice-president of Pro-
ducing Artists, Inc., was among Coast arrivals
yesterday.
IRVING GREENFIELD, assistant to Leopold
Friedman, Loew's general counsel, is vacationing
at Lake George.
MICHAEL TODD and HERBERT FIELDS have
gone to Mexico City to confer with Cole Porter
on the Broadway producer's next musical pre-
senattion.
STEVE EDWARDS. Republic special rep. in
Chicago, goes to Milwaukee this week for the
p. a. of Roy Rogers at the Wisconsin theater.
MRS. TOM GILLIAM, wife of 20th-Fox's
Chicago manager, and her son, JIMMY, have
gone to Los Angeles for a month's visit with
Mrs. R. C. Seery.
M. M. RUBENS of the Great States circuit,
this week returns to Chicago from an inspection
tour.
MERVIN HOUSER of the Paramount studio
publicity department has returned to the Coast.
BEN SHLYEN and MRS. SHLYEN are vaca-
tioning in New York.
Arthur Byron Funeral
Rites Held on Coast
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Los Angeles — Last rites for Ar-
thur Byron, one-time president of
Actors Equity, were held yesterday
in the Wee Kirk o' the Heather in
Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glen
dale, with cremation following. The
ashes are being sent to the actor's
old home in Maine for burial.
Byron, 71, died on Friday of a
heart ailment from which he had
long been suffering.
Columbia to Pay 68%c
Columbia Pictures has declared a
quarterly dividend of $.68% pel
share on the $2.75 convertible pre-
ferred stock, payable Aug. 16 to
holders of record Aug. 2.
Maurice Marks
Katharine Stevens Muriel Evans
Tuesday, July 20, 1943
W"S?
Hawaiian Troops
Turn Against War Pix
{Continued from Page 1)
section of the Special Service Di-
vision of the Hawaiian Service of
Supply.
The section provides movies for
all f^r-- Hawaiian islands and some
of i )34outlying Pacific bases and
therefore is an accurate measure of
"GI" opinion.
The most popular pictures in re-
cent months, based on the requests
for bookings and audience reaction
observed by the staff are as fol-
lows:
"Road to Morocco," "Pride of the
Yankees," "Mrs. Miniver," "Casa-
blanca," "Yankee Doodle Dandy,"
"The Hard Way," "Commandos
Strike at Dawn," "You Were Never
Lovelier and "Somewhere I'll Find
You."
The Hawaiian premiere of "Stage
i Door Canteen" was held in McKin-
ley High School auditorium and the
packed G.I. house applauded vigor-
' ously throughout. The various Army
units in the vicinity of the school
I were alloted a limited number of
' tickets. Areas near the school were
i selected, because of the 10 p.m. cur-
few which requires that all persona,
except those on official business, be
off the streets at tbat hour.
Following the original showing,
"Canteen" made a tour of the ma-
jor echelons, which took about a
L week, and then went on tour of the
outside islands. This will take
about a month, after which it will
be placed on the general circuit of
Army posts and outposts on the is-
land of Oahu.
J SMPE Tech. Conference
Set for Hollywood Oct. 18
(Continued from Page 1)
f Oct. 18-22, inclusive, it is announced
by the Board of Governors.
Papers Committee chairman will
be Dr. C. R. Daily, and personnel
• of this committee and others will be
announced shortly. Those intend-
ing to submit papers for the Con-
ference should communicate as early
as possible with Dr. Daily, at Para-
I mount Pictures, Inc., 5451 Marathon
I St., Hollywood, Calif.
WEDDING BELLS
Cleveland — Announcement is made
of the engagement of Tom Mooney,
son of Milton A. Mooney of Co-op-
erative Theaters of Ohio and Mrs.
Mooney, to Marguerite Plunkett of
this city. They plan to be married
soon after Tom gets his pilot's
wings next month in Miami, Fla.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Dorothy McGuire and
John Swope were married Sunday.
T T T
Old Shots and New Tahes:
• • • RIGHT now, many oi our khaki and blueiacketed lads of
filmdom are shooting laps in the far-flung Pacific In effect, it is,
among other advantages, taking revenge for the apparently forgotten
Tragedy of Francis Boggs If the current generation of celluloid
gents doesn't clearly remember what happened to Mister Boggs, Phil M.
can shed some light on the affair, thanks to a letter received yesterday
from Michael Robach, veteran pic figure and historian The Robach
missive is highly interesting in contents as well as its physical appear-
ance, penned as it is in variegated shades of ink which lend it an atmos-
phere of Technicolor in the best Kalmus manner Mike, as Mister
Robach is known to his intimates, declares that picture production in
California was inaugurated by Francis Boggs and Thomas A. Persons
for the Selig Polyscope Co., of Chicago "I find," he says "in the
Moving Picture World, Volume 10, Nov. 11, 1911, page 455, that Boggs
was shot through the heart by an 'insane' Japanese, while Col. W. N.
Selig was only wounded by same, and was expected out of the hospital
in a few days" Then Robach adds: "A later news item, not re-
corded in my notes on the subject, was, as I remember, 'Col. Selig made
a trip to the Coast from Chicago to attend trial as witness. The Jap got a
life sentence at Alcatraz' "
t y t
• • • THIS-A AND THAT-A: Br'r Nunnally Johnson is
buckling down to do a dramatization of Erskine Caldwell's book,
'Georgia Boy," at the behest of Jed Harris. ... # Mrs. B. V . Sturdi-
vant, wife of the supervisor of Fox West Coast Theaters of Northern
California, has moved from Los Angeles to San Francisco to be with her
husband. ... # George (Paramount Shorts) Harvey is loyal to his
field,— wearing shorts while vacationing down Shelter Island Heights
way, famed stamping ground of E. C. (Ascap) Mills. ... • Sam Cum-
mins' Pix Theater in Washington, D. C, is, he pens, going great guns
with a special Summer program christened Frank Capra's Cavalcade of
Films Showing comprises, each pic running for a full week, "Mr.
Deeds Goes to Town," "Lady for a Day," "It Happened One Night,"
"Lost Horizon," "Broadway Bill," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washintgon,"
and "Y.ou Can't Take It With You" Cavalcade commenced June
30 and winds up Aug. 11
T T T
• • • OVER at epicurean "21" last evening, 20th-Fox hosted a
dinner attended by Guest of Honor Charles Coburn and the Trade Press
Immediately thereafter, all hands were swiftly transported to the
RKO 23rd Street Theater for a special sneak preview of Ernst Libitsch's
new, socko, and delightful comedy, "Heaven Can Wait" Dear
Friend Exhib., — here's a HONEY Among those present at repast and
showings were, from 20th-Fox, Sam Shain, Jack Goldstein, Chccrles
Schlaifer, Roger Ferri and Mrs. Ferri, Dave Bader, and, from the Pic
Fourth Estate, Don M. Mersereau, Chester B. Bahn, Charles "Chick" Lewis,
Ben and Mrs. Shlyen, Bill Formby, Jimmy Cunningham, Frank Leyen-
decker, Chet Friedman, R. W. Barremore, Mel Konecoff, Al Picoult, Lou
Pelegrine, Tom Kennedy, Jim Ivers, Jeannette Samuelson, John Stewart,
Wanda Marvin, Jack Harrison, Mori Krushen, Floyd Stone, Morris (Metro-
politan Photo Service) Leftoff, plus Alton (World Telegram) Cook
Dinner was superb: Salmon; Chicken whisked up in chafing dish with
cream and sherry; Watercress Salad; and for dessert. Blueberry Pie, Tom
Connors, Bill Kupper; and Demi-Tasse
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
"This is the Army"
Sold on 50% Terms
(Continued from Page 1)
mieres, exhib. 's share is to be 30 per
cent, except in cases where the house
can be prevailed upon to give more
or all to Army Relief. Warner sales
department is pointing out that, at
the advanced prices and with the
assured SRO on the opening night,
exhibs. stand to get more on their
30 per cent than they would make
on a regular picture with 70 per
cent as their share.
Pete J. Wood, ITO of Ohio secre-
tary, in his latest bulleting to mem-
bers, states the Warner terms for
"Army" are 50 per cent up to the
"Sergeant York" gross, after which
different conditions apply. This
could not be verified at the Warner
home office yesterday, General Sales
Manager Ben Kalmenson and other
sales officials not having returned
yet from the San Francisco regional
meeting.
Charles Einfeld, Warners' direc-
tor of advertising and publicity, fol-
lowing conferences in New York
with Army Emergency Relief offic-
ials, leaves tomorrow for Chicago
for talks with Army Relief heads
in that area concerning "Army's"
Midwest premieres.
Meanwhile, in the first several
hundred playdates set for the pic-
ture the Warner sales department
is understood to have had almost
100 per cent success in booking ex-
tended time for the engagement.
Aim is to obtain the longest possible
runs with a view of realizing maxi-
mum proceeds for Army Relief.
Largest B'dway Signs
Leased by WB for "Army"
Broadway's two largest signs, the
world-famous display at the north
end of Longacre Square and the
block-long Wrigley sign across the
street from the Hotel Astor, have
been leased for the world premiere
engagement of Irving Berlin's "This
is the Army," produced by Warners
for Army Emergency Relief, it was
stated yesterday by Mort Blumen-
stock, in charge of Warner Adver-
tising and publicity in the East.
New Civic Operating Co.
Albany — Charter papers have been
issued to 572 South Salina Corp.,
Syracuse, to conduct theater biz,
concern having filed incorporation
papers here with the Secretary of
State's office. Subscribers of record
are George E. Smith, V. S. Matthews
and Mary A. Warrian, Syracuse.
Company will operate the Civic.
STORKS
Cleveland — It's a second daughter
for Tony Stern, Warner theater head
booker and Mrs. Stern. She has
been named Linda Joy.
?*v
**
St
*7"
'^^OBBAT.CREAT.G***'
CHARLES COBURN
PETER LORRE • BRENDA MA
DAME MAY WHITTY • Dire«
Uep Selling The "Shangri-La" Stamp Drivel
RFECTLY PORTRAYING THE PERFECT STORY FOR THEM
AND A SENSATIOf
PERFORMANCE
THE SENSATION/
7**s /
IE MOST UNUSUAL LOVE STORY IN YEARS AND YEARS
EDMUND GOULDING
Screen Ploy by Kothryn Scolo • From the Novel and Ploy by
Moraoret Kennedy and Basil Deon> Music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
w
DAILY
Tuesday, July 20, 1943 f.
Long "Aleutians"
Version Okayed
(.Continued from Page 1)
Hoyt yielded to Army pressure and
ok'd public showing for the 50-min-
ute version of the Army's "Report
From the Aleutians."
A two-reel version was available
and Hoyt had decided earlier last
week to recommend that both ver-
sions be offered WAC. It was un-
derstood vthen that he would insist
both be made available by the Army,
Saturday, however, he decided final-
ly, in the, face of Army refusal to
offer the fehort version, to approve
the longer film, contenting himself
with a letter recommending that the
Army reconsider and offer the two-
reeler. He pointed out that the lat-
ter would be seen by many more peo-
ple and told The Film Daily that
he will "continue to press for" re-
lease of the short version.
Loew's Ohio, Cleveland
Reopening After 5 Years
(Continued from Page 1)
Bell Tolls" will be the opening at-
traction and will be shown under a
road-show policy.
Films Distributors Takes
Council on Books Shorts
Films Distributors Corp. will re-
lease the series of shorts produced
by the Council on Books in Wartime
under an arrangement with News-
reel Distributors, Inc. First sub-
ject, based on John Hershey's "Into
the Valley," has been completed and
the second will be based on Eve
Curie's "Journey Among Warriers."
Buys Clay, Ky.. Theater
Cloverport, Ky. — E. J. Moskowitz,
operating the Rio Theater here, has
acquired the State Theater, Clay,
Ky., from J. M. Blue.
Cameramen Teaching
Combat Photography
West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Alvin Wyckoff, vet-
eran cinematographer, has been in-
structing eight classes for the Signal
Corps in Combat Photography, for
the past year. This is in conjunction
with John Arnold of M-G-M, who had
five classes; C. Roy Hunter of Para-
mount, one class; Emil Oster of Co-
lumbia, one class; and, Charles
Clarke of 20th Century-Fox, one
class. This was arranged by Wil-
liam F. Kelly and M. MacFarland
of the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences Research Council,
and Fred Jackman, Sr., of the Amer-
ican Society of Cinematographers.
Wyckoff is now instructing 31 men
who are with the Photographic Sec-
tion of the U. S. Marine Corps.
reviews of new mms
"Silver Spurs"
with Roy Rogers
Republic 68 Mins.
THIS ADDS ANOTHER EXCELLENT
WESTERN TO LIST OF ROGERS VEHICLES;
ACTING, STORY, PHOTOGRAPHY ACES.
Roy Rogers continues his upward march
in "Silver Spurs," a western that will stir
the enthusiasm of his fans no end. Republic
has done all within its power to supply its
western ace with a vehicle guaranteed to
advance his interests. The film possesses
class and smartness, thanks coniderably to
the production accorded it by Associate
Producer Harry Grey. Any w^y one looks at
it this is ace entertainment' with loads of
action and excitement.
Music and humor have been nicely
blended into the story, which contains some
excellent material and surprisingly good
dialogue, for both of which much credit is
due John K. Butler and J. Benton Cheney,
who did the screenplay, and a darn good
one, too. Smiley Burnette handles the
comedy assignment beautifully. Rogers gets
topnotch assistance from Bob Nolan and the
Sons of the Pioneers in making the produc-
tion musically attractive. The musical score
contains six songs — "Jubilation Jamboree,"
"Back in Your Own Back Yard," "Hi Ways
are Happy Ways," "Springtime in the
Rockies," "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and
"Horses and Women."
In "Silver Spurs" Rogers and the Sons
of the Pioneers are pitted against a bunch
of buddies headed by John Carradine, who
plays the owner of a swanky bistro who has
an eye on the ranch belonging to Jerome
Cowan, a rich playboy whose chief interest
is booze. Carradine inveigles Cowan into
getting married with the idea of bumping
him off and seizing the ranch from the
widow. While Cowan is disposed of, the
plot backfires through the courageous work
of Rogers and his pals in exposing Carradine
and bringing about his undoing.
The cast is first-rate. Rogers is fine
whether in action or in the throes of a song.
Phyllis Brooks, a newspaper woman, is the
wife of Cowan, whom she is tricked into
marrying by her boss in an effort to get the
truth. Rogers, Miss Brooks, Carradine and
Burnette have able assistance from Joyce
Compton, Dick Wessel and several others.
The direction of Joseph Kane keeps the
film always interesting. Reggie Lanning has
provided some superb camera work.
CAST: Roy Rogers, Smiley Burnette, John
Carradine, Phyllis Brooks, Jerome Cowan,
Joyce Compton, Dick Wessel, Hal Taliaferro,
Forrest Taylor, Charles Wilson, Byron Foul-
ger, Bob Nolan and Sons of the Pioneers.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Harry
Grey; Director, Joseph Kane; Screenplay,
John K. Butler, J. Benton Cheney; Camera-
man, Reggie Lanning; Film Editor, Tony
Martinelli; Sound, Tom Carman; Art Direc-
tor, Russell Kimball; Set Decorator, Otto
Siegel; Musical Director, Morton Scott.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Splendid.
Nazis Holding Sergt. Bevan
Springfield, Mass. — Staff Sergt.
Donald J. Bevan, formerly of the
Paramount theater staff and nephew
of Harry Smith, general manager of
the Western Massachusetts Theaters,
Inc., has been officially listed by the
war department as a prisoner of
war of the Germans.
"The Falcon in
Danger"
with Tom Conway
RKO 73 Mins.
LATEST OF SERIES IS ROUTINE MELO-
DRAMA OF FAIR MERIT THAT OWES
PLENTY TO CONWAY.
The latest Falcon film, like the several
predecessors in the series in which he has
appeared since his brother, George Sanders,
stepped out of the character, owes prac-
tically everything to the personality of Tom
Conway, whose nonchalance and easy-go-
ing manner give the production a breezy
quality that makes one forget the artificial-
ity and commonplaceness of the story. In
addition to Conway the film's asset column
contains a fair amount of suspense and
considerable movement.
The Falcon's newest assignment involves
an airplane mystery in which the principals
are a millionaire and his secretary. A fortune
in securities is missing and the question
is who took them. The Falcon tries in-
numerable leads out of which he makes a
case against the millionaire, whose motive
for killing his secretary (a male, by the
way) was to get his hands on the securities.
Any number of persons fall under suspicion,
including the Falcon himself, before the
case is solved.
The best of Conway's fellow players is
Amelita Ward, who serves as the Falcon's
latest romantic interest. At the close of the
film Conway is relieved to be rid of her.
Some of the others are Jean Brooks, Elaine
Shepard, Cliff Clark, Ed Gargan, Clarence
Kolb, Felix Basch.
Maurice Geraghty has the producer credit.
William Clemens' direction keeps the pace
fast. The screenplay, a routine job, was
turned out by Fred Niblo, Jr., and Craig
Rice.
CAST: Tom Conway, Jean Brooks, Elaine
Shepard, Amelita Ward, Cliff Clark, Ed
Gargan, Clarence Kolb, Felix Basch, Richard
Davies, Richard Martin, Erford Gage, Eddie
Dunn.
CREDITS: Producer, Maurice Geraghty;
Director, William Clemens; Screenplay, Fred
Niblo, Jr., Craig Rice; Based on characters
created by Michael Arlen; Cameraman,
Frank Redman; Musical Score, Roy Webb;
Musical Director, C. Bakaleinidoff ; Art Di-
rectors, Albert S. D'Agostino, Walter E.
Keller; Set Decorators, Darrell Silvera, Har-
ley Miller; Sound, Jean L. Speak; Film Edi-
tor, George Crone.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Find Theaters Already
Observing Dimout Code
New Haven — The State Police and
Fire Marshal called a special meet-
ing of exhibitors here for the pur-
pose of explaining the final dimout
and blackout regulations, which will
be printed and distributed within the
next few weeks. It was reported
that theaters were already following
substantially all the regulations pre-
sented, and no further suggestions
on additions or changes were made.
Ray Murray Leaves Metro
Resignation of Ray Murray of
Hold Lucas
Funeral Today
(Continued from Pane 1)
Russell; Congressman Eugene Cox;
L. W. Robert, Jr., Washington and
Atlanta; Ralph Smith, Elmer Oliver •;
and Judge 0. Max Gardner, Gardner
Wash.; Leonard Goldens/g ]^i Leon je
Netter, Austin Keough, %&/ Con- "
nors, Niles Trammell, Claude Lee
and James A. Farley, New York; B
B. Grossett, Charlotte^ E. W. Cub-
hedge, Savannah; Harry Demuth
Jacksonville, and Homer Edenfield
Grover Parsons, Charles E. Kess-
nich, James H. Butner, Harry G
Thornton, Harry Ballance, Roberl
Woodruff, Macon Martin, James D
Robinson, W. S. Kirkpatrick anc
John A. Briceall, Atlanta.
Starting with Miles Bros., a filir.
renting agency in New York in 1907
Lucas became a successful exhibitoi
and distributor. In 1921, he opened
the Lucas Theater in Savannah, one
of the first theaters in the South tc
be air-conditioned and the first tc
serve as a community center foi
civic groups. Two years later he
joined with William K. Jenkins ir
the formation of the present circuil
which includes more than 50 the
aters in Georgia. With Jenkins he
also operated radio stations in Aug-
usta, Savannah and Brunswick.
Lucas was active in politics bu
never held an elected office. He was
former vice-chairman of the Fed
eral Public Works Administratior
and was chairman of the State Wai
Savings Staff.
Survivors are his widow, the for
mer Margaret Cunningham; a
brother, Harry Lucas; a daughter
Mrs. Fred Storey, and a son, Lt
John S. Lucas, now stationed in Eng-
land. There are several grandchild-
Court Refuses to Quash
Film Extortion Charges
(Continued from Page 1)
by Federal Judge Murray Hulbert
The court denied a motion for quash
ing the indictment filed by Jame:
D. C. Murray, defense counsel. Mur-
ray had filed a demurrer to the in
dictment, a special plea in bar anc
a motion for a bill of particulars
all of which were denied by thi
court.
The six are Louis Compagna, Pau
de Lucia, Phil D'Andrea, Francis
Maritote, Charles Gioe and Ralpl
Pierce. Other defendants are Join
Rosselli, former West Coast collec
tor for the "syndicate," and Louis
Kaufman, business agent of Newarl
operators Local 244.
The trial is set for Sept. 7. Boris
Kostelanetz, special prosecutor, wil
represent the Government.
Lawrence Norris Dead
Columbus, O. — Lawrence Norris
Metro's short subject ad-publicity , brother of Walter J. Norris, manage]
staff at the home office was announc- of Butterfield houses in Grand Rap
ed yesterday. ' ids, Mich., is dead.
Tuesday, July 20, 1943
TNI
DAILY
J Crescent Courses
For High Court
{Continued from Page 1)
>escent or its affiliates to secure
permission of the U. S. District Court
;o acquire any additional theaters
n any_ situation where there is in-
'lepe- * v. .t competition, the Supreme
"oui-v ./** affirming Judge Davies' de-
ision in the entirety might put a
onclusive end to the whole case with
ill of its implications for the other
najor anti-trust suits that are pend-
ing.
A high attache of the Nashville
District Court states that, in addi-
tion to a complete affirmation of the
decision which is considered alto-
gether unlikely at this time, the
Supreme Court can follow one of
two other courses. It can issue an
order correcting the decision of the
lower court with reference to fu-
ture acquisition of theaters in com-
petitive situations or it can order
further hearings by Judge Davies.
Hinges on Court's Attitude
The appeal made by the plaintiff
hinges on the attitude of Judge
,Davies with reference to all the-
ater acquisitions. In the beginning
jof the trial he stated that the Court
was not interested in the way Cres-
cent or its affiliates acquired any of
the movie houses owned by them at
that time and his findings of fact
stated that "this Court does not
'wish to be faced with the problem
"of having to make further decis-
ions each time an exhibitor defen-
dant might wish to acquire a the-
ater."
In his argument that no Court can do
'S anything about the acquisition of theaters
'which eliminate independent competition af-
'ter the acquisition is made, a part of the
I appeal document filed by the Government,
)! Special Solicitor Charles Fahy noted the
fact that testimony revealed the acquisition
by Crescent and its affiliates of ten the-
aters in competitive situations.
Mrs. Sudekum Included
It is expected that Judge Davies will act
before the Supreme Court hearing on a mo-
tion by Chief Counsel George H. Armistead,
Jr., on behalf of Crescent and other defen-
dant corporations seeking the elimination
I of certain passages in the findings of fact
[; with a consequent alteration of the pro-
posed decree and on three petitions from
stockholders in Lyric Amusement Co.. Ken-
U A-Disney Feature
Sets Off Big Blast
"How Victory Through Air Power
Is Possible" — "Seversky Says Raids
Can Blast Foes Out of War" were
the eight-column heads which
streamed across full pages of yester-
day's New York Journal American de-
voted completely to illustrations, cap-
tions, and accompanying text descrip-
tive of the UA-Disney opus current
at the local Globe Theater. This edi-
torial "blast" in behalf of "Victory
Through Air Power" set promotional
precedent for a full-length animated
attraction. Prominently included in
the full-page layout was a photograph
of Major de Seversky whose theories
on the war's winning were discussed.
TO THE COLORS!
• PROMOTED *
LT. JAMES STEWART, USAAF, promoted to
captain.
JACK ANDREWS, USMC, formerly Hollywood,
promoted to captain.
— • —
• ARMY *
STANLEY FISHMAN, son of Zelig Fishman, New
Haven.
KENNETH BLEWETT, manager, Regal, Chicago.
RICHARD RODEMS, Princess, Alton, III.
MILTON HALE, executive secretary, Playgoers
of Springfield, Mass.
RAY THOMPSON, manager, Cateway, Chicago.
* N A VY *
IOSEPH HACKWORTH, manager, Grand, Alton,
III.
ROSWELL HOLMES, assistant manager, Strand,
Westfield, Mass.
* WAVES *
LOUISE SMITH, Indiana-Illinois Circuit, La
Porte, Ind.
Reconsider Elimination
Of Frisco Trolley Stops
WAC Page to be Included
In All Metro Press Books
San Francisco — The Municipal
Public Utilities Commission has
voted to reconsider eliminating sev-
eral streetcar stops along Market
St. in the theater district at the
behest of the theater industry, the
California Theaters Association re-
ported yesterday.
Mrs. Hudda McGinn, secretary-
manager of the CTA, said the com-
mission had informed her the vote
to reconsider the action would be
taken July 26. The proposed "skip-
stop plan" was to have gone into
effect July 1, but the theater groups
won a delay.
The CTA organized opposition to
the plan, going to merchants along
the street for co-operation, on the
grounds it would not solve any part
of the city's congested traffic prob-
lems. The intersections at which
it was proposed the streetcars do
not stop included Powell St., Jones
and Mason.
Opponents of the plan argued that
an overcrowding of safety zones at
5th, 6th and other streets would re-
sult. The "skip-stop plan" was pro-
posed by the office of defense trans-
portation.
Mrs. Kate Hartnett Dead
Mrs. Kate Hartnett, one of the
oldest employes in terms of years
spent with 20th-Fox died in Wash-
ington last week, after a short ill-
ness.
tucky Amusement Co., and Lawrenceburg
Theaters, Inc.. asking that the divestiture
order in the proposed decree be voided as
to them. This would bring the case up to
date for whatever action the higher court
may take.
It may prove of later importance that in
the citation of individual defendants to the
Supreme Court hearing at Washington, the
name of Mrs. Nettie Sudekum. wife of Tony
Sudekum, half owner in the Muscle Shoals
Theaters, Inc., along with Louis Rosenbaum,
owner of the other half of the stock was
included. Hitherto Mrs. Sudekum had not
been considered as a defendant in the suit.
The Supreme Court at the forthcoming
hearing is expected to review at least a
part of the testimony taken between July 7
and Aug. 29, 1941. the oral arguments of
counsel on Dec. 1, 1941, and a hearing on
motions on May 17, 1943, followed by the
filing of a proposed decree, sections of which
are the basis of the plaintiff's appeal to a
higher court.
Blackman Opens Offices
Chicago — Edward Blackman, for-
merly with Spitz and Adcock has
opened an office at 33 North LaSalle
for the general law practice.
A complete page devoted to WAC-
sponsored programs for exhibitors
has been prepared by Ernest Emer-
ling of Loew's and the WAC Public
Relations Division. This page will
be included in all M-G-M press books,
and probably the campaign books of
the other companies.
Mrs. Margaret Moseley Dead
Memphis — Mrs. Margaret Lee
Moseley, for the past 20 years a
projectionist for Paramount ex-
change, is dead. She had been ill
for some time. Mrs. Moseley was
one of the oldest employes (in point
of service) on Film Row.
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
A new Honor Roll, containing the names
of 2,204 employes of Loew's Theaters,
Metro, and Station WHN now in the armed
services, has been placed in the lobby of
the Loew Building. There are four gold
stars.
. . . _ V . . . —
Rochester — This city's collective June
Bond and Stamp sales were $170,000, toward
which six theater men contributed $9,259.
Loew's led the group by selling $5,426
worth of Bonds and Stamps while the Pal-
ace Theater totaled $3,026. The remainder
of the sum came from the Century, the
Temple, and Riviera, and the Lake Theaters.
Sergeant Schiller Cohen, formerly an em-
ploye of Loew's, just back from 52 missions
as a tail gunner on a Flying Fortress, was
responsible for War Stamp sales in amount
of $1,450 at Loew's Metropolitan, Brook-
lyn, opening night of "Bataan." Eddie Dow-
den, of Oscar Doob's publicity staff, pre-
sented Cohen to the audience and read
the citation he received at the time he was
presented with the Distinguished Flying
Cross, it was part of Loew's Shangri-La
war Stamp drive.
KING OF THE COWBOYS
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
in
"SONG OF
TEXAS'
rfvvoW*
HRST RUN
M I-
P ID A INC
2 H W 4- A S T
DAILY
Tuesday, July 20, 1943
N YC
Visual Education
Field Attracts PRC
(Continued from Page 1)
largest producers and distributors of
16 mm. non-theatrical educational
and entertainment films, with offices
in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles,
San Francisco and Nashville. It
has produced and distributed ap-
proximately 60 shorts in the last
three years.
Three In Production
In Brazilian Studios
Rio de Janeiro (By Air Mail,
Passed by Censor) — Production con-
tinues in Brazilian studios with three
pictures currently in work. Cinedia
has " A Caminho do Ceu" before
the cameras with Milton Rodrigues
directing, while Atlantida is pro-
ducing "Moleque Tiao" and Brasil
Vita Filme is completing "Inconfi-
dencis Mineira."
No "Critical" List Decision
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington— The War Manpower
Commissiton has not yet reached any
final decision on the matter of is-
suing a new "critical" list of jobs
entitling their holders to draft de-
ferment. Announcement of the new
list was scheduled to be made by
WMC by this time, but the question
has again become a matter for intra
agency argument. Officials were
hopeful that it may be thrashed out
Thursday after they had failed to
reach any conclusion yesterday.
Lt. James Crouch Missing
Indianapolis — Lt. James Crouch,
navigator on a Flying Fortress, is
reported missing in action since a
raid on Nantes, France. Before his
entry into the Army Air Forces in
January, 1942, he was employed by
the RCA Victor Division, RCA, in
the local plant.
Scott on Lost USS Helena
Rochester — Wilfred C. Scott, for-
mer Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. em-
ploye who enlisted in the Navy in
1941, is believed to have been aboard
the USS Helena, cruiser sunk in the
battle of Kula Gulf.
BACK IN CIVVIES
Honorably Discharged
LOUIE WEINER, from the USAAF, to UA home
office exploiteer.
STANLEY GRISCOULA, from Hie Army, to Na-
tional Screen Service, New Haven.
JAMES TOWNS, from the Army, to Broadway
Theater, Dover, N. H.
BEN SEICEL, from the Army, to manager,
Whalley, New Haven.
HAROLD LEWIS, from the Army, to production
manager for Edward Small.
HERBERT LYONS, from the Army, to B 0 K pub-
licity dept., Chicago.
SGT. LOU LUSTY, frmo the Marine Corps.
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
SIGNED
HUGH MARLOWE, termer, M-C-M.
DONALD DOUCLAS, termer, RKO.
BENSON FONC, "Charlie Chan" series, Mono-
gram.
ASSIGNMENTS
JACK CUMMINGS, producer, "Hold On to Your
Hat," M-C-M.
ERNST LUBITSCH, producer-director, "All Out
Arlene," Warners.
IRVING PHILLIPS and E. E. VERDIER, screenplay,
"The Bamboo Blonde," RKO.
DAVID HEMPSTEAD, producer, "None But the
Lonely Heart," RKO.
WALLACE FOX, director, "The Honor System,"
Monogram.
WILIAM BEAUDINE, director, "Romance of
Avenue B," Monogram.
PHIL ROSEN, director, "Charlie Chan in the
Secret Service," Monogram.
CASTINGS
DENA PENN, "One Hour of Glory" (tentative
title), RKO; RUSSELL WADE, "Ghost Ship,"
RKO; GRACE MacDONALD and DAVID BRUCE,
"The Professor Goes Wild," Universal; EDWARD
FIELDING and TOODLES WEAVER, "The Story
of Dr. Wassell," Paramount; LORETTA YOUNC,
"And Now Tomorrow," Paramount; MARIA
PALMER, "Revenge," RKO.
Northern Calif. Exhibs.
"Declare Independence"
San Francisco — Seven-plank "Ex-
hibitors' Declaration of Independ-
ence" has been promulgated here by
the Independent Theater Owners of
Northern California. Text of "dec-
laration" follows:
"Refuse to make any deal which
you cannot afford."
"Refuse to play any picture at a
certain loss."
"Refuse to give up all your Sun-
days."
"Refuse to do business with any
distributor whose policy and terms
are notoriously unfair, arbitrary and
arrogant."
"Refuse to believe 'this is our only
deal.' "
"Refuse tin cup methods of buy-
ing."
Refuse to believe, that Red Blood-
ed Americans will continue to take
the licking the Distributors are
handling out without doing some-
thing about it."
N. J. Associated Theaters
Reelects Dollinger Prexy
All officers of Associated Theaters
of New Jersey were re-elected at
the fifth ennual meeting last week.
Personnel includes: Irving Dollinger,
president; H. H. Lowenstein, presi-
dent of the board; Jack Unger, vice-
president; Sidney Seligman, treas-
urer and David Mate, secretary. Jos-
eph Siccardi was elected office man-
ager, replacing Harry Lowenstein
who resigned.
Leavitt In Red Cross Post
Cleveland, O. — Sanford Leavitt, as-
sistant to M. B. Horwitz, general
manager of the Washington Cir-
cuit, has received an appointment
as assistant field director for the
Red Cross, with orders to report in
Washington for duty on July 26.
Leavitt, who is married and the
father of a three-year-old daughter,
is the son of Joe Leavitt, who oper-
ates the Independent Screen Room
in the Film Building.
Lippert House to FWC
San Francisco — The Studio The-
ater in Vallejo, is now being oper-
ated by the Fox West Coast The-
aters, the California Theaters As-
sociation announced today. It for-
merly was a Lippert house.
Lack of Foreign Films
Closes Hub's Fine Arts
Boston — After 12 years of opera-
tion, the Fine Arts theater has
closed for the duration and Manager
George Kraska who inaugurated in
Boston the showing of foreign films,
has taken a temporary position as
relief manager for Loew theaters,
currently being at the Orpheum for
three weeks and then transferring to
the State for a month.
Kraska gives as the reason for
closing the lack of foreign films and
the too strenuous competition af-
forded by the large circuit theaters.
M & P Closes Hub Esquire
Boston — Esquire Theater in Bos-
ton's Back Bay has closed for the
Summer and perhaps for a longer
period. Henry Kalis, managing di-
rector, has been transferred to an-
other M & P spot.
Holdovers Set a Record
In Buffalo First-Runs
Buffalo — Downtown first-run
houses are setting a record for hold-
overs this week. "Mr. Lucky" at the
20th Century and "Stage Door Can-
teen" at Shea's Great Lakes are in
their third weeks, and "Coney Is-
land" at Shea's Buffalo is playing
a second week.
Only new bill is Abbott & Cos-
tello in "Hit the Ice," heading a dual
at Basil's Lafayette.
The fifth first-run, Shea's Hippo-
drome, has been taken over by Gen-
eral Motors for its Victory Revue,
"It's Only the Beginning," a stage
and screen program for GM em-
ployes. Use of a downtown first-run
house for such a purpose is believed
without precedent here.
Bank of America
Financing for PA
5
;
1:
lr
:
1
(Continued from Page 1)
launched by Lyons and David L
Loew, the latter serving as presi-
dent and business head of the com-
pany, while Lyons will be/rv,, Pr°-i
duction chief. Financing P "^ jeing||f(
handled by Bank of Amerf&i. A
New York office will be established
shortly.
Clients of the A & S Lyons agency
will be the backbone of the com-
pany's talent, the artists having
their choice of taking a salary for
their work or participating in the
profits of the pictures. As Lyons de-
scribed it yesterday in New York,
the company was designed for the
preservation of the stars and the op-
portunity for the newcomers.
Jack Benny is scheduled to pro-
duce three pictures for Producing
Artists, while PA, itself, will pro-
vide three others. First will be a
musical on a lavish scale and the
second will be a Jerome Kern mus-
ical. The third may be a story about
Belgium in the present war.
Another musical may be based
on the unpublished works of George
Gershwin. A separate unit may be
formed by Jerome Kern.
Lyons said that because of the
participating arrangement, a pic-
ture's over-all expense would be less
than one produced by a major com-
pany.
h
Selznick and Cooper Pix
As Film Classic Re-issues
Film Classics, Inc., has acquired
five David 0. Selznick productions
and two produced by Merian C. Coo-
per for re-issue during the next 21
months. Pictures previously were dis-
tributed by United Artists and RKO.
They are obtained in a deal nego-
tiated with Col. John Hay Whitney,
Jr.
Product included in the deal are "A Star
is Born," "Little Lord Fauntleroy," "The
Young-- in Heart," "Nothing- Sacred," "Made
for Each Other," "Becky Sharp" and "Danc-
ing Pirate."
See Further Meetings On
Naming of OWI Film Chief
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Possibility of fur-
ther meetings with industry leaders
by OWI domestic director Palmer
Hoyt, before the naming of a man
to serve as OWI Motion Picture
Chief, was mentioned last night by
an official close to Hoyt. The latter
could not be reached for comment
but it is not believed that any meet-
ing is actually scheduled as yet.
:;
"Army" Into WB Memphis
House After Remodeling
Memphis — Warners' Theater will
close for one week, beginning July
30, to undergo remodeling, repairs '.
and painting, according to Howard
Waugh, zone manager. The theater
will reopen Aug. 6, with "This is
the Army." Picture is expected to
run a month.
Repeats at Waterbury Plaza
Waterbury, Conn. — The Plaza has
adopted a policy of repeat pictures.
IN NEW POSTS
NATHAN J. COULD, manager, Grand, Alton, III.
WILLIAM GRADY, Princess, Alton, III.
LARRY O'NEIL, manager, Suffolk, Holyoke, Mass.
■1H
■I
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
>H Remove
0© NOT ^
The Daily Newspaper
Oi Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
FDAILY'
rcj34.
NO. 14
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 1943
TEN CENTS
,
Z:
MAJORS APPEAL TO WMC ON 48-HOUR WEEK
Foreign Mail-Check Shows Pix Copy Gets Over
Editorial
Post-war
. . . Jones9 views
By CHESTER B. BAHN -
ji/ICTORY — and peace — may be months
* distant (although Barney Balaban told
'aramount's sales meeting last week-
i :nd that the end of the European war
/ell may come this year), but there are
increasing signs of awareness in industry
anks of the necessity for giving attention
siow to the shape of things to come in
he post-war period.
Largely, however, the expressions have
teen confined to those voiced by execu-
tes of major companies. One of the first,
f not the first to stress the inescapable
jroblems was Harry M. Warner, who spoke
tut in early January on the urgency for
Immediate post-war planning. Since then
>thers have pointed up various phases —
•he coming battle of titans for the restored
oreign market, the possibility of inflation
with its menace to all arms, the rehabilita-
tion of theaters once the war ends, to
:ite a few.
[ Is the individual exhibitor and indepen-
dent circuit operator less conscious of to-
morrow's problems than the major execu-
tive?— a moot question, that. As a cue
o what the theater man is thinking these
Jays, your columnar reporter steps aside
to present five solicited paragraphs from
fhe typewriter of John J. Jones of Chicago's
lones, Linick & Schaefer circuit:
Si o
IT'S difficult to put in few words my
• feelings regarding doing our part to
:ombat inflation — and the discussion of a
post-war program. . . . Much will require
doing after Victory ... to remodel —
modernize — refurnish — and provide funds
for erection of new theaters where needed.
i . . Unless theaters are allowed healthy
profit their ability to amass cash will be
limited. . . . It's an industry problem. . . .
Major distributors, affiliated theaters will
possess ample means. . . . But can't do
job alone.
"Hollywood forgets exhibitors did more
than their share to make industry impor-
tant. . . . Fine theaters created markets
for finer films. . . . Many top Hollywood
stars were discovered and encouraged by
exhibitors playing vaudeville. . . . Numerous
leading producers and distributors were
theater men. ... All branches of the
business are dependent on exhibitors for
accurate patron information. . . .
"Financial statements of distributors re-
(Continued on Page 2)
Degree of Regularity Var-
ies Widely, Survey Made
By Paramount Establishes
A world-wide foreign mail-check
survey, conducted by the Paramount
Foreign Publicity Department dur-
ing the first six months of this year,
shows that motion picture publicity
and advertising material sent as
printed matter is reaching film com-
pany foreign offices and publicity
(Continued on Page 4)
Kuykendall, Bernhard
Checking WPB Change
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Ed Kuykendall,
MPTOA president, was in Washing-
ton yesterday to try to fathom some
new developments in WPB, and to
determine how they will affect the-
ater operation. Warner Bros, vice-
president Joseph Bernhard, is ex-
pected here today on the same mat-
ter.
The whole thing is shrouded in
secrecy thus far, but it is not ex-
(Continued on Page 4)
Lyon Will Appoint
Newsreel Contact Man
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Selection of a man
to serve as Government contact with
the newsreels, filling the void left
by the folding of Lowell Mellett's
Motion Picture Bureau will be an-
nounced soon by George Lyon, chief
(Continued on Page 4)
Willkie's Book Sold
to Fox for Cash and %
For what is reported in publish-
ing circles as the largest down pay-
ment ever made for film rights to
a book, 20th-Fox has acquired
"One World," best seller by Wendell
L. Willkie, its board chairman.
Closing of deal was announced yes-
terday by Simon & Schuster, Inc.,
the publishers.
Spyros Skouras is understood to
have negotiated for 20th-Fox. Top
down payment for a book previously
is said to have been $175,000 paid
by Warners for "Saratoga Trunk."
Price of "One World" is described
as in "excess of $250,000," and in-
cludes a percentage provision, it
is said. "One World" has sold in
excess of 1,600,000 copies to date.
Darryl F. Zanuck will produce the
pic for 20th-Fox. Early scheduling
is expected.
Expect Decision In
Few Days on Scollard
Plea for Companies
OWI Will Continue
As "Clearing House"
The OWI made it clear yesterday
that it will continue to serve-as clear-
ing house between the motion pic-
ture industry and all Government
(Continued on Page 11)
Sicilian Invasion Shots
In Next Week's Newsreels
-Shots of the Sicily invasion are
expected to be available for news-
reel distribution in next week's re-
(Continued on Page 4)
Allied Board To Set Policy
Divorcement, Decree and Suit Reopening Up
Warners Will Re-issue
Six Foran Westerns
In addition to the two-reel West-
erns being produced as part of the
Vitaphone short subject lineup for
1943-44, Warners will reissue a group
of six Dick Foran outdoor features
as part of its new season program.
(Continued on Page 9)
A national policy on theater di-
vorcement, reopening of the Gov-
ernment's trust suit and the exten-
sion of the New York consent de-
cree is expected to be adopted by
Allied's board of directors Aug. 11-
12 when the body convenes in Bal-
timore.
It was reported yesterday that Al-
(Continued on Page 4)
\ -J
By ANDREW H. OLDER
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The major compa-
nies yesterday, through C., J. "Pat"
Scollard, Paramount branch opera-
tions chief, and Attorney Sidney
Bromberg of Loew's, petitioned the
Washington area office of WMC that
local film exchanges not be required
to go on a 48-hour week. It was
decided at a New York meeting re-
(Continued on Page 9)
WAC Committee of 7
Charts NEIC Course
Affiliation of the WAC with the
newly organized National Entertain-
ment Industry Council probably will
be determined by the recommenda-
tions returned by an ex officio com-
mittee comprised of the chairmen of
(Continued on Page 9)
Three State Legislatures
"Alive" Although Recessed
With the adjournment of the Ala-
bama legislature on July 2, no state
now has its solons in session, al-
though three state legislatures have
recessed until next month. They
(Continued on Page 9)
RCA "What's New?"
Show to Tap Films
The screen will be among the
fields that will be tapped for ma-
terial in a one-hour weekly "kaleidos-
copic" program to be sponsored by RCA
under the title "What's New," The
broadcasts will go out over 158
Blue Network stations from Maine
to Hawaii beginning Saturday, Sept.
4. The hour will be 7 to 8 p.m.
Don Ameche will be master of
ceremonies. The program will fea-
ture "anything new and important"
in every field of activity all over
the world. Timeliness will be
stressed.
C'l N I I D * — *?"
S H 1* *r M HZ
N I A 1 1 V N i I 0
Wednesday, July 21, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 14 Wed., July 21, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : : :
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco- Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
{Tuesday, July 20)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 16i/2 161/2 I6V2 — Vi
Col. Picts.vtc. (2i/2%) 18 1/4 17i/2 171/2 — 11/4
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. 17- 16% 163/4
East. Kodak 180 180 180
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq 21 1/2 21 3/g 21 3/8 — 1/2
Loew's, Inc 63 62 1/4 62i/2 — %
Paramount 28 Vi 277/8 28 Vi + 'A
RKO 9% 91/4 93/8 — i/8
RKO $6 pfd 95 931/2 931/2 — 1
20th Century-Fox .. 235/8 23 23 1/2 — Vis
20th Century-Fox pfd. 34 33% 33i/2 — 1/4
Warner Bros 15'/8 14% 14%— %
Warner Bros
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para.-Ficts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram iPicts
RKO War. . . ., 1% 1% 1%— %
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3%
Technicolor 15% 14% 15 — %
Trans-Lux 3% 3% 3% — %
Universal IPicts. vtc. 18% I8V2 I8I/2
Universal Picts 18% 18% 18% + %
CAROLE LANDIS arrives from the Coast this
morning.
ERNST LUBITSCH is expected here from the
Coast on Monday to attend the Aug. 4 Roxy
premiere of "Heaven Can Wait," which he
produced and directed for 20th-Fox. He will
return West on Aug. 6.
Refuse Assessment Slash
Detroit— The Michigan State Tax
Commission has refused to reduce
the assessment for tax purposes on
tae Palms-State Theater, first-run
house. Appeal was taken by own-
ers of several large downtown prop-
erties when the city assessors in-
creased valuations recently. Pres-
ent figure will be "frozen" for three
years.
"Duke" Clark Subbing
For Harry Goldstein
Neil Agnew, Paramount general
sales manager yesterday announced
the appointment of M. R. "Duke'
Clark, Los Angeles branch manager,
to serve temporarily as district man-
ager for Cleveland, Cincinnati, De-
troit and Indianapolis, during the ill-
ness of Harry Goldstein. Goldstein
has been granted a six-month leave
of absence to recover. Headquarters
of the district are in Cleveland.
Chester J. Bell, Denver branch
manager, has been promoted to suc-
ceed Clark as branch manager in
Los Angeles.
Announcement of Bell's successor
in Denver is expected to be made
shortly.
Coe to Make Two Talks
In Rochester on Aug. 3
Charles Francis Coe will make two
addresses in Rochester on Aug. 3
when he speaks to the Rotary Club
at noon and to executives of East-
man Kodak officials, civic, political,
religious, educational and women's
club leaders in the evening. His
evening address on the subject of
"Motion Pictures Look Toward a
New World" will inaugurate the new
Eastman State Street Auditorium.
During the afternoon, the MPPDA
general counsel will confer with film
people, radio commentators, editors
and newspaper men. The local WAC
will participate.
Paramount Announces Its
First New Season Block
Paramount's first block of five
pictures for the 1943-44 season was
announced yesterday by Neil Ag-
new, general sales manager.
The group includes "Let's Face
It," a musical starring Bob Hope
and Betty Hutton; "True to Life,"
with Mary Martin, Franchot Tone,
Dick Powell and Victor Moore; "Hos-
tages," starring Luise Rainer, Ar-
turo de Cordova, William Bendix and
Paul Lukas; "The Good Fellows,"
comedy-drama with Helen Walker,
James Brown and Cecil Kellaway,
and "Tornado," starring Chester
Morris and Nancy Kelly.
Blumenstock to Chicago
Mort Blumenstock, in charge of
Warners advertising and publicity
in the East, will accompany Charles
Einfeld, director of advertising and
publicity, to Chicago tonight for con-
ferences with Army Emergency Re-
lief officials on nation-wide premieres
of Irving Berlin's "This is the
Army."
"Claudia" in Omaha Bow
Omaha, the home town of Dorothy
McGuire, who has the title role in
20th-Fox's film version of the play
"Claudia," will be the site of the
world premiere of the production.
The picture will bow on Aug. 19 at
two houses there, the Omaha and
the Paramount.
Post-war
. . . Jones9 views
(Continued from Page 1)
fleet gigantic results. ... So much so it
wouldn't be out of line for them to an-
nounce 10 per cent or 15 per cent reduc-
tion on flat rentals . . . and a 'cut' of
some sort on percentage pictures. . . . Air
lines recently did that. . . . Sometimes it
seems the motion picture industry forgets
it's a volume business — as such it should
consider public benefit — that doesn't mean
politicians — but people. . . . Majors should
pass on portion of their good fortune to
theaters and they in turn, when possible
to the public. . . .
"FOREIGN markets will open soon to
' tremendous backlogs of big pictures.
. . . All made and paid for. . . . Only cost
will be distribution. . . . Exhibitors who
carried the load when the foreign markets
closed — now should share in the same. . . .
Most businesses cut prices at every op-
portunity. ... If exhibitors are given
worth-while 'break' they will be able to
build reserves. . . . Erect new theaters. . . .
Modernize old ones. . . . And thus provide
more revenue in the future for manufac-
turers. . . .
"The move taking cognizance of respon-
sibility to the public must start at the
top. . . . Major circuits with large holdings
can lead the way. . . . Definite post-war
plans must be made to combat inflation
when War Bonds are cashed. ... To com-
bat increased competition of television,
better travel facilities, etc. . . . Discussing
trade practices is a fine thing. . . . But
without plans for after the war, we won't
have much of a trade to practice on."
152 Field Employes of
20th-Fox Now In Service
Latest figures compiled by the
company disclose that 152 field em-
ployes of 20th-Fox are in various
branches of the armed forces. Here's
the breakdown:
Albany, 4; Atlanta, 7; Boston, 6;
Buffalo, 1; Charlotte, 11; Chicago, 9;
Cincinnati, 7; Cleveland, 5; Dallas,
10; Denver, 4; Des Moines, 5; De-
troit, 7; Indianapolis, 5; Kansas City,
5; Los Angeles, 5; Memphis, 5; Min-
neapolis, 4; New Haven, 5; New Or-
leans, 2; New York, 7; Oklahoma, 6;
Omaha, 2; Philadelphia, 1; Pitts-
burgh, 5; Portland, 2; St. Louis, 1;
Salt Lake, 2; San Francisco, 3; Seat-
tle, 2; Washington, 4; Calgary, 2; St.
John, 1; Toronto, 4; Vancouver, 1;
Winnipeg, 2.
Sturdivant Succeeds Bowles
San Francisco — California The-
aters Association, Inc., has elected
B. V. Sturdivant prexy to succeed
A. M. Bowles.
COMinG and G0II1G
iPVT. MAX GENDEL, of the Irving Berlin's
"This is the Army" public relations unit is in
Philadelphia working on the local campaign.
IRVING BERLIN arrives in New York this
noon from the Coast for conference with Army
Emergency Relief and Warners executives on
"This is the Army' premieres.
NEIL SULLIVAN, ace RKO Pathe Ne(*\,eim
eraman, is scheduled to leave shortly', the
North African front as an accredited camera
correspondent.
NORMAN ELSON, general manager of the
Trans-Lux Theaters, will be in Philadelphia
today and in Washington tomorrow, returning
to New York on Friday.
DOROTHY LAMOUR is in Baltimore with her
husband, CAPT. WILLIAM ROSS HOWARD,
3rd, visiting the lafer's family.
HERMAN RIFKIN of Republic Pictures, Boston,
was a New Haven visitor for the frist time
since his hospital stay after the Boston night
club fire.
JOE ERDANG, of Aetna Cleaning, up from
New York to make the Loew-Poli circuit with!
Harry Shaw.
MRS. BEN LOURIE, wife of the new Columbia,
Chicago salesman, Ben Lourie, moves this week
from New Haven, his former post, to join Ben in
Chi.
VIRGINIA WEIDLER will start a P. A. en-'
gagement in Philadelphia Friday. On Thursday
she will visit Baltimore.
MELVIN HIRSH, President of Crystal Pictures,
left yesterday for a sales trip through Phila- '
delphia, 'Pittsburgh ■ and Cleveland.
SPYROS SKOURAS stopped off in Washington
on Creek War Relief business.
HENRI ELMAN is en route from Chicago
to New York on booking deals.
Slott-Benisch Deal Confirmed
Chicago — Nate Slott confirms the
purchase of the Elmer Benisch the-
aters, the Lindy, Madlin and Cen-
tury. All Benisch personnel will be
retained.
Down to Four-a-Week
Broadbrook, Conn. — Milton Gold-
berg, operator of the Broadbrook,
has cut his schedule tc four-a-week,
instead of daily.
C. E. O'Bryan's Mother Dead
Detroit — Mrs. Eliza A. Pickering,
67, is dead. She was the mother of
Clarence E. O'Bryan, theater man-
ager for United Detroit Circuit, and
of Beryl O'Bryan, of the Butterfield
Theaters office staff for many years.
Reynolds Arbitration Adjourned
Detroit — Hearing of the complaint
brought by Howard T. Reynolds, op-
erator of the Family Theater, Grand
Rapids, in the Detroit tribunal, has
been adjourned until Sept. 8.
■■
Agnew Confirms 30
On Paramount Lineup
Paramount's new program will be
flexible to meet the needs of the
times as they develop, Neil Agnew,
,; general sales manager, said yester-
day in announcing that approximate-
ly "' features would be released by
the iipany in the 52 weeks start-
ling Sept. 24. That Paramount plan-
j tied to release 30 pictures for the
'looming season was exclusively dis-
closed in The Film Daily on May 11.
T Agnew pointed out that in war
times the tastes of the public change
^rapidly and that Paramount's pro-
|>ram would be geared to meet any
situation that may arise. He as-
ierted that the studio would deliver
;he best product in the company's
Jl-year history, with emphasis on
oig productions. He reiterated a
orevious statement to the effect that
it least one-third of the 1943-44 pro-
gram would be in Technicolor.
['_ Among its more important pictures
?or the new season will be "Lady in
he Dark" and "Frenchman's Creek,"
(>oth in color, while in the field of
•omantic comedy "No Time for Love"
vill be a highlight. "The Unin-
vited" also will be one of the bigger
(ictures of the year, described as a
i iiew type of love-mystery play. Mus-
cals will have a dominant spot on
he program, as well as farce com-
idies, adventure dramas and "su-
ler-escapist" entertainment, Agnew
aid.
'Army" Opening Deferred
Cleveland, O. — Harry Goldberg,
iVarner official, was in town this
/eek in the interest of "This is the
i.rmy," originally set to open July
4 at Warners' Hippodrome, but
'ostponed until an August date.
Jaw Reports Teater Missing
Indianapolis — Charles Leslie Tea-
sr, formerly employed at the RCA-
rictor division of RCA, was among
he missing in a Merchant Marine
asualty list released by the Navy.
i —
durante In Camp P.A/s
: Jimmy Durante will make six vol-
nteer appearances during the next
iree weeks at Army camps and Navy
;ations. Tour will be under USO-
amp Shows auspices.
Ken Maynard
Lenore Ulric
Lawrence A. Urbach
I. F. (Mike) Dolid
Of Men and Maids:
• • • DRAMA-LADEN dispatch by Daniel de Luce from Allied
HQ, North Africa quoted in part AP Photographer Herb White's account
of the landing of U. S. forces in Sicily "The skipper of my ship,
Lt. H. R. Fleck, of New York City, is a World War veteran and dean
of the skippers of this kind of vessel (landing craft) He made the
causeway to shore with pontoons and our tanks and other things
rolled into Sicily ready for action" Lt. H. R. Fleck, dear reader,
is none other than Harold Fleck of Peerless Vaporate, film treatment
process!
T T T
• • • FILM Fair-Sex: Ladies of the Variety Club out
Cleveland way, along with their friends, have just held a meetin' in
that Tent to organize a program of activities in behalf of the city's
Stage Door Canteen and the USO They have been providing
large store of food for these organizations, plus eagerly extended per-
sonal services * Elsie Roberts, U of Houston (Texas) beauty and
National Collegiate Bond Queen, leaves the Lone Star State in a
few days for Hollywood for an RKO Radio two-week test that may result
in a six-month contract Her mother will accompany her to
Ye Coast When pic officials and stars were in Houston last
May for opening of "Bombardier," Elsie, then newly-acclaimed in her
freshman year as National Collegiate Bond Queen, was on hand as a
member o' the welcoming group of theater people ..At that time,
Charles Koerner, RKO Radio's vice-prexy in charge of production,
met her and suggested a test, telephonic arrangements for which have
just have been completed with Ben Piazza, casting director
Since attaining a national prominence last Spring, Elsie's mail has
averaged some 200 letters a week from all comers of the globe
They came mostly from our soldier and sailor lads, with whom the
comely Elsie is a "pin-up" sensation. ... * Anent Houston, Mrs. Al
Lever, wife of Interstate's city manager, is one of the four semi-
finalists in the women's championship flight of the War Bond Golf
Tournament. ... % On the more dour side of femme doings is dis-
patch from Springfield, III. where the weekly Citizen's Tribune is ad-
vocating that the community's theater managers get out the old 27-
second slide which reads: "Ladies, Please Remove Your Hats"
Cause of this outburst is prevalence of picture hats (can it be the
power of suggestion,? we ask) among Springfield women, and the
custom .of leaving them on at the movies One redeeming feature
(according to the nooze story) is that the lady of today is more polite
about the hat nuisance than her mother was— probably because there
are no hatpins and veils
▼ ▼ T
• • • MEN'S DEPARTMENT: Just in case you more'n 200
pic guys who attended that swell testimonial dinner which the Variety
Club tendered in Buffalo's Hotel Statler on Monday night to Syd Samson,
promoted from Buffalo branch manager to General Manager for Canada
for 20th-Fox, didn't see from more removed tables what gift, in addition
to the friendship scroll you all signed, was given to him, — 'twas a
diamond-studded, platinum wrist watch. . . • Frank Smith manager of
the RKO Palace in Chi. is in charge of the big stage show to be pre-
sented for the Navy on the night of July 30 in the huge Chicago
Stadium More than 20,000 persons are expected to witness the
spectacle. . . • Metropolitan bookies are betting 2-to-l that Herb (Jay
Emanuel) Miller WAS at the Sam Wood luncheon t'other day
Y T ▼
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
DATE BOOK
July 22-23: Republic regional, North
wood studios.
Holly-
July 26: Leon Herman testimonial, Ten Eyck
Hotel, Albany.
July 28-29: Kansas-Missouri Theaters Association
convention, Kansas City.
July 29: Loew's stockholders special meeting,
home office.
Aug. 3: Charles Francis "Socker" Coe addresses
Rochester, N. Y., Rotary Club and Eastman
meeting.
Aug. 11-12: Allied board meeting, Baltimore.
Sept. 9: ITOA installation luncheon, Hotel
As tor.
Sept. 9: Third Victory Loan drive opens.
Sept. 15: First Fall meeting of Ampa.
Oct. 18-22 SMPE technical conference, Holly-
wood-Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood.
Akron Enforces Curfew;
Violator's Parent Fined
Columbus, O. — While Mayor Floyd
Green has signed a curfew bill, ef-
fective immediately, banning all Co-
lumbus youngsters under 17 from
the streets after 10:30 p.m., spe-
cifically forbidding attendance in
places of amusement and entertain-
ment after that hour, unless ac-
companied by elders, the first case
of curfew violation in Akron re-
sulted in a fine of $25 and costs
against a parent for permitting his
12-year-old son out after the 11 p.m.
deadline. In Columbus, too, the pen-
alties are against parents. For the
first offense a child will be taken
home and his parents warned, but
for the second offense the parents
or guardian may be fined up to $10,
and for the third and later offenses,
penalties are up to $25 fine and 10
days in jail.
Other curfew developments in Ohio are:
ALLIANCE — City Council has passed an
ordinance setting- a 10 p.m. curfew for boys
and girls under 16, streamlining- a measure
originally passed in 1908.
WARREN — Thoug-h the city's curfew or-
dinance long in existen.ce prescribes a 9 p.m.
deadline, officials have decided to permit
children of 16 and under to stay out until
10 p.m. Later than that, they must be
accompanied by oldsters.
SALINEVILLE — Children under 14 must
be home by 10 p.m., council decided, after
a committee of women requested a curfew
measure.
KENT — Council passed a curfew ordi-
nance, following petitions signed by 1,500
residents, to keep kids under 15 off the
streets after 10 p.m.
Cities where curfew legislation is pend-
ing, but held for further consideration, in-
clude Salem, Canton, and Delaware.
WEDDING BELLS
Las Vegas, Nev. — Gertrude Niesen
has been married here to Albert
Greenfield, Chicago restaurateur.
Sgt. Elliott Kronish, formerly at
the Loew-Poli division office, New
Haven, and now at Bangor Airfield,
will be married July 27 to Ruth Sand-
ers of Bangor.
mm
3%
Wednesday, July 21, 1943
DAILY
Allied Board to Set
Policy At Meet
(Continued from Page 1)
lied plans to take a definite stand on
a number of industry problems and
at the same time start the ma-
chinery moving toward putting its
policies in action.
Meanwhile, independent sentiment
on theater divorcement and renewal
of the Government suit appears to
be divided. While some sections of
the country apparently are opposed
to the decree and all of its provis-
ions, other sections are taking a
passive attitude and not caring much
what happens as long as full-sea-
son selling is restored.
Regional West Coast meetings con-
ducted by the Pacific Coast Con-
ference brought about a decision to
map out a program for changes in
the consent decree which would be
submitted to the Department of Jus-
tice prior to Nov. 20. It was indi-
cated that the independents all up
and down the coast would stand to-
gether on recommendations for re-
visions.
Loew's Theaters June War
Bond Sales at $1,661,257
Loew's theaters War Bond depart-
ment reports Bond and Stamp sales
for the month of June totalling $1,-
661,257, exclusive of Bond sales to
employes through payroll deduction
plan and to executives. This brings
the Loew theater booth sales since
Sept. 1, last to $30,000,594.40, with
an additional total of $5,391,728 to
employes. From March, 1942 to
June 30, 1943, period during which
Loew's have acted as Bond sales-
men, the grand total of sales has
reached $41,633,521.
C. C. Moskowitz, Loew executive,
points out that the theater booth
sales doubled immediately after
Loew's theaters became official
Treasury issuing agents.
New York area theaters of the
Loew circuit piled up a June total
of $1,216,877, of which $129,202 was
in War Stamps. Loew's out-of-town
houses sold a total of $444,380.
Mid-West Mayor, Circuits9 Boohing Chief,
Plans City Haul ($) to Help Blast Axis
North Chicago— Mayor John Dromey of this lively cummunity of some 12,000
is still a showman, his official standing notwithstanding. Before taking office,
he was Great States theater chain's head booker headquartering in Chicago. Now
he's staging, in fact tonight, a big civic celebration with the aid of
the Great Lakes Naval Band and co-op. of Billy De Wolfe, well-known film
comic; John Carter, radio singer; and the Tune Toppers,— all Great Lakes Naval
Station sailors. Affair's objective is to raise $75,000 for a fighter plane to be
named City of North Chicago. Sid Schatz, owner of the local Sheridan Theater,
is also co-operating. Bob Elson, former ace WGN sports broadcaster will serve
as master of ceremonies.
WAR SERVICE
. . .on the Film Front
Pix Ads, Blurbs Get Overseas
But Degree of Regularity Varies Widely
(Continued
media in satisfactory condition, but
in widely varying degrees of regu-
larity.
The survey covered 34 foreign
countries, but so far only 14 of these
have been heard from in the first 100
replies. Returns from the 14 coun-
tries show that mail-checks acknowl-
edging receipt of material have
come back to New York on 100 ac-
tual deliveries of publicity and ad-
vertising material.
105 Days to Cairo
The quickest New York-to-foreign-
country mail, according to the sur-
vey, is on material sent to Mexico
City, which arrived at that city in
11 days. The longest time for mail
to reach the same destination was
34 days. The slowest point-to-point
delivery was from New York to
Cairo, which took 105 days for the
delivery of a single parcel.
Countries from which 10 or more returns
have been received are: Argentina, Cuba,
Mexico, Trinidad and Venezuela, all in the
Western Hemisphere. Parcels took from 20
to 64 days to reach Argentina; from 12 to
34 days to reach Cuba; from 11 to 34 days
from Page 1)
to reach Mexico; from 21 to 41 days to
reach Trinidad; and from 40 to 64 days to
reach Venezuela.
Two mailing's each to Honduras, New
Zealand and Uruguay respectively took from
48 to 62 days, 39 to 91 days and 34 to 54
days. Eight parcels sent to Puerto Rico
took from 15 to 67 days.
Two acknowledgments from Australia show
that one parcel took 29 days and another
took 35 days to reach Sydney. Eight re-
turns from Brazil show that delivery took
from 28 to 41 days. One parcel, sent by
case with other material, took 77 days to
get to England. Five mailings to Guatemala
took from 24 to 49 days.
20 Other Countries Checked
Mail-check forms sent with parcels to 20
other countries including Chile, Colombia.
India, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Sweden and
Turkey have not come back to New York,
although the first parcels containing these
were mailed as long ago as Feb. 25. It is
believed, however, that returns from many
of these spots are now on the way back
by boat mail. Material for Sweden, it should
be pointed out, is sent via London for spe-
cial handling from that point.
In no instance was it indicated that any
of the material was not received in either
good or fair condition. In almost every case
condition of the material was said to be
good, despite the fact that every single
parcel had to be opened and inspected at
at least one point of censorship and sometimes
at several.
Detroit — Keyed to the current Allied
drive in Sicily and subsequent points North
and as a prelude to the theaters partici-
pation in the Treasury Department's Third
War Loan beginning Sept. 9, t\\a? ^ted
Detroit Theaters are running an '. ..sion
Bond Campaign. Houses are showing a
special trailer urging Detroiters to "join
the invasion and hasten the day of Victory"
by buying an "invasion bond." The bonds
are accompanied by a decorative sticker
in honor of the Sicilian attack.
Exhibitors who adopt this plan may ob-
tain a negative of the trailer from the
National Screen Service.
Buy "Cisco Ed" Stories
Writ Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Phil Krasne and Sam
Burkett have bought the rights to
"The Cisco Kid" stories from 20th-
Fox. They have not selected a star
as yet.
C'est La Guerre?
A visitor at Mort Blumenstock's
office, during one of the season's
muggiest days found the atmos-
phere pretty warm for a supposedly
air-cooled sanctum.
"What's wrong with your cooling
system?" the caller asked the War-
ner exec.
"Search me," replied Mort, "it
worked swell all last winter!"
Kuykendall and Bemhard
Checking WPB Reorg.
(Continued from Page 1)
pected to have as serious conse-
quences as appeared last week. Al-
though the nature of the changes
cannot now be revealed, insofar as
the organizational setup is concern-
ed, there is a possibility that exhibi-
tors will have to increase their pa-
per work for Washington, that con-
trol over theater service will pass to
men who have no known industry
authorities among them, and that
these men will have within their au-
tority the right to regulate hours of
operation. These are all remote pos-
sibilities, it must be emphasized, al-
though it is definite that there has
been a change in authority over
some operations with which theaters
are concerned.
Training Film Meet in Chi.
Chicago— A two-day Mid- Western
visual training films meeting has
been scheduled for the University of
Chicago, Friday and Saturday with
exhibits from 20 manufacturers, ac^
cording to W. F. Kruse of Bell &
Howell.
Lyon Will Appoint
Newsreel Contact Man
(Continued from Page 1)
of the OWI News Bureau, to whom
the newsreel assignment has fallen.
Lyon worked with the newsreels for
several months prior to the forma-
tion of OWI, when he was head^of
the press section of the OEM Di-
vision of Information.
Lyon told The Film Daily yes-
terday he hopes to have a "corking
good newsreel man" put on his staff
soon, a man the reels will have com-
plete confidence in and who can "talk
their language." Although OWI will
not maintain a crew and will offer
no footage to the reels, Lyon hopes
to supply them with a steady flow
of good story ideas. He hopes these
stories will offer sufficient latitude
so that all five reels can go in and
shoot and each come out with a dif-
ferent story, rather than having "one
story and four carbon copies," as he
puts it.
Sicilian Invasion Shots
In Next Week's Newsreelsi
(Continued from Page 1)
leases. Norman Alley, News of the
Day cameraman representing the Al-
lied newsreel pool, has arrived here
with between 4,000 and 5,000 feet of
film. The Navy and Coast Guard!
also have brought back considerable
footage.
Film is said to be now in Wash-
ington for reviewing and may be
released to the newsreels tomorrow
for next week's issues.
Army-Navy Receives 12,000
Feet of Film On Sicily
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Twelve thousand
feet of news pictures on the Sicilian
invasion were received by the Army's
Bureau of Public Relations and the
Navy here yesterday and will be run
off this morning. Eight thousand
came from .Army and newsreel pool
men in the Mediterranean area,
while the other 4,000 was brought
back from the Mediterranean by Nor-
man Alley, ace cameraman who was
with the Navy in the invasion area
Drop Wednesday Shows
Rochester — Wednesday shows have
been dropped for the Summer by the
Empress, operated by Harry Tish-
koff.
Omaha Adopts Curfew
Law, Effective July 27
Omaha — The City Council has
passed the 10 p.m. curfew ordinance,
but still has reached no agreement
on a means of warning those undei
16 to get off the streets at 10. The
law becomes effective July 27.
Commissioner Harry Knudsen sug-
gested four air raid sirens be blowr
at 10, but Commissioner Roy Tow!
objected this might make air raic
warnings confusing.
The ordinance was introduced tc
give police a means to combat a ris-
ing tide of juvenile vandalism thai
has been common in theaters as wel
as in other public places. Parents
are made liable with fines running
from $1 to $100 or ajail sentence li
the penalty is not paid.
10 p.m. Jamestown Curfew
Jamestown, N. Y. — Curfew ordi
nance has been revived here afte
a lapse of several years. Curfei
hour is set at 10 p.m.
MHH
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The Strangest
Love Story Ever
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'ne of the great love-
dramas of today, filmed
against a background of
flaming destruction!
THE THRILLS
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BLOOD AND SWEAT
AND TEARS COMES
THIS MEMORABLE
DRAMA!
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Frank; CORNEL WILDE, "Four Jills and a Jeep,"
20th -Fox.
VINCENT PRICE, "Woodrow Wilson," 20th-
Fox; GRANT MITCHELL. "See Here, Private Har-
grvoe," M-C-M ; JACKIE MORAN, "Andy
Hardy's Trouble," M-G-M; RONALD GRAHAM,
"Greenwich Village," 20th-Fox; WALLY BROWN,
ALAN CARNEY, JOHN CARRADINE, ROBERT
RYAN, AMELITA WARD and JAMES BELL,
"An American Story," RKO; CEORGE GIVOT,
"Government Girl," RKO.
STORY PURCHASES
ARCHIBALD RUTHLEDGE'S "The World's Big-
gest Negro Business," 20th-fox.
WLLIIAM HARD'S "The Typographical Union:
Model for All," 20th-Fox.
LOUISE RANDALL PIERSON'S "Roughly Speak-
ing," Warners.
EILEEN JOHNSTON'S play "Jeanne d'Arc," M-
G-M.
PAUL GALLICO'S "Romance of Henry Menafee,"
M-G-M.
THOMAS WADLETON'S "Army Brat," M-G-M.
BOOTH TARKINGTON'S "Kate Fennigate," Ed-
ward Small.
FRITZ LIEBER, JR.'s "Conjur Wife," Universal.
WALTER GRAHAM'S "A Hundred Girls and a
Plane," PRC.
LOU BROCK'S "Door to Dardanelles," PRC.
"Hold On to Your Hats," M-C-M.
H. I. PHILLIPS' "All Out Arlene," Warners.
HELEN DE WITT JOHNSTON'S "The Lady of
the Lampoon," RKO.
RICHARD LLEWELLYN'S "None But the Lonely
Heart," RKO.
Warners Will Re-issue
Six Foran Westerns
(Continued from Page 1)
Selling of these pictures already has
started, and the first three, "Song of
the Saddle," "Cherokee Strip" and
"Prairie Thunder," are expected to
go in release by October.
When originally released, about
five seasons ago, the Foran pictures
received only limited distribution.
With the growing scarcity of sec-
ond features for double bills, Warner
sales executives considered it op-
portune to revive the series.
Three State Legislatures
"Alive" Although Recessed
Canadian Sendoff for "Mission"
Toronto — Following the Canadian
premiere of "Mission to Moscow" at
Shea's Theater, executives of 12
prominent Dominion organizations
headed by William Dunn, treasurer
of the Labor Council and member of
the War Labor Board Advisory Com-
mittee, joined with Dr. L. T. Morgan,
Department of Economics, Univer-
sity of Toronto, in sending a tele-
gram to Jack L. Warner, commend-
ing the picture.
TO THE COLORS!
• PROMOTED •
THOMAS ORCHARD, USNR, former assistant
producer, March of Time, promoted to
lieutenant commander.
Scroll to List Theaters
Playing "This is the Army'
Jack L. Warner, who arrived in
New York on Monday from the
Coast, said yesterday that when the
company presents the proceeds from
Irving Berlin's "This is the Army"
to the Army Emergency Relief, the
check will be accompanied by a
scroll bearing the names of all the-
aters that played the pic.
Warner, who co-produced "This is
the Army" with Hal B. Wallis, is
here conferring with Army Relief
officials on the Broadway world pre-
miere of the picture and the long
list of special advanced-price pre-
mieres to be held throughout the
country following the New York
opening.
Follies Girl" Into Earle
"Follies Girl," the William Row-
land Production made for PRC has
been booked by the Warner Circuit
in Philadelphia to play at the Earle
sometime in August. This is the
first PRC picture to play at the
Earle Theater.
(Continued from Page 1)
are Missouri, Wisconsin and New
Jersey.
While a large number of bills af-
fecting the motion picture industry
were introduced in most states, none
of any importance became laws.
Most of them either died in com-
mittee or failed to reach a committee
hearing.
The anti-blind checking measure in
New Jersey is said to be still alive
ijnsofair 'as consideration is (con-
cerned, although the odds appear to
be overwhelmingly against its pas-
sage with only a slight possibility
that it will reach a hearing at the
coming session.
Only Six Starting
Bui 50 Shooting
IV est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Production's pace
slackens again this week with only
six new pix getting the gun, but the
total before cameras stands at 50.
The check-up:
At Columbia: Six shooting.
At M-G-M : Eight shooting, includ-
ing "Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble,"
with Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone,
Fay Holden, Sara Hadan, Herbert
Marshall, Bonita Granville, Marta
Linden, Lee and Lyn Wilde, Keye
Luke and Jean Porter. Carey Wil-
son producing and George B. Seitz
directing.
At Monogram: Two shooting.
At Paramount: Six shooting, including the
Pine and Thomas Production, "Timber
Queen," melodrama of hard-hitting action
geared for comedy, starring Richard Arlen
and Mary Beth Hughes, with June Havoc,
Sheldon Leonard, George E. Stone, Dick
Pureell, Tony Hughes, Edmund MacDonald,
Bill Haade, Clancy Cooper, Dewey Robinson,
Horace McMahon, Jimmy Ames and Al Mur-
phy. Frank McDonald directing.
At RKO-Kadio: Five shooting, including
"Gildersleeve On Broadway," starring Har-
old (Gildersleeve) Peary, with Billie Burke
in a prominent role. Gordon Douglas di-
recting.
Sam Goldwyn: Shooting two.
At Republic: Two shooting.
At 20th Century-Fox: Four shooting.
At United Artists: Three shooting, includ-
ing Samuel Bronson's "Jack London";
Gregor Rabinoviteh Production, "The Girl
From Leningrad"; and, Harry Sherman's
"Texas Masquerade," Hopalong Cassidy,
starring William Boyd, with Andy Clyde,
Jimmie Rogers, Mary Correll, Russell Simp-
son, J. Farrell McDonald and June Pick-
rell. George Archainbaud directing.
At Universal: Seven shooting, including
"The Professor Goes Wild," with Grace
McDonald, David Bruce, George Dolenz and
Lois Collier. Reginald LeBorg directing,
Frank Gross, associate producer.
At Warners: Five shooting, including the
Jesse L. Lasky production, "Rhapsody in
Blue," film story of the composer's life,
starring Joan Leslie and Robert Alda, with
Charles Coburn, Morris Carnovsky, Paul
Whiteman, Al Jolson, George White, Oscar
Levant, Virginia Sale, Christian Rub and
George Riley. Irving Rapper directing.
WAC Committee of Seven
To Chart NEIC Course
(Continued from Page 1)
WAC's seven divisions, it was learned
yesterday.
No immediate action is indicated.
In all probability, the ex officio com-
mittee will study the NEIC program
and setup for several weeks, and pos-
sibly a month, before formulating
its recommendations.
George J. Schaefer is chairman
of both the WAC and the NEIC.
Preliminary discussion of WAC af-
filiation at last week's WAC confer-
ence here disclosed a variety of opin-
ion on the subject, it is understood.
Guilford Drops Matinees
Guilford, Conn. — The Guilford
Theater, usually looking forward to
the Summer season, has cut out all
matinees this year. Pleasure driving
ban has hurt business severely along
this beach section, where summer
cottages are far from the theater.
Shoot Table Tennis Short
A table tennis short, produced by
Max Cohen for Columbia, and fea-
turing Coleman Clark, former na-
tional champion, and Allan Thomas,
will go into production this week
at the Westchester Country Club,
Rye, N. Y. Harry Foster will direct
with casting handled by Max Rich-
ards.
A/C Ray Ellis Dies
in Crash of Plane
Waco, Tex.— A/C Ray F. Ellis,
20, former page boy at the RKO
Radio home office, was killed in a
AAF training plane crash
Wrij, Monday near this city. The
pS^ eighth RKO gold star, Ellis
had taken his preliminary
training at the Preflight School at
San Antonio, and had been trans-
ferred to the Army Air Base at
Waco only a short time before he
met death.
10
w
k DAILY
Wednesday, July 21, 1943
A -V RCVI6UJS Of THE nCIU FILfllS £• >
'Behind the Rising'
Sun"
with Margo, Tom Neal, J. Carrol Naish
RKO Radio 89 Mins.
POWERFUL DRAMATIC EXPOSE OF
JAPAN, PACKING ROMANCE, RUGGED
ACTION AND BIG PROMOTIONAL VAL-
UES.
In the welter of war films to date, the
chief accent has been upon exposing to
the view of freedom-loving millions the
nefariousness of the Nazi system, the
brutality of its exponents, and the unbridled
atrocities of its military machine. But now
the full and revealing spotlight has been
turned by RKO Radio, through the in-
strumentality of James R. Young's re-
vealing and authoritative book, upon the
Far Eastern end of the Axis, Japan, — termed
by Ambassador Joseph Grew as our prime
enemy. "Behind the Rising Sun," title
of both book and picture, is a stirring
account of Japan, both in the present
war and in the years immediately pre-
ceding the conflict.
Let it be clear here and now to exhi-
bitors everywhere that this is no pedantic
documentary film, but a slash-bang meller,
based on facts, which will lift audiences
out of their seats as the result of head-
long action, stark events, and, at times,
breathless excitement and scenes which
rouse the onlooker both to indignation and
a realization of the fierce foe with whom
we are locked in combat in the Pacific
sectors.
Fundamentally, "Behind the Rising Sun"
is something of a companion piece to the
heavy-grossing "Hitler's Children" in that
it dramatically discloses the nature of the
Japanese militarists; their credo as a
feudal class that the common man must be
kept in bondage; that they are destined
to rule the whole world; that the youth of
the nation must be harnessed and educated
for global conquest; and that the releasing
of the most unspeakable manifestations
of savagery is justified means to an end.
The story which the picture recounts is
of an American-educated Japanese boy
who assimilates and finally champions the
tenets of the ruling privileged social and
military class; sacrifices all decency and
honor, save to the system he embraces; and
finally, after bearing despicable false-
witness against the girl he professes to
love, and against his American friends
residing in Tokyo, meets death in the
plane he is piloting as U. S. bombers
blast the Japanese capital. There are
bristling sequences of tortures and kindred
cruelties against the American foreign
colony and the helpless people of invaded
China. But neither Young nor his cine-
matic interpreters have failed to show the
redeeming fact that the underprivileged
citizens of Japan possess decency, and are
the repository of potential democracy who
will have their day when the war lords
are finally defeated.
Naturally the casting of the film pre-
sented problems, but, none the less, the
story is convincing. Margo, as the good-
hearted daughter of a lower-class family,
is truest to type. Tom Neal does well as
the central male character, notwithstand-
ing dissimilarity to a Japanese ethnologi-
cally. J. Carrol Naish plays creditably
the part of the liberal Japanese publisher
"Coastal Command"
RKO 62 Mins.
BRITISH DOCUMENTARY FILM DE-
PICTS WORK OF COASTAL COMMAND
OF RAF IN SUPERB FASHION.
The work of the Coastal Command of
the RAF is depicted most effectively in
this production made by the Crown Film
Unit, producers of British war films re-
membered gratefully for that superb docu-
mentary, "Target for Tonight."
The film under discussion is an ex-
cellent documentary in which the heroism of
the members of the Coastal Command is
shown dramatically but without resort
to hysterics. There is nothing in this
film that smacks of fakery. The realiza-
tion that everything in the production is
real lends a "Coastal Command" a fas-
cination that it would not have had other-
wise. One gets an impression of cool ef-
ficiency from observing the men of the
Coastal Command in action. The film's
matter-of-fact quality is one of its strong-
est attractions.
One cannot help but be immensely im-
pressed at the sight of the British guardians
of the air going quietly about their danger-
ous every-day task of spotting submarines
and other hostile forces that threaten
Great Britain's lines of supply.
Most of the footage in the film is de-
voted to the work of the crew of a
Sunderland flying boat in trading and put-
ting out of action a cruiser raiding British
shipping. The stalking of the German
raider creates moments of high excitement.
The identities of those who appear in
the film are clouded in anonymity. The
cast is made up wholly of British service
personnel attached to the Coastal Com-
mand of the RAF. The film was made
under the supervision of Ian Dalrymple with
the full co-operation of the RAF and the
British Navy. The direction of J. B.
Holmes is simple and direct. It is to
be praised for permitting of no mock
heroics. Jonah Jones' photography is
graphic and represents a first-rate job.
who at length commits hara-kari for his
having so blindly espoused the cause of
tyranny. Supporting cast is adequate,
Edward Dmytryk's direction peppy, and
Russell Metty's photography good.
One of the attraction's highlights is the
fight between Robert Ryan, an American
athlete, and Mike Mazurki, cast as a Jap
wrestler. Film should drag in plenty of
coin wherever played. It has big promo-
tional possibilities.
CAST: Margo, Tom Neal, J. Carrol
Naish, Robert Ryan, Gloria Holden, Don
Douglas, George Givot, Adeline DeWalt
Reynolds, Leonard Strong, Iris Wong, Wolf-
gang Zilzer, Shirley Lew, Benson Fong,
Lee Tung Foo, Mike Mazurki.
CREDITS: Director, Edward Dmytryk;
Author, James R. Young; Original Screen-
play, Emmett Lavery; Cameraman, Russell
Metry; Special Effects, Vernon L. Walker;
Musical Director, C. Bakaleinikoff; Set
Decorations, Darrell Silvera, Claude Car-
penter; Art Directors, Albert S. D'Agos-
tino, Al Herman; Recorded by James G.
Stewart; Film Editor, Joseph Noriega;
Assistant Director, Ruby Rosenberg.
DIRECTION, Peppy. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
'Bar 20'
with William Boyd, Andy Clyde
UA 54 MINS.
FAST-FACED WESTERN HAS MORE
THAN ENOUGH TO PLEASE HORSE-AND-
SADDLE FANS.
"Bar 20," Harry Sherman's latest addi-
tion to the Hopalong Cassidy series, has
more than enough to please the horse-and-
saddle fans. Action is pretty constant
throughout and there is plenty of excite-
ment to keep western devotees on the alert.
The film marks the debut of a new
member of the trio around whom the action
centers in the series. He is George Reeves,
who replaces Jay Kirby. As the youthful
member of the team, Reeves shows himself
to be a personable fellow in his initial role
in a Hopalong film. Once more Victor Jory
is the chief villain, whom he plays ac-
ceptably. The entire cast, in fact, is good,
as westenrs go. Andy Clyde gets plenty of
laughs, as usual. Some of the other players
are Dustine Farnum, Douglas Fowley, Betty
Blythe, Bob Mitchum, Francis McDonald.
While the plot of "Bar 20" is old stuff,
it has been developed with a world of
punch. Jory is not suspected as being the
crux of all the villainy until Boyd, Clyde
and Reeves enter the picture by rescuing
Miss Blythe and Miss Farnum, mother and
daughter, from a group of brigands who get
away with jewelry to be used at Miss
Farnum's wedding to Mitchum, to whom
the stuff belongs. Jory holds the jewelry
for ransom in a plot to get a few acres of
land belonging to Miss Farnum and her
mother. Several innocent persons fall under
suspicion, among them Mitchum and Boyd
and his pals, before the jewels are recovered
and everything is cleared up.
Harry Sherman produced the film well,
having had the benefit of capable direction
by Lesley Selander. Morton Grant, Norman
Houston and Michael Wilson collaborated
on the screen play. Lewis J. Rachmil was
associate producer.
CAST: William Boyd, Andy Clyde, George
Reeves, Dustine Farnum, Victor Jory,
Douglas Fowley, Betty Blythe, Bob Mitchum,
Francis McDonald, Earle Hodgins.
CREDITS: Producer, Harry Sherman; Di-
rector, Lesley Selander; Screenplay, Morton
Grant, Norman Houston, Michael Wilson;
Associate Producer, Lewis J. Rachmil;
Cameraman, Russell Harlan; Art Director,
Ralph Berger; Film Editor, Carrol Lewis;
Sound, Jack Noyes; Set Decorator, Emil
Kuri.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
Press Safety Inspection
Of All P. R. Pix Houses
San Juan P. R. (By Air Mail) —
All theaters in Puerto Rico are be-
ing inspected from the standpoint
of public safety by order of Lo-
renzo J. Noa, Insular Superinten-
dent of Insurance.
Government inspectors already
have visited all towns and cities be-
longing to the districts of Humacao,
Guayama and San Juan, where the
largest motion picture houses are
located. The district of Arecibo is
about wholly inspected. Work will
soon begin in Mayaguez, Ponce, and
Aguadilla.
"Petticoat Larceny"
with Joan Carroll, Ruth Warrick
RKO 61 Mins.
MISS CARROLL'S YOUTHFUL APPEAL
HELPS MAKE THIS FAIR FAMILY EN-
TERTAINMENT; LAUGHS BOOST FJ
lo U
Joan Carroll's youthful charm shoulc
much to put over this film as family en-
tertainment in the neighborhood theaters.
The production is a fair little comedy in
which most of the laughs are dished out
by a trio of crooks played by Tom Ken-
nedy, Jimmy Conlin and Vince Barnett.
As a child star in radio melodramas who
rebels at her material, Miss Carroll is the
focus of attention in this picture. The
girl who lives with her aunt (Ruth War-
wick), abandons home and takes up with
Kennedy, Conlin and Barnett with the
idea of learning how crooks really act
and talk. Her disappearance creates a
furor. The search for her is led by
Walter Reed, publicist for the broadcast-
ing company by which Miss Carroll is
employed. Discovery of Miss Carroll's
identity inspires an ex-convict (Paul Guil-
foyle) to kidnap the youngster. The
girl is rescued with the help of Kennedy,
Conlin and Barnett, who by now have
turned honest as a result of their asso-
ciation with the child. Miss Carroll's
prank has the effect of obtaining better
material for her. Worked into the story
is a romance between Miss Warwick and
Reed.
The acting is adequate for the purposes
of a film such as this. Ben Holmes'
direction makes for plenty of action and
swiftness of pace. Bert Gilroy produced
the film from a screenplay by Jack Townley
and Stuart Palmer.
CAST: Ruth Warwick, Joan Carroll,
Walter Reed, Wally Brown, Tom Kennedy,
Jimmy Conlin, Vince Barnett, Paul Guil-
foyle, Grant Withers, Earl Dewey, Charles
Coleman, Cliff Clark.
CREDITS: Producer, Bert Gilroy; Director,
Ben Holmes; Screenplay, Jack Townley,
Stuart Palmer; Musical Score, Roy Webb;
Musical Director, C. Bakaleinikoff; Camera-
man, Frank Redman; Art Directors, Albert
S. D'Agostino, Walter E. Keller; Set Decora-
tors, Darrell Silvera, Al Fields; Sound,
John C. Grubb; Film Editor, Harry Marker.
DIRECTION, All Right, PHOTAGRA-
PHY, Okay.
"Land of Liberty" Still
Getting Bows for Trade
They still talk about "Land of
Liberty," Charles Francis "Socker"
Coe, vice-president and general coun-
sel of MPPDA, said yesterday in
discussing his trip to the West Coast.
In big cities or small towns the
story is the same; warm tribute to
the producers who contributed the
film, the distributors who handled it
and the exhibitors who showed it,
often as a purely patriotic gesture,
according to Coe.
"Personally," Coe added, "I think
the saga of 'Land of Liberty' epi-
tomizes the contribution our entire
industry can make when exhibitors,
producers and distributors extend a
I joint effort."
Wednesday, July 21, 1943
TIC
11
DAILY
Ohio Exhib. Com. to
Tie In with L of D
Todelo, O. — Formation of what he
termed a "conference committee" to
take quick action on motion pictures
classified as "C" (condemned) by
^N'-ional Legion of Decency head-
ers in New York City has been
proposed by Martin Smith, presi-
dent of the ITO of Ohio.
Smith said that he would appoint
Leo T. Jones, Upper Sandusky, to
take initial steps for the formation
of such committees in the five dio-
ceses of the state. Jones, a member
of St. Peter Parish, operates the-
aters in Upper Sandusky, Forest and
Carey.
The committee plan calls for or-
ganization in each Ohio diocese of
a group composed of Catholic lay-
men who have no connection with
the motion picture business, a num-
ber of Catholic theater owners and
a number of non-Catholic operators.
Representation on the committee
of theater exhibitors would provide
te necessary connection with mo-
tion picture distributors, Smith said.
If the bishops were favorable, a
diocesan representative would be in-
vited to assist them.
He believes that immediate action
could be affected by such a commit-
tee upon telegraphic receipt of C
classifications from the national
headquarters of the Legion of De-
cency. He emphasized that only
prompt notification from the Legion
of Decency would enable the com-
mittee to take immediate action to
dispose of what he called "quick
dates."
Action of the ITO is an aftermath
of the showing in Toledo of the C
version of "Lady of Burlesque" by
Loew's Valentine, Loew's Esquire,
the Palace and the Colony. Follow-
ing ignoring of a public protest by
Toledo Council of Catholic Women,
Toledo Deanery, the four theaters
were penalized for three summer
months by the women's organiza-
tion.
Jones said that the showing of
"Lady of Burlesque" in Toledo by
Loew's Valentine was on a quick
date arrangement. This means, he
said, that the United Artists office in
Cleveland had permission to begin
the first-run of the picture before
cuts ordered by the Ohio Board of
Censors could be effected.
WB Managers to Vacation
New Haven — Warner Theater man-
agers from this zone vacationing
as of July 24 include R. Mailer of
the Strand, New Britain; E. Daley,
Strand, Amesbury, and J. Melincoff,
Warner, Lawrence.
Shields' Kent to Evans
Seattle, Wash. — Ernie Shields has
sold the Kent theater to R. B.
Evans, former operator of the Che-
ney in Cheney. Shields plans a
i lengthy vacation for his health.
reviews of new fums
"Heaven Can Wait"
with Gene Tierney, Don Ameche
20th-Fox 112 Mins.
ACTING, PRODUCTION, TREATMENT,
PHOTOGRAPHY MAKES THIS LUBITSCH
COMEDY FIRST-CLASS ENTERTAIN-
MENT.
Everything about "Heaven Can Wait"
points to grosses beyond the ordinary.
Twentieth-Fox has taken extraordinary
pains and spent lavishly to insure the pre-
sentation to exhibitors of a film abounding
with entertainment of the sort that stirs
audiences to an enthusiastic pitch.
The film is notable for a number of
things. Chief among these are the story
treatment, the acting, the camera work,
the direction and the settings. The
treatment is grown-up in keeping with the
heme of he film. Here the Ernst Lubitsch
influence is extremely noticeable. It mani-
fests itself in the smart, sophisticated
quality of the diversion — a quality that
marks heavily the Lubitsch talent.
The acting in this swell piece of en-
tertainment is something to rejoice over.
The roles have been lightly acted. Attractive
indeed is the work of Gene Tierney and
Don Ameche in the starring parts and
of Charles Coburn, Spring Byington, Al-
lyn Joslyn, Eugene Pallette, Marjorie Main,
Laird Cregar, Signe Hasso, Louis Calhern
and others in lesser assignments.
One of the supreme delights of the
film is the Technicolor photography, which
makes "Heaven Can Wait" a great visual
treat. Credit in this department must go
to Edward Cronjager.
The picture owers a tremendous debt
to the direction of Lubitsch, who has ex-
tracted a full measure of wit and satire
from the Samson Raphaelson adaptation of
the Lazlo Bus-Fekete play which forms the
basis of the production. The Lubitsch touch
is evident in the gay, tongue-in-cheek
nature of the story.
Another vital asset of the picture is its
settings, which are rich, expensive and
authentic-looking. Here the bow goes to
Art Directors James Basevi and Leland
Fuller and Set Decorator Thomas Little.
The story takes the character played
by Ameche from birth to death, a span
of 70 years. It opens with Ameche apply-
ing for admission to Hell on the strength
of his romantic escapades. The Devil de-
cides he is not a fit subject for Hell and
dispatches him to Heaven.
Lubitsch, doubling as producer, has given
the picture a classy production.
CAST: Gene Tierney, Don Ameche,
Charles Coburn, Marjorie Main, Laird
Cregar, Spring Byington, Allyn Joslyn
Eugene Pallette, Signe Hasso, Louis Cal-
hern, Helene Reynolds, Aubrey Mather,
Michael Ames, Leonard Carey, Clarence
Muse, Dickie Moore, Dickie Jones, Trudy
Marshall, Florence Bates, Clara Blandick,
Anita Bolster, Nino Pipitone, Jr., Claire
Du Brey, Maureen Rodin-Ryan.
CREDITS: Producer, Ernst Lubitsch;
jager; Musical Score, Alfred Newman;
Art Directors, James Basevi, Leland Fuller;
Set Director, Thomas Little; Film Editor,
Dorothy Spencer; Special Effects, Fred
Sersen; Sound, Eugene Grossman, Roger
Director, Ernst Lubitsch; Screenplay
Samson Raphaelson; Based on play by
Lazlo Bus-Fekte; Cameraman, Edward Cron-
Heman.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
* SHORTS *
"The Fly In The Ointment"
(Phantasy Cartoon)
Columbia 7 Mins.
Inconsequential
Mildly diverting fare, recounting
the tiff between a tough-guy fly,
who finds himself caught in a fierce
spider's web, and the occupant there-
of. Something of an 0. Henry twist
is injected at the finale when the fly
is all set to devour the spider. Set
it down as a run-of-the-mine cartoon
without much specific interest. Oc-
casionally the dialogue and some of
the animation are above the dull
level.
"North Star" for Russ Showing
John S. Young, personal aide to
Admiral William H. Standley, has
requested a print of Samuel Gold-
wyn's "The North Star" for earliest
possible showing to high Soviet of-
ficials at the American Embassy in
Moscow. Still shooting, the film will
not be ready for release before Fall,
at which time a print will be made
available to Ambassador Standley.
OWI Will Continue
As "Clearing House"
(Continued from Page 1)
agencies wishing the industry to dis-
tribute and exhibit war information
films. A Washington dispatch to the
contrary was published yesterday.
A formal request from Palmer
Hoyt, newly-appointed Director of
the Domestic Branch of the OWI,
arrived at WAC headquarters, sub-
mitting the 47-minute War Depart-
ment Technicolor film, "Report From
the Aleutians," and requesting that
it be made available to motion pic-
ture theaters desiring to play it.
Total of 194 prints of this film
are available for theatrical use, pro-
vided the Program Committee of the
Theaters Division approves this
film, which is being screened for lo-
cal members of this committee to-
day at 4 p.m. Members of the Dis-
tributors Division are also attending
this showing.
This is the first official communi-
cation received at WAC headquart-
ers since Hoyt's appointment as head
of the Domestic Branch, and marks
a resumption of the intimate rela-
tionship between the OWI and WAC
which has existed since the estab-
lishment of the OWI over a year
ago.
«^f"
[ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
\ KING OF WE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN WE MOVIES
in
'SONG OF
TEXAS'
A \
REPUBLIC
PICTURE^
auVoMJA
TWns
/toot"**
msT run
&oop MR*, P£44fa,
Deanna Durbin completes her romantic coming-of-age in
"Hers to Hold/' In the process she brings untold joy to her
admirers and promises of heavy grosses to the exhibitor.
In her latest film Miss Durbin stands forth a fully-blossomed
personality with a warmth, a poise and an assurance never
before flashed by the singing star. Also evident are
considerable growth as an actress and development along
comedy lines that is a pleasant surprise. Pitted against
players like Joseph Cotten and Charles Winninger, she gives
an account of herself of which she may well be proud. The
convincing quality of her portrayal of a rich girl in love
with an aviator of no financial or social standing bears
witness to the expansion of her talents." — n
deanna DURBIN Joseph GOTTEN
Directed by FRANK RYAN • Produced by FELIX JACKSON • Associate Producer, FRANK SHAW*
(A
tel,
AHJttt
CHARLES WINNINBEF
Evelyn Ankers Gus Schilling
Nel la Walker Ludwig Stosse)
Screen Play by Lewis R. Foster
Based on a story by John D. Klorer
Theater Men Won't Suffer By WPB Adjustments
THE
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
{See Column 2 Below)
-1? DAILY
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
ffi. 84, NO. 15
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1943
TEN CENTS
REPORTJONSENT DECREE TO BE RENEWED
Local 306 Takes Empire's Members Into the Fold
Indie Union Continues as
Legal Entity Until Cent-
ury Case is Determined
Ending 12 years of bitter labor
strife, local 306, Operators, yester-
day accepted into membership and
merged with the Empire State Mo-
tion Operators Union, a New York
State chartered indie organization.
Local 306 added the 234 men of the
Empire to its membership of 2,155.
Formal exchange of documents end-
ing the long labor battle were made
in the office and witnessed by Mayor
F. H. LaGuardia.
With the merger 100% union-
(Continued on Page 6)
Harold Field Adds
Six Iowa Theaters
Des Moines, la. — In one of the big-
gest theater deals in Iowa during
recent years, the Harold D. Field in-
terests of St. Louis Park, Minn., pur-
shased six houses in the state.
The deal included the Lake, Tracy
and Vista theaters at Storm Lake,
owned by George Norman, and the
{Continued on Page 9)
Ecuadorean Rep. Lauds
Industry's War Job
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The motion picture in-
dustry is doing a great job toward
ouilding better understanding be-
tween all members of the United Na-
(Continued on Page 7)
WFA Bans AAA Use
of Motion Pictures
Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Washington — "Preparing, dis-
tributing or exhibiting motion pic-
tures" is prohibited under a gag
placed on the 200,000 State and
County employes and committeemen
of the Agricultural Administration
Agency by the War Food Adminis-
tration. The gag prevents discus-
sion by the AAA agents of the
Government's farm programs.
Tele. Ready For
Post War Market
Television receivers in any de-
sired size, with screens from six
to 24 inches wide, will be available
as soon as it is possible to recon-
vert radio manufacturing plants after
the war, Ralph R. Beal, research
director of RCA said yesterday.
"Unquestionably," he commented
"television receiving sets will be
within the range of the average
pocketbook and we expect to be
able to do a good job of program-
ming without too many awkward
growing pains." Beal noted that it
is impractical to name the price
range of television receivers at this
time.
Kuykendall Unworried
By WPB Reorg.
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Confidence in the
continuation of amicable and mutual-
ly helpful relations between WPB
and American theater owners was
predicted yesterday by Ed Kuyken-
dall, MPTOA head, in Washington
in order to keep apprised of the
{Continued on Page 6)
Polio Epidemic Increases
Throughout Texas Area
Dallas — With polio cases increas-
ing and new points of incidence re-
ported daily, theater box-offices in
(Continued on Page 7)
Several Changes to be Embodied in the Provisions
Of Decree After Nov. 20, According to Report; No
Indication as to Effect of Exhib. Recommendations
Renewal of the consent decree in the New York equity case
with several changes in its provisions looms as the assured
procedure after Nov. 20, it was reported reliably yesterday.
While there has been no official an-
nouncement as to the Department of
Justice's intentions, sources close to
the situation have indicated that the
decree will be continued.
What the changes in the decree
will be have not been disclosed, but
it is understood that some revisions
in the arbitration system are on the
docket. A thorough study of the
(Continued mi Page 9)
Metro Seb Up New
Exhib. Aid Program
M-G-M has no desire to roll up
profits at the expense of exhibitor
losses, Howard Dietz, director of
promotion, said yesterday in com-
menting on the company's decision to
set aside $125,000 to be used for
exploitation and promotional aids
for its customers in adversely af-
fected areas. Decision was made at
the recent two-day conference of
sales executives, district managers
and publicity and advertising repre-
sentatives.
Small town theater men whose
(Continued on Page 5)
Para. Sets Sales Record
With Single Block of Pix
Paramount established an all-time
sales record on a single block of pic-
tures during the last three weeks
when 3,202 independent contracts
were signed for the sixth and last
group for 1942-43, Neil Agnew, gen-
eral sales manager, announced yes-
terday. This is more than double
the previous high mark established
on the fifth group, he said.
Each individual week of Block 6
(Continued on Page 6)
Sees Larger Far East Market
War Giving Better Knowledge of U. S.
Urges Stricter Policing
Of Ail-Night Theaters
Detroit — A strong recommendation
for better policing of all-night the-
aters, especially along Woodward
Ave. follows the first inquiry into
(Continued on Page 8)
Developments born of the war will
have the effect of improving the Far
East tremendously as a market for
American film product, it was pre-
dicted yesterday by Nick Perry, Co-
lumbia's managing director for Aus-
tralia and New Zealand and super-
visor for the Far East, who is on
(Continued on Page 7)
rr
Aleutian" Okay No
Tip to OWI's Policy
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Palmer Hoyt, OWI
Domestic Director, said yesterday
that his approval of the long version
of the Army's "Report from the
Aleutians" for public showing des-
(Continued on Page 6)
Chaplin Suing Selznick,
Others on 20th-Fox Deal
Institution of a suit by Charles
Chaplin, in his own behalf and that
of all United Artists stockholders,
against David O. Selznick, UA, 20th-
(Continued on Page 9)
Visions Expanded
Australian Field
Post war possibilities for American
films in Australia yesterday were de-
scribed as "immense" by Nick Perry,
Columbia managing director for Aus-
tralia and New Zealand. He noted
that patronage is now so good he
fears a saturation point is being
reached in view of the duration ban
on new theater building. Perry sees
no reason to believe that Australia
will not defreeze American film
funds as have other British Empire
nations.
TO*
WW
DAILY
Thursday, July 22, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 15 Thurs., July 22, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
Copyright, 1943, by THE FILM DAILY
(Wid's Films and Film Folk)
FINANCIAL
(Wednesday, July 21)
NEW YORK STOCK
High
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. <2'/2%> I8I/4
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2%
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. . 17
East. Kodak 167
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq 21 S/8
Loew's, Inc 62%
Paramount 29
MARKET
Net
Low Close Chg.
I8I/4 181/4 + %
'i% "vk :\:::
167/8 17 +l/4
67 167 — i/2
RKO
9%
RKO $6 pfd 93
20th Century-Fox . . 23 1/2
20th Century-Fox pfd. 33%
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 15
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND
Para. B'way. 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros. dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB
Monogram Picts 3%
RKO War 1%
Sonotone Corp 3%
Technicolor 15%
Trans-Lux
21% 215/8 + i/4
623/8 623/4 + %
281/2 29 + 1/2
91/s 93/8
92 93 — 1/2
231/s 231/2
33i/2 335/s + i/s
14% 147/8
MARKET '
MARKET
31/2 31/2
1% 1%
3% 37/8
H3/4 147/B
MANPOWER
YES, WE BELIEVE WE CAN
SUPPLY GRADED MANPOWER
TO FILL ANY VACANCY IN
YOUR ORGANIZATION.
CALL—
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, IN.C
(Agency)
331 Madison Ave. (43rd St.), New York
MUrray hill 2-6494
cominc (MD G0MG
CHARLES BETHELL, manager and operator of
the Cinema Savoy, Nassau, Bahamas, is in Miami
looking up bookings.
HARRY COHN starts back to the Coast to-
morrow.
PETER COLLI, Warners Central American
supervisor, is in New York from Havana.
ARTHUR SACHSON, Warners' assistant gen-
eral sales manager returned yesterday from the
Coast. BEN KALMENSON and other home office
execs who attended the regional sales meeting
in San Francisco are making stopovers on the
way East.
IRVING BERLIN arrived in New York yesterday
afternoon by plane from the Coast -to be on
hand for the world premiere of his Warner
film, "This is the Army."
STEVE . BROIDY, Monogram vice-prexy, and
N. EDWARD MOREY left yesterday for Boston;
they will return to New York early next week.
PETE ROSIAN is here from Cincinnati.
JOE WALSH, RKO Pathe director, has re-
turned to his desk from Indianapolis where he
shot scenes at the Riviera Swimming Club for
a subsequent "Sportscope."
MATT SAUNDERS, Poli, Bridgeport manager,
is off for a vacation in Chicago.
LOUIS B. MAYER and HOWARD STRICK-
LINC are expected to arrive here from the
Coast over the week-end.
ERNST LUBITSCH leaves the Coast tomorrow
for New York.
NORMAN ELSON returns tomorrow from
Washington.
FORTUNAT BARONAT goes to Hollywood to-
morrow.
NORMAN AYERS, Eastern district manager for
Warners, was in New York yesterday conferring
with Arthur Sachson, Jules Lapidus and other
home office executives.
HARRY CRAHAM is in town from Atlanta.
W. F. RCDCERS returns from Chicago tomor-
row.
HOWARD DIETZ, SI SEADLER and BILLY
FERGUSON arrived from Chicago yesterday.
E. M. SAUNDERS, E. K. O'SHEA, A. F.
CUMMINGS, EDDIE AARON and HAROLD POST-
MAN return to New York today.
H. M. RICHEY comes in from Washington to-
morrow.
WILLIAM J. GERMAN, vice-president and
treasurer of J. E. Brulatour, Inc., left yesterday
for Rochester.
IRVINC DOLLINGER and his wife are on a
Canadian lake cruise.
HARRY LOWENSTEIN is vacationing at
Schroon Lake.
Republic Opens Studio
Sales Conference Today
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Republic's third and
final sales meeting in company's
current series opens today at the
studio, with sessions concluding to-
morrow night. Herbert J. Yates,
Sr., President James R. Grainger,
Western District Sales Manager F.
A. Bateman, and exchange-men from
this district will participate in dis-
cussions similarly to those recently
held in New York and Chicago.
Among chief topics will be the
new season's product, promotion
plans for future deluxe attractions,
and the continuing promotional sup-
port accorded to Roy Rogers, with
emphasis on standout success of the
campaign in Chicago.
Following exchange reps, will at-
tend the meetings today and tomor-
row: Franchise Holder J. T. Shef-
field, Northwest territory; Branch
Managers F. M. Higgins, Seattle;
J. H. Sheffield, Portland; Gene Ger-
base, Denver; H. C. Fuller, Salt
Lake City; John Frey, Los Angeles;
and Sid Weisbaum, San Francisco.
William Saal and Charles Reed
Jones of the home office are attend-
ing the studio meeting also.
"Stormy Weather" Opens Big
"Stormy Weather," 20th-Fox mus-
ical, yesterday opened at the Roxy
and the Alhambra, uptown, to rec-
ord crowds, it was announced by
Tom Connors, vice-president in
charge of sales. At the Roxy, the
opening day figure equalled that of
"Coney Island," company's biggest
grosser to date.
Twins Die at Birth
Bridgeport, Conn. — Vincent Pal-
meri, manager of the Merritt, Bridge-
port, lost his twin sons at birth.
Morrison Cites "Progress'
On Departure for Coast
Charles Morrison, who recently
journeyed to New York in the inter-
ests of setting up his own motion
picture producing outfit with James
J. Walker as its president, declared
last night as he left with Mrs.
Morrison on their return trip to
Hollywood that progress has been
made with reference to his project.
He denied reports current in trade
circles that he is talking a specific
association deal with any one major
distribution outfit, and indicated that
details essential to such a move
have not been completed by him.
"There are many considerations re-
maining to be settled,' Morrison
said, "such as literary and other
properties, directors, writers, etc.,
and it will take two months, and
possibly more, for me to set up these
and additional organization angles."
Walker, he pointed out, has definite
commitments to fulfill before he
could take over firm's helm. "In
the meanwhile," he added, "we will
coast along putting plans in shape."
Hughes Detroit House
Set for Aug. 15 Bow
Detroit — Opening date of Aug. 15
has been tentatively set by Howard
Hughes, for the Downtown theater.
The 2,000-seat first-run house has
been dark six years. Re-seating is
being completed this week, and total
cost of remodeling will run about
$60,000.
House will use stage shows, in
addition to independent or other
film product, George McCall, How-
ard Hughes' representative, dis-
closed here. Opening run of "The
Outlaw" is expected to run eight to
10 weeks, followed by the stage
show policy.
AGVA to Discuss 20%
Tax With Treasury
Steps to lighten the burden placed
upon the variety artist by the pres-
ent application of the 20 per cent
withholding tax are being sought by
the American Guild of Variety Ar-
tists. To this end executives of the
Guild will visit Washington to dis-
cuss the situation with the Treasury
Department. AGVA will sugr ' +.
that the variety performer be
mitted to deduct immediate and cur-
rent expenses incurred on any en-
gagement before deduction of the
withholding levy.
AGVA's contention is that it is
unfair to deduct the 20 per cent tax
from a performer's gross salary
without first making provision for
agent's commissions and other dis-
bursements the variety artist is com-
pelled to make by the nature of his
work.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
Lena HORNE Bill ROBINSON
Cab CALLOWAY
and his band
sm.
&
#
A
20th CENTUDY FOX PICTURE
P O X Y 7> 84, NO. 16
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1943
TEN CENTS
MPTOAUNITS TO TRY^ CONCILIATION PLAN
Chaplin's Selznick Accounting Suit Asks Million
Editorial
"What's in.
... a name?"
= By CHESTER B. BAHN =
WHAT'S in a name?" ... If the ghost
of the Bard still has a lingering doubt,
it — or, if you prefer, he — might profit by
cogitating Metro's announcement of the
week that the company has appropriated an
initial $125,000 budget to be expended sole-
ly and especially for exploitation and promo-
tional aids to its small-town customers hard
hit by conditions arising from the war. . . .
For verily, it is not for nothing that Metro's
other name in this industry is "the friendly
company." . . .
•
METRO'S approach to the pressing and
frequently acute problem of the "little
fellow" is an distinctive as is its action in
setting aside a specific sum for the given
purpose. . . . The import of Howard Dietz's
comment, "We intend to stimulate trade
in every section of the country that has
suffered from the shifting of population
during these abnormal times," will not
escape the observant. . . . Efforts to amelior-
ate the plight of the exhib. in situations
where the war has taken its toll of movie-
goers heretofore have been largely of the
"adjustment" variety. . . . There's nothing
wrong with that, of course. . . .
•
DUT the new Metro approach may be
** still better. . . . Perhaps a more inten-
sive exploitation and promotion campaign in
those spots where business has fallen off
sharply under the impact of war-time con-
ditions can restore and maintain box-office
levels. . . . It's possible, surely. . . . And
in that connection, you need only recall
how there were those who cried out that
with the loss of the foreign market, all was
lost. . . . Yet more thorough cultivation of
the domestic market by distributors and
exhibitors alike has raised company earnings
to peak figures. ... Of course, war-time
prosperity has helped — that's patent and
cheerfully conceded. . . .
•
DUT equally patent is the fact that the
^ industry, put to the test, found itself a
new audience of 5,000,000 weekly in a
year. ... It could be that there are still
more where those millions came from. . . .
Metro's experiment, within a reasonable
period, may provide the answer. . . . And
this columnar commentator has a hunch that
the $125,000 — note it's a starting bud-
get— will prove one of the best investments
(Continued on Page 2)
Complaint Turns Spotlight
On Selznick-UA Agree-
ment, 20th-Fox Named
Suit was formally filed yesterday
in New York Supreme Court by
Charles Chaplin, suing on his behalf
and all other stockholders of United
Artists Corp. similarly situated,
against David O. Selznick, David O.
Selznick Productions, Inc., Vanguard
Films, Inc., Twentieth Century-Fox
Film Corp. and United Artists Corp.
Complaint charges that David O.
Selznick and David O. Selznick Pro-
ductions in the latter part of 1942
sold, assigned and transferred lit-
(Continued on Page 6)
Adult Delinquency
Northwest Problem
Pittsburgh 1st Runs
Tilt Prices a Dime
Pittsburgh — Effective over the
week-end and with the change of
current programs, Loew's Penn, Stan-
ley, Warner, J. P. Harris, Senator,
Fulton and Ritz Theaters, all first-
run downtown houses, increased their
adult admission prices by approxi-
mately 10 cents; children's admis-
sions remain the same.
Kansas-Missouri Ass'n
Among First to Sponsor
Dispute Settling Method
Soviet Purchases
Warners' "Moscow
Portland, Ore. — Adult delinquency
is as great if not greater problem
than juvenile vandalism and hood-
lumism in this territory, with cir-
cuit executives and house managers
reporting theater maintenance as a
result one continuing headache.
As an example of what operators
(Continued on Page 7)
McConville Names O'Mal-
ley Foreign Ad-Pub. Head
Joseph A. McConville, Columbia
vice-president and foreign manager,
yesterday announced the appoint-
ment of David A. O'Malley as direc-
tor of foreign advertising and pub-
(Continued on Page 4)
The Soviet Government has pur-
chased "Mission to Moscow" for dis-
tribution in Russia and a master
print is now en route there by air,
it was learned authoritatively yes-
terday in the wake of published sto-
ries to the effect that Premiere Sta-
lin had nixed the Warner pic as re-
leased in the U. S. for exhibition
within the Soviets.
Considerable confusion as to exact
(Continued on Page 7)
Hearst-Sponsored Festival
As "Rising Sun" Send-Off
Boston — A new twist in premiere
bally, RKO Radio will launch "Be-
hind the Rising Sun" here to the
accompaniment of a giant War Bond
boxing-wrestling-musical festival in
Boston's Garden, the latter curtain-
raiser set for Aug. 1, two days ah«ad
(Continued on Page 6)
Affirm Gary Case Dismissal
Appeal Board Hits Combined Actions
$22,000-Plus for Army
Relief from Pic's Debut
World premiere of Warners' film
version of "This Is the Army" at the
Hollywood next Wednesday will yield
Army Emergency Relief well in ex-
cess of $22,000. Ticket sale alone
will hit that figure, while proceeds
from the program will swell it.
Practice of combining in one ar-
bitration proceeding two separate
and distinct causes of action against
separate and distinct defendants and
interveners was criticized by the ar-
bitration appeal board which af-
firmed an arbitrator's decision dis-
missing the clearance case filed by
the Palace Theater, Gary, Ind.
Complainant had named some of
(Continued on Page 4)
Use of conciliation before resort-
ing to arbitration will be tried by
some MPTOA units shortly, it was
reported yesterday. Among the first
to adopt conciliation is the Kansas-
Missouri Theater Association which
is sponsoring its first conciliated
complaint this month.
It is reported that the Charlotte,
N. C, unit has been practicing con-
ciliation for some time without any
publicity and it appears likely that
the system will be taken up more
(Continued on Page 4)
McMurphey Gets OCR
Amusement Post
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Exhibitors will deal
hereafter with George W. McMur-
phey on matters affecting theater
operation. McMurphey, with long
experience in Government, most re-
(Continued on Page 6)
Report Pickford-Gordon
Close for "Junior Miss"
An agreement whereby Mary
Pickford and Max Gordon will ac-
quire the screen rights to "Junior
Miss" was reportedly reached yes-
(Continued on Page 7)
36-40 for 20th-Fox
as Budget Skyrockets
West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Boosting its budget
to an all-time high of $41,000,000,
30 per cent more than the top figure
in the past, 20th-Fox will make a
minimum of 36 and a maximum of
40 features for 1943-44, according
to production plans finalized here
by Spyros Skouras and Joseph M.
Schenck with Darryl F. Zanuck. Peak
allocations go to Wendell L. Willkie's
"One World" and "Wilson," both
of which Zanuck will personally pro-
duce.
THE'
iynw
k DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 16 Fri., July 23, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN : : : : : : Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. _ Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco- Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL,
{Thursday, July 22)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High low Close Chg.
163,4 1634 163/4 + l/4
) 181/2 181/2 18l/2 + l/4
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. <2'/2%
Columbia Picts. pfd..
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. .
East. Kodak
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO$6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . . .
20th Century-Fox pfd,
Univ. iPict. pfd
Warner Bros
do pfd
23/4 23/4 23/4 — l/8
17 1634 17
16734 1671/2 1673/4 + 3/4
215/8 21 3/g 213/g — 1/4
63 625/g 63 + 1/4
291/s 2834 29
91/2 91/4 91/4 — i/8
94 93 93
231/2 231/4 233/g - i/8
333/4 331/2 333/4 + 1/s
15
I43/4 I43/4 — 1/g
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. 8-way 3s55.... 771/2 77i/2 77i/2
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... 354 354 35/8 — i/8
RKO war 1% 134 134
Sonotone Corp 3% 334 3%
Technicolor 15% 15y8 15% + 3/8
Trans-Lux 3i/8 2% 2% — 14
Universal Picts. vtc. 18'/4 18V4 I81/4
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Met. Playhouse, Inc. 2nd deb. '45
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57
Ampa's Membership Com.
Headed by Paul Benjamin
Ampa's membership committee for
the new year, announced yesterday
by President Vincent Trotta, em-
braces Paul Benjamin, NSS, chair-
man; Phil Laufer, Rivoli; Jonas
Rosenfield, 20th-Fox; Blanche Liv-
ingston, RKO; Fred Odium, Broad-
way Uptown, and William McKee,
Ross Federal Service.
"What's In...
. . . a name?"
(Continued from Page 1)
that Leo the Lion, et al (meaning essen-
tially William F. Rodgers and Howard Dietz)
have made. . . .
•
INCIDENTALLY, it might be, in fact, it
' should be noted, that Metro does not
stand alone to benefit from the investment.
. . . If it turns up a host of new customers
or increases the frequency of film attendance
by the established house clientele, the bene-
fits generally will be spread around Metro's
competitors as well. . . . That's important,
too, although Metro's announcement mod-
estly spoke only of its desire to aid "exhib-
itors whose prosperity is considered by
M-G-M so important to the community life
of America."
Buffalo Theaters Files
As Basil Intervenor
Buffalo — _ Buffalo Theaters,' "Inc.,
has filed as intervenor in two clear-
ance cases brought by Basil Bros.
Theaters. On behalf of Shea's North
Park and Shea's Kensington, Buf-
falo, it intervened in case brought
for Basil's Varsity, and on behalf of
Shea's Bellvue, Niagara Falls, it in-
tervened in case brought for Basil's
LaSalle, Niagara Falls. The five
signers of the New York consent de-
cree are defendants in both actions.
In the Varsity case, Basil asked
reduction of clearance of four to ten
days favoring Schine's Granada to
immediately after the Granada. S.
G. Theater Corporation, Gloversville,
for the Granada, and Dipson The-
aters, Inc., for the Amherst inter-
vened previously.
In the LaSalle case, Basil asked
reduction of present clearance of 35
days favoring the Bellvue, Cataract
and Strand, three Niagara Falls
first-runs, to "a reasonable time, as
determined by the arbitrator." Cat-
aract Theater Corporation had in-
tervened previously for the Cataract
and Strand, Hayman houses.
Duncan, Okla., Exhib.
Files "Run" Complaint
Charging that Paramount has re-
fused to license second-run product
to the Ritz Theater, Duncan, Okla.,
J. A. Guest, operator of the house,
has filed a demand for arbitration in
the Oklahoma City tribunal. Guest
claims that second-run is sold by
Paramount to theaters of the Grif-
fith circuit. He also asks for reas-
onable clearance.
Apollo Hearing on Aug. 12
Buffalo — First hearing in arbitra-
tion case brought by Basil Bros. The-
aters for its Apollo, Buffalo, has
been postponed to Aug. 12 before
Arbitrator Roland H. Tills.
Roffman Joining Hillman
Richard H. Roffman joins the staff
of Hillman periodicals as of Aug. 1
as director of publicity and promo-
tion. In his new association, he will
be connected with Movieland mag-
azine as well as others of the Hill-
man chain.
Friday, July 23, 19^
Marvin Grieve Cited
On Italian Mission
Marvin M. Grieve, former mem-
ber of Mort Blumenstock's Warner
Bros, advertising department, now
2nd lieutenant, USAAF, was cited by
the War Department as co-pilot of a
B-26 bomber which took part in an
attack over Italy. While returning
to its North African base, his plane
was able to escape enemy planes
through the bravery of its pilot who
ordered the crew to jump while he
remained at his post and was killed.
160 "Aleutians" Prints
To be Shipped in Week
Theatrical release is now assured
for the 47-minute Technicolor film,
"Report from the Aleutians," made
by the Army Signal Corps and sub-
mitted to the WAC by the OWL Pic
will be available to theaters which
may wish to book it in each exchange
area. William F. Rodgers, chairman
of the WAC Distributor Division,
is requesting the chairmen of the
various Exchange Managers Com-
mittees to handle its release in their
own exchanges as was done with
"Prelude to War."
It is expected that the 160 prints
available for theatrical bookings will
be shipped within a week and an-
nouncement of exact release date
then determined.
By arrangement with Hal Home,
of the WAC Public Relations Divi-
sion, the 20th Century-Fox press
book department is preparing a cam-
paign book, which will be delivered
to houses from National Screen Ser-
vice exchanges.
There will be a trailer, and pre-
liminary discussions are being held to
determine its length, also whether it
will be in color or in black and white.
FWC Planning Roadshows
For Alcazar in Frisco
San Francisco — Fox West Coast
announced yesterday that negotia-
tions for acquiring Sid Grauman's
Alcazar theater here are being con-
cluded by Charles P. Skouras, presi-
dent of National Theaters, and Grau-
man.
The Alcazar, closed for several
months, will be reopened about Sept.
1 under the FWC management if
Skouras and Grauman reach an
agreement, B. V. Sturdivant, north-
ern California FWC supervisor, said.
The theater will be used exclusive-
ly for roadshows, with reserved
seats at advanced prices.
Fox West Coast plans to spend
between $25,000 and $50,000 remod-
eling the Alcazar, Sturdivant said.
G-B N. Y. Co. Dissolves
Albany— Gaumont British Picture
Corp. of America, New York City,
has filed a certificate of voluntary
dissolution in the office of the Sec-
retary of State.
Papers were filed through Adolph
Schimel, attorney, 1250 Sixth Ave-
COMIIIG and GOIflG
CEORCE A. SMITH, Para.'s Western division
manager, plans to leave Monday on a tour lil
exchanges in his territory.
ROBERT M. CILLHAM, arrived on the Coa;
yesterday from the East.
LEN DALY of the United Artists foreij
publicity department, who has been in Mexic
City the past two months, leaves Mexic 'oda
for Havana. f
MRS. VINCENT TROTTA is in ChiJIgp I
visit her son, Vincent, Jr., a seaman secon
class now training in aerial gunnery at tli
Naval Pier there. Mrs. Trotta will visit Mii
waukee before returning to New York.
HARRY M. KALMINE, assistant general mana
ger cf Warner Theaters, and HARRY GOLDBERC
director of advertising and publicity, return \
New York today from Philadelphia.
OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND, is expected in Ne>
York the first week in August for a brie
visit.
MICHAEL TODD, the Broadway producer,
back from Mexico City.
JANE LAWRENCE of the cast of "Oklahoma
will head for the Coast the beginning of Augus
LEE SHUBERT has left town for a Mexica
vacation with C. P. CRENEKER, his press rep
resentative.
JACK COETZ and ARTHUR GOTTLIEB, Iea\
next week for California and a tour of Unit!
Artists exchanges in conjunction with a ne
"World in Action" shorts series which UA wi
distribute for Warwick Pictures.
ARTHUR GREENBLATT, PRC sales chief, leave
Hollywood Monday for Frisco, Seattle, Denvei
Omaha, Chicago and New York.
CHARLES SKOURAS and CHARLES A. BUCK
LEY are due here Monday from the Coast.
JACK HOEPFLER, Great States circuit cit
manager in Quincy, III. has gone to his Summe
home at Grand Marais, Minn.
GEORGE FREEMAN, manager of the Loew
Poli Springfield, Mass., has returned from hi
vacation spent at Hampton Beach, New Hamp
shire.
DON WIDLUND of Jam Handy arrived yes
terday from Orlando, Fla., and left last nigh
for Detroit.
HANK LINET left last night for Pittsburg)
in connection with Universal's "We've Neve
Been Licked."
GRACIE FIELDS returns to England shortly.
t
July 23
Harry Cohn Albert Warner
Aileen Pringle Florence Vidor
Lewis Innerarity Ray Cozine
Whitney Bolton Joseph Seiden
Gale Page Gerald K. Rudulph
July 24
Alan Curtis Nick Tronolone
Dailey Paskman
July 25
William C. DeMille
Lila Lee
Mortimer D. Sackett
Phil I ipe De Lacy
Johnny Hines
Harry H. Zehner
Bob Wolf
Al Pearce
Cy Seymour
Arthur Lubin
We doff our hats to Mr. \Van§er . • .
Within a year, Walter Wanger lias given to this
industry, two significant boxorrice attractions in
"Eagle Squadron" and "Arabian Nights."
Mr. Wanger has now completed "We've Never
Been Licked/ the rirst picture or America's youth in
unirorm, inspired hy the righting sons or Texas A&M.
We helieve that "We've Never Been Licked" will
not only he an impressive successor to "Eagle
Squadron" and "Arabian Nights/ hut that in impor-
tance and boxorrice quality it will even surpass these
outstanding pictures.
SELL WAR STAMPS EVERY DAY IN THE "SHANGRI-LA" JULY DRIVE
"!(<
DAILY
Friday, July 23, 194
Gary Case Dismissal
Affirmed on Appeal
[Continued from Page 1)
the defendants and intervenors in
that portion of the complaint involv-
ing Section VIII and others who
were involved only in Section X. Re-
duction of clearance now granted to
two Chicago theaters and houses in
nearby towns over the Palace and
the designation of a specific run
were asked.
The arbitrator dismissed both
causes of action and the Palace ap-
pealed on the grounds that the Pal-
ace was not in competition with the
theaters named. The arbitrator
found otherwise and on appeal the
appeal board upheld the arbitrator's
decision.
In commenting on the Section X
demands, the appeal board wrote
that the "restrictions imposed by
Section X are so burdensome that we
believe they should not be extended
in any way not clearly indicated by
the language of the decree." In
dismissing the complaint, the ap-
peal board said that no useful pur-
pose would be served by referring
it back to the arbitrator, but added
that "should complainant, however,
in the light of this opinion, still feel
that it has a good cause of action,
either under Section VIII or Sec-
tion X, it may bring a new proceed-
ing under Section VIII or a new
proceeding under Section X, or both,
but each proceeding must be brought
and tried separately."
Stearns Awaits Sentence
Abram L. Stearns will be sen-
tenced on Wednesday in U. S. Dis-
trict Court on a charge of having
embezzled $7,818 in War Bond
money collected while he was man-
ager of the Allerton Theater in the
Bronx. The defendant pleaded guilty
to the accusation.
Goldstein Resigns at 20th-Fox
Robert Goldstein of the Eastern
talent department of 20th-Fox, has
resigned effective immediately, it was
announced by the company yester-
day.
WAR SERVICE
on the Film Front
Here's a dog-gone good idea.
Max Cooper, manager of the Glen Cove
at Glen Cove, L. I., will award a Belgian
Police puppy donated by Don Goddard,
WEAF announcer, to the youngster selling
the most War Stamps during the current
drive. You guessed it — the pup has been
named Shangri-La. Pup offer is credited with
jumping the Glen Cove's stamp sales 20
times last month's figure.
Pittsburgh — M. A. Silver, zone manager
for the Warner Circuit here, has been ap-
pointed to head the motion picture com-
mittee of the public relations committee
for the forthcoming United War Fund cam-
paign.
Exhibitor Profile: Mitchell Wolf son
• • • THREE decisive factors contributed to upbuilding of this
showman to distinguished estate among pic theatermen First was
his father, Louis Wolfson, who came to American from Russia and set-
tled in Key West, playing important part in the then young nation's
development, particularly via inducing the late Henry Flagler to build
Florida's first railroad Mitchell, one of four children, was born
in Key West, Sept. 13, 1900 His Dad, himself denied an intensive
education, gave Mitch a good one This brought the family to
Miami, where Dad became one of community's top business men
There, Mitch attended high school, later matriculating at Brooklyn's
famed Erasmus Hall, and, following graduation, hied back to Miami to
enter his Dad's wholesale dry goods and hotel equipment biz
▼ T T
• • • EXPANDING Miami offered opportunity Ambitious
young Wolfson siezed it, recognizing that the city and environs were
destined to become "the nation's playground" At this point he
was 24 years old and burning up energy by working early and late
'Twos then that the second of the aforementioned factors came
to bear on his life It was his mother He tells the story:
"I had been working terribly hard, and one day my mother said,
'Son, I want you to make an investment'" "/ replied, 'Fine!, is
it a good buy? ' " "She said, 'Son, I want you to make an invest-
ment in the most valuable thing in the whole world, and that is your
health'" "That," says Mitch, "struck me forcefully, as I had
never thought of my health in that way. Mother made me slow up
and probably prolonged my life" Here was born that idea of
recreation as a health-builder
T T T
• • • AT the height of the 1925 Miami boom, Mitch built, in part-
nership with his brother-in-law, Sidney Meyer, the city's Capitol Theater,
first of a series of more than 20 stands around the Miami sector and on
the British isle of Nassau, known far and 'wide as the Wometco Circuit
This was factor No. 3 — his entering the entertainment field
There's perhaps no better-known or liked man in the area than Mitch
He is married and has three children His cinematic empire
never keeps him from taking extraordinary active part in local charitable.
civic and patriotic enterprises For years he has been serving the
YMCA as vice-prexy or chairmaning an important branch of its work
He's director of the Miami Chamber of Commerce; director and
charter member of the Miami Rotary Club; member of Dade County
Health Board; trustee, secretary and treasurer of Dade County Communi-
ty Chest; director, vice-prexy and chairman of National Convention of
Miami C of C Further, he is a director of some 25 corporations;
vice-prexy and director of MPTOA; general convention manager of a
national conference of 2,500 theater owners in Miami; and member of
the advisory board of Independent Underwriters of Pennsylvania; and
a sparkplug of hosts of war activities in his native State For two
years he served on City Council of Miami Beach, and in June was re-
elected to a four-year term, and unanimously chosen by the newly
selected Council to serve as Mayor Said one of his employes:
"He won this most hotly-contested race by SHOWMANSHIP. But what
is Showmanship? Merely this: — doing everything everyone has done
before, but doing it better than anyone else. We agree that product
has a great deal to do with results. In that case Mitchell Wolfson's
campaign was a pushover.
T T T
REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR!
IN NEW POSTS
DAVID A. O'MALLEY, director of foreign ad-
vertising and publicity, Columbia.
H. L. SMITH, business manager, Columbia'
publicity-exploitation-ad dept.
THOMAS KILCULLEN, assistant manager, West-
side, Scranton, Pa.
JOSEPH MORROW, sales manager, M-C-M, Phila-
delphia.
LEO BLANK, district manager, Monogram, Oes
Moines and Omaha.
SOL FRANCIS, Monogram special hornet
representative, Des Moines.
JAMES ECKER. salesman, Republic, Denver.
JOHN MAYER, office manager, M-C-M, Pitts-
burgh.
MANNY FELDMAN, manager, Harris, Tarentum
SAMUEL BLANDI, manager, Palace, Tarentum
Pa.
JOSEPH HYLAND, manager, Victor, McKeesport
Pa.
FAUL SADZECK, head country booker, Universa
Exchange, Chicago.
INTO WAR WORK
ART KOLSTAD, theater operator, Portland.
WALTER PATOMKIN, assistant manager, Dia-
mond, Philadelphia.
JOHN LYND, Stanley-Warner, Philadelphia.
MPTOA Units to Try
Conciliation Plan
(Continued from Page 1)
generally by other MPTOA units
Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA president
long has been an advocate of con-
ciliation as a means of settling dis-
putes.
According to reports from Wash-
ington, the Department of Justice
does not look kindly on conciliation,
the opinion being that if it becomes
widespread the results will be one-
sided in favor of the distributors.
McConville Names O'Mal
ley Foreign Ad-Pub. Head
(Continued from Page 1)
licity, a post newly created with a
view of bringing into closer con-
tact the activities of the domestic
and foreign publicity departments.
Columbia plans to play an important
part in the enormously augmented
foreign film field in the post-war
period.
O'Malley has been associated with
Columbia for the past 10 years, as
business manager of the company's
publicity exploitation and advertis-
ing departments. He will be suc-
ceeded by H. L. Smith, formerly
assistant purchasing agent.
STORKS
William J.
Heineman, general
sales manager for Samuel Goldwyn,
Wednesday became the father of a:
nine-pound, seven-ounce boy, eighth
in the Heineman line-up, the oldest
of which is seventeen. New arrival
at Kew Gardens General Hospital
has been named James Martin.
Ja
• • • equals the all-
time record at the
.Y. ROXY held by
CONEY ISLAND
and doing the same smash business
in Kansas City • St. Louis • Des Moines
Denver • Miami • Canton
In the same hil tradition of mLQj, century- FOX
SELL WAR STAMPS EVERY DAY IN THE "SHANGRI-LA" JULY DRIVE!
i! H
HHM
w
DAILY
Friday, July 23, 1943
McMurphey Gels OCR
Amusement Post
(Continued from Page 1)
cently with the OPA, has been shift-
ed to the Office of Civilian Require-
ments to handle OCR authority with
regard to the amusement industry.
The WPB Service Equipment
Division will retain in its amuse-
ment section under Allen G. Smith,
full control over the manufacture
of theater equipment and
regulation of supply houses. Just
where McMurphey will fit in is not
yet clear although it appears that
his job will be largely what he makes
it. He could not be reached for
comment yesterday on his plans,
although it is reported that he does
have far-reaching plans covering all
phases of the entertainment indus-
try.
McMurphey lunched Wednesday
with Smith and Orville Slater, as-
sistant director of the Service Equip-
ment Division and appeared anxious
to learn from them as much of the
story on theater operation as he
could. He has himself hardly any
experience with the industry but
both Smith and Slater were im-
pressed by his desire to learn, and
both feel confident that the in-
dustry will not find it difficult to
"take" McMurphey.
They reported that he seemed im-
pressed by their presentation of the
case against excessive regulation
of the industry — as regards admis-
sion prices, hours of operation etc.
It is expected that McMurphey will
consult frequently with Smith and
perhaps with industry leaders be-
fore effectuating any program he
may have in mind. McMurphey's
official title could not be learned.
ATAM GETS $15 Weekly Raise
Members of the Association of
Theatrical Agents and Managers
Union will receive from the League
of New York Theaters a $15 weekly
wage increase, retroactive to last
Labor Day, union reports. Increase,
which is estimated to cost the League
about $50,000 in back pay, has been
approved in a letter by William H.
Davis of the WLB.
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
ROMA BURTON, Samuel Goldwyn publicity staff,
Hollywood.
MRS. SARAH MANASSES, manager, Riviera,
North Tonawanda, N. Y.
DORIS COODSON, booker, Republic, Denver.
HELEN GARLITZ, cashier, M-C-M, Pittsburgh.
ALICE JAHNS, assistant cashier, M-C-M, Pitts-
burgh.
MARGARET TRECRESSER, bookkeeper, M-C-M,
Pittsburgh.
THELMA WEITZMAN, billing dept., M-C-M,
Pittsburgh.
MARIE ANDRONADOS, assistant manager, Model
Theater, Pittsburgh.
Chaplin's Suit Asks Million
Stems from Selznick's Deal with 20th -Fox
(Continued from Page 1)
erary properties, comprising "Keys
of the Kingdom," "Claudia" and
"Jane Eyre," and hired out Ingrid
Bergman, Joan Fontaine, Dorothy
McGuire, Gene Kelly and Alan Mar-
shall; film directors Alfred Hitch-
cock and Robert Stevenson; and the
cameramen Stanley Cortez and
George Barnes to UA's "business
rival and competitor," Twentieth
Century-Fox Film Corp., notwith-
standing an agreement which existed
between UA and David 0. Selznick
and David O. Selznick Productions
whereby the latter "agreed to pro-
duce and deliver to UA, and UA
agreed to distribute, a total of 10
pictures divided into two groups of
five units, each such group to con-
sist of either four features on which
the name of David O. Selznick would
appear and two motion pictures on
which the name of Selznick would
not appear, or five motion pictures
on which Selznick's name would ap-
pear."
Accounting Is Demanded
Chaplin, through the channel of
the complaint filed by his counsel,
Schwartz & Frohlieh, asks (1) that
the Court direct Selznick and his
corporations (David O. Selznick Pro-
ductions, Inc., and Vanguard Films,
Inc.) to account to UA for the profit
derived by them from the transac-
tion with 20th-Fox; (2) that Selz-
nick and his corporations be the
trustees ex malificio to the extent
of $1,000,000, or such greater or
lesser sum as may be found due on
such accounting; (3) that a decree
issue out of New York Supreme
Court requiring and compelling the
defendants and each of them to re-
store to UA the sum of $1,000,000
more or less, found due upon ac-
counting; and (4) that judgment
against 20th-Fox in the sum of $1,-
000,000 more or less found due on
accounting be had by UA.
Complaint alleges that in February, 1937,
Selznick International entered into an agree-
ment with UA to produce for latter's dis-
tribution a number of features to be per-
sonally supervised by Selznick. This was,
from time to time, modified. Selznick did
produce and deliver to UA "Intermezzo"
and "Rebecca." Selznick then made "Gone
With the Wind" for M-G-M release, which
was so successful that it grossed in excess
of $20,000,000. It further alleg-ed that
thereupon Selznick, in order to reduce tax
liability in connection with GWTW profits,
caused Selznick International to be liquidated
and dissolved, although that corporation waB
then under oblig-ation to produce two ad-
ditional features for UA distribution, but
which did not materialize.
1911 Negotiations Recited
Prior to Oct. 4, 1941, Selznick entered
upon negotiations with UA for purpose
of obtaining' a waiver of, and release from,
the oblig-ation to deliver the two pictures,
and, it is represented, Selznick knew at that
time that UA had suffered substantial losses
in the U. S. and Canada because of its short-
age of attractions to distribute. During the
negotiations Selznick and David O. Selznick
Productions represented to UA and its stock-
holders that they had acquired the film
rights, on a term basis, for "Keys of the
Kingdom" and "Claudia," and were having
prepared a screen version of "Jane Eyre."
Also that they had exclusive contracts with
stars and technicians, as aforementioned.
Selznick and David O. Selznick Productions
informed UA that if the latter desired a con-
tract for these films and allocated players
and technicians, it would be necessary for
the distributing organization to release
Selznick personally from his agreement of
Aug. 2, 1940, that until completion and de-
livery of two features lie would not par-
ticipate, directly or indirectly, in production
of films for any other company. Other facts
of the Selznick demand on UA allegedly were
(1) delivery to Selznick and David O. Selznick
Productions of a unit of 4,000 shares of
UA stock to be held in escrow but carrying
voting power; (2) making changes in UA
by-laws giving Selznick and Productions
greater control and domination over UA
affairs ( 3 ) ; making alterations and additions
to UA personnel, involving an increase of
approximately $6,000 per week; and (4)
payment to Selznick and Productions of-
$300,000 to defray cost of acquiring rights
fully to the three literary properties and
defray certain other costs involving prepara-
tion and payments to those working thereon.
UA Accepted Terms
UA acceded to the demands and entered
into a series of pacts with Selznick and
Productions all dated Oct. 4, 1941. These
were: (1) a distribution agreement provid-
ing for distribution, method and charges;
(2) purchase of unit of UA stock; (3) agree-
ment on stock's payment; (4) escrow agree-
ment pending payment; (5) agreement to
advance the $300,000 and providing for ad-
ditional advances on each picture; (6) agree-
ment covering Selznick's personal services;
(7) release agreement on the two pictures
due under former pact; and (8) agreement
to amend by-laws.
By Selznick's taking of the properties,
stars and technicians "lock, stock and bar-
rel" and turning them over to 20th-Pox, is
crux of current million dollar action for
which Chaplin seeks redress and payment on
his and UA stockholders' behalf. An answer
to the complaint is required within 20
days of service of the summons on the de-
fendants.
"Coney Island" Stays Fifth,
Setting Philly Fox Record
Philadelphia — "Coney Island" is
the first pic in the history of the Fox
Theater to be held for five weeks
Twentieth-Fox film begins its fifth
week today. Theater is operated by
Warners.
Colo. Mining Co. Opens Theater
Denver — The Telluride Mines,
Inc., has opened a theater at Tel-
luride, with Reuben Stroh as man-
ager.
E. J. Blaylock has bought the
Tigue at Bernalillo, N. M., from
Dennis Baca. Blaylock also oper-
ates the Pueblo, Ruidoso, N. M.
Greenblatt Leaving Coast
Monday on Branch Swing
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Arthur Greenblatt,
PRC distributor head, will leave Hol-
lywood Monday, after conferring
with O. Henry Briggs and Leon
Fromkess in charge of production.
Greenblatt will go to San Francisco,
and thence to Seattle, Denver, Oma-
ha and Chicago before going to
New York. The purpose of the swing
around the exchanges is to set cir-
cuit deals on "The Isle of Forgotten
Sins" and "Tiger Fangs."
Sorry, No Rivoli Passes
Rivoli has suspended the pass list
for FWTBT due to pic's capacity biz.
HCLI_y>VCCD
DIGEST
SIGNED
KAY KYSER AND ORK, two pictures, Columbia.
CHARLES COBURN, "Knickerbocker Holiday,"
Producers Corp. of America.
WILLIAM BEAUDINE, director, "Sweethearts of
the U. S. A.," Monogram.
JEANNE BATES, termer, Columbia.
HARRY DAVENPORT, two pictures, RKO. X*'"
LEE CARMES, cameraman, termer, Hunt Strom-
berg.
CASTINGS
MERLE ORE-RON, GEORGE SANDERS and SIR
CEDRIC HARDWICKE, "The Lodger," 20th-Fox;
HUGO HAAS, "One Hour of Clory," RKO; HARRY
DAVENPORT, "Government Cirl," RKO; JEANNE
BATES, "The Gamble of Boston Blackie," Co-
lumbia; HARRY BARRIS, "When My Baby Smiles
at Me," Columbia; JAMES BROWN, "Our Hearts
Were Young and Gay," Paramount; ISABEL RAN-
DOLPH, "Standing Room Only," Paramount
WILLIAM iBENDIX, "Bowery After Dark," 20th-
Fox; MARGARET LANDRY and MICHAEL READ
"Gildersleeve on Broadway," RKO; DR. AL
BERT COATES, "Gaslight," M-C-M; JOHNNY
DOWNS and ROBERT LOWERY, "College Sweet-
heart," Monogram; MIDRED HARRIS, GEORGE
MELFORD, VICTOR POTEL, CHESTER CONKLIN,
DOT FARLEY, "Hail the Conquering Hero,"
Paramount; JOHN HODIAK, "Lifeboat," 20th-
Fox.
•
SCHEDULED
"Bowery After Dark," producer, WALTER
MOROSCO, 20th-Fox.
-
Hearst-Sponsored Festival
As "Rising Sun" Send-Off
(Continued from Page 1)
of the 75-city world debut of the
pic in New England up-state New
York. Festival will be backed by
Hearst's local sheets, the Record,
the American and the Sunday Ad-
vertiser.
As outlined here yesterday by S.
Barret McCormick, RKO's ad-pub-
licity chief, the colossal premiere
stunt will have as its climactic fea-
ture a bout between Lt. James J.
Braddock, USA, ex-heavyweight
champ and Charlie Strack, 240-
pound wrestling title holder.
Author James R. Young will speak,
while RKO will assemble a group of
Far Eastern correspondents and
writers. Margo, pic's star, will at-
tend as will Government and state
officials and military leaders sta-
tioned in the Boston area.
Other festival features will be additional
boxing: and wrestling: bouts, and bands and
vocal entertainers, with the entire show to
be broadcast over the Yankee Network of
21 stations. Admission to the Garden, which
has a capacity of 25,000, will be free to
all service men in uniform, and to civilians
upon the showing- of a War Bond.
RKO will be represented by a delegation
from New York including- N. Peter Rathvon,
Ned E. Depinet, Robert Moehrie, S. Barret
Mc-Cormick, Walter Branson, Nat Levy, Ed-
ward Alperson. There will also be a number
of circuit heads and prominent exhibitors,
as well as RKO Radio's northeastern dis-
trict manager Gus Schaefer, and branch
managers Ross Cropper of Boston, Barney
Pitkin of New Haven, Max Westebbe of
Albany, and Elmer Lux of Buffalo.
Local arrangements of the show are
being- handled for RKO Radio by Terry
Turner, head of the field exploitation force,
assisted by Harry Reiners, Bob Hickey, Don
Prince and Ralph Bang-hart.
■):■.
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Friday, July 23, 1943
DAILY
;
U. S. Chance to Do Spanish- Language Pix Lost
Chilean Film Industrial-
ist Cites Higher Costs
And National Differences
Br RALPH WILE
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Hollywood has lost its
$ 3>|ice to make Spanish-language
fSSs, if the chance was ever feas-
ible commercially, which he doubts,
according to Jorge Delano, Chilean
film industrialist, artist -and pub-
| lisher, who is here on a visit under
the auspices of the Co-ordinator of
Inter-American Affairs. He declared
I Latin America is making its own
I motion pictures and will do so in
I greater degree after the war.
Delano said Argentina, Mexico and
[ the southern republics are making
I their own pictures for a tenth of the
\ cost assumed by. Hollywood. He
pointed out that differences in na-
I tional customs, and language usages,
[ and truer classification of the ac-
| tors to the proper parts were among
[the reasons for Latin- America's ra-
\ pid expansion in the production of
films.
Delano reported that Argentina
is making 100 average-grade pictures
a year and Mexico another 100. No
Chilean films are being made at
present, but will be when conditions
are normal. Senor Delano's son,
Jorge Delano, Jr., has been in Hol-
lywood a year studying production
methods with an eye to going into
business with his father in South
America after the war.
Senor Delano is a distant cousin
of President Roosevelt. He made
pictures in Chile some years ago
and came to Hollywood in 1930 to
study sound.
Report Pickford-Gordon
Close for "Junior Miss"
{Continued from Page 1)
terday, although no deal has been
signed. Price is said to be $410,000
or $355,000 down and 35 per cent of
the profits. The authors will decide
this week which deal they will ac-
cept. United Artists will release
the picture next June if the pact is
signed.
Observe "Comerford Day"
Scranton, Pa.— "Comerford Day"
it Dunn's Lake, when members of
:he Boy's Club are entertained, will
je observed today. This yearly cus-
;om was established by the late M.
3. Comerford, founder of the Com-
;rford Chain, who each year up un-
;il the time of his death, arranged
ind participated in the activities.
WEDDING BELLS
Scranton, Pa. — The marriage of
■eanne Cannon, Strand, to James
teilly, is scheduled to take place
sometime during August.
TO THE COLORS!
* TO OFFICERS SCHOOL *
SEYMOUR BECKER, advertising assistant, THE
FILM DAILY, reports to Fort Benning, Ca.
MARTIN SHEARN, formerly manager, Palace,
Tarentum, Pa.
* ARMY *
LARRY CURTIS, Columbia home office exploita-
tion dept.
CARL COVERNESS, manager, Riviera, North
Tonawanda, N. Y.
DANIEL LIND, manager, Victor, McKeesport,
Pa.
* COAST GUARD *
JOHN ZOMNIR, office manager, M-C-M, Pitts-
burgh.
— • —
* WAVES *
ENSIGN ETHEL F. ROSENBERG, daughter of
Fred D. Felt, Philadelphia theater oper-
ator, in charge of WAVES recruiting head-
quarters, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
— • —
* MERCHANT MARINE *
FRANK SHEFFIELD, salesman, Republic, Den-
ver.
Soviet Buys Warners'
"Mission to Moscow"
{Continued from Page 1)
Soviet status of "Moscow" existed
yesterday. Warners issued no state-
ment, but from sources close to the
company it was ascertained that a
deal for the pic had been closed and
a lavender print shipped by air. If
the ban story, originating with
North American Newspaper Alliance
and published in New York first by
the Times, was factual, the pro-
ducer-distributor obviously was with:
out word to that effect. New York
Daily News picked up the NANA
story yesterday as the basis for an
editorial raspberry.
London Daily Telegraph
In Potshot at "Moscow"
London (By Cable)— The Daily
Telegraph took a potshot at War-
ners' "Mission to Moscow" following
its preview here, basing its attack
on the purge sequences.
"History is marching down Holly-
wood Blvd. in a false face to the
mingled strains of the Internationale
and the Star Spangled Banner," the
Telegraph charged.
Warner Executives
Huddle in Chicago
Chicago — A group of Warners ex-
ecutives, including Ben Kalmenson,
general sales manager; Charles Ein-
feld, director of advertising and pub-
licity; Mort Blumenstock, in charge
of advertising and publicity in the
East; Roy Haines, Western and
Southern division sales manager; A.
W. Schwalberg, supervisor of ex-
changes, and Norman H. Moray,
short subject sales manager, con-
ferred here yesterday.
Einfeld and Blumenstock came on
from New York to address Army
Emergency Relief officials on nation-
al showings of Irving Berlin's "This
is the Army," with Kalmenson and
Haines also participating in the ses-
sion.
Entire group will return to New
York over the week-end.
"Hers to Hold" Gives
Criterion New Record
With a new opening day record
for the Criterion set and a new high
for the week in prospect, Univer-
sal's "Hers to Hold" is expected to
continue for about four weeks there,
it was learned yesterday. Deanna
Durbin starrer can't stay beyond
that time, however, due to Loew cir-
cuit commitments.
Adult Delinquency
Northwest Problem
{Continued from Page 1)
are facing these days, there's the
case of a new 1,250-seat house open-
ed about a year ago by the Ever-
green circuit in a certain military
center. Today, the house looks 10
years old. The carpets and furni-
ture must all be replaced. Lava-
tory destruction bills have been run-
ning around $300 a month, in the
women's lavatory as well as the
men's. The favorite trick is to put
bottles down toilets. It has been
necessary to refuse to admit any
to the theater if obviously carrying
a bottle of liquor.
It is almost impossible to secure
light bulbs for theater marquees,
and also batteries for usher flash-
lights, according to theater men.
Willkie on Air Tomorrow
Wendell L. Willkie, 20th-Fox board
chairman, will participate in a pro-
gram combating racial hatreds to
be broadcast over the CBS network
tomorrow from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
IMT
^*J"
KING OF THE COWBOYS
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
"SONG OF
TEXAS'
/irtotae*
FIRST RUN
^
NOTICE!
/l
I
2 H
1 u
J N N Z
Starting Sept. 8, I will begin shooting "Dr. Paul
Joseph Goebbels, His Life and Loves" because I am con-
vinced, after a thorough examination of the subject matter
and public interest in it, that there is definitely a vast
market for such a powerful and unique story.
It will NOT be a war picture. It will be an intimate,
searching dramatization of the personal life of one of the
most sinister, yet fascinating, scoundrels in world history.
The main theme of the gripping story will revolve around
his attempts to seduce the one girl who had the strength of
character and courage to resist his mad desires. The
entire story is based upon actual facts. The director will be
Alfred Zeisler, who, as head producer and director at the
UFA studios in Berlin, inadvertently came in personal
contact with the Propaganda Minister and other high
German officials.
I assure you that
"DR. PAUL JOSEPH GOEBBELS,
HIS LIFE AND LOVES"
will be designed as an outstanding boxoffice attraction
and will be produced lavishly and knowingly.
W. R. FRANK PRODUCTIONS
GENERAL SERVICE STUDIOS, HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
■ II
DO NOT R
EMO^ir
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
IS
84, NO. 17
NEW YORK, MONDAY, JULY 26. 1943
TEN CENTS
D. C. EXCHANGES EXEMPTED FROM 48 HOURS
Griffith Pre-Trial Conference Set for Sept. 13
Gov't Assigns H. L. Flurry
To Assist Federal Attor-
ney at Fall Court Hearing
Oklahoma City — A pre-trial con-
ference in the Government's anti-
trust suit seeking to dissolve the
Griffith Amusement Co., filed in 1939,
has been scheduled for Sept. 13 by
Federal Judge Edgar S. Vaught in
whose court the case rests.
The Government claims monopoly,
combination with distributors and
producers to restrain sale of film to
(.Continued on Page 9)
June Admission Tax
Collections Decline
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Amusement tax col-
lections for June on May business,
fell off sharply according to figures
released today by the Bureau of In-
ternal Revenue. The national total
{Continued on Page 8)
Canadian Theaters to Get
Pix on Basis of '41 Pacts
Toronto — Canada's Wartime Prices
Board has adopted the "fair share"
principle in the distribution of prod-
uct for the new season. Allocation
(Continued on Page 9)
WB "A" and Pfd. Time
Up More Than 150%
On the strength of its top-bracket
productions, on which the company
is now concentrating exclusively
Warners has increased its "A" and
preferred playing time by more than
150 per cent in the past season,
playdate records of the company re-
veal.
In the matter of "A" time alone
Warners is understood to be get-
ting more such playing time than
any other company.
This garnering of choice play-
dates has combined with extended
runs to give the company its cur-
rent all-time high in billings.
McMURPHEY WILL STUDY INDUSTRY
New OCR Amusement Head Formerly Managed Theaters;
May Appoint Industry Operations Executive
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — In order to "fit the
industry into the war effort," consid-
erable study of the motion picture
industry, along with the entire enter-
tainment field will be necessary,
George W. McMurphey said Friday.
McMurphey is to head the Amuse-
ment and Recreation Section of the
Service Trades and Distribution Di-
vision of the Office of Civilian Re-
quirements as soon as his transfer
from OPA is approved by the Civil
Service Commission. An order was
signed last week giving OCR a "co-
ordinating" authority over amuse-
ments as well as many other phases
of civilian life.
McMurphey made it plain that he
is not interested in a "make work"
program. Emphasizing his lack of
(Continued on Page 10)
Schines Win Second
Ohio Consent Award
Cleveland — Schine's Norwalk and
Moose Theaters in Norwalk are
granted elimination of the seven-day
clearance heretofore enjoyed by
Warners' Ohio Theater, Sandusky,
with the understanding that the Nor-
walk houses may play pictures im-
mediately upon conclusion of the
Sandusky run, by a consent award
(Continued on Page 10)
Law and Order Rally as
Counter to Vandalism
Newark, N. J. — First of a series of
"Law and Order" rallies for boys,
conceived as a means to curb juvenile
vandalism throughout this area, was
held Saturday at the Broad St. The-
(Continued on Page 9)
McNufl May Block
Super-Critical List
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Possibility that
WMC Director Paul V. McNutt may
step in to block the issuance of the
proposed super-list of "critical" oc-
cupations, which has been under dis-
cussion for some time by the Essen-
tial Activities Committee of WMC,
rose at the week-end. The commit-
(Continued on Page 7)
Messinger Quits Canada's
Wartime Prices Board
Toronto — Lou Messinger, promi-
nent official of the Wartime Prices
Board, has resigned with the an-
nounced intention of returning to
commercial activities. For the last
(Continued on Page 8)
Moves To Dismiss Appeal
Crescent Counsel Claims Judgment Not Final
WAC's Harmon, OWI's
Hoyt on Coast for Confabs
Francis S. Harmon, executive vice-
chairman of the WAC, and Palmer
Hoyt, recently appointed director of
the domestic branch of the OWI, are
due in Hollywood this morning for
meetings with the executive commit-
{Continued on Page 8)
Nashville — A motion to dismiss
the appeal to the Supreme Court in
the Government anti-trust suit
against Crescent Amusement Co. and
others was filed Friday by George
H. Armistead, Jr., and William Wal-
ler, defense cousel.
Motion was entered in behalf of
Crescent, Cumberland Amusement
Co., Lyric Amusement Co., Rockwood
(Continued on Page 9)
Scollard Notified In WMC
Letter; Ruling Does Not
Affect Essentiality
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Washington film ex-
changes have been granted an ex-
emption from the 48-hour work
week order, C. J. "Pat" Scollard,
Paramount chief of branch opera-
tions, was notified at the week-end.
Scollard, who was here with Syd-
ney Bromberg, Loew's attorney, last
Tuesday presented a letter stating
the case for film row, signed by nine
major distributors and the Washing-
(Continued on Page 8)
July's Arbitration
Case Spurt "Amazes
Industry attorneys are expressing
"amazement" over the sudden spurt
in the number of arbitration com-
plaints filed in July after a period
of comparative inactivity. Twelve
new complaints have been filed in
(Continued on Page 8)
"One World" Will Be
Made in 9 Languages
Twentieth-Fox will produce Wen-
dell Willkie's "One World" in eight
foi*eign languages in addition to
English it was announced at the
week-end. Languages will include
(Continued on Page 9)
Cleveland Weighs
Juves' Segregation
Cleveland — The City Law Depart-
ment and Police Capt. Arthur V.
Roth, chief of the department's
juvenile bureau have under con-
sideration the drafting of a law
segregating in motion picture thea-
ters children under 16 not ac-
companied by adults, as a means to
control juvenile delinquency. Capt.
Roth and assistant law director
Joseph H. Crowley are working
toward that end in co-operation with
George W. Erdmann, secretary of
the Cleveland Motion Picture Exhi-
bitors Association.
—77
Monday, July 26, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 17 Mon., July 26, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE :
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN
Publisher
General Manager
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
a
(July 23)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High ow Close Chg.
Am. Seat
Col.'Picrs. vtc. (2'/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con Fm. Ind 23,4 23/4 23,4
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 163^ 163/4 163/4— i/4
East. Kodak 167y4 166 166 — 1%
do pfd
Cen. iPrec. Eq 213/4 21 % 21 3^ + %
Loew's, Inc 63y2 63l/4 63'/2 + Vi
Paramount 28% 2&Vi 28y2 — '/2
'RKO 93/8 9i/8 9i/4
RKO $6 pfd 94 94 94+1
20th Century-Fox . . 13% 23Vs 23l/8 — Vt
20th Century-Fox pfd. 34 33% 333/4
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 14% 14% 143/4
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 3'/2 33/8 33/8 — V4
RKO War 1 % ^3^ \%
Sonotone Corp 3% 33/4 33/4— %
Technicolor 15'/4 15 15 — V4
Trans-Lux 3 3 3 + Vs
Universal Picts. vtc. 18% 18 18% + V4
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Met. Playhouse, Inc. 2nd deb. '45
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57
Ray Murray to Columbia
Ray Murray joins Columbia's home
office publicity department today,
and will function as trade press con-
tact under Hortense Schorr. Re-
cently with Metro's shorts depart-
ment, Murray formerly was Jay
Emanuel's New York correspondent
for the Exhibitor string.
10 P.M. Grand Rapids Curfew
Grand Rapids, Mich. — The City
Commission has adopted a 10 p.m.
curfew law, effective Aug. 19.
H The Broadway Parade H
Picture and Distributor Theater
Mission to Moscow (Warner Bros. Pictures)— 13th week Hollywood
Stage Door Canteen (United Artists-Sol Lesser) — 5th week ' Capitol
Dixie (Paramount Pictures) — 5th week Paramount
Best Foot Forward (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 5th week Astor
Victory Through Air Power (United Artists-Walt Disney) — 2nd week Globe
Appointment in Berlin (Columbia iPictures) — 2nd week.. Rialto
The Constant Nymph (Warner Bros. Pictures) Strand
Hers to Hold (Universal Pictures) Criterion
Mr. Lucky (RKO Radio Pictures) Music Hall
Stormy Weather (Twentieth Century-Fox) Roxy
Squadron Leader (RKO Radio Pictures) (a) Palace
The Falcon in Danger (RKO Radio Pictures) (a) Palace
Wise Guy (Monogram Pictures) (a) New York
Stranger from Pecos (Monogram Pictures) (a) New York
♦ TWO-A-DAY RUN ♦
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Paramount Pictures)— 3rd week Rivoli
♦ FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURES ♦
The Russian Story (Artkino Pictures) — 8th week Stanley
Honeymoon Nights (Grovas) Belmont
♦ FUTURE OPENINGS ♦
Bombers Moon (Twentieth Century-Fox) — July 30 Rialto
Let's Face It (Paramount Pictures)— July 28 Paramount
Hit the Ice (Universal Pictures) (c) Criterion
DuBarry Was a Lady (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer) Capitol
Heaven Can Wait (Twentieth Century-Fox) (c) Roxy
So Proudly We Hail (Paramount Pictures) (c) Music Hall
Coney Island (Twentieth Century-Fox) (a-b) — July 29 Palace
Calaboose (United Artists) (a)— July 29 ..Palace
This is the Army (Warner Bros. Pictures)— July 28 Hollywood
(a) Dual bill (b) Subsequent run. (c) Follows current bill.
Rep. Ad-Publicity Heads
To Spend Time in Field
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — New promotional set-
up for Republic, announced by Her-
bert R. Yates at the West Coast
branch managers' convention which
closed at the studio Friday, will see
a rotation of duties for Charles Reed
Jones, in charge of all advertising;
Steve Edwards, assigned to handle
all publicity, and Len Boyd, new
liaison for the New York ad-pub-
licity department on the Coast.
Rotation plan is designed to enable
each of the trio to spend much time
in the field gaining first hand infor-
mation on show problems and trends.
Jones, Edwards and Boyd will have
authority to select men to represent
them in the field and to augment the
present staffs in New York and Hol-
lywood.
Republic's ad - publicity - exploita-
tion budget for the new season calls
for a $3,000,000 minimum, to be ex-
pended as directed by the new setup.
Canada is slated for a campaign
comparable to that staged on this
side of the international line.
RKO Radio Home Office
Reps. Meeting in Chi.
Chicago — Annual meeting of RKO
Radio's home office representatives
opens here today at the Blackstone
Hotel, with A. A. .Schubart, manager
of exchange operations, and his as-
sistant, William J. McShea, presid-
ing. Meetings will continue through
tomorrow.
Attending the sessions are Elmer
Sedin, Jack Schmitzer, John Wang-
berg, William Burke, Jack de Waal,
Dan Nolan, Otto Braeunig, Frank
Duffy, Ted Carey and Ray O'Brien,
the latter being office manager of
the Chicago branch.
Lobby Broadcast Set
For "Army's" Premiere
World premiere of "This is the
Army" will be exclusively broadcast
by Station WMCA from the lobby
of the Hollywod Theater on Wed-
nesday night, from 8:15 to 8:45
with Jerry Lawrence and Ethel
Colby providing description and in-
terviewing notables.
The program comes at an hour
which the station does not ordinar-
ily relinquish except for President
Roosevelt's talks.
By order of Gen. Sanderford Jar-
man, commanding general of Anti-
Aircraft Artillery, Atlantic Sea-
board, a battalion of troops num-
bering about 250 men, with 15 huge
AA lights and 30 Belfour French
AA guns, will establish a post at
and in the vicinity of the Hollywood
Theater, where "This is the Army"
has its world premiere Wednesday
night.
The men will police the area and
lend color to the opening. Unit also
will be permitted to open its lights
into the sky during the evening's
activities.
Nine Warner Executives
Return to N. Y. From Trips
Nine Warners executives are back
in New York today following west-
ern trips and tours.
Charles Einfeld and Mort Blumen-
stock returned over the week-end
from Chicago, where they conferred
with Army Relief officials on Irv-
ing Berlin's "This is the Arma"
Ben Kalmenson is back fromT ur
of the south and midwest following
his regional sales meetings in Chi
cago and San Francisco.
Roy Haines and A. W. Schwal-
berg, who also visited some key cit-
ies en route East, and Norman H
Moray, Howard Levinson and Al-
bert S. Howson, who stopped off at
the Burbank studio, after the Frisco
meeting, have now returned to New
York.
Jules Lapidus is back from a trip
to Pittsburgh.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
Lena HORNE Bill ROBINSON
Cab CALLOWAY
and his band : W"" ij&i
A 20lh CENTURY FOX PICTUM
PLUS A BIG D f\ Y V 7th Ave.
STAGE SHOW KUA I * 50th St.
Army Flying "Army" Print
To New York Wednesday
Warners' scheduled press screen-
ing of "This Is the Army" tomorrow
afternoon at the home office is off.
Print will not arrive until Wednes-
day when the Army is flying it in
from the Coast. Special Army pre-
view to which critics will be invited
will take place Wednesday afternoon
at the Hollywood theater.
Smith Quits UA Post
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Cresson Smith, UA
branch manager here, left the com-
pany Saturday to retire to his Red-
lands ranch.
"DIXIE" • m Person
With * ANDREWS SISTERS
BING CROSBY * TIM HERBERT
DOROTHY LAMOUR if MITCH AYRES
A Paramount Picture -^r and his orchestra
Cool PARAMOUNT Times Square
EQ
B'WAY &
47th St.
TOM CONWAY • JEAN BROOKS
"THE FALCON IN DANGER"
and
SQUADRON LEADER "X"
ANN DVORAK • ERIC PORTMAN
loTwSTHTE
ON SCREEN
"WHAT'S
BUZZIN'
COUSIN"
ANN MILLER
ROCHESTER
First N. Y. Showing
T
IN PERSON
'SLAPSIE'
MAXIE
ROSENBLOOM
& HELD OVER
JACKIE MILES
i
IN 1943-44
Ite*
fy,
'*
*fe
'"eft,
w
<*ta
*
iAllA
■I
«?J
4 \
■
Paramount
Pictures
uffn the part of some committee mem-
bers as to whether the critical list
Should be brought out. Although
Jie committee majority is reported
,o favor bringing it out, there is
trong opposition. One member
- lointed out Friday that the compil-
ng of a list of "critical occupa-
ions" is nothing new. It has been
liscussed for two years, he said,
Recalling that long before we were
n the war, the United States Em-
ployment Service had such a list for
ts own use. Although obviously
- ipposed to the issuance of such a
oist, he was not at all certain that
t would be blocked although _ sev-
- iral broadcasting jobs are believed
tinder consideration for inclusion on
he list. There are no motion picture
obs included.
Sent Curfew Enforced
Kent, O. — Kent's new curfew law
requiring children under 15, unac-
companied by adults to be off the
streets between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. is
now in effect. The ordinance, backed
by the PTA, was signed yesterday
'by the mayor.
JULY 26
C. L. Yearsley Charles Butterworth
Nat Levine
The Midas Touch:
• • • DESPITE the high commercial mindedness of our theater-
men o'er the land, there is a factor affecting their pocketbooks which
begets considerably less attention than it deserves Phil M. refers
specifically to the aura and national grossing advantages which spring
from a feature picture's presentation at Radio City Music Hall
To begin with, there is no first-run outlet in the country comparable to
Mister Gus S. Eyssell's emporium when it comes to glorifying any at-
traction selected for presentation At once the metropolitan populace
is flagged as to pic's merit — the filmgoers hereabouts knowing full
well that if it's good enough for RCMH, it's good enough for them
In these days of rapid communications (plus the mysterious manner in
which word gets around via chatter), it isn't long e'er John Q. Public
in both key and hamlet alike learns directly and from the "underground"
that a certain opus is a Music Hall selection This is particularly true
within the trade, because our distribution gents, good traders that they
are drive home to outlets that the picture they are vending has grabbed
an RCMH booking True, the wily exhib, scrapping for terms, may
minimize the importance of RCMH engagements to the film salesman, —
but that's all part of the game
▼ T T
• • # BUT, notwithstanding a degree of consciousness on the
part of many showmen re RCMH bookings' value to their own box-
offices, there are those who are prone to view the phenomenon with
amazing complacency Most exhibs are wise to the fact (ALL
distribs are) that a RCMH engagement, just per se, imparts to a picture
a huge potential "take" That comes under the heading of, as
we have mentioned above, "national grossing advantages" On
the side of aura, there is much to be said and appreciated You
can call it an intangible, if you like, but it's definitely more than
that Perhaps the best way to come by a conviction is to attend
a RCMH dress rehearsal Thereat, everything prepared in con-
nection with the stage show is pointed-up to enhance the feature film
After all, RCMH is a film theater The pointing-up, how-
ever, is done so exceedingly well that literally millions of Americans
instead of saying "I went to Such-and-Such (naming the film's title)
yesterday," clarions "I went to the Music Hall yesterday" The
handsome "bonus" of RCMH divertissements lures regularly a plethora
of patrons into the big stand The Rockettes have their dyed-in-
the-wool fans, just as the stars of any feature have So have the
Corps de Ballet, the Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Organ, and all
the other sub-divisions of the show Legions of entertainment-
seekers properly place on their respective and deserved pedestals such
executive artisans as Leon Leonidoff, Russell Marhert, Florence Rogge,
Bruno Maine, Eugene Braun, Nat Karson, Willa Van, Marco Mon-
tedora, H. Rogge, Erno Rapee and his associate conductors, Frank
Nowicki and Jules Silver; Richard Leibert and Harry Campbell,
presiding at the Grand Organ keyboards; and other staff mem-
bers
T T T
• • • LITERALLY a flood of genius and maze of mechanics con-
tribute to the fashioning of the stage show, setting off to maximum ad-
vantage the toil, time, yes and dollars, which Hollywood has poured
into the screen offering Accompanying RCMH's current attraction,
RKO Radio's "Mr. Lucky," — packaging in the customers — is a brilliant
surrounding program, typical of how Mister Eyssell glorifies the feature
films he plays, and adds lustre and gold for exhibs subsequently playing
them
AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
COMMA and G0IJ1G
OSCAR NEU, president of Neumade Products,
is in Chicago attending the Mid-West Forum.
SPYROS SKOURAS, 20th-Fox prexy, returns to
New York today from the Coast.
MADELEINE WHITE of Monogram returns to-
day from a short vacation.
LOUIS PHILLIPS has arrived on the Coast for
a three-week stay.
FRANCIS HARMON and PALMER HOYT ar-
rive in Hollywood today.
IRVING SHIFFRIN of RKO left for Hollywood
Friday.
A. A. SCHUBART and WILLIAM McSHEA
of RKO are in Chicago.
EDWARD SCHN1TZER, UA western division
manager, left over the week-end on a tour of
the exchanges in his territory. He will be
gone for about three weeks.
ARTHUR JEFFRY, of the UA publicity depart-
ment, is now enjoying the first week of his
vacation at Belle Harbor.
Gordon Gets Six Months
For "Junior Miss" Choice
Max Gordon and his associates in
the ownership of "Junior Miss" have
been given six months to decide
which of two offers made by Mary
Pickford for the screen rights to
the play they will accept. An an-
nounced in The Film Daily on
Friday, the owners have a choice
between $410,000 outright or $355,-
000 plus 35 per cent of the picture's
net profits. It is said to be the
highest price ever paid for the screen
rights to a play or story.
United Artists received permis-
sion under the terms of the pur-
chase to release the film version in
June, 1944, a year earlier than the
release date on which Gordon and
the writers had insisted.
"Junior Miss" completes its New
York run on July 31 after chalking
up more than 700 performances.
Fire Damages NFB Building
Ottawa — Undetermined loss was
caused the National Film Board
building Friday afternoon when fire
started in the film cutting room.
Three workers and a number of fire-
men were injured.
Expect Willkie Will
Defend Chaplin Suit
Wendell L Willkie, as senior part-
ner of Willkie, Owen, Otis, Farr and
Gallagher, prominent law firm which
was appointed special counsel to
20th-Fox at company's board meeting
on April 9, 1942, at which time Will-
kie himself was elected chairman of
the board, will play an important role
in defense of the million dollar suit
which Charles Chaplin, in his own
behalf and that of UA stockholders,
formally brought on Thursday against
20th-Fox, David O. Selznick, David
O. Selznick Productions, Vanguard
Films, Inc., and United Artists Corp.,
it was reported on the week-end.
Plaintiff is represented in the action
by Schwartz & Frohlich, veteran mo-
tion picture legalists.
M*
V^V DAILY
Monday, July 26, 1943
July's Arbitration
Case Spurt "Amazes
(Continued from Page 1)
July and the month has a week to
go. Five of the new cases were filed
in Boston and two in Buffalo, while
in June three were filed in Buffalo
and two in Boston, making a total
of seven new cases in Boston and
five in Buffalo.
While no concrete reason has been
established for the upswing in ar-
bitration complaints, one theory is
that with business at a new high
in most spots, exhibitors have the
money to seek adjustments now so
that they will be in a more advan-
tageous position if, and when, the
present high grosses taper off.
Some attorneys see no other rea-
son inasmuch as a majority of the
theaters are playing to capacity and
couldn't hold any more patrons re-
gardless of the clearance situation.
Latter group of lawyers speculates
on the possibility of a relationship
between the approaching expiration
of the New York consent decree and
the exhibitors' squawks.
Two Arbitration Cases
Are Docketed in Boston
Two demands for arbitration were
filed in the Boston tribunal at the
week-end, both involving clearance.
One was docketed by the Newport
Theater Co., an E. M. Loew unit,
operating the Paramount Theater,
Newport, R. I. Complaint asserts
that the Paramount now plays prod-
uct second-run subject to 60 days
after the Strand in Newport and 60
days after the Opera House, except
pictures from 20th Century-Fox
which demands 90 days' clearance for
the Opera House. Complainant asks
that all clearances to the Strand and
Opera House be reduced to 14 days.
The Plaza Theater, Derry, N. H.,
is seeking a reduction of clearance
now granted to the State, Crown and
Strand in Manchester and the State
and Tremont in Nashua, all of which
have 30 days over the Plaza. Com-
plainant wants the Nashua clearance
abolished or reduced to one day and
the Manchester clearance reduced to
seven days.
L. A. Theater Is Denied
Clearance Adjustments
Clearance relief for the Los Feliz
Theater, Los Angeles, has been de-
nied by the arbitrator who found
that the evidence presented at the
hearings did not justify the charges.
Complainant claimed that the 49-day
clearance given to the Los Angeles
first-runs was unreasonable and
IN NEW POSTS
W. W. McKENDRICK, salesman, Monogram,
Seattle.
JOHNNY MORPHET, booker, Monogram, St.
Louis.
WILLIAM McHALE, copy chief, Kayton-Spiero
Co., Inc., New York.
Bed Cross Pix Service Grows
Wounded at Front and at Home See Movies
Expanding motion picture depart-
ment of the American Red Cross is
now servicing 170 Recreational
House theaters in hospitals through-
out the U. S., assuring twice-weekly
showings of current films to military
patients only. Seating capacities of
the auditoriums range from 125 to
1,200 seats, the latter found in the
Halloran General Hospital, Staten
Island. Average attendance at each
showing is 400. All expenses for
this service are paid by the Amer-
ican Red Cross from its contribu-
tions by the American public.
For the wounded and sick men who
cannot be moved from their hospital
beds the Red Cross has set up a
16 mm. ward service which is made
available to all Army hospitals of
100 beds or more. There are 400
of these portable units in operation.
Ward shows are given at least twice
a week, and sometimes daily, except
Sundays.
This special 16 mm. service also
is operated overseas by the Red
Cross and in many cases movies are
shown to the men while they are
waiting to be removed from dressing
stations close to the front.
Pictures to be shown in hospitals are
carefully selected by the Red Cross. All
war film are eliminated and the emphasis
is placed on musicals and comedies with an
WAC's Harmon, OWI's
Hoyt on Coast for Confabs
(Continued from Page 1)
tee of the WAC Hollywood division
and the directors of three producer
associations.
All industry matters of mutual
concern to the OWI, the WAC in
Hollywood and to the producers will
be discussed at these informal ses-
sions. Harmon and Hoyt will meet
with the executive committee of the
Hollywood division at a luncheon to-
day, presided over by E. J. Mannix,
vice-president, and with the Asso-
ciation of Motion Picture Producers,
headed by Y. Frank Freeman, to-
night. Tomorrow afternoon they
will confer with the Independent Mo-
tion Picture Producers Association,
president of which is E. W. Chad-
wick, and a session with the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Pro-
ducers, headed by Loyd Wright, is
slated for tomorrow night.
Harmon will remain until Thurs-
day so as to confer on the indus-
try's participation in the third War
Loan drive.
asked that the clearance be cut to
35 days when the Los Feliz charged
35 cents and 21 days when the house
charged 40 cents. Arbitrator found
that the existing clearance was not
unreasonable and dismissed the case.
It's "Diamond Empire"
"Diamond Empire" is the title se-
lected for the re-issue of "Rhodes,"
the Gaumont British picture prev-
iously released by 20th Century-Fox
and shortly to be re-issued by Film
Classics, Inc.
occasional drama if it is not too heavy. The
programs usually run one hour and a half,
and if the feature does not take up all the
time it is supplemented by comedy and
community sing- shorts. Bookings for the
current month include such pictures os
"Coney Island," "The More the Merrier,"
"Tennessee Johnson," 'Happy Go Lucky,"
"It Ain't Hay," 'Lady of Burlesque," "Some-
thing to Shout About," "Once Upon A
Honeymoon," "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and
others.
The therapeutic value of movies for con-
valescent patients in military hospitals is so
well recognized by the medical profession
that the showing of films has been made
an integral part of the hospital schedule.
It constitutes a passive recreation which is
medically approved, particularly for patients
who are still too ill to take any active part
in entertainment activities.
Usually it is the first type of amusement
to which the patient turns the moment he
is able to be out of bed, for he can be
taken to the recreation hall in a wheel chair
by an attendant without physical effort in
order to enjoy himself.
Screen entertainment enables him to take
his mind off his troubles for an hour or two,
to live in a world of make-believe tempo-
rarily and return, refreshed mentally, to
his routine with a renewal of spirit highly
essential to his recovery, according- to Army
doctors.
Edward Doyle, national director of the
hospital motion picture service, who super-
vises the operation of this Red Cross enter-
prise, has expressed his thanks to the mo-
tion picture industry by saying:
"It is understood that without the indus-
try's whole-hearted co-operation, the Amer-
ican Red Cross would not have been able
to operate this extensive motion picture
program."
Messinger Quits Canada's
Wartime Prices Board
(Continued from Page 1)
month, he had been assigned duties
in connection with establishing raw
film quotas in connection with the
proposed reduced supply to labora-
tories at Toronto and Montreal cov-
ering next season's product under a
plan which gave highest priority to
needs of Federal Government's Na-
tional Film Board.
Messinger had dealt with officials
at Washington and Ottawa on the
new film control policy when his
resignation was announced from
Government service.
Rudnick Gets 2 Years
On Conspiracy Charge
Boston — Samuel Rudnick, a con-
tractor, was sentenced to two years
in jail Friday following his con-
viction of conspiracy in connection
with the Cocoanut Grove night club
fire last November, which cost 492
lives. Rudnick filed an immediate
appeal through his counsel.
Three other men were acquitted
on conspiracy to evade the building
laws. They were: James Welansky,
brother of Barnett Welansky, now
serving a 12-15 year prison term
for manslaughter; Theodore El-
dracker, city building inspector and
David Gilbert, Rudnick employe.
Abe Lyman Set at Strand
Abe Lyman and his Orchestra will
appear in person at the New York
Strand with the run of Warner's
"Watch on the Rhine," starting
Aug. 27.
Exchanges Exempted
From 48 Hour Ruling
(Continued from Page 1)
ton area WMC office sent a letter
notifying him that his plea was sue
cessful last Saturday.
The question of essentiality of
Washington exchange workers, i:
the eyes of the U. S. Employment
Service is still to be settled. ^-^1-
though Scollard and local maif \:%
were told last month that the vt-Jsh-
ington office does consider film ex-
change workers essential, the local
officials have since asked that a
petition for essentiality be submit-
ted for further consideration. It
must be approved by the regionnal
office here, as well as by the local
office.
In no event will a determination
by the local office that film work-
ers are essential affect Selective
Service consideration of film workers.
In view of the increasing likeli-
hood of a national labor draft, how-
ever, it would be an important de-
cision.
Admission Tax Collections
Declined During June
(Continued from Page 1)
was more than three and a half mil-
lion under the May collections of
$14,625,615, amounting to only $11,-
109,476.77. June collections, last
year were slightly higher, adding up
to $11,550,144.36.
Collections from the Third New
York (Broadway) area showed con- j
tinued improvement, with the total
rising by $100,000 from May collec
tions of $1,865,159 to $1,967,604.43.
This was considerably better than
the $1,703,492 realized from this area
in June, 1942. Theater admissions
accounted for $1,787,404.37, as
against only $1,571,313 a year ago
and $1,622,991 a month earlier. Col
lections on brokers sales rose from
under $15,000 in the May collection
and only about $9,000 in the June,
1942, collection to $17,405.21, while
the collections from roof gardens
and cabarets dropped off from $227,
248 in May to $162,745.
Exhib. Ass'n to Hear Lee
At the invitation of R. R. Biechele
president of the Kansas-Missouri
Theater Association, Claude Lee, di
rector of public relations for Para-
mount, will address the Silver An-
niversary convention of the organi-
zation, to be held at the Phillips Ho-
tel, Kansas City, next Wednesday
and Thursday.
TO THE COLORS!
* ARMY *
MAXWELL SELIOMAN, Warner Bros, home of-
fice still dept.
MARVIN W. ROSE, National Screen Service,
Seattle.
Monday, July 26, 1943
DAILY
Moves lo Dismiss
Crescent Appeal
(Continued from Page 1)
Amusement Co., Cherokee Amuse-
ment Co., Anthony Sudekum and
Kermit C. Stengel and is described
as a "motion to dismiss the appeal
filed by the plaintiff in this ease
on the ground that the appeal is
I nremature in that at the time of the
, ■« — -ng there was pending undisposed
4>L by the Court a motion of Cres-
cent Amusement Co. to amend the
findings of fact and to make ad-
ditional findings, filed May 27.
Undisposed of motions filed by
I Cumberland, Rockwood, Cherokee
and Kentucky Amusement Co. on
March 23 and supplements to these
motions filed on March 26 were re-
vealed in an attached form signed
by the clerk of the court.
Crescent motion was based on
claims that the judgment of the
court was not final because of these
motions and that therefore an ap-
peal could not be made as no men-
tions of the pending motions and pe-
titions was made in the appeal
filed by Assistant Attorney General
Tom C. Clark and Special Assistant
Robert L. Wright. Crescent and af-
filiated defendants demand in their
appeal that copies of these motions
and petitions pending be made a
( part of the plaintiff's appeal record.
Judge Elmer Davies is in Louisiana
due to the death of his mother and is
i not expected back in Nashville until
i about Aug. 1.
"One World" Will Be
Made in 9 Languages
(Continued from Page 1)
German, Italian, Russian, Chinese,
French, Turkish, Arabic and Span-
ish and it is planned to show the
picture in Axis and Axis occupied
countries as soon as they are occu-
pied by Allied forces.
Darryl F. Zanuck, who will pro-
| duce the film, leaves Hollywood for
New York this week to discuss pro-
duction details with Willkie.
"Rhine" Showing Today
Warners will tradeshow "Watch
on the Rhine" at 2:30 p.m. today in
the home office projection room.
"Murder on the Waterfront" also is
; being screened this morning at 10.
WEDDING BELLS
Engagement is announced of Eve-
lyn Rosenfeld, secretary to Jesse T.
Mills, Loew's comptroller, to Charles
Lehrer. Latter is not connected
with the industry. Marriage will
° take place in September.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Los Angeles — Iris Adrian is now
Mrs. George Jacobi. The husband is
owner of New York's Club 78 and
Jake's.
HCLl_y>VC€D DIGEST
SIGNED
CEORCE CIVOT, termer, RKO.
RANDOLPH SCOTT, three pictures, 20th-Fox.
ASSIGNMENTS
CHARLES R. MARION and TIM RYAN, screen-
play, "The Sultan's Daughter," Monogram.
PHIL ROSEN, director, "Charlie Chan in Secret
Service," Monogram.
BERTRAM HORLICK, screenplay, "The Little
Church Around the Corner," Monogram.
ROBERT WILMOT, director, "Harvest Melody,"
Walter Colmes-PRC.
TITLE SWITCHES
'So This is Washington," formerly, "Dollar a
Year Man," RKO.
'Underdog," formerly, "The Man from Wash-
ington," PRC.
'Two Worlds," formerly, "Strange Music,"
PRC.
CASTINGS
LUISE RAINER, "China Sky," RKO; ARTURO
de CORDOVA, "Cagliostro," Paramount; RAN-
DOLPH SCOTT, "Only the Stars are Neutral,"
20th-Fox; JIMMY DURANTE, "Ziegfeld Fol-
lies," M-C-M; MARY ANDERSON, "Lifeboat,"
20th-Fox; PHILIP DORN, "Passage to Mar-
seilles," Warners; MILES MANDER, "Cover
Girl," Columbia; ALLYN JOSLYN, "Passport to
Dakar," Universal; BETTY RHODES and JOHN-
NIE JOHNSTON, "National Barn Dance," Para-
mount; ELIZABETH PATTERSON, "Hail the
Conquering Hero," Paramount; MARY BETH
HUGHES, "Rhythm Ranch," Paramount; ELEAN-
OR STEWART, "Thundering Hoofs," Harry
Sherman-UA; LOUISE BEAVERS, "Jack London, "
Samuel Bronston-UA; CLAUDIA DRAKE, "Col-
lege Sweetheart," Monogram; HOOT GIBSON
and KEN MAYNARD, "Death Valley Rangers,"
Monogram.
SCHEDULED
"Manhattan Rhythm," producer, JACK
SCHWARZ, original, MARTIN MOONEY,
PRC.
Law and Order Rally as
Counter to Vandalism
(Continued from Page 1)
ater, here. Approximately 500 teen-
age youths attended.
Rally was sponsored by Newark
Post, American Legion, and the Es-
sex County Council, Jr. OUAM.
Each youngster attending was
asked to designate a particular or-
ganization with which he will affili-
ate. Listed were the Robert Treat
Council, Boy Scouts; Newark Boys'
Club; Red Shields Boys; Robert
Treat Cadets, and the white and
colored branches of the local YMCA
boys' recreational department.
Purpose of making the boys
pledge their allegiance to one of
these groups is primarily "to get
these boys off the streets," a spokes-
man for the sponsoring group de-
clared. "Given new interests, they
will respond and eventually juvenile
delinquency and vandalism will dis-
appear," he said.
The movement has the endorse-
ment of other civic, social and re-
ligious groups which will, in turn,
sponsor similar rallies at the Broad
Street Theater.
Canadian Theaters to Get
Pix on Basis of '41 Pacts
(Continued from Page 1)
will be based on 1941 contracts to
insure a proportionate delivery of
product to Dominion theaters. Any
departure from the formula must be
okayed by the Board's Administra-
tor.
Griffith Trial
Conference Sept. 13
(Continued from Page 1)
other independent operators and
other factors as covered in the num-
ber of similar suits filed over the
country. The suit also attacks the
clearance contracts and charges spe-
cial concessions given Griffith by the
distributors.
H. L. Flurry of Dallas, special
assistant to the Attorney General, is
scheduled to assist Charles E. Dier-
ker, U. S. District Attorney, in pre-
trial hearings on the case.
Fay Courteney Dead
Fay Courteney, who appeared in
silent films, dramatic stock and more
recently in radio, died here last week.
STORKS
St. Louis — A daughter, Maureen,
was born to Mr. and Mrs. James J.
Brassil. Mrs. Brassil, the former
Mary Louise Barrett, is the oldest
of five daughters of David F. Bar-
rett, Film Daily's staff correspon-
dent.
Trailer Fights Vandalism
National Screen Service has just
completed production of, and has
available to theaters at a nominal
price, a trailer designed to combat
vandalism in film theaters, organi-
zation announced on the week-end.
The trailer points out that people
who cut seats, and otherwise dam-
age theater property, are working
for Hitler, and asks co-operation of
all patrons.
114 Names on 20th-Fox
Roll of Honor Plaque
Twentieth-Fox plaque with IT4
names of home office personnel from
executives to office boys was placed
Friday in the company's reception
offices on 56th St. Bronze Roll of
Honor will carry all names of home
office personnel leaving for the du-
ration.
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF THE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
^ 'SONG OF
TEXAS'
/taod&i
FIRST RUN
M
10
IDE
iJfffW*
* DAILY
Monday, July 26, 1943
McMurphey Will
Study Industry
(.Continued from Page 1)
authority to speak officially for OCR
before he becomes a part of organi-
zation he declared that, "if there is
a job to be done, we will do it."
He has no idea whether or not any
great amount of regulation of the
motion picture industry is necessary,
he said, and admitted that he was
impressed by a presentation of the
case against Government interfer-
ence with the industry put before
him last week by Allen G. Smith,
amusements chief of WPB's Service
Equipment Division.
McMurphey himself has had some
experience with theater management,
and has made it plain that he will
rely largely upon experienced heads
in the business. He was for three
years — 1929-32 — manager of theaters
in Portland, for Fox West Coast
and Paramount Publix. Since then,
until coming to OPA last year, he
has been in the radio, advertising
and merchandising fields.
Despite the experience, McMur-
phey is not certain that he will stay
long in direct charge of the enter-
tainment field. He said Friday that
he is thinking seriously of trying
to find an industry man to bring in
as operating head of the division.
Although the full scope of OCR
authority is hot yet clear even to
those most directly concerned, it ap-
pears that the agency will serve in
a position within WPB analogous to
that of the Office of War Mobiliza-
tion among all the various war agen-
cies. Authority to enforce its pro-
gram does exist, said one OCR of-
ficial, pleading that he was too un-
familiar with the order to explain
it in detail.
Two functions stand out as most
important among those of the OCR.
The first is its right to determine es-
sentiality of an industry, or a part
of that industry, on, respectively a
national and a local basis. It is con-
ceivable for instance, that if an ex-
hibitor is faced with closing for lack
of scarce repair parts, or fuel oil,
OCR might refuse to permit him to
receive these parts because there are
sufficient theaters in the area to ser-
vice the public. On the other hand
it might exercise extreme pressure
to procure the needed parts or the
fuel oil for him because if he closes
his doors his area will have inade-
quate screen facilities.
The second major function prom-
ises to be what has been described
variously as determination of and
setting of "standards of operation"
for an industry. Here the presenta-
tion of industry problems as pre-
sented by Smith may prove to be
of real value in balking any attempt
to decide arbitrarily that theaters
must, for instance be open uniform
hours, charge uniform prices or any-
thing of that sort. Actually, it is not
likely that any such move would be
attempted.
Although Harold Hopper in the
Consumers Durable Goods Division,
and Smith in the Service Equipment
reviews of new mms
"Appointment in
Berlin"
with George Sanders, Marguerite Chapman
Columbia 77 Mins.
FAST SPY MELODRAMA SHOULD MAKE
GOOD BOOKING; ACTING OF PRINCI-
PALS PROVES BIG HELP.
In "Appointment in Berlin" Columbia has
put together a most satisfying spy melo-
drama which completes its course with
speed and dispatch. The story elements
have been exploited to good advantage,
while the acting lifts the whole to a high
level of entertainment.
The exploitation possibilities have been
enhanced by patterning the main character
after Lord Haw Haw. The difference in
this instance is that the prototype of Haw
Haw is in reality working for the British
Government.
To a certain point the story is made up
of familiar material — material, however,
which has been given a good treatment
Sanders plays a cashiered RAF wing com-
mander who is engaged for counter-es-
pionage work. His assignment is to work
his way into the confidence of a German
spy ring by romancing Marguerite Chapman,
sister of Onslow Stevens, head of the vil-
lains. To carry out his work effectively
Sanders has to be made out to be a traitor
to his country. He is taken in by the spy
ring and is given the job of broadcasting
to the British people propaganda designed
to destroy their morale. Sanders cleverly
uses the broadcasts to supply the British
with bits of secret information about the
Nazis. When the Germans discover the
ruse, Sanders and Miss Chapman, who has
no sympathy for Nazism, are killed in an ex-
citing climax in which they prevent the
invasion of England.
Ernest performances are given by Sanders
and Miss Chapman. In addition to Stevens
their support includes Gale Sondergaard,
Alan Napier, H. P. Sanders, Don Douglas
and several others. Samuel Bischoff gave
the film a good production. Alfred E. Green's
direction is commendable. Horace McCoy
and Michael Hogan did the screenplay from
a story by B. P. Fineman.
CAST: George Sanders, Marguerite Chap-
man, Onslow Stevens, Gale Sondergaard,
Alan Napier, H. P. Sanders, Don Douglas,
Jack Lee, Alec Craig, Leonard Mudie, Fred-
eric Worlock, Steve Geray.
CREDITS: Producer, Samuel Bischoff;
Director, Alfred E. Green; Screenplay, Hor-
ace McCoy, Michael Hogan; Based on story
by B. P. Fineman; Cameraman, Franz Planer;
Art Director, Lionel Banks; Film Editors,
Al Clark, Reg Browne; Musical Director,
M. W. Stoloff; Set Director, George Mont-
gomery; Musical Score, Werner R. Hey-
mann.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Division will retain direct control
over raw stock and other production
materials and theater equipment and
supply problems respectively, OCR
will probably be empowered to direct
them. There remained some doubt
Friday about OCR authority over the
Hopper office but none apparently
concerning the Smith office. Any
problems of supply come within
OCR authority McMurphey believed,
explaining that his office would at-
tempt to "Give general guidance"
to all those concerned with supply.
"Spotlight Scandals"
with Billy Gilbert, Frank Fay and
Bonnie Baker
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW)
Monogram 79 Mins.
SWELL CAST OF EXPERIENCED EN-
TERTAINERS COME THROUGH WITH A
MODEST-BUDGET WINNER.
This is a new type of picture for Banner
Productions. Yes, it is a class low-budget
with a good cast of performers. Ably made,
and so decorative that the only way you
could tell its cost is small, would be to get
a peek at Banner's ledgers.
Frank Fay and Billy Gilbert make a great
comedy team. It's not so much that these
gentlemen are masters of the art of milk-
ing lines and situations — but their exper-
iences, which if combined would stretch
from here to who-knows-where, give the
entire proceedings a polish not often found
in the work and best efforts of neophytes.
Then, too, the film is studded with solid en-
tertainment names. Bonnie Baker, Henry
King and Herb Miller and their bands,
(under the supervision of Monogram's
maestro Eddie Kay), 'Butch and Buddy, and
the Radio Rogues are just a few. The dance
numbers directed by Jack Boyle are cute
and sprightly.
Sam Katzman and Jack Dietz, assisted
by Barney Sarecky, offer a nice background
of production, and director William Beaudine
keeps the story telling smooth.
The tale smacks slightly of the Hal Skelly
hit "Burlesque" — with the girl part toned
down. Frank Fay, the none too successful
vaudeville comic, finds himself stranded in
a small mid-western city. He is thrown
in with the local barber, Billy Gilbert, who
one night helps him out with his act as a
stooge from the audience. Accidentally the
team catches on, and by fluke gets big
time booking. Then comes success for the
broken down actor and the barber.
They hit the heights and are finally
playing their own show on Broadway, under
the sponsorship of a very clever producer,
namely, Harry Langdon.
When things are rosiest, Fay is offered
a job in radio at a fat salary. There is a
catch, however. He must do it alone. Of
course, he refuses. Gilbert finds out,
"double-crosses" his pal into taking the
deal, and in so doing breaks up their
friendship.
Alone, Fay does very well, until one day
a girl is accidentally killed in a fail from
his penthouse apartment. He is arrested,
has no money, and Gilbert pays off without
his knowing it. The tag, which is so good
most directors are afraid to use it for fear
of the cry of "corn" has the two meet
again on the boards of another broken
down theater in almost the same situation
as their first meeting.
This is a good picture. It will make any
buyer happy, be it an exhibitor, or a guy
who buys his look at it from the little ticket
booth out front.
CAST: Billy Gilbert, Frank Fay, Bonnie
Baker, 'Billy Lenhardt, Charles K. Brown,
Butch and Buddy, the Radio Rogues, Harry
Langdon, Iris Adrian, Jimmy Hollywood,
Eddie Burtell, Syd Chalton, James Bush,
Claudia Dell, Eddie Parks, Betty Blythe,
Henry King, Herb Miller, Lottie Harrison,
Jim Hope and Jack 'Boyle.
CREDITS: Producer, Sam Katzman and
Jack Dietz; Associate producer, Barney
Sarecky; Director, William Beaudine; Cam-
eraman, Mack Stengler; Editor, Carl
Schines Win Second
Ohio Consent Award
(Continued from Page 1)
signed last week by Frank Pelton,
arbitrator. The award further pro-
vides that pictures shall become
available to the Norwalk houses 21
days after territorial release date
without regard to Sandusky. De-
fendant distributors in the case, filed
in April, were Loew's, Inc., Par^
mount and Vitagraph. Complaina
the Norwalk Theater Corp., was re]
resented by Jerome Friedlander of
Benesch, Marsteller, Friedlander and
Morris.
This is the second consent award
won by Schine within the past few
months. The other one affected the
Van Wert Theater, Van Wert, in
which the complainant theater was
granted a reduction from 14 to three
days of the clearance granted War-
ners' Ohio and Sigma Theaters in
Lima.
Gable-Stewart- Wyler Pic?
It's All News to Army
Report that Capt. Clark Gable and
Lt. James Stewart would star in a
Hollywood-made pic about the Amer-
ican and British air forces with Maj.
William Wyler directing, published
Friday in Hedda Hopper's syndicated
column, was dismissed as without
foundation both in Washington and
on the Coast by responsible military
spokesmen.
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — "Just a beautiful
dream" was the comment of a high
War Dept. official after he had
spent some time checking reports
that Clark Gable, James Stewart and
Maj. William Wyler would go to
Hollywood to make a feature on the
British and U. S. Air Forces. Three
officials in various parts of the War
Dept. checked on the reports, pub-
lished last week, for The Film Daily
and all came up with denials.
75 Griffith Managers
Attend Parley in Tulsa
Tulsa, Okla. — Managers represent-
ing 75 Griffith theaters in this area
met here last week to discuss vari-
ous projects the houses are now en-
gaged in or preparing to start and
heard company President L. C. Grif-
fith tell what the circuit would do
for the war effort.
Also speaking were: B. J. Mc-
Kenna, general manager; C. B.
Akers, assistant general manager;
H. R. Falls, buyer; H. 0. Stark, head
booker, and H. M. Loewenstein,
treasurer.
Division managers present were:
L. A. Chatham of Tulsa, Fred H.
Jackson of Norman and Claude F.
Motley of Lubbock, Texas.
Pierson; Musical director, Eddie Kay; Dance
director, Jack 'Boyle; Technical director,
Dave Milton.
DIRECTION, Good PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
EASTMAN
FILMS
More than ever the main-
stay of the motion picture
industry, with every foot
contributing its full share
of exceptional quality.
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
Fort Lee Chicago Hollywood
M I3 P RH ID 13 I ST
2 {J W 4 4 ~S T 2IFL
NYC
WALTER WANGER'S Spectacular Triumph
BEEN LICKED
INSPIRED BY THE FIGHTING SONS OF TEXAS A. & M
w,th
Richard Quine • Anne Gwynne ■ Noah Beery.Jr. • Martha O'Driscoll • Harry Davenport
William Frawley- Edgar Barrier- Bob Mitchum and Bill Stern 0F RAADR'°YS HT0™G
i Reilly Roine, Nick Gn
Directed by John Rawlins a universal picture
Look up your figures on
Walter Wanger's "Eagle Squadron
and "Arabian Nights"!
"We've Never Been Licked" will
lick these two!
0
SELL WAR STAMPS EVERY DAY IN THE_"SHANGRI-LA" JULY DRIVE]
Cto-*'* — * — w"'th West Coast Exhibs. On Decree
(See Column 4 Below)
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Picture*
Twenty-Five Years Old
)>L. 84,
NO. 18
NEW YORK. TUESDAY, JULY 27, 1943
TEN CENTS
DISTRII& WILLING TOJSTUDY COMPLAINTS
Production Costs Up 100% in 3 Years — Warner
Warner Studio Chief Says
CJosts Up 20-25% Over
Year Ago; Quality Rises
Paced by what he described as Hol-
lywood's "amazing competition,"
war-time conditions and, important-
ly, the public's
appetite for qual-
ity p i x , studio
production costs
as of today are 20
to 25 per cent
ahead of last year
and approximate-
ly 100 per cent
higher than they
were three years
ago, Jack L. War-
ner, WB vice-
president in
charge of pi-odue-
JACKL. WARNER tion* said at the
home office yesterday.
In the course of a trade press
{Continued on Page 10)
$2,208,027 Earnings
Increase for Loew's
A net profit increase of $2,208,027
was reported yeste: day by Loew's,
Inc., for the 40 weeks ended June 10,
1943, over the corresponding period
of 1942. Loew's current 40-week
earnings, after all charges, were
(Continued on Page 11)
Note Slight Rise in P. R.
Imports of Film Footage
San Juan, P. R. (By Cable— Passed
by Censor) — Film footage totalling
4,853,617 feet was imported by
Puerto Rico from the United States
(Continued on Page 11)
20 Chi. Houses Still
Resort to Premiums
Chicago — Twenty Chicago thea-
ters are using dinnerware this week
for premiums, but triples have stead-
ily declined, until only a half dozen
are using them. More theaters are
using "flesh" programs.
20th-Fox Chicago Session to Follow N. V.
Regional; Coast Meeting Set for Aug. 11-13
Chicago — Twentieth-Fox will hold the second of three regional sales meet-
ings at the Blackstone Hotel here on Aug. 5, 6, and 7. The meeting will fol-
low an initial one to be held in New York at the Hotel Astor on Aug. 2, 3 and 4.
The Chicago sales conference will be followed by a final one to be held at the
Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on Aug. 11, 12 and 13.
Tom Connors, distribution chief of the company, will preside, and Spyros
Skouras, president, will address the meeting.
Charier New Theater
Managers Union Here War Shorts Program
Holiyw'd WAC Okays
A new union, the Motion Picture
Theater Managers and Employees,
Local 152, CIO has been chartered
and will seek to organize managers,
assistant managers, cashiers, door-
men, ushers and matrons in the five
boroughs of New York City plus
Suffolk\, Nassau and Westchester
Counties. An office of the union,
which was launched by the Office
(Continued on Page 10)
Chakeres Acquires Five
Theaters In Kentucky
Wincester, Ky., — Charkeres Thea-
ters, Inc., of Springfield, O., bought
the Clark Theater here for $16,000 at
a bankruptcy sale and shortly after
announced the purchase of two other
theaters here and two in Frankport,
Ky.
The other two purchased here were
(Continued on Page 6)
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The new program of
war information films, calling for 26
full length short subjects and 26 War
Information Film Bulletins, was en-
dorsed here yesterday by the Execu-
tive Committee of the Hollywood
Division of the WAC. Palmer Hoyt,
director of the domestic branch of
the OWI, and Francis Harmon, ex-
(Continued on Page 10)
Crescent Unopposed to
Gov't Appeal's Demands?
Nashville, Tenn. — There is docu-
mentary evidence in the files of the
Court of Federal Judge Elmer Davies
in directing that Crescent Amuse-
ment Co. and its affiliated exhibitor
defendants has not offered any op-
postion to a Federal Court exam-
ination of hearing on the purchase
(Continued on Page 11)
Biz Oft 10% Since July MO
But Take is Above Same Period in '42
Sets Aug. 14 for Trial
Of Zevin, Browne Aide
New York Federal Judge Francis
G. Caffey yesterday postponed the
trial of Isador Zevin, ex-secretary
to George E. Browne, former IATSE
head, until Aug. 16. Zevin is charged
with perjury before a special Fed-
eral grand jury investigating al-
leged racketeering in the film in-
(Continued on Page 10)
After an unusually strong week
following the Fourth of July holiday,
running contrary to the customary
drop box office business fell off some-
what in each of the past two weeks,
going about 10 per cent below the
week ending July 10, a tabulation
of 60 key-note reports shows. Broad-
way's individual showing for the
fortnight is slightly better than the
country at large.
Explained as chiefly seasonal, the
(Continued on Page 11)
MPTOA Says Sales Chiefs
Prefer to Consider Each
Situation Individually
Five major companies have ex-
pressed a willingness and a desire
to adjust complaints of independent
exhibtors but they prefer to deal
with the exhibitor, himself, rather
than with an association represen-
tative, it is indcated in a current
MPTOA bulletin.
Replies to a letter to the general
sales managers from the MPTOA
committee on product, prices and
policies point out that the doors of
(Continued on Page 8)
Clark Seeks Exhib.
Reaction to Decree
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — During his brief stay
here, Tom C. Clark, Assistant At-
torney General in charge of the Anti-
Trust Division and War-Fraud Unit
of the D of J, conferred with repre-
sentatives of exhibitor organizations
and distributors regarding their re-
action to the New York consent de-
cree.
No formal statement was issued
regarding the meetings or details
(Continued on Page 8)
Local 306 Would Reopen
Century-Empire Contract
Following receipt of a formal re-
quest by Century Circuit addressed
to the Empire State Motion Picture
Operators Union asking for the re-
(Continued on Page 6)
Italian Versions of
40 Pix Held Readg
Italian versions of 40 films are
being held ready for distribution in
Italy by American picture companies
as soon as that nation capitulates
to the United Nations, it was dis-
closed yesterday by a spokesman for
the overseas branch of the OWI on
the heels of the news of the fall
of Mussolini.
_
TNI
Vol. 84, No. 18 Tues., July 27, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
.Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
{Monday, July 26)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High Low Close
Am. Seat 16% 16y8 16%-
Col.Picts.vtc. (2i/2%> 1714 1714 171/4-
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fin. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 16V4 16'/8 16%
East. Kodak 165
do pfd 180
Gen. iPrec. Eq 22%
Loew's, Inc 64%
Paramount 28%
RKO 9%
RKO $6 pfd 94
20th Century-Fox . . 22%
20th Century-Fox pfd. 33%
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner Bros 14% 14
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. _deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 3%
RKO war. ../..,.:.. 1%
Sonotone Corp. ..... 3%
Technicolor .. . 15
Trans-Lux L. .
Universal Picts. L ..*
Net
Chg.
- %
- Vi
165
180
21%
63%
27%
8%
92
22%
33%
165 —
180
21% —
637/8 —
273/4 —
8% —
92 —
22% —
33% —
%
13/4
%
¥4
%
2
1%
%
14%
%
3%
1%
33/4
14%
3% +
1% —
3% +
14% -
N.B
1
#
%
%
. . «■
—
WE PROBABLY HAVE REG-
ISTERED WITH US THE
RIGHT PERSON FOR THE
VACANT POSITION YOU
ARE TRYING TO FILL.
CALL—
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 Madison Ave. (43rd St.), New York
MURRAY HILL 2-6494
OWI Men Staying on Job
Until New Head is Named
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Several members of
the staff of the defunct OWI News
Bureau remain with the agency at
this time both, in Washington and
Hollywood, pending determination of
a man to handle OWI industry rela-
tions. Arch A. Mercey, assistant
chief under Lowell Mellett, offered
to stay on the job until the new setup
was effectuated and his offer was ac-
cepted. Several others are likewise
still on hand.
Complete freedom in staffing his
office will be accorded the new man,
whoever he might be, James A. Al-
len, deputy director of the domestic
branch, said Friday. Neither he nor
Palmer Hoyt, domestic director, had
any idea who the man will be. Hoyt
is now in Hollywood where he is
meeting with WAC heads this week
in an effort to straighten out the
various problems of co-operation be-
tween OWI and the industry. Francis
J. Harmon, executive vice-president
of WAC is also on hand.
Rep.'s "Atlantic City"
Gets Technicolor's Dyes
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Republic will dip "At-
lantic City" and some of its other im-
portant pix next season in Techni-
color's dye vat, according to Herbert
J. Yates.
As the company's final regional
sales meeting closed here at the
week-end, Prexy James R. Grainger
predicted that "In Old Oklahoma"
will yield a $3,000,000 income. He
added that gross figures on "Flying
Tigers" would reach $2,500,000, those
on "Icecapades," $1,500,000 and add-
ed that gross figures on "Hit Parade
of 1943" were nearing the $2,000,000
mark.
"Junior Miss" Pic Version
Will Start Late in Year
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Mary Pickford's pro-
duction unit which will produce
"Junior Miss" for United Artists
will be known as The Pickford Com-
pany. Production is expected to
start late this year with talent to
be recruited from the legitimate
stage and little theaters. A prom-
inent director has been signed and
his name will be announced shortly.
This . will be Miss Pickford's first
production venture since 1936. She
also plans to make a picture depict-
ing Girl Scout activities, basically
a 'study of the youth movement
throughout the world.
Fete Samson Thursday
Toronto — Sydney Samson, recent-
ly appointed Canadian district man-
ager for 20th-Fox, will be feted with
a dinner at the Royal York Hotel,
Thursday night, to be given by W.
C. Gehring, Western division man-
ager. Some 200 Canadian exhibitors
are expected to attend.
DAILY
Tuesday, July 27, 194:
When Manager Weds
Manager, It's News!
Detroit — When one theater man-
ager marries another theater mana-
ager, it's news.
Larry Wenkowski, manager of the
Ramona Theater for United Detroit
Theaters, and Josephine Hormel,
manager of the Rosedale for the
same circuit, were quietly married
down at Bowling Green, O., in prob-
ably the first marriage between thea-
ter managers on record.
Fact that UDT has been a national
leader, as recently reported in FILM
DAILY, in the employment of fem-
inine managers, is the background
for this event.
The bride is giving up her thea-
ter post.
Albany Variety Club
Fetes Leon Herman
Albany — Variety Tent last night
toasted Leon Herman, former UA
salesman in this territory and now
with UA in Buffalo, at a dinner in
the Ten Eyck Hotel. Chief Barker
C. J. Latta was the toastmaster.
The committee arranging the din-
ner embraced George Jeffrys, Her-
man's successor here, Dick Hayes,
Welden A. Waters, Bill Williams,
Sidney Stockton, Fred Sliter and
Neil Hellman.
The three-year-old baby recently
adopted by Variety Club after he had
been abandoned on a church steps
here was introduced last night to
members of the club. All efforts to
locate the parents have been unavail-
ing and Variety has pledged itself
to give him a good home and pay
for his upbringing.
Dominion's Italian War
Short Under Press Fire
Toronto — Complaints are being
registered in print and verbally re-
garding the nature of the National
Film Board short, "Gates of Italy"
to the effect the Canadian Govern-
ment picture, produced by John
Grierson, actually glorifies the
enemy. One writer suggests the film
could have been made in Italy and
asks what message was intended in
the picture while another reviewer
declared the short extolls the glory
of Italy while lives of Canadian
soldiers are being lost through handi-
work of Italians.
Russians Sub-Titling "Mission"
According to a United Press dis-
patch, "Mission to Moscow" is now
being sub-titled in Russian for dis-
tribution in the U.S.S.R. Informants
claimed that work is proceeding
rapidly and that the film will be
shown throughout the country soon.
Barney Shooker Hospitalized
Denver — Barney Shooker, Colum-
bia salesman, is spending a month in
St. Luke's hospital recovering from
an illness.
C0MIHG and G0IDG
S. J. GREGORY, Alliance Theater circuit ex
ecutive, has returned to Chicago from the Wes
Coast.
GEORGE TOBIAS, is en route back to Hi
Coast from 'New York after a month in
East making p.a.'s at Army camps for the
and at the New York Strand.
R. H. BRANDT, auditor for the Allianc
Theater circuit, Chicago, is vacationin
Michigan.
I'
ui„=.
TED LEVY, head Warner booker has retul
to Chicago from a Wisconsin vacation.
C. R. ABBEY, FILM DAILY rep. in Rochester;
MRS. ABBEY and their two sons, BILLY and
JIMMY, are spending two weeks at Wa Wa Island
in Lake Huron near the Georgian Bay district of
Ontario.
CORP. CHARLES ALBERT, ex-Warner the-
ater booker at Cleveland, has returned to Camp
Claibornne, La. from New York and Cleveland
CORP. RICHARD PITTS, former movie editor
of the Charlotte, N. C. Observer, is spending
a week in that city.
JAMES R. YOUNG, author of "Behind the
Rising Sun," was in Rochester yesterday for
RKO.
EUGENE LORING has arrived from the Coast
to stage the dances in Billy Rose's "Carmen
lones."
J. HOWARD CARNISH, FILM DAILY'S Buffalo
staff correspondent, is in New York.
KATINA PAXINOU leaves the Coast Aug. 6
to make radio appearances in connection with
"For Whom the Bell Tolls."
MARIA OUSPENSKAYA is en route East.
O. HENRY BR1GCS, PRC president, left Holly-
wood Saturday for the home office. He will
stop over at Chicago and Detroit.
ERNST LUBITSCH arrived from the Coast yes-
terday and immediately left for Washington to
confer with WAC Col. Hobby on his next 20th-
Fox film, "All-Out Arlene."
Canadian Film Board
Spent $306,531 in Year
Ottawa — Cost of operations by th
National Film Board in the fiscal
year 1942-43 was $306,531 and, in
addition, work to the value of $1,
228,893 was performed and paid for
by other departments, it is reported
in a House of Commons return. The
return said the board had 18 per-
manent employes and 442 tempor
ary. There has been 348 films re-
leased to theaters by the board and
808 for other purposes.
Chi. Warner Club Outing
Chicago — Local Warner club, will
hold its Summer outing Aug. 11 vi.°
the Steamer Grand Rapids.
Joseph Quillan Natalie Moorhead
Lawrence Gray Charles Vidor
Albert Wetzel
hello show world.
tomorrow is Warner Day inNewYotk.
)
at
3 great*
hour will
stnfce for
the industry*
And the curtain*
viili put on
9 wonderful treat -for America*
Wonderful for one and all in picture business
Wonderful for Army Emergency Relief .->
The warnet W*A of F£cture<
EVERY CENT OF
PROFIT OUT OF
ITS PRODUCTION
AND DISTRIBUTION
WILL GO TO ARMY
EMERGENCY RELIEF
STARRING MEN OF THE ARMED FORCES * GEORGE MURPHY * JOAN EESEIE * It RONALD REAGAN - GEORGE TOBiAS -ALAN
Directed by
Screen Pljy by Casey Robinson and Capt Claude 8inyon. Based on the Stage SI,ow Irving Berlin's "This is the Army" • Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin • Produced by J
Keep Selling The "S/iangri La" Stamp Drive!
HALE - CHARLES BUTTERWORTH 3nd KATE SMITH
L WARNER *nd HAL B. WALKS
HB
m
le predicted that ''Heaven Can Wait"
was an event for the boxoffice as well as the $
motion picture theatre-goers.
Here is what the leading trade papers had to
say after witnessing the combination
Trade Showing and sneak Preview.
~-.
"A solid piece of entertain-
ment. Full of fine perfor-
mances. Don Ameche better
than his past best. Gene
Tierney establishes herself as
actress of ability and versa-
^ tility. Picture is best to come
from Lubitsch talent."
William R. Weaver. M. P. Herald
"Just what the exhibitors and
the public have been waiting
for. Here is a film for exhibi-
tors who want heavy box-
office lines."
Bill Formby, Boxoffice
#\
'Here is as fine a piece of en-
tertainment as the customers
are likely to find anywhere.
Twentieth Century-Fox has a
gem of a picture here — one
that exhibitors will find a
pleasure to merchandise!"
"Chick" Lewis,
Showmen's Trade Review
"Geared for big grosses and
holdovers. It's a cinch for
i profitable holdovers in the
key situations and will click
in the subsequents as well."
Mori Krushen, Variety
y
"First class entertainment.
Points to grosses beyond the
ordinary. A film abounding
with entertainment of the sort
that stirs audiences to an en-
thusiastic pitch."
Lou Pelegrine, Film Daily
'Colorful comedy should lead
up in the money. Heaven Can
Wait, but the public should^
not be kept waiting for this
light, delightful comedy with
its out of this world theme."
Mel Konecoff, Exhibitor
CENTURY-FOX
SELL WAR STAMPS EVERY DAY IN THE "SHANGRI-LA" JULY DRIVE!
¥
OAJIY
Tuesday, July 27, 1941
Of New Tax Dangers
Warning that exhibitors face
a grave danger in increased Federal
admission taxes, Ed Kuykendall,
MPTOA president, in a current or-
ganization bulletin urges exhibitors
to call on their local Congressmen
during the present recess and ex-
plain to them what an added tax
would mean.
Kuykendall contends that an ad-
ded admission tax and other special
taxes might come "out of resent-
ment aganst our dollar publicity,
boastful statements about record-
breaking box office receipts, huge
increases in corporation profits,
fabulous prices paid for screen rights
to books and plays and so on and on
without end, without discretion and
without giving a thought to the con-
sequences."
Stories of big profits that will go
to charity from a single picture
gives the impression to outsiders
that such inflated profits accrue on
all pictures, Kuykendall writes, and
adding that "double the present Fed-
eral admission tax means a new and
additional tax burden on the industry
of $150,000,000 every year from now
on." Declaring that this industry
is just as patriotic as any other,
Kuykendall said that "we will never
squawk or object to paying taxes
on the same basis as they are levied
on other business and on other re-
tail sales." It is the singling out of
the picture business for special tax-
ation that will bring protests from
MPTOA, he said.
Local 306 Would Reopen
Century-Empire Contract
(Continued from Page 1)
opening of the wage clause in the
current contract, Local 306, Opera-
tors, IATSE, has countered with an
official notification that it now is the
bargaining agent for Empire, subse-
quent to last week's merger, and has
asked that all points covered in the
pact be reopened.
WEDDING BELLS
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Los Angeles — Her marriage to
Lieut, (j.g.) Cylos Dunsmoor, U.S.N.,
in April has been disclosed by Claire
Trevor.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Greer Garson and En-
sign Richard Ney were married in
Santa Monica over the week-end.
Indianapolis — William E. Herr,
manager for the Ross Federal, and
Ruth Osborne, a native of Kennel-
worth, 111., wre married. Couple will
reside at the Spink Arms Apartment
Hotel in this city.
What's Cookin' and on Ice:
• • • SMALL WORLD DEPT.: Brig. Gen. Edward P. "Ted" Curtis
of Eastman Kodak, now stationed in North Africa, pinned a distinguished
Flying Cross on an airman who, six years ago, used to caddy for him
at the Country Club of Rochester, but Ted didn't recognize the re-
cipient until the latter stood up proudly at the ceremony ....-• Flyer
is staff Sergt. Richard M. Hasbrouck, Jr., and received the DFC on
June 30, — the day he started for home. Said Ted: "I recognized
him because he looked exactly as he used to on the golf links"
T T T
• • • TRADE WINDS: Despite a torn tendon in his right leg,
George Bilson of Warner Bros, was on hand at the Hollywood Canteen
to keep intact his nine month's record of never being absent from his
job as Captain of the bus boys Bilson, by-the-by, has completed a
modern horror story, "The Monster of Paris," which is winning at-
tention of several studios. ... • Unusual in the way of going-away
gifts for Army-bound lads: When Maxwell Seligman of WB's still
department left last Friday to don Uncle Sam's khaki, he was presented
with a real orchid (a committee of girls pinned it upon Max's lapel).
• Joseph de Valdor, veteran international journalist, has been ap-
pointed local correspondent of Les Dernieres Nouvelles Daily of Algiers.
• Personnel of Cleveland's RKO Palace surprised District Manager
Clem Pope with a back-stage birthday party on Friday, and. presented
him with a wrist watch. ... # No pic to date has grabbed such in-
tensive and widespread editorial comment as Disney's animated opus
of Major P. de Seversky's "Victory Through Air Power,"— and latest
such editorial appeared in yesterday morning's New York Times.
• And far and wide yes'day was published the text, or highlights, of
Vice-President Wallace's address in Detroit In the speech, film-
land figured prominently via this: "The American press, radio, school
and church,— yes, and movies too, if you please—, are free from dom-
ination. When they are free from domination by either government
or corporate interest, they can hold up to our people, the vision of
the freedom and abundance of the America that is to be"
T T T
• • • ODD-END-A: Lieut. Vance Schwartz, former WB circuit
exec, has been placed in charge of six Army theaters located at Camp
McCoy, Wis. ... • Lt. Cmdr. Bob Montgomery, who recently returned
from the South Pacific, will be emcee at the "Meet Your Navy" show,
to be staged in Chi's huge Stadium this coming Friday night
Proceeds from the big event will go toward support of the Chicago
Service Centers. ... • Ray Branch, Allied Theaters of Michigan's
prexy, is raising another true showman right in his own family
His 11 -year-old son, Dickie Branch, actually learned to play a Hammond
electric organ in one evening, when suddenly called upon to be a
church organist He had previously studied piano and a standard
organ, but had never played the electric instrument His feat was
considered so amazing that the noozepapers chucked the account into
husky headlines. ... • Alan (FWTBT) Tamiroff has been 'lected
prexy of the recently-formed Russian American Mutual Aid Society,
a charitable organization created for the purpose of assisting needy
Russian actors Other members of the association include Director
Lewis Milestone; Eugenie Leontovich, actress; Director Anatole Litvak;
Tama Shayne, actress; plus Mischa Auer, Sarecky Mamoulian, and
others. ... • Charles Francis "Socker" Coe, MPPDA vice-prexy, is
slated to take part in the Four Freedoms War Bond Show in Rochester
on Aug. 3, in addition to addressing Rotary Club there
T T T
AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
IN NEW POSTS
ii
T. C. CARLSEN, superintendent parts manu-
facturing, Bell & Howell, Chicago.
MARTIN J. (Mike) HOCAN, sales department,
United Artists, Atlanta.
F. ARTHUR SIMON, city salesman, Universal,
Cleveland.
GENE VOCEL, salesman, Universal, Buffalo.
L. ASHBY ARBOCAST, assistant manager, Lyric,
Stuart, Fla.
HARRY FURST, manager, Plaza, Stamford,
HARRY LEVINE, salesman, Monogram,
Haven.
RICHARD COHEN, booker and office manager,
Monogram, New Haven.
TONY SERA, manager, Tivoli, Springfield, III.
AVI NEE TIOCO, manager, Esquire, Springfield,
III.
JOHN SHEMAN, branch manager, Monogram,
Toronto.
Chakeres Acquires Five
Theaters In Kentucky
(Continued from Page 1)
the Town Hall and Leeds Theaters
from Sam D. Lee. The two Frank-
fort theaters, the Capitol and Grand,
were also owned by Lee, who will
retire.
All buildings housing the motion
picture equipment were leased to
Chakeres.
The Clark Theaters, closed for
several months, had been operated
by Harry Schwartz and George
Myers of Lexington.
Handling the transactions were
Phil Chakeres, head of the Ohio
company, and his general manager,
Frank Collins.
Two Jacksonville, N. C, and
Two Shelby, N. C. Houses Sold
Charlotte, N. C— H. H. Everett
of Charlotte and Worth Stewart of
Dunn, joint owners of a growing cir-
cuit in this state, have purchased the
Onslow and State theaters in Jack-
sonville, from J. C. Johnson. Pos-
session passes Aug. 1.
In Shelby, William H. Webb, vet-
eran theater owner and operator,
has sold two theaters, the Rogers and
the Carolina, to the Colonial Thea-
ters, Inc., of Valdese, George Car-
penter president.
Webb, who retains and will oper-
ate Shelby's, The Webb, owns other
pic houses in Gastonia and Kings
Mountain.
Allison Buys in Dana, Ind.
Terre Haute, Ind. — J. M. Allison,
former owner of the Virginia Thea-
ter here, has purchased the Dana
Theater at Dana.
STORKS
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A seven-pound, 14-
ounce daughter was born to Lana
Turner Sunday at Hollywood Hos-
pital. Father is Pvt. Stephen Crane,
USA.
Chicago — Al Leonard, manager of
the B & K Nortown Theater, is the
father of a 7% -pound baby girl, born
at the Evanston Hospital.
! One year in the making
nd soon to be released
by Columbia...
I
one o
f
he most ambitious
roductions in the
ompany's history
BUY WAR STAMPS EVERY DAY! SELL WAR STAMPS EVERY DAY!
■■■■■M
BBBHBH
kseI
1HV
jftlU
* DAILY
Tuesday, July 27, 1943
Clark Seeks Exhib.
Reaction to Decree
(.Continued from Page 1)
disclosed. The ITO of Southern Cali-
fornia and Arizona, which went on
record some time ago in opposition
to the decree, was represented at
confabs with Clark, It is understood
chief complaints made by exhibitors
generally who opposed the decree is
that they are being forced to pay
higher rentals because of blocks-of-
five or less, selling, and that the arbi-
tration provision has proved a fail-
ure. Chief purpose of Clarks pres-
ent trip is to check work on war-
fraud.
(The Film Daily first disclosed
that Clark would confer with exhib-
itor leaders on the future of the con-
sent decree on July 12).
Republic Employes Sue
Under 1938 Labor Law
Des Moines, la. — Two former em-
ployees of the Republic Pictures ex-
change here have filed suit in Dis-
trict Court to recover $3,628.48 for
over-time and liquidation damages.
Francis Kappler, former head
booker and office manager is seek-
ing $3,291.20 and Erma Jean Schultz,
made a claim for $337.28. Kappler
resigned recently and joined the
Paramount exchange in St. Louis.
The suit is based on provisions
of "the Fair Labor Standards Act of
1938" relating to payment of time
and a half for all hours over 40 hours
a week.
The petition sets out that the act pro-
vides that an employer who violated the act
by failing to pay overtime, is in addition to
the overtime, liable lor liquidated damages
of a like amount.
Stating: that he worked for the company
from April 6, 1941, to May 19, 1943, Kappler
claims that during- the period he worked
1,210 overtime hours for which he received
no compensation. Miss Schultz, who worked
for the firm from Oct. 28, 1941, to last May
14, is claiming' overtime for 124 hours.
Both Kappler and Miss Schultz stated they
were paid 91 cents an hour on a 40-hour a
week basis.
Phil Sherman Turns Exhib.
New Haven — Philip Sherman, for-
merly Warner exchange manager
here and in Ontario, Canada, has
leased for 10 years as of Aug. 1, the
658-seat Hamilton, Waterbury. Op-
erators for the past year were Fred
Quatrano, Robert Schwartz, and Wil-
liam Sirica, owners of the building.
"Bob" Winton Stricken
Cleveland — Marvin "Bob" Winton,
about 60 years of age, and stagehand
at the Hippodrome Theater for the
past 30 years, died this week of a
heart ailment, was ill three weeks.
Surviving are his wife and daughter,
Jane.
Harry Ryan Dies in Chicago
Chicago— Harry Ryan, Warner ex-
change chief projectionist, is dead
from heart attack. His wife and
son, Lt. Donald Ryan, survive. Burial
will be today from Little Flower
Church.
reviews of new mms
"Watch on the Rhine"
with Bette Davis, Paul Lukas
Warner 114 Mins.
HELLMAN PLAY MADE INTO DRAMA-
TIC MASTERPIECE; DIRECTION, ACTING
AND PRODUCTION TOPS.
Let the adjectives fly!
Never have unrestrained terms of praise
been more deserving than in the instance
of the film version of "Watch on the
Rhine." The Brothers Warner have every
right to snap their buttons over the job
they have done in bringing to the screen
the Lillian Hellman play striking a telling
blow at Fascism. They have given a new
stature to the play's thesis, creating a
genuine dramatic masterpiece that is certain
to wield tremendous box office power.
Lovers of drama have a supreme treat in
store for them. From start to finish they
will be held engrossed by this taut and
forceful recital of one man's battle against
the evil that is Fascism. They will be
moved to the depths by as gripping
and poignant a tale of bravery and self-
sacrifice in the interests of a cause as has
ever come to the screen. The emotional
impact will be beyond measuring, as will
be the satisfaction derived by those who
go in for entertainment of this nature.
Cast, director and author have united
to create one potent scene after another,
each done with a sincerity that one doesn't
experience too often on the screen. They
have touched the heights with the humanity
and courage of their creation and gained
the undying thanks of all who relish finer
films.
The screenplay of Dashiell Hammett, to
which has been appended additional scenes
and dialogue by Miss Hellman, is something
to shout about, being a grand job of cel-
luloid dramaturgy. Opening in 1941, it tells
with touching dignity the story of a leader of
the German underground who comes to the
United States with his American wife, who
has not seen her homeland since before
her marriage to him in Europe. When the
man's identity is discovered by a Nazi-
loving Roumanian nobleman who is a guest
at his mother-in-law's palatial home, the
fellow is constrained to commit murder to
save himself from being exposed.
Producer Hal B. Wallis has assembled a
perfect cast for the film. Among the
players are five from the Broadway cast.
They are Paul Lukas, Lucile Watson,
George Coulouris, Eric Roberts and Frank
Wilson. Lukas does a whale of a job as
the underground leader. As his wife Bette
Davis gives a highly emotional performance
that is easily among her best. Between
them Lukas and Miss Davis tear out your
heart time and again. Miss Watson is
immense as Miss Davis' mother. Coulouris
plays the Nazi rat superbly. Another great
performance is given by Geraldine Fitz-
gerald as Coulouris' unhappy bride who finds
herself free at the end to marry Donald
Woods, Miss Davis' brother. Others who
give outstanding performances are Woods,
Beulah Bondi, Henry Daniell, Donald Buka,
Roberts, Janis Wilson, Kurt Katch.
Herman Shumlin, who produced the play
on Broadway, functioned as director with
superlative results. Max Steiner's score
is aces; so it the camera work of Merritt
Gerstad and Had Mohr.
CAST: Bette Davis, Paul Lukas, Geraldine
Fitzgerald, Lucile Watson, Beulah Bondi,
George Coulouris, Donald Woods, Henry
Daniel, Donald Buka, Eric Roberts, Janis
"The Stranger from
Pecos"
with Johnny Mack Brown, Raymond Hatton
Monogram 55 Mins.
ALIVE WITH ROUGH STUFF, THIS
WESTERN SHOULD GIVE THE KIDS A
SWELL TIME; COMEDY BIG ASSET.
Johnny Mack Brown and Raymond Hatton
join forces in "The Stranger from Pecos"
to supply western fans with a rip-snorting
piece of entertainment. They help to keep
the action noisy and fast all the way
through.
Brown and Hatton appear as a pair of
U. S. marshals drawn to a western com-
munity by the activities of a gang of out-
laws bent on seizing everything in sight.
The villains maneuver matters so that the
blame for their acts is placed on the
shoulders of an innocent young chap. Brown
and Hatton make it their business to es-
tablish the young fellow's innocence and
obtain evidence against the outlaws.
To achieve their end Brown and Hatton
are compelled to pass themselves off for
what they aren't. The first, posing as a
bad hombre, joins the brigands. The other
poses as a prospector. Between them they
amass enough evidence to put the villains
out of operation. In carrying out their as-
signment they have to face danger time
and again, but they always succeed in
coming out with their skins whole, not,
however, until a good dose of excitement
has been administered.
The film is perhaps a shade better than
the preceding Brown westerns. The star,
too, shows to better advantage, giving a
most vigorous performance under the punchy
direction of Jess Bowers, who also gets the
credit for the screenplay. Hatton is a
great asset to the film, his comedy hitting
the mark solidly. Assisting Brown and
Hatton is a creditable group of players,
among them Kirby Grant, Christine Mc-
Intyre, Steve Clark, Sam Flint, Roy Barcroft.
Scott R. Dunlap produced capably.
CAST: Johnny Mack Brown, Raymond
Hatton, Kirby Grant, Christine Mclntyre,
Steve Clark, Sam Flint, Roy Barcroft, Robert
Frazer, Edmond Cobb, Charles King, Bud
Osborne, Artie Ortego.
CREDITS: Producer, Scott R. Dunlap;
Director, Jess Bowers; Screenplay, Jess
Bowers; Cameraman, Harry Neumann; Film
Editor, Carl Pierson; Art Director, Ernie
Hickson; Musical Director, Edward Kay;
Sound, Glen Glenn.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Lou Marks at Camp Bliss
Cleveland — Lou Marks, M-G-M
salesman, recently inducted into the
Army, has been assigned to duty
at Fort Bliss, Tex.
Wilson, Mary Young, Kurt Katch Erwin
Kaiser, Robert 0. Davis, Clyde Fillmore,
Frank Wilson, Clarence Muse.
CREDITS: Producer, Hal B. Wallis; Direc-
tor, Herman Shumlin; Screenplay, Dashiell
Hammett; Based on play by Lillian Hellman;
Musical Score, Max Steiner; Cameramen,
Merritt Gerstad, Hal Mohr; Film Editor,
Rudi Fehr; Art Director, Carl Jules Weyl;
Sound, Dolph Thomas; Set Director, Julia
Heron; Special Effects, Jack Holden, Ed-
win B. DuPar; Musical Director, Leo F.
Forbstein.
DIRECTION, Aces. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Aces.
Distributors Willing
To Study Complaints
(.Continued from Page 1)
the companies are open to any ex-
hibitor with a just complaint. The
committee was set up by the board
of directors at its meeting in New__^
York in May and was formed to af
range with each distributor for the
creation of some method of handling
complaints at the home offices the
complaints to refer to "unfair film
prices, policies and practices." The
protests were to be made by inde-
pendent exhibitors through their
local exhibitor associations.
The letters asked each sales chief
to outline the method he would pre-
fer to follow.
W. F. Rodgers, sales head of
M-G-M, said it had been the habit
of his company's customers to con-
sult with the branch managers, a
practice which has worked out satis-
factorily. He said that a complaint
involving film prices should not be
filed with the association first but
only after other efforts have failed.
Neil Agnew, Paramount's sales
head, said all of the field men had
been instructed to give all complaints
fair attention, pointing out that the
branch and dstrict managers were
the satisfactory contact in all such
matters. If those efforts fail, he '
added, home office executives were
available. "It appears to me," he
wrote, "that with the opportunity to
discuss disagreements with any or
all of these executives, it should
hardly fail to bring about a satis-
factory conclusion to any complaint."
T. J. Connors, sales head of 20th
Ceitury-Fox, wrote that his com-
pany's policy "has been to sell pic-
tures on the basis of their true value
to each individual theater, taking into
consideration each individual thea-
ter's problems." Realizing that shifts
in population have adversely affected
some theaters, 20th-Fox has instruct-
ed its managers to give every con-
sideration to the individual situations
when the facts are made known and
substantiated, Connors said. Where
dealings with the branch heads fail
to materialize in a satisfactory con-
clusion, the division managers and
the home office officials are open for
a review of the facts, he concluded.
Robert Moehrie, RKO sales chief, replied
in a similar vein, recommending- that com-
plaints first be submitted to the branch
manager and appealing- up tp the home office
where neg-otiations along- the way have
failed.
William Scully of Universal said his com-
pany would be glad at all times to discuss
any inequities in a contract, but that Uni-
versal did not care to deal with any ex-
hibitor representative or through an exhibitor
association.
No replies were received from Warner
Bros., Columbia or United Artists.
The MPTOA bulletin suggests that ex-
hibitors follow., the- courses recommended by
the sales chiefs arid to proceed on their own.
adding that the committee on product, prices
and policies would continue to function for
the purpose of assisting the aggrieved exhib-
itor where he has hot been granted the
consideration outlined by the particular dis-
tributor in question.
ill
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Tuesday, July 27, 1943
Pix Costs Up 100%
In 3 Years— Warner
(Continued from Page 1)
interview, which covered a variety
of subjects — Vice-President Henry
Wallace's Detroit speech of Sunday,
the Warner production of Berlin's
"This Is the Army," headed for a
world premiere here tomorrow, the
impact of present distribution
methods on pix quality, his personal
antipathy to dual and triple feature
programs and his studio's plans for
the new season, Warner made these
observations and disclosures:
Sees Big "Army" Gross
"This Is the Army" — termed by
Warner "100 pictures in one" — will
gross between $5,000,000 and $10,-
000,000 in the domestic market. The
company is finding circuits and indies
equally receptive and co-operative
so that the Army Emergency Relief
may reap the maximum benefit. Ad-
vanced b.o. scales are not being re-
quired, except for gala openings, be-
cause of the desire to get wide dis-
tribution quickly, a goal dictated by
the pie's great morale value. Normal
clearances will rule for "Army"
bookings. Twenty-five 16 mm. prints
for free service exhibition overseas
will be en route by air before the
week ends. Warner praised Irving
Berlin's co-operation.
Quality Up 100 Per Cent
The present method of distribu-
tion, marked by fewer releases and
longer runs, has raised the quality
oi pictures about 100 per cent. "The
market should not absorb more pic-
tures than it is today," Warner de-
clared. "It is ridiculous to take a
picture off the screen until it has run
its course. The old practice of several
changes a week can be traced back
to vaudeville booking practices. Un-
deniably, fewer pictures mean higher
quality. As far as Warners are con-
cerned, we will never go back to
making 'B junk'."
The Burbank studio plans to tackle the
juvenile delinquency problem next season
throuerh a feature, "Marked Children."
Cuts Short Output
Warners' output of shorts is now down
to 104 "g'ood reels" as against a one-time
peak of 600 reels.
Research to determine the potentialities
of the educational film market in the post-
war period is under way by the company.
The same situation prevails as to television.
The studio thus far this year has turned
out 30O training' reels for the Army's Signal
Corps and 50 similarly restricted reels for
the Navy. From this no-profit progTam for
the services, Warners is gaining1 invaluable ex-
perience in the documentary field.
"Can't Kid Public"
The company, it was pointed out, for
several years has been interested in the in-
formative pic from an entertainment angle,
and in this connection, has held to the pre-
mise that the pictures must be "believable."
"You can't kid the people anymore," War-
ner asserted. "They're definitely up with you
and even ahead of you." Talkies, in Warner's
opinion, have increased the intelligence of
movie audiences 1,000 per cent.
Perhaps the best remedy for product dis-
sipation and other exhibition evils, in War-
ner's opinion, would be the en masse trans-
portation of all theater operators to Holly-
wood for a two-year mandatory stay to study
production. "They wouldn't go back and
dissipate product," he assured.
"The exhibitor," he continued, "necessarily
must change with changing production." As
an illustration of how production has changed
reviews of new films
* SHORTS *
"Report from the Aleutians"
(In Technicolor)
WAC-Signal Corps 47 mins.
Corking
Leaving aside the moot question
as to whether a shorter version —
two reels — would be better suited to
the average exhibitor's program
needs, this U. S. Signal Corps war
pic, photographed in Technicolor
under the direction of Capt. John
Huston, is a honey, and should find
a. ready public acceptance in all types
of film houses.
With the campaign against Kiska
continuing — as this review is typed
the press services are carrying dis-
patches to the effect that the Japs
have completed a new airfield there,
indicating they intend to fight it
out — the subject is "hot," and the
wise exhib. will ask for quick book-
ings.
Film traces the Jap strategy which
led to the seizure of the Aleutians,
and the uphill fight by our forces
to establish a base for a counter
offensive largely waged through the
air. The job done by the Army engi-
neers is impressive and something to
cheer, but the piece de resistance,
naturally, is the bombing raid on
the strongly entrenched Japanese
base.
This raid has been splendidly pho-
tographed, and the footage, from
take-off to the "bombs away" and the
return, is gripping and spine-ting-
ling. Captain Huston, of course,
could be depended upon to do a dra-
matic cutting job, and that he has
done.
Comparisons have a way of being
odious, but for this reviewer's money,
"Report from the Aleutians" rates
with the best of the American war
pix to come along.
Mrs. Armanda Rowe Dead
Detroit — Mrs. Armanda Oliver
Rowe is dead after several months'
illness. She was the wife of George
V. Rowe, manager of the Fox Thea-
ter Building.
New Spokane Tax Yields
Spokane, Wash. — Theater and
amusement operators in this area
paid $24,024 to the city in taxes on
admissions during May and June.
This is the first return under the
new law.
in one phase. Warner recalled that one of
the early James Cagney pix cost $151,000
while not so long ago, Cagney alone got
$150,000 for his work.
The WB production head reiterated that
the company had fixed no set number of re-
leases for 1943-44. In discussing forthcom-
ing product, he cited particularly "The
Watch on the Rhine," "Thank Tour Lucky
Stars," "Destination, Tokyo," "Old Acquaint-
ance," "The Desert Song," "Adventures of
Mark Twain," "Saratoga Trunk," "Shine
On, Harvest Moon" and "Rhapsody in Blue,"
among others. The last named, he said,
would be "equally as important as 'Yankee
pared in importance with "Sergeant York."
Doodle Dandy'," while "Mark Twain" he com-
* SERIAL *
"Batman"
Columbia 26 Mins.
Batty Stuff
If this serial keeps up the pace
set in the initial chapter, it should
have no trouble satisfying the
youngsters a lot. The first chapter
opens with a bang and never stps
the fireworks until the fadeout. The
action is utterly fantastic and can
be taken seriously only by the
young. The older fans are more
prone to laugh at the wrong time.
The central character is a Govern-
ment agent assigned to break up a
Japanese sabotage ring headed by J.
Carrol Naish. He goes about his work
rigged up to suggest a bat. The deeds
the batman performs put a fearful
strain on the imagination. Naish is
painted as a pretty horrible guy. He
has a charming trick of changing his
captives into zombies when they re-
fuse to co-operate with him in his
nefarious labors. The villan's chief
concern is to seize all the radium
lying around for use in his dia-
bolical plan of destruction.
The hero is played by Lewis Wil-
on, who is aided in his patriotic
work by Douglas Croft. Rudolph C.
Flothow is the producer. The
Victor McLeod-Leslie Swabacker-
Harry Fraser screenplay is based on
the Batman comic magazine feature.
Lambert Hillyer's direction is
breathless.
New Theater Mgrs. Union
Chartered in New York
(Continued from Page 1)
and Professional Workers of Amer-
ica, has been opened at 1560 Broad-
way.
The union has a potential mem-
bership of 20,000 and already has be-
tween 1,900 and 2,000 members, ac-
cording to D. F. Barreca, president.
It is estimated that there are 1,200
theaters in the area over which the
union will have jurisdiction. The
charter was obtained through the
signature of five RKO managers,
five Loew managers and five Skouras
managers. Sidney Larschen is secre-
tary-treasurer.
20th-Fox Cleveland Outing
Cleveland — Twentieth Century-
Fox will hold its annual Summer
outing Aug. 16 at nearby Fels Lake.
Short subject booker, Miss "Mickey"
Altschule, is in charge of arrange-
ments.
Show "Lucky Stars" Aug. 16
"Thank Your Lucky Stars" will be
nationally tradeshown by Warners
on Aug. 16, it was announced yes-
terday by Ben Kalmenson, general
sales manager.
Hollyw'dWAC Okays
War Shorts Program
(Continued from Page 1)
ecutive vice-chairman of the WAC,
were special guests at the meeting
presided over by E. J. Mannix, divi-
sional vice-chairman. The shorts
program was proposed and adoptr
at recent meetings in New York \
the Theaters Division and the Na-
tional Coordinating Committee.
The 26 full length shorts are to be
played in the 16,000 pledged theaters
in 16 to 20 weeks after release. The
26 Film Bulletins will not exceed 250
feet and will go with the newsreels.
Hoyt said that a successor to Low-
ell Mellett of the OWI will be an-
nounced in Washington in about two
weeks, adding that in the meantime
an adequate program will go forward
through the co-operation of the WAC
and the OWI. Mellett's unit com-
pleted six shorts before OWI film
production was abolished. These will
be added to four shorts produced by
the CIAA. Two more will be pro-
duced by the National War Fund and
the Red Cross and 14 by various film
producers with 677 prints of all the
films. The 250-foot Film Bulletins
will be allocated by WAC to pro-
ducers.
Present at yesterday's luncheon
were Y. Frank Freeman, Walter
Wanger, Mark Sandrich, Trem Carr,
Kenneth Thomson, George Brown,
Fred W. Beetson, Loyd Wright and
Adrian McCalman, in addition to
those mentioned.
Sets Aug. 14 for Trial
Of Zevin, Browne Aide
(Continued from Page 1)
dustry. He is expected to be called
as a Government witness in the forth-
coming trial of the eight alleged
racketeers who are accused of ex-
torting more than $1,000,000 from
picture companies.
TO THE COLORS!
* COMMISSIONED *
J. E. FULD, USN, formerly vice-president Amer-
ican Ticket Corp., Chicago, commissioned
a lieutenant.
— • —
* ARMY *
SABU, Hollywood.
IAMES S. POLLAK, RKO publicity department,
Holylwood.
PAUL MIZE, manager, Delray, Delray Beach, Fla.
* NAVY *
JOHN WAYNE, Hollywood.
— • —
* MARINE CORPS *
MRS. MURIEL STUERWALD BLEIER, Eastman
Kodak Co., Rochester, N. Y.
— • —
* ARMY AIR FORCE *
ROBERT CUMMINGS, Hollywood.
— • —
* NAVAL AVIATION *
ADOLPH iBROUCKHEART, RKO maintenance de-
partment, Hollywood.
.;
'c
ii
i
■
Tuesday, July 27, 1*43
DAILY
11
Theater Biz Drops
10% Since July 10
{Continued from Page 1)
decline still leaves the aggregate
intake from 10 to 20 per cent ahead
of last year at this time. Current
margin over 1942, however, is the
lowest shown since the first of the
veyar, and this is taken to indicate
! jt a leveling off is near due either
, saturation point in attendance or
a curtailment of admission price
increases, or both.
No positive effects of the 20 per
cent withholding tax are traceable
as yet. Exhibitors contacted by key
:ity correspondents point out that
even with the tax deduction the
majority of workers, exclusive of
some white collar employees, are as
well or better off than two years
ago with the added advantage from a
itheater standpoint that the public
has fewer available luxuries and
other goods on which to spend its
free cash. Even a further seasonal
drop for the next few weeks will
.not be a matter of concern, many
[exhibitors state.
Among the outstanding box- of-
;(ke attractions currently, according
-to correspondents' reports, are
"Stage Door Canteen," "Action in
the North Atlantic," "Coney Island,"
"Dixie," "Constant Nymph," "Mr.
Lucky," "China," "This Land is
Mine," "Presenting Lily Mars,"
["Bombardier," "Hit the Ice," "Crash
Dive."
Note Slight Rise in P. R.
Imports of Film Footage
(.Continued from Page 1)
during the 1943 fiscal year, as
against 4,790,166 feet during the
previous year. Mexico supplied
| Puerto Rico with 318,895 feet during
the last fiscal period, as against
737,880 during the earlier year. From
Argentina came 268,357 feet in the
period ending in 1943, as compared
with 246,134 feet in 1942.
i Admission taxes paid by Puerto
'jlRican theaters in the fiscal year
lended 1943 amounted to $333,553.20,
[as against $183,884.09 for the pre-
ceding period, according to figures
given out by the Office of Informa-
tion.
Joe Howard Gets $35,000
For "Time, Place and Girl'
Albany — Joe Howard, veteran
trouper who serves as emcee on
radio's "Gay Nineties Revue," is
touring upstate Fabian Theateis for
a series of p.a.'s. Howard signed a
contract here with Metro calling for
$35,000 for his play, "The Time, the
Place and the Girl."
Appeal Lease Decision
Youngstown, O. — An appeal from
Judge Erskine Maiden's recent deci-
sion granting lease rights to the Pal-
ace Theater from Aug. 1 to the Dall-
mer Co., headed by Attorney Gerald
F. Hammond, has been filed by the
New York Life Insurance Co.
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
SIGNED
CLARENCE BROWN, producer-director, Interna-
tional Pictures Co. (William Coetz).
NUNNALLY JOHNSON, producer-director, Inter-
national.
WILLIAM BENDIX, two pictures, Paramount.
MILTON STIEFEL, dialogue director, Columbia.
WILLIAM E. WATTS, dialogue director Columbia.
DELTA RHYTHM BOYS, termer, Universal.
WILLIAM L. PEREIRA, production assistant,
David O. Selznick.
ALFRED DRAKE, termer, Columbia.
ASSIGNMENTS
F. HUCH HERBERT, screenplay, "Since You Went
Away," David O. Selznick.
SAM NEWFIELD, director, "Career Girls," PRC.
FREDDIE RICH, musical score, "The Life of
Jack London," Samuel Bronston-UA.
PAUL GERARD SMITH, script, "Lady, Let's
Dance," Monogram.
CASTINGS
MICHAEL O'SHEA, "The Eve of St. Mark,"
20th-Fox; JACK JENKINS, "Rationing," M-G-M;
FAUL KELLY, "The Story of Dr. Wassell," Para-
mount; MONA MARIS, "Tampico," 20th-Fox;
JANE DARWELL, "Government Cirl," RKO; VAN
JOHNSON, "The White Cliffs of Dover," M-C-M:
MARY ANDERSON, "Lifeboat," 20th-Fox; DELTA
RHYTHM BOYS, "Crazy House," Universal;
JANET SHAW, "Sundown Trail," Universal;
CHARLES DINCLE, "The Professor Goes Wild,"
Universal; NEIL REAGAN and JAMES CAR-
PENTER, "Doughboys in Ireland," Columbia;
EDDIE MARR, "Rhapsody in Blue," Warners
ROBERT STANFORD, "Is Everybody Happy?,'
Columbia; JUNE VINCENT, "Set to Music,'
Universal; MABEL PAIGE, "Going My Way," I
Paramount; LOWELL GILMORE, "One Hour of
Glory," RKO; BILLJE BURKE, "Gildersleeve on
Broadway," RKO- JOHN HARVEY, "Pin-Up Girl,"
20th-Fox; CANDY CANDIDO, JOHN DUNCAN,
GENEVIEVE GRAZIS and DOUG LEAVITT, "Col-
lege Sweetheart," Monogram; MADY CORRELL
and JACK TRENT, "Texas Masquerade," Harry
Sherman-UA; ARMIDA and JACK LaRUE, "The
Girl from Monterey," PRC; BARTON MacLANE
and CHARLOTTE WYNTERS, "Underdog," PRC;
MARJORIE MANNERS and SHELDON LEONARD,
"Harvest Melody," PRC; LOU CROSBY, "One
Hour of Glory," RKO; AGNES MOORHEAD,
"Government Cirl," RKO; MICKEY ROONEY,
"National Velvet," M-C-M; WALTER HUSTON,
"Dragon Seed," M-G-M; TOMMY BATTEN, "Ra-
tioning," M-C-M; FRANK CRAVEN, "The Life
of Jack London," Samuel Bronston-UA; FEDOR
CHALIAPIN, "The Girl from Leningrad," Gregor
Rabinovitch-UA.
STORY PURCHASES
"Village in August," Lee Sabinson.
DR. SEUSS' "And to Think That I Saw It on
Mulberry St.," George Pal.
HARRISON HOWELL'S "Coldbrick Champs," Sam
Katzma'n, Jack Dietz-Monogram.
TITLE SWITCHES
'Going My Way?," formerly, "The Padre,"
Paramount.
'Passport to Suez," formerly "Night of Ad-
venture," Columbia.
SCHEDULED
'The Bridge of San Luis Rey," Ben Bogeaus-UA.
'Every Thursday Off," producer, RICHARD
BLUMENTHAL, author, SALKA VIERTEL,
Paramount.
$2,208,027 Earnings
Increase for Loew's
(Continued from Pane 1)
$9,453,838 compared with $7,245,811
tor the 40 weeks ended June '4, 1942.
Per share earnings on the average
common stock, after deducting divi-
dends on the preferred in 1942, since
retired, were $5.67 compared with
$4.08 last year.
Company's share of the operating
profit after subsidiaries' preferred
dividends was $28,764,013 compared
with $18,186,456 for the same 40
weeks in 1942. Company's share of
the profit before Federal taxes was
$22,341,536 against $11,147,401 for
the same period last year. Reserve
for Federal taxes for the 40-week
period was $12,887,698, while the
taxes for the same period last year
totaled $3,901,590.
Reserve for contingencies this
year was $3,800,000 against $4,600,-
000 last year, while the reserve for
depreciation this year was $2,622,-
477. Depreciation reserve last year
amounted to $2,439,055.
Bausch-Lomb's Hornung Dead
Rochester — William H. Hornung,
80, oldest employe of the Bausch &
Lomb Optical Co. in point of service,
died here.
Crescent Unopposed to
Gov't Appeal's Demands?
{Continued from Page 1)
of any theater by any one of the
corporations. Months ago, a docu-
ment was filed by Chief Counsel
George H. Armistead, Jr. inviting
the Court to fix and approve a plan
of operation of its theaters by the
defendants exhibitors, with all "pro-
visions subject to the approval of the
Court after a hearing at which all in-
terested parties shall have the op-
portunity to present objections and
be heard."
Petitions to intervene in the suit, filed by
stockholders of Kentucky Amusement Co..
Lyric Amusement Co., and Lawreneeburg
Theaters. Inc., now pending- before Judge
Davies, express a willingness on the part of
stockholders holding' a 50 per cent interest
in each of these corporations to submit all
problems of acquisition, disposition, and op-
eration to a trustee appointed by the District
Court. This apparently equals, if not exceeds.
any degree of Federal supervision that the
local court or the Department of Justice
might demand.
Special Solicitor Charles Fahy, in a docu-
ment filed with the plaintiff's motion for an
appeal on the provisions in the proposed de-
cree in the Crescent case, admits that D of J
efforts to right all wrongs to owners of ac-
quired theaters in competitive situations in
the Schine and Paramount cases, haven't
worked out satisfactorily, altogether reveal-
ing that their interest is primarily in these
larger litigations and only incidentally in the
Crescent suit itself.
Exchange Employes Picnic
New Haven — Local 41-F and 41R
of exchange employes joined 95
strong for an annual picnic at In-
dian Grove yesterday. Robert Hoff-
man and Phil Gravitz were in charge
of arrangements, which included
luncheon on the terrace, dancing,
swimming, and games.
^W
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF WE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN WE MOVIES
in
'SONG OF
TEXAS'
REPUBLIC
PICTURE^
/tootle*
FIRST RUN
AMri
5N«A* FZ£Vf£ty/
Sneak preview results prove it's
better "audience" than "Eagle Squadron"
and "Arabian Nights"!
Wanger does it again with "We've
Never Been Licked!"
GET EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN TOWN TO
BUY WAR STAMPS IN THE "SHANGRI-LA" JULY DRIVE
NOT REMOvl:
V$L.)84. NO. 19
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1943
TEN CENTS
AUSTRALIA RELEASING AMERICAN J»IX COIN
Smith-Howell To Get Further Gas Consideration
Editorial
Scratch-pad
. . . jottings
j±= By CHESTER B. BAHN =
IRVING BERLIN'S "This Is the Army,"
■ the Warner film version of which finally
has its world premiere at the Hollywood here
tonight, undoubtedly will be followed into
celluloid by the untitled play which Moss
Hart is now writing about the Army Air
Forces. ... An inquiry to the AAF Branch
of Army Emergency Relief brought the re-
ply that it "naturally feels that there is
every possibility that a motion picture will
be made at the end of the legitimate run
of the Army Air Forces show". ... So far,
of course, there have been no discussions.
. . . The Hart show, which the dramatist
himself will stage with an all-AAF cast,
will go into rehearsal Oct. 1 and should hit
Broadway in November. . . . Lt. Col. Dudley
S. Dean is the show's executive manager,
and his assistants are Lt. Irving P. Lazar
and Lt. Benjamin Landis. ... As to what
major studio might be interested, this only
definitely can be said: There is little likeli-
hood that it will be Warners. . . . Jack L.
Warner stated here this week that the com-
pany had no plans to do another production
a la "Army."
ODT Tells Carrier and
Exhibs. to Show Report
On July Delivery Needs
IT IS axiomatic in this biz that you can't
' afford to stand still. ... It is also
axiomatic that, to make money, you have
to spend money. . . . The recent notable
progress of Republic underlines both, and
for further emphasis there are these in-
structions voiced by Herbert J. Yates to Ex-
ecutive-Producer M. J. Siegel at last week's
Coast sales meeting:
"Throw away the rubber band on Repub-
lic's bank roll, toss Republic's hat into the
personality and directorial buying-ring —
meet any price competition, and corral the
biggest names possible from screen, stage
and radio and secure outstanding story ma-
terial regardless of cost."
| Yep, times have changed, and Republic
wisely has changed with them. . . . Which
explains why Jimmy Grainger can report
Republic pix grossing up to $2,500,000 and
a company income potential of $3,000,000
for such new product as "In Old Oklahoma."
IF YOU want an added reason for being
11 happy you're part of film biz these days,
you might give a thought or two to its
penchant for keeping faith with its customers
in the face of war-time difficulties as great
(.Continued on Page 2)
Syracuse — J. J. Haykel, district
manager of the Office of Defense
Transportation yesterday instructed
Smith & Howell Film Service and ex-
hibitors in the Albany area to get
together to work out plans for furth-
er conservation of gas, tires and
equipment and to submit an actual
operations report to ODT for the
month of July. When this is done
further consideration of Smith &
Howell's application for increased
(Continued on Page 6)
D00B IN WAR
FINANCE POST
Named Committee's Assistant
National Director
48-Hour Exemption
Unnecessary in D. C.
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — No exemption from
the 48-hour week is needed by Wash-
ington area exhibitors, they were
told yesterday by the local WMC
office. Full-time workers are, and
have been for many months putting
in a full 48 hours, and part-time
(Continued on Page 6)
Haas Appointed Denver
Para. Branch Manager
Oscar A. Doob, head of advertis-
ing and publicity for Loew's theaters,
has been given a leave of absence
to serve as as-
sistant national
director of the
War Finance
C o m m i ttee in
charge of adver-
tising. Doob will
serve in the in-
terests of the
$15,000,000,000
War Loan drive
and will head-
quarter in
W a shin g ton.
Nicholas M.
Schenck, presi-
dent of Loew's,
gave Doob a
leave until mid-
October.
The Loew theater exec, is chair-
OSCAR A. DOOB
(Continued on Page 6)
Promotion of Harry Haas from a
salesman in Paramount's Los An-
geles to branch manager in Denver
was announced yesterday by Neil
Agnew, general sales manager. Haas
(Continued on Page 3)
Usher and Cleaner
Problem Chief Woe
The problem of obtaining ushers
and cleaning help is becoming more
acute every week and exhibitors are
(Continued on Page 3)
To Lead Loan Drive
Olda. Exhib. to Direct 4-Billion Campaign
Says "One World" Paves
Way to Political Charges
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Twentieth - Fox, in
filming Wendell L. Willkie's "One
World" as a feature, is paving the
way for accusations against the in-
dustry "of using the screens for a
direct political motive, namely to
(Continued on Page 3)
Appointment of L. C. Griffith as
general chairman of the forthcoming
industry campaign in behalf of the
Third War Loan, Sept. 9-20, was an-
nounced yesterday by S. H. Fabian,
chairman of the theaters division
and head of the WAC bond activities.
Griffith, who is WAC exhibitor head
for the Oklahoma City exchange
area, arrives here tomorrow for a
series of conferences with WAC offi-
(Contimied on Page 6)
All Funds to June 30,
1944, to be Released;
To Set New Deal Later
American distributors having
money tied up in Australia due to
monetary restrictions will soon be
able to take their funds out of the
country, it was announced yesterday.
The Australian government has
agreed to release all funds due Amer-
ican producers and profits of the
Australian subsidiaries up to June
30, 1944. After that date, the matter
again will come up for consideration
(Continued on Page 3)
Ben Thau May Head
OWI Film Bureau
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — It is reported that Ben
Thau, veteran M-G-M executive, is
being seriously considered as a suc-
cessor to Lowell Mellett as head of
the OWI Motion Picture Bureau.
Others said to be under considera-
(Continued on Page 6)
Glass Leaves UA for PA;
Walt Compton Succeeds
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — George Glass, United
Artists West Coast publicity director
for the last three years, moves over
to Producing Artists, Inc., newly
(Continued on Page 3)
"This Is the Army"
Set for Gala Debut
The Broadway sector goes Army
tonight with the world premiere of
Warners' adaptation of Irving Ber-
lin's "This Is the Army," staged and
filmed for Army Emergency Relief,
at the Hollywood. Opening, a sell-
out, with tickets scaled from $55
down, will attract a notable audience,
with the Army contingent headed by
Lt. Gen. Hugh A. Drum. Army is
putting on a 400-man show and dis-
play in the theater area, with Army
band giving a street concert at 8
p.m.
THI
Vol. 84, No. 19 Wed., July 28, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
: Publisher
General Manager
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(.Tuesday, July 27)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 165/8 16!4 IS'A — Vs
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%) 17l/8 161/4 I6I/4 — I
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind." 2% 1% 1% + Va
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. 16V8 16l/8 16'/8
East. Kodak 165V8 163'/2 163Vi — ll/2
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq 21 1/2 20y8 20'/8 — 1 Vz
Loew's, Inc 63 62 62 — V/s
Paramount 28y4 26 263/8 — 1 %
RKO 8% 8i/4 8l/4— %
RKO $6 pfd 91 88l/4 88l/4 — 3%
20th Century-Fox ... 22'/2 2V/% 21 1/4 — 1
20th Century-Fox pfd. 335/8 31% 31% — 1%
Warner Bros 14% 13% 13%— %
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts .... 3*4 3% 3l/8 — %
RKO war 1% 1% 1%
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor 14l/2 13y2 13% — %
trans-Lux
Universal Picts. vtc. 17% 173,4 17% — %
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Met. Playhouse, Inc. 2nd deb. '45
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57
Ray Johnston Marries Saturday
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — W. Kay Johnston,
president of Monogram, and Doris
Deupress, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
George Lane Deupress of Fort
Worth, Tex., will be married Satur-
day in the Pueblo Oratorio of the
Chapman Park Hotel, Los Angeles.
Earl Stitzer Dead
Richmond, Va. — Earl Stitzer, man-
ager of the Capitol for the past sev-
eral years, died here at the Johnson
Willis Hospital, after a short illness.
He is survived by his wife and two
children.
Scratch-pad
. . . jottings
(.Continued from Page 1)
as those faced by any sphere of commerce.
. . . Sure, admissions in some situations have
been advanced, but the percentage of in-
crease is far below price advances in other
lines. . . . But the screen today undeniably
is offering higher quality product, if any-
thing, and quantity, save in those instances
where house policy has changed, is general-
ly maintained. . . . Contrast that with. . . .
well, take the candy bar, which, like the
movies, caters to a mass "audience". . . .
Have you noticed how the size of the pre-
war five cent bar has shrunken? . . . How
the packaging is mainpulated to disguise
the smaller size? . . . How many of the
old, familiars have faded from the counters,
giving way to new brands in ounce pack-
ages offered by the same manufacturers,
thus permitting two bars where one ruled
before? . . . How prices have been raised?
But don't get me wrong. . . I like candy
bars.
Ad Coin for 'Dr. Wassell'
Cut to Tolls' Pattern
Because it promises to be Cecil B.
DeMille's greatest picture "The
Story of Dr. Wassell" will be given
an advertising and publicity cam-
paign comparable to that of "For
Whom the Bell Tolls," Neil Agnew,
Paramount's sales chief, announced
yesterday. Agnew said that ar-
rangements were being made where-
by a percentage of the gross receipts
would be given to the Navy Relief
Society.
Providence Police Nix
Bathing Beauty Contest
Providence — "Miss America" com-
petition which manager George Cron-
in of Empire theater here had sched-
uled for Aug. 9-13, with winner to be
dubbed "Miss Rhode Island" and sent
as State's entry in Atlantic City
Beauty Pageant, won't be held. City
Amusement Inspector George W.
Cowan is reported to have informed
the theater management the Bureau
of Police and Fire would not condone
any "bathing beauty contest," so the
whole deal has been called off.
PRC to Service Southern
W. Va. Via Cincinnati
Cincinnati — Nat Kaplan, branch
manager, for PRC, announces the
servicing of southern West Virginia,
will be conducted through the Cincy
office, beginning Aug. 1, instead of
at Pittsburgh. Kaplan announces ex-
pansion of the offices and personal.
DAILY
Wednesday, July 28, 1943
Film Classics to Release
32 Pix Before March, '45
Having acquired seven David O.
Selznick and Merian C. Cooper pro-
ductions for re-issue, Film Classics,
Inc., will release 32 features start-
ing Aug. 1 and extending over a
period of nearly two years to March,
1945, it was announced yesterday by
George Hirliman and Irvra Shapiro.
OI the 24 Gaumont-British films pre-
viously acquired by Film Classics from 20th-
Fox, two will be released every month. The
five Selznick productions and the two Cooper
pictures will be released on the basis of one
every three months, with the initial one
g-oing' out Sept. 1. A special release has been
set for 'Hari-Kiri People," formerly "Thunder
in the East," on Aug-. 15.
Para, to Show First Block
For 1943-44 on Aug. 9-10
Trade showings of Paramount's
first block for the 1943-44 will be
held in all exchange centers Aug.
9 and 10. The group consists of
"Let's Face It," which will be shown
on the afternoon of Aug. 9; "True
to Life," afternoon of Aug. 10;
"Hostages," morning of Aug. 10;
"The Good Fellows," morning of
Aug. 9, and "Tornado," afternoon of
Aug. 9.
In New York, "The Good Fellows"
will be shown at 2:30 on Aug. 9 at
the 20th Century-Fox screening-
room; others will be shown at the
Normandie Theater.
COMinG and GOfflC
PAUL LAZARUS, JR., leaves Hollywood Friday
for New York.
F. J. A. MCCARTHY left yesterday for Nash-
ville.
FRANK N. PHELPS, Warner Theaters executive
in charge of labor relations, will be in Albany
tomorrow.
SI FABIAN and ED SCHREl'BER of *'■ VAC
return today from Washington.
J. HOWARD GARNISH, Buffalo staff "in for
THE FILM DAILY, returned there from New York
last night.
A. A. SCHUBART and WILLIAM J. McSHEA
return tomorrow from Chicago.
TOM C. CLARK, Assistant Attorney General.
returns to Washington over the week-end from
the Pacific Coast.
RALPH WILSHIN of National Screen is here
from the Coast.
MARION SALWITZ, of Warners' New Haven
exchange, visited with Victoria Cusanelli Leach.
booker at the New Haven exchange for many
years, in Norfolk, Va.
EUGENE O'BRIEN, formerly at Columbia, New
Haven, now a corporal at West Palm Beach
Fla. in for a furlough.
JOE SHULMAN, of the Rivoli, Webster and
Wethersfield Theaters, Hartford, is vacationing
at Cape Cod.
JOHN R. WOOD, JR., business manager of
The March of Time, is vacationing at Ocean
City, N. J.
PHIL A. WILLIAMS, advertising director of
The March of Time, is back at his desk from
a week's stay at Siasconset, Nantucket, Mass.
ANNE BAXTER is bound for New York from
the Coast for a vacation.
FRANK O'BRIEN, Richmond city manager for
Wilmer and Vincent, and MRS. O'BRIEN are
vacationing in New York.
.:
Mf
V"
*MW
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF WE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
In
"SONG OF
TEXAS'
yt
HR5T RUN
JfVednesday, July 28, 1943
W*\wJLY
Australia Releasing
imerican Pix Money
(Continued from Paqe_ \)
ti light of Australia's overseas ex-
hange position.
It is estimated that all American
,1m companies have between $3,000-
00 ?-r- $4,000,000 tied up in Aus-
raliipL.
Jays "One World" Paves
Nay to Political Charges
(Continued from Page 1)
ssist in Willkie's candidacy for
'resident," Pete J. Wood, secretary
f the ITO of Ohio, has wired Darryl
\ Zanuck at the studio here.
So far as is known, Allied's Ohio
rganization is the fr st to register
critical reaction to 20th-Fox's pur-
hase of the Willkie best seller which
he studio plans to make in nine
'ir.guages. Whether Wood's wire
vill touch off a barrage of "anti"
Lllied action, or whether it merely
effects Ohio's inbred anti-interna-
ionalism has the trade guessing.
t: Wood, who wired that "the condem-
nation heaped upon the industry for
Mission to Moscow' will undoubted-
V be duplicated," suggested that ir.-
tead of a feature, 20th-Fox make
a two-reeler documentary film to be
istributed gratis to exhibitors" and
hat Zanuck uses his "remarkable
;enius and energy" to make more pix
ike "Shores of Tripoli," "Hello
'risco," "Flicka" and "Coney Island."
jrlass Leaves UA for PA;
Walt Compton Succeeds
(Continued from Page 1)
ormed company of David Loew and
Arthur Lyons, as head of advertising
nd publicity. He will be succeeded
it UA by Walter Compton who was
ppointed yesterday by Paul Lazaius.
; Compton has been with Republic for
| he last seven years and in recent
ears has been in charge of that
ompany's studio publicity opera-
ions.
\ W. Spencer Dead
Blanchester, O. — F. W. Spencer,
ormer theater man died here. His
iaughter is Mrs. W. Crist, wife of
Doc" Crist, owner of The Ripley,
lipley, O.
Blanche Mehaffey
Edward Marfindel
Skeers Gallagher
ALONG
THE
Pk$MD>
Only Just Begun To Star!:
• • • MUSIC, 'tis said, hath charms The tune-laden feature
iilm. whether of the war or nay. makes it easier for America's millions to
walk in Duty's path with the weight of the conflict's cares and worries on
their shoulders And to the exhibitor there is charm in music
His business symphony, which makes possible the efficient operation of
his house in wartime, provides the wherewithal for the purchase of Bonds
in maximum volume, and makes possible his own and much of his com-
munity's activities in behalf of Victory, is the clinking of coin as it
pours into the ole box-office till Both of these facets of present-day
filmdom. — from the patron's and showman's standpoint — . bring to mind the
intriguing Case of Deanna Durbin Her latest Universal vehicle,
"Hers To Hold," is not only a rich example of the timely, music-studded
opus which the public wants, but a timely example of music-studded
richness which the theater operator needs Fans are heading eagerly
for the new film, as is evidenced by the heavy "takes" reported from
hosts of situations where it is now playing
T V V
• • • THAT "Hers To Hold" is making turnstiles click with the
frequency of machine-gun fire is not altogether a novelty in the annals
of Durbin pix From the time of the young star's debut in features
via "Three Smart Girls," she has enjoyed unique success, hurtling virtu-
ally overnight to stardom, and then hanging up repeated triumphs in
rapid succession Then she was tagged as a prodigy,— primarily
because of her idealizing and refreshing personality Today, the
Case of Deanna Durbin is precisely what we say here ,— intriguing
Her vocal skill is far above what it was formerly, and her personality
even more magnetic From a pretty child-star, with what might
be termed adequate histronic ability, she has grown into an adult
luminarx with great performing skill Her glamour enchants
potions of the feminine gender, giving her intense box-office value on
that important score Equally magnetic is she to the male coterie
In "Hers To Hold," she has what it takes to make the femmes
admire and imitate her, and the swains, all the way from knee-pants
to 4-H and far beyond, go "Whoo-Whoo!" in the best Hugh Herbert
manner It all adds up to one inescapable conclusion, namely,
that Miss Durbin is a full-fledged butterfly, no longer in the kid cocoon,
and only just beginning to really spread her wings Her present is
big Her future even bigger She is one of the very, very few
members of the film acting profession who has been able to withstand
the transition from juvenile ranks to adult status, and be better in the
latter than the former
V ▼ V
• • • MUCH of the credit for Deanna Durbin's present high estate
in the hearts of public and press is due to the intelligent and strategic
guidance at the hands of Universal's studio-ites It was not easy
to convert a girl in early 'teens (the pretly prodigy) into a young woman
in early twenties whom khaki-clad and bluejacketed lads now pin-up and
look upon with ga-ga, wolfish eyes, and whom gals, young and old,
view as a magnetic model In this triumphant metamorphosis, con-
siderable credit likewise goes to Felix Jackson, producer of "Hers To
Hold," who collaborated in the writing of several of Deanna's previous
pix His knowledge of her as a person and an artiste has provided
with exactness the best channels for her ability Miss Durbin, like-
wise is a mighty factor in her own success She has conscientiously
"stuck to her knitting" in Hollywood, — every stitch a good, clean one
She has only just begun to star, — and gross!
V V ▼
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
IN NEW POSTS
HAROLD WISE, booker, Universal, Chicago.
JULES CHAPMAN, office manager, PRC, Chicago.
HENRY PORTER, sales staff, FRC, Chicago.
EDWARD C. MAY, manager, Kentucky Theater,
Maysville, Ky.
LARRY HENSLER, salesman. Warners, Des Moines.
GEORCE GLASS, publicity-advertising head, Pro-
ducing Artists, Inc., Hollywood.
HARRY HAAS, Paramount branch manager, Den-
ver.
Usher-Cleaner Problem
Chief Woe of Exhibs.
(Continued from Page 1)
finding the situation one of their
biggest headaches in theater opera-
tion.
The turnover of ushers and other
personnel is so great that uniforms
have to be altered almost every
week, while new assignments must
be made to fit the staffs from day
I to day, according to reports.
An indication of the condition may
be seen in a report from Richmond,
Va., where Stewart Tucker, man-
ager of the State Theater, boasts
of a veteran service staff because
the oldest member from the point
of service has been with him for
three weeks.
In New Haven, it is reported that
some managers are favoring the
elimination of standees and ushers
and placing only one floor man on
each floor. Experiments along that
line are said to be in the offing.
Exchanges are turning more and
more to girl employes. Twentieth
Century-Fox has announced that
more girls have been promoted to
positions of revenue responsibili-
ties than had been similarly ele-
vated in the prior five years. As
more men go into the armed ser-
vices, booking desks are being filled
rapidly by women.
Haas Appointed Denver
Para. Branch Manager
(Continued from Page 1)
succeeds Chester J. Bell, who recent-
ly was named exchange manager in
Los Angeles. The new head of the
Denver branch is a veteran of the
first World War and started in the
film business as an assistant theater
manager in Wichita, Kans., later be-
coming manager of the Criterion in
Oklahoma City. He joined Para-
mount as an assistant shipper in
1924 and was made a salesman in
1932.
It. James McCracken
Nazis' War Prisoner
Richmond, Va. — Lr. James B. Mc-
Cracken, formerly of the Byrd The-
ater staff, has been reported by the
War Department as a prisoner of
Germany. He was reported missing
on April 17 after arriving overseas
on April 4.
I
Screen Play by Casey Robinson and Capt. Claude Binyon • Based on the Stage
I Show Irving Berlin's "This is the Army"- Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Directed by J
that's the ticket!
ADMISSION FIFTY- FIVE DOLLARS
FOR TONIGHT'S OPENING OF
THE PRODUCTION THAT MARKS
A NEW STEP FORWARD AND
UPWARD FOR THE MOTION
PICTURE AND ITS PEOPLE.
THIS FIRST ENGAGEMENT, LIKE ALL THOSE TO COME,
IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF.
WHEN THE FINAL ENGAGEMENT IS CONCLUDED,
THE AMERICAN MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR ONCE
AGAIN WILL HAVE PROUDLY DEMONSTRATED THE
FULL EXTENT OF HIS SPIRIT AND PATRIOTISM.
OF THE ARIV1ED FORCES
LESLIE * Lt. RONALD REAGAN
-CHARLES BUTTERWORTH- KATE SMITH
Cr^WH
Wednesday, July 28, 1943
Smith-Howell to Show
Operations Report
(Continued from Page \)
gas rations will be given by the local
ODT office.
Smith & Howell's request is be-
lieved here to be the first for more
gas to be filed by a film carrier.
Decision followed a hearing at-
tended by E. Douglas Leishman, rep-
resenting the Schine interests; Sid-
ney Kallet, of the Kallet Circuit; D.
R. Houlihan, 20th-Fox Albany book-
er, and Francis Smith representing
Smith & Howell in the film carrier's
plea.
Carrier held that is has insufficient
gas alloted to handle the Buffalo dis-
trict, now operating on a four day
a week schedule and the Albany ter-
ritory, operating on five days. Com-
pany claims that Albany cannot get
by on four deliveries weekly as there
is insufficient express service in small
communities in the South and South-
western parts of the territory.
Proposed application of Smith &
Howell Film Service to the Public
Service Commission for permission
to discontinue its service franchise
in Southern New York for the dura-
tion has been called off, it is under-
stood. Hearing was to have been
held today.
L. C. Griffith Will Lead
Industry Loan Drive
(Continued from Page 1)
cials. After Aug. 10 he will head-
quarter at the WAC headquarters
until the end of the drive.
Griffith's duties will be to coordi-
nate a campaign that will include
wide-spread use of the bond premiere
idea, star-tour participation, the ex-
tent of which is now being considered
by the Hollywood Victory Committee,
inter-industry sales, plus general ex-
ploitation within theaters to increase
the sale of the smaller bonds to the
degree necessary. War Loan's goal
is $15,000,000,000; industry quota is
$4,000,000,000.-
Fabian said that Griffith had been
appointed with the confidence of the
entire WAC.
]Vo "Army" Com. For
Dayton; House S.R.O.
Asked over the telephone about
setting up a local committee for the
premiere of "This is the Army," Bill
Keyes, owner and operator of the
Victory, Dayton, 0., laconically replied
to a Warner home office official,
"Don't need any committee. I sold
out the entire house myself." It
developed that Keyes had disposed
of all the opening night seats, scaled
from $5.50 to $3.30, in 48 hours, had
paid for his own seats and for those
of the critics. Accomplishment will
add some $6,000 to the Army Emerg-
ency Relief Fund.
TO THE COLORS!
* DECORATED *
WILLIAM EPPERSON, USAAF, formerly, Valencia
Theater, Chicago, awarded Distinguished Fly-
ing Cross for bravery in the South Pacific
area.
* PROMOTED *
SAM LEVIN, USAAF, former manager, Belpark,
Chicago, to captain.
GIL MIXON, USA, formerly Northshore Theater,
Chicago, to sergeant.
* ARMY *
DAVID I. GOLDSTEIN, son of Nathan E. Gold-
stein, president of Western Massachusetts
Theaters, Inc., Springfield.
JOHN SIMON, Terminal Theater, Chicago.
CEORGE HENGEL, service chief, Riveria, Chicago.
IACK MERCER, voice of Popeye, Paramount
Famous Studios.
* NAVY *
MAMNIE TRAUTENBERG, head booker, RKO,
Cincinnati.
WALLACE OBUCHOWICZ, Biltmore, Chicago.
AL ADAMS, Tivoli, Chicago.
* MARINES •
BOB RICHARDS, Belpark, Chicago.
Find 48-Hour Exemption
Unnecessary in D. of C.
(Continued from Page 1)
workers are not included in the
terms of the order.
Eequest of local exhibitors for ex-
emption was tabled when Govern-
ment officials and exhibitors agreed
that exemption would not alter the
situation. Exhibitors' request for
a position of essentiality, in local
WMC eyes, will be considered fur-
the:, it was indicated, and exhibi-
tors felt more optimistic about this
request than the last time the matter
was brought up.
Exhibitors had asked several weeks
ago that they be excepted from the
terms of the 48-hour order, be-
cause of the large number of Gov-
ernment workers and young people
employed on pa: t time. District of
Columbia law forbids the employ-
ment of youngsters under 18 for
more than 30 hours per week.
Twenty houses in the city and sub-
urbs operate 45 hours or less, and
rather than require that these in-
crease their hou: s of operation the
WMC agreed that they need not
demand 48-hours weekly of all their
employes. About 55 per cent of the
area's theaters operate over 48 hours,
and their full-time employes have
been putting in that much time for
many months now, with huge over-
time checks a regular thing at al-
most all theaters. Some few opeia-
tors do not put in 48 hours in one
booth, but these in almost every in-
stance do relief work elsewhere be-
cause of the shortage of booth work-
ers.
The essentiality request — which
in no way affects draft deferment
— was passed over some time ago be-
cause local WMC officials were un-
willing to differentiate between thea-
ters and other forms amusement,
but there is a good chance now that
they will draw the distinction. Ex-
hibitors made the point that physical
well - being, for one thing, is a
requisite for enjoyment of many of
the other forms of amusement,
whereas that is not so far for the
enjoyment of motion pictures.
Buettner, Italian Captive
Alton, 111. — Vernon H. Buettner,
formerly of the Grand theater ser-
vice staff is reported a prisoner of
war in Italy. He participated in
several engagements in the Tunisian
campaign, before his capture.
12 WB War Casualties;
2,351 Now in Service
A dozen gold stars on the Warner
Bros, service flag, which number
2,351 former employes now on active
duty for Uncle Sam, marks the 12th
casualty to date among Warnerites
on the fighting fronts.
Number in service is about 15
per cent of the company's normal
employe complement, the highest
percentage of any major film organi-
zation. It includes 635 from the Bur-
bank studio, with five casualties;
422 from the Philadelphia theater
territoiy, three casualties; 209 from
the home office; 224 from exchanges,
one casualty; 130 from Washington
theater zone, one casualty; 133 from
Chicago zone; 117 from Cleveland
zone, one casualty; 110 from the New
England zone, one casualty; 61 from
Albany zone, one casualty; 140 from
Pittsburgh zone; 50 from West Coast
theaters; 90 from New York metro-
politan and Newark zone; 24 from
Ace Film Lab., 6 from Warehouse.
Flying Fortress Crash
In Texas Kills Wirt
Evanston, 111.— Richard K. Wirt,
former Varsity theater service chief
was fatally injured in an air
accident, during the routine
flight of a Flying Fortress in
Texas.
Lt. Roy Stealy Missing
In Raid on Germany
Chicago Heights, 111. — Lt. Roy
Stealy, former Lincoln theater ser-
vice chief, is reported missing in ac-
tion in a flight of a Flying Fortress,
over Germany. Stealy had been
credited with several planes shot
down on numerous raids over Europe.
Wood, Entering Service,
Closes Canton Theaters
Cincinnati — Orville Wood, has
closed The Majestic and The Dover,
at Canton, for the duration. He is
serving- with the armed forces.
Closing Huntington Fox?
Huntington, W. Va. — The Fox,
colored house, is reported closing
Aug:. 5.
Doob Named Assl.
Director of WFC
(Continued from Page 1)
man of the Public Relations Division
of the WAC and during last year's
September Billion Dollar Drive di-
rected the outstanding publicity cam-
paign which contributed so J^jgely
to the drive's success.
I
WAC and Army Discuss
War Loan Participation
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Si Fabian, Harry
Brandt and Ed Schreiber, represent-
ing the WAC theaters division, con-
ferred briefly yesterday with Oscar
Doob, now assistant national direc-
tor of the War Finance Committee
and Army officials concerning Army-
industry co-operation in the third
war loan drive, in September, and
with war manpower officials.
Topic of their discussion with
WMC was not revealed, but is be-
lieved that they were here to try to
clarify the future status of the lists
of essential occupations and jobs.
Theaters are not presently included
on the essential lists, although they
receive consideration from local draft
boards in many cases, because of
the inclusion of picture production.
Status of these lists in view of the
forthcoming list of "critical" jobs —
not expected to include more than
200 in all — is still a matter for con-
jecture. In general, said the WMC
official, we "discussed manpower
problems affecting theaters."
Ben Thau May Head
OWI Motion Picture Bureau
(Continued from Page 1)
tion for the spot are Ted Gamble,
Oregon exhibitor who has made a
good showing as one of the assistants
to Secretary Morgenthau on War
Bond sales, and Hal B. Wallis, War-
ner executive producer.
WB Canadian Sales Meet
In Montreal Next Month
Toronto — Warners will hold its
Canadian sales conference in Mon-
ti eal during the eary part of August,
with managers and salesmen in at-
tendance from the six key cities.
Last year the meeting was held in
Toronto.
Moscow Sees "Mission"
Moscow — The Russian version of
Warner's "Mission to Moscow" hit
the screens here yesterday.
STORKS
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A son has been born
to the John Garfields. The infant
has been named David Patton Gar-
field in honor of Lieut. Gen. George
S. Patton.
"MY KINGDOM FOR A COOK", COLUMBIA
COMEDY, TO HAVE AUG. 31 RELEASE
IpC gh Hit In Tradition Of
Studio's 'Greats' To Star
Charles 'Dingle' Coburn
A new comedy from Columbia is
always interesting screen news, but
when the studio that has turned out
so many laugh hits claims a new one
belongs up there with the memorable
big ones, it's worthwhile to sit up and
take notice.
"My Kingdom For A Cook," accord-
ing to Columbia officials, is such a
comedy. It will be released Aug. 31.
The talk at Columbia's home office
is that this Charles Coburn starrer has
that certain laugh -provoking some-
thing that meant great success for
"The More The Merrier," "Mr.
Deeds," "You Can't Take It With
You," "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," "The
Awful Truth," "My Sister Eileen," "It
Happened One Night," "Mr. Smith
Goes To Washington" and many other
Columbia hits in a light vein.
Exhibitors will be glad to know, say
Columbians, that Charles "Dingle"
j Coburn has even a bigger chance to
strut his inimitable stuff than he had
in "Merrier," with the result that "My
Kingdom For A Cook" is another
1 picture guaranteed to give audiences
'a Dingle.
Supporting Coburn are Marguerite Chap-
i man, Bill Carter (of stage fame), Isobel
Elsom, Edward Gargan. Directorial honors
I go to Richard Wallace, while P. J. Wolfson
j produced. The screen play is by Harold Gold-
i man & Andrew Solt; and Joseph Hoffman
i & Jack Henley.
The story has to do with Rudyard Morley,
world-famous British author, who decides to
go to America to do his bit. But bit or no bit,
the biggest thing in Morley's life is his stom-
ach. His lovely daughter, Pam, runs it a bad
second in his thoughts.
His adventures in a small New England
town, where he makes his presence thoroughly
felt, and ends up by stealing his hostess'
cook, even though Pam meanwhile has fallen
in love with his hostess' son, make for some
of the gayest, giddiest farce in years, accord-
ing to executives who have seen the picture.
"Kingdom" is Coburn's first starring job
since Columbia upped him to stellar roles.
This followed the character comic's amazing
success in "The More The Merrier."
So unusual was the Dingle role in "Mer-
rier" that Columbia used the character idea
as a "teaser" element throughout its exten-
sive radio campaign on the picture. Literally
millions of radio listeners became Dingle-
conscious even before the picture's release
date, and tens of millions more joined them
1 after "Merrier" began its phenomenally suc-
cessful career at the boxoffice.
GB£~
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"This Ms.
. . . the Army'
(Continued from Page 1)
city, village, town and hamlet in these
United States is a potential patron for
"Army."
No, that Warner estimate of a $10,000-
000 domestic gross for the picture is not
out of line. .. .except that it could be ex-
ceeded.
It will, if the exhibitor recognizes op-
portunity.
Biechele Warns KMTO To
Be Sincere in Complaints
Kansas City — Lively discussions
on producer - exhibitor agreements
highlighted yesterday's session of the
Kansas-Missouri Theater Associa-
tion. R. R. Biechele warned mem-
bers that complaints be sincere and
complete before bringing them to
the conciliation committee table. He
discouraged the use of lawyers with-
out knowledge of the industry.
Organization went on record as in
favor of the New York consent de-
cree and members said they would
back its retention in November.
Allan Named Mono. Mgr.
For Province of Quebec
Montreal — Izzy Allan, who repre-
sented Empire-Universal in Winni-
peg, has been appointed Monogram
manager for the province of Quebec
with headquaiters in Montreal.
Offices will be established on Monk-
land Ave. in the premises formerly
occupied by Empire-Universal.
Clearance Reduced For
Szold-Kerasote Houses
Chicago — Existing clearance held
by the Madison and Palace Theaters,
Peoria, over the Avon, Beverly and
Varsity Theaters has been reduced
by H. J. Clark, arbitrator. Com-
plaints were filed jointly by Adolph
Szold and George Kerasote.
Clearance on Paramount, RKO,
20th Century-Fox and Loew product
was fixed at 70 days, formerly 74 to
90 days. On Warner pictures, which
the Avon plays fourth run, clearance
was set at 95 days. The Beverly and
Varsity will have the same clearance
on Warner product as was fixed for
the other four companies.
GPE 6 Months Net is $669,726
General Precision Equipment Corp.
and its subsidiary companies report
for the six months ended June 30,
1943, a consolidated net profit of
$669,726 after provision for depre-
ciation and for estimated Federal in-
come tax and excess profits tax.
Japs Hold Roy Barnes
Chicago — Roy Barnes, former B &
K Covent Garden theater service
staff man, is a prisoner of the Japs,
according to word from the Red
Cross to his parents. He was in
the Marines and fought in the South
Pacific.
Reports Heavy Demand
For Hollywood Material
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Despite the newsprint
shortage resulting in the elimination
of pages and reduction of type sizes
in many newspapers, reports re-
ceived by the Industry Service Bur-
eau indicate a definite trend toward
increased movie coverage in the na-
tion's newspapers.
George Brown, chairman of the
West Coast branch of ISB, reports
that several metropolitan dailies
have expanded space being devoted
to Hollywood activities and are
brightening their pages through lav-
ish use of stills.
A report from Hubbard Keavy,
local AP bureau manager, estimated
conservatively that, in response to
a steady demand from editors for
Hollywood material, AP is carrying
out of Hollywood an average of
6,000 to 7,500 words in movie fea-
tures weekly, in addition to complete
news coverage and sport features.
Requests of four companies for
permission to sell pin-up pictures of
stars in kits to be merchandised to
servicemen through post exchanges
and canteens; were rejected by the
Bureau which is on record as being
opposed to such commercialization
of service fan's interest in screen
personalities.
Hauser to Head Para.'s
Studio Shorts Publicity
Mervin Hauser has been appointed
West Coast publicity representative
for Paramount short subjects, it was
announced yesterday by Oscar Mor-
gan. Hauser has been a member of
the regular Paramount studio pub-
licity set-up under George Brown
for several years. He assisted in
the New York premiere of "For
Whom the Bell Tolls" and currently
is helping to launch the Los Angeles
piemiere, after which he will de-
vote efforts exclusively to short sub-
jects. Increasing importance of
Paramount's shorts production on
the Coast warrants a full time pub-
licity man, Morgan said.
Milwaukee's Alhambra
To be Warners' First-Run
Milwaukee, Wis. — First-runs will
be played at the Alhambra which will
reopen the third week in August, and
will be operated by Warners. The
theater is being redecorated, but the
equipment, such as the air condition-
gin and sound is considered by War-
ners to be in good condition.
In the last quarter century, the
Alhambra has been opened and closed
nearly a dozen times. Built in the
fashion of an English music hall,
the theater seats about 2,500.
New Pact for Block
Bertram Block has received a new
long-term contract as Eastern story
editor of 20th-Fox.
COMinG and GOIHG
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
Lena HORNE Bill ROBINSON
Cab CALLOWAY
and his band
A 20lh CENTURY FOX PICTURE
PLUS A BIG D f\ V" Y 7th Ave-
STAGE SHOW K W W I * 50th St.
"DIXIE" * m Person
with ~k ANDREWS SISTERS
BING CROSBY * TIM HERBERT
DOROTHY LAMOUR it MITCH AYRES
A Paramount Picture *fc and his orchestra
Cool PARAMOUNT Times Square
CEJEE
B'WAY &
47th St.
BETTY CRABLE in
"CONEY ISLAND"
GEO. CESAR
MONTGOMERY ROMERO
"CALABOOSE"
Among those leaving for the Coast tomorrow
are JOSEPH M. SCHENCK, JOE MOSKOWITZ,
JACK WARNER, CHARLES EINFELD, ARTHUR
LYONS, CLIFFORD ODETS and WILLIAM R.
WILKERSON.
SAM KESTENBAUM, PRC's exploitation man-
ager, leaves the home office today for Phila-
delphia in advance of the Earle Theater eng?
ment of company's "Follies Girl" which o|
there tomorrow. He returns to New York\ •
Monday.
ROBERT HUSSEY, in charge of the Universal
studio radio department, returned to the Coast
last night.
JUDY GARLAND is back on the Coast from
a New York trip.
DOROTHY LAMOUR arrives back on the Coast
on Saturday.
KATINA PAXINOU, Creek actress who made
such a hit in "For Whom the Bell Tolls," leaves
the Coast for New York on Aug. 6.
BILL BISHOP, M-C-M mid-Western publicity
director, is spending his vacation in Wisconsin.
Loew°s STATE
ON SCREEN
VIRGINIA WEIDLER
"THE YOUNGEST
PROFESSION"
,• .
* ,
"DU BARRY WAS A LADY," tke Tecknicolorful Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Musical
Comedy yields tkis impression of tke Du Barry Girl from famed artist Skimin.
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starring
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LUCILLE BALL
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VIRGINIA "RAGS"
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* TOMMY DORSlY
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Screen Play by Irvinfj Brecher • Adaptation by Nancy Hamilton
Additional Dialogue by Wilkie Mahoney • Based oh the Play Produced
by B. G. DeSylva • And Written by Herbert Fields and B. G. DeSylva
With Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
Directed by ROY DEL RUTH • Produced by ARTHUR FREED
LITHOU S A
Thursday, July 29, 1943
Brandt, Schaefer Top
NEK Committees
(Continued from Page 1)
proposals suggested for realization
of the NEIC aims. The committee is
headed by Philip Loeb, with Anita
Grannis serving as vice-chairman.
Jr^js Grannis also has been added to
j5/NEIC's co-ordinating committee.
Jnirry Brandt has been named chair-
man of a membership committee.
Other picture people on this commit-
tee are George J. Schaefer, national
chairman of the NEIC, and John C.
Flinn. Schaefer also was appointed
chairman of a committee charged
with making arrangements for a
mass rally on Sept. 20 at which will
| be announced pledges from those in
the industry to contribute six weeks
a year or their equivalent to the na-
tion's war effort.
The NEIC will hold its next meet-
ing on Sept. 21, with the co-ordinat-
ing committee scheduled to meet
again on Aug. 5.
New Managers Union May
Start CIO-IATSE Conflict
(Continued from Page 1)
ater Managers and Employees Local
152, CIO, in New York, it was in-
dicated yesterday. The IATSE claims
a large membership of the theater
managers in this territory and the
new union is regarded by the IA as
an unnecessary invasion.
The new union is starting a cam-
paign to bring into its fold the man-
agers, assistants, ushers, cashiers,
doormen and matrons in the theaters
of the five boroughs and Suffolk,
Nassau and Westchester Counties.
Indications are that a bitter fight
for supremacy will develop during
the next few months.
Loew s Movie Guide 4th
Year Starts on Sunday
Loew's Theaters Movie Guide, ap-
pearing daily in the eight major New
• York City newspapers, will begin its
fourth year on Sunday. During the
last 12 months, Loew's has spent
$483,000 for this medium which lists
the daily attractions in 69 neighbor-
hood houses and which has served to
reduce the volume of telephone calls
to approximately 25 per cent of their
former number. Guide was conceived
by Oscar Doob and is handled by
Ernest Emerling.
Clara Bow William Powell
Dennis D Caplin
From Berlin (Irving) To Broadway:
• • • WHEN the history of the present war is written in terms
of the motion picture's contribution to Victory, the name of Warner
Brothers will be in the forefront In the Book of Memorables Dates
will be July 28, 1943, and, therewith, in substance, this notation: "At
their Hollywood Theater in New Yorr City, the Warner Brothers held the
world premiere of Irving Berlin's 'This Is The Amy,' all profits from
the film's distribution going to Army Emergency Relief" Last night
that debut took place, — a brilliant debut, studded with notables, military
pageantry and the material sinews of war Outside the. institu-
tional Hollywood Theater crowds thrilled at the token display of might
which comprised 400 officers and men, jeeps, trucks, anti-aircraft guns,
a camouflage unit whose display included desert and tropics material,
while the night was filled with music presented by an Army band
Standing in the close-packed throngs, the eyes of this correspondent,
nostalgically, if you will, turned from the Hollywood's facade to that
of a little theater virtually across the street, — a house, where on another
summer's evening, Aug. 7, 1926, the same Warner Brothers introduced
Vitaphone to the industry and to the world Not since that advent
of the articulate screen has the House of Warner so greatly benefited
the trade, the nation, and mankind, as it did last night through the un-
leashing of "This Is The Army"
▼ TV
• • • WHY this dogmatic assertion? Consider what the
picture means To the cause of free institutions it is a vast con-
tribution To our Army's welfare it represents overwhelming
"reinforcement" And to the trade it offers an attraction of un-
paralleled timeliness and power, both in the matter of entertainment
content and that content's exploitability For the film's fash-
ioning, filmland and its customers are indebted to the Warners them-
selves, their production aides, and to Irving Berlin and the Army
authorities The indebtedness is likewise deep in the instances of
Hal B. Wallis, associate producer; Michael Curtiz, director; Casey
Robinson who scripted the screen version; and Kate Smith and numer-
ous others, who, in 'common with the aforementioned, donated their
services Rich laurels also rest on the brows of Charles Einfeld,
WB's director of advertising and publicity, who came East to direct
the promotional campaign, and Mort Blumenstock here in New York,
along with Whitney Bolton from the Coast— all working in brilliant
co-ordination with the "This Is The Army" public relations unit
billeted in the h.o. under Sgt. Ben Washer
▼ ▼ ▼
• • • EINFELD'S campaign is a monumental affair whose potency
is best realized by citing the fact that, notwithstanding public interest
being currently riveted on crucial world happenings, the entire nation
has been and is being totally flagged in behalf of the picture All-
time record in radio "breaks" has been attained, — dialog insertions in
more than 30 network script shows; more than 50 network musical
"breaks" leading up to the premiere; and transcriptions distributed to
over 800 radio stations, etc Some 8,000 New York stores are carry-
ing displays, and hotels and restaurants via menus and ads are boosting
the pic You can't get into a taxi, but that "This Is The Army"
cards ride with you Harnessing of the great Wrigley sign in Times
Sq. is a promotional triumph for WB So are countless other facets of
the campaign Mr. Exhib, you have never played a picture which
will beget you so much co-operation from and within your community,
nor one through which you can render so much service, dispense so much
desired-entertainment, and see so much coin roll in
T ▼ ▼
• • « AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! ! !
WLB Okays SOPEG Pay
Hike for Three Cos.
(Continued from Page 1)
workers at United Artists, National
Screen Service and Paramount.
Wage increases of $3 to $5, with
an $18 minimum for messengers and
$20 for clerical workers at United
Artists are retroactive to Nov. 21,
1942.
Two hundred employes will benefit.
A $20 minimum, retroactive to Sept.
1, 1942, has been okayed for a sim-
ilar number of clerical workers at
NSS. The board's decision is still
pending on a $3 general increase.
Minimum salaries at Paramount have
been fixed at $18 for messengers and
$21 for clerical workers. Increases
are retroactive to Oct. 5, 1942. Also
approved by the board was the in-
corporation of Paramount's cost-of-
living bonus into the salaries of ap-
proximately 500 white-collar work-
ers covered by the SOPEG's contract
with the company.
Meanwhile the WLB in Washington has
before it a dispute between the SOPEG and
Loew's, UA and 20th-Fox in which are in-
volved office workers at the companies' New
York exchanges. The dispute is over the '
alleged refusal of the firm's to grant closed
shop and other conditions demanded by the
union.
The SOPEG has formally requested the
re-negotiation of wage provisions in its con-
tracts with Loew's, Columbia, 20th-Fox and
RKO-Radio. The wage clauses in the contracts
expired yesterday.
Charlotte Peterson, SOPEG organizer, has
been named vice-president of the union as
successor to Anne Mathews. Ellen Davidson.
Sam Shapiro, Eoche Rosen, Betty Gynt and
Lilyan Miller have been named to fill vacan-
cies on the executive board of the SOPEG.
Tonight the SOPEG will take part in a
home-front rally of white collarites to be
held at Manhattan Center under the spon-
sorship of the UOPWA.
Eight Warner Re-issues
Distributed in Canada
Toronto — In addition to its regu-
lar schedule of 1942-43 releases, War-
ners has sold eight re-issues for Can-
adian distribution in the current sea-
son.
Group includes "The Oklahoma
Kid," "Strawberry Blonde," "Torrid
Zone," "It All Came True," "Dark
Victory," "Angels With Dirty Faces,"
"They Drive by Night," and "The
Bride Came COD."
Results are understood to have
been highly gratifying, with "The
Oklahoma Kid," a James Cagney-
Humphrey Bogart vehicle, topping
the list in amount of business done.
This picture also will be re-issued
in the U. S. starting in September.
Bob Campbell Rites Held
St. Louis — Funeral services were
held here for Robert E. (Bob) Camp-
bell, veteran member of Local 143
Operators, who died of a heart at-
tack at his home.
Mrs. Will Aschman Dead
Chicago— Mrs Will Aschman, wife
of DeVry's Wisconsin distributor, is
dead. She will be buried Friday in
Milwaukee.
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DAILY
Thursday, July 29, 1943
OCR Uncertain When
Setup Will Be Ready
{Continued from Page 1)
made to assert any authority in the
amusement field.
Donald R. Longman, chief of the
Service Trade and Distribution Di-
vision of OCR, says he is uncertain
when he will be able to set up an
organization to work in the amuse-
ment field. "What we're looking
into more than anything else," he
said, "is what we've got ourselves
into." There seemed to be general
agreement here that that's the im-
portant thing now. Almost no one
has any clear idea of the actual
scope of OCR authority, although
Longman mentioned manpower as a
major interest.
At present, Longman said, there
simply is no amusements section
in OCR, Authority over amusements
exists on paper, but there is no in-
tention to exercise it until the proper
personnel is on hand. Longman said
he definitely intends to bring in an
industry man, and indicated that
McMurphey's term as titular
amusements chief will prob-
ably be brief. He does, however,
expect to retain McMurphey in the
organization, and it is likely that
the latter will serve with Longman,
with general authority over the vari-
ous sections of Longman's division.
McMurphey is not yet officially a
part of OCR.
Loew Stockholders Act
On New Exec. Pacts Today
(Continued from Page 1)
vice-president and treasurer; Louis
R. Mayer, production head; J. Robert
Rubin, vice-president and general
counsel, and Lawrence A. Wein-
garten, production supervisor.
It is proposed that Bernstein's
contract, which expires Dec. 31, be
extended to Aug. 31, 1945, at his
present salary. A new contract for
Mayer to run to Aug. 31, 1946, will
be asked. Rubin's contract, which
expires Dec. 31, will be extended to
the same 1946 date, if the stockhold-
ers agree, while Weingarten, whose
contract expires at the end of this
year, will be re-signed until 1946
under the proposals. Bonuses and
salaries remain unchanged, it is
understood.
Feminine Vandalism
In Conn. Pic Theaters
New Haven — Managers and opera-
tors report continued vandalism in
theaters in the state. Some houses
repaint ladies' rooms as often as
every two weeks because of lipstick
decoration on walls. Seats are
ripped, chair backs bent forward by
pressure of feet, nails and other
small objects thrown into the audi-
ence. Some houses have supernum-
eraries, but strictest vigilance doesn't
suffice to eliminate all such incidents.
reviews of new fums
"THIS IS THE ARMY"
Starring Men of the Armed Forces and George Murphy, Joan Leslie, Lt. Ronald Reagan,
George Tobias, Alan Hale, Charles Butterworth, Kate Smith
Warner Bros. 121 Mins.
SUPERB MUSICAL DESTINED TO MAKE BOX OFFICE HISTORY VIA QUALITY
TREMENDOUS TIMELINESS AND APPEAL.
Warner wizardry— nothing short of that quality— has made Irving Berlin's "This
Is The Army" into what is unquestionably the most potent and appealing musical of its
type ever to come out of Hollywood. Its power and perfection are at once a challenge
to the vocabularly of any responsible reviewer.
The time, care, skill and enthusiasm which have gone into the production on the
Burbank lot have paid rich dividends — to the House of Warner an incalculable degree of
prestige, resulting from consummate showmanship, but most of all from that unselfish
patriotism of the Brothers which caused them to acquire and make, with all
their ability and resources — financial, artistic, and mechanical — the Irving Berlin property
into a milestone in motion picture annals; to the nation and its people, an attraction
which will thrill them, fill them with pride, and flood their beings for long days to come
with more substance than perhaps any shadow drama has ever done before; to exhibitors,
a feature that is pure, 100 per cent entertainment and one destined to pile up for them
grosses of which they have only dreamed heretofore.
It takes no sage to reach the patent conclusion that it can pile up a far greater
"take" than any previous or contemporary picture released on a so-called straight policy,
even without the price-scale to be initiated for introductory key engagements, and which
have as their purpose the raising of "plus" funds for Army welfare — as witness last
night's $55 top at the world premiere in New York.
From start to finish, one of the strongest impressions gleaned from the pulsating foot-
age, resplendent in gorgeous Technicolor, is the astonishing attribute of the motion
picture, as a medium, to give almost unbounded sweep to story and settings. As a
stage offering, "This Is The Army" was magnificient. As a movie it's sensational. The
screenplay, primary as all intrinsically fine things are, recounts essentially the story of
a dancing star (George Murphy) who is drafted in World War I and produces "Yip,
Yip, Yaphank." Thus the Murphy characterization parallels biograph ically this actual
facet of the career of Irving Berlin himself. With the outbreak of the present war,
Murphy, crippled by his leg wound in the former conflict, conceives of a new Army show,
and as a theatrical producer sets out to stage one, with his son as associate. The latter,
spurred by the tragedy of Pearl Harbor, goes into the Army; refuses to marry his sweet-
heart, Joan Leslie, for fear of leaving her a widow, and finally finds himself
stage manager of "This Is The Army," playing in New York and later going on tour of
principal U. S. cities. The Murphy-Leslie romance does end in marriage on the very
night the show itself ends. Much of the picture is devoted to production, comedy and
specialty numbers from "Yip Yip, Yaphank," in eye-filling fashion, and from "This Is The
Army," likewise exquisitely embellished. Laughs come in a constant procession, making
the film a top-flight feast on the point. But it is the series of production numbers that
lifts the audiences out of their seats. Highlights include Kate Smith's rousing rendition
of "God Bless America" (meant originally to be part of Berlin's "Yip, Yip, Yaphank"
score); the sequence showing the cast being assembled from fliers, tank corps, infantry,
artillery, and other units; the "This Is The Army, Mr. Jones" number; the minstrel num-
ber; the Navy and Air Force numbers; the "command performance" attended by Presi-
dent Roosevelt in Washington; Sgt. Joe Lewis and the marvelous Negro performers in "That's
What the Well-Dressed Man in Harlem Will Wear;" "! Left My Heart at the Stage
Door Canteen" sung by Sgt. Earl Oxford; the gripping finale, "This Time IsTheLastTime;"
and other splendid scenes. The musical score has few, if any, rivals. Berlin himself ap-
pears in a climax spot to sing his unforgettable "Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The
Morning." Cast is splendid, and Michael Curtiz has imparted ace direction. So fre-
quent is the spacing of entertainment "pearls" on the long chain of 121 minutes of
flashing action that it is impossible to mention the many who have turned in memorable
performances. Suffice it to say that "This Is The Army" is a kaleidoscope of wonderful
components. It is a credit to all who participated in its making. They and the film
itself represent industry history, not in the making but made!
CAST: George Murphy, Joan Leslie, George Tobias, Alan Hale, Charles Butterworth,
Dolores Costello, Una Merkel, Stanley Ridges, Rosemary De Camp, Ruth Donnelly, Dorothy
Peterson Frances Langford, Gertrude Niesen, Kate Smith, Ilka Gruning, Lt. Ronald Reagan,
Sgt. Joe Louis, Sgt. Tom DAndrea, Sgt. Julie Oshins, Sgt. Robert Shanley, Cpl. Herbert
Anderson; and as soldiers, — 1st Sgt. Allan Anderson, Sgt. 'Ezra Stone, Sgt. James Burrell,
Sgt. Ross Elliott, Sgt. Alan Manson, Sgt. John P. Mendes, Sgt. Earl Oxford, Sgt. Philip
Truex, Cpl. James MacColl, Cpl. Ralph Magelssen, Cpl. Tileston Perry, Pvt. Joe Cook,
Jr., Pvt. Larry Weeks, and the Allan Trio.
CREDIT: Producers, Jack L. Warner, Hal B. Wallis; Director, Michael Curtiz;
Screenplay, Casey Robinson, Capt. Claude Binyon; Based on Irving Berlin's "This Is
The Army;" Music and Lyrics, Irving Berlin; Cameramen, Bert Glennon, Sol Polito;
•ilm Editor, George Amy; Technicolor Director, Natalie Kalmus; Sound, C. A. Riggs; Art
Directors, Lt. John Koenig, John Hughes; Special Effects, Jack Cosgrove; Set Decoration,
George James Hopkins; Montages, James Leicester, Don Siegel; Technical Advisor, Lt.
Col. Frank McCabe; Production Numbers, Leroy Prinz, Sgt. Robert Sidney; Orchestral
Arrangements, Ray Heindorf; Musical Director, Leo F. Forbstein.
DIRECTION, Superb. PHOTOGRAPHY. Brilliant
Hurricane Closes
Texas Theaters
(Continued from Page 1)
swept clean, and screen water-dam-
aged from rain.
Cooling Towers were knocked from
the Kirby, Met, and Majestic Thea-
ters, Houston, while the De Luxar>
Nabe in Delman lost its back end a/
Cooling Tower. Effects of the winc^-*"
which reached official rate of 132
miles per hour, took toll as far
north as Waco, where the Orpheum
lost its roof capping. All of the
above are Interstate houses.
Raymond Willis, assistant general
manager, accompanied by C. E.
Holmes, heating and ventilating en-
gineer, and J. C. Skinner, sound en-
gineer, left Dallas early Tuesday
to be joined by Jake Elder, construc-
tion manager, to assess damages and
re-instate operation.
Jack Groves, operator of a Houston
nabe, reported no damage. Other
towns immediately affected lying
between Houston and Galveston are
Bay City, Goose Creek, and Pelly,
from which no theater reports have
been received.
Lou Greenley, Veteran
Film Salesman, Killed
Detroit — Lou Greenley, a film
salesman for 17 years was killed
instantly when the car in which he
was riding turned over, near Gray-
ling. He was formerly with Nate
Schultz, subsequently Monogram
franchise holder in Cleveland, cov-
ering ho for several years, and later
with Grand National, Monogram and
United Artists in Detroit, and also
with UA covering Ohio and Minneso-
ta at various tmes.
Greenley gave up selling a few
months ago when his health failed
for a time, and went with the OWI,
being, at the time of his death,
World-Wide Supervisor of OWI Mo-
bile Units. His widow, Belle, survives.
Body was cremated at White Chapel
Cemetery.
Governor Martin is Host
At Disney Air Film Show
Harrisburg. — Gov. Edward Mar-
tin of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Martin
were hosts last night for a special
showing of "Victory Through Air
Power," at the Executive Mansion
here.
Gen. Marshall to See "Army
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Gen. George Mar-
shall, Army chief of staff, and sev-
eral other top officers will see "This
is the Army" this afternoon at the
War Dept. offices. Irving Yergin of
Warners' home office publicity staff
will host the occasion.
Navy Secretary Frank Knox and
Admiral Ernest L. King were guests
of the Paramount exchange yester-
day at a screening of 2,800 feet of
Navy footage from the South Pa-
cific area.
Thursday, July 29, 1943
»
DAILY
$220,000,000 for '43-44 Hollywood Production
Hollywood Studios Tilting
Budgets for New Season,
Despite Program Slashes
{Continued from Page 1)
would be unwise, it may be noted that
.the calendar year 1941, production
r^enditures were estimated to total
185,000,000 while for the i942 cal-
endar year, according to The Film
Daily Year Book, the Hollywood
total was $198,500,000.
The estimate of $220,000,000 is
predicated on such announcements
as 20th-Fox's that it will spend $41,-
000,000, and Republic's that it is
jumping its budget $6,000,000 and
available information on the top-
budget pix plans of all leading com-
panies.
Many Pix in Upper Brackets
RKO has not set budgets for 80
per cent of the productions it will
make for the new year, but it already
has several very costly productions
in preparation including "The Gibson
Girl," to be made in Technicolor;
"Show Business," to be produced by
Eddie Cantor. Frank Ross will make
':The Robe" in Technicolor, while
Casey Robinson's initial picture as a
producer is "Revenge," which Jacques
Toumeur is directing.
Warners studio representatives yesterday
paid no complete budget had been set nor
would they make any estimates. However,
Warners have several high budgeted pictures
on their slate headed by "Battlecry." "Shine
On, Harvest Moon," "The Rhapsody in Blue,"
"The Horn Blows at Midnight" to star Jack
Benny; "Destination, Tokyo" and "Conflict."
M-G-M representatives also decline to make
any definite estimates but the Culver City
plant will expend large sums on such prop-
erties as "Quo Vadis," "Dragon Seed," "First
50 Years" and "National Velvet."
Columbia's large-budget pictures include
"Cover Girl," "Ten Per Cent Woman," "Hey.
Rookie," "Tropicana" and "Sahara."
Twentieth-Pox has announced its outlay
will be $41,000,000 with Darryl F. Zanuck
to personally produce "Wilson," to be di-
rected by Henry King, and Wendell Willkie's
"One World."
Paramount's "Frenchman's Creek" may hit
$3,000,000 mark while "The Story ot Dr.
Wassell" calls for an expenditure of that
figure. "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby,
will be heavily budgeted as will an untitled
San Francisco story to be produced and di-
retced by Mark Sandrich.
"V" to Spend $30,000,000
Universal, which is advancing its total
production budget to about $30,000,000, for
the new season, has more than nine pix in
the double-A bracket. At the Chicago sales
convention, five features were placed in the
super-special bracket — "For All We Know,"
"Hip, Hip Hooray," "Passport to
Dakar," "Gung Ho" and "Looking for
Trouble." Other top budgets are allocated
to the three Abbott-Costello comedies, the
two Deanna Durbin vehicles, the Charles
Boyer starrer, "72 Hours," the Olsen and
Johnson comedy, "Crazy House," "Phantom
Lady" and "All My Love, Joe."
United Artists producers will spend be^
tween $18,000,000 and $22,000,000. High
budgeted UA pictures will consist of "Since
You Went Away," "The Life of Jack Lon-
don," "Dishonored Lady." "Tomorrow Never
Comes," "One Man's Family." "The Giant
Women," "The Raft," "The Girl from Lenin-
grad," "Duffy's Tavern," "The Hairy Ape,"
"Petticoat Lane," "There Goes Lona Henry,"
"The Moon Their Mistress.'.' A giant musical
from Producing Artists, Inc., an unselected
Story from William Cagney Prods., and one
from Sol Lesser.
Republic will spend $16,000,000 which is
$6,000,000 above its old budget. It will
make large appropriations for "Atlantic City,"
"The Man from Frisco," "Gay Blades" and
"The Fighting Seabees."
35% Boost by Monogram
No figure was available from Monogram
TO THE COLORS:
■k DECORATED +
Danville, III., commissioned a 2nd lieu-
tenant.
CAPT. REYE SCOTT, USAAF, producer of j — * —
"Kukan," awarded the Air Medal in the -^- TO OFFICERS SCHOOL +
DONALD DRAKE, Globe Theater, Scranton, Pa.
Aieutians.
— • —
* COMMISSIONED *
RICHARD E. SMITH, USAAF, formerly Capitol,
Nick and Weston Seek
Indictment Abatement
(Continued from Page 1)
from a 'group of local motion pic-
ture theater owners in the Fall of
1937.
The motion was filed by Sigmund
M. Bass, counsel for Nick and Wes-
ton who are serving Federal prison
terms for violating the Federal anti-
racketeering act in connection with
collection of moneys from theater
owners to stop increases in pay for
members of Local No. 143. Bass
contended that since the state court
indictment has been pending for
more than four terms of court and
has not been called to trial through
no fault of Nick and Weston the
case should be dismissed under Mis-
souri law.
New Glazer-WB Pact
Calls for One Annually
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — One of the most un-
usual deals between Warners and a
producer has been consummated be-
tween Jack L. Warner and Benjamin
Glazer with latter signed to a
straight four-year contract calling
for one production annually under
the Warner banner, and also giving
him choice of stories acquired by
studio. This supersedes the contract
Glazer signed with Warners approxi-
mately one year ago. Thus Glazer
will be permitted to devote a portion
of his time to free-lance and make
independent productions.
RKO to Tradeshow First
1943-44 Block Aug. 16-19
RKO's first block of five for the
1943-44 season will be nationally
trade screened Aug. 16-19, Ned Depi-
net announced yesterday. Group
consists of "A Lady Takes a Chance,"
' The Fallen Sparrow," "Adventures
of a Rookie," "The Seventh Victim"
and "So This is Washington." •
but a company representative said the new
budget will easily exceed that of the old by
35 per cent. Among Monogram expensive
pictures will be "Ground Crew," "Fighting
Quartermaster," "Hitler's Women," Latin
Quarter," "Lady, Let's Dance" and a second
Baleitta picture.
While no figure was available from PRC.
it's new budget is more than double that for
1942-43. Among important pictures on PRC's
list are "Talent School." "Waterfront," "Har-
vest Melody," "Jive Junction" and "Troc-
adero."
* WAC*
ELEANOR BLAKELY, Bausch & Lomb, Rochester.
N. Y.
Lipton Acting Chairman
Of WAC Public Relations
(Continued from Page 1)
the WAC Public Relations Division
in the place of Oscar Doob, who will
serve as assistant national director
of the War Finance Committee for
the Third War Loan Drive. Doob
was given a leave of absence by
Nicholas Schenck at the request of
Secretary of the Treasury Morgen-
thau.
Lipton will carry on Doob's duties
with the WAC which in the past
directed the activities of the Army
and Navy relief, Red Cross War
Fund, March of Dimes, etc.
Proposes Liaison
Board for Hollywood
(.Continued from Page 1)
board would eliminate the need for
the director to have a Hollywood
office. Proposal was made at a meet-
ing of the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers.
At the meeting it was a n -
nounced that Wanger and David O.
Selznick had each volunteered to
make one war information short for
the program of 26 decided on by the
OWI and the WAC. Other members
of the Society are expected to volun-
tee; later.
"Dixie" Ends Six-Week
Run at Para, on Tuesday
Paramount's "Dixie" will be the
fourth picture to play the Paramount
Theater, Broadway, mo:e than five
weeks when it completes its six-week
run next Tuesday. Only three other
pictures matched or exceeded
"Dixie's" run; they were "Star
Spangled Rhythm," eight weeks;
"Road to Morocco," seven weeks, and
' Holiday Inn," six weeks.
WW
V
•^#"
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF WE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
,■'"'""■- in
"SONG OF
TEXAS'
HERS TO HOLD
BUSINESS
WAY ABOVE
ANY OTHER
DEANNA DURBIN
PICTURE!
f{Ofua"
f
SELL WAR STAMPS EVERY DAY IN THE "SHANGRI-LA" JULY DRIVE
_ ^tfj/ca. c ' "'O'er
" ' anl< S/,o
In Today's Issue,
The Equipment News Section
{See pages 7 and S)
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
F DAILY
2
L. 84. NO. 21
NEW YORK. FRIDAY. JULY 30. 1943
TEN CENTS
CLARIFY DRAFT STATUS OF THEATER MEN
Theaters Still Closed in Texas Hurricane Area
Editorial
Scratch-pad
. . . jottings
By CHESTER B. BAHN
PETER EDSON, whose ear is to the Wash-
ington ground for the New York World-
Telegram, in an editorial page dispatch this
week concluded with, "Unquestionably, the
coming political campaign . . . will be one
of the dirtiest campaigns in history. That's
why it bears such close watching from
here on in" . . .
Which recalls that on June 23 you read
in this same Page One, Column One, space
a forecast that the Presidential campaign is
certain to see film biz, or at least some
segments of it, dragged in. . . . You can
Jouble that in spades today, for it is pretty
obvious that what Marcia Winn is writing
for the Chicago Tribune on Hollywood is
political in motivation and in ramifications.
. . . The publisher of the Windy City daily
happens to be the same Col. Robert R.
McCormick whose GOP political convictions
and those of 20th-Fox's Wendell L. Willkie
are as far apart as the poles. . . . The
months to come inevitably will bring a
show-down. . . .
•
IF what D. C. Speaker grapevines from
Washington, where the isolationist vs.
anti-isolationist pot boils merrily although
Congress has recessed, those forces which
were so signally routed when they staged
the Senate industry "witch hunt," are pre-
paring to try again, with or without an
inquiry of some sort as a backdrop. . . .
Pending the end of the Congressional recess,
however, you can anticipate a variety of
sniping. . . . Fair samples would be the
attention paid "Mission to Moscow" in cer-
tain quarters, press and others, and the
current Tribune "exposes" of Hollywood. . . .
•
THE ITO of Ohio reportedly has regis-
■ tered opposition to 20th-Fox's plans to
make a film version of Willkie's "One
World," a telegram sent to Darryl F. Zanuck
expressing apprehension that it will bring
duplication of industry condemnation heard
in the wake of the filming of "Mission to
Moscow" and the accusation that it is politi-
cal use of the screen. . . . However honest
that statement may be, it undoubtedly will
be adopted as a "line" by those who would
smear the industry for one reason or an-
other.
Fortunately, both fhe industry and Willkie
have demonstrated their respective abilities
to take care of themselves. . . . And 20th-
(Continued on Page 2)
All Galveston Houses,
Houston Nabes Unable to
Operate After Hurricane
Dallas — Rain which followed Mon-
day's hurricane in the Galveston-
Houston area is holding business at
a standstill. All houses in Galveston
and all Houston nabes have been
closed since Monday afternoon as a
result of the power breakdown which
followed the 132-mile wind and heavy
rain.
Jefferson Amusement Co. houses
in Goose Creek, Pelley, Bay City,
(Continued on Page 3)
Gov't Turns Against
Propaganda Shorts!
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington- — Along with the de-
mise of the OWI as a production
agency, Washington is beginning to
become "unsold" on the value of out
and out propaganda shorts as morale
builders.
Not only do reports from large
cities and the hinterlands indicate
that the shorts program has per-
haps been pushed a little too far
(Continued on Page 3)
"Big S's" Top Execs.
Huddling on Decree
Top executives and counsel for
the five companies that are parties to
the New York consent decree will
hold a series of meetings during the
next few months to discuss the
various aspects of the document
which expires Nov. 20.
Inasmuch as it has been indicated
that the decree will be continued
after that date, the discussions re-
portedly will involve recommenda-
tions for possible changes in the
provisions. One session was held
last week, but a spokesman said that
no agreement had been reached on
any specific point and that the meet-
ing was held merely to exchange
ideas.
Contracts Extended
For Four Loew Execs.
Bell Assumes Hollywood
Industry OWI Duties
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Ulric Bell, in charge
of the OWI Foreign Bureau in Hol-
lywood, will also assume duties as
OWI motion picture representative
on the Coast.
Stockholders of Loew's, Inc., yes-
terday approved the extension of con-
tracts of four top executives to 1946
on the same salary and profit shar-
ing basis on which they are now
(Continued on Page 6)
Mrs. Karl Hoblitzelle
Dies at Dallas Home
Dallas — Mrs. Karl Hoblitzelle,
wife of the Interstate President,
died at her home Wednesday night
after several months illness. Mrs.
Hoblitzelle had only recently re-
(Continued on Page 3)
Reade May Sell His Circuit
Says He is "Entertaining" an
Warners' Canadian Sales
Meet in Montreal Aug. 12
Montreal — I. Coval, Montreal man-
ager for Warners, announced yester-
day that the Canadian sales confer-
ence will be held in the Mount Royal
Hotel Aug. 12 and 13.
- Offer
Walter Reade is "entertaining" an
offer to buy his 39 theaters, the cir-
cuit owner said yesterday. Reade,
who has been ill, said that if he was
sure that his recovery now were
permanent he would be reluctant to
dispose of the circuit, although the
offer was an attractive one.
Reade would not identify the bid-
(Continued on Page 3)
wmmm
Deferred Men Need Not
Switch to War Plants,
WAC representatives Told
Theater employes deferred on legi-
timate grounds do not have to switch
to war plants in order to retain their
present classifications, the WAC has
been informed by the War Manpower
Commission and the National Selec-
tive Service System.
Re-affirmation of this important
fact was sought because of the ac-
tions of several draft boards which
had instructed theater employes to
(Continued on Page 6)
Loew's 4th Quarter
Biz Maintains Gain
Fourth quarter business of Loew's,
Inc., is keeping pace with the in-
crease reported for the 40 weeks
ended in June over the 40-week per-
iod of last year, it was said yester-
day by David Bernstein, vice-presi-
dent and treasurer, following the
special meeting of the stockholders.
This would indicate that the final
(Continued on Page 3)
Booking Conditions Bring
Localization of UA Adv.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The change in booking
conditions, which has made _ simul-
taneous openings in key cities im-
(Continued on Page 3)
Films in War Plants
Reduce Absenteeism
Exhibition of films in war plants
is a tremendous aid to morale and
cuts down absenteeism heavily, ac-
cording to the results of a survey
made by the National Recreation
Association. The survey discloses
that film entertainment produces a
relaxation that helps the output of
war workers. Supplying the recre-
ational requirements of defense
workers is cited by the organization
as one of the most important prob-
lems with which industry and the
community have to deal.
1W
Vol. 84, No. 21 Fri., July 30, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
{Thursday, July 29)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 163/g IS 16
Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2%) 16% 16i/2 16% + 1
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2% llA 2% — Vs
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 15% 155/8 15% + i/8
East. Kodak 163'/2 163 163 + V4
do pfd 1771/2 177l/2 1771/2 — 21/2
Gen. Prec. Eq 21 203/8 21 + %
Loew's, Inc 6134 6OV2 60 Vi + T/2
Paramount 27 26 26%
RKO 83/4 81/2 85/8 + i/4
RKO $6 pfd 91 90 90 +1
20th Century-Fox .. 223/8 21% 22 + l/2
20th Century-Fox pfd. 323/8 32% 32% + l/2
Warner Bros 14l/8 13% 13% + %
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 33/8 3% 3% + 14
RKO war 15/8 1 1/2 ii/2
Sonotone Corp 3% 33/4 3% + %
Technicolor 14% 14% 14% + 1
Trans-Lux 3% 2% 3%+ %
Universal Picts. vtc. 17 1634 17
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Met. Playhouse, Inc. 2nd deb. '45
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57
Ampa Talks Relief Funds
Ways and means of most efficient-
ly raising funds for its proposed re-
lief operations headed the agenda of
yesterday's meeting of the Ampa
directorate, held at 1 p.m. in the
Blue Room, West 44th Street.
Also discussed at the session were
plans for the organization's Fall
meetings.
Einfeld Returns West
Charles Einfeld, director of adver-
tising and publicity for Warners,
leaves today for the Coast.
Jackson County, Mo., Cuts
Theater License Fees 50%
Kansas City, Mo. — Jackson County
has reduced county license fees on
movie theaters about 50 per cent.
After several meetings with thea-
ter owners and operators, the reduc-
tion was announced this week by the
county counselor's office. With some
45 brackets covered by the list of
fees for amusement places, the li-
cense fee was the only one modified.
The annual reductions made as
classified by admittances charged
are: Less than 15 cents, $50 to $25;
15 to 35 cents, $100 to $50; 35 to 45
cents, $200 to $100; 45 cents to $1,
$300 to $150 for theaters seating
2,000 or fewer and $400 to $200 for
theaters seating more than 2,000;
$1 or more, $500 to $250.
Seasonal houses, such as Drive-Ins,
operating only in Summer, will pay
$10 a month.
Latin American Newsmen
To Be Guests of IFRC
A group of Latin American news-
paper men from Colombia, Ecuador
and Venezuela will be entertained at
a luncheon on Aug. 17 by the Inter-
national Film Relations Committee
which concluded the arrangements at
a meeting yesterday. The committee
welcomed Dave O'Malley, newly ap-
pointed foreign publicity director of
Columbia, as a new member. Dave
Blum of M-G-M, chairman, conduct-
ed the sessions.
Tom Edwards Made Prexy
Of Kansas-Missouri TO
Kansas City — Tom Edwards yes-
terday was elected president of the
Kansas-Missouri Theater Owners As-
sociation. Others put in office were
Homer Strong, vice - president;
George S. Baker, secretary and Fred
Meyn, treasurer. New directors slate
comprises Edwards, George Hart-
mann, George Griffith, C. E. Cook,
Strong, Meyn, Clarence Schultz, J.
E. Pennington, R. R. Biechele, Stan-
ley Schwartz and Baker.
Claude Lee told the delegates that
Paramount district managers, branch
managers and salesmen had been
instructed by the home office to be
eternally vigilant that no case of
unfairness or inequity occurs inad-
vertently.
N.B.
WE PROBABLY HAVE REG-
ISTERED WITH US THE
RIGHT PERSON FOR THE
VACANT POSITION YOU
ARE TRYING TO FILL.
CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 Madison Ave. (43rd St.), New York
MURRAY HILL 2-6494
Friday, July 30, 1943
DAILY
Scratch-pad
. . . jottings
(Continued from Page 1)
Fox, it is evident, too, has no intention of
pussy-footing or pulling its punches. . . .
Witness that in last Sunday's New York
Times Colonel Zanuck was quoted as saying
that the forthcoming special, "Woodrow
Wilson," will serve as an object lesson for
Americans against isolationism and that
"One World" also will present a tacit argu-
ment against isolationism.
80 Attend Samson
Luncheon in Toronto
Toronto — Sidney Samson, newly
appointed Canadian district manager
of 20th Century-Fox was welcomed
to his new post at luncheon attended
by 80 industry leaders with W. C.
Gehring of the home office officiating
as master of ceremonies. Gehring
announced that James P. O'Loghlin
is being retained at full salary as
general manager of the Canadian
company as tribute to his long ser-
vice. He is now seriously ill.
Samson was welcomed by Mayor
Fred Conboy and greetings were ex-
tended by Col. John A. Cooper on
behalf of the Canadian Motion Pic-
ture Distributors, Haskell M. Mas-
ters, general manager, Odeon Circuit
and President J. J. Fitzgibbons of
Famous Canadian.
COMInG and GOInG
MARY WORSTELL, Metro booker, New Haven
is spending her vacation at Irvington, N. J.
LOUIS B. MAYER, MARVIN SCHENCK and
HOWARD STRICKLING go to Chicago today
PAUL LAZARUS, JR., leaves Hollywood today
tor New York following UA producer conferences
O. HENRY BRICCS, PRC prexy, returned tc
New York from the Coast yesterday. ARTHUR
GREENBLATT, vice-prexy in charge of sales,,
mains on the Coast for another two weeks, f
MISS E. PARADEIS of Pam-O-Film Exchange
Buffalo, is currently in New York on business.
JULES FIELDS, of the 20th-Fox exploitation
department, is in Omaha in connection with ths
world premiere of "Claudia."
ARCHE MAYERS, executive assistant to Jules
Levey, is en route to the Coast on company
business with stop-overs in Chicago, Kansas
City, and Wichita.
MORRIE ROIZMAN, March of Time film edi-
tor, leaves for Hollywood today on a vacation.
BETTY HUTTON returned to New York yes-
terday after a two-week USO Army camp tour
to attend the opening of "Let's Face It," at
the New York Paramount next Wednesday.
ROBERT SMELTZER, Warners' district manager
for the mid-Atlantic area, returns to his Wash-
ington headquarters today following a home office
visit.
Scratch "Moscow" in Tenn.
Knoxville, Tenn. — Without stating
his reason, manager Eugene Street
has announced the cancellation of a
showing of "Mission to Moscow" at
the Tennessee Theater, of the Wilby-
Kincey circuit.
■W
V^
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF WE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN WE MOVIES
in
'SONG OF
TEXAS'
BOOKED BVJ««
MM
/faotfc*
riiisT run
.Friday, July 30, 1943
TOf
DAILY
Waller Reade May
Sell His Circuit
(Continued from Page 1)
der for the theaters, but it is under-
stood that the prospective buyer is
another established circuit which
would not be restricted from expan-
sion by the consent decree.
oThe Reade circuit operates thea-
ters in New York and New Jersey,
two of which are operated by RKO,
one by Loew's and one by Leo
Brecher.
Loew's Fourth Quarter
Business Maintains Gain
(Continued from Page 1)
quarter will show a 30 per cent in-
crease over the same quarter last
year. The 40-week earnings, after
.all charges, were $9,453,828, a 30
per cent rise over the same 40 weeks
of 1942.
Army's Public Relations
Unit Wins Einfeld Praise
Work of the public relations unit
of Irving Berlin's "This Is the
Army," consisting of Sgt. Nathan
Shenker, Sgt. Ben Washer, Pfc. Max
Gendel, Pfc. Alfred Palca and Pvt.
Max Wilk, was praised in the high-
est terms yesterday by Charles Ein-
feld, Warner ad-publicity director,
who returns to the Coast today. All
members of the unit previously were
in show biz.
"These boys in uniform," said Ein-
feld in his tribute, "gave their as-
signments everything they had."
Ruth Rosenberg to Coast
Rube Jackter, Columbia's assistant
general sales manager, loses his sec-
retary of long standing, Ruth Rosen-
1 berg, on Aug. 1. Miss Rosenberg is
leaving New York for Hollywood
where she is planning to remain and
continue her association with the
! motion picture industry.
Takes Elizabeth, W. Va. Wirt
Cincinnati — James Vogeding has
taken over The Wirt, colored house
at Elizabeth, W. Va., and changed
the name to Elizabeth.
JULY 30
Robert Bennett Holmes Herbert
Duke Hickey
JULY 31
James Flood E. Gilbert- Golden
Fred C. Quimby
Patter and Chatter:
• • • OUT of Hollywood reviewing mills are issuing irom trade
scribes currently a helluva lot of favorable notices on current and yet-
to-be-released Monogram product Especially noteworthy in such
trade reviews are three adjectives which are the tip-off to alert industry
folks that the Mono, features are built on anything but heavy, "problem"
story lines The three little words, occurring so frequently as (1)
bright. 2) cheerful, and (3) escapist Circuits and exhibitors please
note
T ▼ T
• • • COAST casting strategists ivill be downright blind if they
don't give some immediate attention to what John Q. Public is saying
about young Lon McCallister, the lad, who, you will recall, had such a
circumstantially tough time getting a kiss from Marjorie Riordan in
UA-Lesser's "Stage Door Canteen" There's something about the
kid that scores like all get-out with audiences You can argue that
it's the particular characterization, if you like, but that's about as strong
a contention as a gallon of tea made with one tea-ball Incidental-
ly, "Stage Door Canteen" is in its sixth playing week 'round the country
and going stronger than the stuff you find in a Russian samovar
T T T
• • • A VENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Mrs. Karl Hoblitzelle
Dies at Dallas Home
(Continued from Page 1)
turned from John Hopkins Hospital,
Baltimore. Mrs. Hoblitzelle was dis-
tinguished in her own right as a
Broadway musical comedy star with
stage name of Esther Walker. Her
maiden name was Esther Thomas.
The Hoblitzelles were married in
1920.
As a Dallas citizen, Mrs. Hob-
litzelle was prominent in many civic
and social activities, and latterly in
Red Cross work and efforts in many
divisions of the war interests. Other
survivors are her mother, Mrs. Ella
Thomas of Louisville, Ky. and three
sisters and four brothers. Interment
will be in Belfontaine Cemetery, St.
Louis Mo.
Five-Hour Waiting Line
On "Army's" First Day
By noon yesterday, the first day of
its continuous run following Wed-
nesday night's $55 top world premi-
ere, Irving Berlin's "This Is the
Army" had them lined up at the
Hollywood Theater with a five-hour
wait for seats, resulting in a new
opening day record for the house
and auguring a long run and hefty
grosses for the soldier musical pro-
duced by Warners for Army Emer-
gency Relief.
Illinois Blackout Tomorrow
Chicago — A test blackout will be
staged in all Illinois cities, except
Chicago, tonight.
Booking Conditions Bring
Localization of UA Adv.
(Continued from Page 1)
possible and lack of readily avail-
able advertising space in national
magazines have caused United Art-
ists to do much more localizing of
its advertising, according to Paul N.
Lazarus, Jr., UA's advertising and
publicity head, who leaves for New
York today after conferring with the
company's local producers. He said
UA is concentrating its advertising
in newspapers and radio and will
have to increase its advertising ex-
penditure for radio in case of further-
curtailment of newsprint.
Lazarus, Jr., declared the company
is making ambitious advertising
plans for David O. Selznick's "Since
You Went Away," but that his pres-
ent visit has been primarily con-
cerned with the campaigns made on
"Hi Diddle Diddle," produced by An-
drew L. Stone, and "Johnny Come
Lately," by William Cagney Produc-
tions, and starring James Cagney.
The visiting executive pointed out
that UA is in a very healthy condi-
tion, from a production standpoint,
and that in addition to "The Girl
from Leningrad," being made by
R. and F. Productions, and "Jack
London," being produced by Samuel
Bronston Productions, other UA pro-
ducers have shooting scripts practi-
cally completed.
Hal Halperin Hospitalized
Chicago — Hal Halperin, Theater-
Authority member is confined to St.
Luke's Hospital.
Texas Houses Still
Closed From Slorm
(Continued from Page 1)
Channel City and La Porte were
damaged, the Alamo, Pelley, being
completely destroyed. Other houses
suffered varying degrees of damage
and all are closed due to a lack of
power. Port Arthur reports 19
inches of rain with somewhat less
for Beaumont.
Government Turns Against
Propaganda Shorts?
(Continued from Page 1)
but the same appears to be true
abroad. Reports fiom the embassies
here indicate that foreign audiences
are not particularly swayed by the
special shorts.
The general belief around here now
is that the best morale screening
would include bangup newsreel se-
quences and the veiled messages
carried in good Hollywood entertain-
ment productions. War films, purely
aside from any box office considera-
tions, are held to an excellent morale
job when they are really good, but
poor war films, of which there have
been a surplus do more harm than
good.
England, which has long been run-
ning an extensive program of Gov-
ernments war shorts, has cut its rate
recently from two a month to one
a month mainly because the British
public appeared to be getting fed up
with the shorts.
This growing disinterest in push-
ing any program of war shorts plus
the strong industry opposition to
letting advertisers get a foothold
in theaters, is believed to make any
attempt by large national advertisers
to sponsor one and two-reel war
shorts for theatrical distribution a
wasted effort.
Benjamin Leo Stricken
Stamford, Conn. — Benjamin Leo,
operator of the State, Springdale,
for the past 12 years died at Stam-
ford Hospital suddenly after a heart
attack. In 1929 Leo was in charge
of all Fox metropolitan theaters. He
leased the State some time later,
then purchased the building. He had
closed the house for the Summer-
some three weeks ago, because heat
and the pleasure driving ban were
hitting business too hard.
Army Planes9 Crash
Kills James W. Coss
Wheeling, W. Va.— A/C James
W. Coss, AAF, who was manager of
the Pike Theater here before enter-
ing the service, was instantly
B£-» killed when his plane crashed
\~*5 with another above Dothan
Field, Ala. His body was
brought home for funeral services
and burial.
A GLOWING TRIBUTE
TO A GLORIOUS STAR!
DEANNA DURBIN'S contributions
to the motion picture business,
both as a person and perrormer,
nave never been better appraised
tban in tbis tribute by Phil M. Daly
START PLANNING NOW FOR THE 3rd WAR LOAN DRIVE-SEPT. 9th-20th
Wednesday, July 28, 1943
CWlSuiy
Only Just Begun To Star!:
• • • MUSIC, 'tis said, hath charms The tune-laden feature
film, whether oi the war or nay, makes it easier ior America's millions to
walk in Duty's path with the weight oi the conflict's cares and worries on
their shoulders And to the exhibitor there is charm in music
His business symphony, which makes possible the efficient operation of
his house in wartime, provides the wherewithal for the purchase of Bonds
in maximum volume, and makes possible his own and much of his com-
munity's activities in behalf of Victory, is the clinking of coin as it
pours into the ole box-office till Both of these facets of present-day
filmdom. — from the patron's and showman's standpoint — . bring to mind the
intriguing Case of Deanna Durbin Her latest Universal vehicle,
"Hers To Hold," is not only a rich example of the timely, music-studded
opus which the public "wants, but a timely example of music-studded
richness which the theater operator needs Fans are heading eagerly
for the new film, as is evidenced by the heavy "takes" reported from
hosts of situations where it is now playing
T T ▼
• • • THAT "Hers To Hold" is making turnstiles click with tlie
frequency of machine-gun fire is not altogether a novelty in the annals
of Durbin pix From the time of the young star's debut in features
via "Three Smart Girls," she has enjoyed unique success, hurtling virtu-
ally overnight to stardom, and then hanging up repeated triumphs in
rapid succession Then she was tagged as a prodigy,— primarily
because of her vocalizing and refreshing personality Today, tlte
Case of Deanna Durbin is precisely what we say here,— intriguing
Her vocal skill is far above what it was formerly, and her personality
even more magnetic From a pretty child-star, with what might
be termed adequate histronic ability, she has grown into an adult
luminary with great performing skill Her glamour enchants
pations of the feminine gender, giving her intense box-office value on
that important score Equally magnetic is she to the male coterie
In "Hers To Hold," she has what it takes to make the femmes
admire and imitate her, and the swains, all the ivay from knee-pants
to \-H and far beyond, go "Whoo-Whoo!" in the best Hugh Herbert
manner It all adds up to one inescapable conclusion, namely,
that Miss Durbin is a full-fledged butterfly, no longer in the kid cocoon,
and only just beginning to really spread her wings Her jyresent is
big Her future even bigger She is one of the very, very few
members of the film acting profession who has been able to withstand
the transition from juvenile ranks to adult status, and be better in the
latter than the former
T T ▼
• • • MUCH of the credit for Deanna Durbin's present high estate
in the hearts of public and press is due to the intelligent and strategic
guidance at the hands of Universal's studio-ites It was not easy
to convert a girl in early 'teens (the pretiy prodigy) into a young woman
in early twenties whom khaki-clad and bluejacketed lads now pin-up and
look upon with ga-ga, wolfish eyes, and whom gals, young and old,
view as a magnetic model In this triumphant metamorphosis, con-
siderable credit likewise goes to Felix Jackson, producer of "Hers To
Hold," who collaborated in the writing of several of Deanna's previous
pix His knowledge of her as a person and an artiste has provided
with exactness the best channels for her ability Miss Durbin, like-
wise is a mighty factor in her own success She has conscientiously
"stuck to her knitting" in Hollywood, — every stitch a good, clean one. . . . .
She has only just begun to star, — and gross!
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
*d
V*Vouo
Friday, July 30, 19431
Contracts Extended
For Four Loew Execs.
(Continued from Page 1)
serving. One stockholder offered an
amendrnent to the profit sharing
plan which would require an al-
lowance of $4 a share on the com-
mon stock before the executives
could share in the profits. The
present plan calls for an allowance
of $2 a share.
The amendment was voted down by
a vote of 2,790 shares in favor and
more than a million shares against.
The four men whose employment
contracts were extended to Aug. 31,
1946, were David Bernstein, vice-
president and treasurer; Louis B.
Mayer, general of production; J.
Robert Rubin, vice-ipresident and
general counsel, and Lawrence Wein-
garten, production supervisor.
The meeting was conducted by
Eugene Leake, a director and mem-
ber of the audit and finance com-
mittee.
The stockholders, by a unanimous
vote, gave a vote of confidence to
the officers and directors of the
company.
Special Master's Report
Filed in Pathe Lab. Suit
Report of his findings on charges
that improper items had been in-
cluded in costs charged to Pathe
Laboratories by duPont Film Manu-
facturing Corp. has been filed by
James L. Dohr, special master ap-
pointed by Judge John C. Knox of
the U. S. District Court in the suit
of Pathe against duPont. The case
comes up for trial in the Fall.
The report, which covered a period of I'd
months, asserted that Pathe had been over-
charged $111,188 if the company were en-
titled to he hilled at the "formula price" on
certain materials. The suit involves an addi-
tional 10-year period for which computations
has not yet been made.
The special master further held that the
practice of E. I. duPont de Nemours & Co.
of charging- inter-plant profits in computing
costs of certain film was improper. He up-
held duPont on certain of the charges, such
as depreciation, shipping expenses and power,
but ruled that the addition of 30 per cent
profit to experimental expenses was improper.
WEDDING BELLS
Rochester — Ensign Stanley Feny-
vessy USNR and Doris Goodman of
Chicago, were married in Temple
Beth Israel, Boston. They will re-
side in Washington after Aug. 1.
Cincinnati — Robert Waring Bugie,
son of Harry Bugie of Republic Pic-
tures married Elizabeth Rose. The
young couple left for Dyersberg,
Tenn., where Lieut. Bugie is sta-
tioned, as a co-pilot of a Flying
Fortress.
Chicago — Jack Clark, former War-
ner employe, now in the Signal
Corps and a brother of Sam Clark,
publicity director, married Jerry
Houlahan at Carthage, Mo.
REVIEWS Of ll€UI flLfllS
'I Dood It'
with Red Skelton, Eleanor Powell
M-G-M 102 Mins.
SKELTON A WOW IN HIS BEST COM-
EDY TO DATE; BIG BUSINESS INDICATED
FOR LAVISH MUSICAL.
Metro dood it. And how!
The studio's latest Red Skelton comedy
is a humdinger that looks like a million.
Grosses are certain to look like that, too.
For there is no doubt that here is the best
Skelton film to date. The production proves
amply how funny that comic can be when
he has the right material to work with. In
this production he has a vehicle that fully
meets the requirements of popular en-
tertainment.
In "I Dood It" Skelton will wow his
audiences in the role of a presser who
puts on the ritz with clothes belonging to
the customers so that he can make an
impression with Eleanor Powell, musical
comedy star about whom he is nuts.
There's a rival (Richard Ainley), but that
doesn't dampen the ardor of our hero.
What makes it all the more hilarious is the
fact that Miss Powell doesn't know Skelton
is a lowly presser. That is, she doesn't
know it until after she married to the fellow
to spite Ainley. There is a lot of by-play
in which the comic is mistaken for a mil-
lionaire by a theatrical producer (Thurston
Hall) who is looking for an angel. Miss
Powell alters her view of Skelton when the
latter makes a hero of himself by foiling
a plot to blow up a store of lend-lease
ammunition in a warehouse next to the
theater where she is playing.
Musically the film is everything it should
be. Expansive and glittering production
numbers serve as settings for some fine
songs composed by a galaxy of tune creators
that includes Don Raye, Gene dePaul, Lew
Brown, Ralph Freed, Sammy Fain, Count
Basie, Cole Porter, Vernon Duke, John La-
Touche, Ted Fetter, Leo Robin, Richard
Myers. These have collaborated on six
numbers, "Star Eyes," "So Long, Sarah
Jane," "One O'Clock," "Swingin' the Jinx
Away," "Taking a Chance on Love' and
"Jericho.' Also to be considered are sev-
eral lavish dance numbers effectively
staged by Bob Connolly and two special
spots, one featuring Lena Home, the other
Hazel Scott. The Home and Scott se-
quences are bigtime stuff. For the younger
generation there is the added treat of
immy Dorsey and his orchestra.
The screenplay of Sig Herzig and Fred
Saidy and the direction of Vincente Min-
nelli maneuver Skelton into some extremely
uproarious situations. There is one silent
sequence in which Skelton struggles with
a false beard that will knock the customers
in the aisles.
"I Dood It" definitely is Skelton's film.
Miss Powell proves an excellent foil for
him. Sam Levene stands out among the
others at Skelton's boss. Of the others, Ain-
ley, Patricia Dane, Hall, John Hodiak and
Andrew Tombes are the best.
Jack Cummings produced with superb
taste and a prodigal hand. Ray June's
camera work is worthy of note.
CAST: Red Skelton, Eleanor Powell,
Richard Ainley. Patricia Dane, Sam Levene,
Thurston Hall, Lena Home, Hazel Scott,
John Hodiak, Butterfly McQueen, Marjorie
Gateson, Andrew Tombes, Jimmy Dorsey
and orchestra, Helen O'Connell and Bob
Eberly.
CREDITS:. Producer, Jack Cummings;
"What's Buzzin'
Cousin?"
with Ann Miller, Rochester, John Hubbard
Columbia 75 Mins.
FREDDY MARTIN HELPS BOLSTER BOX
OFFICE POSSIBILITIES OF THIS COMEDY;
MILLER, ROCHESTER ALSO GOOD.
"What's Buzzin' Cousin?" isn't the hepcat
stuff that its title suggests, although there
are a couple of strains of hot music. The
title, in fact, is absolutely meaningless in
this instance.
The exhibitor will have to look to Ann
Miller, Eddie Anderson (Rochester) and
Freddy Martin and his orchestra for the
audience appeal of this film, a mild comedy
with none-too-strong a story. Miss Miller re-
gales the customers with several peppy dance
numbers. Rochester deals out some comedy
which, while not exactly new, manages to
squeeze a fair number of laughs out of the
patrons. 'But, perhaps, the strongest at-
traction of all is Martin. The baton wielder
floods the film with melody in a wide
variety of musical offerings topped by his
own swing arrangement of Liszt's Second
Hungarian Rhapsody, one of the film's high
moments. The Martin aggregation has 10
tunes to play around with.
The yarn has a quartet of chorines trying
to make a go of a hotel in a deserted town.
The place has been inherited by Miss Miller.
Upon the scene come the Martin boys with
Rochester and John Hubbard, a vocalist.
The place is turned into a night club at
Hubbard's suggestion, but it's no go until
a gold rush starts as a result of Rochester's
misplaced bridgework. Subsequently the
joint is sold by the chorines to a group of
racketeers at a fat profit. The romance is
taken care of by Hubbard and Misss Miller.
Jack Fier produced and Charles Barton
contributed lively direction. Harry Sauber
is responsible for the screenplay, which is
based on a yarn by Aben Kandel.
CAST: Ann Miller, Eddie Anderson
(Rochester), John 'Hubbard, Freddy Martin,
Leslie Brooks, Jeff Donnell, Carol Hughes,
Theresa Harris, Roy Gordon, Bradley Page,
Warren Ashe, Dub Taylor, Betsy Gay, Louis
Mason.
CREDITS: Producer, Jack Fier; Director,
Charles Barton; Screenplay, Harry Sauber;
Based on story by Aben Kandel; Cameraman,
Joseph Walker; Art Director, Lionel Banks;
Musical Director, M. W. Stoloff; Film
Editor, James Sweeney; Set Decorator,
Joseph Kish; Dance Director, Nick Castle;
Songs, Walter Samuels, Saul Chaplin, Charles
Newman, Lew Pollack, Jacques Press, Eddie
Cherkose, Don 'Raye, Gene Depaul, Wally
Anderson, Walter Donaldson, Mort Greene.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Okay.
Jack Baker Quits Filmack
Chicago — Jack Baker has resigned
as advertising manager of Filmack
Co.
Director, Vincents Minnelli; Screenplay,
Sig Herzig, Fred Saidy; Cameraman, Ray
June; Recording Director, Douglas Shearer;
Musical Director, /George Stoll; Dance
Director, Bob Connolly; Art Director, Cedric
Gibbons; Set ecorator, Edwin B. Willis;
Film Editor, Robert J. Kern.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Aces.
Clarify Draft Status
Of Theater Workers i
f
(Continued from Page 1)
get jobs in war plants or Jose their
status.
S. H. Fabian, who, with Harry-
Brandt, conferred with Government^
officials, said that the men they njij" ; ft
with declared officially that thf'
was no basis for such ruling on the
part of any board.
"If a theater man is deferred,"
Fabian said, "because of physical
disability, dependency or over-age,
it does not affect his status in the
least if he keeps his present job in
a theater."
Fabian also said that it was not
the intent of the theaters division
of the WAC to obtain deferment
for any employe "if the facts do not
warrant it." It was pointed out that
in cases where a legitimately-de-
ferred theater employe is told to
change his job by his board, it is
advisable that the WAC be notified
immediately. The WAC will then
communicate the facts to specified
individuals in the selective service
who have promised prompt action.
Morgan in Charge of
Republic's B. A. Branch
Buenos Aires (By Air Mail) —
Passed by Censor) — A branch office
of Republic has been set up here by
Morris Goodman with Guy P. Mor-
gan in charge. Morgan was for-
merly United Artists manager in Ar-
gentina. The branch is known as
Republic Films of Argentina, which
has absorbed Cinematografia Almar
former distributor for Republic in
Argentina.
F'j
t
Mary Dawson, Gallitzin
House Operator, Killed
Gallitzin, Pa. — Mary Dawson, who
has been operating the Victoria here
for her brother, Kenneth Dawson,
now with the armed forces in Africa,
was instantly killed when she fell
under the wheels of a train at the
local railroad station in saying good-
bye to relatives who had been visit-
ing with her and her blind mother.
Funeral services will be held today.
STORKS
:■:
ion
F
Hartford — Maurice Shulman, oper
ator of the Webster, Rivoli and
Wethersfield Theaters, is father of|
a baby girl, weight 8 pounds 10%;
ounces, Maxine, born at Hartford
Hospital.
Samuel Kuperstein, manager of ^
the Hippodrome, Bridgeport is alsoj f
father of a baby girl.
Springfield, Mass. — Edward Car-
roll president of the Carroll Inter-
ests, owners of the Stuart in Boston
and the Riverside Park-In, Agawam,
is the father of a son born at Wessori
Maternity hospital.
Building
Remodeling
Equipment
Maintenance
* * * *
NEW YORK, FRIDAY. JULY 30. 1943
* * * *
iSREENJEES BIG POST-WAR EQUIP. BOOM
Coast Stands Set Up Air-Raid, Fire Precautions
■louses' Co-operation with
rhe Los Angeles Fire Dept.
And TDB Aimed at Safety
>:
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Preparation of fire
equipment charts by the Los Angeles
Fire Department for all film and
egitimate theaters, and instructions
issued to all managers to make daily
mecks on location of every piece of
[ire-fighting equipment has as its
purposes not only proper prepara-
tion for potential air-raids, but also
a deterrent in the matter of theater
fires generally, inasmuch as there
has been a wave of such blazes in
'jtnany sections of the country during
,the present war, it is pointed out
{Continued on Page 8)
Dallas Exhibitors
Building Reserves
Dallas — Reserve accounts to total
more than $300,000 are being built
ip for post-war construction and
Remodeling by small circuits and
ndividual operators in this area.
Move is the result of a bulletin from
Sol. H. A. Cole, president of Allied
Jf Texas, to its members, which em-
phasized that such planning is the
;heater man's best protection from
;he economic collapse and depres-
sions which followed World War I.
Equipment men have reacted to
";he scheme with spontaneous en-
(Continued on Page 8)
Just File It Under:
This Uncertain World
Broadway's theater purchasing
agents began hastily thumbing-over
lightning rod catalogues within the
week as a thunder storm swept into
Manhattan with a lightning bolt sock-
ing a tree right next to Radio City
Music Hall. Some of General Elec-
tee's engineers, it is reported, had
said that no lightning could strike
within a mile radius of the Empire
State Building, because that struc-
ture, a huge lightning rod itself,
would attract all of Jove's thunder-
bolts.
Equipment Field Notes
ANNOUNCEMENT is made by J. A.
Milling, manager of RCA's Bloom-
ington, Ind., plant, that his company has
applied to WLB for a 7 per cent wage in-
crease for about 1,200 hourly employes. He
declared that the organization believes
that the raise is necessary to offset a 7.5
per cent rise in the cost of living, and a
16.5 per cent increase in food prices in
Bloomington since last Summer.
W & W Candy Co., Detroit, is being
incorporated with a Michigan charter
by Lew Wisper and Frank A. Wetstnan,
owners of W & W Theaters. The new
company carries on the centralized can.-
dy buying service of the circuit, but
will not operate candy counters in the
theaters, which are run by different
concession companies. Capitalization
is $10,000.
* * *
Casimi Griglik and H. C. Struzynski have
organized the Universal Screen Print Co.,
with offices at 3757 West North Ave., Chi-
cago, to manufacture and distribute film
lithographs.
Ethel Meding of the WAVES former-
ly of Eastman Kodak, Rochester, has
been assigned to the new photographic
laboratory at Anacostia, Washington,
D. C, where she is editing microfilm.
* * *
Early on the morning of July 24, the
Festa Theater, Kansas City, Mo., film house,
was damaged by fire. Loss is placed at some
$20,000, half of which was to contents.
Herman lllmer, operator, indicates that
he will repair and re-open the stand as soon
as possible.
* if *
W. N. Carnasion, owner of the Park
Theater in Starke, Fla., has had the
house re-decorated. The marquee is
highly patriotic in its trim red, white
and blue, while the lobby is in old
rose. Foyer is in Russian blue, and,
tying-in these different colors is the
poster display illuminated in the rain-
bow hues.
* * *
Warner circuit in Chi. will re-open the
Alhambra, Milwaukee, during the third
week in August. Theater has been closed
many times during recent years, but WB,
in its true showmanship fashion, will put
in a first class program, re-decorate the
house, and make the stand's operation per-
manent.
A five-and-a-half-day work week has
been put into effect in several depart-
ments up at Bausch & Lomb's Rochester
plant on a trial basis. It replaces a
six-day week, but the move is said to
be only experimental for the summer
months. Schedule has been adopted
to give workers more daylight hours
for relaxation and recreation. If the
new schedule interferes with produc-
tion requirements — back goes the six-
day week pronto.
New equipment is being installed in the
Kiwanis Theater, Tavares, Fla., which will
make it modern in every detail.
% % *
Manager Kay Porter will have a
brand new office when improvements
to the Temple Theater, Perry, Fla.,
are completed. Entire house is being
painted and decorated. George E.
Porter is owner of both the Temple
and Foley Theaters.
* * *
Miss Peggy Houters of Eastman Kodak,
Rochester, has a special interest in a cer-
tain Flying Fortress. It's the "Peg o' My
Heart," named for her by the plane's pilot.
Fred Wehrenberg has let contracts
for the construction of an addition
to the brick chimney of his Cinderella
Theater out St. Louis way.
* * *
H. O. Yost, T. W. Pyle and W. C. Leshan-
na have organized the Chicago Transformer
Co. with offices at 208 So. LaSalle St. to
manufacture and distribute electrical equip-
ment to the trade.
* * *
Sergeant Tom Hamilton is missing in ac-
tion in Europe where he was attached to
an Army Flying Fortress. He was formerly
with Tom Flannery's Whiteway Service.
Chester Roloff, brother of Bill Ro-
loff, advertising manager of DeVry
Corp., was in Chicago visiting relatives.
Chester is with the Army Air Force,
stationed at Ft. Summer, N. M.
Keen Exhibitor Interest
Manifested Via Response
To Survey Is Barometer
In wake of recent introduction by
National Theatre Supply Co. of its
"Magic Bridge" post-war equipment
plan, Walter E. Green, organization's
president, declares that extraordi-
nary returns have resulted from ev-
ery section of the country, with
exhibitors manifesting sharp interest
in acquisition of new theater equip-
ment as quickly after Victory as
possible.
Response received to date, Green
declares indicates that all forms of
equipment replacements are being
considered by showmen, involving
projection and sound units, chairs,
(Continued on Page 8)
Ochs Plans lo Build
A $100,000 Drive-In
Columbus — Announcement is made
here of a theater building project in-
volving approximately $100,000 to
start as soon as building restrictions
and auto driving rationing are allevi-
ated.
Herbert Ochs, managing director
of the Dayton Drive-In Theater at
Dayton, announces that his company
has leased a 40-acre tract of land on
E. Main St., between Rosemore Ave.
and Old Country Club Rd., to be used
for a Drive-In Theater, concessions
and parking space. The lease ex-
tends for 15 years, effective from July
(Continued on Page 8)
Chi. Equip. Official
Plays All the Keys
Chicago — F. J. Wenzel, president
of Wenzel Projector Co. here, is one
gent who doesn't let the other fellow
do it if he can do it himself. The
big exec, sees personally that all
orders sent in for repair and re-
placement parts by firm's dealers
and customers are filled and shipped.
It's some task when you consider that
the plant is working full blast on
orders both for the armed forces,
pic exhibitors, and other channels.
_
H
8 • EQUIPMENT NEWS
W
Friday, July 30, 1943
DAILY
A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre-
hensively covering the equipment field, pub-
lished every second week by Wid's Films and
Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York
City. John W. Alicoate, Publisher; Donald
NT. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B.
Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipment
Editor; West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood
Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk,
Bureau Chief.
Big Equipment Boom
Is Foreseen by Green
(Continued from Page 7)
screens, cooling and ventilating
equipment, lamphouses, marquees,
electrical units, and other necessities
for use both within the theater and
for exterior purposes.
What the "Magic Bridge" plan,
basically a survey of exhibitor needs,
specifically reveals, Green asserts, is
that there will be a tremendous boom
in the equipment field following ces-
sation of hostilities, and, as a conse-
quence, the company is girding for
this obvious development, so that all
customers can be officially served.
He added, "Judging by the comments
of many exhibitors, National's 'Magic
Bridge' post-war equipment plan is
especially pleasing to these exhibi-
tors because it is not based on any
required deposits of money or ad-
vance payments, but is predicated
on the exhibitor's building his own
post-war equipment fund through
the purchase of War Bonds by the
exhibitor himself."
McNabb Announces Boost
Of Carlsen in B & H Setup
Chicago— J. H. McNabb, president
of the Bell & Howell Co., makers of
motion picture equipment and optical
devices, anounces the delegation of
T. C. Carlsen to the position of super-
intendent of parts manufacturing.
He started with the company in
1927 as a tool and die apprentice, and
went to assistant to the plant engi-
neer, then to chief methods engineer,
and while in these responsible posi-
tions acquired the necessary directive
ability to fill his present post.
For Excellence in the Production
of Motion Picture Sound Equipment
IT'S A FACT!
War-bom DEVRY preci-
sion Theatre Projectors
and Sound Systems pre-
sent developments far
beyond previously ac-
cepted standards. DEVRY
Corporation. 1112 Armi-
tage Avenue, Chicago, 111.
DeVRY
Hollywood • CHICAGO • New York
Dallas Exhibitors
Building Reserves
(Continued from Page 7)
thusiasm as the list of far-seeing
exhibitors grows. Typical type of
planning is the case of Will and
Ed Dorbandt, operators of the Dixie
and Liberty Theaters, Athens, Tex.
The partners have heretofore divided
profits but from now on plan to
leave them in a fund to recondition
the Dixie and rebuild the Liberty.
Estimates for the Dixie include: 900
chairs at $8, $7,200; new carpeting,
$1,500; rearrangement of front and
interior reconditioning, $5,000— $13,-
700 of new business from one small
theater.
Candy Days In Chicago
Are of "Hard" Variety
Chicago — Vending candy is any-
thing but a "sweet" chore for film
theaters in this sector. To begin
with, many theater owners are find-
ing it tough to secure sufficient candy
supplies for their machines. Cir-
cuits have been hard hit by the con-
fection famine, with number of candy
bars offered to patrons shrinking
each week.
Secondly, the Fire Department of-
ficials are getting hard-boiled again
over theater owners who permit
popcorn machines and candy count-
ers to clutter up their lobbies. Many
have been ordered to take them out.
Claim is that this equipment is vio-
lating fire laws, and, if violations
continue, exhibs. will be hauled to
court.
Screen Sales Reported
Omaha — Western Theater Supply
has sold screens to the following
theaters: Chief, Weeping Water,
Neb.; Doric, Elk Hart, Kan.; Com-
munity, Aurelia, la.; Quinby, Quin-
by, la.; Coronado, Ewing, Neb.;
State, Hastings, Neb.; Boyd, Spen-
cer, la. The Temple, Mount Pleas-
ant, la., has purchased satin front
curtains and automatic stage drapes.
Bad News for Axis!
Rochester — An Eastman Kodak
Co. chemist is reported to have in-
vented a deadly new explosive, much
more powerful than TNT. It is said
that a streak of the substance on a
sheet of paper will make the paper
explode when it's lighted.
Stairs to Fill Ork Pit
New Haven — Loew-Poli will fill its
former orchestra pit with section
stairs, which will be attractively cov-
ered and form an added exit,
LARGEST SELECTION OF
Popcorn Machines
We Buy . — Sell ■ — and Service
All Makes — All Models
Write us
KRISPY KORN EQUIPMENT
120 S. Halsted St.
CHICAGO, ILL.
Penthouse on Wheels
Is Photographic Tool
Rochester — A penthouse on wheels
has been constructed on the roof,
eight stories up, of an Eastman Ko-
dak Co. building here. It has no
tenants.
Designed as a photographic tool,
the house rotates on a center post
and a semi-circular rail to provide
shadows of a required nature at any
time of day. Of particular value in
taking a series of "shots," the semi-
revolving penthouse enables a pho-
tographer to work all day with the
same shadows.
Ochs Plans to Build
$100,000 Drive-In
(Continued from Page 7)
1, 1943, to 1958. Type of construc-
tion will follow that of the Dayton
Drive-In, now in its second season
of operation. A circuit of Drive-Ins
is planned for construction after the
war. In the meantime, properties
are being acquired. Ochs, former
Warners Bros.' district manager,
plans to make his headquarters in
Columbus.
G. E. Gregory Is Promoted
To O-CF Vice-Presidency
Toledo, O. — George E. Gregory,
formerly director of sales of Owens-
Corning Fiberglas Corp., Toledo, has
been promoted to vice-president in
charge of commercial development,
working closely with John H.
Thomas, general sales manager.
Board of directors was enlarged to
include the following four new mem-
bers: W. B. Zimmerman, vice-presi-
dent in charge of manufacturing and
sales; Games Slayter, vice-president
in charge of research and develop-
ment; Harry R. Winkle, treasurer;
and Dr. E. C. Sullivan, vice-chairman
of the board of directors, Corning
Glass Works.
Gilbert, Film Veteran, Retires
Rochester — Herbert D. Gilbert re-
tired here on completion of 46 years
with the Eastman Kodak Co. Gilbert
was the 450th person to be employed
at the plant.
WE CAN SUPPLY
all standard 35mm preci-
sion projector replacement
parts.
We sell only through
Dealers, but if your dealer
is unable to supply your
requirements, write us di-
rectly and we will give
you the name of the
dealer able to serve you.
FREE:— Our latest com-
plete Parts Catalogue is
now available. Ask for it
and give us the Dealer's
name serving your Com-
munity.
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY
2509 South State St. Chicago, III.
Coast Pic Theaters r
In New Safety Move
i
(Continued from Page 7)
here by channels close to the prob
lem.
Instruction to the managers were
issued to some 25 zone inspectors of
the Theater Defense Bureau at »»,
recent meeting of the exhibitor I
ganization. Both inspectors and tht-
aters have been given copies of the
equipment-placement forms. Mana-
gers have also been advised that if
they use duly-appointed air-raid war-
dens as volunteers to augment their
fire and panic staffs, such workers
are covered by Federal compensa-
tion insurance, as well as by theater
liability insurance.
Yesterday at 7:30 p.m. here, and
in the surrounding territory, the first
of a series of communications net-
work test calls was initiated. Through
this network, all theaters are noti-
fied of air-raid alerts and, according
to M. A. Anderson, network chair-
man, it requires but seven minutes
to pass the information to 236 thea-
ters in the city. Zone inspectors are
to attend weekly theater fire and
panic drills.
Noted Engineer Is Named
Gen. Aniline & Film Head
George W. Burpee, partner in en
gineering firm of Coverdale & Col
pitts, was elected on Wednesday toE
presidency of General Aniline &,
Film Corp. to succeed Robert Ej
McConnell, resigned.
The new official, a graduate of;
Bowdoin College and Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, is recog
nized as one of America's foremost
engineers.
jj
WHITEWAY
ELECTRIC SIGN & MAINTENANCE CO.
Thomas F. Flannery, President
315-17 W. Walton St. Chicago, III.
Delaware 91 li
I
';■■
SEEKING A DEPENDABLE
SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR YOUR
THEATRE
TICKETS?
INTERNATIONAL OFFERS:
Dependable service . . . Low cost . . .
45 year's experience serving theatres,
stadiums, amusement parks, etc.
We can supply your needs. Roll,
machine folded, reserve seats, etc.
Write lor samples, prices or other information.
Delivery tree Maine to Virginia.
INTERNATIONAL
T I C K E TfipVCOMPANY
52 GRAFTON AVE. \°Z/ NEWARK, N. J.
Sales Offices in Principal Centers
3 A N
-|J1Z -LS tr-17 M HZ
IS I CI
CI CHI d cl H
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Mil
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*:i
k
y
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In
v
irth
il
xv
Si:
ltd
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»:
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
'LE COPY
DO NOT R>^r,L
w ' REMOVE
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
fOL. 84. NO. 22
NEW YORK. MONDAY. AUGUST 2. 1943
TEN CENTS
ARMY'S SIZE TO GOVERN EQUIP. DISPOSAL
Treasury Cold to Copper Penny Collection Plan
Reeling 'Round --
WASHINGTON
5= By ANDREW H. OLDER —
—WASHINGTON
!kA/AR Manpower Commission officials
11 * v are reported looking askance at those
ines found in front of some theaters during
ate morning and afternoon. . . . But before
'hey jump to the conclusion that the lines
nclude many young men and young women
vho might be otherwise occupied, they
should do a bit of checking. . . . They could
ind that a large percentage are filling
'swing shift" war jobs and that theater
ittendance is on their limited free time. . . .
'After all, the "swing shift" worker needs —
ind is entitled to — recreation and amuse-
ment.
• •
IT'S too bad UA couldn't use the recording
made by the Army's Special Service Divi-
sion of reactions to "Stage Door Canteen"
'abroad after viewing the Sol Lesser film. . .
It's a terrific thing, we're told by Army
Officers, but unfortunately the recording
s bad and it won't take many playings.
Meither can it be transferred.
• •
DY NOW, no doubt, you're all convinced
"^ about the toughness of the freon situa-
tion, but let's just add the clincher. Allen
Smith, who heads WPB's amusements
■branch, moved his office last week, and
seemed very happy about it. The reason
being that there's no air-conditioning sys-
tem in the building where he now is. He
was pleased because there was a system in
the building where he had been, but it was
lot in operation because no freon could be
made available. ... • OWI, it appears
will retain its function of allocating raw
stock for all civilian purposes. ... • Earl
vlinderman, who used to work with Lowell
Mellett in the OWI film bureau, is the
lew information officer for the Federal
Communications Commission. Out of the
frying pan into the fire? .... • The
Forthcoming manpower "critical" lits isn't
OHN W. ALICOATE
: : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
- General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :
: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(July 30)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 163/8 15% 15'/2 — Vi
Col. Piers, vtc. <2Vi%> 17 I61/4 16'/4 — Vi
Columbia Pic ts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2% 1% 2*A
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 15% 15% 15% + Vs
East. Kodak 162Vi 162Vi 162Vi — Vi
do pfd 1771/2 177'/2 177Vi
Cen. Prec. Eq 21 203,4 20% — %
Loew's, Inc 61 Vi 59 Vi 59Vi — 1
Paramount 267/8 25 Vi 25% — 5/s
RKO 83/4 8Vg 8Vi — Vs
«KO $6 pfd 89'/2 88 Vi 88 Vi — l7/8
20th Century-Fox .. 22 Vs 20% 213/8 — 5/„
20th Century-Fox pfd. 32Va 31% 313/8— %
Warner Bros 14 13% 13% — Vi
do pfd
89 13-32 89 13-32 89 13-32
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... . 3% 3% 3Vi
RKO war 1% 1% 1%
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3%
Technicolor 15 14% 14%— %
Trans-Lux
Universal Picts. vtc. 17 16% 16% — %
MITCHELL MAY, Jr.
CO., INC.
INSURANCE
Specializing
in requirements of the
Motion Picture Industry
75 Maiden Lane, New York
510 W. 6th St. Loj Angeles
comiriG mid GOinG
JACK L. WARNER and CHARLES EINFELD ar-
rive on the Coast today from New York.
S. J. GREGORY, Alliance prexy has returned
to Chicago from Balboa Beach, Calif., where his
family has a cottage for the Summer season.
VIRGINIA WEIDLER arrived in Rochester on
Friday for a three-day engagement at the RKO
Temple there.
EARLE W. SWEICERT, Paramount's Philadel-
phia district manager and J. E. FONTAINE,
Washington branch manager, were New York
visitors Friday. WILLIAM ERBB, Boston district
manager, also visited the home office late
last week.
LEONARD GOLDENSON, Paramount vice-pres-
ident in charge of theater operations, and LEON
NETTER, theater department executive, returned
Friday from visits in Atlanta and New Orleans.
ARTHUR LYONS, vice-president of the re-
cently formed Producing Artists, Inc., left over
the week-end for Hollywood.
LOU WEINBERG, sales executive for Columbia,
leaves New York today for Atlanta and New
Orleans. He is scheduled to be back at his
home office desk the middle of next week .
FRANCIS S. HARMON returns to New York
today from the Coast.
MITCHELL RAWSON, who went to Boston Fri-
day, returns early this week.
ARCHIE MAYERS has arrived on the Coast
from New York.
JAMES NASSER and CHARLES LEONARD are
here from the Coast.
PAUL N. LAZARUS, JR., director of UA's
advertising, publicity and exploitation, arrives
in New York today after a two-week visit in
Hollywood.
A. MONTAGUE, Columbia's general sales man-
ager, left the home office on the week-end for
a business trip to Chicago and New Orleans,
and will return in about 10 days.
Reeling 'Round- -
WASHINGTON
(Continued from Page 1)
of top-flight entertainers. . . . The industry
knows what its talent is doing for service-
men here and abroad and the public knows
in an off-handed way. . . . Industry thanks
should go to the Steinbeck for a moving
story no reader of which will forget the
sacrifice of top stars to keep our fighting
men happy.
• •
I ONG range note: It may be that pix
will finally come in for some congres-
sional attention later on this year. An
investigation of OWI seems almost a cer-
tainty, and pix'll come in on it.
Advertisers Told to Try
Television Medium Now
(Continued from Page 1)
in the opinion of Samuel H. Cuff,
program director of television sta-
tion W2XWV, owned and operated
by Allen B. DuMont Laboratories,
Inc.
Speaking before the American
Television Society, Cuff said that
W2XWV had offered its facilities
to all interested agencies and ad-
vertisers for experimentation. He
said that advertising leaders already
had recognized the potentialities of
television and several were conduct-
ing experimental programs or were
planning to do so.
"Now, when the television audi-
ence is necessarily limited by war-
time restrictions, is the time for
the advertisers to test the medium,
'play around' with television and ex-
perience the growing pains of pro-
gram development — by trial and er-
ror— so that when television becomes
full-blown they will be ready for
it," Cuff said, adding that "there
is only one way to understand tele-
vision and that is to actually use It."
Cuff told the society that tele-
vision is not as complicated as most
pei'sons believe.
"Canteen" Registers UA
Peak for Extra Time
UA's current release, "Stage Door
Canteen" has been accorded more ex-
tra playing time in more theaters
throughout the U. S. than any other
of the company's previous pix, Carl
Leserman, UA general sales manag-
er, said Friday.
This additional playing time has
been noticeable in practically all of
its first group of key engagements.
Pic has received extra playing time
in both big and small town situa-
tions.
Starting off with its opening at
the Capitol here where it is now in
its sixth week, "Stage Door Canteen"
made further history when, for the
first time in the theater's 23-year
record, it played three weeks at
Loew's State, Cleveland, and follow-
ing the State run, was moved over
to the Stillman where it is now in its
second stanza.
Pic, Leserman also cited, is now in its
fifth week in Ciney, fourth in Philly. Mon-
treal and Atlantic City, and third in Frisco,
Chicago, Allentown, Erie and Youngstown.
In Providence after a successful first run
at Loew's the picture has been moved over
to the Carlton thus giving- it four weeks
in that city. In Seattle "Stage Door Canteen"
opened day-and-date at both the Music Hall
and Paramount and is now in its second
week at the Paramount. While in Baltimore,
following three weeks at the Century, the
pic is now in its second week at the Valencia.
In Denver, it played day-and-date at the
Denver, Esquire, and Aladdin and is now
playing similar engagements at the Broadway
and Rialto. In Los Angeles after day-and-
date runs in four first-run houses the pic-
ture was moved to the 4 Star Theater where
it is now in its third week.
Para's Indie Contracts
on 6th Block a Record
For the fourth successive week,
contracts with independent exhibi-
tors for Paramount's sixth and last
block for the 1942-43 season have
established a new high mark, ac-
cording to Neil Agnew, general sales
manager. Independent contracts in
four weeks of selling now total 4,-
064, which, according to Agnew, is
the greatest number sold on any
block in the corresponding period.
The total is 1,659 more than the
previous mark established on the
fifth block, Agnew said.
Warners Canadian Meet
Postponed To Aug. 19
Montreal — Warners has set back
its Canadian sales meeting for a
week and the two-day conference
is now scheduled for August 19-20
in the Mount Royal Hotel here
Wolfe Cohen, Canadian district man-
ager, and all branch managers and
salesmen for the Dominion, will at
tend the meeting. £Sh
Among home office executives ex
pected for the sessions include
Joseph Bernhard, vice-president;
Ben Kalmenson, general sales man
ager; Mort Blumenstock, in charge
of advertising and publicity in the
East; Arthur Sachson, assistant
general sales manager; A. W
Schwalberg, supervisor of exchange
operations and Norman H. Moray.
short subject sales manager.
[I
■\
r
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
Lena HORNE Bill ROBINSON
Cab CALLOWAY
and his band
A 20th CENTURY FOX PICTURE
PLUS A BIG B f\ V V **•» Ave.
STAGE SHOW K W Alt 50th St.
D
"DIXIE" • In Person
with * ANDREWS SISTERS
BING CROSBY if TIM HERBERT
DOROTHY LAMOUR ir MITCH AYRES
A Paramount Picture if and his orchestra
Cool PARAMOUNT Times Square
E23U3
B'WAY &
47th St.
BETTY GRABLE . GEO. MONTGOMERY
"CONEY ISLAND"
— and —
"CALABOOSE"
NOAH BEERY. JR. • JIMMY ROGERS
loTv?. STATE
ON SCREEN
VIRGINIA WEIDLER
"THE YOUNGEST
PROFESSION"
I
Monday, August 2, 1943
T»
DAILY
Treasury (old to
Copper Penny Plan
(Continued from Page 1)
*ged. More than one-quarter of all
;he copper pennies issued by the
Treasury and still in circulation
:ould be collected by this means in
i single week. About ten and one-
lalf billion copper pennies have
\ "S* coined by the Treasury and are
nVin circulation — except for those
ost or stored away. These include
:opper estimated at about 30,000
ons.
Figuring that 12,000 theaters
oarticipate in the drive for a full
veek, at an average admission price
)f 33 1-3 cents, and figuring total
veekly admissions at 100,000,000,
wo and one-half billion copper pen-
lies could be collected in one week.
The rub is that the Treasury
ioesn't want to retire copper pen-
lies, even though WPB feels that
■he copper which might be salvaged
s virtually needed. The new steel
jennies are being minted at ca-
>acity speed of only about 50,000,000
)er month, Treasury sources reveal,
ind withdrawal of any large quan-
ity of copper pennies would hamper
xade. The rate of production of the
lew pennies is only the normal re-
rairement for pennies to supplement
;hose already in circulation. Pennies
ire more needed today than ever be-
iore because of various new direct
I ;axes, etc. says the Treasury.
i Harry Bredenham Dead
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Funeral services were
'ield Thursday at All Saints Episco-
pal Church, Santa Monica, for Harry
Bredenham, 52, who died suddenly
of a heart attack. He was at one
ftime a district sales manager for
First National in London and has
also been a special sales represen-
tative for Paramount. He was with
Myron Selznick Agency from 1931
to 1943 and was with William Morris
office at time of his death.
FWTBT Opens on Coast Aug. 16
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM tDAILV
Hollywood — Para.'s FWTBT is
low set to open at the Carthay Cir-
:le on Aug. 16. Seat sale opens
;oday; premiere at $5.50 benefits
the Los Angeles Area War Chest.
Myrna Loy Jack L.
Harold Mohr
Warner
Passing Summer Parade:
• • • PRIDE and satisfaction can excusably grip filmland
On desk-top as we pen this item is the 1943 Infantile Paralysis Fund-
Raising Appeal report issued by Basil O'Connor Total net collec-
tions were $5,527,590 (about $1,500,000 higher than any previous year),
and of this record sum YOU of the pic industry subscribed or were the
direct channels through which $2,086,596.12, or close to 40 per cent of
the total, went to this great cause! It is a signal triumph for the
entire motion picture business, acting in humanitarian concert under the
Drive leadership of Nicholas M. Schenck and Harry Brandt It is
a triumph especially for those stricken with the dread poliomyelitis
And it is a dark defeat for those great-of-spleen who hate an industry
great-of-heart T ▼ T
• • • RICHARD HUBBELL, former tele consultant of For-
tune mag, movie director for M of T, author of "4000 Years of Tele-
vision, and other distinguishments, has joined N. W. Ayer's radio dept.
as writer-director. . . . * Maj. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr., has just
become associated with public relations firm of Russell Birdwell and
Associates. ... • Daniel Ponticelle, former booker of WB's local
exchange, is on leave following completion of basic training at U. S.
Naval Training Station, Sampson, N. Y
T ▼ T
• • • IF this corner were a member of the Motion Picture Acad-
emy's adverting award committee (if there were such a thing for the
purpose of determining who'd grab an Oscar for unique and effective
ads), a prompt ballot would be cast for the recent trade ad conceived by
Stanley Shuford to clarion Paramount's billboard campaign in New York
anent FWTBT The ad, by-the.-by, appeared in a competing trade
paper, which fact in itself qualifies Phil M. as an impartial judge, or at
least something along that line
T T T
• • • POPEYE the Sailor Man is in the Army now Jack
Mercer, who has been the screen voice -of the spinach-guzzling gob for
the past 11 years, has been inducted and leaves for camp on Aug. 3, so
clarions Sam Buchwald, gen. mgr. of Paramount Famous Studios
Jack, story and gag man for the outfit, has a trick set of vocal pipes
which permit him to talk way-down-in-the-cellar-like His voice is
a versatile affair, furnishing speech and other sounds for Para, cartoon
creations The voice of spindly-legged Olive Oyl [in Brooklyn the
verse of Olive Earl), string-bean sweetheart of the movies' Popeye, is
that of a bee-utiful young lady, who in real life is the wife of (you
guessed it!)— Jack Mercer!
T T T
• • • SPEAKING of shorts, and speaking of speech, the aviator
audience down Atlantic City way has voted as one of the most suc-
cessful camp shows yet presented there the new musical revue staged for
the 709th Air Corps Training Group by Henry E. (New York) Lester, former
film shorts producer, now with the. film division of the Air Forces
Br'r Lester, at one time associated with UA in Europe, has made various
tab reels in this country, including work for the Dept. of Agriculture and
other agencies o' the Government Plan oi the show, which was a
musical potpourri, was suggested by Capt. Charles B. Vaughan, CO. of
the 709th. Pvt. Art Simon, former concert singer, worked on the produc-
tion with Lester A new unpublished musical number, "Song of the
Flying Cadets," was presented by Pvts. Kahn Keene and Joe DeVoe
Show flashed forth on the well-trod boards of the Atlantic City Basic
Training Center
T T ▼
• • « AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Skouras lo Address
20lh-Fox Convention
(Continued from Page 1)
head. The three are also scheduled
to speak at the Chicago and Los An-
geles meetings, the one to start Aug.
5, the other on Aug. 11.
Andy W. Smith, Jr., Eastern sales
manager, will preside at the New
York sessions. Among those who
will address today's session are:
William J. Kupper, executive assist-
ant to Connors; Edmund Reek, vice-
president and production manager of
Movietonews; Lowell Thomas; Lew
Lehr; Ed Thorgersen; Paul Terry;
Westbrook Van Voorhis; John Wood*
George Roberts, Phil Williams of
March of Time; and William Clark,
short subjects sales manager.
Others who will attend the meet-
ing from the home office will be W. C.
Gehring, Jack Schlaifer, Murray Sil-
verstone, Hermann G. Place, W. C,
Michel, Sydney Towell, Felix Jen-
kins, Dan Michalove, Jules Alberti,
Larry Kent, W. J. Eadie, M. Mosko-
witz, J. Sichelman, E. H. Collins.
Also, T. Shaw, C. A. Hill, W. J. Clark,
Rogrer Ferri, Harry Buxbaum, H. A. Mersay,
I. Lineer, J. Bloom, H. Fenster, E. McEvoy,
M. Caplan, H. Reinhardt, M. Goodman, Nat
Brower, Hettie G. Baker, Stella Seidel.
Florence Johnston. Georgre Roberts, Charles
Goetz, Winton Burrhus, Edmund Reek, Jack
Darrock, Russell Muth, Tony Muto, Ed
Thorg-ersen, Lowell Thomas, Lew Lehr,
Vyvyan Donner, Mabel Cumming's, Robert
Montgomery, Richard Condon, Rodney Bush,
Charles Schlaifer, Jack Goldstein, Chester
Feitel, Jules Fields, Ted Lloyd, Tom McCabe,
Richard Dube, Sam Shain, M. Kinzler, Ed
Hollander, J. Novat, Murray Schaffer, G.
Gomperts, W. Allen, S. Pierce, R. Owen,
Irving: Maas, Albert Cornfield, E. S. Fraeer,
Leslie Whelan, Paul Terry. Harvey Day.
William Weiss, Howard Black, John Wood.
From the New York exchangre will come
Ray Moon, Joe St. Clair. Morris Sanders.
Morris Kurtz, Abe Blumstein, Elliott Mc-
Manus, Nathan Harris, Belmont S. Gottlieb,
Joe Lee, Georgre Blenderman.
Besides New York, exchanges represented
will be Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washing-ton,
Atlanta, Charlotte, New Orleans, Dallas,
Memphis and Oklahoma City.
Leroy Phelps Joins PFC
Leroy G. Phelps, formerly with the
domestic film production unit of the
OWI, has joined the Princeton Film
Center, Princeton, N. J. His first
assignment will be on the production
of a series of 35mm. films for the
Co-ordinator of Inter-American Af-
fairs which are now being prepared
by the Princeton Film Center.
Trade Enthusiastic
At 'l/'-'Armjj' Co-op.
Filmdom on the week-end doffed
its collective chapeau to another
salient example of inter-industry co-
operation in behalf of the war effort,
— the including by Universal News-
reel of an 80-foot clip of the New
York world premiere of Warners'
"This is the Army." The clip, placed
prominently in the current issue of
the newsreel, uses musical back-
ground from the film and clarions
to the public that the attraction's
profits go to Army Emergency Re-
lief.
MM
»
DAILY
Monday, August 2, 1943
:< :< Reviews of the new nuns a &
"Salute to the
Marines"
with Wallace Beery
M-G-M 101 Mins.
BEERY APPEARS TO GOOD ADVAN-
TAGE IN ROBUST, FAST- MOVING COLOR
FILM STRONG IN COMEDY.
This film is not what one might expect
from the title, which carries the promise
of a well-considered, dignified tribute to
the Marine Corps. The fact that the film
was made with assistance from the Marine
Corps and is dedicated to that branch of
the service lends substance to that promise.
Instead what one gets for the most part
is a sentimental comedy about a big oaf
of a sergeant major in the Philipppines
who retires after thirty years' service only
to find he can't get the Marine Corps out
of his system.
The above is not by the way of criti-
cism of the entertainment value of the film.
It is merely meant to set the record straight.
For the truth is that, for all its routine
quality, "Salute to the Marines" will draw
heavily at the box office. The reasons are
not hard to find. For one thing, the film
has a generous quantity of simple, direct
and easily-assimilated comedy. For another,
it has a lusty all-out performance by Wal-
lace Beery in the role of the old-timer.
Yet, again, it has action without stint,
fine Technicolor photography, a sweet
romance between Beery 's daughter (Mari-
lyn Maxwell) and a Marine lieutenant (Wil-
liam Lundigan) and a climax packed with
excitement.
Beery's inability to adjust himself to
civilian life makes him very much of a trial
to his wife (Fay Bainter). The fellow, with
no combat service to boast of despite his
long years in the Marine Corps, gets a
chance to fight when the Japs attack the
Philippines after his return to civilian life.
He makes himself a hero by rallying the ci-
vilians against the invaders and fighting a
delaying action until the arrival of rein-
forcements. The battle sequences are highly
realistic and bring the film to a rousing
end. The death of Beery and his wife by
a bomb lends a sobering touch to the story.
Beery gives better account of himself
than he has in some time. The film is
almost wholly his. Miss Bainter, Miss Max-
well, Lundigan, Reginald Owen, Keye Luke,
Ray Collins and Donald Curtis back him up
well.
The direcion of S. Sylvan Simon possesses
vitality. George Bruce wrote the screen-
play from an adaptation by Wells Root of
a yarn by Robert D. Andrews. Charles Schoen-
baum and W. Howard Green get credit for
the camera work. Arnold Gillespie and
Warren Newcombe contributed some thrill-
ing special effects. John W. Considine,
Jr., merits a nod for his work as producer.
CAST: Wallace Beery, Fay Bainter, Reginald
Owen, Keye Luke, Ray Collins, Marilyn
Maxwell, William Lundigan, Donald Curtis,
Niah Beery, Sr., Dick Curtis, Russell Glea-
son. Rose Hobarr.
CREDITS: Producer, John W. Considine,
Jr.; Director, 5. Sylvan Simon; Screenplay,
George Bruce; Adaptation, Wells Root;
Based on story by Robert D. Andrews; Cam-
eramen, Charles Schoenbaum, W. Howard
Green; Musical Score, Lennie Hayton;
I Sound, Douglas Shearer; Art Director,
Cedric Gibbons; Set Decorator, Edwin B.
Willis; Special Effects, Arnold Gillespie,
"Hi Diddle Diddle"
with Adolphe Menjou, Martha Scott
UA-Stone 72 Mins.
STONE'S INITIAL PRODUCTION IS
SCREWY AND SOPHISTICATED FARCE
COMEDY WITH PLENTY OF ENTERTAIN-
MENT.
"Hi Diddle Diddle" gives Andrew Stone
Productions a favorable send-off. The new
outfit's initial effort boasts of considerable
entertainment. It's a crazy, sophisticated
farce that throws reason right out of the
window for the sake of laughs. There isn't
a serious moment in the whole of it and the
peppy pace doesn't give the interest much
chance to lag.
Aside from its entertainment appeal, the
picture wil benefit from curiosity certain to
be stirred by the presence in the cast of
Pola Negri, star of yesteryear, who returns
to American films in "Hi Diddle Diddle"
after an absence of many years. Although
Miss Negri's role, that of a temperamental
opera singer, is not unduly large, it is a
showy one that shows her off to nice advan-
tage. In her comeback picture the actress
finds herself in good company. Chiefly to
be noted are Adolphe Menjou, Martha Scott,
Bi Hie Burke and June Havoc, all of whom
keep the bubble always in the air in this
comedy romp. Other players who fill their
roles nicely are Dennis O'Keefe, Walter
Kingsford, Barton Hepburn, Paul Porcasi.
Menjou plays a gay, charming scoundrel
and man-about-town married to Miss Negri,
by whom he is supported. He gets a chance
to try his bag of tricks when Miss Burke
tells him that she has lost her fortune to a
swindler. In his eforts to recover the sup-
posedly lost fortune he gets himself involved
in a number of compromising situations with
the ladies. The fellow is prompted by the
fact that his son (O'Keefe), who is a sailor,
is married to Miss Burke's daughter (Miss
Scott). After he has recovered the money,
Menjou discovers it was a gag.
Andrew Stone has produced and directed
with happy results. The screenplay has
been provided with many smart and titillat-
ing lines and situations by Frederick Jackson.
A novel touch is a cartoon sequence cre-
ated by the Leon Schlesinger organization.
CAST: Adolphe Menjou, Martha Scott,
Pola Negri, Dennis O'Keefe, Billie Burke,
June Havoc, Walter Kingsford, Barton Hep-
burn, Georges Metaxa, Marek Windheim,
Eddie Man-, Paul Porcasi, Lorraine Miller,
Richard Hageman, Bert Roach, Chick Chan-
dler, Ellen Lowe, Barry McCollum, Joe Dev-
lin, Hal K. Dawson, Andrew Tombes, Byron
Foulger, Ann Hunter.
CREDITS: Producer, Andrew Stone; Asso-
ciate Producer, Edward Finney; Production
Manager, Carley Harriman; Director, An-
drew Stone; Screenplay, Frederick Jackson;
Cameraman, Charles Schoenbaum; Musical
Director, Phil Boutelje; Film Editor, Harvey
Manger; Set Decorator, Earl Woodin; Songs,
Foster Carling, Phil Boutelje.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
"Moscow" Not for Alliance
Chicago — Alliance Theater cir-
cuit will not book "Mission to Mos-
cow," according to Pete Panagos.
Warren Newcombe; Film Editor, Fredrick
Y. Smith.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
"Someone to
Remember"
with Mabel Paige, John Craven, Dorothy
Morris
Republic 80 Mins.
REPUBLIC HITS MARK WITH FILM
PACKED WITH HUMAN INTEREST ELE-
MENTS; MABEL PAIGE RATES POSIES.
In "Someone to Remember" Republic has
delivered a honey of a picture for family
audiences. There is something about the
film that gets you. It is one of those pro-
ductions in which the human factor is every-
thing, in which the story is told with a
warmth and an understanding beyond re-
sisting. There are tender moments as well
as humorous ones to claim the attention in
a tale of exceptional merit that has been
developed with fine skill.
The production is heavily in debt to
Mabel Paige, who dominates the film in
grand style, carrying the burden of the
acting in the central role — that of an old
lady who refuses to abandon the hotel suite
she has occupied for a quarter of a century
even after the place is taken over by the
local university and converted into a men's
dormitory. The woman is justified in her
stand by an iron-clad lease giving her own-
ership of her premises. What holds her to
the place is the hope that some day the
irresponsible son who disappeared some 25
years before will return to her. She feels
that if she moved out he might not know
where to find her. She finds happiness in
the thought that one of the students is her
grandson. Death very kindly claims her
the day before the boy's father, the man
she thinks is her son, makes his appearance.
We say kindly because the man turns out
not to be her son at all but a stranger
bearing the same name. It is disclosed at
the end that the son is dead — a fact
kept from her for fear the shock might
kill her.
Miss Paige plays the old lady with great
sweetness and gentleness. By underplaying
she prevents the film from becoming unduly
sentimental. It is her best film role to this
writing. She gets fine support from John
Craven, as the student Dorothy Morris, as
the lad's sweetheart Charles Dingle, as the
college's building superintendent, and Har-
ry Shannon, as an old friend. Craven and
Miss Morris handle the romantic assignment
splendidly.
Robert North acquitted himself capitally
as associate producer. Credit Robert Siod-
mak with a fine job of directing. Ben
Ames Williams supplied the story from
which Frances Hyland contrived the screen-
play, which has plenty to recommend it.
CAST: Mabel Paige, John Craven, Dorothy
Morris, Charles Dingle, Harry Shannon, Tom
Seidel, David Bacon, Richard Crane, Chester
Clute, Russell Hicks, Leona Maricle, Made-
line Grey.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Robert
North Director, Robert Siodmak Screenplay,
Frances Hyland Based on story by Ben Ames
Williams; Cameraman, Jack Marta; Musical
Director, Walter Scharf; Film Editor, Ernest
Nims; Sound, Dick Tyler; Art Director, Rus-
sell Kimball; Set Decorator, Otto Siegel.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
"Honeymoon Lodge"
with David Bruce, June Vincent
Universal 63 Mins.
FARCE COMEDY HAS ENOUGH HU-
MOROUS SITUATIONS TO GET IT BY AS
FAMILY FARE ON DUALS.
There are just about enough funny situ-
ations in this farce comedy to get it(ht-jn
double-feature programs. Exhibitors * Will
have to look for little help from cast names,
for the simple fact is that neither of the
two top players, David Bruce and June
Vincent, carries any box office weight. The;
most important names, names that carry any
significance with audiences, are those of
Harriet Hilliard and Ozzie Nelson and hi:
band, and these are both in secondary
spots.
The story has its moments, several of
them quite humorous. It presents Bruce
and Miss Vincent as playwrights whose mar
riage has gone on the rocks. In an effort
to mend matters they decide to re-enact
their meeting and the events that led up to
their marriage. They go back to the Sierras
resort where their romance was born and
try to recapture the past. From the timet
the two board the train that take;
them to the resort one complication'
after another comes up to confound their
plan of reconciliation. The husband finds
himself thrown in with Miss Hilliard, a
singer at the resort, while the wife acquires
Rod Cameron, a rancher, as an admirer. The
fun hinges on the fact that neither Miss
Hilliard nor Cameron knows that Bruce and
Miss Vincent are man and wife. Bruce
gets into plenty of trouble before a happy
ending is achieved.
The cast is adequate for the occasion.
Miss Hilliard gives out with several song
numbers, one of them with Nelson, that
help the film along a lot. Also of assistance
are spots featuring the dance combinations
of Veloz and Yolanda and Tip, Tap and Toe.
The film, on which Warren Wilson served
as associate producer, was directed by Ed-
ward Lilley with fair results. The screen-
play is by Clyde Bruckman, who worked
from a story by Wilson.
CAST: David Bruce, June Vincent, Roc
Cameron, Harriet Hilliard, Franklin Pang-
born, Ozzie Nelson and band, Veloz and
Yolanda, Tip, Tap and Toe, Bobby Brook;
Hattie Noel, Ray Eberle.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Warren
Wilson; Director, Edward Lilley; Screenplay,
Clyde Bruckman; Based on story by Warren
Wilson; Cameraman, Paul Ivano; Art Direc-
tor, John Goodman; Sound Supervisor, Bern-
ard B. Brown; Film Editor, Russell Schoen
garth.
DIRECTION, fair. PHOTOGRiAlPHY
Good.
Sues for Bank Night Award
Council Bluffs, la. — Orren W
Coulter filed suit in district court a1
Council Bluffs against three theaters
seeking judgment of $900 over a
Bank Night award. Coulter alleges
his name was drawn for the $900
that he was at the back door of the
theater and got around to the stage
within the alloted time, but was re-
fused the money. The theatei
claimed he had not been on the stage
within the time limit.
ta£-
Monday, August 2, 1943
V%Ss
i
theater Vandalism
teen on Increase
i (Continued from Page 1)
Damage amounting to $104 was
ione to exit doors when youths,
ranging from 12 to 19 years of age,
(tried to break in, while broken sky-
dights cost the theater $150. The
mayor has presented a curfew meas-
e to the Common Council.
•pJoston, which up to now has had
w cases of theater vandalism, is
suddenly faced with the problem
with an increase of destruction of
accessories and furnishings.
Drastic curfew laws are being con-
sidered in Tennessee. In Nashville,
a curfew ordinance regulating the
,1 presence of minors on the streets
between 10 p.m. and 7 p.m. has
been drawn up. A smilar measure
has been adopted by the Kingsport,
Tenn., city council. Chattanooga,
jis attempting to combat the delin-
quency problem by a series of broad-
casts over Station WOOD.
In Newark, N. J., special police
■!, officers are becoming familiar figures
Lin neighborhood theaters. Stationed
pat the box offices with instructions
jto question all unescorted young-
sters, the officers often turn away
boys under 16 or warn them against
the consequences of vandalism.
Arrest of a 12-year-old boy in
ii Minneapolis is expected to result in
I rounding up a gang of theater van-
il dais who have slashed seats in doz-
l ens of movie house here this year.
C. B. Stiff, district manager of
|i Minnesota Amusement Co., said the
vandals have ripped leather seats,
o torn out the cotton padding and
i have started fires which could
i have resulted disastrously if they
ii were not caught in time.
il Curfew laws are being considered
^ in cities from coast-to-coast, it is
ii reported.
WEDDING BELLS
0 West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Los Angeles — W. Ray Johnston,
president of Monogram, was mar
' ried Saturday to Doris Daupree of
1 Fort Worth, Tex.
HCLLyWCCD DIGEST
Pittsburgh — Three Film Row em-
ployes became brides during the past
week; Audrey Hammer, of the Co-
lumbia exchange, Bertha Mathews,
of Universal and Josephine Marra
of 20th Century-Fox, the bridegroom
of each being a service man.
Chicago — Florence Burke, secre-
tary to Claude Rubens, Great States
maintenance head, was married to
Pvt. Martin Bukoll of Camp Clai-
borne, La.
Rochester — Engagement of En-
sign William George Bausch, USNR,
son of Carl Louis Bausch of the
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. and Mrs.
Bausch, and Miss Mary Barbara
Dawson has been announced.
SIGNED
PERRY COMO, termer, 20th-Fox.
JANE LAWRENCE, termer, Columbia.
ALBERT DRAKE, termer, Columbia.
WILLARD PARKER, termer, Columbia.
NEIL HAMITON, termer, David O. Selznick.
JOSEPHINE VON MIKLOS, script, "Since You
Went Away," David 0. Selznick.
CLYDE BRUCKMAN, script, "Swingtime Johnny,"
Universal.
STEVEN RICHARDS, termer, Warners.
SHIRLEY BILLER, termer, RKO.
NINA FOCH, termer, Columbia.
BOBBIE LARSON, five pictures, Alexander Stern-
'FRC.
IRVING SHEPARD, technical adviser, "The Life
of Jack London," Samuel Bronston-UA.
ERNEST PASCAL, writer-producer, Samuel Bron-
ston-UA.
ASSIGNMENTS
FREDDIE RICH, musical score, "The Life of
Jack London," Samuel Bronston-UA.
MONTE BRICE, script, "Call All Stars," Colum-
bia.
CLIFFORD ODETS, screenplay, "None Out the
Lonely Heart," RKO.
ALEX GOTTLIEB, producer, "Janie," Warners.
JOHN RAWLINS, director, "When Ladies Fly,"
Universal.
FRED KOHLMAR, producer, "And Now Tomor-
row," Paramount.
JACK CONWAY, director, "Dragon Seed," M-
C-M.
PANDRO S. BERMAN, producer, "Dragon Seed,"
M-C-M.
HENRY HATHAWAY, director, "Home in In-
diana," 20th-Fox.
WALLACE FOX, director, "The Girl from Mon-
terey," PRC.
STEVE SEKELY, director, "Hitler's Women,"
Monogram.
CHARLES BRACKETT and BILLY WILDER,
screenplay, "Olympia," Paramount.
LESLIE CHARTERIS, original, "Lady on the
Train," Universal.
HILLARY LYNN, script, "Where Are My Chil-
dren," Herman Millakowsky and Jeffrey
Bernerd.
•
CASTINGS
PERRY COMO, "Bowery After Dark," 20th-
Fox; GAIL RUSSELL, DIANA LYNN, JAMES
BROWN and BILL EDWARDS, "Our Hearts Were
Young and Cay," Paramount; YASCHA BUNCHUK
and ALAN UINEHART, "Tropicana," Columbia;
CUS SCHILLING, EDWARD NORRIS and JEROME
COWAN, "Set to Music," Universal; RAGS RAG-
LAND, "The Canterville Chost," M-G-M; DON-
ALD DICKSON, "Up in Arms," Samuel Goldwyn
and "Harvest Melody," PRC; MARGARET
O'BRIEN and JACKIE JENKINS, "Our Vines Have
Tender Grapes,' M-G-M; ALPHONSE MARTEL,
BRYAN WASHBURN, RENEE WHITE and TERRY
FROST, "The Girl from Monterey," iPRC; BUS-
TER CRABBE, "Jungle Fury," PRC.
JUNE VINCENT, "Set to Music," Universal;
JANET SHAW, "Sundown Trail," Universal;
NEIL HAMILTON, "Since You Went Away,"
David O. Selznick; GREGORY PECK, "The
Keyes of the Kingdom," 20th-Fox; MORCAN
CONWAY, "The Life of Jack London," UA;
STUBBY KRUCER, "Destination, Tokyo," Warners;
ANN BROWN, "Rhapsody in Blue," Warners;
DOOLEY WILSON, "Show Business," Eddie Can-
tor-RKO.
LORETTA YOUNG, "When Ladies Fly," Uni-
versal; JOEL McCREA, "And Now Tomorrow,"
Paramount WALTER HUSTON, "Dragon Seed,"
M-C-M; SHIRLEY ROSS and CHARLES STAR-
RETT, "Barnyard Canteen," Columbia; STEVEN
RICHARDS, "Passage to Marseille," Warners;
NANCY GATES, FREDDIE MERCER and LILLIAN
RANDOLPH, "Gildersleeve on Broadway," RKO;
EDWARD McNAMARA, "Johnny Come Lately,"
Cagney-UA; BOBBIE LARSON and JAN WILEY,
"Underdog," PRC; VEDA ANN BORC, EDGAR
KENNEDY and ANTHONY CARUSO, "The Girl
from Monterey," PRC.
TO THE COLORS!
• DECORATED •
BRIG. GEN. EDWARD P. (TED) CURTISS, USAAF,
formerly Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester,
N. Y., awarded the French Legion of Honor
and the American Legion of Merit for his
service in the North African campaign.
* ARMY *
FRANK NICKENS, theater manager, Knoxville,
Tenn.
EDWARD HEMBREE, JR., manager, Princess,
C'eveland, Tenn.
THOMAS BELLO, JR., son of the operator of
the Capitol, Nanty-Glo, Pa.
JOE CONTI, screen and night club player, De-
troit.
Holdovers General for
"Lucky/' Says Mochrie
RKO's "Mr. Lucky" is being held
over generally for extended playing
time according to reports from the
field which indicate new box office
records and capacity business, Rob-
ert Mochrie, general sales manager,
announced at the week-end. Picture
went into the second week of the
Music Hall on Thursday and report-
edly piling up a gross dollar intake
for the day exceeding any day in
the first week with the exception of
Saturday and Sunday.
Mochrie said that "Mr. Lucky"
was topping grosses established by
two previous RKO hits, "Hitler's
Children" and "Pride of the Yank-
ees," the latter at increased prices.
Exhibitors Win and Lose
On Appeal Decisions
(.Continued from Page 1)
Angeles County. Complainant had
charged that the 91-day clearance
granted to the Vogue Theater in
the same town was unreasonable
and asked for a sliding scale clear-
ance based on admission prices and
ranging from seven days when 30
cents was charged to 365 days when
five cents was charged.
The arbitrator found that 91 days
constituted unreasonable clearance
and fixed the schedule at 70 days on
admission price of 20 cents and 45
days on admission price of 25 cents
at the Southgate which appealed the
decision and the appeal board modi-
fied the award, fixing the maximum
clearance to the Vogue at 49 days,
provided, and as long as, the South-
gate shall charge an adult evening
admisson price of at least 20 cents,
exclusive of tax. The five consenting
companies were defendants.
The appeal board affirmed the ar-
bitrator's decision in the complaint
filed by the M. J. M. Operating Co.
which operates the Beacon Theater
in East Orange, N. J. Complain-
ant had charged that the seven-day
clearance granted to the Ormont The-
ater over the Beacon was unreason-
able and asked that it be eliminated
or reduced to one day. While the
houses are a mile apart, competition
exists under the meaning of the con-
sent decree, according to the arbitra-
tor who dismissed the case. Upon
appeal, the appeal board agreed with
the findings of the arbitrator.
THIRD WAR IOAN SEPT
9th lo 20*. GET READY'
CENTURY-FOX
0*\lWVf
Monday, August 2, 194:
-Ct tt REVIEWS OF TH6 n€UI fILmS A W
"Murder on the
Waterfront"
-with John Loder, Warren Douglas
Warner 49 Mins.
ACCEPTABLE FORMULA MELODRAMA
IS MARKED BY FAST ACTION AND COM-
PACTNESS OF STORY.
"Murder on the Waterfront" is a compact
melodrama which packs plent yof action in
its limited footage. The film has high
speed, which is due primarily to the direc-
tion of B. Reaves Eason, and story with
well-sustained suspense, for which much
of the credit goes to Robert E. Kent,
who did the screenplay from a play by
Ralph Spenser Zink. Kent obtained good
results with formula material.
Although the cast has little marquee
power, it performs competently. The strong-
est name in the line-up is that of John
Loder. Among the other players are
Warren Douglas, Joan Winfield, Ruth Ford,
Bill Crago, Bill Kennedy, William B. David-
son, Don Costello and James Flavin.
The story revolves around the murder
in a waterfront warehouse of the inventor
of a vital thermostat for use on planes.
Many persons are suspected of the crime,
each with a logical motive. Among them
are Loder, a naval surgeon; Miss Winfield,
a showgirl; Costello, a knife thrower; Ruth
Ford, his assistant. Douglas plays a young
sailor, Miss Winfield's husband, who almost
becomes a victim of the killer. The mur-
derer turns out to be a ship's officer work-
ing for the Nazis who wanted the secret
of the thermostat. The character, played
by Bill Kennedy, is disposed of by Costello
with a bayonet after an exciting set-to with
the authorities.
This film makes a good short filler on
double bills on which the top feature is
extra long.
CAST: Warren Douglas, Joan Winfield,
John Loder, Ruth Ford, Bill Crago, Bill
Kennedya William B. Davidson, Don Cos-
tello, James Flavin, Bill Edwards, Ross Ford,
DeWolf Hopper, John Maxwell, Phil Van
Zandt, Frank Mayo, Fred Kelsey.
CREDITS: Director, B. Reaves Eason;
Screenplay, Robert E. Kent; Based on play
by Ralph Spenser Zink; Cameraman, Harry
Neumann; Film Editor, James Gibbon; Art
Director, Stanley Fleischer; Sound, Stanley
Jones; Set Decorator, Casey Roberts; Dance
Director, Matty King.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Okay.
Bette Davis Pix Getting
Heavy Repeat Bookings
(Continued from Page 1)
tire nation, with more than 200 re-
peat engagements recorded in the
past week for the western territory
alone.
Two other Davis films, "The Man
Who Came to Dinner" and "In This
Our Life," are also getting heavy
rebookings. The first has been re-
booked in 2,950 spots and the latter
in 2,900. "Watch on the Rhine,"
Miss Davis' latest picture for Wai
ner, will lead off the company's new
season with a Labor Day general
release. Her next release will be
"Old Acquaintance."
"Headin' for Ood's
Countr '
with William Lundigan, Virginia Dale
Republic 78 Mins.
WAR ANGLES GIVE DEGREE OF PALAL-
TABLENESS TO OLD ROUTINE TALE
ABOUT ALASKA.
"Headin' for God's Country" trots out
the old story of villaiiny and the mysterious
stranger up Alaska way. The only differ-
ence is that the villains are the Japs and
a fifth columnists whose real colors are
not revealed until the film is toward its
close. By giving the film this modern
dressing, Republic has made the produc-
tion passable entertainment for the audien-
ces it seeks to reach. On the matter of
action there is no ground for complaint.
Things are kept humming all through the
footage, thanks mainly to the direction of
William Morgan.
The story has William Lundigan as the
mysterious stranger who has the audience
as well as the citizens of a remote Alaskan
village guessing. His identity is never too
clearly established — fault which doesn't
harm the film much. Lundigan runs afoul
of the law but squares himself with plenty
to spare when he warns the people of a
sneak Japanese attack and leads them in a
skirmish that routs the enemy. Several good
angles have been worked into the story
to make it more saleable.
Lundigan and Virginia Dale take care
of the romance. The latter is in charge of
the weather station which is seized by the
Japs at the start of the battle with the
villagers.
The best performance is turned in by
Harry Davenport, as a villiager who be-
friends Lundigan and stands up for him.
The others are no more than adequate.
Players not already mentioned who have
important roles include Harry Shannon (he's
the villain), Addison Richards, J. Frank
Hamilton, Eddie Acuff.
Armand Schaefer served as associate pro-
ducer, while Elizabeth Meehan and Houston
Branch did the screenplay from a story
by the latter.
CAST: William Lundigan, Virginia Dale,
Harry Davenport, Harry Shannon, Addison
Richards, J. Frank Hamilton, Eddie Acuff,
Wade Crosby, Skelton Knaggs, John Bleifer,
Eddy Waller, Charlie Lung, Ernie Adams,
Eddie Lee, James B. Leong, Anna Q. Nilsson.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Armand
Schaefer; Director, William Morgan; Screen-
play, Elizabeth Meehan, Houston Branch;
Based on story by Houston Branch; Cam-
eraman, Bud Thackery; Musical Director,
Morton Scott; Film Editor, Arthur Roberts;
Sound, Earl Crain, Sr.; Art Director, Russell
Kimball; Set Decorator, Otto Siegel.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
79 Key Situations Now
Rising Sun" Debut
in
Additional bookings of four key
situations bring the total to 79 for
the multi-city world premiere of
RKO's "Behind the Rising Sun" set
for tomorrow in New England and
upper New York State. Spearhead-
ing the premiere will be a boxing-
wresting - radio - musical festival,
called a "Buddy Party," at the Bos-
ton Garden tonight.
"Young Ideas"
with Susan Peters, Herbert Marshall,
Mary Astor
M-G-M 77 Mins.
PLENTY OF ENTERTAINMENT TO BE
FOUND IN THIS COMEDY; WORK OF
CAST PROVES A BIG ASSET.
Audiences will find loads of fun in this
comedy about two young people who plot
to break up their mother's marriage to a
chemistry professor. The youngsters are
played by Susan Peters and Elliott Reid, who
practically steal the show with their con-
spiratorial antics, which at times are very
hilarious indeed. Mixed in with the comedy
are some good romantic moments in which
the participants are Miss Peters and Richard
Carlson, an instructor at the university where
Marshall is employed.
The romance between Miss Peters and
Carlson is important to the story because it
opens the girl's eyes to the vileness of the
conspiracy between her and her brother to
bust up mother's marriage and drives her
to make amends by getting brother to call
the whole dirty business off. it must be
said for the youngsters that they are never
really vicious, their plot being more the re-
sult of their youthful exuberance than any-
thing else.
The acting is a great help to the film.
Miss Peters and Reid are pretty effective as
the cause of all the trouble, while Herbert
Marshall as the stepdad and Mary Astor as
the mother are beyond reproach. The mild
professor's transformation into a man of ac-
tion by the necessity of keeping his marriage
intact has been engineered in the most
amusing manner by Marshall. Others who
contribute a lot to the entertaining quality
of the film are Carlson and Allyn Joslyn.
Jules Dassin has directed skillfully, while
Robert Sisk has produced smartly. Ian Mc-
Lellan Hunter and Bill Noble have done a
creditable screenplay.
CAST: Susan Peters, Herbert Marshall,
Mary Astor, Elliott Reid, Richard Carlson,
Allyn Joslyn, Dorothy Morris, Frances Raf-
ferty, George Dolenz, Emory Parnell.
CREDITS: Producer, Robert Sisk; Director,
Jules Dassin; Screenplay, Ian McLellan
Hunter, Bill Noble Cameraman, Charles
Lawton; Musical Director, David Snell; Re-
cording Director, Douglas Shearer; Art Di-
rector, Cedric Gibbons; Set Decorator, Edwin
B. Willis; Film Editor, Ralph E. Winters.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
McPherson Testimonial
In Detroit on Aug. 10
Detroit — Variety Club of Michigan
will hold its major social event of
1943 to date on Aug. 10, combining
two events in one because of wartime
restrictions. First will be a testi-
monial banquet to John R. McPher-
son, who resigned a few weeks ago
as Chief Barker, to handle the New
York office of National Screen Ser-
vice.
Second will be the Club's annual
golf tournament, expected to draw
a full complement of prizes, to be
held together with the dinner at
Knollwood Country Club, Birming-
ham, Mich. Harry Gilbert, former
manager of Allied Films, is in charge
of ticket sales.
"Here Comes Kelly'
with Eddie Quillan, Joan Woodbury and
Maxie Rosenbloom
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW)
Monogram 64 Mins.
BRIGHT AND CHEERY COMEDY IS EX-
CELLENT "ESCAPIST" ENTERTAINMENT.
Here is one of the best little como^.,,
that has come from the modest budget fWti
in many moons. It is bright, cheery and
has been well directed, acted and produced.
William T. Lackey has given the picture
expert production guidance, while William
Beaudine, veteran comedy director, has pro-
vided a lively tempo and a large laugh
total. Charles R. Marion concocted a fun-
laden script, based on a story by Jeb
Schary.
Eddie Quillan, Sidney Miller and Maxie
Rosenbloom garner most of the laughs,
while Ian Keith, Joan Woodbury, Mary
Gordon, Luis Alberni, Armida and Emmett
Vogan are among the other principals who
do excellent work.
Eddie Quillan is a cocky youngster, who
cannot keep a job, because he socks first
and asks questions later. His pal, Sidney
Miller, finally gets him a job as process
server, where his ready fists are of value.
Eddie's sweetheart is Joan Woodbury, who
is secretary to Ian Keith, a suave attorney,
is quite a playboy.
Eddie and Sidney learn that Keith is
wanted by the law and reach him just be-
fore he tries to take Joan to Canada.
CAST: Eddie Quillan, Joan Woodbury,
Maxie Rosenbloom, Armida, Sidney Miller,
Mary Gordon, Ian Keith, Luis Alberni,
Charles Jordan, Emmett Vogan.
CREDITS: PRODUCER, William T. Lackey;
Director, William Beaudine; Author,
Jeb Schary; Screenplay, Charles R.
Marion; Cameraman, Arthur Martinelli;
Musical director, Edward Kay; Editor, Carl
Pierson.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Mi
Pei
C
IPI
■a'
»■'
s
a
w
!y
port
L. C. Griffith Certain
Of Loan Drive Support
(Continued from Page 1)
week-end preliminary discussions
with WAC execs before returning to
Oklahoma City.
"This is a great opportunity for
the entire industry to work togeth-
er on one of the most important war
jobs it has ever undertaken," he
said. "The Third War Loan will need
the greatest degree of co-operation
from every single person in the in-
dustry. One of the reasons I was
happy to accept the post of general
chairman for the campaign was that
I was certain I could count on that;
co-operation to make this job anoth-
er industry success."
Griffith will return to New York
on Aug. 10. While in Oklahoma
City Griffith is expected to outline
the personnel of the campaign com-
mittee.
In show business since 1915, Grif-
fith and his brothers have built up a
circuit of more than 300 theaters,
said to be largest indie circuit in the
country.
Monday, August 2, 1943
DAILY
Army's Post- War Size to Rule Equip. Disposition
May Bridge Gap Until
Peace-Time Manufacture
Can Be Fully Resumed
(Continued from Page 1)
sible that much of this equipment
will be put on the market, and thus
jn^.y bridge any existing gap until
^cetime manufacture can be re-
somed at normal pace.
1 Thus far, not a single theater has
Deen forced to close because it has
■been unable to get repair parts.
WPB has been able in every legiti-
mate case to procure the needed
'material, but repair and replacement
ure two different stories. The re-
placement picture is extremely diffi-
cult, and WPB appreciation of the
:aeed for new equipment was recent-
ly indicated. However, sale of a
portion of the projectors and other
Equipment by the Army and the Navy
.•nay be a stern necessity in another
:ouple of years if the war is pro-
longed. The military will not re-
lease enough to flood the market,
and manufacturers will have plenty
Df buyers here and abroad for new
machines.
Navy Program Extensive
The Navy now has about 2,000
projectors on hand and another 5,-
000 on order. There is no accurate
figure for the Army, but AMPS cer-
tainly has a major portion, of the
projectors held by the Army. Each
of the 1,041 theaters — as of June
24 — has at least two projectors, and
the other equipment in the booths
is the most modern and efficient ob-
tainable. Were it not for the needs
of the military, however, it is vir-
tually certain that the film equip-
ment manufacturers would have been
completely converted to other prod-
ucts for the war period.
How many more theaters are
to be built by AMPS is an open
question. It depends solely up-
on the size to which the Army-
in-training grows. More than 900
have been built since the begin-
ning of the present expansion of
the Army. AMPS, which has
been operating since 1921, had
less than 100 theaters three years
ago. Today they are attempting
to provide one seat for every
seven men in the Army, although
this proportion is no accurate
guide to the size of the Army.
Present seating capacity is over
723,000, and estimated attend-
ance for the year is 225,000,000.
The theaters are being built in
three sizes at present — 1,000 seaters,
500 seaters and 364 seaters. The
latter are recreation-type buildings,
adaptable for other needs. Nearly
all the houses are of wooden con-
struction, although at some of the
permanent camps steel girders were
used and the wooden sides can be
replaced after the war with con-
crete or some other more permanent
material. The original contracts
called for wooden benches, but divi-
dends from theater operation have
been used in many cases for the
More Than 40% of Fox West Coa t
Have Held Their Present J < u
Managers
'tUnder Year
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — War's terrific drain on theater manpower, particularly that in
the managerial category, is pointed up by the fact that more than 40 per cent
of Fox West Coast managers have held their jobs less than 12 months, according
to Charles Skouras. FWC now has 20 femme managers and more than 40 other
femmes as assistants. Circuit has lost 450 men to the armed forces. National
Theaters' total contributions to the services is more than 1,160 to date.
No Army Pressure for
Tunisian Film Showings
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Likelihood of Army
pressure for public showing of the
Tunisian campaign film, now being
put together by Col. Frank Capra
and Capt. John Huston, grows slim-
mer day by day. Picture will be
feature-length and without any ele-
bent of timeliness as completion
is not looked for before the end of
August.
purchase of regular theater chairs.
In addition, many exhibitors have
donated old seats to post theaters,
and some of the service men run-
ning the theaters have "promoted"
regular theater seats.
Some Air-Conditioned
Some of the theaters are plain, others
quite elaborate, usually in the architectural
style native to the area in which they are
located. Several are air-conditioned, although
those built most recently are not. In many
camps the men have elaborated on the
structures, with several boasting' murals
which any theater owner would be proud
to have in his house. .
At only a few of the camp theaters are
matinees given, but the houses are used for
orientation and training films as part of the
regular routine. Usually the entertainment
program is a night affair, with two and
three showings seven nights of the week.
Admission is 15 cents straight, with books
of ten tickets for $1.20. The house is staffed
by a commissioned officer and as many as
a dozen enlisted men.
Nearly aU large camps have at least
two theaters, with 11 the largest num-
ber at a single post. Of the 11, three
seat 1,038, four seat 1,000, three seat
500 and one 364. Prints are "shuttled"
back and forth in order to keep to a
minimum the time required for a film
to make a round of the entire circuit.
Prints of the newest pictures are kept
to a 30-day schedule, with 97 prints
of the more popular (two-day) and 83
of the less popular (one-day) features
rented to AMPS for the 30 days during
which the circuit is to use them. The
same print often serves two nearby
theaters simultaneously. Rentals are
on a percentage basis.
Fires are kept to an absolute minimum,
and Fred Bund, assistant to Director R. B.
Murray, says nearly all of them start out-
side the projection booths. Two men are
constantly on duty in the booths, and fire
equipment is. of the best. Distributors are
lavish in their praise of the condition in
which prints are returned to them after
traveling the 30-day AMPS circuit.
Average program, runs close to two hours,
with 100 minutes the minimum. Not all
the pix are new, with revivals extremely
popular. AMPS began booking "revival
weeks" 15 years ago, and today there is
a revival night once weekly at all the
post theaters. Revivals do as well as new
Class B features.
Post Houses Salvage Copper
The Army post theaters have been salvag-
ing copper and other materials right along,
with copper salvage stressed especially since
April of last year. It is estimated that the
posts can turn in 4,000 pounds of copper
yearly, but because collections are made at
the individual camps there are no figures
available on what is actually turned in.
Zanuck Rejects Wood's
Criticism of "One World"
(Continued from Page 1)
Willkie's book, "One World," Dar-
ryl F. Zanuck said, "I personally
would not think of criticizing a fam-
ous painting from a rough sketch or
idea, and could not understand how
Wood could be qualified to give an
opinion on a picture before it is in
its final form."
Ozep Resumes on "Girl"
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — After an absence of
three days due to an attack of the
flu, Feodor Ozep resumed the direc-
tion of "The Girl From Leningrad,"
being made by R. & F. Prods., for
UA.
Equip. Men lo Meet
On War Problems
(Continued from Page 1)
Amusement Section, will journey
from Washington to Chicago for
the sessions on Sept. 18 and 19, and
will not only conduct a school of in-
struction for dealers and manufac-
turers, but will also take up person-
ally individual dealer problems. Deal-
ers' meeting will be in session all day
on Sept. 18, and the joint meeting of
dealers and manufacturers will be
held on the 19th, closing with a ban-
quet on the latter date.
Initial day of the conclave, will be
devoted to the affairs of the Asso-
ciation itself.
Shoot "Community Sing" Short
A "Community Sing," short pro-
duced and directed by Ben K. Blake
for Columbia release goes into work
the first of the week at the Para-
mount organ studios. Featured will
be the Song Spinners, with Lew
White at the organ. Max Richards
is handling the casting.
[■y» ■ 'i w» ^ — ^n—
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF THE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
SONG OF
TEXAS'
REPUBLIC >
PICTURE^
rfiMWtW
FIRST RUN
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Did you forget something?
»
This industry of ours has reason to be proud. One hears fine things:
"You fellows are doing a great war job!" "There's no appeal you film
folk overlook!" But have we in New York forgotten our very own?
The Greater New York Fund must go on. Here Protestant, Catholic,
Jew join hands in a thrilling brotherhood of democratic charity to
answer need, without question of creed! Four hundred and six
charities are included in this once-a-year call to each of us. If you've
responded — thanks! If youVe forgotten the unfortunate in our midst,
please think of them today with a check to
GREATER NEW YORK FUND
(Send through your own company representative or
direct to Headquarters, n West 42nd St., N. Y. C.)
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
file copy
DO NOT REMOVE
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
/OL. 84, NO. 23
NEW YORK, TUESDAY. AUGUST 3, 1943
TEN CENTS
ALUEDMAY OFFER ANEW "SELUNGPLAN"
D of J to Submit Exhib. Complaints to Distribs.
Indie Groups Asked to
Pile Ideas on Consent
Decree with Department
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A full portfolio of
exhibitor complaints, reactions and
suggestions will be tossed in front
of production and distribution heads
by the Department of Justice when
serious conferences regarding the de-
partment's November course are held,
assistant Attorney General Tom C.
Clark indicated yesterday. Clark,
who returned last week from a trip to
the Pacific Coast, said that he had
asked several independent exhibi-
(Continued on Page 4)
Momand Case Verdict
Seen in 60-90 Days
Oklahoma City — It will be from 60
to 90 days yet before Federal District
Judge Bower E. Broaddus will be
able to hand down a decision in the
Momand anti-trust case, the trial
of which was concluded early last
February, he has informed The Film
Daily.
Momand's multi-million dollar ac-
(Continued on Page 5)
250 Attend First of 3-Day
20th-Fox Meeting Here
With 250 men in attendance at the
first of three-day New York meet-
ings, Tom Connors, vice-president in
charge of distribution of 20th Cen-
(Continued on Page 5)
Des Moines Theater
Trying Triple Bills
Des Moines — The Grand Theater,
East Side Des Moines theater, is
us'ng a triple bill for three days as
an experiment. It is the first time
any Des Moines theater has tried
three films on one bill. Reason for
the experiment is competition with
the Eastown Tri-States Theater. The
Grand is an independent house. Both
theaters change programs three times
a week but the Eastown is using only
dual programs.
Harlem Theaters Curtail Programs in Wake
of Outbreak: Observe Curfew to Keep Order
Although film theaters in Harlem were declared by their operators to be
open for business yesterday in the wake of the heavy outbreak of lawlessness
of Sunday night and Monday morning, the stands were compelled to curtail
their programs last night because of the 10:30 p.m. curfew ordered by New
York's Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia. Spokesmen for theater interests
declared in the late afternoon that they would wholeheartedly co-operate
with the city in its moves to preserve public order.
Reclassify Fathers
For Oct, Induction
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Reclassification of
pre-Pearl Harbor fathers within the
18-37 age group, in order to make
them available for induction after
October 1, has been ordered by Selec-
tive Service headquarters here. As-
surance was given this morning
by both WMC Director Paul V. Mc-
Nutt and Major General Lewis B.
Hershey, Selective Service director,
that calls for these men will be kept
to the absolute minimum. They will
be taken only after all those avail-
(Continued on Page 6)
NLRB Okays SOPEG Pay
Increase for Republic
The National War Labor Board
has approved the wage clauses in
the contract signed on April 7, 1943,
between Screen Office and Profes-
sional Employes Guild,, Local 109,
UOPWA, CIO, and Republic Pictures.
The contract, affecting 56 home of-
(Continued on Page 7)
One-Third of Freon
Needed is Available
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Only one-third the
quantity of freon gas needed for the
most essential civilian uses will be
available this month, Allen G. Smith,
WPB amusement chief, was told
yesterday. Smith inquired on be-
half of Lewen Pizor's Chelton Thea-
ter in Philadelphia. This new 700-
seater is badly in need of about 200
pounds of freon in order to keep its
(Continued on Page 7)
OWI Proposes Duplicate
Negatives Sent to Italy
The OWI has proposed to the
major companies that they send du-
plicate negatives of the 40 pictures,
clubbed in Italian, which were sent
overseas preparatory for showing in
Italy if, and when, that country
falls. The proposal was made on the
theory that Italy may become an
open market. By having duplicate
(Continued on Pace S'*
272-Seater Plays Pix 6 Days
Unique Policy in Texas Town of 6,500 Pop.
Local 306 May Protest
Joelson Case to F. D. R.
Incensed by failure of the War
Labor Board to settle a long-stand-
ing controversy between the Opera-
tors Local 306, AFL, and the Joelson
Circuit, officers of the union yester-
day were planning to protest direct-
(Continued cm Page 6)
Dallas — Five- and six-day engage-
ments for the top pictures from all
distributors in the 272-seat Elite
Theater at Bonham, Tex., population
6,500, is the unique operating policy
of Maj. H. S. Cole. Cole's search
for a policy led him to consider
long runs for the outstanding at-
tractions. His proposals to the ex-
changes for these runs were listened
(Continued on Page 7)
Details Expected at
Allied Board Meeting
in Bait. Aug. 11-12
That Allied may offer a new "sell-
ing plan" is indicated in a current
national bulletin which points out
that details will be supplied at the
forthcoming board of directors' meet-
ing in Baltimore on Aug. 11-12. The
bulletin explains that certain details
were omitted from Abram F. Myers'
report on the consent decree at the
Detroit board meeting, "particularly
in reference to a selling plan to
enable the directors to confer with
(Continued on Page 4)
Doob Says Industry
In Drive Spotlight
The motion picture industry is
both in the spotlight and "on the
spot" in the Third War Loan Cam-
paign which the Treasury Depart-
ment will launch Sept 9, according
to Oscar Doob, who in his new capa-
city as assistant national director of
the War Finance Division, conferred
with WAC heads over the week-end.
Doob said that he doubted if many
(Continued on Page 5)
Work Procedure Mapped
Out by NEIC Committee
At a meeting yesterday at Ac-
tors Equity the National Entertain-
ment Industry Council's projects
committee set up a work procedure
in the NEIC's program fully to
(Continued on Page 4)
Vandalism on Wane
In Cleve. Houses
Cleveland — Theater managers here
report that vandalism in the theaters
is on the wane. While seat slashing
continues to be a favorite indoor
sport of juveniles, there isn't nearly
as much of it as there was a month
ago. Vigilance on the part of man-
agers, coupled with the end of cycle,
is held responsible for the decline.
"!{<
Tuesday, August 3, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 23 Tues., Aug. 3, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. AL1COATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Monday, Aug. 2)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High Low Close
Am. Seat 15V2 lS'/i 15Vi
Col. Picts. vtc. (2V2%) 15% 15V2 151/2 —
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2% 2V8 23/8 —
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 15% 15V4 15% —
East. Kodak 161 V2 161 V2 161 Vz —
do pfd 178 1771/2 1771/2 .
Gen. Prec. Eq 20% 20 20
Loew's. Inc 60 593/8 59% +
Paramount 25% 243/8 24% —
RKO 8 1/4 7% 8 —
RKO $6 pfd 88V4 87 87 —
20th Century-Fox . . 203/8 193^ 193,4 —
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31% 31 31 —
Warner Bros 13V4 12% 12% —
do pfd
89 13-32 89 13-32 89 13-32 .
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. 3 3 3 -f
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1 1/2 l3/8 13/8 .
Sonotone Corp 3% 33/i 33/4
Technicolor 14V4 13% 13% .
Universal Picts 17 1634 163,4 +
Net
Chg.
Vs
Ryan Recuperating
Chicago — Charles Ryan, well
known Warner theater executive, is
rapidly improving at his home from
the heart attack he suffered while on
a trip south to visit his son at Camp
McClelland. He expects to get out
in about four weeks.
pniinrn
[FILM STORAGE CORPlI
u v 11 1* fa is
1600 B'WAY. H. Y. C. - CIRCLE 6-0081-2-3-4
o s«? *,.
Changes and Promotions
Of Rep. Studio Personnel
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — In line with new 1943-
44 expanded production program, M.
J. Siegel, president of Republic Pro-
ductions, announced several impor-
tant changes and promotions in the
studio personnel.
Howard J. Sheehan, present studio
business manager, has been advanced
to the post of assistant to the presi-
dent, and under Siegel's direction will
supervise all feature productions, ex-
cepting eight high-budgeted deluxe
films. Sheehan will also supervise
all western productions, except the
Roy Rogers specials. Deluxe produc-
tions and Rogers specials will be per-
sonally supervised by Siegel.
Al Wilson, labor relations coun-
sel, has been promoted to studio busi-
ness manager succeeding Sheehan.
John L. McCurdy, prominent theater
executive in the industry, formerly
with Paramount Publix and RKO will
act as assistant to Wilson, and will
hereafter handle labor relations for
the studio.
"U" to Hold "Phantom-
Premiere in Cincinnati
The world premiere of "Phantom of
the Opera," Universal Technicolor
production, will be held Aug. 19 at
the Albee Theater, Cincinnati.
A special exploitation staff headed
by Hank Linet, assistant Eastern
advertising manager, is now in Cin-
cinnati to handle what will be Uni-
versale biggest campaign on a
premiere.
"Phantom of the Opera" will be
generally released Aug. 31.
O'Sullivan Resigns PRC
Publicity Post Sept. 1
Joseph O'Sullivan has resigned as
director of advertising and publicity
for PRC, it was announced yesterday
by O. Henry Briggs, president of
PRC Pictures, Inc. The resignation
is effective Sept. 1. Briggs has not
vet announced the new chief of ad-
vertising and publicity.
Warner Bros, to Resume
Screen Tests in N. Y.
Preliminary testing of new screen
material is being resumed in the
East by Warner Bros., which for
the past few years has confined all
screen tests to its studios on the
Coast. Action resulted from greatly
increased activity in the talent line,
following the recent creation of a
new Eastern talent bureau headed
by Martin Jurow, with Jacob Wilk as
Eastern production manager.
Rites for Alice Belmore Cliffe
Funeral of Alice Belmore Cliffe,
73, actress, well known in this coun-
try and in England for the past 42
years, will be held at 2 p.m. today
in Cooke's Funeral Parlor, 72nd St.
and Columbus Ave. She died Satur-
day night at the Park West Hos-
pital.
Newsreel Men Meet Today
On Industry Relations
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Officials of the five
newsreels will meet today with OWI
News Chief George Lyon, at the
OWI offices here, to work out de-
tails for industry Government rela-
tions. Domestic Director Palmer
Hoyt and Deputy Domestic Director
James L. Allen, and WAC Newsreel
Co-ordinator Claude L. Collins will
also be present. Lyon said yesterday
that he has not at this time any sin-
gle individual in mind to handle
liaison between the reels and the
OWI News Bureau, to whom the job
fell upon the liquidation of the mo-
tion picture bureau. It is believed
that one man had been tentatively
chosen, but will be unable to accept
the post.
At today's meeting, said Lyon, "I
want to have a heart to heart talk
with the newsreel editors. I want
to give them my ideas and I want to
hear theirs." As for the details of
any agreement which might be
reached, they will probably not be
worked out for another week. Lyon
has already made it plain that he
hopes to see more individuality in
reel coverage of Government sub-
jects, envisioning the setting of
stories in which all the reels can
work and all come out with totally
different stories.
N. Y. Employment Bureau
Opens Post- War Registry
Frank McGrann, head of the Radio
& Motion Pictures Division of the
Position Securing Bureau, Inc., N. Y.,
has opened a special "post-war em-
ployment registry" for men in the
armed forces who left jobs in radio
or motion pictures.
Captain Albert Duffy of the Army
Signal Corps at Wright Field was
the first to send in his registration.
Before entering the army Duffy was
a Hollywood script writer.
In the next few months McGrann
hopes to make available to employers
a representative list of service men
who will be available at war's end.
"Hi Diddle Diddle" World
Premiere in Utica Today
Andrew Stone's initial United Ar-
tists release. "Hi Diddle Diddle" will
have its world premiere at the Avon
Theater in Utica, N. Y. today.
Following its tvemiere in Utica.
"Hi Diddle Diddle" has been booked
for pre-releasp engagements on Aug.
12 in Loew Theaters in the follow-
ing cities: Atlanta. Memnhis. Rich-
mond, Syracuse. Toledo, Dayton and
London, Ontario.
British Film Unit Here
Eight members of the Crown Film
Unit, producing official war films for
the British Ministrv of Information,
have reacli«d New York to shoot the
second half of "Western Approach-
es." a Technicolor production telling
th» storv of convoys, and their naval
and aerial escorts in the Battle of
the Atlantic.
COMinG and G0MG
JOSEPH MOSKOWITZ, Eastern representative
of 20th Century-Fox studio, has left for Holly-
wood for conferences with Joseph M. Schenck
and Darryl F. Zanuck.
ROY HAINES, Southern and Western division
sales manager for Warner Bros., and JULES
LAPIDUS, Eastern division sales manager, leaves
today for tours of their respective territories.
RICHARD F. WALSH, IATSE prexy, returns at
the week-end from a trip to the Middle West,
CEORCE B. EVANS, publicist, leaves for fee
Coast on Thursday to direct the Coast publicity
on Frank Sinatra.
JOE SHEA, New York publicity representative
and story editor for William Cagney Productions,
today leaves on a three-day visit to Martha's
Vineyard, Mass., where he will discuss with
Jimmy Cagney future publicity activities.
F. J. A. MCCARTHY left yesterday for Louis-
ville.
N. PETER RATHVON, RKO president, leaves
today for a vacation in Mexico.
CHESTER 8. BAHN, editor of THE FILM
DAILY, is vacationing in Connecticut.
A. A. FEINBERC, U. S. Air Conditioning Corp.
prexy, arrives in New York today from Minne-
apolis on business, and will subsequently journey
to Washington before returning to the home
office.
CHARLES TRURAN, manager of the Park
Theater, Meadville, Pa., is vacationing in New
York.
LOUIS S. LIFTON, Monogram publicity and
advertising head, returns to his desks at the stu-
dio yesterrjay, following a Santa Barbara vaca-
tion.
Warners Announce Names
Sponsoring "Army" Debut
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Announcing what '
reads like a who's who of official \
Washington, Warner Bros, has made
public the composition of the special
"first nighters committee" which :
sponsors the capital premiere of |
"This is the Army" next week. Co- |
chairman are Secretary of War J
Henry L. Stimson and Chief of Staff
Gen, George C. Marshall.
Honorary vice-chairmen include
Under-Secretaries of War Robert P.
Patterson, John J. McCloy and Rob-
ert A. Lovett and included on the
committee roster are Generals Henry
H. Arnold, Joseph T. McNarney, Les-
ley J. McNair, Brehon Somervell,
Edwin M. Watson, Alexander D.
Surles, Irving J. Phillipson, John T.
Lewis, Col. Oveta Culp Hobby, and
Mesdames Dwight D. Eisenhower,
Carl Spaatz, James Doolittle, Ira C.
Eaker and Delos Emmons.
The list of patrons and patronesses
is headed by Mrs. Franklin D.
Roosevelt, and Bernard M. Baruch,
with cabinet members, supreme court
justices, top military and civilian
officials and leaders of the disploma-
tic corps combining to assure "This
is the Army" one of the most dis-
tinguished send-offs any motion pic-
ture has ever received.
POSITIONS FILLED QUICKLY
CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 MADISON AVE., N. Y.— Tel. MU. 2-6494
W 43
^(tfj^m
War Loan Starts September 9 — Prepare!
DAILY
Tuesday, August 3, 1943
Exhib. Complaints
To Go to Dislribs.
{Continued from Page 1)
tor groups in tne Middle-West and
the East to file their ideas regard-
ing the New York consent decree
and added that he wanted to have
the full pictures as seen by exhibi-
tors before beginning discussions
with distributors.
A decision on the government
course for November may be ex-
pected by Sept. 15, Clark said.
He said he will invite leaders in
production and distribution to dis-
cuss the decree with him — "if they
don't come here first," but ex-
plained that he hoped to have a
very thorough and complete picture
of exhibitor reaction by the time he
talks to them.
One man in each of the anti-trust
field offices has been delegated to
hear exhibitor complaints and relay
them to the Washington office, with
Harold Collins in the Los Angeles
office, assigned to discuss the case
with studio officials.
Clark talked with officials of the
Pacific conference a week ago Sun-
day, in Los Angeles, as well as with
two or three independent exhibitors
and lawyers representing exhibitors.
No exhibitors appeared to discuss the
case with him at Denver, San Fran-
cisco, Seattle or Chicago, although
ample notice of his arrival at those
offices and word of his willingness
to meet with exhibitors had preceded
him.
Col. Shaw In Sicily
In Charge of Photography
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — It. Col. Robert Shaw
formerly at the Signal Corps studio
in Astoria, L. I., is now in Sicily,
where he is in active charge of Sig-
nal Corps photographers.
Col. Shaw is working once again
under Col. Melvin E. Gillette, who
was his chief at Astoria and is now
attached to General Dwight D. Eisen-
hower in charge of all still and mo-
tion pix production in the Mediter-
ranean area.
UFS Office in Chicago
Chicago — United Film Service of
Kansas City, is opening a Chicago
office at 333 N. Michigan Ave., under
the direction of Edward Johnson.
Adrienne Ames
Dolores del Rio
Charles M. Mersereau
Wellyn Totman
Early August Scene:
• • • VISITING opening sessions yes'day of 20th-Fox's three-day
regional in Ye Hotel Astor. it was good to see and talk with so many
of the org's Eastern sales gentry It was going on to 2 p.m. when
the hostelry's co-ed service iorces strutted into the luncheon recess gath-
ering bearing the. first course, along with butter (which they toted with
that smug and superior air of a Tiffany diamond salesman) On their
return trip to the kitchens, the waiters and waitresses wore puzzled
countenances Said one be-bibbed waitress: "Those guys don't even
act hungry They look like a bunch of cats that have just swallowed
goldfish" The satisfied smiles. Sister, is no trade mystery
It's the reflection of on-coming company product generally, and, Phil M.
knows from chattering with the delegates, specifically the impending
release of Ernst Lubitsch's "Heaven Can Wait" The latter, the lads
realize as the result of special showings and sneaks to date, is apparent-
ly a cinch for high ranking among the season's best pix And they'll
get no argument from this corner which has seen the picture twice, and
would go out of his way to see it again It received terrific audience
acclaim at the RKO 23rd Street sneak, and sent the Roxy sneak into a
literal lather of enthusiasm This Lubitsch "lulu" is gonna make
a pack of dough for every showman playing it
T T T
O • • OSCAR HARRIS, for the past dozen years with National
Screen Service, moved over yesterday to the local office of Billboard
where he's in charge of advertising and exploitation for that publica-
tion As assistant to Ed McNamee at NSS, Br'r Harris was in-
strumental in the development of the famed "Baby" ads • Larry
Algeo scripted and directed the about-to-be-released General Electric
short entitled "Twenty-Three Eleven" The reel strongly demon-
strates how many soldier-lives can be saved by all-out action on the
home front to shorten the present war by even one day The last
day of World War I saw 2,311 U. S. casualties Hence the pic's
title. ... • Says official "Izvestia" re WB's "Mission to Moscow":
"The Soviet spectator will understand and appreciate the author's (Jo-
seph E. Davies) intentions, as well as the skill with which the complex
political idea was handled" The film is, according to Moscow chan-
nels, doing much to further good-will 'twixt the U. S. and Russia. . . .
• Word flashes from London that, within the past few days, our 1943
khaki-clad lads staged a Victory Parade in the British metropolis,
strangely enough wearing uniforms of 1919 vintage What they
were doing was providing authenticity for Noel Coward's new pic, "This
Happy Breed" The company was commanded by Capt. Bill Sul-
livan of Butte, Mont. ... » "In order to compete with the dramatic
realities of the day, motion pictures must be based upon strong, virile
story material, if they expect to click at the nation's box-offices," de-
clares Jules Levy, who is producing "The Hairy Ape" as the first
of five pix for UA AS Jules sees it, "world events have conditioned
the public to incidents of tremendous dramatic power and importance
Both the newspapers and radio are constantly pouring into its
consciousness events which pack terrific wallops Therefore, mo-
tion pictures, if they are to evoke wide patron approval, must match
news of the era by providing strong, gripping material The cus-
tomers," he adds, "are not interested in paying to see wishy-washy,
anemic stories" Mister Levy obviously has something there. .
• The bOth Anniversary bulletin of IATSE is swell, and deserves wide-
scale industry perusal because of its historic and highly-interesting con-
tents
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Expect Allied Offer
of New Selling Plan
(Continued from Page 1)
their members in reference thereto.
These details will now be supplied
by the directors."
Prior to the Baltimore board
meeting a special committee will
gather in Washington to discuss
fully the latest developments in
nection with the consent decree
possibly, confer with -the Depart-
ment of Justice officials. The decree
is expected to occupy a prominent
place on the agenda and the direc
tors will hear a report from the
special committee.
The resolution adopted by the
board at the Detroit meeting on
May 6 favored theater divorcement
"fortified by effective injunctions
against unfair practices." It added
that if, for any reason, the Attorney
General was unable to proceed with
the case at this time, he secure modi
fications of the existing decree in
accordance with the recommenda-
tions of Myers, the general counsel
Sessions will be held at the Lord!
Baltimore Hotel and arrangements
have been completed by Frank Hor-
nig and Myer Leventhal. The Paci
fie Coast Conference of Independent
Theater Onwers will be represented
by Hugh W. Bruen and Rotus
Harvey, the former as an "observer"
and the latter a member of the Al
lied Caravan.
Jc
Work Procedure Mapped
Out by NEIC Committee
(Continued from Page 1)
mobilize the entertainment forces of
the nation in behalf of the war effort.
The committee will hold an extra
session on Thursday morning.
Two other NEIC committees are
scheduled to meet today. The mem-
bership committee will convene at
Harry Brandt's office, while the ar-
rangements committee will meet at
the office of Kermit Bloomgarden.
"Blackmail" in B'klyn Bow
"Adventure in Blackmail," English
film being distributed in the U. S. by
English Films, Inc., will have its
American premiere at the Brooklyn
Strand on Aug. 5. After its engage
ment there it will play the RKO cir-
cuit beginning Aug. 17.
TO THE COLORS!
if PROMOTED *
CHARLES KATES, USA, former Warner booker
Cleveland, to corporal.
* ARMY *
WILL HETZNER, Majestic, Kankakee, III.
FRED KRAVONTKA, Palace, Waukegan, III.
MILTON BROWN, city manager, Great States
Freeport, III.
HERMAN MARKS, Monogram salesman, Chicago
DICK HINTZ, Chief, Tecumseh, Neb.
GLENN FRATT, artist, Brandeis Theater, Omaha.
* NAVY *
HAL TATE, Chicago editor, Boxoffice.
Tuesday, August 3, 1943
CfVuilY
Doob Says Industry
In Drive Spotlight
(Continued from Page 1)
persons in the industry realized just
how important a place the industry
was expected to take in the drive.
He said he was surprised to hear,
first hand, how much reliance Secre-
cy Morgenthau and National Direc-
tor Theodore R. Gamble were placing
3on the industry and all its branches
to fulfill a vital part in the over-all
drive to sell $15,000,000,000 worth of
War Bonds in September. It is prob-
ably the greatest mass selling job
ever undertaken — with some 50 mil-
lion customers in view, Doob said,
adding that 10 per cent of all offi-
cial fiscal issuing agents in the coun-
try are now motion picture theaters.
I The exploitation, ballyhoo, color and
I spectacle of the campaign will be in
the hands of the exhibitors, he ex-
plained.
Doob urged the WAC in every city
I to offer their services to the War
j Finance Committees in their com-
munities.
UA Starts Selling Its
First Cagney This Week
Although no definite release date
has been announced for the first
William Cagney Production "Johnny
Come Lately" starring James Cag-
ney, which United Artists will re-
lease, salesmen in all United Artists
branches this week started to sell
the first production to come from
this new independent unit. William
Cagney is completing the scoring
and editing and hopes to have the
negative in New York so that the
release dates might be set for the
first week in September. He is plan-
ning to bring the negative to New
York the middle of August.
Contracts probably will be signed
this week for the Broadway house
selected for the New York premiere
and this opening is the initial show-
ing of the picture. However, if the
Broadway opening is delayed be-
cause of holdovers in the house se-
lected, "Johnny Come Lately" may
open for pre-release runs out of town
early in September.
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
DEE GORMAN, bookeeper, Warners, Seattle.
LULU STEVENSON, switchboard operator, War-
ners Seattle.
JEAN PARKER, assistant director of publicity,
Sterling Theaters, Seattle.
EUNICE MORTENSEN, booker, PRC, St. Louis.
\THEINE CACER, advertising accessories sales
manager, 20th-Fox, Chicago.
THE FEMME TOUCH
IEANNE PIERCE, in charge of ad sales, War-
ners, Seattle.
MILDRED ZBILLUTT, booker, Universal, Chicago.
MAXINE TONEY, projectionist, Baldwin Theater,
MacClenny, Fla.
Theater Phone Call
Plan Held Lottery
Clinton, Mo. — Local theater's move
to stimulate biz with a plan under
which the lucky patron would win a
free long distance phone call to some
relative in the armed services has
been ruled a violation of the Missouri
anti-lottery law by Attorney General
Roy McKittrick. Ruling was asked by
the Henry County prosecuting at-
torney.
250 Attend First of 3-Day
20th-Fox Meeting Here
(Continued from Page 1)
tury-Fox Film Corp., opened the
meeting at the Hotel Astor yester-
day, with a salute to the men and
women of the company who are now
in the armed forces. One minute's
silence and the singing of the "Star-
Spangled Banner" paid homage to
over 2,100 stars in the 20th-Fox flag.
The 2,100 names include subsidiaries,
such as National Theaters, as well
as the home office, the branches and
the studio.
Home office executives in attend-
ance were: Spyros Skouras, presi-
dent of the company, as well as Tom
Connors, W. J. Kupper, W. C.
Gehring, A. W. Smith, Jr., L. J.
Schlaifer, Murray Silverstone, Hal
Home and heads of all departments
of the company. The branch man-
agers and the sales personnel of 10
exchanges were on hand.
■ Shorts, March of Time and 1943-44
feature product were discussed at
length, with A. W. Smith, Jr., East-
ern sales manager, conducting the
day's talks.
Spyros Skouras will address the
assemblage today and Connors will
head the discussion on product policy.
First day's meeting finished with
Connors tendering a cocktail party
for the conventioneers in the Col-
lege Room at the Astor. March of
Time is tendering a cocktail party
today in the College Room, with Roy
E. Larsen, president of Time, Inc.,
acting as host. Visitors will spend
the evening attending theaters of
their own choosing.
Col. Lawton to Inspect
Army Pictorial Work
Washington Bureau, of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Col. Kirk B. Law-
ton, chief of the Army Pictorial Sex--
vice, will leave next week on a three-
week inspection tour which will take
him to numerous Army posts where
pictorial work is being done. He will
arrive in Hollywood a week later,
where he will visit studios making
special subjects for the Army and
also the Air Force studio at Culver
City.
OWI Proposes Duplicate
Negatives Sent to Italy
(Continued from Page 1)
negatives on the scene, prints could
be made in Italian laboratories.
Preparation of the 40 pictures was
announced in The Film Daily on
July 27.
Experimental Television
Set For Three Accounts
Experimental television has been
set for three commercial accounts
by BBD&O over the WE tele out-
let WGRB, Schnectady. The agency
will utilize one hour of time on regu-
lar periods beginning next Friday
from 9 to 10 p.m. EWT. For the time
being there will be a tentative
monthly schedule.
The three sponsors for the pro-
gram are the B. F. Goodrich Rubber
Co., Lever Bros, for Vims and the
Hamilton Watch Co.
War Hero on Furlough
Dickson City, Pa.— Staff Sgt. Ted
Warney, son of Mrs. Freida Warney,
of the Rex, is home on furlough be-
fore undergoing further hospitaliza-
tion for a paralyzed right arm. War-
ney, a turret gunner on a B-26 med-
ium bomber was wounded by anti-
aircraft fire over Bizerte when his
squadron sunk 12 axis ships and
brought down five enemy aircraft
in a single week during the height
of the North African Campaign.
Momand Case Verdict
Seen in 60-90 Days
(Continued from Page 1)
tion was 12 years in the pre-trial
stage before it finally went to court
in January of this year. The ex-
circuit owner seeks upwards of
$4,950,000 from the major producers
and distributors and the Griffith com-
panies under the Sherman and Clay-
ton anti-trust actions. It is the last
of this type of case involving all of
the old clearance and arbitration
as well as block-booking questions
and is lated by industry lawyers as
one of the most important of all
industry cases.
Decision in the Momand case may
be handed down this fall while the
other big action, the Department of
Justice suit which seeks dissolution
of the Griffith companies set-up, is
in trial. The pre-trial conference on
the latter is scheduled to be held
Sept. 13, with Federal District At-
torney Edgar S. Vaught and it is
felt here that the trial might pos-
sibly get under way very shortly
thereafter.
Leo, 111, Gives Up State
Springdale, Conn. — Ben Leo, lessee
of the 840-seat State here for the
past 12 years, is ill in Stamford
Hospital and has given up his lease.
It is reported Mrs. Mary Vuono, own-
er of the Palace and Strand, Stam-
ford, but for many years retired
from active exhibition, will take
tf0
"Army" In Rochester Aug. 18
Rochester — "This is the Army"
will open at the RKO Palace here
Aug. 18, with opening night prices
set at $3, $2 and $1 and a reserved
seat policy prevailing.
HOW TERRIFIC
THEY ARE TOGETHER!
ii^kJZZ^
The most hilarious idea
in film history n
tummoHV
ftotn.
THIRD WAR IOAN SEPT 9rh lo 20lti. GET READY'
CENTURY-FOX
91
Tuesday, August 3, 1943
DAILY
Reclassify Fathers
For Oct. Induction
{Continued from Page 1)
able with no dependents, with col-
lateral dependents or childless mar-
ried men have been inducted, they
promised. The film industry, already
hard hit by military requirements,
will, it is expected, suffer further
losses, in personnel after Oct. 1.
Announcing the decision McNutt
said: "Despite recent military suc-
cesses, the efforts of the armed forces
and war production to exert increas-
ing pressure on the enemy must not
be relaxed. They must be given
the increases in manpower that are
necessary to meet their requirements.
We have reached the point at which
we cannot supply the men needed by
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and
Coast Guard and keep war production
adequately manned except by remov-
ing the bars to the induction of
fathers.
"We have delayed calling- fathers for
military service as long- as has been possible.
We have worked with the armed forces to
lower physical standards and permit larger
recruitment from other classes of registrants.
We have urged women and men not qualified
for military service to substitute for single
men in every possible place in essential in-
dustry. We continue that plea, for on the
response will depend, in large measure, how
many fathers must be called to military ser-
vice."
The directive includes the following pro-
visions.
1. Fathers will be drafted only in such
number as is absolutely required by a local
board to meet a monthly call from the armed
forces that cannot be filled from men, other
than fathers, who are not eligible for oc-
cupational deferment.
2. Fathers will be called according to their
Selective Service order numbers, without
distinction regarding the number or ages of
their dependent children. ,
3. Fathers who are "key men" in agricul-
ture or essential industry will be deferred.
4. Fathers whose induction would cause
extreme hardship and privation to their
families will be deferred.
The decision as to the reclassification of
each individual father will rest with the
local board, subject to appeal.
Monogram to Launch 14
During Next Six Weeks
Monogram studio this week begins
a 45-day period encompassing the
heaviest production schedule in its
history. Fourteen feature produc-
tions will go before the cameras
in approximately six weeks — eight in
August, and the remaining six in
the first two weeks of September.
Included in the list of pictures
to be started during this period are
the company's biggest releases on
the 1943 - 44 program such as
"Ground Crew," "Hitler's Women"
and "Lady, Let's Dance." Not only
will the Monogram lot be crowded
to capacity, but the new productions
will utilize all the facilities of the
Talisman studios, with four stages,
and the Monogram ranch at San
Fernando, which has two stages in
addition to its complete western
town.
Reopens Long-Closed la. House
Fredericksburg, la. — The Burg
theater at Fredericksburg, closed for
several years, his been reopened
under the new management of Hal
Conner.
reviews of new mms
'Girl Crazy'
with Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland
M-G-M 99 Mins.
MUSICAL COMEDY IS MADE-TO-
ORDER FILM FARE FOR YOUNGER ELE-
MENT; ROONEY, GARLAND TEAMED
SUCCESSFULLY.
As entertainment filled with the spirit
and exhuberance of youth the film version
of the Guy Bolton-Jack McGowan stage
musical is meat for youthful audiences —
and rightfully so. The film is fast-stepping
diversion abounding in comedy and music.
The pattern is familiar, but this does not
detract from the box office value of the
film. Nor does Hollywood's conception of
college existence rob the production of
its drawing power. The film is concerned
solely with handing out a good time — some-
thing which it does commendably.
The film teams Mickey Rooney and Judy
Garland to the complete satisfaction of
the younger people, who will be delighted
at the opportunities offered the two play-
ers to strut their stuff. Especially certain
to meet with great approval from the young
fans and spur the box office possibilities
of the picture is a boy-and-girl romance
between Rooney and Miss Garland.
Miss Garland comes into Rooney's life
when he is dispatched to a small cow-
country college to cure his craze for girls.
Mickey pursues Judy with contempt for
every obstacle that offers itself. ' As in
so many stories of this type, Rooney violent-
ly hates the college and its emphasis on
western customs until he meets Miss Gar-
land and falls for her. Soon he does an
about-face to the extent of organizing an
enrollment drive to save the college from
closing. The film winds up with Mickey
very much a hero and he and Miss Garland
very much in love.
The story gives Rooney and Miss Garland
plenty of leeway. They get nice support
from Gil Stratton, Robert E. Strickland,
"Rags" Ragland, June Allyson, Nancy Walk-
er, Guy Kibbee and one or two others.
Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra are on
hand to supply the chief accompaniment
for the George Gershwin music, to which
Ira Gershwin wrote the lyrics. The film
boasts several lavish production numbers,
that most worthy of attention having been
staged by Busby Berkeley.
Norman Taurog's direction and Arthur
Freed's work as producer merit a bow, as
does the camera work of William Daniels
and Robert Planck. Fred F. Finklehoffe
extracted a gay and buoyant screenplay
from the Bolton-McGowan material.
CAST: Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland,
Gil Stratton, Robert E. Strickland,, "Rags"
Ragland, June Allyson, Nancy Walker, Guy
Kibbee, Frances Rafferry, Henry O'Neil,
Howard Freeman, Tommy Dorsey and or-
chestra.
CREDITS: Producer, Arthur Freed; Di-
rector, Norman Taurog; Screenplay, Fred F.
Finklehoffe; Based on musical play by Guy
Bolton, Jack McGowan; Music, George
Gershwin; Lyrics, Ira Gershwin; Musical
adaptation, Roger Edens; Musical Director,
Georgie Stoll; Dance Director, Charles Wal-
ters; Cameramen, William Daniels, Robert
Planck; Recording Director, Douglas Shearer;
Art Director, Cedric Gibbons; Set Decorator,
Edwin B. Willis; Film Editor, Albert Akst.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
"We've Never Been
Licked"
with Richard Quine, Noah Beery, Jr., Anne
Gwynne
Universal 103 Mins.
PULSE-TINGLING STORY WITH TEXAS
A & M AS LOCALE IS B. 0. NATURAL;
QUINE IS IMMENSE.
Our hats are off to Walter Wanger.
In "We've Never Been Licked" the pro-
ducer has turned out a box ofice sockeroo
so jammed with popular entertainment that
the film will win raves wherever it is
shown. The picture deals in human factors
that make for sufe-fire reception and is
a masterpiece of action and excitement.
It is an extraordinarily absorbing produc-
tion which combines drama and comedy
skillfully. Wanger has made the film a
showman's holiday, providing exploitation
possibilities far beyond the ordinary.
The film is a rousing salute to Texas
A & M. The subject has inspired all those
associated in the film's making to create
a blood-tingling offering that is a great
tribute to the spirit of that educational in-
stitution. The film attempts to show the
wonders being achieved by the college in
training our youth for war as well as for
the pursuits of peace.
The picture makes its point by telling
the story of a student who came to Texas
A & M and immediately turned rebellious
at the strictures placed upon him by the
code of the institution, causing everyone
to dislike him. His defense of the people
of Nippon, where he lived with his father
during his childhood, doesn't help matters
any. When he is suspected of helping a
couple of Jap Students to steal a vital
chemical formula earmarked for Govern-
ment use, he proves his patriotism by un-
dertaking a mission in aid of his country
that brings about his death.
Richard Quine is a revelation as the
central character. His is a most impressive
performance that should catapult him to
stardom. Noah Beery, Jr., is excellent as
his roommate, and Anne Gwynne is accept-
able as the girl Quine loses to Beery. Nods
also go to Martha O'Driscoll, Samuel S.
Hinds, Edgar Barrier, Harry Davenport and
William Frawley.
The film raises John Rawlins' directorial
standard immensely. Milton Krasner's pho-
tography proves a great help. Especially
stirring are the shots taken on the campus
of Texas A & M. Norman Reilly Raine
and Nick Grinde turned out a whale of a
screenplay from an original by the former.
CAST: Richard Quine, Noah Beery, Jr.,
Anne Gwynne, Martha O'Driscoll, Samuel
S. Hinds, Harry Davenport, Edgar Barrier,
William Frawley, Bill Stern.
CREDITS: Producer, Walter Wanger; Di-
rector, John Rawlins; Screenplay, Norman
Reilly Raine, Nick Grinde; Based on story
by Norman Reilly Raine; Cameraman, Milton
Krasner; Art Director, John Goodman;
Sound Supervisor, Bernard B. Brown; Film
Editor, Phil Cahn; Musical Director, Charles
Previn.
DIRECTION, Aces. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
Ky. Exhib. Drowns
Indianapolis — Edward Jacob Mos-
kowitz, operator of the Rio Theater,
Cloverport, Ky., and the State at
Clay, Ky., drowned last week when
his car plunged off a ferry boat on
the Ohio River at Cannelton, Ind.
May Protest Joeison
Case to F. D. R.
{Continued from Page 1)
ly to President Roosevelt. Resent-
ment in union circles was particular
ly keen in view of the fact that Im
paitial Referee Robert L. Hale,
Professor of Law at Columbia Uni-
versity, appointed by the Regional
War Labor Board in New York CA_
had handed down a decision fav
ing the union as far back as March
22, 1943.
The controversy arose when the|
Joeison circuit operating some 18
theaters in New York City, arbitra-
rily slashed the pay of five projec-
tionists employed in the Kingsbridge
Theater by 25 per cent claiming that
their contract with the union gave
them the right to reduce pay scales.
Although a complaint was imme-
diately filed with the Regional War
Labor Board pointing out that the
arbitrary reduction in pay was a
clear violation of the President's
"hold the line" order, no decision
was rendered until March 22, 1943,
when the Regional Board, acting on
Professor Hale's decision, found that \
the Joeison circuit was guilty of vio
lating the Presidential order.
II
i
m
:,
Frank Says Wartime Pix
Certain of Big Grosses
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY ^
Hollywood — "Despite opinions tol.
the contrary, any outstanding picture
with a wartime or topical background
is certain to gross important money
at the box office," W. R. Frank, cir-
cuit operator and producer of "Dr.
Paul Joseph Goebbels, His Life andi =
Loves," said here yesterday.
"Years ago, they told us that musi-
cals were washed up," Frank said.
"But along came strong attractions
of this kind and all the dopesters had
to hide their faces in embarrassment.
The same is true today — and I predi-
cate that opinion upon my 30 years'
experience as an exhibitor — one who
is currently operating 16 theaters
in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Certainly if I wasn't convinced that
this is a fact, I wouldn't be invest-
ing $450,000 in 'Dr. Paul Joseph
Goebbels, His Life and Loves.' "
Frank said despite stories to the
contrary, all studios were still turn-
ing out stories with war backgrounds
just the same, although perhaps not Itw
to the extent of the early days of
the conflict.
Frank stressed that "Dr. Paul*11
Joseph Goebbels" is not a war pic-
ture in the true sense. It is prin-
cipally a story dealing with a world-
notorious scoundrel and coupled with
it is a great love story. There are|»m
no war scenes at all, he said.
'::
>;..
Claudia Cassidy Succeeds Smith
Chicago — Claudia Cassidy has
been named drama editor of the Chi-
cago Tribune, succeeding Cecil
Smith, resigned. Mae Tinee con
tinues as head of the film depart
ment.
I*;
:
ft
s
Tuesday, August 3, 1943
DAILY
One-Third of Freon
Needed is Available
{Continued from Page 1)
cooling system operating, but the
fluid will not be available.
A total of 600,000 pounds of freon
is needed this month for essential
civilian uses as food freezing, but
,r>nj^ one-third that amount will go
m.- civilian channels. All comfort
ciroling systems have been ruled out
as recipients, and likewise soda foun-
tains, bars, etc. The situation is
not likely to ease measurably before
winter, and even then it is doubtful
that any freon could be made avail-
able for theaters.
Ex-Little Rock Theater
Manager Dies in Crash
Little Rock, Ark. — Sgt. Robert Lee
Collins, 21, radio operator and gun-
ner stationed with an anti-submarine
squadron in the Latin - American
area, was killed in the crash of an
airplane July 25, according to a War
Department message to his wife
here,
Sergeant Collins was manager of
the Royal Theater (Robb & Rowley)
in Little Rock before his induction
Sept. 10, 1942. He was a graduate
of Little Rock High School and Little
Rock Junior College.
Sets "Lassie" Trade Shows
M-G-M will tradeshow "Lassie
Come Home" on Aug. 17 in New
York and Los Angeles, and in all
other exchange centers on Aug. 24,
it was announced yesterday.
IN NEW POSTS
-LEO FORMATO, sales manager, M-G-M, Phila-
!., delphia.
i-!-F. RAIMO, manager, Rialto, South Norwalk,
Conn.
(LH. M. LYON, manager, Palace, South Norwalk,
Conn.
G. ). HARVEY, manager, Carde, New London.
CEORCE POLLITZ, manager, Buck, Biloxi, Miss.
. ROBERT KELLY, Interstate Theaters publicity
head, Fort Worth, Tex.
" '"10HN HICKEY, Interstate publicity, Houston.
RAYMOND CROSSETT, story editor, Internation-
al (Pictures, Hollywood.
iOBERT HARVEY, manager, Vogue, Sydney,
N. S.
•IENRY J. DEVEAU, manager, Capitol, Sydney,
N. S.
',. R. JONES, manager, Kent, Moncton, N. B.
OE COLDBERT, manager, Indiana Theater, In-
dianapolis.
AOl ESSERMAN, house manager, Circle, In-
dianapolis.
VILLIAM ROSEMAN, manager, Haltnorth, Cleve-
land.
IARRY WERNIMONT, manager, Strand and
Capitol, Marshalltown, la.
EROME R1ETH, assistant manager, Iowa, Cedar
Rapids, la.
OE KEARNS, booking dept., B & K, Chicago.
DWARD KREUTSKY, booker, Universal, Chi-
cago.
: EN ELKINS, manager, Nita, Chicago.
RVINC PEARLMAN. buyer and booker, Nate
Slott Circuit, Chicago.
I. M. ISREAL, Warners, Chicago.
OM KETTERING, RKO publicity staff, Chi-
cago.
Omaha Curfew Law Will Not Affect Kids
After 10 P.M. if Doing Legitimate WorU
Omaha — A new interpretation was thrown on the new curfew law for
children under 16 which went into effect last week. Police Commissioner Rich-
ard Jepsen said that children under 16 will not be molested after the curfew
hour of 10 p.m. if doing legitimate work, proceeding on errands at the direc-
tion of their parents, or conducting themselves properly in theaters or other-
wise not causing trouble or idling in public places.
L. A. "Bells" Premiere
Backed by Big Campaign
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM -DAILY
Hollywood — What is said to be the
most comprehensive campaign in
local theater history is backing the
Hollywood premiere of "For Whom
the Bell Tolls" at the Carthay Circle
Theater on Monday evening, Aug.
16, and Robert M. Gillham, director
of advertising, exploitation and pub-
licity for Paramount, has mapped out
the biggest advertising barrage ever
set for a film in Los Angeles.
The advertising campaign started
yesterday with major advertisements
in Los Angeles newspapers. Con-
trary to usual practice, Gillham an-
nounced, the campaign will not be
curtailed with the premiere but will
continue throughout the engagement.
The outdoor advertising campaign
calls for a total of 420 24-sheets
posted jn the Los Angeles metropoli-
tan area in addition to all available
painted bulletins.
The premiere itself will be broad-
cast by one of the major network
stations with Walter Abel as master
of ceremonies.
There will be six daily participa-
tion programs, covering KNX,
KECA, KFI, KFWB, KHJ and
KFAC.
Briggs Clarifies PRC
Status in 16 mm. Field
Clarifying the recent announce-
ment that PRC Pictures, Inc., had ac-
quired majority stock control of Of-
ficial Films, Inc., engaged in produc-
ing and distributing 16 mm. non-
theatrical, educational and enter-
tainment films, O. Henry Briggs,
president of PRC, issued the follow-
ing statement:
"The deal whereby PRC secured
control of the stock of Official Films,
Inc., does not alter or abrogate our
present arrangement with Pictorial
Films, Inc., whereby Pictorial Films,
Inc., acts as distributor of PRC
product in the 16 mm. non-theatrical
fields."
McClintic Ruled Out
Supreme Court Judge Sidney Bern-
stein has ruled that Guthrie McClin-
tic, Broadway producer, is not en-
titled to share in the $142,000 recov-
ery made by Edward Sheldon and
Margaret Ayer Barnes, authors of the
play "Dishonored Lady," in the plagi-
arism action involving M-G-M's "Let-
ty Lynton." The court held that the
recovery was for damages for un-
authorized use of copyright by
M-G-M and did not involve the mo-
tion picture rights, in which McClin-
tic holds an interest.
NLRB Okays SOPEG Pay
Increase for Republic
{Continued from Page 1)
fice workers, calls for individual
wage increases of from $2 to $5,
with minimum salaries of $18 per
week for messengers and $20 per
week for clerical workers. The in-
creases are retroactive to Dec. 14.
"Rhine" World Premiere
in Atlantic City Aug. 6
Atlantic City — This resort will get
the wo: Id premiere of Warner's
"Watch on the Rhine," starring Bette
Davis and Paul Lukas. Picture opens
Aug. 6 at the Warner Theater.
New York Strand opening is set
for Aug. 26, with general release
on Sept. 4.
272-Seater Plays
Pix for Six Days
(Continued from Page 1)
to rather skeptically in the begin-
ning, but after several tests had
been made, the plan was found to
be a success.
Branch managers only had to con-
vince their home offices that it was
more profitable to take the 272-seater
than to demand the 900-seat Amer-
ican which makes three changes a
week. It was found that the extra
playing time more than offset the
number of seats. Bookings are made
on the basis of guarantees and splits
and straight percentages.
The booking plan has simplified
negotiations for product and pro-
vides for early release of pictures.
Business effect has stimulated trade
generally. The scheme was in effect
long enough prior to any war ac-
tivities to allow this conclusion, ac-
cording to Cole who asserted there
had been a general increase of pub-
lic good will and picture prestige
since the policy was adopted.
Mo. Sales Tax Permanent
Jefferson City, Mo. — Governor
Donnell has signed the bill that
makes permanent Missouri's two
per cent sales tax.
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF WE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN WE MOVIES
'SONG OF
TEXAS'
yiawv1
FIRST m
M P P 13 A INC
2!3N 44ST
TW^«
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DAILY
CHARLES (DINGLE) COBURN STARS IN NEW COMEDY LAUGH RIOT!
CHARLES COBURN AND FRIENDS IN HIGH LIGHT SCENE from new Columbia
comedy. Mr. Coburn, who gave such a memorable performance as 'Dingle' in "The More
The Merrier" brings new delight to the screen as Rudyard Morley ... a very British
British author who comes to America in search of a cook.
CHARLES COBURN, MARGUERITE
CHAPMAN and stranger in a hilarious
interlude on a Pullman speeding through
the night in "MY KINGDOM FOR A
COOK" . . . Columbia's merry successor
to "The More The Merrier".
THE LADY IN THE PICTURE IS MARGARET, MR. COBURN 'S British cook
who causes all the trouble that leads to all the laughs in the new Columbia comedv
"MY KINGDOM FOR A COOK". Mr. Coburn ... the now famous 'Dingle' in
"The More The Merrier" matches that superlative performance in this new comedy.
MARGUERITE CHAPMAN, BILL CARTER,
BETTY BREWER in a scene from "My Kingdom
for a Cook" . . . Columbia's comedy successor to
the now famous box-office wallop ' 'The More The
Merrier". Mr. Coburn is starred and gives a
wonderful performance.
RUDYARD MORLEY IN A TYPICAL POSE.
As the whimsical 'Dingle' in "The More The
Merrier" he was something of a riot. In this
new role he's a sensation. Oh yes, the real name
is Charles Coburn. And the picture is "MY
KINGDOM FOR A COOK". Columbia's August
release.
tffm
fOR A COOK
t
{Advertisement)
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
VOL. 84, NO. 24
NEW YORK. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1943
TEN CENTS
ftEGARDJILMS' PEACE-TIME SHIFT SIMPLE
Mich. Independents Polling Public on War Pix
Sample Poll in Upstate
Theater Shows Preference
for Fewer War Pictures
Detroit — A move for a sampling-
poll of public opinion on war films,
along the lines of the "Gallup polls,"
has been launched by the Michigan
Independent Exhibitors Association
"As exhibitors, we are all very
vitally interested, and should know
whether the number of war pictures
should be sharply reduced or increas-
ed," Joseph P. Uvick, secretary-
treasurer of the MIEA, said.
"This is something for all other ex-
hibitor organizations to work on.
Why must we let the producers
guess and decide everything for us?
No one is in a better position than
we are to ascertain what our cus-
(Continued on Page 11)
Coe Says U. S. Pix
Explode Propaganda
Rochester, N. Y. — American-made
motion pictures, portraying the
drama of struggle and achievement
in the lives of free peoples every-
where, will explode whatever propa-
ganda mines might be hidden in
ideological pictures that may be pro-
duced abroad, Charles Francis Coe,
vice-president and general counsel
(Continued on Page 12)
Warners' Aug. Billings
Expected to Rise 25%
On the basis of bookings already
set for playoff this months, Warner
Bros, billings for August, wind-up
month for the 1942-43 season, will
top last year by 20 to 25 per cent de-
spite 33 per cent fewer releases, the
(Continued on Page 11)
Havana Prices Cut
To Offset ISew Tax-
Havana — All first and second-run
theaters here have reduced their ad-
mission prices in order to offset the
recently-imposed admission taxes.
, : ^ 'j
NEW PACTS FOR RATHVON, DEPINET
Seven-Year Contracts Are Awarded to RKO and RKO Radio
Presidents With Options to Buy Common Stock
New long-term contracts for N.
Peter Rathvon and Ned E. Depinet
were announced yesterday by Floyd
B. Odium, chair-
man of the board
of RKO Corp.
The term of each
of the contracts is
seven years.
RKO Corp. has
entered into a
contract with
Rathvon covering
his services as its
president and the
chief executive
officer of its sub-
s i d i a r ies. RKO
Radio has entered
into a contract
with Depinet cov-
ering his services
and the executive
N. PETER RATHVON
as its president
in charge of world-wide distribution
of its pictures.
Previously RKO Radio completed a
contract with Charles W. Koerner as
executive vice-president in charge
of p r o duction,
also on a sev-
en-year basis.
RKO has
granted to each
of the execu-
tives the option
to purchase 50,-
000 shares of its
common stock at
$8 per share-.
Term of the op-
tion is seven
years, subject to
appropriate pro-
visions relating
to earlier term-
ination and sub-
NED E. DEPINET
ject to certain conditions, including
the approval of the stockholders at
their next meeting. Agreements also
contain certain provisions limiting
the exercise of a portion of the o'p-
(Continued on Page 7)
First of Allied's
"Clinks" in Sept.
First of a series of "buying clin-
ics" to be conducted by Allied East-
ern regional units will be held next
month in New Haven, according to
(Continued on Page 11)
OCR Starts to Move
in on Amusements
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The Office of Civilian
Requirements started to move in
the amusements field yesterday, tak-
(Continued on Page 7)
Astor Goes Into Production
24 Features to be Made for 1943-44 Season
Navy M. P. Service Signs
for Universal Newsreel
The United States Navy Motion
Picture Service has signed an ex-
clusive contract, effective until June
30, 1944, with Universal News where-
by Universal will service the bi-
weekly issues of the newsreel for
showing aboard ships on duty with
the U. S. Navy.
Expansion of Astor Pictures Corp.
into a national independent organi-
zation with its own producers was
reported yesterday. Astor, which
hitherto has confined itself principal-
ly to the re-issue of past successes,
plans to have 24 new features for
the 1943-44 season.
R. M. Savini, president, is sched-
uled to arrive in Hollywood today
to sign contracts with two producers
(Continued on Page 12)
Changeover Will Not Re-
quire Problems of Other
Industries, Survey Shows
Motion picture industry's
problem in reconversion to
peace-time activity will be
among the simplest of any big in-
dustry, and plans for effecting the
required changeover already have
been fairly well completed by the
majority of leading producers, dis-
tributors and exhibitors, a Film
Daily suivey and analysis of the
situation reveals.
In contrast to heavy manufactur-
ing industries which are now turn-
ing out war materials and will re-
quire both time and large sums to
convert plants and equipment back
to production of civilian consumer
(Continued on Page 10)
Exhibs. to Aid OPA
On Black Marketing
The nation's exhibitors will short-
ly embark on a campaign to enlist
Americans in stamping out the black
market. This campaign, which finds
the industry for the first time co-
operating on a national scale with
the Office of Price Administration,
will be pegged on one of the regular
(Continued on Page 10)
20th-Fox Execs. Leave
Today for Chi. Confab
Twentieth Century-Fox executives,
including Spyros P. Skouras, Tom
J. Connors, W. J. Kupper, W. C.
Gehring, A. W. Smith, Jr. L. J.
Schlaifer, Hal Home and others,
following yesterday's closing of its
(Continued on Page 7)
Chi. Censor Board
Okayed 93 in July
Chicago — Local censor board last
month approved 93 pictures, repre-
senting 302,000 feet. There were no
rejections nor were there any pic-
tures "pinked," although six cuts
were made during the month.
Vol. 84, No. 24 Wed., Aug. 4, 1943 10 Cents
IOHN W. ALICOATE
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN
Publisher
General Manager
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Tuesday, Aug. 3)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
153/4 153/4 153/4 + 1/4
) 15% 15 153/4 + 1/4
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2V2%
Columbia Picts. pfd..
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. .
East. Kodak
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . . .
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
89
2V4
15'/g
161 1/2
1771/2
193/4
603/g
251/2
8 1/4
88
20%
3 U/2
123/4
21/4 21/4 — Vs
15 15 — 1/4
161 161 1/2
1771/2 177i/2
191/4 19% — %
59 60 + %
24% 25!/2 + 1
7% 81/4 + %
87 87 3^ + %
19% 205/8 + 7/g
311/s 311/4 -f y4
12% 123/4 + y4
13-32 89 13-32 89 13-32
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 3 3
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1% 13/8
Sonotone Corp 3% 3%
Technicolor 14 131/2
Trans-Lux 3 2%
Universal Picts 16'/2 16'/2
3
1%
3%
14
3
16'/2
+ %
+ Vi
+ Vs
+ Vs
"Du Barry" is Held Over
In 16 of First 20 Dates
M-G-M's "Du Barry Was a Lady,"
which follows "Stage Door Canteen"
into the local Capitol at the end of
the latter's run, has held over in 16
of the first 20 cities in which it has
played, the company's home office
declared yesterday.
In its newest showings, the pic-
ture has ranged from 180 to 306 per
cent over house normals, equaling
"takes" of "For Me and My Gal"
and eclipsing such rugged grossers
as "Presenting Lily Mars," "The
Human Comedy" and "Bataan."
WAC Public Relations
Group Backs 3rd War Loan
At a special buffet luncheon tend-
ered to the executive committee of
the Public Relations Division at WAC
headquarters, the members of that
division told David Lipton, newly-
appointed division chairman, that
they were solidly behind the indus-
try participation in the forthcoming
Third War Loan.
At this luncheon Lipton introduced
the two men, Ray Beall and A. P.
Waxman, who will serve as chairman
of the publicity committee, and cam-
paign publicity director, respectively.
Beall, on leave of absence from his
post as publicity and advertising di-
rector of Texas Interstate Theaters,
will remain in New York for the
duration of the campaign.
S. H. Fabian, theaters division
chairman, reviewed the preliminary
decisions which had been reached,
and outlined the broad objectives of
the campaign.
The sense of the assembly was
that this was undoubtedly a major
effort for the industry, possibly the
most comprehensive ever attempted,
and that it would need 100 per cent
co-operation from all industry
branches to insure success. It was
felt that the emphasis would be on
exhibitor participation via Bond pre-
mieres and special events in and
around the theater, to complement
the projected "Star Caravan" and
"Heroes Air-Mada."
Under way at the moment is a
press book, size yet to be determined,
which the PRD expects to send out
to exhibitors around Aug:. 15. Also
discussed was the possibility of form-
ing a national "Invasion Bond
Army," with a special button to be
given to those buying Bonds at the
theaters during the campaign.
Those attending in addition to
those already named were: Maurice
Bergman, Malcolm Kingsbury, How-
ard Dietz, Ernest Emerling, Harry
Goldberg, James Sauter, Si Seadler,
Vincent Trotta, Harry Mandel, S. H.
Fabian, Herman Gluckman, Chick
Lewis, Bill Formby, Jack Harrison,
Paul Lazarus, Jr., Martin Quigley,
and Ed Schreiber.
Texas-Wide Premieres
For "Never Been Licked'
Universal will hold state-wide
nremieres of "We've Never Been
Licked" in Texas between Aue\ 12
and 16. it is announced by William
A. Scully, company's vice-president
»nd general manager. The Walter
Wanger production will be heralded
by a state-wide broadcast over CBS
and a 10-day radio campaign over 27
local radio stations.
Campaign is being conducted by
Interstate Circuit in behalf of open-
ing's in some 20 important Texas
situations, including Dallas, Ft.
Worth, San Antonio. Houston, Aus-
tin. Galveston and El Paso. A spe-
cial program will emanate from Tex-
as A. & M., the college that inspired
the picture.
DAILY
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1943
Debate Extension of Army
Incentive Film Program
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Expansion of the
Army's incentive film program is
now being debated at the War De-
partment, with announcement ex-
pected soon of plans to ship 16 mm.
prints of the orientation series made
by Col. Frank Capra to plants work-
ing on Army material. An order is
expected to be issued soon for 16
mm. prints of "Prelude to War,"
"The Nazis Strike," "Divide and
Conquer," "Battle of Britain" and
perhaps the fifth in the series —
"Battle of Russia," the last ex-
pected here within the next two
weeks.
Although production for the in-
centive film program, now handled by
Major Dick Maybaum, is not ex-
pected to expand greatly, it is like-
ly that a fairly large number of army
films — and possibly some industry
material — will be shipped in 16 mm.
reels to war plants. These are to
be shown at lunch hour, between
shifts and at other times when they
will not pull workers off the job.
There is no charge for them. The
program is designed as a boost to
morale, and about half a dozen spe-
cial subjects have been put together
by Major Maybaum from Army
footage.
These subjects are expected to be
made up largely of material from
the fighting fronts, and their ef-
fectiveness is in part dependent upon
the success the Army enjoys here-
after in getting good combat foot-
age.
Seek Priorities to Start
Blank Memorial Hospital
Des Moines, la. — The Raymond
Blank Memorial Hospital is expected
to get a priority rating for materials
from the War Production Board so
that construction may get started
shortly, it was disclosed by State
health commissioner Walter Bier-
ring who has stressed the need for
the buliding.
The proposed hospital, first an-
nounced last April, is to be finance.!
by a $125,000 gift from Mr. and
Mrs. A. H. Blank, given in memory
of their son, Raymond, who died
March 7. Blank is head of Tri-States
and Central States Theaters. The
hospital will be devoted entirely to
the care and treatment of children.
COfllinG and GOIHG
STANTON CRIFFIS returns to New York
early next week from the Coast.
MORRIS MECHANIC, owner of the New
Theater, Baltimore, is visiting his brother, Wil-
liam Mechanic, in Miami Beach.
CHARLES MOSS, managing director of the
Criterion Theater, leaves for Hollywood tomor-
row, to visit the studios and look at pictures
which are scheduled to play the Criterion with-
in the next few months.
LOUIS DE ROCHEMONT, March of Time pi^
duction chief, has arrived in New York from'
Portsmouth, N. H.
FRANK N. PHELPS, Warner Circuit execu-
tive in charge of labor relations, is in Phila-
delphia today.
BETTE DAVIS has left Chicago for the Coast.
BOB SAVINI arrives today in Hollywood.
JOHN JENKINS, co-franchise holder for Astor
Pictures in Dallas, arrives here today.
HENRY KING is in town.
"Rising Sun" Opens to
All-Day Capacity in Hub
SEEKING A DEPENDABLE
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INTERNATIONAL
T
52
I C K E T fffiS COMPANY
GRAFTON AVE. \££f NEWARK, N. J.
Sales Offices m Principal Centers
Boston — RKO's "Behind the Rising
Sun" had its first performance at
8:30 yesterday morning at Keith's
Memorial Theater and at 9:15 all
three box offices had to stop selling
tickets. Crowds eager to see the
picture jammed the lobbies and
blocked the streets, waiting for a
chance to get in. All day long there
was not a vacant seat in the house.
Because of the great crowds the
schedule of showings was rear-
janged for seven personal appear-
ances of Margo, the star of the pic-
ture, James R. Young, author of
the book, and Lieut. James J. Brad-
dock, ex-heavyweight champion of
the world who participated in the big
"Cigarettes for Our Buddies" ex-
hibition they staged Monday night
before 25,000 people at the Boston
Garden in which Braddock, as Ameri-
can, met Charley Strach, champion
wrestler in a catch as catch can box-
ing and wrestling bout parallelling
the sensational fight shown in the
picture.
Keith's memorial opening yester-
day spearheads a 79-city world prem-
iere in New England and New York
state.
I
'*
1
est budge
history to bring
v ovi vvll •
Every now
and then the
screen brings forth
a picture that captures
the emotions of all . .
Just such extraordinary film
entertainment is Columbia's
Wiwnar, b has the tears
^ sweat... the joy... the heart,
Edward G.
Screen Plav bv Fra„t m.^ .. . . **M
km^^^mimmnw
Bor£,en Ch"« • Oirecied fcy »|UMM
-»'GLBNfnD
IE
™'"*«"ii»ntta
One of the striking
newspaper ads to sell this
"" " nicture!
rMfe
.HI^IlE
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1943
any executives at present is the
ype of entertainment. A sudden
toppage of the war within the next
ix months would catch most com-
anies with at least several costly
?ar films that might be thrown out
f timeliness or otherwise dated in
uch a way as to lose much of their
ublic appeal. This situation, how-
ir, is rapidly being righted, The
Im Daily checkup reveals, with
ppanies taking greater pains to
id too many stories falling in
s category.
n the other hand, the industry
s not intend to let up on pictures
igned to maintain morale and
> speed the day of victory, and,
stated by Jack L. Warner recent
even if the war should end un-
ectedly some day and thereby
the box office appeal of several
pictures, any company will be
1 to write off the investment.
s is considered a much wiser
cy than letting up too soon, War-
stated.
Manpower Strong
ri manpower, the industry will
le out of the war especially
ng. There will be a consider-
number of new stars, now being
'loped, to sprinkle in with the
rn of the favorites now in war
ice, and the many new techni-
3 being trained in connection
the motion picture branches of
armed forces will assure im-
ment in studio efficiency and
ferity.
Jturn of many top writers to
i-time endeavor promises not
an upswing in quality and
sity of stories but many new
p and approaches in the way
screen entertainment.
heaters and exchanges, which
met the current manpower
rtage with considerable resource,
1 be in a position to operate with
all-time high in efficiency when
e i r full staffs of thoroughly
ined employes are returned to
m.
Financial Status Good
Vnother highly important develop-
Draft Curfew Laws
*. For Two Ohio Towns
Kenton, 0. — City Council has
uthorized the drafting of an or-
nance requiring unescorted chil-
ren under 16 years of age to be off
he streets by 10 p.m. A 10:30 p.m.
urfew for youths under 17 is now in
peration, in London, 0., having been
lassed as an emergency measure by
Wage council.
WEDDING BELLS
Friends of Mitchell Franklin secre-
tary of Franklin & Herschorn thea-
ter circuit, with base at St. John,
N. B., were cheated out of an op-
portunity to participate in his nup-
tials, when contrary to previous
plans, he was married in New York
city hall to Miss Agnes Margaret
Yorke, a St. John school teacher.
Chicago — Patricia Herzog, secre-
tary to Burton DePue, managing
director Burton Holmes Lab, was
married to George Lippl of the
AAF, stationed at Chanute Field.
New Haven — Warrant Officer El-
liot V. Kronish, formerly of the
Loew-Poli division office here, was
married to Ruth Sanders of Bangor,
Me., this week, and the couple flew
from Bangor to New York for a
honeymoon trip.
Halifax, N. S. — Annabel Maclsaac,
on the office staff of R. S. Raddich,
FPC regional director, was married
to Fred Cuvelier, of Halifax.
Memphis — Glenys Thomas, Nation-
al Screen Service, and Joseph Klod-
cinski, of the Air Corps Fourth Fer-
rying Group, were married.
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — Announcement
has been made of the marriage of
Rosalie Vukotich to Lt. John C. Buz-
noski here. Lt. Buznoski before re-
cently receiving his commission at
Camp Lee, Va. was the manager
of two Army theaters, and prior to
his enlistment into the Army, owned
and operated the Capitol, Button-
wood, and the Bandbox, Mifflinburg.
Cleveland — Edith Kanter, Colum-
bia, secretary, and Sidney Jacobs
were married here.
Omaha — Clara Rolen of the Uni-
versal Exchange, was married to
Pfc. George Semerad.
La Grange, 111. — Rose Marie Zinn,
manager of the Park, was married to
Erik O. Nielson. She resigned her
managership.
Chicago — Al Weinberg, Filmack
Trailer Co. office manager, and Ruth
Spear are married.
Chicago — Florence Burke, secre-
tary to Claude Rubens, Great State
Theaters maintenance manager, was
married to Pvt. Martin Bukoll, USA.
M & P Adopts an Earlier
Program Break in N. H.
New Haven — The downtown M &
P Paramount has adopted a new poli-
cy of an early 8:05 evening break in
the program and an 11:00 p.m. fin-
ish, as compared to the 11:45 aver-
age in most of the downtowns. Jim
Darby, manager, states the patrons
have reacted favorably, because it
gives them an opportunity to snatch
a late bite and make last busses or
trolleys. Program has been similarly
rearranged at the M & P Allyn,
Hartford.
Gates Ferguson Joining
Princeton Film Center
Gates Ferguson, recently a mem-
ber of the public relations staff of
N. W. Ayer & Son, Inc., New York,
is now associated with the Prince-
ton Film Center, Princeton, New
Jersey. Ferguson was formerly ad-
vertising manager of B. F. Goodrich
and the International Telephone and
Telegraph Corporation. He served
for several years as a director of
the Association of National Ad-
vertisers.
ment for the future stability of the
industry is the all-around improve-
ment taking place in the financial
foundations of leading companies.
Not only are funded debts, bank loans
and other obligations being retired
at the most rapid rate in the history
of the business, but cash reserves
also are being set aside as a safe-
guard against unforeseen contingen-
cies. Paramount, by calling its four
per cent debentures outstanding,
joins Loew's as a company without
senior securities in the hands of
the public. Paramount called the
last of its debentures— $16,684,000
— in July. Typical, too, of the healthy
progress in this line is the case of
Warner Bros., which had a funded
debt of around $110,000,000 back in
1931 and now has less than $40,000,-
000 still to be retired. Simplification
of capital structures also have been
effected by 20th Century-Fox and
Universal, with others in prospect.
School for Foreign Field
Preparations to resume wide-
scale activity in the foreign field
also are under way. Several com-
panies are schooling men for foreign
posts, while practically all com-
panies, openly or quietly, are moving
rapidly to build up French and
Italian versions. Warners, for ex-
ample, have a number of French
dialogue and Italian versions com-
pleted; Paramount has prepared two
Italian versions already and is set-
ting another. Thus far, however,
no company insofar as is known has
tackled German versions. Warners
also are very active in the acquisi-
tion of foreign theaters and sites,
with a number of South American,
Mexican and Scandinavian, North
African, Australian properties al-
ready acquired.
The big part being played by
motion pictures in entertainment of
the men in service is regarded by
industry executives as a highly fav-
orable post-war factor. They feel
it will instill the regular film going
habit in hundreds of thousands of
young men who rarely attended pic-
ture shows before being inducted.
Exhibs. to Aid OPA
On Black Marketing
(Continued from Page 1)
WAC war information films, "Black
Marketing," which will be released
on Aug. 19.
A statement from Prentiss M.
Brown, addressed to "The Exhibitors
of America," was received at WAC
headquarters as information on the
various aspects of the campaign was
being sent out to WAC exhibitor, dis-
tributor and public relations chair-
men.
A special trailer will be attached
to the film, which was produced by
the OWI, asking the movie-goers to
sign the "home-front pledge" as
they leave the theater. The pledge
says: "I pay no more than top legal
prices; I accept no rationed goods
without giving up ration stamps."
The pattern of conducting the cam-
paign will find the local OPA repre-
sentative contacting the WAC exhib-
itor chairmen in a similar area. The
OPA will supply display material,
as well as pledges.
"I have observed," Brown stated,
"the manner in which exhibitors have
aided the Treasury in the sale of
Bonds, the War Production Board in
the collection of the all-important
scrap metal — and I am certain that
you will be able with your campaign
to educate hundreds of thousands of
people to the need for their co-opera-
tion in holding down the cost of
living and sharing fairly the food,
the shoes, the gasoline and all the
other things that war has made
scarce.
"By giving your audiences a
chance to see the film 'Black Mark-
eting,' you are doing an important
war service for the nation, and by
urging the people of your community
to make — and keep the Tiome front
pledge' you are helping protect
America from the perils of inflation
and want.
"It is a fine thing to know that the
exhibitors of America plan to take
such an active part in this vital job
on the home-front."
Walker on Air
Postmaster General Frank C.
Walker will be a guest on "Washing-
ton Reports on Rationing" Sunday
afternoon. The rationing program
is presented as a public service by
the Council on Candy as Food in the
war effort and sponsored by the
National Confectioners' Association.
BACK IN CIVVIES
Honorably Discharged
IRVING MARTIN, from the Merchant Marine,
to assistant manager, Century, Baltimore,
Md.
)AMES JURNEY, from the Army, to manager
Delray, Delray Beach, Fla.
AL CAMPBELL, from the Army, to 20th-Fox,
Omaha.
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1943
THI
DAILY
11
Mich. Indies Poll
Public on War Pix
(Continued from Page 1)
t.omers want, and in turn advise pro-
ducers."
Sample poll was taken in an up-
state theater, selected to give a typi-
cal cross-section of war workers
and their families, in a residential
»«,rea, under Uvick's own supervision.
/jludience on the occasion of the poll
was about 400. About 50 indicated
that they wanted war films with
about the same frequency as in re-
cent months — but these included a
large percentage of children. About
250 indicated, however, that they
wanted the number of war films at
least cut in half.
Reactions against excessive num-
ber of war pictures is finding ex-
pression in the letter boxes of the
newspapers, with patrons writing in,
typically, "Why, oh why, does Holly-
wood think it must feed us and stuff
us with nothing but war pictures?"
Reaction here is considered of ex-
ceptional importance, because of the
large numbers of war workers and
transients.
Allied "Buying Clinics'
to Start in New Haven
(Continued from Page 1)
Irving Dollinger, regional vice-presi-
dent. It is Bollinger's intention to
hold these clinics every 60 days in
key cities along the Eastern sea-
board.
'Competent film buyers will meet
with Allied members and give advice
and assistance on making film deals
according to the purpose of the proj-
ect. Members will be permitted to
bring their buying problems to these
clinics.
Plan was outlined and approved
at the recent New Jersey Allied con-
vention and Eastern regional con-
ference in West End, N. J.
Irwin Wilsey Dies
Chicago— Irwin Wilsey, 54, inven-
tor of the panorama gunnery trainer,
manufactured by Devry Corporation
for the armed forces, is dead. A
sister survives. Burial will be at
Sheldon, Iowa.
IXow RCMtl Fans Take
Cary for Grant-ed!
With Music Hall patrons, Cary
Grant is a prime favorite. The tall-
dark-and-handsome star with the
cleft and chiselled chin is currently,
via RKO Radio's "Mr. Lucky," play-
ing his 17th screen engagement at
the big stand, — a record for a top
male star. Opposite Cary, in this de-
served and lucky "marathon," have
appeared the following femme lumin-
aries: Katharine Hepburn, Jean
Arthur, Irene Dunne, Joan Fontaine,
Ginger Rogers, Martha Scott, Rosa-
lind Russell, Laraine Day, Grace
Moore, Carole Lombard and Kay
Francis. Mr. Lucky — and how!
Lyon Not Yet Ready
to Name Newsreel Contact
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Palmer Hoyt, OWI
domestic director, returned yester-
day from Hollywood expressing
satisfaction with conferences with
industry leaders. He is not ready
yet he said to name the man to suc-
ceed Lowell Mellett as OWI motion
picture chief, but he hopes to be
able to do so soon.
Representative of the major news-
i eels were asked yesterday by
George Lyon, chief of the OWI do-
mestic news bureau, to suggest to
him a good man to serve as OWI
newsreel aide. Responsibility for
working with the newsreels fell to
Lyon with the sharing of the func-
tions of the OWI picture bureau.
OWI Domestic Director Palmer
Hoyt, Deputy Director James A.
Allen and James Rogers and Lyon
met for nearly two hours yesterday
with the newsreel men, discussing
every phase of Government news-
reel co-operation.
Industry men present included A.
J. Richard and Bob Denton of Para-
mount; Walton Anient, newsreel de-
fen s e committee chairman, and
George Dorsey of Pathe, Tom Mead
of Universal, M. D. Clofine and J. C.
Brown of News of the Day, Edmund
Reek and Tony Muto of Movietone,
E. M. Gluckman of All America,
and WAC Newsreel Co-ordinator
laude R. Collins.
Drafting of Fathers to Get
Congressional Opposition
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The draft of fathers
in October seems destined to run into
a bit of trouble when Congress re-
sumes sessions September 14. Two
bills which would knock out the plans
of the WMC for drafting of pre-
Pearl Harbor fathers in October are
now pending and there is a possibili-
ty that one or both of them will get
action before the end of September.
By that time, however, the motion
picture industry may have lost
thousands of fathers to agriculture,
war production plants and other jobs
held to be essential.
Actually Congress will have only
16 days in which to block the Octo-
ber draft of fathers, and it is not
likely that it can push anything
through fast enough to block WMC.
Even if it did, a presidential veto
is not unlikely. A bill introduced
by Senator Burton K. Wheeler, Mon-
tana, to defer the drafting of fathers
until January of next year and one in-
troduced by Rep. Paul F. Kilday of
Texas to force the taking of all
available single men and married
men without children before starting
on fathers are both pending before
the Senate Military Affairs Com-
mittee. The Kilday Bill has already
been passed by the House.
Signs Barbara Bel Geddes
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Hunt Stromberg has
signed Barbara Bel Geddes, 19-year-
old Broadway actress, to a long-
term contract. She is the daughter
of Norman Bel Geddes, modern de-
signer.
Warners' Aug. Billings
Expected to Rise 25%
(Continued from Page 1)
company's sales department records
indicate.
Annually at this time the company
conducts its August Bookers Month
with a view to dating all unplayed
product of the past season and at
the same time getting as much addi-
tional business as possible on pre-
vious seasons' releases. Results this
year not only show marked increase
in playing time for current product,
but with repeat bookings of earlier
pictures the aggregate business in
the first week of August will exceed
the same period last year by 25 per
cent, it was said.
Average number of playdates for
a big picture, which formerly ran
around 11,000 counting repeat book-
ings, now exceeds 14,000 in the case
of pictures like "They Died With
Their Boots On," "Man Who Came
to Dinner," "In This Our Life,"
"Now, Voyager," "George Washing-
ton Slept Here," "Male Animal,"
"Juke Girl" and more than a dozen
others, while attractions like "Serg-
eant York," "Yankee Doodle Dandy,"
"Casablanca" and the new entry
"This is the Army" will exceed 20,000
bookings as a result of unusual re-
peat dates, some of them coming
back for six and eight times.
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
Loew's Brooklyn and Queens theaters are
cooperating with the War Finance Commit-
tee of the Treasury in the distribution of
tickets for the game on Aug. 26 at the
Polo Grounds between the All Star Service
Team and the Professional Ball Players.
The game is sponsored by the baseball
writers in the metropolitan area.
. . . — V . . .—
Kansas City — Circuit and indie, houses
have approved an OCD plan whereby young-
sters collecting 50 or more pounds of scrap
will receive a salvage ticket which will act
as admission to all Kansas City theaters
any time before Sept. 1. Exhibitors are
also showing special trailers and giving up
show time for special speakers in co-opera-
tion with the drive.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Los Angeles — Exhibitor campaign cur-
rently being conducted in the lobbies of Los
Angeles theaters to recruit blood donors for
the Red Cross plasma banks is resulting
in just under 500 registrations a week,
according to Jack Lowe, local WAC Co-
ordinator. More than 80 per cent of those
who have signed up have kept their pledges.
«NT
V
KING OF THE COWBOYS
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
in
"SONG OF
TEXAS'
yletotae*
First run
12
IHfl
jFftw
• »k rtAiiv
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1943
DAILY
Coe Says U. S. Pix
Explode Propaganda
(Continued from Page 1)
of the Motion Picture Producers and
Distributors of America, told an au-
dience of Eastman executives and
workers in an address delivered here
last night at the Eastman State
Street Auditorium.
"The first function of the motion
picture is to portray the drama of
living," he asserted. "Life is, and
will continue to be, lived differently
in different part of the globe. We
have seen that the first act of tyran-
ny anywhere is to make it impossible
for subjugated people to see Ameri-
can films. We know that no propa-
ganda-laden picture can stand
against American films.
Effect of Propaganda
"We know that the first effect of
vicious propaganda films is to empty
theaters. But that does not mean
that entertainment can be insensible
to the great forces clashing in the
world. That's the stuff of which
drama is made and drama is enter-
tainment.
"The field of film visualization has
vastly expanded," he said. "Recent
animated drawings indicate to me
that no subject is so abstruse as to
deny itself clear expression on film.
Millions of men returning from war
will come to us habituated both to
study and to teaching by film. The
graphic element of the motion pic-
ture will be added to the written
and spoken word. To the arduous
concentration of mere study will
come the illuminating relief of en-
tertainment, of contrasting values,
of natural compensations as they
cannot otherwise be visualized and
grasped."
Third Dimension
Coe predicted that even greater
effects would be achieved when a
third dimension is added to the
screen. "I have no hesitancy," he
declared, "in expressing the belief
that from great research institu-
DATE BOOK
Aug. 5-7: Twentieth-Fox Midwestern regional
sales meeting, Blackstone, Chicago.
Aug. 11-12: Allied board meeting, Baltimore.
Aug. 11-13: Twentieth-Fox Western regional
sales meeting, Ambassador, os Angeles.
Aug. 12: John R. McPherson testimonial, De-
troit.
Aug. 12: Michigan Variety Club golf tourna-
ment, Knowlwood Country Club, Birmingham,
Mich.
Aug. 12-13: Warners' Canadian Sales confer-
ence, Mount Royal Hotel, Montreal.
Sept. 9: 1TOA installation luncheon, Hote'
Astor.
Sept. 9: Third Victory Loan drive opens.
Sept. 15: First Fall meeting of Ampa.
Sept. 17-19: Theater Equipment Dealers Pro-
tective Association meeting, Bismarck Hotel,
Oct. 18-22 SMPE technical conference, Holly-
wood-Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood.
WHO'S WHO IN HOLLYWOOD
• • • Presenting Interesting Personalities • • •
JOHN JOSEPH. National director of publicity, advertising and exploitation
for Universal. Born July 12, 1898, in Hinsdale, III. Attended public schools
of that Chicago suburb, of Westfield, N. J., and Indianapolis. Graduated from
University of Chicago in 1920, when he joined the Shubert Theaters' Chicago
publicity staff, which he later headed. Left Shubert organization in 1923 to
become motion picture critic and amusement editor of Chicago Herald-Examiner.
Moved to Balaban & Katz advertising department in
1927, remaining there until 1931, when he was made
mid-West advertising director for RKO. Came into
present high post six years ago, when Nate Blumberg
resigned as vice-president in charge of RKO Theaters
to assume the presidency of U. Modest to an extreme,
few persons know of the ramifications of his position
which he so carefully hides beneath his publicity-ad-
vertising title, but which have established him in the
company's top-most councils. An indefatigable worker,
he's high-strung, but always soft-spoken. Loyalty to his
carefully picked roster of subordinates is one of his
outstanding characteristics. Typifying other executives
who have come into U under the Blumberg regime, he
is thoroughly exhibitor-minded. He was first of the
national publicity-advertising chiefs to maintain per-
manent offices on the West Coast, convinced that close
touch with the actual making of pictures provided the opportunity of furnishing
improved service to theater operators and newspaper editors. Farsighted, he
constantly has an ear to the ground for changing trends in film bally and sales
methods. Uppermost in his thoughts, at all times is the question: "How can
we increase our assistance to buyers of U product?" He's a stickler for things
ethical, because he wants to see the industry go forward on a solid foundation.
He is married to the former Lorene Winn. He has one son, John W. who gave
up his final year at the University of California at Los Angeles to join the
U. S. Army Air Force. Weight, 135 pounds. Height, five feet eight. Eyes,
brown. Hair, brown.
To Submit New Juvenile
Delinquency Law in Ind.
Indianapolis — New juvenile court
law which may be more effective in
dealing with juvenile delinquen-
cy in Indiana will be submitted at
the next session of the Indiana Gen-
eral Assembly, as a result of a plea
by James A. Emmert, state attorney
generpl, to the Indiana Prosecuting
Attorneys' Association, to draft
such a measure. In discussions of
the juvenile delinquency problem,
the prosecutors attacked the current
law as inadequate.
M-G-M Pittsburgh Branch
Dedicates its Honor Roll
Pittsburgh — In a ceremony in-
augurated by Bryan D. Stoner,
branch manager, the local M-G-M
exchange this week dedicated its
honor roll, listing 10 employes. Saul
Gottlieb, sales manager, unveiled the
roll by releasing the service flag con-
taining ten stars, representing the
following: Harry Lockhart, Joseph
Stack, Allan Tolley, John Freinstein,
Edward Banaszak, Norbert Sosinsky,
Henry Mulbauer, Edward Fitzpat-
rick, Max Shabason and John Zomir.
tions like your own will come to us
that third dimension of depth which
will make of the screen an opera
stage, a stage upon which may be
released a world of drama and
laughter, with realism unsurpassed."
Coe paid tribute to the achieve-
ments of Eastman which manufac-
tures enough film annually to en-
circle the earth's equator several
times, and also for its work of pio-
neering with the Eastman Teaching
Films in the humane fields of medical
and surgical photography.
600 Colleges Use Film
"Over six hundred American col-
leges now have courses in motion
picture appreciation. There are
more projectors in America's school-
rooms than in America's theaters.
Educators the country over are plan-
ning new uses of the pedagogic film.
"Americans have a right to look
forward to a new world with con-
fidence and courage," Coe declared.
'We know that this hour of history
endures the torment of Nazi and
Fascist generations indoctrinated in
the ideologies of lechery, of lust and
of ignorance. The war will over-
come the leadership of these genera-
tions but only the peace can ex-
terminate their spurious philoso-
phies. Only the peace can open the
eyes of their remnants and their
offspring. Here, perhaps, films will
serve the purpose transcendent of all
others; here the quick application of
oral-visual training which has so in-
comparably contributed to the
achievements of war, will just as
bountifully contribute to the process-
es of peace."
New Newsreel House
Akron, O. — Gayety, former bur-
lesque house, opened July 30 as the
Newsreel, House will operate
through to 2 a.m. Sunday, accom-
modating all shifts of war workers.
Astor Pictures Set
To Deliver 24 Pix
{Continued from Page 1)
who will make pictures exclusively
for Astor. Other producers also will
be sought for Astor's lineup.
Of the 24 features planned, six
will be musicals and six will be west-
erns. The balance of the program
will be determined later, it was said^
First two pictures are scheduled ta
be delivered Oct. 15 and it is planned
to release one feature every two
months thereafter.
Astor's distribution system also is
to be expanded and "nationalized."
"■"s.vini will cover his present fran-
chise offices in the West, while Jac-
ques Kopfstein, general sales man-
ager, will cover the Eastern branches.
Mexican Pictures Make
Bow in 2 Havana Houses
Havana — Mexican pictures are
making their debut in the Fausto
and Alcazar Theaters of the Smith
circuit. Policy was adopted, it was
said, because of the improvement in
Mexican production and the apparent
scarcity of American-made pictures.
DIGEST
DA W
J. S<*17 MHZ
CASTINGS
EDWARD DURST, "Revenge," RKO; DOROTHY
CISH, "Our Hearts Were Young and Cay," Para-
mount; NOAH BEERY, JR., SAM LEVENE, and
DAVID :BRUCE, "Gung Mo," Universal; DEANNA
DURBIN, "Lady on the Train," Universal; CON-
STANCE WORTH and STANLEY CLEMENT,
"Cover Girl," Universal; NANCY KELLY, and
H. B. WARNER, "Hitler's Women," Monogram;
IGOR DOLGORUKI, "One Hour of Glory," RKO;
RICHARD DIX, "The Chost Ship," RKO; ROB-
ERT RYAN, "Tender Comrade," RKO; BOBBIE
LARSON, CONRAD BINYON, ELIZABETH VAL-
ENTINE, PAUL BRYANT, JACK KENNEDY and
GEORGE ANDERSON, "Underdog," PRC.
BARBARA EVEREST, "Gaslight," M-G-M;
VEDA ANN 80RG, "Standing 'Room Only," Para-
mount; WOLFGANG ZILZER, "Dr. Paul Joseph
Goebbels, His Life and Loves," W. R. Frank;
HERMAN HACK and OZZ1E WATERS, "Texas
Masquerade," Harry Sherman-UA.
•
STORY PURCHASES
ISOBEL LENNART'S "Star Bright," M-C-M.
MYLES CONNOLLY'S "Nine Lives," RKO.
HOWARD FAST'S "Citizen Tom Paine," Frank
Tuttle and Franchot Tone.
ERIK CHARRELL and CHARLES O'NEAL'S "Junc-
tion to Heaven," M-G-M.
MARION PARSONNET'S "The Guy from Mike's
iPlace," Edward Small.
JOHNSTON McCULLEY'S "Love's Trading Post,"
Monogram.
FERENC MOLNAR'S "Olympia," Paramount.
REOPTIONED
BRIAN DONLEVY, three pictures, M-C-M.
MARJORY LORD, William Cagney.
' -SCHEDULED
"Rome Revolts," Jack Schwarz.
"Home in Indiana," story, GEORGE ACNEW
CHAMBERLAIN (from "The Phantom Filly").
"Jive Junction," producer, LEON FROMKESS; di-
rector, EDCAR ULMER, IPRC.
"Music Without Bars," original, HAL POWELL,
PRC.
W
o
Cl t^
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
FILE COPY
DO NOT REMOVE
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
VOL. 84. NO. 25
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 1943
TEN CENTS
CLARK JWOULD COMBINE ANTI-TRUST^ CASES
Dismissal of Florida Anti-Trust Case is Filed
Distribs. Agree to Cut
Clearance to 70 Days;
Seven Companies Named
Stipulation agreeing to dismissal
rf the anti-trust action brought
igainst seven film companies by J.
P. and Josephine F. Benitoa, owners
and operators of the Modern The-
ater in Miami and the Liberty in
Liberty City, Fla., was filed in New
York Federal Court yesterday by
Emil K. Ellis, attorney for the plain-
tiffs. According to Ellis, the com-
panies agreed to reduce the clear-
ance on pictures from 150 to 180
days to 70 days.
The plaintiffs had charged the de-
(Continued on Page 4)
Smith-Howell Litis
Deliveries Embargo
Albany — In the wake of appear-
ance by Francis Smith of Smith-
Howell Film Service and a committee
from the Joint Distributors-Exhibi-
tors Co-ordinating Committee cm
Transportation before ODT in Syra-
cuse last week, Smith-Howell has
lifted its embargo on certain South-
err, tier houses.
The embargo accomplished the
(Continued on Page 11)
All But Two Storm-Hit
Theaters Operating Again
Dallas — All houses affected by the
Gulf storm have resumed operations
except one in Pelley, destroyed, and
one house, the Lamar in LaMarque,
not previosuly reported, which lost
its cooling tower and roof.
Playtime lost varied from one day
(Continued on Page 9)
6 A. M. lines Start
For "Let's Face It"
Those early morning lines are back
at the Broadway Paramount. "Let's
Face It" opened yesterday to busi-
ness that topped the "China"-Harry
James combination last April. Lines
formed 'at'.6 a.m. and by 8:30 the
theater was packed.
Bruen and Harvey of PCCI TO A to Confer
In Washington With Clark on Consent Decree
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Hugh Bruen and Rotus Harvey, trustees of PCCITOA trained
out yesterday for Washington, where they will confer with Tom C. Clark, United
States Assistant Attorney General, on matters pertaining to New York consent
decree. Bruen arranged this meeting in Washington with Clark while Clark was
in Los Angeles, requesting that Abram F. Myers of Allied States' committee
be present also. Clark expressed his desire to hear representatives from all ex-
hibitor groups, augmenting complete detailed information from PCCITOA.
After leaving Washington, Bruen and Harvey will go to Baltimore acting
as PCCITOA observers at Allied's board meeting, scheduled there Aug. 11 and 12.
"Army" First Week
Brings in $80,000
First full week of Irving Berlin's
"This is the Army" at the Holly-
wood Theater, ending last night took
in an estimated $52,500, plus almost
$27,000 from the single advanced-
price premiere performance the
night of July 28, or a total of nearly
$80,000, with all profits being turned
(Continued on Page 4)
Added Admission Tax
Is Seen as Doubtful
New Critical Occupations
List May Appear Soon
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Issuance of the new
list of "critical" occupations by the
War Manpower Commission within
the next 10 days was held likely yes-
terday by a responsible WMC official.
Although the list is even now under-
going last-minute revisions, he is
confident that its release will not
be delayed much longer. It is being
(Continued on Page 12)
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Although a strong
drive for a national sales tax has
been promised for the Fall by num-
erous members of Congress, there
appears at this time to be no serious
intention of adding an extra tax to
those already collected on theater ad-
missions. The question of an addi-
tional tax on admissions did come up
(Continued on Page 9)
Majors May Handle More
British Short Subjects
Proposal that the major companies
take on some more British short sub-
jects for distribution will be made
today to the MPPDA board of direc-
tors by George Archibald of the
British Information Services.
Five short action films currently
(Continued on Page 9)
Chaplin Case Gets Extension
Answers to Complaint Are Now Due Aug. 31
"Aleutians" Allocation
Of Prints is Announced
The War Activities Committee
yesterday released the final arrange-
ment for the distribution of prints
of the War Department Technicolor
film, "Report From the Aleutians."
The 175 prints turned over to the
(Continued on Page 9)
Confab Next Week May
Grant Schine Request for
Delay in Selling Houses
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The Department of
Justice has been asked to delay any
action on the Schine Circuit request
that it be relieved of the obligation
to sell any more theaters and be per-
mitted to expand until determina-
tion of the Government course in the
New York case. A conference will be
held next week on this request, and
it is not unlikely that it will be
granted. A conference was originally
scheduled for Tuesday of this week,
but it was cancelled at the last mo-
ment when Tom Clark, anti-trust
head, had to go out of town.
Although there are different cir-
(Continued on Page 9)
Set Cost Differences
Adjusted by WPB
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A situation whereby
the Hollywood studios found them-
selves with different preference rat-
ings for set construction materials
as well as different set cost limits,
has been solved satisfactorily, Har-
old Hopper, WPB motion picture
(Continued on Page 12)
Second 20th-Fox Meet
Opens in Chicago Today
Immediately following the clos-
ing of the first of three regional sales
meetings at the Astor yesterday,
executives of 20th-Fox started for
Chicago to attend the second meet-
(Continued on Page 12)
With defendant answers due to
be filed on Aug. 10 in the $1,000,-
000 action recently brought by
Charles Chaplin, on his own behalf
and all other UA stockholders simi-
1 a r 1 y situated, against David O.
Selzni'ck, David O. Selznick Produc-
tions, Inc., Vanguard Films, Inc.,
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp.,
and United Artists Corp., a stipula-
(Continued on Page 9)
Army Acquires 8
Houses in Algiers
Eight small theaters in Algiers
have been acquired by the U. S.
Army, through the Red Cross, to be
used to supplement the 16 mm.
showings for soldiers. Distributors
here have been asked to supply 35
mm. prints which will be paid for
by the Red Cross.
l&Sk
DAILY
Thursday, August 5, 194J
Vol. 84, No. 25 Thurs., Aug. 5, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : Ceneral Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Wednesday, Aug. 4)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 15% 15% 15%
Col. Picts.vte. (2y2%) 15V4 15V4 15'/4 — 1/2
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2 'A 2!/4 2%
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . 15 15 15
East. Kodak 162y2 161 1/4 161 % — 1/4
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq 19% 19l/8 19?/8 + l/2
Loew's, Inc 61% 60 60^ + 3^
Paramount 26y4 25 Vi 25Vi
RKO 85/8 8% 81/2 + 1/4
RKO $6 pfd 88 87% 88 + 1/4
20th Century-Fox ■ . . . 21 1/8 2<^ 203,4 -f 1/8
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31% 31 Vi 31%+ Vi
Warner Bros 13i/2 12% 13% + %
do pfd
89 13-32 89 13-32 89 13-32
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55... 77'/2 77i/2 77i/2
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 3% 3 3
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1 Vi 13/8 1 Vi + %
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3%
Technicolor 13% 13Vi 13%— 1/4
"Hoodlum Saint" For Metro
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood— M-G-M will film the
sotry of the late Dempster MacMur-
phy, Chicago newspaper and utili-
ties executive who used the name of
St. Dismas, the penitent thief on
the cross, in his various philanthropic
activities, under the title of "The
Hoodlum Saint." Casey Robinson
will write the scenario.
POSITIONS FILLED QUICKLY
CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITIONS SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 MADISON AVE., N. Y.— Tel. MO. 2-6494
Pic Hoarding Complaint
May Go to Dept. of Justice
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — ■ Possibility of com-
plaint to the Department of Justice
against "picture hoarding" by the
majors loomed today after receipt,
by Harold Hopper, WPB motion
picture chief, of a second letter from
George Farnum, Boston attorney
representing a group of independent
exhibitors in Massachusetts. Farnum
had written WPB on July 13 asking
that film be denied producers who
did not use it to make and distribute
pictures at once.
There was never any possibility of WPB
action on the alleged hoarding', as Hopper
said even before Farnum's well-publicized
complaint was received by WPB.
Allen G. Smith of the Service Equipment
Division's amusement branch wrote Farnum
last week suggesting' that WPB had no
authority in the matter. It is a question
of fair trade practices, said Smith, suggesting
complaint to the Department of Justice
if Farnum intended to pursue the matter.
Smith added that' Hopper would send a fuller
explanation.
On Monday Hopper wrote substantially
the same information as Smith, and enclosed
a copy of the raw stock order, L-178. Yes-
terday he received another letter from Far-
num, who had apparently not received his
Monday letter, asking for his explanation
of WPB's decision not to act in the matter.
He repeated his complaint against alleged
picture hoarding, stating: that "an injus-
tice" is being done both the independent ex-
hibitor and the public.
One of Farnum's letters indicated that
he had no intention of giving up his fight
on the matter, and a complaint to the Dc-
partrne" ! of Jus. ice is not unlikely.
Whitney Bolton to Serve
Col. Here and Hollywood
Whitney Bolton, veteran publicist
and journalist whose signing of a
term contract to serve in the estab-
lishment of a Coast-to-Coast pro-
gram of special handling of selected
pictures for Columbia was announced
this week by Harry Cohn, company's
president, will, it was declared at the
home office yesterday, operate out
of Hollywood and New York, and will
leave for the latter city soon after
Sept. 1 to begin advance work on
"Cover Girl," and will also initiate
preliminary plans for "Sahara," the
oncoming Humphrey Bogart vehicle.
Bolton, whose career includes dis-
tinguished service in the field of
dramatic criticism, has been with
Warners' studio as publicity director
thereat, and negotiated termination
of that association to join Columbia.
Rank, Rose to Produce
Pix for Para, in England
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — In association with
Arthur Eank, David Rose, Paramount
managing director in Great Britain,
will produce pictures in England for
Paramount. Paul Soskin will be their
producer. The initial picture will be
"Signed With Their Honor" by James
Aldridge, to be followed by Sir
James Barrie's "Admirable Crich-
ton," and "The Old Lady Shows Her
Medals"; and a story dealing with
the Royal Air Force.
Rose is en route to New York from
Hollywood.
20th-Fox Hosts Cocktail
Party for Ernst Lubitsch
Twentieth Century-Fox hosted a
cocktail reception for Ernst Lubitsch
in the Perroquet suite of the Waldorf-
Astoria yesterday evening in recog-
nition of his ace direction of "Heav-
en Can Wait."
Among those present were Spyros
P. Skouras, Sidney Towell, Joe Pin-
cus, Tony Muto, Col. Jason Joy, Jack
Alicoate, Don Mersereau, Abel Green,
Henry King, Mr. and Mrs. William
Formby, James Jerauld, Mel Kone-
coff, Carole Landis, Irene Thirer,
Dorothy Masters, Jimmy Dunn, Ben
Schlyen, Alfred Lee, Colvin Brown,
Mme. de Grippenberg, Andes Em-
bricof , Jack Goldstein, Lou Pelegrine,
George H. Morris, G. E. Blackford,
Sherry Kane, Al Steen, Charles Beck-
er, Mike Wear, Major and Mrs. Alex-
ander P. de Seversky, Gracie Fields,
Hermann Place, Larry Kent, Dick
Condon, Miss Daphne Skouras, Glen
Neville, John Chapman, Maurice Sil-
verstone, Annie Laurie Williams,
Zach Freedman and Jack Stuart.
Edsol Corp. Files Appeal
from Arbitrator's Award
Albany — Edsol Corp., Scotia,
which operates the Scotia Theater,
first of the Schine Circuit house*
to be sold in the divestiture pro-
ceedings, has appealed the recent
award of the arbitrator Charles J.
Ranney.
Edsol Coip. applied for elimina-
tion or reduction of clearance held by
the second-run Fabian Circuit Plaza
Theater, Schenectady, in a complaint
filed against the big five. RKO
Radio Pictures was subsequentiv dis-
missed from the complaint during
the hearing. The decision cut from
35 to 28 days the clearance held by
the first-run Fabian houses in Sche-
nectady but left the 14 days clear-
ance held by the Plaza Theater over
Scotia.
Howard M. Antevil of Gloversville
is the attorney of record.
WAC Execs. Meet in Wash.
Today with Hoyt, Docb
A group of War Activities Commit-
tee representatives are in Washing-
ton today conferring with Palmer
Hoyt, chief of the Domestic Division
of the Office of War Information,
and Oscar A. Doob, assistant na-
tional director of the War Finance
Division.
The discussions with Hoyt center-
about the OWI's plans for the fu-
ture insofar as they concern the
WAC and the projected film pro-
gram. The meeting with Doob takes
place this morning and will be at-
tended by S. H. Fabian and Harry
Brandt. The subject of this meet will
be on industry participation in the
Third War Loan, which begins on
Sept. 9.
Those who made the trip include:
M. A. Rosenberg, Ed Kuykendall, R.
B. Wilby, Joseph Bernhard, Charles
Moskowitz, Dan Michalove, George
Skouras, Arthur L. Mayer.
COMinG and GOIflG
JAMES R. GRAINGER, president of Republic
returns to his desk today from Chicago.
HARRY BRANDT is scheduled to go on 1
Saratoga vacation beginning tomorrow.
JAMES SHARKEY and SAM BARRETT of Co-
operative Theaters of Michigan are New Yor
visitors.
PHIL ENGEL, Warners' field representative
the New England territory, is here for
office conferences.
LILLIAN BROWN, former secretary to "Skip"
Weshner, leaves Monday for Hollywood where
she will be secretary to David O. Selznick.
EDWARD A. GOLDEN and ROBERT S. GOLDEN ,
return to the Coast tomorrow.
HARRY GOLDBERG is in Albany to conduct a
meeting of Warner circuit managers and ad
vertising men on "This is the Army."
JACQUES KOPFSTEIN, general sales manage
of Astor Pictures, left last night for a tour 01
the Eastern exchanges.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
In
"Let's Face
It"
In Person
BENNY
GOODMAN
And Band
CON DOS BROS.
JACK MARSHALL
BONDr PARAMOUNT squS
Lena HORNE Bill ROBINSON
Cab CALLOWAY
and his band
srvfitiL
20lh CENTURY FOX PICTURE
PLUS A BIG B f\ V V 7*h Ave.
STAGE SHOW K W W ¥ ft 50th St.
B'WAY &
47th St.
WALTER HUSTON • ANN HARDINB
"MISSION TO MOSCOW"
"TWO SENORITAS FROM
CHICAGO"
JOAN DAVIS • JINX FALKENBERC
loTv?.STRTE
On Stage
JOAN CRAWFORD
FRED MacMURRAY
"ABOVE
SUSPICION"
With a heartful of gratitude to all
who helped in the making of "Lassie
Come Home" Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer keeps faith with them by in-
serting this special message in the
trade press. Showmen will thank us
for urging them to attend the trade
showings. The great book by Eric
Knight, author of "This Above All"
has become an immortal motion pic-
ture destined to pack the theatres
of the land with thrilled audiences.
"Lassie Come Home" will be nation-
ally advertised and powerfully pro-
moted everywhere so that America
may know the wonderful picture it is.
RODDY McDOWALL- DONALD CRISP- Dame May Whicty
Edmund Gwenn • Nigel Bruce • Elsa Lanchester • LASSIE
Screen Play by Hugo Butler • Based Upon the Novel by Eric Knight
Directed by FRED M. WILCOX • Produced by SAMUEL MARX
"I urge every
exhibitor to
attend the
trade shows of
LASSIE
COME
HOME!"
The First Two
TRADE SHOWS of
METRO-GOLDWYN^MAYER'S
TECHNICOLOR TRIUMPH
"LASSIE COME HOME'
NEW YORK CITY
Tuesday, August 17th
ar 10:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M.
M-G-M SCREENING ROOM
630 Ninth Avenue
LOS ANGELES
Tuesday, August 17th
at 2:30 P.M.
20th CENTURY-FOX SCREENING ROOM
2019 So. Vermont Avenue
•
Watch Trade Press for Complete List
of Nationwide Trade Showings
Thursday, August 5, 194:
DAILY
"Army" First Week
Brings in $80,000
(Continued from Page 1)
over by Warner Bros, to Army
Emergency Eelief.
"Army" topped the "Casablanca"
opening week record, which included
Thanksgiving, by more than 25 per
cent, exclusive of the advanced price
premiere.
Seating only 1,475, the Hollywood
has been playing to capacity and
standees almost continuously since
the opening day. Number of per-
formances has been increased from
six daily to eight, with nine on Sa-
turday.
$100 Top Premiere
For "Army" in Memphis
Memphis — Local special price pre-
miere of Irving Berlin's "This is the
Army," Warner Bros, release for
Army Emergency Relief, will super-
sede Broadway's $55 top by getting
$100 apiece for its front-line seats.
First of the $100 ducats were
bought by Abe Plough, of Plough,
Inc., makers of St. Joseph Aspirin.
The Memphis engagement, start-
ing tomorrow night, will be the first
following last week's New York pre-
miere. M. A. Lightman is chairman
of the First Nighters' Committee,
working with Howard Waugh, War-
ner Theaters zone manager.
"Army" Day-and-Date
In 2 Milwaukee Houses
Milwaukee — Following its ad-
vanced-price premiere on Aug. 20 at
the Warner Theater, Irving Berlin's
"This is the Army" will play simul-
taneous engagements starting next
day in the Warner and the Alhambra.
Latter house, which has been closed,
is being reconditioned and reopened
by Warners especially for this occa-
sion.
According to present plans, the one
special price performance of "Army"
here will take in at least $20,000.
College Girl Gets Role
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Holylwood — Marjorie Hinshaw,
signed by Warner Bros, two years
ago, with contract held up for two
years to allow her to complete her
college course at the University of
California, has reported at the studio
and will make her screen debut in
"The Devil, George and Rosie."
Ann Morriss
Reginald Owen
Burton King
Emanuel Cohen
M. A. Lightman
Robert Taylor
Robert Vignola
A. C. Brauninger
Exhibitor Profile: L. C. Griffith
• • • JUST a iew days ago, Henry Morgenthau & Co. (Uncle Sam's
Treasury Department to you) took in a new "partner" of a well-known
film partnership. — the so-called Griffith circuit — , and gave him the post
of General Chairman to conduct the industry's forthcoming campaign
in behalf of the Third War Loan It was a choice widely acclaimed
within the trade and throughout the nation, for L. C. Griffith is a super-
salesman, and has been that from long before World War I to now
If OPA had selected Showman Griffith to administer foodstuff-supply,
prices, et al, this versatile gentleman could point to experience along that
line, too Long before he became prexy of Griffith Amusement Co.,
the Griffith-Consolidated Theaters, Inc., and the Griffith Southwestern
Theaters, E. C. worked hammer and tong as a traveling salesman of
grocery staples, and, like everything else, made a decided success of it.
T T T
• • • BUT somewhere in the Griffith blood-stream coursed a
flare for the amusement field So, 1915 found him and his two
brothers founding an enterprise of their own down San Marco, Tex.,
way It was dedicated to acting as representatives for various pro-
ducing and distributing companies Right in that same year L. C.
bought his first pic stand,— the Grand Opera House in said San Marcos
It was the acorn from which a great oak was to grow, namely, one
of the largest chains of indie theaters in the country, a chain which
now comprises more than 300 links While on the road, the
brothers, serving via their pic distributing venture, became acquainted
with many exhibs. throughout the Southwest, and, in 1917, formed
a partnership in the operation of two Oklahoma theaters That
local partner-manager plan of operation, in which each manager is a
partner in the company, was so successful that it attracted keen interest
in exhibition circles So did the showmanship of the Griffith boys
It wasn't long before both angles were widely imitated By
the Spring of 1926, Griffith Amusement Co. had been formed
L. C, who knew that the problems of one exhibitor were the problems
of all, had shown the value of an org in which each could benefit from
mutual experience In following years the org grew A com-
pany was formed in New Mexico and Texas Griffith-Consolidated
was established for expansion in the Oklahoma territory, and an addi-
tional company was set up for the Kansas City sector
T T T
• • • NOT only was L. C. a salesman who "delivered the goods"
in the instances of his grocery-vending career, and as a distributor and
exhibitor, but was and is a sparkplug in aiding worthy causes In
1939, he organized (and became the first Chief Barker of) the Oklahoma
Variety Club, Tent 22 The charitable services of this organization
are nationally known, and the Oklahoma Division has supplied a mobile
unit equipped with sound and projection providing weekly entertainment
for children in orphanages, homes for the underprivileged, crippled
children's hospital, and other persons who cannot normally have the
pleasure of seeing movies A $45,000 Health Center, which will
house private health agencies, is also being erected, and will be main-
tained by Tent 22 With a fund of experience and energy, such as
few men have, L. C. was a "natural" for the appointment to head-up the
industry's end of the September "Third War Loan" campaign For
he knows showmanship, knows the industry, — and it knows him
Around him, and the big job at hand, filmland's sons will rally with all
that eagerness needed for a great showing P. S.: Nice going, Mr.
Morgenthau! _ _
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR via the Third War Loan
Drive!
Florida Anti-Trust
Case is Dismissed
(Continued from Page 1)
fendants with granting preference
and special privileges to the Para-
mount and Wometco theater chains
in the greater Miami area. The com-
plaint alleged that the defendants
entered into a conspiracy with the
two theater chains, which operate
houses in the area, to eliminate co
petition and restrain trade via ex-
clusive exhibition contracts. They
had sought an injunction and treble
damages. Ellis would not comment
on whether there had been any fin-
ancial settlement.
The defendants were Paramount
Pictures, Loew's, Inc., RKO Radio
Pictures, Vitagraph, Inc., 20th-Fox,
Columbia, and Monogram Pictures
Corp.
Contract for Dane Clark
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Warner Bros, has giv-
en a contract to Dane Clark, the
young actor who made his first screen
appearance in "Action in the North
Atlantic," and is now appearing in a
featured role in "Destination Tokyo."
WAR SERVICE
. . .on the Film Front
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — Mixed metal and iron
scrap totaling 3,369 pounds collected at the
scrap matinee held at 12 Comerford and
several indie houses in Luzerne County.
Campaign was sponsored by WAC under
John Comerford.
. . . — V . . .—
Menasha, Wise. — Over 12,00 pounds of
scrap paper was turned over by Robert
Kautzer, manager of the Menasha Theater,
after a free show run for those bringing
a bundle of scrap paper as admission.
Boston — Shangri-La War Bond drive
netted $1,502,000 in sales in the Dorchester-
Mattapan area. Drive was held at the
film industry's official War Bond stand on
Boston Common under the general chair-
manship of Harry Wasserman of M & P
Theaters. Kenneth Forkey, representing
the indies., and Al Laurie, representing
M b P, assisted.
Chicago — Cigarette shows staged by Al-
liance Theater Circuit houses in the past
two weeks have netted $4,000 worth of
cigarettes which will be shipped to mem-
bers of the armed forces at various fronts,
Pete Panagos reports. Circuit plans to hold
similar drives every few months.
Spike Jones and his City Slickers, who
have been outdrawn at Omaha's Orpheum
only by Tommy Dorsey, set something of
a record for war service work during
their week in Omaha. The Slickers ap-
peared in the city's largest department
store to boost Bond sales, gave a perform-
ance for night shift students at the Fort
Crook automotive school, visited the post
hospital and helped the WAVES with their
recruiting program from the stage of the
Orpheum.
NEW ENGLAND AND
NEW YORK TOWNS
THE GREATEST
SIMULTANEOUS
AREA OPENING
ALL HISTORY *
THE TOWN
BOSTON, MASS.
BUFFALO, N. Y.
ALBANY, N. Y.
PROVIDENCE, R. I.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
WORCESTER, MASS.
BRIDGEPORT, CONN.
SCHENECTADY, N. Y.
LOWELL, MASS.
FORTLAND, ME.
LAWRENCE, MASS.
AUGUSTA, ME.
PORTSMOUTH, N. H.
BURLINGTON, VT.
LEWISTON, ME.
CONCORD, N. H.
FITCHBURG, MASS.
BANGOR, ME.
MANCHESTER, N. H.
NASHUA, N. H.
NEW BEDFORD, MASS.
PITTSFIELD, MASS.
GREENFIELD, MASS.
RUTLAND, VT.
PRESQUE ISLE, ME.
WATERVILLE, ME.
KEENE, N. H.
BRATTLEBORO, VT.
CLAREMONT, N. H.
FALL RIVER, MASS. '
ST. ALBANS, VT.
ST. JOHNSBURY, VT.
FALMOUTH, MASS.
PLYMOUTH, MASS.
HYANNIS, MASS.
BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME.
BUZZARD'S BAY, MASS.
BRUNSWICK, ME.
SPRINGFIELD, VT..
ROCHESTER, N. H.
SANFORD, ME.
GLOUCESTER, MASS.
S. NORWALK, CONN.
NORWICH, CONN.
STAMFORD, CONN.
WILLIMANTIC, CONN. ;
NEW LONDON, CONN.
TORRINGTON, CONN.
WATERBURY, CONN. A
HARTFORD, CONN. .
DANBURY, CONN.
TROY, N. Y.
UTICA, N. Y.
GLOVERSVILLE, N. Y.
PLATTSBURG, N. Y.
HUDSON, N. Y.
SARATOGA, N. Y.
AMSTERDAM, N. Y. .
GLENS FALLS, N. Y.
WATERTOWN, N. Y.
ONEONTA, N. Y.
SARANAC LAKE, N. Y. ■';
ELMIRA, N. Y.
ITHACA, N, Y.
JAMESTOWN, N. Y.
NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y.
ROCHESTER,' N. Y.
SYRACUSE, N. Y. .
AUBURN, N. Y.
GENEVA, N. Y.
CORTLAND, N. Y.
HORNELL, N. Y.
BINGHAMTON, N. Y.
OSWEGO, N. Y.
LOCKPORT, N. Y.
WARSAW, N. Y.
THE STATIONS
f Yankee Network)
WNAC-BOSTON
WTHT-HARTFORD
WLNH-LACONIA, N. H.
WEAKl-PROVIDENCE
WATR-WATERBURY, CONN.
WRDO-AUGUSTA, ME.
WICC-BRIDGEPORT
WFEA-MANCHESTER, N. H.
WCOU-LEWISTON, ME.
WAAB-WORCESTER
WNBH-NEW BEDFORD
WHAI-GREENFIELD, MASS.
WCSH-PORTLAND, ME.
WBRK-PITTSFiELD, MASS.
WSYB-RUTLAND, VT.
WLLH-LOWELL, MASS.
WHYN-HOLYOKE, MASS.
WASR-FALL RIVER, MASS.
WNLC-NEW LONDON, CONN.
WLBZ-BANGOR, ME.
WEIM-FITCHBURG. MASS.
WHEB-PORTSMOUTH, N. H.
WCAX-BURLINGTON, VT.
WAGM-PRESQUE ISLE, ME.
WKNE-KEENE, N. H.
WMAS-SPRINGFIELD, MASS
WGY-SCHENECTADY
WGR-BUFFALO
WKBW-BUFFALO
WSYR-SYRACUSE
WENY-ELMIRA
WHCU-ITHACA
WHAM-ROCHESTER
WNBF-BI NGHAMTON
WIBX-UTICA
WOKO-ALBANY
WABY-ALBANY
ERI
G
WYO
•
;
/
iRATION COVE
lillboards screaming from e
tand and on railroad
stations . . . Newspap
nit the area devotin
column after column t
and bus
through
nt page
e show
t
sensation of sensations . \ . and
millions of people crowding tosee-
From the Pages of Life of
James R. Young's Startling Book
MARGO • TOM NEAL • J. CARROL NAISH
ROBERT RYAN • GLORIA HOLDEN
Directed ^ EDWARD DMYTRYK • Original Screen Play by EMMET LAVERY
NEXT BIG AREA PREMIERE..
THE ENTIRE NORTHWEST,
FROM CALIFORNIA TO
CANADA ... 50 CITIES . ..
STARTING AllfillST 10TH
BULLETIN!
Boston, Mass. -"Behind The Rising
Sun", opening at Keith's Memorial
Theatre, Tuesday, August 3rd, gave
the house a new all-time money
record, beating by almost $2,000
the highest single day's business
on record, and playing to more
people than had ever crowded
into the house before on any
one day, including all holidays.
rhursday, August 5, 1943
CfKrSuY
Would Combine All
Unti-Trusl Cases
iffy (
(Continued from Page 1)
•.umstances in each case, Clark said
yesterday that he would welcome
•,ome "rule of thumb" to work out
he Schine, Griffith, Crescent and
few York cases all at once. He
>ointed out that any recommenda-
the Department might make
on the Schine case would prob-
not be ruled upon by the Buf-
alo court before October, by which
,ime he expects to have clearly in
nind his Department's course for
November.
Schine had originally asked merely
'or an extension of the time during
.vhich it is ordered to dispose of all
;heaters acquired since the filing of
;he complaint against it and the en-
uring of the consent decree in May
L942. This request followed submis-
sion last month of a report in which
,he circuit declared that forcing it
;o get rid of these theaters was "out-
rageous" in view of the acquisitions
Dy the majors between the time the
New York suit was filed against them
md their consent decree entered in-
to. Since that time they have made
it plain that they are willing to sell
if similar policy is followed in sim-
ilar cases.
Schine attorneys denied Clark's
:harge that they had bought theaters
in order to eliminate evidence which
might be given of alleged unfair
competitive practices by the circuit.
Clark insists that if the circuit
ever decides that it wants to try the
case, however, "we're ready for
them."
Detroit All-Colored
Houses Feel Biz Drop
Detroit — Changes of patronage
trends in houses with colored at-
tendance are the latest in a series
of audience shifts which have puzzled
local exhibitors for the past two
years. Patronage in the all-night
theaters and downtown houses where
mixed groups have existed before
appears about back to average com-
position, following the recent race
riots. Percentage of colored trade
is about the same as before, and
business, in fact, is good.
Some loss of patronage however,
has occurred in certain instances in
houses serving practically an all-
colored trade.
"Aleutians" Allocation
Of Prints is Announced
All But Two Storm-Hit
Theaters Operating Again
(Continued from Page 1)
in Beaumont to four days in some of
the smaller places. Bookings were
not seriously disturbed, although
some frequent-change houses will
ask for re-bookings on some sub-
jects.
Meyer Marks Dies
Chicago — Meyer Marks, 48, found-
er of Marks Theater Circuit with
his brother Louis, died yesterday. A'
son, Lt. Julian Marks, bomber pilot,
and a daughter, Paulette, survive.
TO THE COLORS!
* COMMISSIONED *
STANLEY AUERBACH, USA, son of A. Auerbach,
owner of the New Strand, Chicago, com-
missioned a 2nd lieutenant.
WILLIAM PARK, USN, formerly Paramount News
makeup editor, commissioned a lieutenant
k commander.
* ARMY *
NIE DAVIS, office manager Warner ex-
change, Memphis.
JONNIE PENNEL, city service man with Film
Transit, Memphis.
jHARLES LINDAU, JR., son of the owner of
the Lindau Theater, Chicago.
OSEPH CABEL, JR., operator, Dox Theater, De-
troit.
(Continued from Page 1)
WAC distributors division by the
War Department have been allocated
to exchanges on a basis established
with the experience gained in the dis-
tribution of a previous War Depart-
ment film, "Prelude to War."
The press book on "Report From
the Aleutians" is being rushed to
completion by the WAC Public Rela-
tions Division and will be available to
exhibitors from National Screen Ser-
vice exchanges.
The print breakdown, with the
companies handling the film in the
various territories, follows:
Albany, Paramount, 3; Atlanta,
20th Century-Fox, 7; Boston, Colum-
bia, 8; Buffalo, Warner, 3; Charlotte,
Republic, 4; Chicago, 20th Century-
Fox, 7; Cincinnati, Paramount, 6;
Cleveland, 20th Century-Fox, 6; Dal-
las, RKO, 7; Denver, Paramount, 3;
Des Moines, Columbia, 4; Detroit,
Metro, 7; Indianapolis, United
Artists, 4; Kansas City, United
Artists, 4; Los Angeles, Columbia,
10; Memphis, Metro, 4; Milwaukee,
20th Century-Fox, 4; Minneapolis,
Universal, 7; New Haven, RKO, 3;
New Orleans, Metro, 4; New York,
RKO, 18; Oklahoma City, Paramount,
4; Omaha, Warner, 3; Philadelphia,
Metro, 7; Pittsburgh, Metro, 5; Port-
land, Universal, 4; St. Louis, War-
ner, 4; Salt Lake City, Warner, 3;
San Francisco, 20th Century-Fox, 8;
Seattle, RKO, 4; Washington, War-
ner, 10.
Answers in Chaplin
Case Due Aug. 31
(Continued from Page 1)
tion, granting extension of time to
Aug. 31 for said answer to the com-
plaint, was announced yesterday.
Sources close to the action, coin-
cident with the announced extension,
declared that, if, as and when trial
is reached, a major array of legal
talent will be engaged in the battle,
there being a strong possibility of
Wendell L. Willkie serving as special
counsel for 20th-Fox, with Dwight,
Harris, Koegel & Casky, plus White
& Case, and probably Willkie, Owen,
Otis, Farr & Gallagher, etc., repre-
senting the defendants in opposition
to the veteran Schwartz & Frohlich
While no indication whatever re-
garding settlement of the action is
current in local film circles, chan-
nels close to Chaplin and his legal
representatives appear anxious to
have the case come to trial at the
earliest possible time.
New York Supreme Court is asked
in the original complaint to require
and compel the defendants to restore
to UA the sum of $1,000,000 more or
less, found due upon accounting as
the result of Selznick, et al having
allegedly been the beneficiaries of a
deal whereby 20th-Fox acquired lit-
erary properties comprising "Keys of
the Kingdom," "Claudia" and "Jane
Evre," notwithstanding an agree-
ment which existed between UA,
David O. Selznick, and David O.
Selznick Productions, Inc.
Added Admission Tax
Is Seen as Doubtful
(Continued from Page 1)
a year ago, during a tax study by
the house ways and means commit-
tee, but no action was ever taken on
it.
That action will be taken now
seems unlikely, in view of the stepped
up admissions tax rates recently in-
stalled, observers say. It is not im-
possible that an additional war levy
might be approved, but it does not
seem likely now. There has been no
recent dis_cussion among interested
congressmen of either such a tax
as this or a general increase in the
amusement tax rate.
Majors May Handle More
British Short Subjects
(Continued from Page 1)
are being handled by five major com-
panies and Archibald is expected to
ask the executives to distribute
others that are already here or ex-
pected over shortly.
The five now being distributed are
"The Last Hazard," by RKO; "Kill
or Be Killed," United Artists; "Com-
mon Cause," 20th Century-Fox;
"These Are the Men," M-G-M, and
"In the Drink," Warner Bros.
WAC Distrib. Division
Meets at Warwick Tues.
William F. Rodgers, chairman of
the distributors division of the WAC,
has called a meeting of his division
for Tuesday at the Warwick Hotel.
Rodgers is hopeful that, a method
of distribution of the OWI shorts
will have been devised by that time
so that distribution plans can be
made.
The division also will discuss its
participation in the forthcoming
Third War Loan drive.
MtWRlMONY
*mm00&
CENTURY-H3X
10
DAILY
Thursday, August 5, 1943
,\ ik Reviews of the new turns :< :<
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"Let's Face It"
with Bob Hope, Betty Hutton.
Paramount 76 Mins.
EXHIBITORS SHOULD CLEAN UP WITH
LATEST HOPE PIC; PLENTY OF LAUGHS
IN STORE FOR CUSTOMERS.
"Let's Face It," Bob Hope's latest cine-
matic venture will roll up handsome grosses
for the exhibitor. There is too much
entertainment in this film to arrive at any
other conclusion. And one says that in the
face of the fact that the picture is not
the best of the Hope pictures. But, best
or no best, the production has what it takes
to make the customers happy and the thea-
ter man richer.
Hope has been provided with a script
that permits him to strut his stuff with no
restraint — which is a guarantee of laughs
without end. As a soldier who gets himself
involved with a trio of lonely wives with
two other buddies in his effort to obtain
enough money to be married to Betty Hut-
ton, the comic is tremendously funny. The
complications are hilarious and endless,
reaching their climax when the husbands
of the lonely hearts suddenly appear on the
scene with a trio of girl friends of their
own. Hope gets himself into plenty of
trouble with the camp authorities in his
endeavor to keep his rendezvous with the
three ladies.
Hope and Miss Hutton are excellently
paired. Dave Willock and Cully Richards
play the comic's buddies nicely. As the
three wives who try to become romantic
with the boys to get even with their hus-
bands. ZaSu Pitts, Phyllis Povah and Eve
Arden are topnotch. Raymond Walburn,
Andrew Tombes and Arthur Loft enact the
husbands well. Again Joe Sawyer has a
role as a tough sergeant. Some of the
others deserving mention are Marjorie
Weaver and Dona Drake.
The comedy stacks up as fast and furious
entertainment, thanks chiefly to the direc-
tion of Sidney Lanfield. Harry Tugend did
the screenplay, based on a musical play by
Dorothy and Herbert Fields and Cole Porter
which was suggested by a play by Norma
Mitchell and Russell G. Medcraft.
Three tunes are featured. Two, "Let's
Face It" and "Let's Not Talk About Love,"
are by Cole Porter. The other, called "Who
Did? I Did, Yes, I Did," was composed by
Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. Fred Kohlmar
is down as associate producer.
CAST: Bob Hope, Betty Hutton, ZaSu
Pitts, Phyllis Povah, Dave Willock, Eve Ar-
den, Cully Richards, Marjorie Weaver, Dona
Drake, Raymond Walburn, Andrew Tombes,
Arthur Loft, Joe Sawyer, Grace Hayle,
Evllyn Dockson, Andria Moreland, Kay Lina-
ker and Brooks Evans.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Fred
Kohlmar; Director, Sidney Lanfield; Screen-
play, Harry Tugend; Based on musical play
by Dorothy Fields, Herbert Fields, Cole
Porter; Suggested by play by Norma Mitch-
ell, Russell G. Medcraft; Cameraman, Lionel
Lindon; Songs, Cole Porter, Sammy Cahn-
Jule Styne. ,
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
"Canteen" Begins 7th Week
"Stage Door Canteen," Sol Les-
ser's United Artists film hit, begins
the seventh week of its New York
premiere engagement at the Capitol
today.
'Calaboose'
with Jimmy Rogers, Noah Beery, Jr., Mary
Brian
UA-Roach 45 Mins.
ROUTINE WESTERN COMEDY IS COM-
PENDIUM OF OLD HUMOR THAT WILL
APPEAL TO THE UNSOPHISTICATED.
"Calaboose" is the latest of the short
features turned out by the Hal Roach organi-
zation. The picture is short on good come-
dy as it is on footage. It is a hammer-and-
tongs affair that works hard for what
laughs it draws. The gags and situations,
which are of ancient vintage, will reach
their mark only with audiences that are not
too particular about their entertainment.
One thing must be said for the film.
It is fast and always popping like a fire-
cracker, even though what happens doesn't
amount to very much. The story is set in
a western town where the jail is a much-
sought-after place because the sheriff's
daughter is a pretty thing who makes life
in the calaboose not at all unpleasant.
Among those who work themselves into
the joint is Noah Beery, Jr., Beery is
constantly getting himself involved in
trouble with the help of Jimmy Rogers.
The two young men prove themselves use-
ful at the end by bringing a gang of outlaws
to boot.
The cast is barely more than adequate.
Mary Brian helps to share the romantic
burden of the film. Rogers, Beery and
Miss Brian are assisted by Bill Henry, Paul
Hurst, Marc Lawrence, William Davidson,
Jean Porter and Iris Adrian.
The Arnold Belgard screenplay, based on
a story by Donald Hough adapted by Harvey
Thew, is a strictly routine job which was
directed with considerable commotion by
Hal Roach, Jr. Glenn Tryon produced.
CAST: Jimmy Rogers, Noah Beery, Jr.,
Mary Brian, Bill Henry, Paul Hurst, Marc
Lawrence, William Davidson, Jean Porter.
Iris Adrian, Sarah Edwards.
CREDITS: Producer, Glenn Tryon; Di-
rector, Hal Roach, Jr.; Screenplay, Arnold
Belgard; Adaptation, Harvey Thew; Based
on story by Donald Hough; Cameraman,
Robert Pittack; Art Director, Charles D.
Hall; Musical Director, Edward Ward; Set
Decorator, W. L. Stevens; Sound, William
Randall; Film Editor, Bert Jordan; Special
Effects, Roy Seawright.
DIRECTION, So-so. PHOTOGRAPHY,
All Right.
Nine New Pictures Start
At Studios This Week
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Nine new pictures are
scheduled to go into production this
week.
At Columbia: Six shooting, includ-
ing, "Cowboys In the Clouds,''
western.
At M-G-M: Nine shooting, includ-
ing "Rationing," comedy, starring
Wallace Beery.
At Monogram: Four shooting, including,
"Hitler's Women" and "East, of the Bo.wery,"
initial release in the East Side Kids series
on the 1943-44 program.
At Paramount: Six shooting, including.
"Henry Aldrieh's Code of Honor."
At PRC: Three shooting, including, Jack
Scbwarz production, "The Girl Prom Mon-
terey." musical.
At RKO-Radio: Six shooting, including.
"Higher and Higher." musical.
Samuel Goldwyn: One shooting. .
At Republic: Three shooting, including,
"The Law Rides
Again"
with Ken Maynard, Hoot Gibson
Monogram 59 Mins.
KIDS WILL GET A BIG WALLOP OUT
OF THIS OLD-FASHIONED WESTERN
BASED ON COWBOYS- AND -INDIANS
PLOT.
"The Law Rides Again" is an old-fash-
ioned western — which means that fury and
violence run rampant, with the story tak-
ing a back seat. The effect is strengthened
by the presence in the cast of Ken May-
nard and Hoot Gibson, whose names have
always been associated with bang-up horse
operas of the good old days. Western fans
also will find in the line-up such stalwart
old-timers of the sound-and-fury sagas as
Jack LaRue, Kenneth Harlan and Bryant
Washburn. What the film lacks in polish
and plausibility is more than made up in
swiftness and action.
It's cowboys and Indians again in "The
Law Rides Again." The Indians haven't
been on the warpath for many moons; so
perhaps it was felt that it was about time
that they were stirred into life again on
the screen. The story is compounded of
the old blood-and-thunder stuff that goes
over big with the kids.
The Indians in this case are inspired to
a fighting pitch by the villainy of a dis-
honest Indian agent (Harlan). Maynard
and Gibson are a couple of deputies dis-
patched to the scene to find out what the
trouble is all about and try to remove the
cause. LaRue, a convict, offers to help
them ferret out the villain but double-
crosses them instead. Our heroes find
themselves in a tight spot as a result and
have a tough time convincing the sheriff
that they are on the level. When the
going against the villain and his cohorts
gets too tough the U. S. Cavalry comes to
the rescue and puts Harlan and company
out of business.
Robert Tansey produced the film from
a screenplay by Frances Kavanaugh. The
direction of Alan James emphasizes action
all the way.
CAST: Ken Maynard, Hoot Gibson, Betty
Miles, Jack LaRue, Emmett Lynn, Kenneth
Harlan, Chief Thunder Cloud, Bryant Wash-
burn, John Bridges, Fred Hoose, Charles
Murray, Jr., Hank Bell, Chief Many
Treaties,
CREDITS: Producer, Robert Tansey; Di-
rector, Alan James; Screenplay, Frances
Kavanaugh; Cameraman, Marcel Le Picard;
Film Editor, Fred Bain; Sound, Lyle Willey;
Musical Director, Frank Sanucci.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
May Examine Starr
Betty Crosney, administratrix of
the estate of Sam Bernard, filed notice
in New York Federal Court yester-
day for the examination of United
Artists Corp. via its agent, Martin
Starr, in connection with her suit
against Edward Small Productions
charging unlawful production of a
film version of "Friendly Enemies."
"Man Prom the Rio Grande." starring Don
Barry.
At 20th Century-Pox: Three shooting.
At United Artists: Gregor Rabinoviteh
shooting one: Harry Sherman shooting two:
and Samuel Bronston, shooting one.
At Universal: Seven shooting.
At Warners: Six shooting.
"Adventure in
Blackmail"
with Clive Brook and Judy Campbell
English Films, Inc. 72 Mins
UNDISTINGUISHED ROMANTIC COM-,
EDY WHOSE STORY AND DIRECTION-
RELEGATE IT TO PROGRAM STATUS.
Filling a niche in the so-called pros -n
picture category, "Adventure in Bf
mail" issues from the British mart with a
British cast with accents as heavy as York-
shire pudding and generous helpings of
beef. Emeric Pressburger's story, while
somewhat ingenious as screen idea, borders
too clearly on the illogical to meet the
theatergoer's mind, generally speaking. But
this quality might have been overcome to
a major degree were the direction nearly
as imaginative as the screenplay. It isn't, —
and to the point of being stilted, at least
from U. S. screen standards. Clive Brook
and Judy Campbell, along with the other
players, excepting a few "bit" characterize
tions, move through the piece in a manner
which causes the onlooker on this side of s
the big pond to wonder whether "Adventure
in Blackmail" is a satire on the romantic u
comedy drama. Frequently, Brook, and less
often, the comely Miss Campbell, read their
lines with downright Shakespearean flavor.
In short, the atmosphere of the picture is
too serious to be funny, and too funny to
be serious. Perhaps all this is a harsh ap-
praisal, in that the attraction was made for
British audiences, somewhat unlike our own.
But inasmuch as it has been determined to
release "Adventure in Blackmail" in the
domestic field, the all-over criticism holds
and is honestly justified. Brook is a hand-
some, famous and clearly wealthy play-
wright whom Judy Campbell blackmails
into marriage in misguided revenge from al-
leged injustice to her brother. In counter
revenge, Brook marries the girl. She does
her best to make him unhappy, and he
does ditto. Inherently, of course, they are
in love, — a situation as hard to logically
swallow as a good size beef bone. In the
reapprochement processes they go from
riches to rags, and pretty much back again
at the finale, which has Brook and his heart-
throb both in World War II uniforms and
the glow of finally-achieved marital bliss.
Supporting cast is adequate, but not par-
ticularly exciting. The direction and pho-
tography have little claim to distinguished ^
rating.
CAST: Clive Brook, Judy Campbell, C.
V. France, Marguerite Allan, Percy Walsh,
Dennis Arundell, George Merritt, David
Home, Charles Victor, Aubrey Mallalieu.
Tony Bazell.
CREDITS: Director, Harold Huth; Screen
play and Co-Director, Roland Pertwee; Pro
ducer, R. Norton; Associate Producer,
Michael Brooke; Author, Emeric Pressburg-
er; Cameraman, Jack Cox; Film Editor, Sid-
ney Cole; Musical Director, Mischa Spol-
iansky; Recording Director, A. W. Watkins.
DIRECTION, (Fair. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Ditto.
C
3t-
Earl Minderman With FCC
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Earl Minderman,
formerly director of research and in-
formation for the OWI motion pic-
ture bureau, and before that WPB
information director, has been ap-
pointed director of information of
the Federal Communications Com-
mission.
n
■r
I
'■
Thursday, August 5, 1943
TOW
DAILY
IT
P. R. First-Run Biz
lockets Up to 85%
By E. SANCHEZ ORTIZ
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
San Juan, P. R. (By Air Mail)—
Increased employment registered in
he San Juan area during the past
r&months is being reflected, in box-
\fce receipts of the principal mo-
flm picture houses. In some cases,
he gain in grosses has been over
>5 per cent.
During the six months' period from
January to June, box-office receipts
iiit the Paramount theater were: 1st
j.ix months of 1943, $102,509 against
!54,600 in 1942; Metro theater, $68,-
i,S00 in 1943 against $52,400 in 1942;
Matinezo theater, $49,500 in 1943,
against $28,650 in 1942.
These figures do not include re-
ceipts for the rest of the island, but
;over the largest motion picture
louses in the metropolitan area of
3an Juan where the Federal and ln-
mular government offices are located
lind where the greatest increase in
iobs has been registered during the
period. This increase in grosses also
represents the corresponding in-
crease in taxes put into effect since
March 1943 when the new law be-
am e effective.
The new act (No. 137), levies an
'internal revenue tax on the opera-
tion, for profit, of any public show,
'including motion picture houses —
scaled as follows: One cent on the
price of admission when it does not
Exceed 10 cents; and two cents for
jach 10 cents additional or fraction
thereof, when the price of admission
is more than 10 cents. Tax is paid
by the purchaser of the admission
ticket and the proceeds are trans-
ferred by the Treasurer of Puerto
Rico into a special Public Welfare
Fund for aid services, including old
age pensions, care for needy chil-
dren, the blind, etc.
Business is not expected to hold
ip with an increased trend, accord-
ing to film exchanges representa-
tives, on account of the decrease in
appropriations of the Federal gov-
ernment for relief jobs, and due to
:he fact that most of the principal
projects have been completed. The
F.W.A. for instance has appropria-
tions amounting to $7,000,000 to
hold on until November and many
workers have already been laid off
STORKS
Chicago — 01' Doc Stork delivered
lew sons to Edwin Moore, Wayne
Langston and Walter Vance of the
3urton Holmes Lab's, engineering
staff in a single week.
Seattle, Wash. — It's a boy for
Sari and Mrs. Nelson. Earl is Uni-
versal Newsreel cameraman.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The Franchot Tones
ire the parents of a son.
REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS
"Champion Maker"
(Sportscope)
RKO 9 Mins.
Entertaining
This short offers new proof that,
while the subject of swimming has
served repeatedly as film material, it
has still to lose its interest and fresh-
ness. The reel under discussion is ex-
ceptionally good. It does an effective
job of demonstrating the work of
Charles L. (Bud) Sawin, noted swim-
ming mentor, in developing swim-
mers of championship calibre. Many
topnotch aquatic stars are caught in
action. The subject has been photo-
graphed superbly. Sports lovers will
find this short irresistible.
"Victory Vehicles"
(Walt Disney)
RKO 8 Mins.
Very Funny
Possible means of meeting the gas
and rubber shortage are shown in
Local 306 Asks Immediate
Action on Salary Cut Case
The War Labor Board's delay in
taking action on the 25 per cent cut
in salaries to the projectionists at the
Kingsbridge Theater here is caus-
ing repercussions in the industry,
Local 306 has informed William
Davis, WLB chairman, via a tele-
gram. The local pointed out to Davis
in the telegram that the matter has
been pending before the board since
April and asked for an immediatee
statement as to when action could be
expected.
Exhibitors Service Co.
Dispute Goes to the WLB
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A contract dispute
between the Exhibitors Service Co. of
Pittsburgh, and the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL, has
been certified to the War Labor
Board by the Department of Labor.
Seventy employes are affected, with
the dispute covering wages, hours,
overtime pay, premium pay and va-
cations.
from other Federal agencies due to
decrease in funds for the current
fiscal year. However, there is plenty
of purchasing power among the per-
sons in the higher brackets for in-
dustry and commerce due to wartime
activities.
The board of directors of the Puer-
to Rico Film Board has recognized
with the following elected for the
fiscal year: Robert Schoham, (Metro)
president; Carl Ponnedel (UA) sec-
retary, and John P. Donahue (Para-
mount) vice-president and treasurer.
Charles Moss to Coast
Charles Moss, managing director
of the Criterion Theater, leaves to-
day for Hollywood. He will visit the
studios for a look at the films which
are scheduled to play the Criterion
following the current "Hers to Hold"
and Walter Wanger's "We've Never
Been Licked."
this Walt Disney Technicolor car-
toon. Various ideas are demonstrat-
ed by the Goof with fine humorous
results. Finally the Goof demon-
strates an idea of his own — the pogo
stick. The fellow does wonders with
the device. This is a very amusing
item.
"Broadway Dimout"
(This Is America)
RKO 15 Mins.
Good
As a tour of Broadway in war-
time the latest of the "This Is Amer-
ica" series rates plenty of attention.
The film is a fast, kaleidoscopic sub-
ject that takes the audience in and
out of the Broadway spots, big and
small, hoity-toity and plebeian,
catching the spirit of the Main Stem
and showing various phases of life
in that sector of the city. It in-
troduces the audience to such per-
sonalities as Helen Hayes, Gypsy
Rose Lee, George Balanchine, How-
ard Bay and Brock Pemberton. In-
cluded are glimpses of Broadway
during its nightly dimout. Here is a
booking that packs a lot of interest.
It represents one aspect of America
that cannot be overlooked. Nat Kar-
son has contributed nice direction.
Smith-Howell Lifts
Deliveries Embargo
(Continued from Page 1)
elimination of Friday night service
to the Southern tier and no deliv-
eries were made to Walton, Windsor
and Stamford. Effective Aug. 3,
the embargo was lifted and service
resumed to the points affected.
Dan Houlihan, 20th Century-Fox
booker, Doug Leischmann, Schine
Circuit and Sid Kallet, Kallet Circuit
were members of the joint committee
appearing in Syracuse last week.
As a result of the hearing, Smith-
Howell withdrew its application be-
fore PSC to suspend service into
the Southern tier for the duration
and six months thereafter.
Jacob Schreiber Returns
to Show Biz in Detroit
Detroit — Kiska Operating Co. has
been issued a Michigan corporation
charter "to buy and sell theaters."
Company, capitalized at $1,000, lists
as stockholders Jacob Schreiber, cir-
cuit owner who retired from active
operation about three years ago,
Mrs. Lottie Jacobson and Erward
Jacobson.
vypp
***
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
I KING OF WE COWBOYS
SMARTEST HORSE IN WE MOVIES
"SONG OF
TEXAS'
/taode*
Tiiit tw
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12
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DAILY
Thursday, August 5, 1943
Femmes Taking Key
House Spots in Hub
Boston — Without fanfare, women
are beginning to replace men in many
of the key jobs in theaters in this
area.
Already half a dozen women man-
agers are in evidence. The large
E. M. Loew circuit with its 50 or
more houses has three women man-
agers in the Boston district and is
planning to have more. One of these
women is in a theater where former-
ly there was considerable trouble
over vandalism. Oddly enough since
the placing of the woman as man-
ager in charge vandalism has disap-
peared almost to the zero point.
The Lockwood and Gordon circuit
has several women key officials now,
so also have the Warners in various
parts of New England.
Many of the larger theaters now
have women ushers. Some have wo-
men treasurers, all have women
cashiers and box-office attendants.
And in at least one instance the old
time "doorman" has become instead
a very modern "doorwoman."
Women pages are taking the place
of page boys in those de luxers which
enjoy the luxury of having such em-
ployes.
Lawrence Lipskin Joins
Donahue & Coe Agency
Donahue & Coe, Inc., announces
the addition of Lawrence H. Lipskin
to its copy staff. Lipskin was for-
merly chief copy wiiter at Columbia
Pictures Corp. Prior to that he
served on the editorial staffs of sev-
eral metropolitan newspapers, as
critic, writer and reporter. He is a
graduate of Amherst College.
Paramount Sells 4,364
Contracts on Reissues
In the first five weeks of selling,
"Union Pacific" and "Souls at
Sea," Paramount reissues, have
reached the high mark of 4,364
independent exhibitor contracts, Neil
Agnew, Paramount general sales
manager, announced yesterday.
HCLLyWCCD
DIGEST
ASSIGNMENTS
FRED MYTON, script, "Jungle Fury," PRC.
HOWARD ESTABROOK, another script, Jules
Levey-UA.
EDDIE KAY, musical director, "Hitler's Wo-
men," Monogram.
CASTINGS
OLCA SAN JUAN, "Rainbow Island," Para-
mount; MARIE McDONALD, "Standing Room
Only," Paramount.
REOPTIONED
CECIL KELLAWAY, Paramount.
EDDIE FOY, JR., Paramount.
Touhy Gets Temporary Restraining Order
To Halt Picture Based Upon His Career
Chicago — A temporary restraining order to prevent the exhibition of 20th-
Fox's "Roger Touhy, Gangster" has been issued by Federal Judge William Holly
in the action brough against the company in behalf of the former gang leader
around whose life of crime the film is built. Argument will be heard tomorrow
on the granting of a permanent writ.
Counsel for Touhy contends release of the film would harm the former
gangster's case, which is due to come up for trial soon, and would be injurious
to his pride and his family's interests.
The action came close upon the heels of a preview of the film at the Joliet
Prison, where Touhy is a guest.
Second 20th-Fox Meet
Opens in Chicago Today
(Continued from Page 1)
ing, which opens at the Blaekstone
there today for a three-day stand.
Delegates to the Astor meeting left
for their respective territories at the
close of the final sales conferences,
at wThich Andrew W. Smith, Jr.,
Eastern sales manager, presided.
The home-office contingent that de •
parted for the Chicago meeting in-
cluded: Spyros Skouras, Tom Con-
nors, William J. Kupper, L. J.
Schlaifer, Smith, W. C. Gehring,
Felix Jenkins, Hal Home, Sam Shain,
Paul Terry, John Wood, Martin Mos-
kowitz, Jack Sichelman, W. J. Clark,
G. A. Roberts, Roger Ferri, Jack
Bloom, Clarence A. Hill, Ted A.
Shawj, Edwin H. Collins, Irving
Maas, Leslie Whelan, Harvey Day.
William Weiss, Morris Caplin, Irving
Lmcer, Jules Alberti, Phil Williams
of March of Time.
About 300 persons are expected to
be present from the home office and
the following exchanges: Albany,
Boston, New Haven, Buffalo, Cin-
cinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit
Milwaukee, Calgary, Montreal, St.
John, Toronto, Vancouver, and Win-
nipeg.
Exchanges will be represented as
follows:
ALBANY — H. S. Alexander, Fred G. Sliter,
Ben Dare, Daniel Houlihan.
BOSTON — E. X. Callahan, M. N. Grass-
green, J. A. Peloney, Frank Drew, M. Sim-
ons, S. Horowitz, Norbert E. Murray, J. B.
Rosen, Harold L. Beeeroft, S. Berg.
NEW HAVEN — B. A. Simon, E. Wright,
S. Germain.
BUFFALO — Ira H. Conn, W. C. Rowell,
G. E. Diekman, George Sussman, E. Jauch.
CINCINNATI — J. J. Grady. Leavitt J.
Bugle, J. A. Needham, E. C. Naegel, Irving
Sochin, Robert McNabb, Robert O. Laws,
James W. Christian, James Neff.
CLEVELAND — I. J. Sehmertz, T. C. Alley,
E. R. Bergman, S. N. Liehter, Raymond
Sehmertz, F. J. Hunt.
CHICAGO — H. R. Beiersdorf, Tom R. Gil-
liam, Arnold L. Monette, H. Loeb, H. Gooda-
mote, Milton E. Simon, A. M. Van Dyke,
Edward Safier, De Witt Adams, Herndon
Edmond. Jack Eckhardt.
DETROIT — Lester Sturm, A. D. Knapp,
E. A. Westeott, Roy Carrow, Floyd Keiller,
L. Sanshie.
MILWAUKEE — J. H. Lorentz, Morris
Horowitz, George Edgerton, Carl Michel,
Al Levy, Meyer Kahn.
CALGARY — V. M. Skorey, F. L. Scott,
Bertram Cooper.
MONTREAL — Edward English, James F.
Pearson.
ST. JOHN — R. G. March, L. S. Kerr.
TORONTO — Sydney Samson, H. J. Bailey,
W. J. Reid, Lionel Lester, J. W. Powis.
VANCOUVER — J. E. Patterson, Robert A.
Cringan.
WINNIPEG — J. H. Huber, Charles Krupp,
A. Smith.
The Chicago meetings will be conducted
by Connors, Kupper, Gehring and Schlaifer.
Sydney Samson, newly appointed Cana-
New Critical Occupations
List May Appear Soon
(Continued from Page 1)
reviewed this week by regional WMC
representatives, including William
G. Hopkins of California, who are
expected to suggest some deletions
and additions.
Although it was reliable reported
that the list did not, on Monday,
include any motion picture jobs,
Washington officials who should
know are certain that cameramen,
sound technicians, film 6utters and
film editors will be included when
the list finally appears. Efforts to
verify this prediction were unsuc-
cessful yesterday, with no word yet
as to whether these classifications
have been added since Monday. Any
revisions made to the list this week
will be reviewed today by the WMC
essential activities committee.
There has been no work yet on a second
non-deferrable list, although members of the
EAC have kept a backlog of jobs to be
designated as not entitling ■ their holders
to deferment on occupational grounds since
the first list appeared early this year. Al-
though it has been reported that a revised
list of non-deferrable jobs will appear next
month, this is not at all certain at this
point. It may not be found necessary.
The announcement that fathers will be
drafted beginning in October is one factor
which makes revision of the list of non-
deferrable occupations unlikely, since the
Father draft announcement is admittedly in-
tended to force fathers in large numbers to
shift to essential war work.
In the meantime, there were rumors in
Washington that a sharp distinction may be
drawn by WMC between activities directly
concerned with tue war and those merely
"supporting the war effort." Just how this
arbitrary line might be drawn was not in-
dicated, but if WMC does intend such a dis-
tinction it is unlikely that any entertainment
activity would be included in the primary
group. This distinction, it is reported, would
affect both selective service and labor utili-
zation. If it is planned, it might provide
a lest for the authority of the newly-ex-
panded Office of Civilian Requirements,
whose job it is to insure essential civilian
needs.
Pat Duggan Again Heads
Goldwyn's Story Dept.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Pat Duggan, after an
absence of several months during
which he functioned as Eastern story
editor for Samuel Goldwyn, has re-
turned to the Goldwyn Studio to re-
sume as story head there. Kay
Brown has resumed the Eastern
post.
dian manager, will head the Canadian con-
tingent.
Don Ameche, star of "Heaven Can Wait,"
who is coming to New York for the Roxy
premiere of the picture, will stop off ai.
Chicago to attend at least one of the meet-
ings.
Set Cost Differences
Adjusted by WPB
(Continued from Page 1)
chief, said yesterday. Negotiations
are proceeding to determine whether
the studios should remain under the
authority of the construction order
L-41.
Hopper returned from the Co/ S
recently to find that practically evey-'
studio had been given a different
rating. M-G-M, for instance, was
allowed a set cost limit far exceed-
ing the $25,000 okayed for Samuel
Goldwyn and numerous other in-
equities were proved.
These have been worked out now,
with uniformity among the various
studios once again provided. AA-3
ratings on lumber and hardware are
set for the studios, and AA-5 on ex-
pendables such as paint, sandpaper,
etc.
It may be some time before a de-
cision is reached as to whether stu-
dio sets should be removed from the
authority of the construction order.
Except for sets, nearly everything
covered by the order is in the na-
ture of permanent or semi-perman-
ent construction. A member of the
WPB construction branch is expect-
ed to leave this week for Hollywood
to look over the situation there.
Studios have cut down tremendous-
ly in their use of critical materials,
it was pointed out here, with the
prodigality of past years completely
eliminated. It is estimated that the
cost of set materials at their present
rate of use runs hardly over $600,000
annually now.
Boston Burlesque With
Pictures is New Policy
Boston . — Boston's two burlesque
houses, one the famous "Old How-
ard" with popular Al Somerby as
its long-serving head, the other the
Glove with no less popular Max
Michaels as its directing genius will
both reopen next week with bur-
lesque bills and this time with fea-
ture pictures to add to the fare giv-
en their patrons.
Both the Old Howard, famous for
its slogan, "always something doing
at the Old Howard" and the Globe
have been thoroughly modernized
and renovated during the summer
and both will run continuous per-
formances starting at 9 a.m.
B. A. Deluxe Houses
Raise B.O. Scales
Buenos Aires (By Air Mail — Passed
by Censor) — The abundance of
spending money has worked to the
improvement of film business in
Argentina despite the bad slump
which recently hit prices and exports
generally. There is much speculation
on whether film business will eventu-
ally reflect this slump. Evidence that
the people have more dough to spend
is seen in the fact that the deluxe
houses have raised their scales.
_L S-frtr- MHZ
3NI V CI
hi
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
DO NOT REMOV
The Daily Newspaper
Oi Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAILY'
%OL 84, NO.
26
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 1943
TEN CENTS
SEE INCREASED FLOW OF WAR FILM FOOTAGE
i •
Woman's Angle Attractions Are Paying Off Big
Studios Are Seen Gearing
943-44 Season's Lineups
To Satisfy Femme Tastes
H j With the percentage of feminine
.aim patrons considerably increased
under war-time conditions, pictures
vith a good woman's angle have
)een the season's leaders, as a class,
n point of high grosses, and Warner
Bros., which claims the strongest
'emme-appeal lineup in the industry,
:redits its record 1942-43 business
..n a large measure to the special at-
tention paid this type of entertain-
nent.
"Woman's pictures" which were
{Continued on Page 11)
DWI Gets New Pledge
Df Exhibitor Co-op.
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Palmer Hoyt, OWI
lomestic director, and James Allen,
'ieputy director, met yesterday with
representatives of the WAC theaters
jiivision to discuss future OWI ex-
hibitor co-operation. Hoyt had al-
ready conferred with producers, dis-
tributors and the guilds in Holly-
wood.
, The industry representatives re-
{Continued on Page 6)
Scouts as Vandalism Curb
Urged by Ed Kuykendall
St. Louis — Ed Kuykendall, presi-
dent of the MPTOA, has suggested
that the motion picture theater own-
ers and managers of the country en-
{Continued on Page 7)
RCA Net Down, But
Total Gross Rises
RCA yesterday reported a net in-
come of $4,918,794 for the first six
months of 1943, a decrease of $77,-
223 for the same period last year.
Total gross from all sources, however,
was $141,001,366, an increase of
$51,565,900 over the 1942 period.
The $14,204,800 Federal income tax
was a factor in the slight drop-off of
the net.
THEATER-GOING HABITS CHANGING?
First-Runs Speculate On Possible Loss of Pre-War
Standbys, "the Regulars"
Extensive changes in the theater-
going habits of patrons, particularly
as regards the theaters they most
often attend, may result from to-
day's top grosses recorded by first-
runs. Downtown operators wonder
whether their pre-war standbys,
"the regulars," so-called, who at-
tended the first-runs week after
week, will put up with current long
lines and standing room accommo-
dations, or whether they will turn
to neighborhood houses for their film
entertainment and so get into the
habit of attending the nearby and
less crowded theaters.
Situation is pointed up by the fre-
quent lines in front of Broadway
houses and by reports from Chicago,
{Continued on Page 7) .
Renewal of British
Shorts Pact Expected
Major companies are expected to
renew their agieement for the hand-
ling of British war shorts. Top
executives yesterday heard George
Archibald's proposals for the renewal
of the agreement, and, while no de-
cision was reached, it is understood
{Continued on Page 7)
Move Started to Change
O. C. to 24-Hour Town
Oklahoma City — Efforts to change
Oklahoma City into a 24-hour town
and lift the ban on the midnight cur-
few on local theaters have been
started by A. F. Schmitt, manager
{Continued on Page 6)
New Canadian Labor
Call Hits Theaters
Ottawa, Ont.— Fifth labor call-up
order of the Dominion government
for compulsory transfer of males
from 16 to 40 years to war or farm
industries again hits the theater
business. Those engaged in making
signs, lobby and advertising dis-
plays have been notified to report be-
{Continued on Page 7)
East St. Louis Theater
Wins Cut in Clearance
St. Louis — The unreasonable clear-
ance complaint of Dr. G. J. Hobbs,
owner of the 40th Street Theater,
East St. Louis, 111., against 20th
{Continued on Page 6)
Paramount Earnings Rise
Gains in Quarterly, Half- Yearly Report
20-Fox Meeting Pays
Tribute to Service Men
Chicago — Rousing tribute to the
men and women of 20th-Fox serv-
ing in the armed forces of the United
States and Canada highlighted the
opening session yesterday of the
company's three-day regional sales
meeting being held at the Blackstone
Hotel with 300 representatives of
{Continued on Page 6)
Paramount Pictures estimates its
earnings for the second quarter end-
ed July 3, 1943, at $3,827,000 after
interest and all charges including
estimated provision for all Federal
normal and excess profits taxes. This
amount includes $673,000 represent-
ing Paramount's direct and indirect
net interest as a stockholder in the
combined undistributed earnings for
the quarter of partially owned non-
consolidated subsidiaries. Earnings
{Continued on Page 6)
Standard of Material Now
Coming in is Far Better,
Says Co-Ordinator Collins
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — An increased flow of
topflight action footage suitable both
for newsreel and feature use is
looked for in the near future by
Newsreel Co-ordinator Claude R.
Collins. The general standard of ma-
terial coming in now is far better
than that of a few months back, ac-
cording to Collins, and it is likely that
this quality will continue to pick up
as a result of increased co-opera-
tion among pool correspondents and
{Continued on Page 12)
See Liberalization
of Decree Section X
Liberalization of Section X and
broadening the powers of the arbi-
tration system appear to be the most
likely changes in the consent decree
after Nov 20, reliable sources in-
dicated yesterday.
Section X, dealing with designated
{Continued on Page 6)
Order Washington Mgr.
To Find Essential Job
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Despite the recent
announcement that key theatermen
may no longer be ordered by Selec-
tive Service Boards to find work in
{Continued on Page 12)
Rosten Quits OWVs
Domestic Bureau
Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Leo C. Rosten, form-
er film writer and author of the re-
cent sociological study of Hollywood,
has resigned as assistant domestic
director of the OWI, it was revealed
yesterday. Rosten, whose name has
been considered for the post of mo-
tion picture chief for the agency,
said he will return to writing. He
was policy official for OWI on treat-
ment of stories dealing with the
enemy.
Vol. 84, No. 26 Fri., Aug. 6, 1943
10 Cents
JOHN W. AUCOATE :
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General
Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. ' Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Kalph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Cas.;l!o de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Thursday, Aug: 5)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2Vi%> 15Vi 15'/2 15V2+ I/4
Columbia Piers, pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2V4 2l/4 2l/4
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 15 15 15
East. Kodak 160% I6OV4 160% — 1
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq 20 19% 20 + Va
Loew's, Inc 61 1/4 61 61 + %
Paramount 25% 25% 25 Va — %
RKO 8 1/2 8% 83/a — Vs
RKO $6 pfd 90 89 90 +2
20th Century-Fox . . 21 20% 20%
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31% 31% 31% — %
Univ. Pict. pfd.
Warner Bros 13/8 12% 123/4— %
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs 1 Vi 1% 1% — Va
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3%
Technicolor 13% 1 3 1/2 1 3 Vi — %
Trans-Lux
Universal Picts
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57.... 80% 82%
Wife Saves Harold Lloyd's
Life in Vault Explosion
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Silent Harold Lloyd
comedies, valued at $2,000,000, were
destroyed in an explosion and fire
that gutted the film vault at the
Lloyd estate in Beverly Hills.
Lloyd was overcome by smoke
from the fire and his life was saved
by his wife, Mildred David Lloyd,
who caught him as he collapsed in
the doorway of the vault and dragged
him to safety in the fresh air.
Secrecy is Imposed
Regarding "Critical" List
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Deliberations on the
forthcoming "critical" list were not
concluded yesterday by the WMC
Essential Activities Committee and at
least one more meeting is expected
next week. Officials are confident,
however, that the list will be made
public next week.
The committee chairman has im-
posed a cloak of secrecy on the de-
liberations, with members forbidden
to mention any jobs included, or even
to reveal whether jobs within specific
industries are included. It appeared
doubtful yesterday that motion pic-
ture jobs will finally be on the list,
although four of them are known to
be up for consideration — camera-
men, cutters, editors and sound tech-
nicians.
A member of the EAC did make
it plain, however, that the drawing
of any line between essential activi-
ties directly concerned with war pro-
duction and those which merely "sup-
port the war effort" is not likely. The
committee has considered such dif-
ferentiation for some time but has re-
jected it, holding that "one essential
activity is as essential as another,
there should be no differentiation be-
tween the 35 essential fields."
Reports that such a move are in
the wind were credited to regional
WMC heads, meeting here this week.
It is known that in many areas an
unofficial set of priority ratings has
been adopted by WMC and USES
offices, with the direct war group
given preference in labor recruit-
ment.
Santa Monica Organizes
Theater Defense Bureau
Holylwood — Organization of a
Theater Defense Bureau in Santa
Monica was announced by Com. R.
S. H. Venable, director of civilian de-
fense for the beach city. Simultane-
ously, Venable picked John Hall of
Rosemary Theater, as chairman,
and Tom W. Baily as director.
The latter heads the Los Angeles
Bureau established two days after
Pearl Harbor. Zone inspector is
Leon Levy, with a second to be
named this week.
Members of the Santa Monica
bureau are Mrs. A. Armour, Ber-
nard Leavitt, George Page, Earnest
Strum, Beach Abrams and Lois
Fisher. Adherence to a 28-point
safety program has been pledged by
all exhibitors of Santa Monica along
with a policy of self -policing and gov-
ernment to maintain a rigid standard
of civilian defense within theaters.
M. E. Lee Resigns
Des Moines — M. E. Lee, veteran
booker for Central States Theater
Corp. has announced his resignation.
Announcement of his successor will
be made later.
Perry Como Signed
Perry Como, who is currently
clicking in a personal appearance
at the Strand Theater, New York,
has been placed under a term con-
tract by 20th Century-Pox.
DAILY
NEIC to Aid Third War
Loan and National Fund
At the NEIC meeting last night
the committee decided to make its
chief aims aiding in the third war
loan and the National War Fund
drive. Vice - chairman James E.
Sauter presided in the absence of
Chairman George J. Schaefer.
The committee decided on the ap-
pointment of a committee, whose
members will be named later, to go
to Washington to confer with the
Treasury Department on how NEIC
can best aid in the third war loan.
The Treasury and the War Fund will
be asked to send representatives to
the next NEIC meeting in New York
next Thursday which will be devoted
entirely to NEIC co-operation in the
two campaigns.
The all-entertainment rally to
pledge six weeks of service in the
war effort was advanced from Sept.
20 to Aug. 23 when a meeting will be
held at midnight in some New York
theater. A report from the projects
committee was submitted by Philip
Loeb, chairman
WPB Commends Calif.
Theaters' Hosiery Salvage
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Southern California
theaters have just completed another
vitally important war activity — the
collection of thousands of pounds of
discarded silk and nylon hosiery. So
successful was the drive that Zach
Farmer, salvage director for the War
Production Board, said: "The thea-
ters have done a remarkable job of
salvaging silk and nylon; in fact,
through their organized efforts we
feel that they have scraped the bot-
tom of the remaining silk and nylon
supply in this territory."
WPB officials in Southern Cali-
fornia have asked the War Activities
Committee to prepare an outline of
the complete salvage plan for pos-
sible use in other parts of the coun-
try.
Farmer said it is the most satis-
factory and productive means yet
devised for the collection of silk and
nylon.
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Joins Russell Birdwell
Major Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr.,
author and world traveler, has be-
come an associate in the public re-
lations firm of Russell Birdwell and
Associates, it was announced by Rus-
sell Birdwell, head of the company.
Major Vanderbilt will spend equal
time in the Birdwell offices in New
York City, Washington, D. C, and
Beverly Hills. In the latter place he
will concentrate on the motion pic-
ture accounts in co-operation with
Birdwell and his staff and in the
other centers will be concerned with
the post-war planning of the Bird-
well organization, as well as taking
an active part in the commercial and
industrial accounts.
COMinG and GOING
JAMES NASSER, prominent Coast exhibitor and
associate of Andrew Stone, is in town confer-
ring with UA executives on "Hi Diddle Diddle,"
Andrew Stone's initial release.
CHARLES LEONARD, publicity representative
for Andrew Stone Productions, is in town on
business.
HASKELL MASTERS, general manager of the
Odeon Theaters of Canada, is in town at the
Warwick.
<£-•« '
MARCO arrives in New York tomorrow \
a week's stay.
RICHARD F. WALSH, IATSE prexy, is ex-
pected back from the Middle West Monday.
DON AMECHE is en route from the Coast for
the Roxy premiere of 20fh-Fox's "Heaven Can
Wait," in which he has the chief role.
MAX STEINER, composer and musical director
on the Warner Bros, studio staff, leaves New
York today for the Coast.
IRVING A. MAAS, assistant director of the
International department of 20th-Fox, left yes-
terday for the company's regional meeting in
Chicago.
KATINA PAX1NOU, the Creek actress, arrives
here from Hollywood on Monday on a two-week
vacation.
H. ALLEN SMITH arrives on the Coast on
Monday from New York to start work under a
writing contract with Paramount.
PAULETTE CODDARD is slated for a USO-
Camp Shows tour upon completion of work in
Paramount's "Standing Room Only."
Goetz-Spitz Not Limited
To Financing Other Units
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Representatives of
Goetz-Spitz International Pictures
denied a published report that its
chief function would be to finance
other producing units and said the
report was probably caused because
of negotiations now pending which,
if consummated, would result in the
organization's financing the Broad-
way presentation of Cheryl Craw-
ford's new play, "One Man's Venus,"
with John Wildberg as the stage pro-
ducer.
Stage and Screen
If you see your favorite theater
manager, equipment man or editor
poring intently over a bulky vol-
ume neatly done in white cover,
it is more than likely that he is
indulging in his favorite business
and pleasure of going through the
twenty-fifth anniversary edition of
the Year Book of Motion Pictures
published by Film Daily. The text
this year is marked by a great many
new and up-to-the-minute features,
it has reviews and comment and
factual summaries in one of the
most complete assemblies of needed
information in the amusement field
that has ever been undertaken. Even
in the face of wartime restrictions,
the volume is one that no person
in, or interested in show business
can be without. Typographically
and as to layout it is a beautifully
done job.
Reprinted from the
Evening World-Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
June 2, 1943
^
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WHAT A
COMBINATION
FOR ANY
SITUATION!
Mom WOOU^
■*
UNA O'CONNOR • ALAN MOWBRAY
Directed by John Stahl
Produced and Written
for the Screen by Nunnally Johnson
From the Novel by Arnold Bennett
"H^
CENTURY-FOX
«
91
Friday, August 6, 1943
DAILY
Paramount Earnings
Show Further Gains
{Continued from Page 1)
for the quarter ended July 4, 1942,
were $2,908,000 including $482,000
share of undistributed earnings of
partially owned non-consolidated
subsidiaries.
Earnings for the six months ended
July 3, 1943, on the same basis are
estimated at $7,387,000 including $1,-
374,000 share of undistributed earn-
ings of partially owned non-con-
solidated subsidiaries, while earnings
for the first six months of 1942 were
$5,823,000 including $1,026,000 share
of undistributed earnings of partial-
ly owned non-consolidated subsidi-
aries.
Eng. Subsidiaries Included
Earnings for the 1943 periods in-
clude the company's full share of
film rentals and earnings of its Eng-
lish subsidiaries, the share of film
rentals and earnings of all other sub-
sidiaries operating outside the West-
ern hemisphere (including those
operating in Australia, New Zea-
land and India) being included only
to the extent that revenues there-
from have been received or de-
termined to be receivable in dollars.
Earnings for the 1942 periods in-
cluded only those subsidiaries which
had operations in the Western hemi-
sphere, the operations of all other
foreign subsidiaries (including those
operating in England, Australia,
New Zealand and India) and the
company's share of film rentals
therefrom being included only to the
extent received or determined to
be receivable in dollars.
$1.02 Per Share
The $3,827,000 of estimated com-
bined consolidated and share of un-
distributed earnings for the quarter
represent $1.02 per share on the 3,-
752,136 shares of common stock
outstanding on July 3, 1943, which
compares with $.94 per share on the
common shares then outstanding
(after providing $189,063 for ac-
crued dividends on then outstanding
first preferred shares) for the quart-
AUGUST 6
Irvin Shapiro Leo Carrillo
Hoot Gibson Victor Francen
Frank Tuttle Lucille Ball
Louis K. Sidney
AUGUST 7
Ann Harding Billie Burke
Rudolph C. Ising
AUGUST 8
Joe Orlando Al W. Schwalberg
John Hobble Sylvia Sidney
100% for Army
Tulsa, Okla. — Ralph Talbot, presi-
dent of Ralph Talbot Theaters, will
contribute his entire share of the
special premiere receipts of Irving
Berlin's "This is the Army" to the
Army Emergency Relief Fund. The
Warner Bros, production for Army
Relief will have its local opening Aug.
11 at the Orpheum Theater.
20-Fox Meeting Pays
Tribute to Service Men
(Continued from Page 1)
the home office and 15 exchanges,
five of them Canadian, in attendance.
The flags of the United States and
the Dominion were raised as the Can-
adian contingent entered the meeting
hall headed by Sydney Samson, gen-
eral manager of the company in Can-
ada. Murray Silverstone, head of
foreign sales, who was unable to at-
tend the Chicago regional, drew a
special salute in behalf of 20th-Fox's
employes in the service from all the
company's foreign branches flying
the flags of the United Nations.
The meeting was opened by Tom
Connors, distribution head. The ses-
sion was conducted by W. J. Kupper,
William Gehring and L. J. Schlaifer.
President Spyros Skouras, Connors,
Samson and Hal Home will address
the delegates today, when the prod-
uct will be discussed. At the close
of the meeting tomorrow the home-
office contingent will leave for the
Coast regional to be held in Los An-
geles on Aug. 11-13.
Don Ameche arrived in Chicago
yesterday to appear before the dele-
gates.
Datlowe Completes Series
Sam Datlowe, director, has com-
pleted the second series of five war
training films which the Emerson
Yorke Studio is producing for the
U. S. Office of Education. Datlowe
left New York last night for Cin-
cinnati where he will screen rushes
and confer with the Ohio State Voca-
tional Committee, and representa-
tives of the U. S. Office of Educa-
tion, Washington, D. C.
er ended July 4, 1942. Estimated
combined consolidated and share of
undistributed earnings of $7,387,000
for the six months ended July 3,
1943, represent $1.97 per share on
such common stock outstanding,
which compares with $1.88 per share
on the common shares then outstand-
ing (after providing $378,126 for ac-
crued dividends on then outstanding
first preferred shares) for the six
months ended July 4, 1942.
The board of directors of Para-
mount Pictures yesterday declared
the regular quarterly dividend of
30c per share on the common stock,
payable Oct. 1. 1943, to stockholders
of record on September 10, 1943.
Prof. Schaeffer Passes
Scranton. Pa. — The funeral of
Professor Emorv Schaeffer, veteran
employe of the Comerford organiza-
tion, and a close, personal friend of
the late M. E. Comerford, founder
of that chain, was held in this city.
Move Started to Change
O. C. to 24-Hour Town
(Continued from Page 1)
of the huge Douglas Aircraft Co.
plants welfare division here. He has
asked the city council to make some
provision for legal operation of thea-
ters after midnight.
Pointing out the lack of recrea-
tion facilities for swing shift work-
ers, Schmitt stated that one theater
which has been giving late shows
one night each week (the Standard
Midwest) attracts from 800 to 1,400
Douglas employes who get off work
a.-.. 12:30 a.m.
City Council members have dis-
cussed the matter but have post-
poned any action for two weeks
pending an investigation they plan
to make.
In declining to act so far, council
members expressed concern over
whether opening of theaters, after
midnight, would result in complaints,
particularly in areas surrounding
neighborhood theaters.
Although the ordinance, to be ef-
fective, would have to be general
in nature applying to all theaters
equally, it, was considered that few,
if any, outlying theaters would find it
profitable to remain open later than
at p:esent because most late shift
workers would not concentrate in
neighborhood sections sufficiently to
make late shows profitable there.
East St. Louis Theater
Wins Cut in Clearance
(Continued from Page 1)
Century-Fox has been compromised
and "settled out of court."
The case was to have been heard
Aug. 3 before H. Chouteau Dyer,
prominent local attorney.
Under the agreement the clear-
ance of the Majestic Theater, a Pub-
lix house, first-run in East St. Louis,
over the 40th Street is reduced to
48 days, which it is agreed is reason-
able.
The stipulation signed by M. A.
Rosecan, attorney for the complain-
ant, and the law firm of Boyle &
Priest, counsel for the defendant
company, through G. T. Priest and
Robert E. Moloney, points out that
the reduction of the clearance of the
Majestic to 48 days is not construed
as an admission that the prior clear-
ance was unreasonable or unfair.
The original complaint of Dr.
Hobbs was directed also against
Loew's, Inc., Vitagraph, Paramount
and RKO-Radio but previously agree-
ment on the 48-day clearance basis
was reached with those defendants.
No testimony was taken in the case.
San Francisco Warfield
Sets Rogers First-Run
The Warfield in San Francisco is
the latest de luxe house to join the
group of first-run theaters playing a
Roy Rogers production. Republic's
"Silver Spurs" opens at this theater
on Sept. 4, with Rogers and his
horse, Trigger, making a personal
appearance in conjunction with the
week's engagement.
See Liberalization
of Decree Section X
(Continued from Page 1)
runs, has been somewhat of a "head-
ache" since the decree went into
operation and the provisions of the
section are expected to be re-written.
It is reported that other sections
of the decree will remain pretty
much the same, with small bloc
selling remaining in force despi
protests of exhibitors who are seek-
ing to buy in larger groups.
OWI Gets New Pledge
Of Exhibitor Co-operation
(Continued from Page 1)
newed their pledge of full co-opera-
tion on behalf of the 16,000 theaters
for which WAC talks, and were as-
sured of every consideration and aid
from OWI. The meeting was de-
scribed by both industry and Gov-
ernment men on hand as "very satis-
factory."
Hoyt made it plain that he has not
yet decided on a man to fill Lowell
Mellett's shoes. He meets today with
Francis Harmon in what is expected
to be another attempt to choose such
a man.
On hand for the exhibitors were Si
Fabian, Harry Brandt, Arthur
Mayer, George Skouras, Carter Bar-
ron, Charles Moskowitz, Robert Wil-
by, Ed Kuykendall and Joseph Bern-
hard.
Prior to the meeting the delega-
tion conferred briefly with George C.
MacMurphey, who, when his trans-
fer from OPA is approved by the
Civil Service Commission, will head
the amusements section of the Office
of Civilian Requirements. The meet-
ing with MacMurphey was similar
in nature to that with Hoyt — mainly
a matter of getting acquainted and
trying to probe the extent of OCR
authority, which is still a doubtful
issue.
Brandt and Fabian also visited for
an hour with Oscar Doob, Loew's
New York publicity chief, who is now
on loan to the Treasury Department
for a special job in connection with
the third war loan drive next month.
Mono. Sets Musical
"Victory Parade" has been set as
the title of a new screen musical
to be filmed at Monogram as a part
of the 1943-44 program. Jack Fen-
ton is now at work on the develop-
ment of the story.
STORKS
Flower-Fifth Avenue Hospital was
the arrival venue of an eight-pound
boy, born on Tuesday to Mr. and Mrs.
Bill Resnick. Daddy is an ace in-
dustry script writer with the Emer-
son Yorke Studio, New York.
Friday, August 6, 1943
DAILY
Renewal of British
Shorts Pad Expected
(Continued from Page 1)
that the companies will continue to
distribute the subjects.
Companies "draw straws" for the
reels as a means of designating
which subjects will be handled by
Wjtobich companies. Five are currently
Joeing distributed by five of the maj-
ors.
Scouts as Vandalism Curb
Urged by Ed Kuykendall
(Continued from Page 1)
deavor to obtain the co-operation of
the Boy Scouts in a nation-wide plan
to curb vandalism in theaters by
juveniles and young men and women.
Kuykendall is of the opinion that
the presence in each theater of two
or more Boy Scouts at each evening
performance would effectively curb
rowdyism by young folks. He feels
that the fine example of the Boy
Scouts would cause other boys and
girls to eliminate noise and bad con-
duct in the theaters.
President Wehrenberg informed
Kuykendall that' he has had splendid
results at his Cinderella and Michi-
gan theaters in South St. Louis since
he employed middle aged women to
act as matrons in those theaters. He
has found that women have a great-
er influence and better control over
the young folks than have male
ushers.
St. Louis on the whole hasn't suf-
fered from youthful vandalism in its
theaters to the same extent as other
cities of similar character and popu-
lation. The local police have ob-
tained excellent results with youthful
delinquents by a system of super-
vised play. In various police dis-
tricts detectives and uniformed pa-
trolmen devote much of their leisure
time to coaching baseball and foot-
ball teams of boys who have sort of
"gotten off on the wrong foot." The
result has been the lads have let off
their surplus steam in the supervised
games and their general conduct has
improved.
Double Duty
Harrisburg — C. Floyd Hopkins,
city manager for Wilmer and Vin-
cent, is meeting the manpower short-
age by taking on extra work. He is
now managing the Rio during the
vacation of Manager E. G. Wollas-
ton.
IN NEW POSTS
TOM KETTERING, RKO exploiteer, Buffalo.
E. LEVETTE, purchasing agent, Warner Thea-
ters, New Haven.
NORMAN GOLDBLATT, cashier, Monogram, Chi-
cago.
WILLIAM CLARK, manager, N-K Theater (form-
erly Ritz), Muskegon, Mich.
ROBERT B. MARTSCH, story department, Para-
mount Famous Studios, N. Y.
New Canadian Labor
Call Hits Theaters
This Kaleidosco-Pic Biz:
• • • FILE under The Northward Course of Empire: 20th-Fox has
changed the title of its pic, "Tampico," to "Galveston". ... • The
heroic and much-overworked Lucy Monroe, who has sung our National
Anthem literally thousands of times, can perhaps cut down a bit on per-
sonal appearances now that she has made her first of a new series of
Community Sings for Columbia She renders therein a number of
national airs, including "Army Air Corps," "Anchors Aweigh," "Over
There," and (you guessed it!), — "The Star Spangled Banner". ... • A
16-page souvenir program of the Artkino-Joseph Burstyn film, "The Rus-
sian Story," has been edited and published by Noel Meadow, press repre-
sentative for the local Stanley Theater Job is in two colors, and
furnishes a tie-up for exhibs. who can sell the publication in their theater
lobbies 'when playing the pic
T T T
• • • SAMMY (UA) COHEN correctly observes that the follow-
ing, widely published yarn proves further the hold of movies on our
soldiers: "Capt. Julius Tepper of Brooklyn is very fond of murder
mysteries, but he is even more devoted to his profession as a specialist
in brain surgery Recently be was attending the showing of 'Ladx
of Burlesque,' starring Barbara Stanwyck, at a camp movie somewhere
in New Guinea At the most interesting part he was called from
the show to aid Capt. Frederick Hidde of Sheboygan, Wis., perform
a delicate brain operation An Australian soldier had been sev-
erely injured in the head by the accidental explosion of an airplane
tire The two surgeons operated for five hours and the man was
expected to live However, the Brooklyn doctor did not find out
who killed the various movie characters and wrote home to his family
They informed him by return mail"
T ▼ T
• • • MORE refreshing than the refreshments at the Waldorf-As-
toria reception tendered by 20th-Fox to Ernst Lubitsch on Wednesday
evening was the congenial atmosphere created by the company's Jack
Goldstein His boss, Hal Home, at the time en route to Chi. for the
second regional, had delegated Jack to handle this important social
chore Well, Sir, Jack did something exceeedingly rare and well
He turned the gathering of heterogeneous guests into a most palsy -
walsy, homogeneous group, — by personally introducing everyone at the
party to everyone else Before the reception was o'er, it was all one
big, happy family Local Film Row and its associated fringes here-
abouts are still talking of the swell time they had at Mister Lubitsch's
social When Ernst gets back this way again from Hollywood, he'll
have to bring with him a nice big SRO sign if he appears in an Honor
Guest role, — and doubtless will so appear by popular demand
T T T
• •«//' Paramount needs a shooting-heaven for "Speaking of
Animals," we suggest Ole Beantown as a splendid potential venue
The Hub seems to be in for a perfect deluge of circuses First of
all comes J. C. Harlacker's Stadium Circus to Fenway Park,— Aug. 23-
29—, with three hours of circus and Water Follies, with many big names
on its roster of acts, and being staged for the benefit of the Sullivan
Shrine Committee, organized to raise funds for the erection of a perma-
nent memorial to the Five Sullivan Brothers Then, Sept. 25-Oct. 3.
the Hamid-Morton Circus holds forth in Boston Garden, also bearing
big names, and staged by the famous Bob Morton Thereafter,
"Spangles," direct from Madison Sq. Garden, goes to Boston Garden
Pic exhibs. ain't seen so much circus competition in decades!
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
(Continued from Page 1)
fore Aug. 9 for employment else-
where.
Employers have been warned that
continued employment of those with-
in the age limits are committing an
offense under National Selective Ser-
vice Mobilization regulations.
Others included under the latest
order are writers, photographers and
those engaged in occupations having
to do with vending machines, furni-
ture manufacturing, upholstering,
organs and other musical instru-
ments.
Theater-going Habits
Are Reported Changing
(Continued from Page 1)
St. Louis and other keys. New
York is the goal of practically every
service man who man make it for a
week-end and Broadway jams up
with them every Saturday and Sun-
day night. Naturally a good many
line up at the film houses, supple-
menting the normal heavy attendance
and the patronage of war workers
looking for a way to relax and spend
their extra money.
Chicago reports a regular week-
end influx estimated at 300,000 sol-
diers, sailors, marines WACS,
WAVES and SPARS. All want en-
tertainment and the firs-run shows
are the choice with most. Typical
of other factory centers is the situa-
tion in St. Louis where operators re-
port that the population increase of
some 115,000 war workers has had
a decided influence in keeping the
pre-war patron closer to his neigh-
borhood theater, away from down-
town crushes.
Three Western Governors
Make Aug. 17 "Army" Day
Governors of three Western states
Wan-en of California, Snell of Ore-
gon and Langlie of Washington-
have proclaimed Aug. 17 "This is
the Army" day in honor of the West-
ern day-and-date premiere of the
Warner Bros, production on that
date in about 50 Pacific Coast spots.
The Irving Berlin musical will have
advanced-price openings in all of
these spots, with others to follow.
Fourth for "Power"
Walt Disney's "Victory Through
Air Power" begins the fourth week
of its world premiere engagement
at the Globe Theater, tomorrow.
BACK IN CIVVIES
Honorably Discharged
ROBERT MOREDOCK, formerly Shea publicity
staff, Buffalo, from the Army.
ARTHUR BOLDT, former assistant manager,
Shea's Creat Lakes, Buffalo, from the
Army.
2
SECOND WEEK AT
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ALMOST AS BIG AS THE
FIRST...WHICH WAS A
WHOPPER!
*
*
I
0?
PHILADELPHIA • PROVIDEHCE
SAH FRANCISCO • ROCHESTER
KANSAS CITY • CLEVELAND
SALT LAKE CITY- RICHMOND, VA.
\M
SEAnLE
BRIDGEPORT
MEMPHIS • WICHITA
BALTIMORE • MARYLAND
INDIANAPOLIS - DAYTON
OMAHA • SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
AKRON • WORCESTER, MASS.
DULUTH • COLUMBUS
READING • TRENTON
HARRISBURG • OAKLAND
SYRACUSE » WATERLOO
ST. LOUIS • LOUISVILLE
DES MOINES
ti'tojH
CARY GRANT
RKO RADIO PICTURES
LARAINEDAY
CHARLES BICKFORD - GLADYS COOPER • ALAN CARNEY -HENRY STEPHENSON
PRODUCED BY DAVID HEMPSTEAD • DIRECTED BY H.C; POTTER
Screen Ploy by Milton Holmoi and Adncjo;5;
ing fronts has had to be withheld
for reason of military security."
Much of this material, it is believed,
will later be made available. Al-
though it might not be of great value
to the newsreels, it is probable that
some of it, at least, will be of tre-
mendous value to studios looking for
war footage to use in feature pix.
Available for Public Showing
Almost all material shot by the
newsreel pool representatives is made
available for public showing, said
Collins, but it is impossible to reach
any estimate as to how much of the
total footage released by the ser-
vices has actually been shot by the
reel men. Signal Corps and Navy
combat camera units have been turn-
ing in material which from the point
of view of the newsreel have been
showing tremendous improvement.
Service biggies, Collins said, are
"getting sold on the value of pic-
tures in the war effort."
Despite the improved outlook for
good war pix, Collins holds that this
war is essentially not photogenic. A
major part of the Army action is in
the air, said Collins, and bombers
are generally too high to get good
pix even with telephoto lenses, and
strafing planes usually move too fast
for good pix to be made. On the
ground the best shots, aside from
the Pacific theater, are usually acci-
dental, with much of the ground
fighting consisting of long-range
artillery dueling. The "bush fighting"
in the Pacific islands is probably the
best hand to hand action available
Pool Cameramen Assignments
Thirteen representatives of the
newsreel pool are out now with Army
or Navy units, with two now in this
country. In Africa, presumably cov-
ering the Southern European fight-
ing, are Jack Barnett of Movietone,
W. F. Gerecke of Paramount, Irving
Smith of Universal, with Ned Buddy,
who represents the pool, and Neil
Sullivan, ace Pathe aerial camera-
man, on their way. Norman Alley,
News of the Day, is assigned to the
Atlantic fleet, and has shot action
in the Mediterranean.
Martin Barnett of Paramount and
Earle Crotchett of Universal are in
Australia, with Langdon Senick of
Movietone and Lenroos of Pathe
based at Hawaii with the Pacific
fleet.
Charles Perryman of News of the
Day is in Alaska and Newsreelman
Wong of the same reel in Chungking.
David Oliver of Pathe is based in
London. Senick is replacing John
Bockhorst of News of the Day, who
has returned to this country after
a bout of malaria, and Sullivan is
replacing Howard Winner of Pathe.
DA N
L S1717 MHZ
3 N I V CI cl cl H
m p p n a
2 n W 44ST
NC
FILE COPY
NOT REMOVE
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
? DAILY
Vv-38 84,
NO. 27
NEW YORK, MONDAY. AUGUST 9, 1943
TEN CENTS
UMPI POINTS IN NEW_ALLIED SALES PLAN
41% of Atlas Common Holdings in Amusements
THE WEEK IN
REVIEW
Trust Suit Combination?
I By L. H. MITCHELL '
TOM CLARK: Tom C. Clark, As-
sistant Attorney General in charge
)f the anti -trust division of the D of
f, expressed the desire to combine
;he Department's industry anti-trust
suits, including the New York con-
sent decree, the Schine, Crescent and
Griffith cases.
* * *
ORC STEPS IN: The newly-creat-
sd Office of Civilian Requirements
began moving on the amusement in-
dustry by taking over authority on
priority assistance applications for
new theaters and equipment.
ALLIED: Proposed "new selling"
plan by Allied will be on the agenda
at the board meeting in Baltimore
Wednesday and Thursday. The first
of its "buying clinics" will be held
in New Haven in September.
RKO PACTS: Board of RKO has
authorized new seven-year contract
to N. Peter Rathvon as president of
the RKO Corporation and to Ned E.
Depinet as president of RKO Radio
Pictures, subject to approval by the
stockholders.
NEWS ITEMS: Increase of theater
vandalism by juveniles in particular
continues to increase, and the curfew
method of attempt at suppressing
it is spreading over the country. . . .
Charles Francis Coe in his speech
at Rochester told his hearers that
U. S. pix are exploding the propa-
ganda put out by the Axis partners.
. . . D of J is asking indie groups to
file their ideas on the consent de-
cree, planning to submit them to
the distributors. . . . Disposal of
Army theaters and equipment, after
the war, will depend on the size of
our post-war Army. . . . Treasury is
cold to theaters' proposal to collect
coDper pennies at the country's box
offices to withdraw them from cir-
culation. . . . Para, second quarter
earnings are estimated at $3,827,000.
. . WMC is re-classifying fathers
for induction into Army in October.
Solidity of Industry
Seen in Atlas' Report
for First Six Months
Both the current and future solidi-
ty of the motion picture industry
as a field of investment and profit
is strongly reflected in the report
just issued to its shareholders by
Atlas Corp. covering the first six
months of 1943. The report, sub-
mitted by Floyd B. Odium, Atlas
president, saliently disclosed that
of the common stocks held by his or-
ganization an astonishingly high in-
crement, 41.6 per cent are in amuse-
ments, predominantly in three major
film companies, — RKO Corp., Para-
(Continued on Page 6)
Say Parents Not Pix
Delinquency Cause
Albany — Contradicting certain
pressure groups who contend that
motion pictures are a contributing
cause to current juvenile delinquency,
announced findings in a State-wide
suivey on the juvenile delinquency
problem show that a definite decline
(Continued on Page 7)
To Mull Print Situation
at Allied Balto. Meeting
Dallas — All directors of national
Allied have been requested, through
a general bulletin, to be ready to
discuss the print situation in their
respective territories. Move was
launched by Col. H. A. Cole, presi-
(Continued on Page 7)
Push Affiliation
Of NEIC and WAC
The National Entertainment In-
dustry Council has moved to hasten
the WAC's affiliation with it so
that the NEIC may derive as soon
as possible the full benefit of the
film industry's contribution to the
organization's program for all-out
mobilization of the show world in
the interests of the nation's war
effort. The NEIC is acting at the
suggestion of its projects commit-
tee. WAC affiliation with the NEIC
is under consideration by a commit-
tee of eight. The membership com-
mittee of the NEIC recently extend-
ed until Sept. 1 the deadline for
the admittance of the WAC to mem-
bership.
Fan Magazine Sales
Up With B.O. Grosses
The tremendous increase in box
office grosses during last year is
matched, in the film business, only
by the increased circulation in movie
fan magazines. Whether the business
spurts by both the theaters and the
(Continued on Page 7)
Peskay Heads New Firm;
To Make Six for '43-44
Ed Peskay has formed a production
syndicate which will produce six
pictures for the 1943-44 season, it
was reported Friday. Distribution
outlet for three of the pictures has
(Continued on Page 2)
Seek Training Pix Distribs.
Bids Out as Castle Contract Expires
Place Early Hour Curfew
On Elizabeth Children
Elizabeth, N. J. — In a move to
combat juvenile delinquency and the-
ater vandalism, the City Council here
has placed a curfew on children
under 16. Parents or guardians will
(Continued on Page 2)
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Bid invitations are
now going out for the distribution
of nearly 200 training films released
by the Office of Education. Of the
48 of these films now in circulation,
17,000 prints have already been sold,
and completion of another 150 is
scheduled by Nov. 1. Distribution
(Continued on Page 7)
Allied Board to Report
on Members' Reaction;
May Submit Plan to D-J
A sales plan patterned on some of
the better points embodied in the
proposed UMPI selling formula may
be submitted to the Department of
Justice by national Allied, it was
learned at the week-end. The UMPI
(United Motion Picture Industry)
plan was drawn up by representa-
tives of the distributors and exhibi-
tors last Summer and was later-
rejected by Thurman Arnold, then
assistant Attorney General.
A proposal for an equitable uni-
form sales plan was made to Al-
lied's board of directors by Abram
(Continued on Page 6)
Seek Two Fugitives
In Extortion Case
Federal authorities on Friday
started a nation-wide search to
locate two fugitives wanted by the
Government as witnesses in the
forthcoming trial of the eight rack-
eteers charged with extorting more
<-han $2,500,000 from film companies.
Federal Judge John C. Knox in N.
(Continued on Page 7)
Mellett Successor Still
In Doubt; Names Hinted
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — No proposal from in-
dustry sources for the man to suc-
ceed Lowell Mellett as OWI film
chief has yet been received by OWI,
(Continued on Page 6)
Expect 36 to 40
On 20th-Fox List
Chicago — Between 36 and 40 pic-
tures will comprise the 20th-Fox
program for 1943-44 season, it was
indicated here yesterday as home
office execs, pushed off for the third
and final regional sales conference
in Los Angeles. Company's complete
lineup is expected to be announced
this week.
Vol. 84, No. 27 Mon., Aug. 9, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. AL1COATE : :
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Cas-llo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(August 6)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High
15%
Low Close
is" is" —
Net
Chg.
IS l/g
60 i/g 1
20"
60'/4
255/8
8%
90
203/4
31%
12%
15% 15% +
59i/2 i59i/2 _
19% 19% — '
591/4 591/4 —
243/4 25 —
8 8 —
88 1/2 88 1/2 —
201/s 201/2 —
3U/4 3H/4 —
12% 12% ..
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2%%)
Columbia Picts. pfd..
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd..
East. Kodak 1
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . . .
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
NEW YORK
Para. B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 13/8 1% \3/e ..'].
Sonotone Corp 3% 33/4 334
Technicolor 13% 133/8 13% — %
Trans-Lux
Universal Picts 16% 16% 161/4—%
Uniform Blackout Laws
Drafted for 16 States
BOND MARKET
Omaha — Commanding generals of
the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Ser-
vice commands have agreed on uni-
form basic blackout laws, Maj. Gen.
Frederick Uhl, commanding general
of the Seventh Service command,
stated here.
The agreement states that train-
ing should be effected with a mini-
mum of both public inconvenience
and loss of productive effort. Prac-
tice blackouts involving the public
in the 16 states covered by these
three commands are not to take place
more than once a month.
Peskay Heads New Firm;
To Make Six for '43-44
(Continued from Page 1)
been set and a deal is pending for
the releasing arrangement for the
other three. Announcement by the
distributors, so far unidentified, is
expected this week. First picture
is now in preparation.
Peskay has been the Eastern man-
ager for Hal Roach for the last sev-
eral years and in addition has repre-
sented Edward Small recently. He
has been identified with the industry
for many years as an executive in
the production, distribution and ex-
hibition fields, having held top posi-
tions in all three branches.
RKO to Launch 50-City
"Sun" Premiere in N. W.
With the 79-city world premiere
of "Behind the Rising Sun" in the
bag, RKO Radio's attention has now
been turned to the Northwest premi-
ere which Robert Mochrie, general
sales manager, states is scheduled to
take place in fifty Pacific Coast
cities tomorrow.
The Northwest promotion will be
on the same large scale which
proved so successful in New Eng-
land, according to S. Barret Mc-
Coimick, director of advertising and
publicity. RKO Radio exploitation
chief Terry Turner, and James R.
Young, author of "Behind the Rising
Sun," have already left for that ter-
ritory with Young scheduled to make
a number of talks on the picture be-
fore civic bodies, in churches, war
plants, etc.
Call Fathers to Armed
Services at Same Time
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The War Manpower
Commission announced Friday that
calls upon state and local draft
boards will be so adjusted that
fathers will begin to be called for
military service at approximately the
same time in all areas.
Boards or states with large pools
of non-fathers might find their quo-
tas raised, while the quotas for
others might be lowered, in an effort
to exhaust the supply of single and
childless men at the same time in
all areas.
Once again the WMC made it plain
that the October date is important
only as a date for eligibility of
fathers for military call. No definite
date has been set for the actual be-
ginning of the call.
Chapman Here for Personals
Marguerite Chapman, Columbia
star, arrives from the Coast today.
She will make personal appearances
throughout the East in connection
with her latest picture, "Destroyer."
Shipyards and other war plants are
included in her itinerary.
Milton Wood Dies
Cleveland — Milton J. Wood, 64,
former vaudeville actor accredited
with being the inventor of the wood-
en shoe buck and wing type of dan-
cing, died here this week at the home
of his nephew, Guy Champion.
FflU
DAILY
Monday, August 9, 194:;
Place Early Hour Curfew
On Elizabeth Children
(Continued from PagS 1)
be subject to fines ranging from $5
to $25 or a jail sentence up to 10
days for violations. Minors unac-
companied by adults on the streets
after 9:30 P.M. in Summer and 9 in
Winter will be subject to juvenile
court action.
Two Warner Specials Due
for September Release
Warner Bros, will release two
specials in September the first
month of the new season, it is an-
nounced by Ben Kalmenson, general
sales manager.
"Watch on the Rhine," starring
Bette Davis and Paul Lukas, goes
into general release Sept. 4.
"Thank Your Lucky Stars," musi-
cal with all the Warner contract
stars plus several outside headliners,
is set for Sept. 25 release. In addi-
tion to Bette Davis, Humphrey Bo-
gart, Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan,
John Garfield, Olivia de Havilland
and other Warner players, the cast
includes Eddie Cantor, Dinah Shore,
Edward Everett Horton and S. Z.
Sakall. ,
20th-Fox Execs. Off For
Coast Regional Sales Meet
Chicago — The following 20th-Fox
execs, here for the regional meeting
left Sunday for the California meet-
ing: Tom J. Connors, Will Kupper,
Hal Home, William E. Gehring,
Andy Smith, L. J. Schlaifer, Sam
Shain, William Clark, Marvin Mos-
kowitz, Paul Terry, Eddy Collins,
and Harvey Fay.
Prexy Spyros Skouras, who re-
turned to New York Friday, will go
West tomorrow.
Connors said 20th-Fox would in-
crease its advertising budget ma-
terially for the new season, in news-
papers, national magazines and trade
papers.
Small Sets Top Budget
for "Kate Fennigate"
A production budget of nearly 1,-
500,000 has been set by Edward
Small for his forthcoming United
Artists picturization of Booth
Tarkington's new novel, "Kate Fen-
nigate," it was announced Friday.
Film rights for the book were bought
by Small for $100,000. Total produc-
tion costs will set an all-time high
for Small's independent picture mak-
ing.
Lifts Temporary Injunction
On "Roger Toughy" Film
Chicago — Judge William Holly
lifted the temporary injunction on
20th Century-Fox's "Roger Toughy,
Gangster" film at the week-end, al-
lowing the company to show the film
throughout the country.
The court gave Touhy's attorney,
Irwin Roth, five days to file an
amended bill in the case.
COfllinG and Gome
EDMUND GOULDINC, director of "Claudia,'
arrives today.
FRANK SINATRA, left New York for Holly
wood yesterday.
E. O. WILSCHKE, of Altec, Lansing, Hollywood
is in New York.
F. C. DICKEY, Detroit district manager fll
Altec Service, is in town for home-offjuir -con-
ferences.
ricT^nan
WARREN CONNER, Cincinnati district-fnan
ager of Altec Service, has checked in at the
company's New York office.
HERMAN CLUCKMAN of the WAC leaves Ne\
York for Hollywood today for an extended stay,
with a stopover in St. Louis to visit his son, j
who is stationed in the Air Corps there. He
is expected back in town in September.
AL MARCOLIES left yesterday for the Coast
LEON BAMBERGER started a two-week vaca-l
tion at the week-end
MARGUERITE CHAPMAN will arrive in New;
York today.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
In
"Let's Face
It"
In Person
BENNY
GOODMAN
And Band
CONDOS BROS.
JACK MARSHALL
BUYWAR DADAKirtllklT TIMES
bonds PARAMOUNT square
Lena HORNE Bill ROBINSON
Cab CALLOWAY *^2llll
and his band attfftf*^
SW**£
20* CINTUKY FOX PKTURt
PLUS A B t% f\ \r y 7th **•
STAGE SHOW
St.
B'WAY &
47th St.
WALTER HUSTON • ANN HARDIWS
"MISSION TO MOSCOW"
and
"TWO SENORITAS FROM
CHICAGO"
JOAN DAVIS • JINX FALKENBERG
P
lo7w?.STRTE
On Stage
JOAN CRAWFORD
FRED MacMURRAY
"ABOVE
SUSPICION"
I
In Person
MARY BETH
HUGHES
HI, LO, JACK
THE DAME
HAPPY
FELTON
Keep it that way
start p/anninq your
3d war loan drive HOUl
starts Sept 9th
sack 7»i /rmeKl
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This is their
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Directed by vi<
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RALLY ROUND THE THIRD WftR LOAN SEPT. 9™-20r
START YOUR CAMPAIGN NC-
LIFE...MODERN SCREEN...
MOVIELAND... SCREEN ROMANCES..
PHOTOPLAY MOVIE MIRROR
. . tmilmmm&m
00K...MOVIE LIFE.. .MOVIES...
flOVIE STAR PARADE.. .SCREEN
1UIDE...STARDOM...MOVIE SHO*
MOVIE STORY...MOTION
PICTURE. ..SCREENLAND.
SILVER SCREEN
DAILY
Monday, August 9, 1943
UMPI Points May Be
Used in Allied Plan
(Continued from Page 1)
F. Meyers, general counsel, at the
board's Detroit meeting in May. It
was then decided upon, that
the directors should consult with
their members on the advisability of
reviving some of the UMPI provis-
ions. The directors are expected
to report on their members' reac-
tions to the proposal at Baltimore
on Wednesday and Thursday of this
week.
No recommendations for a selling
plan were submitted to the D of J,
but if the board's findings are favor-
able, it is likely that a definite pro-
posal will be laid before the depart-
ment. It is possible that the plan
• may be submitted to the D of J
in Washington tomorrow when a
special Allied committee huddles
with Government officials.
The UMPI plan among other
things, called for sales in blocks
of not more than 13 pictures, five of
which would be tradeshown and the
balance not tradeshown. Identifica-
tion would have been based on four
points; namely, (1) by the star or
(2) featured players, or (3) by a
brief outline of the story, or (4) if
the feature is based upon, suggested
by or adapted from a play or pub-
lished book or story, by reference
to such play or published book or
story.
The plan specifically prohibited
the forcing of shorts with features.
Other ideas discussed at the UMPI
meetings may be incorporated into
the new proposed sales plan.
Mellett Successor Still
In Doubt; Names Hinted
(Continued from Page 1)
James L. Allen, deputy domestic di-
rector, said Friday.
In the meantime, a number of
names are in for frequent mention
here in Washington — including Chris
Dunphy, Ben Tau of Metro, Robert
J. Wilby of the Wilby-Kincey Thea-
ters in Georgia and Alabama and
several others. Some observers here
believe that Palmer Hoyt, domestic
director, might delay for weeks or
even months before naming as such
to Mellett. Allen denied that there
would be long delay, however.
Fred Newmeyer
Ed Schwarz
Nat Pendleton
Charles Farrell
Dorothy Jordan
Cerrit Lloyd
Of Glories To Come:
• • • SOON the nation's motion picture critics, — serving on
newspapers, magazines, news syndicates, and even as commentators
on iilms o'er radio chains and individual stations — .will cast their bal-
lots in the exceedingly important poll conducted by THE FILM DAILY
to determine, in the opinions of America's professional pic. appraisers,
the Ten Best Directors of 1943 and those deserving Honor Roll status
...... When these experts have recorded their choices, the results
will be disclosed in THE FILM DAILY's Directors Number and Production
Preview, a compendium of information riches on the more vital facets
of recent, present and future film-making Consequently, the Direc-
tors Number and Production Preview will be of key importance to ALL
segments of filmland, because product is filmland's cornerstone
T ▼ ■ .':, T
• • • IT is impossible to over-accent the importance of wartime
production of motion pictures, so incalculably great are the influences
of such upon our uniformed and civilian people, and those of our
allies Nor is it possible to discuss Hollywood's output of "en-
tertainment ammunition" without weighing the contributions, — yes,
and the responsibilities— ,of directors whose skills and energies have
gone, and are going, into the fashioning of feature screen fare
For the proper parallel we have only to turn to the organized military
forces conducting the present fight for freedom Under respective
Higkt Commands, our own and allied arms operate The High
Commands are, in a very accurate sense, in the position of the film
producers And, truly too, are not McArthur, Eisenhower, Mont-
gomery, Alexander, Popkoff, Sokolovsky, Chou En-lai, Pai Chung-hsi,
et al, as they put into actuality the art and science of immediate war-
fare, in much the same situation and station as the film director?
▼ T T
• • • UPON the director, ever so much depends He can be,
and so frequently is, the difference between a great picture, and just
another picture He imparts to it a special character which is the
reflection of his own talent and understanding of the creative The
good director, armed with skill and opportunity (full many a good
director's light is hidden by circumstances under the proverbial bushel),
will invariably better, via interpretive flare, the best elements of a
script, and carry to higher planes of interest much that would other-
wise remain inconsequential in the story Just at random (we could
recite literally scores of examples) let us take some recent scenes to
prove the latter point In "The More the Merrier." George. Stevens
built into an hilarious highlight what some less adept fellow would
have passed over without more than routine treatment We refer
to the advances of Joel McCrea upon Jean Arthur as the pair is seated
on the apartment house steps, — Miss Arthur, in garrulous mood, un-
twining from her the. persistent arms of her suitor THAT was
direction And Ernst Lubitsch's sensitive and humor-laden hand-
ling of the "Heaven Can Wait" prologue and epilogue sequences within
Satan's splendid office, where the Prince of Darkness listens to the
life story of Don Ameche and finally sends the latter "up" to ever-
lasting bliss THAT was direction And the manner in which
Michael Curtiz effected, in "This Is The Army," the good-natured
transition from Army production numbers to one glorifying the Navy
THAT was direction So was it also in "For Whom the Bell
Tolls" when Sam Wood imparted in such exquisite taste the recitation
by Ingrid Bergman to Gary Cooper of her tragic violation at the hands
of the foe Good Producers Depend Upon Good Directors So
Do Good Pictures! T ▼ T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
41% of Alias Common
Slock in Amusements
(Continued from Page 1)
mount Pictures, and 20th-Fox. The
largest single holding of Atlas is 46
per cent of RKO Corp. common stock.
In this amusement group, now the
company's principal investment flC^\
holdings in RKO Corp. rose U
1,324,853 to 1,326,553 eommTn
shares; in Paramount Pictures from
30,000 to 70,000 shares; and in 20th-
Fox from 10,000 to 71,000 shares.
The common stocks, classified by
industries, are set forth as follows:
Amusements, 41.6 per cent; Public
Utilities, 24.1; Investment Trusts,
6.0; Retail Trade, 5.3; Food Products,
3.7; Oils, 2.8; Mining and Metals,
2.5; Banks and Finance Companies,
2.0; and Shipping, Railroads, Agri-
cultural Machinery, Automobile and
Auto Equipment, Miscellaneous In-
dustrials, Building and Household
Equipment, Tobaccos, Machiner y and
Machine Tools, and Airchaft Manu-
facturing, less than 2.0 per cent
each, and ranging downward from
Shipping, Railroads and Agricul-
tural Machinery, at 1.8 per cent
each, to Aircraft Manufacturing at
0.3 per cent.
More than 76 per cent increase in
the indicated asset value of the com-
mon stock of Atlas Corp. during the
year ended June 30, 1943, was shown
in the semi-annual report. The in-
dicated asset value of approximately
$19.39 per common share at June 30,
1943, compares with $11.01 a year
ago, and $12.56 per share at Dec.
31, 1942.
A dividend of 25c per share has
been declared on the common stock
payable Sept. 10 to stockholders
of record at the close of business
Aug. 14, 1943. The regular quarterly
dividend of 75c per share has also
been declared on the preferred stock,
payable Sept. 1, 1943, to stockhold-
ers of record at the close of business
Aug. 14, 1943.
Odium said the corporation paid
common dividends of $602,239 and
preferred dividends of $516,372 in
the first half of 1943, a total of
$1,118,611. Cash on June 30 totaled
$8,290,504, comparing with $5,197,-
727 on Dec. 31, 1942. U. S. Treasury
Certificates amounted to $1,001,325,
against $500,000.
Gross income for the six months
ended June 30 was $1,696,364. Net
income after $477,348 expenses and
$86,200 income taxes was $1,132,-
816. Net loss after deducting re-
alized loss on sales of securities was
$600,932.
STORKS
Denver — Jesse L. Lasky became
a grandfather late last week when
a boy was born here to Corporal
and Mrs. William Lasky.
Lt. Lew Mentlik, former reporter
for The Exhibitor, became the
father of a six-pound girl last week.
Baby was born at Fort Bragg.
Monday, August 9, 1943
!{<
DAILY
Say Parents Not Pix
Delinquency Cause
(Continued from Page 1)
in parental responsibility is blamed
by New York State police chiefs for
the situation, according to State
Senator Thomas C. Desmond of New-
burgh.
■op>\ice chiefs interviewed in 70
e-jDl of more than 10,000, Desmond
said on the week-end, urged the edu-
cating of parents to their respon-
sibilities and organized supervision
under civic youth councils for the
"dangerous hours" during which
children might lack parental guid-
ance.
In discussing the results of the
State-wide survey, authoritative so-
ciological channels expressed the con-
viction that motion pictures and at-
tendance thereat are deterrents to
juvenile crime, and only by warped
st: etch of the imagination an "en-
couragement." Wholesome content
'of pictures, and their high education-
al and relaxation value, keep young-
sters off streets and away from
juvenile "gang" activities, thus oc-
cupying their time in constructive
'fashion during hours when parental
'supervision is lacking, it was said.
Theaters, it is pointed out, suffer
'from a strange paradox, namely,
that, as a constructive and diverting
'force, they are subject, as are schools
'and churches, to the irresponsible ac-
tions of juvenile transgressors.
Opinion is expressed that, were
motion picture houses not operating,
and thus occupying young minds,
the wave of juvenile delinquency
would be gr eatly in excess of what it
now is.
Seek Two Fugitives
In Extortion Case
(Continued from Page 1)
Y. Federal court, signed the war-
rants for the arrest of Robert Mc-
Cullough and Nicholas Avolio at the
request of Boris Kostelanetz, As-
sistant U. S. Attorney General in
charge of prosecution.
McCullough, according to Kostel-
anetz is a well-known Chicago gang-
ster. Avolio is a former messenger
for the Chicago mob. Both, Kostel-
anetz said, are expected to give im-
portant testimony at the trial of
those indicted.
The trial is scheduled to start on
Sept. 7.
"Mr. Lucky" Transferred
To 2 Moveovers in Cleve.
"Plenty of Form"
Detroit — United Detroit Theaters
held the annual golf tournament for
all theater managers. Innovation was
the presence of seven girls, now
managing houses. It turned out none
of them had ever played golf before.
"Anyhow, they showed plenty of
form," quipped Earl J. Hudson, cir-
cuit president.
To Mull Print Situation
at Allied Balto. Meeting
Fan Magazine Sales
Up With B. 0. Grosses
(Continued from Page 1)
publishing houses are related can not
be determined accurately, but some
observers are of the opinion that the
rise in magazine sales and the in-
crease in theater grosses in most
sections of the country go hand in
hand.
Newstand sales of the fan maga-
zines have reached an all-time high
and the returns of unsold copies are
at their lowest point. The increase
in sales started in September, 1941,
according to the publishers. As an
illustration of how sales have gone
ut>, Fawcett's Motion Picture Maga-
zine had a newstand circulation of
300,000 shortly before Pearl Harbor.
Today the newstand sales on that
magazine are in excess of 750,000.
Whereas formerly, 85 per cent of the
copies were sold, leaving a 15 per
cent return, today Motion Picture
Magazine's sales hit 98 per cent or
only a 2 per cent return.
Most publishers report the same
widespread interest in Hollywood
and pictures through their magazine
sales.
Fairlawn Plans Post-war
House for Anacostia, D. C.
Cleveland — RKO's "Mr. Lucky"
proved its name by shattering an all-
time precedent here. After a big
opening week at Warners' Hippo-
drome, it moved for a second week,
not to one moveover house but to two
of them, thereby becoming the first
picture ever to run day and date at
two downtown "A" houses. The two
houses are the RKO Allen and War-
ners' Lake.
Washinaton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Fairlawn Amuse-
ment Co. here has just closed a con-
tract with John and Drew Eberson,
film theater architectural firm of
New York City, to prepare plans
and specification for post-war con-
struction of a new theater in Ana-
costia, D. C. House is to seat 1,000,
and will represent the latest devel-
opment in modern film construction,
with magnesium and plastics play-
ing an important role in fashion-
ing of the auditorum.
Action now in the matter of pro-
viding the new theater is held by
film circles as a forerunner of a
"preparedness boom" by circuit
operators in various parts of the
country, aimed at aggressively pro-
viding for "future" theaters in im-
portant situations, as well as in
smaller communities.
Lloyd J. Wineland, FAC presi-
dent, personally handled the pact
with the Ebersons, it is reported.
Moe Krane Dead
Moe Krane, veteran employee of
20th Century-Fox's contract depart-
ment, passed away early this week
at the age of 55, after several months
illness.
(Continued from Page 1)
dent of Texas Allied, who asserts
he is concerned over the setting back
of playing time of his membeis un-
der present conditions.
Cole said here last week that Har-
old Hopper of the WPB had in-
formed Allied directors at a previ-
ous meeting that when raw stock
was reduced, allowance was made
for enough stock to take care of
the Army-Navy bookings without
bothering the commercial prints.
However, Cole pointed out that the
loan prints in most cases were not
sufficient to cover bookings since
10 prints are required by the Army.
The situation is reported as being
further complicated by the fact that
all loan prints must be returned
after 30 days, whereas the Army
usually sets dates two weeks after
release. One exchange manager
here said that prints used by the
Army, although theoretically avail-
able for commercial release in 30
days, require an average of 50 days.
Dallas is pointed out as being the
heaviest booker of Army prints be-
cause there are more camps served
from here than from any other ex-
change city. Cole hopes to deter-
mine if the situation is a national
or local problem.
Gov't Seeks Training
Films Distributors
(Continued from Page 1)
has been handled by Castle Films,
Chicago, whose contract runs out the
end of this month.
The Government is anxious to give
all interested firms a chance to bid
for the new contract. Selection of a
single distributor or combine is
looked for. Some invitations have
already been mailed by the Procure-
ment Division of the U. S. Treasury,
but the office there does not have a
complete list of firms which might
care to handle this work. Interested
parties are urged to get their names
to the Procurement Division this
week.
Filmack Adds to Staff
Chicago — Believing the coming
season will be the biggest in the his-
tory of Filmack Trailer Co., Irving
Mack is augmenting his advertising
staff. His newest addition is B-. W.
Denison, employed as advertising
manager. Denison has a wide ac-
quaintance in the show world, hav-
ing for many years directed the
amusement department of the Her-
ald and Examiner, and later, of the
Chicago Daily News.
«W*
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF WE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN WE MOVIES
in
'SONG OF
TEXAS'
Somewhe
Planted
ccuMifiaLfyfr how,
led. It/ah, JloaiA.
6tdAti Sept. 9
^pM^l
-x
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nflTionflLC^4m5? service
PRIZE BBBY OF THE IBOUSTRY
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
F DAILY
' J=|L. 84, NO. 28
I
NEW YORK, TUESDAY. AUGUST 10, 1943
TEN CENTS
ALLIEDOFFERS DECREE^ CHANGES TO CLARK
Sees No Need for Concern Over Electronics
Altec Prexy Says Exhibs.
Can Meet Shift from War
To Peace-time Conditions
That exhibitors have become a bit
bewildered, and needlessly so, over
the issued implications by some
equipment manufacturers that the
field of electronics may radically
and suddenly affect the exhibition
field with the advent of peace, is the
crux of a statement issued to the-
ater accounts, the trade press, and
other wings of filmland by L. W.
Conrow, president of Altec Service
Corp.
In a letter accompanying the fol-
(Continued on Page 7)
WMC's New Critical
List Out Sunday
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Announcement of
the WMC's new list of "critical oc-
cupations," which will take preced-
ence over the present lists of essen-
tial activities and jobs, is to be
made Sunday, it was learned here
yesterday. Newsreels were asked
" yesterday to shoot this morning
{Continued on Page 6)
CFI Three Months' Net
Increases to $245,704
"For the three months ended June
30, 1943, Consolidated Film Indus-
tries, Inc., reports a net profit of
$423,628.64 before Federal tax pro-
vision. Estimated Federal normal
(Continued on Page 7)
Dumont Launching
JVeu? Tele Program
Dumont's television station
W2XWV will inaugurate a series
of dramatic shows in an expansion
of programs beginning in the Fall.
Programs will supplement the regular
Sunday variety shows, the latter hav-
ing given the staff the necessary
experience to undertake programs
of a more elaborate nature. DuMont
telecasts three nights a week.
Mosf tlttt, Russian Major Studio, Resumes
Production in Moscow; Plans Six Pictures
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The Soviet embassy announced yesterday that Mosfilm, one
of Russia's major studios, had returned to Moscow after two years in western
Siberia. In the face of the German advance on Moscow in 1941, the studio
was moved to Alma Ata, behind the Urals, where production was carried on
under difficulties. About six pictures are planned for immediate production,
including two musicals. Pattern of Soviet production for the present will be
pictures on Russia's past and present wars.
Ex-Soldiers to Aid
In Vandalism Curb
Newark, N. J. — Honorably dis-
charged veterans of World War II,
here, are responding enthusiastical-
ly to an appeal directed at them,
that they lend their military train-
ing and leadership to a country-
wide concerted drive to stamp out
juvenile vandalism in theaters,
stores and public buildings. The
appeal was sent forth through the
press and by direct mail from head-
(Continued on Page 4)
Ten New Pictures Start
This Week at Studios
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Ten new pictures are
scheduled to go into production this
week.
At Columbia: Six shooting.
At M-G-M: Nine shooting.
At Monogram: Four shooting-, including
"Death Valley Rangers," western drama, co-
starring Hoot Gibson and Ken Maynard.
Robert Tansey producing and directing; and,
the Sam Katzman-Jack Dietz production,
(Continued on Page 6)
Theater Attendance
Up 25% — Kingsberg
Minneapolis — Motion picture the-
ater attendance throughout the na-
tion is up 25 per cent so far this
year over the corresponding period
of last year, and that holds good for
the Twin Cities, Malcolm Kingsberg,
vice-president of RKO theaters, said
here.
Kingsberg was here to consult
with the manager of the RKO-Or-
pheum in St. Paul and also to look
(Continued on Page 7)
Cleve. Nabes Recruit War
Workers Via Minute Men
Cleveland — Initial trial of recruit-
ing war workers through Minute Men
speaking at theaters was so suc-
cessful that the local War Manpower
Commission staged a second drive.
Six neighborhood theaters co-op-
erated. They were the Yale, Eclaire,
Superior, Regent, Avalon and Knick-
erbocker. Second drive differed from
(Continued on Page 7)
A. C. Collections: $3,067,236
Balaban Says Industry Total was $4,122,008
Para. Launching Contest Barney Balaban, national chair-
r- »n Jl " r"~~.«„;~„e. man of Red Cross Week sponsored
For Proudly campaigns by the moti0n picture industry un-
der the auspices of War Activi-
ties Committee, last April 1 through
April 7, in a final report issued yes-
terday revealed that audience col-
lections in the nation's theaters to-
taled $3,067,236.25 and that the to-
tal proceeds of the drive reached
(Continued on Page 6)
Neil Agnew, Paramount general
sales manager yesterday announced
a contest for theater managers in
which $1,400 in War Bonds will be
awarded for the six best selling
campaigns on "So Proudly We Hail,"
(Continued on Page 7)
Special Committee Con-
fers in Wash.; Clark to
Study Recommendations
A special Allied committee yester-
day delivered to Tom Clark, special
assistant attorney general, a list
of 11 recommendations for changes
in the consent decree. The recom-
mendations were substantially the
same as those outlined by Abram F.
Myers, Allied general counsel, at the
Detroit meeting of the board in May
and embodied such subjects as the-
ater acquisitions, franchises, block-
booking, blind-selling, clearance,
(Continued on Page 4)e
M-G-M's Next Block
To Have 12 Pictures
Twelve pictures will comprise
M-G-M's next block, it was an-
nounced yesterday by W. F. Rodgers,
vice-president and general sales
manager. Originally, the block was
to have included only 10 pictures
but "I Dood It" and "The Man From
Down Under" were added.
In announcing the group, Rodgers
(Continued on Page 6)
Chi. Newspapers Retain
Their Amusement Space
Chicago — While newspapers in
many cities have cut their space de-
voted to motion pictures and other
amusements, Chicago papers have
(Continued on Page 6)
Plan Three Shorts
For 3rd War Loan
Washington Bur.. THE FILM DAILY
Washi ngt on— The Treasury's
Third War Loan drive will be the
subject of the first two, and pos-
sibly three, of the new series of
26 250-foot newsreel clips pro-
grammed last month during confer-
ences between OWI Domestic Direc-
tor Palmer Hoyt and studio heads.
First is scheduled to go Aug. 19, the
second on Sept. 2 and perhaps a
third on Sept. 16.
Vol. 84, No. 28 Tues., Aug. 10, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. 8AHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway. New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New Yu^k
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber _ should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman. The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casil!o de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Monday, Aug. 9)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High Low Close
Am. Seat 15% 15% 15% .
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%) 14% 14 14'/2 —
Columbia iPicts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 15!/4 15!/4 15% +
East. Kodak 1581/2 155 155 —
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq 19'/8 195/s 19% —
Loew's, Inc 59y8 59 59% +
Paramount 25% 247/8 25'/8 +
RKO 8 B 8 —
RKO $6 pf J 88 88 88 —
20th Century-Fox .. 20i/2 19% 20% +
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31 1/8 31 31 —
Warner Bros 12% 12% 12% +
do pfd
89 15-32 89 15-32 89 15-32 +
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55 .78 78 78 +
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... 2% 2% 23/4 —
Radio-Keith cvs 1% 13/8 1% .
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3%
Technicolor 131/4 13 13 .
Universal Pictures . . 16 16 16 —
Universal Picts. etc.. 16 16 16
Net
Chg.
1%
Mrs. McDonald Dies
Eugene, Ore. — Mrs. Mason French
McDonald, 63, a pioneer of Lane
county, and widow of the late A.
H. McDonald, pioneer theater man,
builder of McDonald theater, died at
her home following a short illness.
She is survived by a son, Donald F.
McDonald of Eugene.
POSITIONS FILLED QUICKLY
CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITIONS SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 MADISON AVE., N. Y.— Tel. MU. 2-6494
Small, Paramount Push
Films on "Cagliostro"
Edward Small will rush into pro-
duction a film version of Alexandre
Dumas' "Cagliostro" in an effort to
beat a Paramount Pictures version
of the same story based on a book
by Johannes von Guenther, it was
announced yesterday.
Both Small and Paramount claim
film rights to the story and both
are said to be aiming for an early
1944 release. Paramount schedules
Arturo De Cordova for the star role
while Small plans to borrow either
Orson Welles or Laird Cregar for his
production.
Seattle Theater Sends
2 Million Cigs Overseas
Seattle — During the recent visit
of George White's "Scandals" at the
Music Hall Theater, collections were
taken by the girls of the show to
make possible the sending of cig-
arettes to men in the armed forces.
Frank Newman, Sr., president of
Evergreen theaters, announced that
from total collections of two the-
aters he has handed over a check
that will enable a tobacco company
to send 2,000,000 cigarettes to U. S.
forces stationed in Sicily. Evergreen
theaters also made a substantial do-
nation.
Goetz to Concentrate on
Escapist, Adventure Pix
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — His company, Interna-
tional Pictures, will concentrate on
escapist and adventure pictures, ac-
cording to William Goetz. It will
use Technicolor in its musicals.
He has fixed no minimum or maxi-
mum number of pictures. Ten prop-
erties are being considered for pro-
duction with the company favoring
pre-sold novels and plays.
"Duke" Clark Pinch-Hits
for Goldstein in Cleve.
Cleveland— M. R. "Duke" Clark is
due to arrive here from the Coast
the end of this month to assume
the duties of Paramount district
manager pro tem, while Harry H.
Goldstein seeks to regain his health
in California.
Chi. Paper Publishing
11 Hollywood Articles
Chicago — Lou Shaimark, Herald-
American managing editor, says the
paper will publish 11 Hollywood
articles by Ann Marsters, its film
editor, depicting Hollywood's combat
record, morale factors, Bond-selling
records, treating Hollywood as a
public-spirited community. The first
article appeared yesterday.
DAILY
Tuesday, August 10, 1943
"So Proudly" Bookings
Set for Paramount Week
Bookings of "So Proudly We
Hail," designated as the release for
the Silver Jubilee celebration of the
annual "Paramount Week," will
blanket the nation, Neil Agnew,
Paramount general sales manager,
announced yesterday. The 25th an-
niversary of Paramount Week will
be observed Sept. 5 to 11.
With more than one hundred of
the nation's leading theaters al-
ready lined up, bookings on the pic-
ture during the week are certain to
reach absolute print capacity, Ag-
new stated.
"So Proudly We Hail" will have its
world premiere at the Radio City
Music Hall in New York when the
run of the current picture termin-
ates, probably Aug. 26.
Among' the more important theaters that
will show "So Proudly We Hail" during
Paramount Week are: Chicago Theater, Chi-
cago; Palace, Milwaukee: State, Minneapo-
lis :Paramount, St. Paul; Norshor, Duluth;
Newman, Kansas City; Pox, St. Louis: Des
Moines and Roosevelt, Des Moines: Denham,
Denver: Centre, Salt Lake City; Paramount,
Los Angeles; Paramount. Hollywood; Para-
mount, Omaha: Palace, Dallas; Worth, Ft.
Worth; Majestic, Houston; Majestic, San
Antonio; Malco, Memphis: Capitol, Little
Rock; Paramount, San Francisco; Aldine,
Philadelphia; Strand, Providence: Fox, At-
lanta; Alabama, Birmingham; Paramount,
Nashville: Imperial, Asheville; Great Lakes,
Buffalo: Rex, Wheeling; Sanger, New Or-
leans; Tennessee, Knoxville; Metropolitan,
Boston: Capitol, Worcester; Paramount,
Springfield: Paramount, New Haven; Allyn,
Hartford; Paramount, Newark; Keith, Balti-
more; Indiana, Indianapolis; Rialto, Louis-
ville.
NEIC Group to Present
Its Services Tomorrow
A special committee of the Na-
tional Entertainment Industry Coun-
cil tomorrow will call on Theodore
R. Gamble of the Treasury Depart-
ment to place at his disposal all the
resources of the NEIC.
Pledges have been prepared to be
filled out by talent who will enlist
in the "army of entertainment."
Sherman Registers "Utah"
Harry Sherman has registered the
title, "Utah," as the name of a spe-
cial Western extravaganza scheduled
to be his first Technicolor production
for United Artists.
Mooney Adds 10 Houses
To Co-operative Group
Cleveland — Milton A. Mooney has
extended his Co-operative buying and
booking service within the past week
to three local circuits covering ten
theaters. Thev are Jack Shulman
and Abe Schwartz' Lake and Park
Theaters, Painesville; Lyric, Fair-
port Harbor, and Lexington, Cleve-
land; the Yale, Norwood, and Eclair,
Cleveland, owned by S. Vermes and
Sons, and the Mt. Pleasant, Milo,
and Waldorf, operated by Charles
Gottlob and Sam Fain.
Tack Moss Joins Columbia
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Jack Moss has joined
Columbia as a producer. Prior to
this, Moss was business manager and
associate producer for Orson Welles'
Mercury Theater productions, and
also played the role of the killer in
"Journey Into Fear." For a number
of years, he was Gary Cooper's busi-
ness manager.
COMinG and GOIflG
EDMUND COULDINC is here from the Coast
on vacation.
RICHARD F. WALSH, IATSE head, returned
from the Middle West yesterday.
JOSEPH H. HAZEN, Warner Bros, vice-presi-
dent, left last night for the Coast.
JULES LAPIDUS, Eastern division sales n/TlfejL
ger tor Warner Bros., returned yesterdayl^ 1 §j
an up-state and New England tour. '•Br 'W
PHIL REISMAN,
in charge of foreign
plane for Mexico Ci
ARTHUR WILLI,
RKO Radio, leaves
the stock companies
J. C. OSSERMAN,
ger for RKO Radio,
quarters in Chicago
Home Office.
RKO Radio's vice-president
distribution, left Sunday by
ty.
Eastern talent scout for
today for a swing around
in the New England cities.
Midwestern district mana-
left Sunday for his head-
after a brief visit to the
Local 702, Consolidated
Adjust Pay Differences
Motion Picture Laboratory Tech-
nicians Union, Local 702, IATSE,
and the Consolidated Film Indus-
tries plant at Fort Lee, N. J., have
amicably adjusted their differences
by agreeing on adjustments in their
present contract which will bring
wage benefits to certain workers at
the laboratory, it was learned yes-
terday.
The changes in the contract, which
expires on March 10, 1945, provide
for bonus for afternoon and night
shifts, some increases for those op-
erating certain types of printing ap-
paratus and a new classification for
developers. Negotiations had been
under way for several weeks. The
changes have been unanimously ap-
proved by the membership, it is un-
derstood.
Local 702 yesterday had won ap-
proval from the War Labor Board of
contracts with seven laboratories
containing provisions for wage in-
creases to help meet the higher cost
of living. The labs involved are
Paramount News, the Pathe plants
in New York and in Bound Brook,
N. J., Ace, Film Service, Mercury
and Producers. The increases called
for average 10 per cent.
Approval of the contracts also
gives workers at the seven labs the
benefit of added compensation for
night work and two weeks' vaca-
tions with pay.
The advantages obtained by Local
702 for its members were the result
of negotiations started last March
when old contracts began to expire.
All contracts with the seven labora-
tories expire on March 10, 1945.
The WLB's action washes up all
702 negotiations with Eastern labs
with the exception of a few minor
ones.
"Best Foot" Scores
M-G-M's "Best Foot Forward," in •
the sixth week of its world premiere
engagement at the Astor Theater,
N. Y., topped figures for the fifth
stanza. The new Technicolor mus-
ical today enters its seventh week
at the house.
/
*
W WOK WHAT WE DID ;
at tins time
on Broadway
"two houses
Kave cracked
all-time Yecords,
witk
wKose attractions^
f#
a*ti»etf-Y.STKAm>
\>e
3cj
©ex
Jack L.Wamer, Executive Producer
m
wu
DAILY
Tuesday, August 10, 1943
Allied Offers Decree
Changes io Tom Clark
(Continued from Page 1)
circuit discrimination and cost of
arbitration.
Clark indicated in Washington that
he would study the proposals. The
committee apparently did not submit
any proposal for a sales plan, pat-
terned on the UMPI selling formula.
Such a plan will not be presented, if
at all, until the board studies the
matter further at its Baltimore meet-
ing tomorrow and Thursday.
Meanwhile, distributor sources in
New York were of the opinion that
the Department of Justice might
look with favor on some of the points
in the UMPI sales plan, which was
rejected by Thurman Arnold last
year. Allied has indicated that it
may revive the UMPI provision and
submit them to the D of J.
Seven Television Stations
To Be Built on West Coast
San Francisco — Seven new tele-
vision stations will be built on the
West Coast in the post-war period,
it was stated yesterday by William
M. Borland, manager of General
Electric's western region electronics
department, in an address at the
meeting of Advertising Clubs here.
The plans, Borland stated, include
three transmissions for the San
Francisco area and four for the Los
Angeles territory. Licenses have
been issued by the FCC for the Coast
outlets but the war has delayed their
construction.
"Rising Sun" Shatters
House Record in Boston
Boston— RKO's "Behind the Rising
Sun," which opened at the Keith
Memorial Tuesday has set a new
first day house record, according to
the management. The picture, hav-
ing, its multi-city premiere here,
Was, given a campaign which includ-
ed radio spots, added newspaper cov-
erage and novel ballyhoo effects and
business is continuing at capacity
Bernard Sobel Joins Stromberg
Bernard Sobel has been appointed
special production assistant and
press representative for Hunt
Stromberg Productions in New York,
Stromberg announced yesterday.
Joseph R. Fleisler Norma Shearer
W. Scott Andrus Walter Lang
Harry Bernstein
Triumph In Showmanship:
• • • WITHOUT violating the war-time ban on weather informa-
tion, it can be said with exactness that a tornado, of genus "promotion,"
will reach a climax in the Pacific Northwest today, as RKO Radio un-
leashes its area premiere of "Behind the Rising Sun" in 47 theaters
there In connection with this multi-faceted event, which will have
its counterpart in other sectors of the U. S. soon, let's take a glance
at what happened last week in New England, and upper New York
State, — specifically in the Boston, New Haven, Albany, and Buffalo ex-
change areas — .when RKO Radio mass-premiered "Behind the Rising
Sun" in 79 first-run theaters in 79 cities, and smashed into small pieces
the sensational records of "Hitler's Children" in all instances, plus all-
time records of the outlets in a great many instances Exhibitors
in every section of the land MUST, if they deserve the 'showman" ap-
pellation, make note of what is said herewith
V V V
• • • SHOWMANSHIP still is the vital force in our industry
RKO Radio, via the spectacular campaign conceived and gen-
eraled by S. Barret McCormick, has vividly re-enunciated this prin-
ciple, and has done so in deeds The company, in the New England
and upper New York promotional drive (and in the Pacific Northwest
and yet-to-come sectional campaigns) harnessed the four greatest stars
in filmdom in order to turn public attention to "Behind the Rising
Sun,"— and exhib. attention, too Those stars are (1) Exploitation
(in this case of the glittering RKO Radio type); (2) Radio; (3) News-
papers, and (4) Billboards The New England premiere was under
the sponsorship of the Yankee Network, to which some 20 New York
State stations were joined in tremendous air coverage in advance of
the film's mass-bow Newspaper ads were very extensive, and
billboards clarioned the film all the way from the Canadian border
to Connecticut and Rhode Island's south shores, and from the eastern
coastline of New England to the Great Lakes Standout in the
pic's general exploitation were the radio broadcasts of James Young,
plus the rousing interviews he gave to the press, his talks to workers
at key war plants, addresses before civic groups and organizations, AND,
—the tremendous three-hour show, "Smokes for Buddies," staged in the
huge Boston Garden under the auspices of three Hearst newspapers,—
the Record, American, and Advertiser Nor the big feature of the
show, participated in by scores of luminaries of stage, screen, radio,
and the night club realm, and witnessed by 18,000 people, some 5,000
of whom were service men and women, was the battle between the
former world champ heavyweight, Jim Braddock, and Charley Strack,
champ wrestler, which re-enacted the spine-chilling fight in"Behind the
Rising Sun" Bout went over the air via a huge hookup, and was
refereed by Jack Sharkey Present, and also addressing the crowd,
were Mrs. James Cox, widow of Renter's Far East correspondent who
was murdered by the Japs; Gwen Dew, newspaper woman held by the
Japs in Hong Kong; and Col. Carlos Romulo, the last man off Bataan.
T ▼ T
• • • PROMOTIONAL Generalissimo Barret McCormick reaches
a new zenith in his pix career via the campaign's engineering
Plenty of credit also goes to Terry Turner and his lads, — Bob Hickey,
Harry Reiners, Don Prince and Ralph Banghart — , and protracted ap-
plause to RKO Radio's h.o. boys and the ad dept., — Ben Grimm, Carl
Rigrod, Dave Strumpf, et al "Behind the Rising Sun" is gold of
the day, — gold for every outlet playing it
V V V
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! ! !
Ex-Soldiers to Aid
In Vandalism Curb
(Continued from Page 1)
quarters of a newly created "Law
and Order League," conceived two
weeks ago in the wake of the suc-
cess of a law and order rally hel<
at the Broad Theater, here, the
in a series of six to be held
each Saturday through the next five
weeks in five different downtown
theaters.
Soliciting their aid, the veterans
are being asked to help enroll the
greatest number of youths under 16
to attend these rallies and to help
encourage them to take free mem-
bership in any or all of several boys'
group organizations being offered at
the rallies. There is a choice be-
tween the Boy Scouts, Robert Treat
Cadets, Robert Treat Council, New-
ark Boys' Club, Red Shield Boys'
Club and the boys' department of
the Newark YMCA.
First of these rallies attracted 400
boys. The second, held last Sat-
urday at the Rialto, brought out
close to 600. The third, to be held
at the Treat Theater, with the aid
of the veterans is expected to bring
out close to 1,000. .Sponsoring or-
ganizations are Newark Post 10,
American Legion, Camp 18, Sons of
Union Veterans and United Coun-
cils, Jr. O.U.A.M. Besides the spon-
soring groups, the league has been
promised the wholehearted support
of the local police, theater managers
and other organized groups. Fea-
tures at each rally are the presen-
tation of colors and the flag salute.
I
Name Arbitrators for 4
Buffalo Clearance Cases
WEDDING BELLS
London — Anna Neagle and Her-
bert Wilcox were married here over
the week-end.
Buffalo — Arbitrators have been
designated and first hearings set in
four clearance cases. They are:
Former Congressman J. Francis
Harter, August 16; Kallet's State at
Fulton vs. Schine circuit, Loew's,
20th -Fox, RKO and Vitagraph;
Sehine's Strand, Capitol and Oswego,
all at Oswego, named as interested
parties.
Louis B. Dorr, Sept. 14; Basil's
Varsity, Buffalo, vs. "Big Five."
Nathan Rovner, Aug. 9; Basil's
Genesee, Buffalo, vs. "Big Five."
William E. Barrett, Aug. 19; Bas-
il's La Salle, Niagara Falls, vs. "Big
Five."
First hearing has been postponed
to Sept. 15 before George W. Wana-
maker of the clearance case of Menno
H. Dykstra's Glen, Williamsville,
against the "Big Five."
THE NEWS!
First 6 days at Keith's Memorial,
Boston, indicates biggest picture
week in history of house . . .
All 79 New England and New York
State theatres opening over past
week report business super-sensa-
tional to new highs ...
47 cities in Northwest from Cali-
fornia to Canada ready for Box-
office tidal wave as another gigantic
area premiere hits climax this week!
**** THEjfil *****
w
DAILY
Tuesday, August 10, 194
Theaters Collected
$3,067,236 for R. C.
(Continued from Page 1)
the all-time high of $4,122,008.27.
In addition to audience collections,
sums contributing to the grand to-
tal were $415,000 from Hollywood
individual contributions; $331,910
from motion picture corporate con-
tributions; $240,642 from the huge
Red Cross show held at Madison
Square Garden under sponsorship of
the motion picture industry; and
$67,220.02, an incomplete report,
representing other individual gifts
from industry personnel.
Preparation through February and
March led up to the campaign, which
was conducted during the first week
in April. This effort differed from
all previous drives held in the mo-
tion picture industry in that the
money was not sent to a central fund
but was paid in by the local exhibi-
tors to the local Red Cross chapter
in each instance, except in several
metropolitan areas where the pro-
ceeds were assembled and the re-
distributed.
Record Commitment
A total of 13,136 theaters were
pledged to participate in the week's
drive, which was a record commit-
ment. Due to the local handling of
the funds collected a vast amount
of time-consuming work was en-
tailed on the part of the 35 terri-
torial chairmen in the compilation of
the final reports.
The result was achieved despite
the fact that hundreds of theaters
which had pledged participation re-
frained from audience collections at
the request of local Red Cross chap-
ters in areas which had already ex-
ceeded their quotas in the general
Red Cross Month which was con-
ducted nationally during March. The
motion picture industry drive came
immediately as the closing feature of
the general Red Cross War Fund
Campaign.
In connection with the report,
Balaban made the following state-
ment:
"In announcing the final results
of Red Cross Week held in April,
I want to express my appreciation
for the untiring efforts of theater
and exchange division chairmen
throughout the field in the difficult
task of accumulating the informa-
tion which makes this report pos-
sible."
Exchange Reports
The total of $3,067,236.25 in audi-
ence collections was made up of
sums reported by the various ex-
change areas, listed by exchange
centers as follows:
Albany, $36,735.99; Atlanta, $168,-
000; Boston, $156,901.69; Buffalo,
$60,122.36; Charlotte, $93,273.01;
Chicago, $189,128.79; Cincinnati,
$78,753.22; Cleveland, $98,771.31;
Dallas, $167,086; Denver, $37,501.38;
Des Moines, $41,764.59; Detroit,
$139,484.35; Indianapolis, $80,000;
Kansas City, $57,390.65; Los An-
Prefer Cash to Pix?
Halifax, N. S. — Merchant seamen,
nearly all non-English speaking, are
selling tickets which have been given
them for the weekly Sunday after-
noon show at the Capitol. They stand
outside the 1,940-seat house and
hawk the ducats to passersby. The
Capitol has been donated and so have
the films for these shows.
WMC's New Critical
List Out Sunday
(Continued from Page 1)
footage carrying the "most impor-
tant announcement from WMC since
the essential lists were released."
An informal press conference with
high WMC officials will be held
Thursday, in order to give the press
plenty of time for the story. It is
believed that some further announce-
ment regarding the father draft will
also be made.
Ten New Pictures Start
This Week at Studios
(Continued from Page 1)
"The Voodoo Man" starring Bela Lugosi.
At Paramount: Seven shooting, including
"Going My Way," musical starring Bing
Crosby with Leo MeCarey producing and
directing.
At PRC: Three shooting.
At KKO-Radio: Six shooting, including
"Tender Comrade," starring Ginger Rogers,
with Robert Ryan in the male lead, aria
Katina Paxinou in an important role. David
Hempstead producing and Edward Dymtryk
directing; and, "The Ghost Ship," mystery
drama, with Richard Dix, Edith Barrett
and Russel Wade. Val Lewton producing
and Mark Robson directing.
Samuel Goldwyn: One shooting.
At Republic: Three shooting, including
"The Mystery Broadcast," with Nils Asther,
Frank Albertson, Ruth Terry, Alice Field-
ing, Mary Treen, Emmett Vogan, Addison
Richards and Wynne Gibson. George Sher-
man producing and directing.
At 20th Century-Fox: Five shooting, in-
cluding "Lifeboat," drama, with Tallulah
Bankhead, John Hodiak, Walter Slezak,
Canada Lee, Henry Hull, Hume Cronyn,
Heather Angel, Mary Anderson and Murray
Alper. Alfred Hitchcock directing for pro-
ducer Kenneth Macgowan, and, "The Lodger,"
drama, with Merle Oberon, George Sanders,
Laird Cregar, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Sara
Allgood and Aubrey Mather. John Brahm
directing for producer Robert Bassler.
At United Artists: Gregor Rabinovitch
shooting one; Samuel Bronson, one; arid
Harry Sherman one.
At Universal: Six shooting, including the
Walter Wanger production, "Gung Ho,"
drama, with Noah Beery, Jr., David Bruce
Sam Levine, J. Carrol Naish, Richard Lane
Dan Duryea, Milburn Stone and Peter Coe
Ray Enright directing; and, "Gunflghter,"
western with Tex Ritter and Fuzzy Knight.
Oliver Drake producing and Elmer Cliffon
directing.
At Warners: Six shooting.
geles, $169,499.89; Memphis, $48,-
000; Milwakee, $53,534.41; Minneap-
olis, $102,888.83; New Haven, $61,-
184.17; New Orleans, $94,958.60;
New York, $390,432.52; Oklahoma
City, $22,897.76; Omaha, $28,317.08;
Philadelphia, $180,885.01; Pittsburgh,
$80,277.89; Portland, $41,233.58; St.
Louis, $34,816.91; Salt Lake City,
$43,309.50; San Francisco, $150,236;
Seattle, $47,507.30; Washington, D.
C, $112,343.46.
Cal. Industry in Drive
For Servicemen Housing
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A mobilized motion
picture industry, comprising exhibi-
tors, producers of Hollywood and dis-
tributors of California, yesterday
fired the opening gun in a campaign
to raise at least $350,000 to help
relieve the shortage of proper hous-
ing facilities for servicemen on
leave.
Through state surveys, it has
been shown that thousands of sol-
diers, sailors and marines are forced
to sleep on benches, in alley-ways,
in parks and theaters on leave in
nearly every city and town in the
state. The film industry does not
consider this a good example of
California hospitality and has taken
the lead in obtaining relief.
The industry has created what will
be known as the Servicemen's Over-
night Housing Fund, to be organ-
ized by two separate committees, one
ia Northern California, the other
in the Southland. The latter drive
was outlined yesterday at a lun-
cheon meeting at Perino's to be at-
tended by 125 representatives of the
film groups, the state, the Army and
the Navy. The goal in the southern
division will be $200,000.
Northern California is to launch
its campaign at a noon meeting to-
morrow in San Francisco. According
to Northern chairman, George Mann,
they hope to raise $150,000 there.
Hollywood will be represented by
Laraine Day, Leo Carrillo, Preston
Foster and Ruth Hussey, from the
Hollywood Victory Committee.
The simultaneous North and South
drive will start Sept. 1 and will be
in the form of collections in the-
aters and whatever subscriptions
companies and the public will do-
nate.
Second Week of "Army'
Runs Close to the First
Week-end business at the Holly-
wood Theater, Broadway, indicates
that the second week gross of Irving
Berlin's "This is the Army," will run
close to the all-time record first week
total of approximately $51,000.
Playing to capacity daily, the 1,475
seat house did close to $30,000 in
the first four days of the second
week, compared with $31,000 the
previous week-end.
House will continue giving eight
performances daily, with a ninth on
Saturdays, till further notice.
New Unit Show Deal
Al Dezel has completed a deal
with Herb Elisburg of the Studio
Theater, Chicago, to open shortly
with the unit show consisting of
"Art of Love," "Bedroom Diplo-
mat" and short subject entitled
"Birth of Life." This program re-
cently finished a three-week engage-
ment at the LaSalle Theater, which
is said to have broken house records
at the increased admission prices of
75 cents.
M-G-M's Next Block
To Have 12 Pictures
(Continued from Page 1)
said that "offering to our custon
ers 12 instead of 10 is in line wit
our policy to release as many pic
tures as possible at one time." H
said the company was glad to bf V
to accede to the wishes of exlai\^J-
who have indicated their desire t
buy as many as possible at one time
"While 'Whistling in Brooklyn
which is included in the list, is no
yet finished," Rodgers said, "we hav
assurances that prints will be avail
able for tradeshowing by the middl
of September. Therefore, earlie
sales will be restricted to 11 inas
much as we shall not offer for sal
any pictures not tradeshown, and b:
the time the bulk of our selling i:
under way, 'Whistling in Brooklyn
will have been completed and trade
shown, affording us an opportunity
to offer the majority of our custom
ers a group of 12."
The 10 previously announced in,
elude "Above Suspicion," "Best Foo
Forward," "Dr. Gillespie's Crimina
Case," "Girl Grazy, "Lassie Come
Home,' "Salute to the Marines,'1
"Swing Shift Maisie," "Tartu,'
"Whistling in Brooklyn' and "Young
Ideas."
Chi. Newspapers Retain
Their Amusement Space
(Continued from Page 1)
not curtailed their amusement pages
The Chicago Daily News, in fact
has increased its space by adding
two pages of Hollywood featured
every day except Saturday when a'
spread is used in its roto section
instead.
The Chicago Times has added a
Saturday issue, giving the theaters
and amusement news seven-day cov-
erage. Evening newspapers con-
tinue to print the starting times of
Loop theaters. Hearst's Herald
American goes in for special tie-
ups on film attractions.
"Bella Donna" for Small
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Edward Small will
produce "Bella Donna," a romantic
mystery drama with an Egyptian
basckground, from the story by Rob-
ert Hichens, and it will star Marlene
Dietrich. "Bella Donna" was first
produced as a play in 1901, and as
a motion picture in 1935, which was
made in England. United Artists
will release.
BACK IN CIVVIES
Honorably Discharged
HAROLD CREENBERGER, son of Henry Green-
berger of the Community Circuit, Cleve-
land, from the Army.
JOSEPH FREEMAN, from the Army, to city man-
ager, Warner Theaters, Johnstown, Pa.
Tuesday, August 10, 1943
W
DAILY
leclronics Should
lot Worry— Conrow
(Continued from Page 1)
Jer which contains the Conrow text,
jijhe Altec chief asserts that "the
I'rowing importance of electronics
[r3 a science is receiving widespread
irtjfcffi&jon, particularly as it affects
I h^Jjjpst-war world," and adds, —
jj.tfit motion picture industry will
A eep abreast of the technological de-
,i elopments in the electronic field."
.'.' He declares in the folder's text
-.hat, in order to see where things
•,re going, it's good sense to see
Inhere things are now. "Even under
;,he handicaps of all war-time restric-
tions and stringencies, when exhibi-
tors are doing an inconceivably fine
ijob of showmanship, — call it na-
tional morale-building if you like — ,
,]',nost of the exhibitors in the country
,"iave shown that they can take the
ransition from peace-time to war-
line in their stride. I don't think
my other industry can be found
pith as shining a record in this re-
ject," Conrow states.
r
Common Sense Prevails
fo "Now, if that is so," Altec's presi-
dent points out, "the same funda-
mental common sense in the conduct
«f his business is going to go on
perating when an exhibitor has to
hange back from war-time to peace-
ime conditions. He is not going to
ie floored by the change; he is not
foing to be at a loss to know what
o do."
Conrow says that radar, which
;ias been doing a magnificent job
ivith our armed forces, isn't the in-
dention of any single company, nor
f^ven of a single scientist, but that
;nany of the latter have contributed
jo making it what it is, as well as
nany scientists, including those of
Altec Lansing and Altec Service.
±i Word Criticized
j; Conrow criticized the use of the
\ :/ord "electronics" by certain manu-
facturers as though it were some-
thing belonging exclusively to them.
Ie flatly states that when the war
3 over nobody is coming around the
lorning after at nine o'clock and pull
ny strange rabbits out of the hat.
In conclusion, Conrow declared
hat a good many exhibitors are
>retty well convinced that Altec Ser-
ice, and Altec Lansing, its subsid-
ary, will be in just about as good a
• osition, considering the war work
:. is now doing, as anybody to bring
'xhibitors a clear and realistic pic-
ure of what they will need in the
'■ ost-war world.
lidnight Shows Click
Springfield, Mass. — The experi-
lental midnight show at the Court
quare theater Friday nights for
rar workers has proven a big suc-
3ss, District Manager Edward Har-
ison of the E. M. Loew's circuit, re-
orts. He said the show was espe-
ally popular with war workers on
ie 3 to 11 p.m. shift and that the
ouse had been packed each week,
ith a heavy advance sale of tickets.
Oli, So You Think You
Have Your Troubles?
Baltimore — On the hottest day of
the year, according to official figure,
Jack Carter, manager of the News-
reel Theater here, had enough, in
addition to the weather, to make him
"hot," all in one evening. The thea-
ter cashier failed to report for duty;
a helper who changes the marquee
stayed off; and when Carter finished
pinch-hitting for both of those jobs;
the chandelier in the theater's outer
lobby suddenly crashed to the con-
crete floor. Fortunately no one was
injured.
Para. Launching Contest
For "Proudly" Campaigns
(Continued from Page 1)
which will have wide showings
throughout the country during Para-
mount Week, Sept. 5 to 11.
The picture offers unparalleled
possibilities for showmanship cam-
paigns, Agnew declared, dealing as
it does with the woman's side of the
war.
Six prizes will be awarded. First
prize is a $500 War Bond. Second
prize is $350 in Bonds and third is
$250 in Bonds. Fourth, fifth and
sixth prizes are $150, $100 and $50
in bonds, respectively.
This managers' contest will be
unique in that awards will be made
on the basis of the gross earned on
the picture, compared with the gross
on comparable Paramount pictures
that the house has already played.
Therefore, Agnew pointed out, every
manager who plays the picture has
a chance to win one of the prizes.
The rules are simple. Every the-
ater that plays "So Proudly We
Hail" not later than Oct. 30, 1943,
may enter.
Every theater entering the con-
test must present a complete lineup
of the selling campaign, including
publicity, exploitation, advertising,
stunts, tie-ups, direct mail, etc.
These campaigns must be sent to
the Paramount district office first.
The Paramount district office will
go over them from the showman-
ship angle, and check the gross of
the engagement against the pictures
that will be set up as a yardstick.
The three winning campaigns in
a district will then be sent to the
Paramount home office in New York
for final judging and to pick the six
national winners.
The district judges will be made
up of the Paramount district man-
ager, a local theater operator and
Paramount's field representative.
The Home Office judges will com-
prise executives of the Paramount
distribution and theater depart-
ments, and trade paper journalists.
Campaigns must be submitted to
the Paramount district office no later
than Nov. 30, 1943.
The decision of the judges will be
final.
Critic Perrigo Joins Warners
Chicago — Lucien Perrigo, former
Herald-American film editor, joins
Warners publicity staff.
CFI Three Months' Net
Increases to $245,704
(Continued from Page 1)
and surtax amounts to $177,924.03
or a net, after taxes, of $245,704.61,
which compares with a net profit for
1942 of $118,866.53.
Per share earnings for the second
quarter of 1943 are equivalent to
50 cents on 400,000 shares of pre-
ferred stock outstanding and eight
cents on 524,973 shares of common
stock outstanding and compares with
30 cents per share earned on the
preferred in the same quarter of
1942. The foregoing earnings are
subject to the renegotiation provis-
ions of the National Defense Ap-
propriation Act."
Chicago Outing
Chicago — At a meeting of the
Variety Club last week plans were
made for a "Day in the Country" at
which all members of Chicago's
amusement industry will get to-
gether for a good time. The meeting
was in the office of John Balaban
with Johnny Jones presiding. It will
be the club's first outing of the new
season. There'll be a golf tourna-
ment and many other forms of
amusement. Time and place for the
big play-day will be announced for
some day in August.
Theater Attendance
Up 25% — Kingsberg
(Continued from Page 1)
over the future situation of the
company in that city.
Reports are that owners of the
theater building in St. Paul have
refused to renew the firm's present
lease, which expires Dec. 31, and that
RKO has taken a lease on another
house for first-run showing of its
product.
Cleve. Nabes Recruit War
Workers Via Minute Men
(Continued from Page 1)
the first in that speakers were wo-
men taken directly from their ma-
chines dressed in overalls instead of
plant officials as were the first speak-
ers. WMC officials signed up appli-
cants in the theater lobbies, and the
final count was 37 new recruits —
almost all women.
Miss Cynthia Ware, publicity di-
rector of the local WMC office, ex-
pressed satisfaction with the result
of employment procurement at the-
aters. She said that the 77 per-
sons recruited via the theaters would
probably not otherwise have re-
sponded to the call for workers.
V&»f—
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF THE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
in
'SONG OF
TEXAS'
A \
REPUBLIC
BOOK
ED BY THE
/tetode*
FIRST RM
.
v*&
Tuesday, August 10, 1943
Theaters Collected
$3,067,236 for R. C.
(.Continued from Page 1)
the all-time high of $4,122,008.27.
In addition to audience collections,
sums contributing to the grand to-
tal were $415,000 from Hollywood
individual contributions; $331,910
from motion picture corporate con-
tributions; $240,642 from the huge
Red Cross show held at Madison
Square Garden under sponsorship of
the motion picture industry; and
$67,220.02, an incomplete report,
representing other individual gifts
from industry personnel.
Preparation through February and
March led up to the campaign, which
was conducted during the first week
in April. This effort differed from
all previous drives held in the mo-
tion picture industry in that the
money was not sent to a central fund
but was paid in by the local exhibi-
tors to the local Red Cross chapter
in each instance, except in several
metropolitan areas where the pro-
ceeds were assembled and the re-
distributed.
Record Commitment
A total of 13,136 theaters were
pledged to participate in the week's
drive, which was a record commit-
ment. Due to the local handling of
the funds collected a vast amount
of time-consuming work was en-
tailed on the part of the 35 terri-
torial chairmen in the compilation of
the final reports.
The result was achieved despite
the fact that hundreds of theaters
which had pledged participation re-
frained from audience collections at
the request of local Red Cross chap-
ters in areas which had already ex-
ceeded their quotas in the general
Red Cross Month which was con-
ducted nationally during March. The
motion picture industry drive came
immediately as the closing feature of
the general Red Cross War Fund
Campaign.
In connection with the report,
Balaban made the following state-
ment:
"In announcing the final results
of Red Cross Week held in April,
I want to express my appreciation
for the untiring efforts of theater
and exchange division chairmen
throughout the field in the difficult
task of accumulating the informa-
tion which makes this report pos-
sible."
Exchange Reports
The total of $3,067,236.25 in audi-
ence collections was made up of
sums reported by the various ex-
change areas, listed by exchange
centers as follows:
Albany, $36,735.99; Atlanta, $168,-
000; Boston, $156,901.69; Buffalo,
$60,122.36; Charlotte, $93,273.01;
Chicago, $189,128.79; Cincinnati,
$78,753.22; Cleveland, $98,771.31;
Dallas, $167,086; Denver, $37,501.38;
Des Moines, $41,764.59; Detroit,
$139,484.35; Indianapolis, $80,000;
Kansas City, $57,390.65; Los An-
Prefer Cash to Pix?
Halifax, N. S. — Merchant seamen,
nearly all non-English speaking, are
selling tickets which have been given
them for the weekly Sunday after-
noon show at the Capitol. They stand
outside the 1,940-seat house and
hawk the ducats to passersby. The
Capitol has been donated and so have
the films for these shows.
WMC's New Critical
List Out Sunday
(Continued from Page 1)
footage carrying the "most impor-
tant announcement from WMC since
the essential lists were released."
An informal press conference with
high WMC officials will be held
Thursday, in order to give the press
plenty of time for the story. It is
believed that some further announce-
ment regarding the father draft will
also be made.
Ten New Pictures Start
This Week at Studios
(Continued from Page 1)
"The Voodoo Man" starring1 Bela Lug'osi.
At Paramount: Seven shooting-, including
"Going My Way," musical starring Bing
Crosby with Leo McCarey producing: and
directing.
At PRC: Three shooting.
At RKO-Badio: Six shooting, including
"Tender Comrade," starring Ginger Rogers,
with Robert Ryan in the male lead, aria
Katina Paxinou in an important role. David
Hempstead producing and Edward Dymtryk
directing; and, "The Ghost Ship," mystery
drama, with Richard Dix, Edith Barrett
and Russel Wade. Val Lewton producing
and Mark Robson directing.
Samuel Goldwyn: One shooting.
At Republic: Three shooting, including
"The Mystery Broadcast," with Nils Asther,
Prank Albertson, Ruth Terry, Alice Field-
ing, Mary Treen, Emmett Vogan, Addison
Richards and Wynne Gibson. George Sher-
man producing and directing'.
At 20th Century-Fox: Five shooting, in-
cluding "Lifeboat," drama, with Tallulah
Bankhead, John Hodiak, Walter Slezak,
Canada Lee, Henry Hull, Hume Cronyn,
Heather Angel, Mary Anderson and Murray
Alper. Alfred Hitchcock directing for pro-
ducer Kenneth Macgowan, and, "The Lodger,"
drama, with Merle Oberon, George Sanders,
Laird Cregar, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Sara
Allgood and Aubrey Mather. John Brahm
directing for producer Robert Bassler.
At United Artists: Gregor Rabinovitch
shooting one; Samuel Bronson, one; and
Harry Sherman one.
At Universal: Six shooting, including the
Walter Wanger production, "Gung Ho,"
drama, with Noah Beery, Jr., David Bruce
Sam Levine, J. Carrol Naish, Richard Lane
Dan Duryea, Milburn Stone and Peter Coe
Ray Enright directing; and, "Gunfighter,"
western with Tex Ritter and Fuzzy Knight.
Oliver Drake producing and Elmer Cliffon
directing.
At Warners: Six shooting.
geles, $169,499.89; Memphis, $48,-
000; Milwakee, $53,534.41; Minneap-
olis, $102,888.83; New Haven, $61,-
184.17; New Orleans, $94,958.60;
New York, $390,432.52; Oklahoma
City, $22,897.76; Omaha, $28,317.08;
Philadelphia, $180,885.01; Pittsburgh,
$80,277.89; Portland, $41,233.58; St.
Louis, $34,816.91; Salt Lake City,
$43,309.50; San Francisco, $150,236;
Seattle, $47,507.30; Washington, D.
C, $112,343.46.
Cal. Industry in Drive
For Servicemen Housing
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A mobilized motion
picture industry, comprising exhibi-
tors, producers of Hollywood and dis-
tributors of California, yesterday
fired the opening gun in a campaign
to raise at least $350,000 to help
relieve the shortage of proper hous-
ing facilities for servicemen on
leave.
Through state surveys, it has
been shown that thousands of sol-
diers, sailors and marines are forced
to sleep on benches, in alley-ways,
in parks and theaters on leave in
nearly every city and town in the
state. The film industry does not
consider this a good example of
California hospitality and has taken
the lead in obtaining relief.
The industry has created what will
be known as the Servicemen's Over-
night Housing Fund, to be organ-
ized by two separate committees, one
in Northern California, the other
in the Southland. The latter drive
was outlined yesterday at a lun-
cheon meeting at Perino's to be at-
tended by 125 representatives of the
film groups, the state, the Army and
the Navy. The goal in the southern
division will be $200,000.
Northern California is to launch
its campaign at a noon meeting to-
morrow in San Francisco. According
to Northern chairman, George Mann,
they hope to raise $150,000 there.
Hollywood will be represented by
Laraine Day, Leo Carrillo, Preston
Foster and Ruth Hussey, from the
Hollywood Victory Committee.
The simultaneous North and South
drive will start Sept. 1 and will be
in the form of collections in the-
aters and whatever subscriptions
companies and the public will do-
nate.
Second Week of "Army'
Runs Close to the First
Week-end business at the Holly-
wood Theater, Broadway, indicates
that the second week gross of Irving
Berlin's "This is the Army," will run
close to the all-time record first week
total of approximately $51,000.
Playing to capacity daily, the 1,475
seat house did close to $30,000 in
the first four days of the second
week, compared with $31,000 the
previous week-end.
House will continue giving eight
performances daily, with a ninth on
Saturdays, till further notice.
New Unit Show Deal
Al Dezel has completed a deal
with Herb Elisburg of the Studio
Theater, Chicago, to open shortly
with the unit show consisting of
"Art of Love," "Bedroom Diplo-
mat" and short subject entitled
"Birth of Life." This program re-
cently finished a three-week engage-
ment at the LaSalle Theater, which
is said to have broken house records
at the increased admission prices of
75 cents.
M-G-M's Next Block
To Have 12 Pictures
(Continued from Page 1)
said that "offering to our custom-
ers 12 instead of 10 is in line with
our policy to release as many pic-
tures as possible at one time." He
said the company was glad to bf' T%e
to accede to the wishes of exhilj^/.'s
who have indicated their desire to
buy as many as possible at one time.
"While 'Whistling in Brooklyn,1
which is included in the list, is not
yet finished," Rodgers said, "we have
assurances that prints will be avail-
able for tradeshowing by the middle
of September. Therefore, earlier
sales will be restricted to 11 inas-
much as we shall not offer for sale
any pictures not tradeshown, and by
the time the bulk of our selling is
under way, 'Whistling in Brooklyn'
will have been completed and trade-
shown, affording us an opportunity
to offer the majority of our custom-
ers a group of 12."
The 10 previously announced in-
clude "Above Suspicion," "Best Foot
Forward," "Dr. Gillespie's Criminal
Case," "Girl Grazy, "Lassie Come
Home,' "Salute to the Marines,"
"Swing Shift Maisie," "Tartu,"
"Whistling in Brooklyn' and "Young
Ideas."
Chi. Newspapers Retain
Their Amusement Space
(Continued from Page 1)
not curtailed their amusement pages.
The Chicago Daily News, in fact,
has increased its space by adding
two pages of Hollywood features
every day except Saturday when a
spread is used in its roto section
instead.
The Chicago Times has added a
Saturday issue, giving the theaters
and amusement news seven-day cov-
erage. Evening newspapers con-
tinue to print the starting times of
Loop theaters. Hearst's Herald
American goes in for special tie-
ups on film attractions.
"Bella Donna" for Small
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Edward Small will
produce "Bella Donna," a romantic
mystery drama with an Egyptian
basckground, from the story by Rob-
ert Hichens, and it will star Marlene
Dietrich. "Bella Donna" was first
produced as a play in 1901, and as
a motion picture in 1935, which was
made in England. United Artists
will release.
BACK IN CIVVIES
Honorably Discharged
HAROLD CREENBERCER, son of Henry Green-
berger of the Community Circuit, Cleve-
land, from the Army.
JOSEPH FREEMAN, from the Army, to city man-
ager, Warner Theaters, Johnstown, Pa.
K
I
Tuesday, August 10, 1943
DAILY
ileclronics Should
lot Worry— Conrow
(Continued from Page 1)
ler which contains the Conrow text,
he Altec chief asserts that "the
growing importance of electronics
,to a science is receiving widespread
i|ttiec£ion, particularly as it affects
' h ^pst-war world," and adds, —
,7'thr motion picture industry will
;, >eep abreast of the technological de-
velopments in the electronic field."
% He declares in the folder's text
er;hat, in order to see where things
'ire going, it's good sense to see
f_vhere things are now. "Even under
. :he handicaps of all war-time restric-
tions and stringencies, when exhibi-
tors are doing an inconceivably fine
Job of showmanship, — call it na-
tional morale-building if you like — ,
fnost of the exhibitors in the country
:iave shown that they can take the
transition from peace-time to war-
time in their stride. I don't think
any other industry can be found
| vith as shining a record in this re-
ipect," Conrow states.
Common Sense Prevails
"Now, if that is so," Altec's presi-
lent points out, "the same funda-
nental common sense in the conduct
)f his business is going to go on
merating when an exhibitor has to
:hange back from war-time to peace-
;ime conditions. He is not going to
)e floored by the change; he is not
»oing to be at a loss to know what
;o do."
Conrow says that radar, which
aas been doing a magnificent job
with our armed forces, isn't the in-
vention of any single company, nor
,:ven of a single scientist, but that
many of the latter have contributed
Boo making it what it is, as well as
nany scientists, including those of
Altec Lansing and Altec Service.
Word Criticized
• Conrow criticized the use of the
vord "electronics" by certain manu-
facturers as though it were some-
i.hing belonging exclusively to them.
rle flatly states that when the war
s over nobody is coming around the
norning after at nine o'clock and pull
my strange rabbits out of the hat.
In conclusion, Conrow declared
hat a good many exhibitors are
>retty well convinced that Altec Ser-
vice, and Altec Lansing, its subsid-
ary, will be in just about as good a
>osition, considering the war work
t is now doing, as anybody to bring
exhibitors a clear and realistic pic-
ure of what they will need in the
>ost-war world.
Midnight Shows Click
Springfield, Mass. — The experi-
nental midnight show at the Court
Square theater Friday nights for
/ar workers has proven a big suc-
ess, District Manager Edward Har-
ison of the E. M. Loew's circuit, re-
>orts. He said the show was espe-
ially popular with war workers on
he 3 to 11 p.m. shift and that the
ouse had been packed each week,
nth a heavy advance sale of tickets.
Oh, So You Think You
Have Your Troubles?
Baltimore — On the hottest day of
the year, according to official figure,
Jack Carter, manager of the News-
reel Theater here, had enough, in
addition to the weather, to make him
"hot," all in one evening. The thea-
ter cashier failed to report for duty;
a helper who changes the marquee
stayed off; and when Carter finished
pinch-hitting for both of those jobs;
the chandelier in the theater's outer
lobby suddenly crashed to the con-
crete floor. Fortunately no one was
injured.
Para. Launching Contest
For "Proudly" Campaigns
(.Continued from Page 1)
which will have wide showings
throughout the country during Para-
mount Week, Sept. 5 to 11.
The picture offers unparalleled
possibilities for showmanship cam-
paigns, Agnew declared, dealing as
it does with the woman's side of the
war.
Six prizes will be awarded. First
prize is a $500 War Bond. Second
prize is $350 in Bonds and third is
$250 in Bonds. Fourth, fifth and
sixth prizes are $150, $100 and $50
in bonds, respectively.
This managers' contest will be
unique in that awards will be made
on the basis of the gross earned on
the picture, compared with the gross
on comparable Paramount pictures
that the house has already played.
Therefore, Agnew pointed out, every
manager who plays the picture has
a chance to win one of the prizes.
The rules are simple. Every the-
ater that plays "So Proudly We
Hail" not later than Oct. 30, 1943,
may enter.
Every theater entering the con-
test must present a complete lineup
of the selling campaign, including
publicity, exploitation, advertising,
stunts, tie-ups, direct mail, etc.
These campaigns must be sent to
the Paramount district office first.
The Paramount district office will
go over them from the showman-
ship angle, and check the gross of
the engagement against the pictures
that will be set up as a yardstick.
The three winning campaigns in
a district will then be sent to the
Paramount home office in New York
for final judging and to pick the six
national winners.
The district judges will be made
up of the Paramount district man-
ager, a local theater operator and
Paramount's field representative.
The Home Office judges will com-
prise executives of the Paramount
distribution and theater depart-
ments, and trade paper journalists.
Campaigns must be submitted to
the Paramount district office no later
than Nov. 30, 1943.
The decision of the judges will be
final.
Critic Perrigo Joins Warners
Chicago — Lucien Perrigo, former
Herald-American film editor, joins
Warners publicity staff.
CFI Three Months' Net
Increases to $245,704
(Continued from Page 1)
and surtax amounts to $177,924.03
or a net, after taxes, of $245,704.61,
which compares with a net profit for
1942 of $118,866.53.
Per share earnings for the second
quarter of 1943 are equivalent to
50 cents on 400,000 shares of pre-
ferred stock outstanding and eight
cents on 524,973 shares of common
stock outstanding and compares with
30 cents per share earned on the
preferred in the same quarter of
1942. The foregoing earnings are
subject to the renegotiation provis-
ions of the National Defense Ap-
propriation Act."
Chicago Outing
Chicago — At a meeting of the
Variety Club last week plans were
made for a "Day in the Country" at
which all members of Chicago's
amusement industry will get to-
gether for a good time. The meeting
was in the office of John Balaban
with Johnny Jones presiding. It will
be the club's first outing of the new
season. There'll be a golf tourna-
ment and many other forms of
amusement. Time and place for the
big play-day will be announced for
some day in August.
Theater Attendance
Up 25% — Kingsberg
(Continued from Page 1)
over the future situation of the
company in that city.
Reports are that owners of the
theater building in St. Paul have
refused to renew the firm's present
lease, which expires Dec. 31, and that
RKO has taken a lease on another
house for first-run showing of its
product.
Cleve. Nabes Recruit War
Workers Via Minute Men
(Continued from Page 1)
the first in that speakers were wo-
men taken directly from their ma-
chines dressed in overalls instead of
plant officials as were the first speak-
ers. WMC officials signed up appli-
cants in the theater lobbies, and the
final count was 37 new recruits —
almost all women.
Miss Cynthia Ware, publicity di-
rector of the local WMC office, ex-
pressed satisfaction with the result
of employment procurement at the-
aters. She said that the 77 per-
sons recruited via the theaters would
probably not otherwise have re-
sponded to the call for workers.
V*
V*1
**F
KING OF THE COWBOYS
ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
in
"SONG OF
TEXAS'
REPUBLIC
PICTURE^
OOKED BY *"c
tmti
rfMW**
ms* m
d
(These pictures illustrate methods used— have no connection with actual enemy spy activities)
V
SPIES' MEETING PLACE ... To get evidence
that will convict, investigators may con-
ceal a Cine\Kodak in an adjacent room,
make thousands of feet of movies of such
"business conferences" as thatshown here.
How the Cine-Kodak is sound-proofed
and arranged to "see" through an inno-
cent-looking wall . . . and other photo-
graphic details necessary for satisfactory
results . . . can't be told now.
//
not so Secret
"Secret Agents
to BSsXalalK^ special-purpose films
A CASUAL LETTER loses its "inno-
cence" when a Kodak film, with the
aid of ultraviolet rays, discloses the
real message— in invisible ink.
BURNING an incriminating document
no longer safeguards an enemy agent
—Kodak Infrared Film makes frag-
ments of charred paper readable.
fTi yTUGGING" the criminal— taking
1V1 his picture "full figure, full face,
and profile" — is the widest use of
photography by the police. That's
useful— after he's caught.
But first, catch him . . . be sure
he's the wanted man . . . get evi-
dence no jury can question . . , these
are counter-espionage activities
which photography has made an
exact science.
A jury will believe what it sees with
its own eyes. Photography makes
this possible. Cameras are often on
the alert near the meeting places of
suspected enemy agents — even their
"casual" meetings on the street.
Kodak special-purpose films find
unseen fingerprints on surfaces
dusted with a fluorescent powder . . .
unseen chemical erasures, or blood-
stains on cloth, when illuminated by
infrared or ultraviolet rays . . . tell-
tale differences in ink, or ink strokes,
on a document which has been tam-
pered with . . . can even photograph
a man in absolute darkness, with
the aid of invisible infrared "light."
* * r
And photography isn't finished with
the enemy agent when he's trapped.
Through Kodak's Recordak System.
the "records". . . photographs, finger-
prints, and police history . . . of 3,000
criminals can be condensed on one
small roll of 16-mm. film — for future
reference . . . Eastman Kodak Com-
pany, Rochester, N. Y.
'
Serving human progress through Photography
DAN
1JIZ i. S._ ■* 17 M HZ
1 S I CI CI Ucl d d M
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
s&sSU
The Daily Newspaper
Oi Motion Picture*
Twenty-Five Year* Old
-1FDAILY'
I jbL. 84.
NO. 29
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY. AUGUST, 11. 1943
TEN CENTS
NORTH-CENTRAL ALLIED LISTS GRIEVANCES
"Decisive" Action Expected by Allied's Board
Directors Huddle Today
And Tomorrow on Vital
Problems of the Industry
Baltimore — Allied directors, on the
eve of their quarterly meeting last
night, indicated that a number of
"decisive" measures would be acted
upon during the next two days at
their sessions in the Lord Baltimore
Hotel. The all-important subject of
the consent decree and the mapping
out of a sales plan that might meet
with the approval of the Department
of Justice are expected to highlight
the two days of huddles.
The report by Jack Kirsch on the
(Continued on Page 13)
Changes in 20th-Fox
To Be Revealed Today
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Los Angeles — Important changes
in executive posts at the company's
home-office will be disclosed by Tom
Connors, distribution chief, today
at the opening session of the last
of three 20th-Fox regional sales
meetings at the Ambassador hotel
here. Tomorrow's highlight will be
the announcement by Connors of
(Continued on Page 12)
Tex. Exhib. Says Favorable
Award Would be Valueless
Dallas — Even should he win his
arbitration case, he still would lose
any value under an award, is the
gist of reasons given by D. B. Lev-
(Continued on Page 13)
Grierson Continues
on Canadian Board
Montreal — John Grierson, head of
the National Board, who was lent
to the Wartime Information Board
six months ago as general manager,
will continue to head that organiza-
tion "for an indefinite period."
Grierson notified Premier Macken-
zie King of the expiration of his
term and was asked to continue in
office.
Theater Vandalism Makes First Appearance
in Springfield; To Print Offenders9 Nantes
Springfield, Mass. — The first signs of vandalism, of the type which has
plagued theatermen in other cities, was noted here last week and Acting Mayor
J. Albin Anderson, Jr., took prompt action to see that it did not spread into
theaters and other places of business. He ordered police to exercise extra
vigilance watching victory gardens, when the hoodlums started their damage,
and warned the city that from these small beginnings came trouble found in
other cities.
He urged the names of juvenile offenders be published by the courts, an
unusual step in Massachusetts where the names of children under 17 involved
in any crime short of murder are guarded strictly.
"Parental spankings of the old-fashioned, severe variety will be the most
effective weapon to combat this," said Anderson, attributing the whole matter
to a lack of parental control in the home.
Vandalism Reported
On Decrease in Chi.
Chicago — Vandalism appears to be
decreasing in theaters in this terri-
tory, it was said here by a leading
circuit operator following a survey
of the area. Vigilance on the part
of theater staffs, employment of ex-
tra guards, placing of warning no-
tices and the educational work on
(Continued on Page 9)
Steam Named Cleveland
Manager for Warner Bros.
Bert M. Stearn, who recently
joined the "Warner Bros, sales or-
ganization in New York, has been
appointed Cleveland branch manager
of the company, according to an
announcement made yesterday by
(Continued on Page 9)
New Union to Define
Duties of Managers
That theater managers confine
themselves strictly to managerial
duties is being demanded of em-
ployers by the Motion Picture The-
ater Managers and Employes Union,
Local 152, CIO, which was recently
chartered to organize managers, as-
sistant managers, cashiers, doormen,
ushers and matrons in the New
(Continued on Page 12)
Ed Finney to Organize
Own Producing Company
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Ed Finney has re-
signed as associate producer for
Andrew Stone Productions and will
establish a producing company of
his own.
School For Femme Managers
Tri-Stafes Corp. to Give Six-Week Course
Golden State and T & D
Circuits Close for Rep.
J. R. Grainger, president and gen-
eral sales manager of Republic, an-
nounces that during his recent visit
in San Francisco, he closed a deal
covering the company's entire 1943-
(Continued on Page 13)
De Moines — With the Army threat-
ening to take fathers in October,
Tri-State Theater Corp. here, which
operates houses in three states, pre-
pared to start a training school for
women to take over managerial
posts.
Large advertisements were placed
in Des Moines, Sioux City and Dav-
(Continued on Page 9)
Alleged Unfair Trade
Practices and "Cures'
Forwarded to D of J
Minneapolis — Without criticizing
or referring to the consent decree,
the North-Central Allied Indepen-
dent Theaters, Inc., has forwarded
to the Department of Justice a list
of alleged unfair trade practices and
remedies for relief. The document
was drawn by a committee headed by
Henry J. Greene, secretary.
In offering the suggested remedies,
Donald Guttman, president of the ex-
(Continued on Page 12)
Meet on Expansion
Of Incentive Films
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Army officials met
yesterday to begin lining up an ex-
panded program of industrial incen-
tive pix. Yesterday's session was
the initial meeting, with nothing
definite lined up. Some definite
(Continued on Page 13)
Kestenbaum Named PRC's
Ad and Publicity Chief
Appointment of S. S. Kestenbaum
to the post of director of publicity
and advertising for PRC was an-
(Continued on Page 12)
Empire-Universal
Conclave Tomorrow
Toronto — The Emipre-Universal
Films annual sales conference is
scheduled to be held at the Royal
York Hotel, here for the three days
starting tomorrow with branch
managers and salesmen in attendance
from coast to coast. Among the
executives from New York compan-
ies expected to attend are William
A. Scully, F. J. A. McCarthy and
B. B. Kreisler of Universal and
President James R. Grainger of Re-
public. Separate days have been
set for consideration of each com-
pany's product while tlie third day
will be devoted to round-table de-
liberations.
^^w
13%
DAILY
Wednesday, August 11, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 29 Wed., Aug. 11, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, T*. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D.-F.
FINANCIAL
{Tuesday, Aug. 10)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
Low Close Chg.
16 16 + 14
HI/2 15 + Vl
High
16
) 15
2V4
156!/2 1
21/4 21/4
56 Vi 156i/2 -f'iii
Am Sgs t
Col! Piers.' vtc.'<2!/2%
Columbia Picts. pfd..
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. .
East. Kodak
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . . .
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
NEW YORK
Para. B'way 3s55. . . .
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 2% 2'/8 2% + '/8
Radio-Keith cvs li/2 13/8 iy2
Sonotone Corp 3% 35/8 3%. + i/8
Technicolor 13Vi 13 1 3 V2 + %
Universal Picts. vtc. 16% I614 I6V4 + 1/4
20
60 1/4
253/4
81/2
88
211/4
31%
131/4
20 20 + %
59% 60i/4 + %
25 253/4 + %
8% 8 Vi + 1/2
86% 88
203/8 21 + 1/2
311/4 313/4 + 3/4
121/4 131/4 + %
BOND MARKET
Hefferan Adds One
Grand Rapids, Mich. — The Eoxy
Theater here, owned by Walter
Semeyn, has been leased for five
years to Albert Hefferan who owns
the Century Theater in Coopersville
and who recently purchased the Bur-
ton Theater, Grand Rapids.
lowest
noumT
M.Y.C.
Choi 4-O0t1-2-3-4
ttWAOt I C A. ftOrtOIOH >OOM RIM IXCHANGt OrtlWUTION SMVId
MU C"*iK
•SoJtH ^ 50NOJA „
^ . „nv cobollero roars back to doctlo„,
O.Henrys gay cjBoa tures! Top P
swift-paced romantic
cast and story values. ,_ ^-
wAfono^efm^ for
** mis m mEsrmtfsy 1943.44
■i^m
ALL-TIME GREATEST LINE-UP!
1 , | 7^. filled style of ent.
fabuloos
of the service
of
Lou Walters,
night dob impresar.o,
his breath-taking, 9-'-
ltertainment to the screen.
If Sense- >.ory oMh. V- Kei|^ A,an Ba„er
Itltlefttfo*
Q0
Gertrude Mkho.1. H. »•
Bi
ire„. Ann None,. Bi" Henry
S*
"^i
•^ . *H Mary Beth Hughes,
Riotous m«*ico»w|th *£\renet Armido,
Eaaie 0«JtaJ JJjStw bands-Ted
Wanton ^r8.™"" Weeks'.
Flo RHo and Anson "
&*&&>***:
i/^
i7
•.Taillv Gilbert, Frank
I Laugh parade mj£ ■**„ ond Buddy
Fay, B°nn,8!° Radio Rogues and two
Harry Langdon, w°
££* orchestras!
*^
\\
Here's the httar«o« *owd^ ^ ^
recording stud.os. romaneel
tones, loud laoghs and ra
£\
7&r
. ...fnraett
^
sweethearts!
11/ 1 in
lwscinating
Anna Sewoii * •«*
thoroughbrea.
novel of
gallant
:««lv funny comedy •
S«ear.:9XL\s and romance
nt the lawless north!
jack London's story of the ^
Jamtned with
fun, g
$9**/?.
W JOHNNXMACK
tf BROWN
£>u*:
f* Raymond
HATTON #
H
HOOT
KEN
GIBSON MAMRD
12
l&Kt;
Wednesday, August 11, 1943
Changes in 20th-Fox
To Be Revealed Today
(Continued from Page 1)
the entire line-up of features and
shorts for the new season.
Two hundred and fifty home-office,
branch and studio representatives
are on hand for the three-day meet-
ing, which will be conducted by Con-
nors, William J. Kupper, William C.
Gehring and L. J. Schlaifer. Joseph
M. Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck
head the studio delegation.
Attending from the branches are:
Denver — Arthur Abeles. HugH Rennie, G.
W. Tawson, George Dillon, C. A. Larson.
Salt. Lake City — Charles Walker, C. J.
Hallstrom. J. L. Tidwell, V. J. Du?an, C. A.
Blasius, Robert S. Clark.
Los Angeles — Clyde W. Eekhardt. Morris
Sudmin. W. T. Wall, B. F. Robison, J. S.
Stout, B. Foss, Paul Mover.
Portland — C. F. Powers. C. L. Robinette.
Charles G. Epperson, W. M. Patterson.
San Francisco — G. M. Ballentine. Herman
Wobber, Al Laurice, John M. Erickson, F.
C. Bernard, Jack Marpole, J. W. Flanagan,
Jack Burk .
Seattle — A. W. Hartford. Archie B. Holt,
Harvey J. Kelly. Ray A. Ackles, Jas. W.
Brooks.
Indianapolis — G. T. Landis, J. R. Negar.
H. L. Hancock, Harry E. Richardson, Ken-
neth L. Dotterer, Frank M. Page.
Kansas City — W. E. Scott, G. W. Fuller,
W. J. Kubitzki. J. F. Woodward, Charles
Knickerbocker. H. Kinser, Robert Conn, M.
A. Tanner.
St. Louis — B. B. Reingold, J. A. Feld,
G. H. Ware. A. Eskin, A. J. McManus, Flor-
ence Patke.
Des Moines — S. J. Mayer. H. Gottlieb. M.
M. Feinberg, E. Jacobs, J. Davidson.
Minneapolis — M. A. Levy, J. S. Cohan,
William Clayson. Earl Lorentz, Louis Cohen.
Harold Lundquist, Warren Branton. Edgar
F. Burke. Gasper J. Chouinard, R. H. Stahl,
P. Lundquist.
Omaha — J. E. Scott, G. F. Halloran, H.
P. Ironfield, Harry Levy, Irving Mills, Jay
Haas.
Kestenbaum Named PRC's
Ad and Publicity Chief
(Continued from Page 1)
nounced yesterday by 0. Henry
Briggs, president. Kestenbaum suc-
ceeds Joseph O'Sullivan who recent-
ly resigned. Prior to his new ap-
pointment, he was in charge of
PRC's exploitation department.
Well known in the industry, Kes-
tenbaum formerly was with Fox,
Associated Exhibitors, Tiffany, Mon-
ogram, Republic and Grand Na-
tional.
Shartin Joins UA
Omaha — Bill Shartin, formerly of
Warner Brothers, has taken a posi-
tion with Omaha United Artist ex-
change and will work out of the
Omaha office.
The ....
FEMME TOUCH
MARILYN WILSON, Columbia inspection dept.,
Seattle.
SYBIL BENTLEY, publicity dept. secretary, Ed-
ward Small Productions, Hollywood.
MRS. MARIE TEARLE is the newly appointed
treasurer of the Warner Bros. Stanley The-
ater, Baltimore.
HELEN MEYERS, assistant, Loew-Poli, New
Haven.
Allied Unit Wants Divorcem't
Asks No Limitation on Blocks of Pictures
(Continued f
hibitor unit, points out that they
"are by no means intended as a cure-
all for all the ailments disturbing
our great industry," adding that
"they will, however, go a long
way in smashing an undesirable
monopoly and restoring normal com-
petition amongst all branches of the
business."
Lists Three Points
The committee proposes three ma-
jor points "as a practical means of
obtaining relief." The three points
and the committee's comments on
each are as follows:
"First: That the distributors shall
be expressly enjoined from condition-
ing the sale of any feature picture
upon any other product (feature or
shorts). This appears to be the only
effective method of protecting the
public against undesirable features
and short subjects.
"Second: There should be no limi-
tation as to the number of features
that may be purchased at any one
time. As a practical matter, it is
necessary in the operation of any
business to maintain a reasonable
backlog of merchandise or product.
Only under these circumstances can
any business operate effectively and
with stability.
"Third: That the divorcement of
production and distribution from ex-
hibition be carried out as set forth
in the prayer for relief in the initial
complaint of the Government, sup-
plemented by provisions preventing
other monopolies being created under
new names. We believe that it is
necessary that the concentrated the-
ater holdings of the producers, dis-
tributors and affiliated exhibitors be
broken up completely, with a provi-
sion precluding the sale of any large
number to any single person or cor-
poration. This should not be con-
strued as a limitation as to any per-
son's or corporation's theater hold-
ings, but a precaution, with teeth, to
rom Page 1)
avoid transferring monopolistic
powers."
9 "Unfair" Practices
The list of what the committee
described to the Department of Jus-
tice as being unfair trade practices
is as follows:
1. Forced sale of — undesirable fea-
tures— foreign-made product — short
subjects — trailers.
2. Inflationary film rentals achieved
through integrated control of pro-
duction, distribution and exhibition.
3. Discriminatory contractual priv-
ileges granted producer-distributor
owned theaters.
4. Disclosure and exchange of — ex-
hibitor's box-office receipts — and
other confidential information by dis-
tributors, their sales representatives,
checkers, and other employes.
5. Denial to independent exhibitors
of an unconditional cancellation pri-
vilege.
6. Refusal to license product un-
less all theaters under common own-
ership or operation are included.
7. Use of contracts entirely lack-
ing in mutality, containing, inequities
such as:
(a) arbitrary percentage terms.
(b) designated playing time.
(c) open brackets.
(d) unfair clearance and avail-
bility.
(e) control of admission prices.
(f) weekly payment of short sub-
jects without regard to play
dates.
(g) distributor's right of attach-
ing C.O.D. to any feature it
chooses for moneys claimed
due on undated releases.
(h) denial of right to appeal Local
Arbitrator's decision contrary
to Section XXII, Paragraph 6,
of the Consent Decree.
8. Inflexible sales policies admin-
itered without regard to individual
problems.
9. Retaliatory measures directed
at exhibitors active in trade organi-
zation affairs.
Find Tipton's Body
Cincinnati — The body of Cecil Tip-
ton, associated with Abe Hyman,
Huntington, W. Va., reported miss-
ing by his wife, was found in the
river at Ironton. Tipton was with
Abe Hyman theaters for 25 years.
No reason has been ascribed for his
death. His wife survives him.
Marshall Honored
Labor Management Committee of
the Metropolitan District has award-
ed Honorable Mention to Ashton
Marshall, who has been with the In-
ternational Projector Corp. since
1929. Marshall suggested a grinder
attachment device which keeps the
table at uniform speed for a dressing
operation.
Next "Action" Ready
"The War for Men's Minds" will
be released nationally by United Art-
ists on Aug. 13 as one of "The World
in Action" series of two-reel films,
produced by the National Film Board
Mich. Firm Dissolves
Detroit — Independent Theater
Owners, Inc., formed several years
ago by a group of upstate exhibi-
tors to handle film transportation,
has gone out of business, according
to Joseph A. Smith, who was gen-
eral manager. Smith is now confin-
ing his activities to his own com-
pany, Exhibitors Truck Service, film
carrier.
Roth in WAC Spot
Buffalo — Max Roth, Warner Bros,
branch manager, has succeeded Syd-
ney Samson, elevated to general
manager for Canada by 20-Fox, as
WAC territorial chairman for dis-
tribs.
Hellinger to Produce
Hollywood — Mark Hellinger has
been assigned by Jack L. Warner, to
produce the film version of the
Broadway comedy hit, "The Dough-
girls."
New Union to Define
Duties of Managers
an
1
(Continued from Page 1)
York area, plus Suffolk, Nassau and
Westchester Counties.
The union is acting under an
edict unanimously approved tl
week by its officers and steering co
mittee after it had assertedly been
pointed out that managers in many
spots were required to handle ex-
ploitation and publicity in addition
to their managerial duties. Ac-
cording to the union, this practice
"is now definitely out" as far as its
members are concerned.
"The day of the theater manager
being invoked as an involuntary
jack-of-all-trades is past and is one
of several evils our union means to
stamp out pronto," D. F. Barreca,
president of Local 152, said yester-
day.
Publicity matters should be the
province of the New York Screen
Publicists Guild, according to Bar-
reca. He said that in the future
managers belonging to Local 152 al-
so will be prohibited from building
frames and doing other carpenter
work "to the exclusion of a union
carpenter at a union wage scale."
Barreca added that his union will
strive "to make managerial positions
in theaters synonomous with dignity
and authoritativeness conducive to
the classification." He said that af-
ter the union had tackled what he
referred to as "managerial abuses"
it would take up grievances of other
theater workers.
Barreca said that the union's bar-
gaining drive had been set back due
to the drafting of working condi-
tions and wage scales, which, he as-
serted, will be submitted to major
circuits and independent circuits
alike.
TO THE COLORS!
ic COMMISSIONED *
EMERSON DICKMAN, JR., USN, son of the 20th-
Fox salesman, Buffalo, commissioned an
ensign.
MORTON CERBER, USA, formerly Warner Bros,
home office publicity staff, commissioned
a 2nd lieutenant at Fort Benning, Ca.
— • —
* ARMY *
JAMES THOMPSON, Apollo Theater, Chicago.
ALAN BAXTER, actor, Hollywood.
* NAVY*
HENRY PEARSON, manager, Victoria, Buffalo.
NICK FOREST, manager, Belle Theater, Detroit
— • —
* ARMY AIR FORCE *
WILLIAM HEADSTREAM, manager, Melba,
Batesville, Ark.
TED ARNOW, Lnew's home office publicity
staff.
* SEEBEES *
HAL TATE, central editor, Boxoffice, Chicago.
■
HK
Wednesday, August 11, 1943
.W
DAILY
13
Meet on Expansion
Of Incentive Films
(Continued from Page 1)
plans may be drawn up within an-
other two weeks.
Although 16 mm. prints of the
Army Orientation Series X by Col.
"£rank Capra are being made avail-
""iJ.e for non-profit handling by com-
ercial film libraries in various cit-
ies, it is not likely that they will be
included as a part of this program,
an Army official said last night. It
is probable that the program pix for
lunch-hour screening for morale pur-
poses will be limited to two reels,
and the Capra series runs close to
an hour for each subject.
What is probable is an expansion
of the activities of the unit headed
by Maj. Richard Maybaum, already
responsible for shipping eight sub-
jects of one- or two-reels each for
showing to war workers. These are
made up mainly of combat footage
and do not contain any special pro-
duction.
H€LI_y>VCCD
DIGEST
SIGNED
CASEY ROBINSON, screenplay, "The Hoodlum
Saint," M-C-M.
DENNIS DAY, termer, M-G-M.
JACK MOSS, producer, Columbia.
BARBARA BEL CEDDES, termer, Hunt Strom-
berg.
VALYA TERRY, termer, Republic.
TWINKLE WATTS, termer, Republic.
RENE CLAIR, direct, "Tomorrow Never Comes,"
Arnold Pressburger-UA.
ASSIGNMENTS
BRUCE MANNING, screenplay, "As Before,
Better Than Before," Universal.
RUDOLPH FLOTHOW, producer, "The Whistler,"
Columbia.
ERIC TAYLOR, script, "The Whistler," Colum-
bia.
MARK RO'BSON, director, "The Ghost Ship,"
RKO.
CLIFF REID, producer, "The Hoodlum Saint,"
M-G-M.
GEORGE JESSEL, producer, "The Million Dol-
lar Dollies," 20th-Fox.
MARIAN SITZER, screenplay, "The Million Dol-
lar Dollies," 20th-Fox.
JOHN ALTON, cameraman, "Dr. Paul Joseph
Coebbels, His Life and Loves," W. R.
Frank.
HAROLD ERICKSON, dialogue director, "Hit-
ler's Women, Monogram.
WALTER PLUNKETT, costumes, "Knickerbocker
Holiday," Producers Corp. of America.
MORT GREEN and KARL HAJOS, songs, "The
Sultan's Daughter," Monogram.
MONTE BRICE, screenplay, "Beautiful But
Broke," Columbia.
RAY McCAREY, director, "Dangerous Journey,"
RKO.
BRUCE MANNINC, producer-writer, "As Before,
Better than Before," Universal.
EDWARD CLINE, director, "Moonlight and
Cactus," Universal.
PANDRO S. 'BERMAN, producer, "The Seventh
Cross," M-C-M.
•
CASTINGS
JOAN CRAWFORD, "Never Good Bye,"
"Night Shift," and "Miss Understood," Warners;
CHARLES LAUCHTON and WALTER HUSTON,
"Dragon Seed," M-G-M; PATRICIA COLLINCE,
"Tender Comrade," RKO; LOU McALLISTER,
"Home in Indiana," 20th-Fox; BINC CROSBY,
"California," Paramount; JUNE LOCKHART,
"The White Cliffs of Dover," M-G-M; WIL-
LIAM BENDIX, "Lifeboat," 20th-Fox; KANE
RICHMOND, "There's Something About a Sol-
dier," Columbia; JOHN QUALEN and BETTY
QUILLEN, "Passport to Dakar," Universal.
Public Beware
Springfield, III. — This warning ap-
pears on the marquee of Springfield's
Senate Theater this week:
"A Stranger in Town"
"Slightly Dangerous"
Tex. Exhib. Says Favorable
Award Would be Valueless
(Continued from Page 1)
erett, Overton Theater, Overton,
Tex., in withdrawing his demand for
arbitration against M-G-M, 20th-
Fox, Vitagraph and RKO-Radio,
filed by him on June 2 under Section
10 of the Consent Decree.
A letter of withdrawal dated Aug.
6, 1943, was addressed to C. C. Wil-
liams, clerk of the arbitration trib-
unal. At the time of filing for this
arbitration, the desire of Leverett
was to gain an award to separate
first-run sales in Overton from the
general Jefferson Amusement Co.
deal for pictures. Point in the case
was that Jefferson had only one
house, the 200-seat Gem, which was
its second string house (the Strand
having burned) and which allegedly
was not suitable for first-runs. Jef-
ferson intervened. In the meantime,
the Strand has been rebuilt.
Leverett believes that he could
gain an award in the hearing, but
says that even should the film com-
panies accept such an award in good
faith and sell on bid in Overton, he
would be overbid by Jefferson and
the award would have no practical
value for him.
His letter says: "But after obtain-
ing the most favorable award pos-
sible under the Decree, what real re-
lief is in sight? Presumably the
buying for our competitor would be
divorced from the general buying
for the circuit, but the circuit buy-
ing of pictures involves large sums
of money, and a difference of $50 in
the cost of one feature in Overton —
a difference great enough to make
a deal for our theater impossible —
could and undoubtedly would be ab-
sorbed without trace in the chain
operation, without the slightest pos-
sibility for us to prove that such
was the case."
Frankel Joins CBS Script Dept.
Mortimer Frankel, of the United
Artists publicity department since
1937, has resigned to join the script
department of Columbia Broadcast-
ing System. Frankel joined the ad-
vertising-publicity department of
UA in November, 1936, and took
over the writing and production of
transcriptions the following year,
also serving as press book editor-.
Brylawski on Air Raid Duty
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A Julian Brylawski,
Warners' real estate chief for the
Washington area, has been named
special district deputy air raid war-
den, in charge of the amusements
division. As assistants he has chose
Harry Lohmeyer, Warners' local
manager, and John Allen, M-G-M
branch manager.
10 Day-and-Date Runs
For "This is the Army"
Warners has set simultaneous run
showings of "This is the Army" in
two or more theaters for 10 cities,
all opening within the next two
weeks. In Los Angeles, picture plays
day-and-date at the Downtown, Hol-
lywood and Wilshire Theaters while
in Denver it will play at the Den-
ver, Esquire and Rialto.
Two - house runs as set for Mil-
waukee, at the Warner and Alham-
bra; Portland, Ore., at the Para-
mount and Oriental; Columbus, at
the Grand and Palace; Sacramento,
at the Alhambra and Senator; Seat-
tie, at the Orpheum and Music Hall;
Long Beach, at the State and Ca-
bart; San Diego, at the Fox and
State; Portsmouth, O., at the Co-
lumbia and Leroy. In Atlantic City,
"Army" opens at the Warner this
week for a two-week run, instead of
the usual week; it will then move
over to the Stanley for a week, fol-
lowed by weeks at the Virginia and
Colonial.
Aaron to Coast
Eddie W. Aaron, circuit sales man-
ager for M-G-M, leaves Friday for
the Coast to discuss deals for the
company's next block with Fox West
Coast. Ed Zable, head buyer for
FWC, and George Hickey, Western
division manager for M-G-M, will
be present at the negotiations.
Allied'! Directors
Open Session Today
(Continued from Page 1)
combatting of theater vandalism in
Chicago and measures to be taken
by Allied units are slated to be im-
portant subjects, while some sort of
definite action is expected on the
drafting of a price ceiling law pat-
terned on the Canadian formula.
It is quite likely that Allied
will reiterate its stand on theater
divorcement and may announce the
results of a parley between a spe-
cial Allied committee and Tom Clark,
special assistant attorney general.
The meetings will last through to-
morrow afternoon.
Golden State and T & D
Circuits Close for Rep.
(Continued from Page 1)
44 program with the Golden State
and T & D Theater Circuit, cover-
ing 88 theaters in Northern Cali-
fornia.
Assisting Grainger were Western
District Sales Manager F. A. Bate-
man and San Francisco Branch Man-
ager Sid Weisbaum. M. A. Naify
and R. A. McNeil represented the
circuit.
***
•W
[ROY ROGERS TRIGGER
| KING OF THE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
in
'SONG OF
TEXAS'
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DAILY
Wednesday, August 11, 1943
:< :< R€VI€UIS Of THE IKUJ flLHIS tfr :<
"The Good Fellows"
with Helen Walker, Cecil Kellaway
Paramount 70 Mins.
FAST-MOVING COMEDY SHOULD GET
BY WITH FAMILY AUDIENCES; KELLA-
WAY PROVES MAIN ATTRACTION.
"The Good Fellows" is a moderately suc-
cessful satire on fraternal orders. It
would have been much better had it not
placed so great a reliance on hokum to
achieve its goal. It is all played very
much on the surface, with the appeal di-
rected at family audiences. The film has
the virtue of snap and an abundance of
life and a number of resounding laughs.
But what the production has above every-
thing else is the services of Cecil Kella-
way in the film's most substantial role.
Kellaway dominates the film in a per-
formance that is vastly superior to the
material of which the picture is com-
pounded. The smoothness and under-
standing of his portrayal make one wish
anew that this actor's talents were put to
finer use, as they so justly deserve.
Kellaway plays an impractical fellow who
permits his passion for good fellowship to
interfere with his livelihood as a real estate
agent. His activities as a potentate of the
Ancient Order of Noblest Romans keep
him impoverished and result in family dis-
sension. Throughout the film he's con-
stantly harried because of his lack of a
business head. For most of the footage
he's trying to break out of his financial
straight-jacket with small result. It is only
through an ironic twist that he finally suc-
ceeds in providing the wherewithal to meet
his financial obligations.
While the acting of the others is ac-
ceptable, none cf it compares to Kellaway's.
Tha actor gets his strongest support from
Helen Walker, who plays his daughter;
Mabel Paige, his mother-in-law; Kathleen
Lockhart, his missus; and James Brown, his
daughter's boy-friend.
Jo Graham's direction extracts many
laughs from the screenplay of Hugh Wed-
lock, Jr., and Howard Snyder derived from
a play by George S. Kaufman and Herman
Mankiewicz. Walter MacEwen produced.
CAST: Helen Walker, James Brown, Cecil
Kellaway, Mabel Paige, Rod Cameron,
Diana Hale, Kathleen Lockhart, Wade
Boteler, Tom Faden, Olin Howlin, William
B. Davidson, Chester Clute, Irving Bacon,
Norman Ainsley, Douglas Wood, Henry
Edgar Dearing, Maurice Cass, Edward
Earle, Robert Winkler, Norma Varden, Ker-
man Cripps, Oscar Smith.
CREDITS: Producer, Walter MacEwen;
Director, Jo Graham; Screenplay, Hugh
Wedlock, Jr., Howard Snyder; Based on
play by George S. Kaufman, Herman Man-
kiewicz; Theodor Sparkuhl; Art Decorators,
Hans Dreier, Haldane Douglas; Musical
Score, Leo Shuken; Film Editor, Arthur
Schmidt; Set Decorator, George Sawley;
Sound, Robert Quick, Walter Oberst.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
"Serve" Withdrawn in Argentina
Buenos Aires (By Air Mail —
Passed by Censor) — "In Which We
Serve" has been withdrawn from
distribution until Argentine censors
allow showings in its original form.
Among several cuts demanded by
the censors was the shot of the ma-
chine gunning of British sailors by
a Nazi submarine crew.
Tornado"
with Chester Morris, Nancy Kelly
Paramount 83 Mins.
FANS WHO CRY FOR ACTION WILL
GET WHAT THEY WANT IN THIS ONE;
PLOT AND DEVELOPMENT STRICTLY
ROUTINE.
This William H. Pine— William C. Thom-
as production has been cleverly slanted to
suit the tastes of audiences that go for
action stuff without concern about quality.
Plenty happens in "Tornado," all of it
routine to a degree, to be sure, but all
hitting its mark. It will matter little to
the fans for whom the film has been devised
that it telegraphs its blows and works
out according to formula without one fresh
deviation in plot, situation, or line. The
film however, was not intended to be any
more than what it is.
The story is the aged one about the
overly ambitious chap who gets to the top
by walking over others and then finding
when he has completed his climb, that it
wasn't worth the effort, or price. In this
instance the chap is a coal miner who is
married to a singer in a honky-tonk, whose
social aspirations are largely responsible
for driving him upward. The film details
his rise to the top and his subsequent fall
in routine though exciting fashion. The
end finds him facing a new future with a
sweet young thing after his wife is killed
with her lover.
Maxwell Shane has poured no end of
violence into his screenplay, which is based
on a novel by John Guedel. The direction
of William Berke is punchy and swift. His
staging of a number of fight sequences
will get quite a rise out of the fans.
Chester Morris puts plenty of guts into
his enactment of the ambitious miner.
Nancy Kelly plays his wife nicely. Others
to be noted are Bill Henry, as his brother;
Gwen Kenyon, as the girl who is at his
side at the finale; Nestor Paiva, as a dis-
gruntled miner who gives Morris a lot of
trouble; Vince Barnett, as a comic, buddy
of Morris'. Some of the others are Joe
Sawyer, Marie McDonald, Morgan Conway
and Frank Reicher.
Two songs sung by Miss Kelly help to
lighten the action.
CAST: Chester Morris, Nancy Kelly, Bill
Henry, Joe Sawyer, Gwen Kenyon, Marie
McDonald, Morgan Conway, Frank Reicher,
Nestor Paiva, Vince Barnett.
CREDITS: Producers, William H. Pine,
William C. Thomas; Director, William
Berke; Screenplay, Maxwell Shane; Based
on a novel by John Guedel; Cameraman,
Fred Jackman, Jr.; Film Editor, William
Ziegler; Art Director, F. Paul Sylos; Sound,
William H. Lynch; Set Decorator, Ben
Berk; Songs, Ralph Freed, Frederick Hol-
lander, Frank Loesser.
DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRA-
PHL, All Right.
Para. Sets Deals
Paramount has closed approxi-
mately 50 per cent of its national
possibilities in independent deals for
its sixth and last block of pictures
for 1942-43, Neil Agnew, general
sales manager, announced yesterday.
In the first five weeks of selling,
contracts on Block Six reached the
new high mark of 4,819, Agnew re-
vealed.
"Melody Parade"
with Mary Beth Hughes, Eddie Quillan
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW)
Monogram 73 Mins.
MIXTURE OF COMEDY AND MUSIC
MAKES SATISFACTORY BOOKING FOR
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSES.
Here is a satisfactory offering in the
modest budget field. In keeping with its
title, it has plenty of music, with Anson
Weeks and Ted Fio Rita and their or-
chestra busy, not to overlook the Loumell
Morgan Trio. Handling the vocal chores
are Jerry Cooper, Armida and Mary Beth
Hughes.
Edward Cherkose and Edward Kay con-
cocted six songs and Armida one. Among the
other numbers used are "Sleepy Time Down
South," "What do You Know, Joe?" and
"Them There Eyes."
Eddie Quillan, Tim and Irene Ryan and
Manton Moreland handle the comedy chores
and do well with their assignments. In-
cidentally Tim Ryan collaborated with
Charles R. Marion on the original screen-
play. Ruloff, Follette and Lunard score
with their comedy dance number. Andre
Chariot, Kenneth Harlan, Cyril Ring, Ruby
Dandridge and Ramon Ros are among the
principals.
Arthur Dreifuss turned in a good job of
directing, while Lindsley Parsons provided
excellent production values. The chorus
is eye-filling with Jack Boyle responsible
for the good dance routines.
Quillan is an ambitious bus boy in a near-
defunct night club operated by Tim Ryan.
He believes that Mary Beth Hughes, new
hat-check girl at the club, is a great bet
as a singer of popular songs. However,
Armida is engaged for the principal spot.
After many complications, Mary Beth wins
her chance and of course makes good.
CAST: Mary Beth Hughes, Eddie Quillan,
Tim Ryan, Irene Ryan, Manton Moreland,
Jerry Cooper, Armida, Andre Chariot, Ken-
neth Harlan, Cyril Ring, Ramon Ros, Loumell
Morgan Trio, Ruloff, Follette and Lunard,
Anson Weeks and his orchestra, Ted Fio
Rita and his orchestra, Ruby Dandridge.
CREDITS: Producer, Lindsley Parsons;
Director, Arthur Dreifuss; Authors, Tim
Ryan, Charles R. Marion; Screenplay, same;
Cameraman, Mack Stengler; Production
Manager, William Strohback; Film Editor,
Richard Currier; Dance Director, Jack Boyle;
Musical Director, Edward Kay; Songs, Ed-
ward Cherkose, Edward Kay, Armida.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Premiere of "Destroyer"
In Providence Aug. 16
"Destroyer," Columbia's story of
a Navy ship and the heroism of the
men who sail it, will have its world
premiere at the Strand Theater,
Providence, R. I., Aug. 16.
The opening day of the picture's
run will be dedicated to the Navy
mothers of Providence, and in the
audience there will be 200 Navy
mothers, each accompanied by a gob
adopted for the day who will take
the places of their own sons who
are on duty away from home. Mar-
guerite Chapman, who is co-starred
in the picture which features Glenn
Ford, will make personal appear-
ances at the theater on opening day.
1 J
"Frontier Badmen"
with Diana Barrymore, Robert Paige
Universal 77 Mins.
BANG-UP WESTERN PACKED WITH
ACTION AND EXCITEMENT; STACKS UP
AS SWELL BOOKING FOR KIDS.
"Frontier Badmen" is a bang-up westl
with such a display of fireworks as to m
than compensate for the routine quality
of the story. The film never slackens its
whirlwind pace for an instant in a
violent course that will work the kids into
a stew.
It is very much of a novelty to see
Diana Barrymore and Robert Paige in west-
ern roles. The former plays a dealer in
a gambling joint with whom Paige a cattle-
man, falls in love. Although Miss Barry-
more has the top billing and is ostensibly
the star of the proceedings, her role is
secondary to several others. She is con-
siderably overshadowed by Paige, Anne
Gwynne, Leo Carrillo, Andy Devine and
Noah Beery, Jr.
Gerald Geraghty and Morgan B. Cox have
devised an exciting screenplay built around
the villainy of a combine that bleeds the
cattlemen. The ranchers are championed
by Paige and his buddy Beery, who set out
to get the lowdown on the group that is
swindling the cowmen. They get into
trouble right at the start and don't get out
of it until the end. The head of the com-
bine, Thomas Gomez, maneuvers Paige
into jail and tries to have him lynched for
a couple of murders he hasn't committed.
Our hero is saved in the nick of time by Beery,
Carrillo, Devine, Miss Gwynne and Miss
Barrymore. Beery and Miss Gwynne provide
a companion romance to that between Miss
Barrymore and Paige.
The acting suits the purposes of the
film nicely. Names additional to those men-
tioned include Lon Chaney, Tex Ritter,
William Farnum, Arthur Loft.
The direction of William McGann keeps
the film in constant ferment. Ford Beebe
served as associate producer.
CAST: Diana Barrymore, Robert Paige,
Anne Gwynne, Leo Carrillo, Andy Devine,
Noah Beery, Jr., Lon Chaney, Tex Ritter,
William Farnum, Thomas Gomez, Robert
Homans, Tom Fadden, Arthur Loft, Frank
Lackteen.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Ford Beebe;
Director, William McGann; Screenplay,
Gerald Geraghty, Morgan B. Cox; Camera-
man, William Sickner; Art Director, John
Goodman; Sound Supervisor, Bernard B.
Brown; Musical Director, H. J. Salter.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Report Huge Minnesota
Theater to Reopen Soon
Minneapolis — Indication that the
Minnesota Theater here, largest pic-
ture house in the northwest and dark
since last Fall, may reopen in the
near future, was seen in announce-
ment by Edward S. Gould, city as-
sessor, that the city council would
be asked this week to approve a tax
reduction on the property.
Because of this move, local the-
ater and film men are of the opin-
ion a renter for the property has
been found. Owners of the land and
buildings have made no announce-
ment.
(IN Z Z DAN
15 Hit*? M UZ
I N | A I 1 ' N i I -J
^
intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
r iLE COPY
QQ NOT REMOVE
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Picture!
Twenty-Five Years Old
? DAILY-
te
84. NO. 30
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, AUGUST, 12, 1943
TEN CENTS .
&LLIEDT0 WORK WITH D OF ] ONDECREE
Distributors Mull Peace Status of Italian Pix
Jnless Acquired Before
^earl Harbor Are Under
\lien Property Custodian
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — With continuing dis-
,ussions of the possibility of peace
pth Italy, several of the majors
,nd some independent distributors
J.re today trying to figure the status
ft Italian films which they have
tad on their shelves for some time.
Jnless title to these films was ac-
tually sold prior to Pearl Harbor,
;hey are still under the authority
if the Alien Property Custodian, and
lot even the APC's office is quite
(Continued on Page 3)
Save One Ton in Five,
Canadian Fuel Order
Ottawa — Theater proprietors and
owners of public and commercial
buildings in Canada have been or-
dered to conserve coal during the
coming months under the Federal
conservation policy to be enforced
under a Government edict because
of the fuel crisis.
The new order prohibits a quan-
(Continued on Page 6)
Sets $250,000 Promotion
Budget for "Phantom"
A $250,000 promotion budget has
been set by Universal for the Tech-
nicolor production "Phantom of the
Opera." Bulk of the expenditures
will be used in newspapers, radio
(Continued on Page 10)
SAG's Class B to Act
On Extras Autonomy
West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A plan to create a
separate and autonomous organiza-
tion for extras will be considered
by the Class B membership of
Screen Actors Guild at a meeting
on Sept. 19. Plan will be submitted
by SAG, according to a statement
from the organization's board of
directors.
20th-F0X ADDS THIRD DIVISION
Connors Names Kupper General Sales Manager and Schlatter
Manager of New Central Division in Realignment
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Creation of a third
domestic sales division to facilitate
the distribution of important 20th-
Fox pictures
was announc-
ed yesterday
by Tom Con-
nors, vice-
president in
charge of
world - wide
d i stribution,
at the open-
i n g session
of a three-
day regional
sales meet in
the Hotel
Ambassador.
Connors also named William J. Kup-
per, his executive assistant, general
WILLIAM KUPPER
sales manager and put L. J. Schlai-
fer, home office representative for
several
months, in as
manager o f
the new Cen-
tral division.
The foreign
d e p artment
is now oper-
ating under
Connors with
Murray S i 1-
verstone a s
vice- pres-
i d e n t in
c h a r g e of
foreign sales.
Central division, taking in offices
formerly in the Eastern and West-
(Continued on Page 6)
L. J. SCHLAIFER
War Sales Send Net
Of Eastman Soaring
Substantial advance, as the re-
sult of war sales, in the volume of
Eastman Kodak Co. business and its
Western Hemisphere subsidiaries is
revealed in the organization's report
issued yesterday and covering the
six periods of 1943 as compared with
the similar 1942 span. Estimated
net profit of the company and sub-
sidiaries in the Western Hemisphere
(Continued on Page 6)
Allied's Sales Plan
Awaits Decree Poll
Baltimore — Allied's proposal for
a sales plan, patterned after the
UMPI formula, will be set aside
until the various units have been
polled on the consent decree, Abram
F. Myers, board chairman and gen-
eral counsel, said yesterday.
While the proposal has not been
abandoned, it was the consensus of
directors that it would be best to
(Continued on Page 9)
Rodgers Premiere Chairman
Aims for 1,200 Houses in 3rd War Loan Drive
People's Platform Show
For DuMont Tele Station
DuMont's New York television
station, W2XWV, with studios at
515 Madison Ave., will inaugurate
a People's Platform program early
(Continued on Page 6)
Post of Bond Premiere Chairman
for the Third War Loan has been
accepted by William F. Rodgers, it
was announced yesterday by L. C.
Griffith, general chairman for the
campaign. Rodgers will set in mo-
tion plans expected to result in pre-
mieres in more than 1,200 cities. C.
(Continued on Page 6)
Board Meeting in Balti-
more Told Exhibs. May
Intervene in Proceedings
By AL STEEN
Associate Editor, THE FILM DAILY
Baltimore — Allied units will
work closely with the Depart-
ment of Justice in gathering
data on the workings of the consent
decree, it was indicated here yes-
terday during the first session of
Allied's board meeting at the Lord
Baltimore Hotel. The whole prob-
(Continued on Page 9)
Sees Big Role Abroad
For Indies' Product
Independent product will play a
big role in European markets in the
post-war world, notwithstanding the
fact that major companies have an
impressive backlog of important pro-
ductions, it was declared yesterday
by William Gell, newly-appointed
European representative for PRC,
(Continued on Page 10)
PRC Signs William Gell
To Open European Field
PRC's first move to enter the
European film market is the signing
of William J. Gell, former managing
director of Pathe Pictures, Ltd., to
represent the company and super-
(Continued on Page 6)
B & K Playing Time
Speedup Aids Nabes
Chicago — B & K is using the Hard-
ing and Granada Theaters for a
speedup of playing time. Houses
formerly played second week pre-
release, following the Marbo and
Uptown. Under the new plan they
will not repeat films shown at those
houses but will play different pic-
tures thus clearing more product
for the subsequent runs. With long
runs now prevalent on the Loop,
plan is expected to relieve a prod-
uct shortage for the neighborhood
houses.
DAILY
Thursday, August 12, 194-T
Vol. 84, No. 30 Thurs. Aug. 12, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN
Publisher
General Manager
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1S01 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Wednesday Aug. 11)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
16 16 16
15% 15y4 151/4 + 1/4
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc.(2i/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd. .
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . .
East. Kodak
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
NEW YORK
Par. B'way 3s55
Para. Picts. deb. 4s56.
NEW YORK
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor
Universal (Picts
N. Y. OVER-THE
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s
2V2 21/4 21/4
153/s 15% 153/8
20!/8 193,4 20
60 1/2 60 1/4 60 1/2 + %
261/a 253/4 253/4
8V2 83/8 81/2
89 89 89+1
21 Vi 21 21
31% 315/8 317/8 + l/8
133/g 131/4 133/8 + l/4
895/s 895/8 895/8 +5-32
BOND MARKET
CURB MARKET
2% 2% 27/8 — l/8
1% H/2 1%
35/8 35/8 35/8 — i/8
13% 133/4 133/4 + l/4
16% 165/g 167/8 + 3/8
COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
1st '57 80% 8234
"Heaven" Big in Roxy Opening
Twentieth-Fox's "Heaven Can
Wait" opened to smash business at
the Roxy yesterday. By noon all
seats and standing space was filled
and with the line extending up 50th
St., house was forced to stop selling
tickets.
POSITIONS FILLED QUICKLY
CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 MADISON AVE., N. Y.— Tel. MU. 2-6494
COmiRG ADD G0IHG
L.
Warner General Sales Manager BEN KAL-
MENSON left yesterday for a tour of the
Southern territory, principally in connection with
openings of "This is the Army." First stops will
be Atlanta and Jacksonville. IRVING YERGIN,
Warner field representative, also left for At-
lanta.
IRVING BERLIN flies to Washington today to
participate in the premiere of "This is the
Army" at the Earle tonight.
DAVID WESHNER of Walt Disney Produc-
tions, and ARNOLD STOTZ are in Messina,
N. Y.
SONNY GREENBERC, former Park City,
Bridgeport, manager for many years, was home
on Army furlough from Alabama.
MAJ. HENRY DITTMAN, last man off Bataan,
accompanied by MRS. DITTMAN, arrived yes-
terday from Topeka, Kans., as guests of Uni-
versal.
JACK SHIELDS, manager of the Capitol, An-
sonia, Conn, is on vacation with his son, home
on a furlough from the Navy.
ERNST LUBITSCH has returned from Wash-
ington conferences with WAC Col. Hobby on
his next 20th-Fox production, "All Out Ar-
lene,"
TED LLOYD, in charge of the 20th-Fox radio
department, has returned from Treasury con-
ferences in Washington on the Third War Loan
Drive.
ARTHUR WILLI, RKO Eastern talent scout,
yesterday left on a tour of New England Sum-
mer stock companies.
MARJORIE MORROW, Warner Eastern talent
bureau, is in New Haven.
JOE BESSER, arrives in Hollywood on Aug.
20, to go into rehearsal at Columbia for "Hey,
Rookie."
SUSANNA FOSTER, will visit New York be-
ginning Aug. 23, following a series of p.a.'s
in Minneapolis and Chicago.
ANNE CANELLI, cashier of Columbia's New
Haven exchange, is vacationing in Gloucester,
Mass.
Out-of-Court Settlement
For Overtime Pay Suits
Hollywood — Out-of-court settle-
ment of the SAG overtime pay suits
filed in behalf of extras against ma-
jor producers will be made shortly.
Although basic provisions have been
agreed upon, full terms of the set-
tlement have not been worked out
because of the complexity of claims
and the large number of claimants
involved. Final settlement awaits
examination of claims by SAG
auditors.
Guild's decision to aim for an
out-of-court settlement sprung from
the fact that trying the cases, filed
in October, 1941, involved auditing
the books of the producers. The
court refused to order such an audit
at the studios' expense and SAG
auditors reported that costs would
be prohibitive for the Guild. More
than 1,300 claimants are involved in
the suits, although it is pointed out
that because certain claims are un-
substantiated, many claimants will
not be eligible for an allocation of
the final settlement.
20th-Fox Starts "Claudia"
Tradesho wings Aug. 16
Tradeshowings of 20th - Fox's
"Claudia" will start on Aug. 16,
when the film will be screened in
New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Den-
ver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Bos-
ton, Cincinnati, Detroit, Milwaukee,
San Francisco, Seattle.
The film will be shown in Albany,
Cleveland, Indianapolis, New Ha-
ven, St. Louis, Buffalo, Dallas, Kan-
sas City, New Orleans, Charlotte,
Des Moines, Memphis, Oklahoma
City, Portland, Pittsburgh, Salt
Lake City, Washington. On Aug.
10 the trade will see the film in
Minneapolis.
Massey on Inactive List
Montreal — Maj. Raymond Massey,
Canadian Army, has been transfer-
red to the inactive reserve because
of ill health. Maj. Massey is ex-
pected to receive a medical discharge
effective Sunday.
Seltzer to Aid in Routing
Star for Third War Loan
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Frank Seltzer, pub-
licity director for Samuel Bronston
Productions, has been borrowed by
the Hollywood Victory Committee to
join Edward Alperson, representa-
tive of the War Activities commit-
tee, to schedule the itinerary of
where the stars will go when the
third war loan drive to raise $15,-
000,000 gets under way in Septem-
ber.
Seltzer and Alperson will meet
with exhibitors and Treasury offic-
ials in 12 leading cities. The drive
will probably open in Washington,
D. C, and close in San Francisco.
Seltzer left by plane for New
York last night and will be gone
about two weeks.
"Army" Sellout in Philly;
$32,000 For One Showing
Philadelphia — Special $50 top pre-
view showing of Irving Berlin's
"This is the Army" at the Mastbaum
Theater next Tuesday night already
is a sellout, with a gross of more
than $32,500 being realized from the
single showing of the Warners' pro-
duction for Army Emergency Relief.
Sale of standing room, now under
consideration, expected to boost the
total by perhaps another thousand
dollars. •
Famed Chinese Actor Dead
Mei Lan-fang, renowned Chinese
actor who appeared on American
stages in 1930, died in Shanghai last
Sunday, according to a Japanese
broadcast intercepted by the Cen-
tral News Agency of China. He
was 50 years old.
Amend "Touhy" Petition
Chicago — Attorney Irving Roth is
filing an amended petition in the ac-
tion before Federal Judge William
Holly by Roger Touhy to prevent
showings of 20th-Fox's "Roger
Tough — Gangster." Defendants have
25 days to reply.
Gutenberg, Former Wis. ||
ITO Pres., Dies Suddenly |f
Milwaukee, Wis. — Andrew C. Gi
tenberg, 49, manager of the Grar
theater here, died following a
emergency appendectomy. He fo:
merly was president of the Indu
pendent Theater Owners of Wiscoii
sin-Upper Michigan.
Survivors are his wife, Evelyn; I
daughter, June; a son, James^jsiqi
three sisters.
-:
< i
Tour Middle East Army Camps
Cairo — Jack Benny, Larry Adle
Anna Lee and Wini Shaw have a:
rived here for a three-week tour <
Middle East Army posts. Trouj;
took in more than 13 United Natior
outposts en route here and may g
on to England after the Midd!
Eastern swing.
i:
N
NEW YORK
THEATERS
Ci
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
In
"Let's Face
It"
In Person
BENNY
GOODMAN
And Band
CONDOS BROS.
JACK MARSHALL
BUY WAR
TIMES
Bo^r PARAMOUNT squar^
S3!
B'WAY &
47th St.
PAT O'BRIEN « RANDOLPH SCOTT
"BOMBARDIER"
and
"GALS INCORPORATED"
LEON ERROL « HARRIET HILLIARD
LoewsSTBTE
2nd WEEK
On Screen
JOAN CRAWFORD
FRED MacMURRAY
"ABOVE SUSPICION"
I
In Person
HAPPY
FELTON
LUBA
MALINA
HI, LO, )ACK
THE DAME
fhursday, August 12, 1943
nil
DAILY
'Ian Colorful Debut
-or War Loan Drive
Ballyhoo, color and spectacle will
pen the Third War Loan Campaign
n the New York Metropolitan area
aider the auspices of the WAC, it
ras revealed yesterday as plans for
1 ^ initial day's festivities, Sept. 9,
^an crystallizing in the offices of
Jscar A. Doob, assistant national
director of the Treasury's War Fi-
nance Division.
i Suggested plan for the local sector
iv. opening day includes division of
he so-called Metropolitan sector in-
o seven groups, to include the bor-
•ughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn,
,Jueens, Bronx and Richmond, West-
chester County and the Jersey City-
Newark districts in New Jersey.
With Army, Navy and Marine
]Iorps co-operation, seven motor con-
voys are envisioned, each to include
eeps, trucks, small tanks mounted
m trucks, and other equipment. In
;ach convoy, it is planned to have
it least five wounded service men.
The convoys, it is proposed, will re-
port at the Hotel Astor in the heart
)f Times Square about 10:30 on the
norning of Sept. 9. Governor Dewey,
Mayor LaGuardia, and other prom'i-
lent officials to greet the wounded
leroes and other in charge of the
convoy reception. Because of the
magnitude and character of this
•pageantry, it will probably be nec-
essary to close-off Times Square.
A band of music is to be stationed in
the center of the sector, probably
m a "traffic island."
At 12 noon the party emerges from
the Hotel Astor, while the band
plays and the firing of a salute
.initiates the campaign formally. The
•war heroes will be introduced over
113 p.a. system, volunteer workers of
-AWVS and other organizations will
vend Bonds, and the various convoys
-will move into their designated areas
of the Greater City, making no more
than eight scheduled stops.
_ Among the promotional ramifica-
tions of the big convoy idea are
suggestions that parades meet the
convoy in various Metropolitan
points; the public be given the op-
portunity to see battle equipment;
and that WAC erect on every lamp
post along Broadway a patriotic
shield with appropriate copy.
Hal Home
Cecil B. DeMille
Jane Wyatt
D. H. Finke
Ben Hersh
Mort Spring
North African and Local Notes:
• • • IN Algiers, there watching from relatively alar the exciting
and relentless advance of the U. S. 7th Army in Sicily, is Sergeant Dave
Golding, managing editor of the weekly and daily editions of Stars and
Stripes Although itching to be with his comrades as they give the
well-known Ax to the Axis on the volcanic (and how!) doorstep of the
Italian boot which recently lost its heel (Benito), Sergeant Dave, former
FILM DAILY editorial staff member, goes philosophically on with his
editorial chores for the U. S. Army Aside from being a skilled and
efficient editor, the Sergeant continues to be a mighty good reporter, —
as witness the punch and interest in the Algiers editions of Stars and
Stripes, and the notes he pens to his former trade associates and many
friends here on the celluloid home front In his most recent missive,
Dave recounts the "great moment of diversion" which arrives each
Saturday afternoon when he and a phalanx of our Army gents take a
dip in the blue Mediterranean au naturel, — soaking up enough vitamins
to keep going for the following six days of merciless application to
work If y[ y[
• • • DAVE sex that, although Algiers is hot, there are some
compensations, such as the markets filled with grapes, luscious plums,
peaches and melons— and tomatoes as big as softballs But there
isn't any air conditioning or scotch-and-soda There are, though,
some old and still-growing friendships which link the present and the
past Sergeant Bill (United Artists Alumnus) Levy has been
transferred out of his engineer outfit to PWB where he works for the
film unit under Laudy Lawrence Morris Helprin and Paul Radin
work in the same building "We are on the ground floor and OW1
is on the fifth," pens Dave Of natural satisfaction to Colonel Jack
Alicoate and his FILM DAILY staff here in skyscrapered New York,
and to the sheet's Coast offices and myriad correspondents, is Dave's
account of regularly receiving copies of FILM DAILY ,— perused avidly
by the numerous cinema gents in Algiers—, and yelling for a copy
of the Year Book ▼ ▼ T
• • • IN the letter-to-exhibitors, recently dispatched by Dick de
Rochemont, the M of T managing editor correctly observes that the
curiousity on the part of the American people concerning their enemy,
Japan, is tremendous Dick's assertion that his org.'s new issue,
". . . And Then Japan," will provide basis for a more profound under-
standing of our Jap foe "with whom, for months and perhaps years to
come, our soldiers and statesmen must deal," is likewise correct. . .
• Yester mom, while awaiting WABC's regular nine o'clock broad-
cast, Phil M. tuned in for an earful of Katina Paxinou, guest-starring on
"Woman's Page of the Air" The celebrated Greek actress, who has
rocketed to lofty heights with press and public as result Of her superb
Pilar characterization in Paramount's FWTBT, demonstrated that she
can be an ace air "trouper" just as well as a footlight thespian and
cinema luminary She put in a grand and sincere plug for Greek
War Relief P.S. — If Jimmy Walker can get all wrapped-up in such
a femme fashion atmosphere as cloaks and suits, Phil M. can admit
that it ain't the first time he's listened to "Woman's Page of the Air," —
specifically to hear the swell scripts penned by Mary Jane KrolL . .
• SMPE's Atlantic Coast Section extends from Maine to Florida, and,
because of transportation difficulties, members thereof can't get the
ACS meetings easily So-o-o, being of a practical and scientific, as
well as economical mind, notices of meetin's, routine letters, and other
material are now, as a policy, sent only to members in and about New
York However, if a member insists on getting the said mail, he'll
get it T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Status of Italian Pix
Mulled by Dislribs.
(Continued from Page 1)
certain what disposition of Italian
property would be permissible in the
event Italy is knocked out of the
war.
Mere licensing by an Italian na-
tional is not enough to keep the
film from the jurisdiction of APC,
but if there is no ownership right
vested in an Italian, national distri-
bution of the films is strictly to the
distributor. The most important sin-
gle factor in determining what to
dG with these pix is the public — and
how the public would react will prob-
ably not be known until the issue
is put up to it.
Can Block New Imports
The Office of Censorship has the
authority to block importation of
enemy films into this country — once
they are here it has no say over
what is done with them. OWI has
no formal authority over enemy
films, although it is likely that APC
would act on advice of either of
these agencies or the Department of
Justice. The Department of Jus-
tice itself has no clear-cut authority,
although clandestine showing of
enemy propaganda films might pro-
vide the Department grounds to act.
A number of Italian films in this country
prior to Pearl Harbor have been shown,
although APC has retired most prints to
which the title was in the hands of Italian
nationals. These, along' with other alien
films, are filed in the Museum of Modern
Art, New York, or the Library of Congress —
which is now the sole repository. Use of
this material has been granted in at least
one case — March of Time having used some
Japanese footage, at $2.50 per foot.
Pending now is an application from one
exhibitor who serves an Italian neighborhood
for permission to show an<, Italian feature
held by APC. This exhibitor has been show-
ing Italian films right along — films the title
of which was not held by an Italian na-
tional. Whether this application will be
granted is something' which has not yet
been decided — certainly it will not be granted,
said an APC official, if the production re-
quested has any propaganda character.
Application Pending
Actually several Italian propaganda pix
have been shown since Pearl Harbor; — at
least two in the Broadway section of New
York — but these presumably were pix to
which title was held by an American dis-
tributor. Mere licensing' by the Italian
owner for American distribution would not
be sufficient authority, the APC official
opined.
When and if Italy gets out of the war,
he said, "we're not sure just what our policy
would be, but my gruess is that the impor-
tant thing to consider is how the public
would react to these films."
IN NEW POSTS
EARL DOUGLAS, manager, Melba, Batesville,
Ark.
DICK MARSHALL, manager, Tivoli, San Fran-
cisco.
STANLEY KOSITSKY, booking staff, Co-Opera-
tive Theaters of Ohio, Cleveland.
B. A. SLAUCHTER, JR., office manager, Repub-
lic, Charlotte.
BOB CLARK, booker, Sterling Theaters, Seattle.
LIONEL WASSON, manager, Palace, (Burlington,
la.
DON J. SMITH, temporary manager, Field The-
aters, Storm Lake, la.
^HK
$and Tops tf>e /^
)
**/
Mickey Rooi
Judy Garland'
fogetheragain'
PREDENTIN
LI |H| MARS
Extra Weeks !
Extra Dayff
Irs Exfra Special I
ID I
ana mv # al
Extended Ri
Record Pacer J
-G-M First ,
ith the Best!
k
Coming/
I DOOD
To keep a nation singing at its work The Friendly Company brings to
the screens of America the biggest and gayest Musical Comedy Hits
the industry has ever known! One after another and still they come.
Watch for: "BROADWAY RHYTHM" (Ginny Simms, George Murphy,
"Rochester," Tommy Dorsey and Band); "MEET THE PEOPLE" (Lucille
Ball, Dick Powell, Vaughn Monroe and Band); and the Greatest Musical
Ever Made, M-G-M's "THOUSANDS CHEER" with a screenful of
Stars. Keep your ears to the screen ! The ROARING Lion SINGS !
** makes ti*e
M*
d Skelton
r Powell
Tnnger/
cals /
Begin to plan your campaign now!
Third War Loan starts September gth!
3*
DAILY
Thursday, August 12, 1943
20th Century-Fox
Adds Third Division
(Continued from Page 1)
erit divisions, comprises Boston,
Albany, New Haven, Cleveland,
Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago and
Milwaukee. Re-aligned Eastern di-
vision, directed by A. W. Smith, Jr.,
includes New York, Philadelphia,
Washington, Pittsburgh, Memphis,
Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte,
Dallas and Oklahoma City while
William C. Gehring's Western di-
vision now includes Indianapolis,
St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis,
Des Moines, Omaha, Denver, Salt
Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle,
Los Angeles and all of Canada.
Kupper's assistant, Martin Mos-
kowitz, moves up with Kupper,
while Jack Bloom, head of the home
office contract department, becomes
assistant to Schlaifer.
Kupper has run the gamut with
20th-Fox from extra in the old Fox
Company's William Farnum pictures
to clerk in contract department to
bookership of three offices, assistant
branch manager in four exchanges
to branch manager at Charlotte, At-
bany, Chicago, Pittsburgh, in that
order; then to home office represen-
tative, Western division manager
and executive assistant to Connors
climaxing a 25-year career all spent
with the company.
He was in the Navy during the
first World War. He was the first
man from the field ranks of the or-
ganization to be elevated to its gen-
eral sales manager.
The studio will celebrate his as-
cension with a cocktail party at
the studio following Friday's ses-
sion. Connors gave him a cocktail
party following yesterday's session
with Spyros Skouras, Joseph M.
Schenck, Darryl F. Zanuck and
Arch Bowles heading the delegation
of exhibitors.
Those from the home office atTending.
include Spyros Skouras, Tom Connors, Wil-
liam J. Kupper, L. J. Schlaifer, Andy W.
Smith. Jr., W. C. Gehrinr, Felix Jenkins,
Hal Home, Sam Shain, Paul Terry, John
Wood, Martin Moskowitz, Jack Sichelman,
W. J. Clark, G. A. Roberts, Roger Ferri,
Jack Bloom, Clarence A. Hill, Ted A. Shaw,
Edwin H. Collins. Irving' Maas, Leslie Whe-
lan, Harvey Day, William Weiss. Morris Cap-
Ian. Irving Lincer. Jules Fields, as well as
Phil Williams and Richard de Rochemont
of March of Time.
Joseph M. Schenck. executive head of
production, and Darryl F. Zanuck, vice-
president in charge of production, are rep-
resenting the studio, at all the meetings.
Practically all of the stars on the 20th-Fox
roster are attending at least one of the
three sessions.
Tom Connors will name the entire line-up
of 1943-44 features and short production at
today's meeting.
WEDDING BELLS
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — The marriage
of Helen Westbrook of the Penn, to
Leo Williams, a Wilkes-Barre Postal
employe is scheduled to take place
Aug. 18.
Barney Balaban Lauds Exhibitor Response
To Drives and Campaigns for War Effort
In commenting on the results of Red Cross Week in the motion picture
industry, as revealed this week in the trade press, Barney Balaban, national
chairman of the drive, yesterday expressed his genuine admiration for the way
in which exhibitors have responded in all drives and campaigns for the war effort.
"While some must assume the task or organizing such elaborate industry-wide
campaigns and some must prepare and distribute necessary materials, the real
job is done by the thousands of exhibitors who, through hard work, whole-
hearted co-operation and attention to hundreds of details, make possible the
generosity of their audiences and thus achieve such magnificient results. It is
to these exhibitors in the field who devote so much time and effort to such
drives, and to their millions of patrons, whose support they enlist, that un-
stinted credit is due."
War Sales Send Net
Of Eastman Soaring
(Continued from Page 1)
for the six periods ended June 12
last was $8,532,590, equal to $3.38
per common share, and compares
with earnings of $7,462,336, equal
to $2.94 per common share for the
corresponding period of 1942.
T. J. Hargrave, president, and F.
W. Lovejoy, board chairman, de-
clared in a statement to stockhold-
ers that dealers' co-operation in
carrying out the ration program af-
fecting photographic goods for civil-
ian use has been excellent and is
"very greatly appreciated by the
company." They also asserted that
war production is proceeding satis-
factorily, and at a faster pace than
a year ago.
A renegotiation agreement has
been completed with the authorities
in Washington for the year 1942
which will result in a total refund
of $15,048,000, substantially all of
which was reserved for in 1942.
Current prices on sales to the Gov-
ernment, insofar as practicable, are
being adjusted to conform to the
1942 renegotiation agreement. An
amount has been deducted from cur-
rent earnings which directorate feels
will take care of any refund re-
quired in respect to sales subject to
negotiations. A further provision,
$1,600,000 was made to increase
reserve (now amounting to $7,600,-
000) for post-war readjustment.
Net sales to the trade in the six
periods ended June 12, 1943, were
$113,067,043 as against $94,121,571
for corresponding 1942 span. Sales
to subsidiaries not consolidated were
$2,576,324 against $3,417,701. Sales
costs were up from $68,000,540 to
$89,790,495.
People's Platform Show
For DuMont Tele Station
(Continued from Page 1)
next month, it was learned yester-
day. Show, as framed by Will Bal-
tin, program director, for the sta-
tion, will enlist the appearances of
leading national figures for discus-
sion of provocative questions.
Format calls for the utilization of
films to point up issues. Show will
run 30 minutes.
Rodgers Named Bond
Premiere Chairman
(Continued from Page 1)
D. "Brownie" Akers will serve as
campaign director.
The goal of 1,200 Bond premieres
makes possible one of these seats-
for-bonds shows in every city in the
country off 10,000 population or
over, Rodgers declared. He also
stated that by arrangement with
the various distributing companies,
"any picture under contract and
available for booking during the per-
iod of the campaign, may be used
for a Bond premiere at which the
admission is purchase of a Bond,
where such Bond premiere is the
first performance of a continuous
run in the theater which has con-
tracted for the picture."
Based on the experience in past
campaigns WAC has discovered that
the premiere is one of the most
powerful sales sources. The realiza-
tion of the goal — premieres in 1,200
cities — will mean an impressive ex-
hibitor contribution to the Third
War Loan.
Save One Ton in Five,
Canadian Fuel Order
(Continued from Page 1)
tity consumption by theaters equal
to the coal supply of previous years
and less heat will be permitted by
coal wardens in theaters and audi-
toriums open part of the time each
day and where the patrons can wear
warm clothing.
Consumers will be required to save
at least one ton in each five tons and
heating equipment will be checked
for the proper working condition.
Temperature of theaters, public
buildings, schools and churches must
be sharply reduced immediately after
a period of use.
"Rising Sun" Sets Ore. Marks
RKO's "Behind the Rising Sun,"
playing day-and date at the Or-
pheum and Playhouse Theaters,
Portland, Ore., set record openings
days for both houses, topping "Hit-
ler's Children" by more than 40 per
cent. Meanwhile, pic is being held
in all houses which participated in
the 76-city world premieres.
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
Described as one of the broadest single
tie-ups ever based on a motion picture,
M-G-M and the Shoe 'Rationing Branch of
OPA will launch a nation-wide shoe sale
and salvage campaign in conjunction wiUn
showings of "Best foot Forward." Plan T
designed to stimulate current purchaser
of shoes in order to decrease the jam ex-
pected when Ration Stamp 18 expires
after Oct. 31, and to set up Swap Centers
for children's shoes in individuals communi-
ties.
Details are included in a broadside to
be distributed by M-G-M to 15,000 exhi-
bitors and 1,000 OPA branches through-
out the country. Shoe stores are expected
to tie in via co-operative ads which have
been approved by Washington officials, a
suggested circular on shoe rationing and
the care of shoes, and special 14 x 22
two-color posters for use by stores and
theaters.
. . ._ V . . .—
Recruiting campaign for the Marine Corps
Women's Reserve was carried on by eight
metropolitan houses in a WAC sponsored
drive requested by the Corps. A group of
12 women Marines, accompanied by a
Women's Reserve color guard, an officer
and one or two wounded men appeared
at evening performances on the stages
of Loew's Metropolitan and Century's Kings-
way, Brooklyn; Skouras' Park Plaza and
Loew's Paradise, Bronx; RKO's 86th Street
and Skouras' Academy of Music, Manhattan
and Loew's Valencia and RKO Keith's
Flushing, Queens. Following playing of the
Marine's Hymn and the National Anthem,
an appeal was made by Lt. Col. McKinless
for Women's 'Reserve recruits and two
women sergeants were stationed in the
lobbies to answer questions and take appli-
cations.
PRC Signs William Gell
To Open European Field
(Continued from Page 1)
vise sales activities in England.
Deal was announced yesterday by O.
Henry Briggs, (president of PRC.
Briggs described the plan as
"preparation on our part for open-
ing the European market." He said
that Gell's direction will include not
only the English-speaking market
but also the field that develops af-
ter the war.
Gell, who has been identified with
PRC since the company's inception,
started his career with the old Gau-
mont company in 1910 and remained
with that company until 1933 when
he was managing director in addi-
tion to being on the boards of a num-
ber of other British companies.
STORKS
Chicago — Myron Mandy, manager
of B & K's Howard theater is the
father of a baby boy.
"I represent the Wallop Poll . . . what type of picture do you believe the public prefers today?"
\
Heaven Can W»:i"
n Wa,t opened in I —
Angeles, a* X. .1 ^s
" w a* 'Our theat.A. •
wieatres simul^,, ,
M— * _ ... Sliell clWsI *■
ft. !.«««■ - U««-5 *""
""'*« "*! Bi9? 0„,y ^
#^/l
t^
V
and it's
the same
in every
opening!
ERNST MBITSCH'S
PRODUCTION OF
HEAVEN
„„.. Ameehe • Charles Coburn
Gene Tierney Do" J™™. «*»** • i*-"-*
«„ Plav bv Samson RapHaelson
nklTI IDVlftY
""w"'n"s" °""",n"- '--""'""
Thursday, August 12, 1943
CWTIjly
Allied to Work on
Decree with D of J
—
(Continued from Page 1)
lem for the next 30 days will be to
iheck exhibitors' experiences with
the decree and make this field data
ilable to Tom C. Clark, special
stant to the Attorney general,
rk has shown his willingness to
co-operate wholeheartedly on decree
matters as they affect the indepen-
dent exhibitor, Abram F. Myers, Al-
lied general counsel said.
A special committee met with
Clark in Washington on Monday
and spent several hours in going
over all the angles of the decree.
It was agreed that each Allied unit
should poll its members as to their
desires and record specific experi-
ences. Clark, it was said, offered his
field men to assist in this task, espe-
' daily in determining exhibitors' re-
1 actions to certain points in Myers'
recommendation for changes in the
decree. These reactions or opinions
on the specific points, which were
hot identified by Myers, are expected
to have considerable bearing on
Clark's action on the decree. It was
learned that Clark had indicated he
would take formal action on the
decree late in September.
Report Confidential
The board sessions yesterday were
devoted almost entirely to Myers'
report on the special committee's
meeting with Clark, and, because
the report was confidential, specific
details were withheld from the press.
Although exhibitors are not parties
to the consent decree, they may,
nevertheless, intervene in further
proceedings. This was pointed out
yesterday at the Allied board meet-
ing here. While no publicity in the
motion picture field was given to it
at the time, the U. S. Supreme Court,
more than a year ago, held that
elements affected by a consent de-
cree could intervene in making
changes and could appeal its case
even up to the Supreme Court. The
ruling was handed down in a pipe-
line case.
Sees D of J Attitude Change
Because of this Supreme Court
opinion, Allied sees a different atti-
tude by the Department of Justice
toward the independent exhibitors
who were not parties in the original
TO THE COLORS!
ic DECORATED *
CAPT. HARRY A. STALEY, USAAF, formerly
Eastman Kodak, Rochester, awarded the
Air Medal.
* COMMISSIONED *
WILLIAM HUTCHINS, manager, National Thea-
tre Supply office, New Haven, commis-
Psioned a lieutenant (j. g.), USN.
* ARMY *
STANLEY SMITH, treasurer, Earle Theater,
Philadelphia.
• NAVY*
NORMAN BAILEY, manager, Oxford Theater,
Philadelphia.
HCLLyWCCD DIGEST
SIGNED
ALFRED ZEISLER, director, W. R. Frank
HERBERT PHILLIPS, writer, W. R. Frank.
HARRIET PARSONS, assistant producer-writer,
RKO.
ANGELA LANSBURY, termer, M-C-M.
JOSEPH VITALI, termer, RKO.
KAVIN O'SHEA, termer, 20fh-Fox.
ASSIGNMENTS
SAM NEWFIELD, director, "Harvest Melody "
FRC.
WILLIAM FEITER, director, "Command Per-
formance," 20th-Fox.
EDWARD DMYTRYK, director, "Tender Com-
rade," RKO.
MARK HELLINCER, producer, "The Doughgirls,"
Warners.
JAMES V. KERN and SAM HELLMAN, script,
"The Doughgirls," Warners.
ALBERT J. COHEN, producer, "Atlantic City,"
Republic.
HARRY TUCEND, producer, "California," Para-
mount.
CASTINGS
ROD CAMERON, "Wherever the Crass Grows "
Harry Sherman-UA; DIANA BARRYMORE ANN
GWYNNE, EVELYN ANKERS, JUNE VINCENT
and RAMSAY AMES, "When Ladies Fly," Uni-
versal; MAX RABINOVITSCH, "Tropicana," Co-
lumbia; JULIE BISHOP, "Rhapsody in Blue"
Warners; FRANK McHUCH, "Going My Way'"
Paramount; ERFORD CACE, "Rookies in Burma,"
RKO; DICK POWELL and JACK OAKIE, "To-
morrow Never Comes," Arnold Pressburger-
UA; HARRY CAREY and DOROTHY GISH, "Am-
bassador Dodd's Diary," 20th-Fox; JOE BESSER,
"Hey, Rookie!", Columbia; JULIE BISHOP,
"Rhapsody in Blue," Warners; RITA QUIGLEY,
"Hitler's Women," Monogram; ROSEMARY
LANE, "Trocadero," PRC; CHARLOTTE WYN-
TERS and CLARE ROCHELLE, "Harvest Melody,"
PRC; JACK LaRUE and DAVID DURAND, "East
of the Bowery," Monogram; ROSE LA ROSE,
"Manhattan Rhythm," PRC; THE RADIO
CRACE McDONALD, "Gung Ho," Universal.
ROCUES, "Harvest Melody," PRC.
SPENCER TRACY, "The Seventh Cross,"
M-G-M; JEAN HETHERINCTON, "Coing My
Way," Paramount; WILLIAM BENDIX, "Green-
wich Village," 20th-Fox; LEE BOWMAN, "Cover
Girl," Columbia; THE ANDREWS SISTERS,
"Moonlight and Cactus," Universal; JANET
BLAIR, "My Client Curley," Columbia; RAYA
LETZ, "The Girl from Leningrad," Gregor
Rabinovitch-UA; GIBSON GOWLAND, "French-
man's Creek," Paramount; MARIA PALMER,
"One Hour of Glory," RKO; MARY WICKS,
"Higher and Higher," RKO; BARBARA STAN-
WYCK, "Instruct My Sorrows," Warners;
MICHELE MORGAN, "Passage to Marseille,"
Warners; JOYCE REYNOLDS, "Janie," Warners;
JOAN MARSH, "East of the Bowery," Mono-
gram; FRANK ORTH, "Pin-Up Girl," 20th-
Fox; GINGER ROGERS and ROBERT RYAN,
"Tender Comrade," RKO; DOODLES WEAVER,
"The Story of Dr. Wassell," Paramount.
Allied's New Sales Plan
Awaits Poll or Decree
(Continued from Page 1)
wait until members had expressed
themselves on the decree before at-
tempting to draw up a selling plan.
Board members were the guests
of the MPTO of Maryland at a lun-
cheon yesterday and guests at a
party given last night by the Var-
iety Club.
Fine Woman, Daughter
As Curfew's Violators
York, Neb. — York's new 11 p.m.
curfew has gone into effect and a
13-year-old girl and her mother were
the first to face a charge of vio-
lating the ordinance. They were
fined $5 each.
Springfield, 111. — Two more state
cities, Carrollton and Jacksonville,
have passed juvenile curfew ordi-
nances covering the 10 p.m. to 6
a.m. period.
anti-trust actions nor were they
parties to the consent decree. Some
board members expressed the opin-
ion that the independent exhibitor
could now have a very definite voice
in reshaping the decree or in its
complete abolishment.
Sally Simon Recovering
Sally Simon, secretary to Tom
Connors, is making satisfactory
progress from her recent appendicitis
operation. She is expected back at
her desk by the time Connors gets
back from the Los Angeles conven-
tion.
1,200 at Para. Tradeshows
Paramount's New York tradeshow-
ings of its first block of pictures for
the 1943-44 season attracted an es-
timated heavy attendance of 1,200
on Monday and Tuesday, the com-
pany reported yesterday.
'Army' D. C. Debut to Draw
High-Ranking Officials
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — An $11,000 crowd of
national luminaries will fill the 2,200
seats of Warner's Earle tonight for
the Washington premiere of "This
i> the Army." Seats range from
$2.75 to $10, and all but a very
few of the lower-priced seats were
gone yesterday afternoon. Besides
the brilliant assemblage of civil,
military and diplomatic officials who
will attend, special guests will in-
clude Captain Ted Lawson, author of
"Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" and a
member of the famous bombing de-
tail which spent those seconds over
the Nip capital with Gen. Jimmy
Doolittle; Robert Prescott, a mem-
ber of the famous Flying Tigers;
and J. R. Mason, chief electrician's
mate of the U. S. S. Hornet.
The local tent of the Variety Club has
purehasel $250 worth of tickets to be used
by wounded servicemen now at Walter Reed
Hospital here after having' seen duty
overseas.
Irving' Berlin will be on hand, and will
probably take a bow from the stage. Berlin
will meet the press this afternoon.
A special stage show has been prepared
by the Earle's stage director, Harry Anger,
and there will be a brief but impressive
color ceremony staged by members of the
Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Sergt. Glen Darwin, former metropolitan
opera baritone, will sing the national an-
them.
Dann Joins Vanguard
As V.-P. and Counsel
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Daniel T. O'Shea,
president of Vanguard Films, Inc.,
has announced that Robert H. Dann,
for the past 12 years associate coun-
sel for RKO Pictures in New York,
will assume the position of vice-
president and general counsel of
Vanguard.
He will take over his duties on his
arrival here Oct. 1.
atPVJBUC
BIG PICTURE
HOLLYWOOD
'S
Lhe talented new star you cheered
in**Shantytown" now comes to you in
her newest hit .1. A romantic, reveal-
ing story of the Hollywood you never
knew till now .1. the private lives of
the stars . . their romances, their hopes,
their yearnings . . . with a great cast and
a flock of the season's top song hits!
Hear Mary Sing: \
Blow, Gabriel, Slow! |
I'm Always Chasing
Rainbows I
It Had To Be You
—and more
^UttVe^L"*/
War
_ Bo1"11
It's a
REPUBLIC PICTURE
10
3*
Thursday, August 12, 1943
DAILY
Sees Big Role Abroad
For Indies' Product
(Continued from Page 1)
at a trade press conference in the
company's home offices.
Gell declared that the opportuni-
ties for U. S. pix in continental Eu-
rope, following the advent of peace,
will exceed the demand which existed
prior to hostilities, and that, since
PRC specializes in action pictures,
which have always been popular
abroad, its deserved share of the
market is assured.
In the United Kingdom, Gell de-
clared, PRC product features are
currently playing in some 30 per
cent of British theaters, — and some-
times more — , and that this is a
satisfactory condition inasmuch as
49 per cent is considered, due to
what amounts in the U. S. to clear-
ance obstacles as the accepted "sat-
uration point," and that the most im-
pressive U. S. pictures do not ex-
ceed the 40 per cent mark.
Gell is of the opinion that most
European countries, because of their
relatively small populations, and
consequently limited number of ex-
hibition outlet, cannot enter into
serious competition with U. ,S. films.
Furthermore, the British market
will demand English-language films,
including those of Hollywood, and
few of those of foreign origin. The
British public, he pointed out, have
little interest in translated dialogue,
and flash-in titles, such as are nec-
essary in the instances of "im-
ported," non-English-language film.
This circumstance will apply to Rus-
sian pix, notwithstanding the po-
tential strength of that nation's
post-war studios.
At the present time, there are
some 5,000 theaters in operation in
England, which is substantially the
same total as existed before the war,
the number of stands destroyed be-
ing "negligible." Such outlets op-
erate predominantly on a dual pol-
icy, with admission scale $2.25 in U.
S. currency, with suburban houses
operating on a range of 50c to $1.00.
The tax on admissions is declared
to be about 27 per cent. These prices,
he said, have been stable for about
a year. Drawing power of pix de-
termine their rentals, he added.
Three companies, among the ros-
ter of the U. S. film-makers, namely
PRC, Monogram and Republic, are
operating through representatives
rather than on a branch office basis.
Film production in the U. K. is
set for a post-war boom, in Gell's
opinion, because several important
studios are at present devoted to
war work, and will go back, fol-
lowing advent of peace, to active
fashioning of product.
Not a theater has been forced to
shutter, he said, because of popula-
tion evacuation.
Gell leaves for the Coast today,
where he will spend 10 days in con-
sultations with Leon Fromkess. He
will then return to New York for
some two or three weeks, heading
thereafter for London. His sched-
ule calls for his return to the Brit-
ish metropolis on or about Sept. 14.
REVIEWS Of nCUJ HLfllS
'Hostages'
with Luise Rainer, William Bendix, Paul
Lukas
Paramount 88 Mins.
THIS ONE HAS ENOUGH MARQUEE
NAMES TO OVERCOME HANDICAP OF
FAMILIARITY OF ITS MATERIAL
Nazi villainy, the underground, sabotage,
hostages. Again these elements have been
combined for the purpose of film enter-
tainment. The pattern scarcely varies.
Repetition has made the story terribly
familiar by now. It takes the finest effort
in every department to make the theme
palatable and a box office asset at this
stage of the game'.
"Hostages" is far from the best of the
films of its type. It starts out promisingly
enough but gets badly out of hand before
it advances very far. It is fortunate that
in spite of everything the film manages to
retain a certain quality of excitement and
suspense. The picture has some fine iso-
lated scenes vibrant with drama which
will help the production get over the
hump.
Also to the film's advantage are several
attractive performances from a cast which
contains enough marquee power to make
a big difference at the box office. These
include portrayals by William Bendix, Oscar
Homolka, Paul Lukas and Reinhold Schunzel.
These run away with the acting glory.
The film does not gain as much as it
should from the performances of Luise
Rainer and Katina Paxinou, the Greek
actress who will be remembered for her
grand work in "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
Miss Rainer lacks color and acts too much
in one key. As for Miss Paxinou, she
hasn't too much to do. Besides, her role
is rather cut-and-dried.
The excitement in "Hostages," which is
set in Prague, starts when a German of-
ficer commits suicide by drowning himself
in a river in back of a cafe. Insisting it's
a case of murder, the Nazi hold the guests
and personnel as hostages. To do this
they have to tamper with the coroner's
report. Most of the plot has to do with
the efforts of the underground to free one
of the hostages, Bendix, its brains. Miss
Rainer plays the daughter of a hostage who
tries unsuccessfully to have her father
freed. Lukas portrays the Nazi police
chief who conspires to seize her father's
wealth after his death. Arturo de Cordova
appears as the underground leader who
covers up his activities by working as a
translator for the Nazis.
Frank Tuttle has directed suspensefully
under Associate Producer Sol C. Siegel.
Lester Cole and Frank Butler did the screen-
play from a novel by Stephan Heym. Vic-
tor Milner supplied excellent photography.
CAST: Luise Rainer, William Bendix,
Roland Varno, Oscar Homolka, Katina Paxi-
nou, Paul Lukas, Arturo de Cordova, Rein-
hold Schunzel, Fred Giermann, Felix Basch,
Michael Visaroff, Eric feldary, John My-
long, Mikhail Rasmuny, Phillip Van Zandt,
Rex Williams, Hans Conried, Louis Adlon,
Richard Ryen, Kurt Neumann.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Sol C.
Siegel; Director, Frank Tuttle; Screenplay,
Lester Cole, Frank Butler; Based on novel
by Stefan Heym; Cameraman, Victor Mil-
ner; Musical. Score. Victor Young; Art
Directors, Hans Dreier, Franz Bachelin; Film
Editor, Archie Marshek; Special Effects,
"Two Senoritas from
Chicago"
with Joan Davis, Jinx Falkenburg
Columbia 68 Mins.
COMEDY WITH MUSIC TOO FAR-
FETCHED AND CORNY; ITS BEST BET IS
WITH FAMILY AUDIENCES IN SMALL
SPOTS.
Joan Davis is the redeeming feature of this
comedy. She gives the picture what en-
tertainment value it possesses in a role that
allows her to carry on her mad and silly
antics to her heart's delight. Those who
can stand Miss Davis for a protracted
period of time will not feel themselves
too badly cheated by "Two Senoritas from
Chicago."
Stanley Rubin and Maurice Tombragel
have combined forces to bring forth a har-
vest of corn that will give indigestion to
filmgoers who don't go in for this kind of
fare. As it stands, the picture is strictly
for the young and others whose tastes in
entertainment are plebian.
for what it lacks in quality the film makes
up in movement and noise. The produc-
tion sputters all over the place in telling
its story of a couple of gals who try to get
a break in show business via a bit of chican-
ery— said chicanery consisting primarily in
their passing themselves off for a couple
of Portuguese ladies of the theater.
The two gals are played by Jinx Falken-
burg and Ann Savage. Aiding them in
their duplicity is Miss Davis, who acts as
a sort of agent.
The direction of Frank Woodruff doesn't
lessen the implausibility and inanity of
the yarn, although it must be said for him
that he at all times keeps the going lively.
The producer was Wallace MacDonald.
The Misses Davis, Falkenburg and Savage
are abetted in their shenanigans by Leslie
Brooks, Ramsay Ames, Bob Haymes and
several others. The cast, with one or two
exceptions, is badly handicapped by the
material.
There are several musical interludes that
will prove a help to the film in its life
on double bills.
CAST: Joan Davis, Jinx Falkenburg, Ann
Savage, Leslie Brooks, Ramsay Ames, Bob
Haymes, Emory Parnell, Douglas Leavitt,
Muni Seroff, Max Wilentz, Stanley Brown,
Frank Sully, Charles C. Wilson, Romaine
Callender.
CREDITS: Producer, Wallace MacDonald;
Director, Frank Woodruff; Screenplay, Stan-
ley Rubin, Maurice Tombragel; Cameraman,
L. W. O'Connell; Art Director, Lionel Banks;
Film Editor, Jerome Thorns; Musical Direc-
tor, M. W. Stoloff; Set Decorator, William
Kiernan; Dance Director, Nick Castle.
DIRECTION, fair. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Fisher Escapes In Crash
Ware, Mass. — Thomas J. Fisher
of Springfield, driver of a truck
owned bv the Film Exchange Trans-
fer Co. of Boston, narrowly escaped
severe injuries when the truck he
was driving sped wildly down hill
here, hitting one telephone pole and
finally crashing into another before
stopping.
Gordon Jennings; Sound, W. C. Smith,
Philip Wisdom; Set Decorator, Bertram
Granger.
DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRA-
PHY, fine.
$250,000 Promotion
Budget for 'Phantom'
(Continued from Page 1)
and billboards with the pattern set
in campaigns for the world pre-
mieres of the picture at the Palace,
Cincinnati and the Orpheum, Mii*w
neapolis. §
In Cincinnati and Minneapolis^
advance campaign will carry more
than 5,000 lines in the newspapers,
terminating in a three-color ad for
the opening day announcement. In
addition to approximately 100 spot
announcements on the radio, spread
over a period of three weeks prior
to the opening, Universal is also
using sponsored news broadcasts
three times weekly.
Newspaper publicity veers away
from usual production and feature
material, and centers around the
award of music scholarships to lead-
ing conservatories, these in the i
name of Susanna Foster, who came
from Minneapolis. Newspapers gave |
front page prominence to these
awards with art and stories.
It is anticipated that the cam-
paign will set a new high in both
cities in the amount of free news-
paper lineage and art layouts used
as a result of fresh angles employed.
Illuminated 24-sheet boards, street
car cards and intensive window tie-
.up displays in leading department
stores are rounding out the cam-
paigns.
Can. Co-op Campaigns
For Roy Rogers Specials
Toronto — J. R. Grainger, president
of Republic Pictures, is here for the
convention of Empire-Universal
Films, Ltd., distributor for Republic
in Canada, which opens today at the
Royal York Hotel.
There will be discussion of Can-
adian promotion on Roy Rogers,
with co-operative campaigns similar
to those employed in the U. S. be-
ing planned in connection with the
release of his big-budget specials
in key- cities throughout Canada. The
first such campaign is that for "Sil-
ver Spurs," which opens, day and
date, Saturday at the Alhambra and
St. Clair.
Grainger will leave Toronto to-
morrow, to return to New York.
"Hopalong" Suit for Haegg
The only thing Gundar Haegg ex-
pressed a desire to take back from
Hollywood to Sweden with him was
a "Hopalong Cassidy" suit. Ac-
cordingly, at 2:45 this afternoon the
world's record holder of the one-
and two-mile marks, will go to the
UA offices for the presentation of a
gift from William Boyd, star of
over 50 "Hopalong Cassidy" pic-
tures who overheard Haegg express
a desire to own such an outfit.
Nazi Prisoner
Cyril Hutchinson, former 20th Cen-
tury-Fox shipper in the Los An-
geles exchange, previously "missing
in action," is reported a prisoner in
the hands of the Nazis in Germany.
4(.W
BETTER THAN "HITLER'S
CHILDREN" IN PORTLAND, ORE!
(Same two houses; same days of week)
..That's the first flash from the
Pacific Northwest Area Premiere,
where 47 theatres will open earlier,
close later, to handle the biggest
crowds they ever dreamed of!
. . And it's still hanging up records
throughout New England and New
York State, where it premiered in
79 theatres to the greatest bally-
hoo this business ever heard of!
Menu*
«* ~& *»i
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,tf0rf FOB r//F
Nf IT SEASON,
The Summer of 1943 is
Universally good for
all Universale Exhibitors . . . The same
goes for the Fall and the Winter. Get
ready for more big ones.
In Today's Issue: The Equipment Nev^ SfeSatP'
(See Pages 9-12)
f
. 84. NO. 31
NEW YORK, FRIDAY. AUGUST 13. 1943
TEN CENTS
20TH-F0X FEATURE JINEUP CALLSJOR 39
Percentage Pix Issue Going to Attorney General
Allied's Board to Supply
Information to Gov't as
Part of Data on Decree
By AL STEEN
Associate Editor, THE FILM DAILY
Baltimore — Allied's board of di-
rectors yesterday voted to call the
attention of the U. S. Attorney Gen-
eral to the apparent purpose of all
distributors to break down the re-
sistance of exhibitors to percentage
pictures.
The directors asserted that all of
the distributors this year were de-
manding that at least some pictures
be played on percentage, whereas
in the past, straight rental deals
(Continued on Page 6)
Flexer in Merchant Marine, Circuit Managers
Trail Him to Florida Base for Conferences
St. Petersburg, Fla. — This is a case where the mountain really came to Mo-
hammed when the process couldn't be reversed. Because David Flexer, head
of the Flexer Theaters Co., which controls a circuit in Tennessee and Mississippi,
entered the merchant marine service a few weeks ago and was sent to St. Peters-
burg, and thus couldn't get away to confer with managers of his theaters, they
all came to St. Petersburg to see him.
War Loan "Action1
Meets in 200 Cities
By arrangement with Mutual
Broadcasting System and the War
Finance Committee, special "Ac-
tion" meetings on the Third War
Loan in more than 200 cities will
be addressed over a closed circuit
telephone hook-up by Theodore R.
(Continued on Page 4)
Ontario Exhibs. Protest
Rural Free Film Shows
West Coast Bu-cau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Toronto — Exhibitor organizations
are arranging a formal protest to
Ottawa against the tax-free shows
current in rural sections. Shows
(Continued on Page 4)
"Mr. Lucky" Tops B.O.
July Pix in Camps
RKO's "Mr. Lucky" was the best
b.o. draw in War Department thea-
ters during July, it was reported yes-
terday by R. B. Murray, director of
the Army Motion Picture Service.
Other four outstanding pix from
b.o. standpoint for the month, in the
order named, were: "Hit the Ice,"
Universal; "Stormy Weather," 20th-
Fox; "Hers to Hold," Universal, and
"Background to Danger, Warners.
O'Loghlin, 20lh-Fox
Canadian Mgr., Dies
Montreal — James Peter O'Loghlin,
59, for over 20 years general man-
ager in Canada for 20th Century-
Fox, at the Can-
adian head office
in Toronto, who
had been on sick
leave for the past
month, died yes-
terday morning
in the western di-
vision of Mon-
treal General
Hospital. His
body is resting
at the Thomas
Kane Funeral
Parlor and the
funeral service
will be held to-
morrow at 9 a.m.
at St. Patrick's
Roman Catholic Cathedral.
A native of. Montreal, O'Loghlin
early showed his enthusiasm for the
cinema. He was one of the founders
(Continued on Page 5)
No III B. 0. Effect
From Air Raid Drill
J. P. O'LOGHLIN
Theaters in the Broadway sector
yesterday reported no ill effect from
the surprise air-raid drill staged at
the height of the evening rush hour.
The half-hour drill which started at
5:15 p.m., merely had the effect of
delaying those headed for the amuse-
ment district. It did not keep peo-
ple out of the theaters, since it came
early in the evening.
Lobbies were jammed with pedes-
trians and fans waiting to buy tick-
ets who were shooed off the streets.
Company's Investment in
2 Broadway Stage Plays
Exceeds Half Million Dol.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — New season program
of 20th Century-Fox will embrace 39
features, 41 shorts, including 13 is-
sues of the March
of Time, and 104
issues of Movie-
t o n e Newsreel,
Tom Connors,
vice-president in
cha: ge of world-
wide distribution,
yesterday told
delegates to the
regional sales
meeting at the
Roosevelt Hotel.
Connors an-
nounced that at
least 10 produc-
tions, seven of
them musicals will be made in Tech-
(Continued on Page 7)
TOM CONNORS
First-Run Status for
RKO's Broadway Palace
With the opening next Thursday
of "The Fallen Sparrow" the RKO
Palace, Broadway, becomes a first-
run single feature outlet for RKO
product. Congested bookings, due to
long runs, plus an increased num-
ber of pictures on the 1943-44 pro-
(Continued on Page 3)
Exhibitors Study Usher Plan
Daughters of Empire Take Over Floor in Can.
UA Ups Two Salesmen
To Branch Managers
Promotions to branch managers of
two United Artists salesmen and the
transferring of three managers to
(Continued on Page 5)
David L. Loew Sets Up
A Financing Organization
Hollywood — David L. Loew is
widening his film activities with the
(Continued on Page 3)
Diames a PCCITO Director;
Meeting Called Aug. 18-19
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — George Diames of
Tucson, Ariz., has been elected as a
trustee to PCCITO, filling the vac-
ancy created by the resignaton of
Jack Y. Berman, whose enlarged du-
ties in operation of his theaters ne-
(Continued on Page 4)
Unusual ushering plan adopted by
the Capitol Theater, Saint John, N.
B., operated by the Paramount sub-
sidiary, Famous Players Canadian
Corp., is being studied in this coun-
try for possible application in smal-
ler U. S. towns where usher help is
not organized and where theaters
have been understaffed due to a
wartime shortage of personnel.
Capitol has reached back to World
(Continued on Page 3)
WT Goes into Popcorn
Business in Big Way
Denver — National Theaters is or-
ganizing its own popcorn department.
John E. Hendryx, western broker, has
been named manager, and will head-
quarter in Denver. In company with
Robert Selig, northern district man-
ager, Mel Glatz, purchasing agent,
and Robert Garland, film buyer, he
went to McCook, Neb., center of
large popcorn acreage, and there met
with 150 growers and contracted for
their entire output.
Vol. 84, No. 31 Fri., Aug. 13, 1943
10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General
Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway. New York 18, N.
f., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
secoml class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March .1. 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New Yu'k
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months.
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD. 28. Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman. The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12)
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214 HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck.
Casll'o de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY-
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex
ico. D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Thursday, Aug. 12)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.
East. Kodak
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . . .
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
NEW YORK
Para. B'way 3s55 . . .
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK
Monogram Picts. . . .
Radio-Keith cvs. . . .
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor
Trans-Lux
Universal Picts
Universal Picts. vtc. .
151/g 15y8 15'/8 — 'A
403/g 40'/4 403/8 — 5/8
20 20 20
593/4 593/4 593/4 —
255/g 25 25 '/4 —
8V2 8 1/4 8 1/4 —
89 89 89
203^ 20 y2 201/2 —
317/g 313/4 317/8 ..
I31/4 12% 12% —
BOND MARKET
CURB MARKET
1% 13/g 1% — %
33/4 33/4 33/4 + y8
133/s 13 131/4
I8I/2 18V2 i8J/2 +2y2
17 16l/2 17 + %
Ace B. O. Product Gives
Buffalo Biggest Week
Buffalo — With five downtown first-
runs, Buffalo got its fifth holdover
in a week yesterday, when "Behind
the Rising Sun" began its second
week at the 20th Century. "Hers to
Hold" at Basil's Lafayette, "Dixie"
at Shea's Buffalo, and "The Con-
stant Nymph" at Shea's Great Lakes
already had begun second weeks and
"Lady of Burlesque," at Shea's Hip-
podrome, a third week.
First-week grosses topped $93,000
for the five houses for the biggest
week this year, about $20,000 more
than the previous high.
Sealed Bids for Ziegfeld
Theater Due Tomorrow
Sealed bids for the rental and
purchase of the Ziegfeld Theater
have been ordered by Supreme Court
Justice Bernard Botein to be filed
by noon tomorrow. Loew's lease on
the house expires Aug. 31 and both
the company and Billy Rose have
been bidding for the property.
Rose offered $425,000 for the pur-
chase and Loew's topped that by
$10,000 in bids presented to the
justice. Rose also offered $55,000
annual rental, $5,000 more than
Loew's pays at present and Loew's
offered to meet that figure before
Justice Botein ordered sealed bids.
September Hearings for
Buffalo Area Cases
Buffalo — First hearings in four ar-
bitration cases have been postponed
from August dates to September.
They are: Kallet's State, Fulton,
Sept. 8; Basil's Genesee, Buffalo,
Sept. 20; Basil's Apollo, Buffalo,
Sept. 22, and Basil's LaSalle, Nia-
gara Falls, Sept. 27. Cases of Ba-
sil's Varsity, Buffalo, previously was
scheduled for Sept. 14, and Menno
H. Dykstra's Glen, Williamsville,
for Sept. 15.
Ampa to Salute Trade Men,
Women in Armed Forces
Ampa's advisory committee met
yesterday at the call of Prexy Vin-
cent Trotta to consider plans for
the organization's seasonal curtain
raiser at the Astor on Sept. 16.
Meeting will be dubbed "Salute to
the Motion Picture Men and Wo-
men in the Armed Forces." Pro-
gram will be completed later.
Warner Montreal Office
Mourns Two Employes :
Montreal — Warners' district office
here lost two valued staff members
in charge of posters and shipping,
and Jesse James Cobooker, who died
yesterday.
DAILY
Friday, August 13, 194:
lidi
I Memelstein Examination
Completion Is Ordered
Federal Judge Simon H. Rifkin
yesterday granted a motion brought
by J. S. Rex Cole ordering comple-
tion of the examination of Martin
Memelstein and other defendants in
his accounting action brought in
connection with the films "Lelong"
and "Kliou." No date was set for
examinations.
Action was filed by Cole in 1941
against DuWorld Pictures, Inc.,
World Pictures Corp., Lloyds Film
Storage Corp., Memelstein, Irvin J.
Shapiro, Arthur A. Mayers and Ar-
chie Mayers. Cole, a Hollywood
agent, claims that Bennett Pictures
assigned him the rights and titles to
the films and asks an accounting of
income from distribution. Trial is
scheduled for October.
Empire-Universal Confab
Pays Tribute to Grainger
Toronto — Sales forces of six Can-
adian branches gathered at the
Royal York Hotel yesterday for the
first session of a three-day confer-
ence ot Empire Universal Films,
Ltd., with Paul Nathanson, Haskell,
M. Masters and A. W. Perry in
charge, with James R. Grainger,
president of Republic Pictures, in
attendance. The day concluded with
a dinner in tribute to Grainger.
Today is Universal day with rep-
resentatives present from Universal
Pictures to discuss new product. At-
tention tomorrow will be devoted to
British and Russian product.
Gable In Fortress Raid
On German Stronghold
Capt. Clark Gable, AAF, rode in
the leading Flying Fortresses of the
U S. Eighth Air Force group which
attacked Gelsenkirchen yesterday,
the Associated Press reported in a
London dispatch. The AP said that
the former Metro star returned to
his base unhurt, although enemy
anti-aircraft fire had cut fifteen
holes in his ship.
NOTICE OF TRADE SHOWING
"Shrine of Victory"
with OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE GREEK NAVY
A CASANAVE-ARTLEE PRODUCTION
PRODUCED AT EALING STUDIOS, LTD.
RELEASED BY 20th CENTURY-FOX
at the
20th Century-Fox Exchange 345 West 44tft Street
New York, N. Y.
MONDAY, AUG. 16th, 10:30 a.m.
COMinG and GOIflO
S. BARRET McCORMICK, RKO Radio directo
of advertising and publicity, leaves today fo
the Coast to confer with studio officials. H
will be away two weeks.
ROBERT M. CILLHAM, Paramount advertising
and publicity director left last night for Chi
cago to complete plans for the Midwest premier;
of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" at the State-Lak
on Sept. 2. He is scheduled to leave Chicae;
next week for San Francisco.
WALTER BATCHELOR has left for Hollyw>.-.
to discuss the Fred Allen film with Leo Spitz
and Jack Skirball.
ERNESTO CAPARROS, Cuban director, is in
New York on a business trip.
AUDREY WESTPHAL, Buffalo dancer, is er
route to Hollywood, after being signed by Pro-
ducer Buddy DeSylva to a seven-year Para-
mount contract.
NICHOLAS NAPOLI, president of Artkino, goes
to Toronto to attend sales meeting of Empire-
Universal, distributor of Soviet product in Cana-
da. He will arrive Saturday in time to ad-
dress the morning session which will be de-
voted to Russian films.
ROLAND YOUNC leaves the Coast for New
York this week-end to start rehearsals of the
play, "Another Love Story."
IRVING BERLIN following the Washington,
premiere of "This is the Army" last night left
for Charleston, W. Va., for the local opening
tonight.
FRANK N. PHELPS, Warner Theaters execu-
tive in charge of labor relations, was in Phila-
delphia yesterday and will be in Atlantic City
today.
LOUISE RANDALL PIERSON, author of
"Roughly Speaking," has arrived at Warners'
Coast studios to collaborate with Catherine
Turney on the screenplay.
WILLIAM A. SCULLY, Universal sales chief;
F. J. A. McCARTHY, Canadian division manager,
and BERNIE KREISLER, shorts sales head, left
for Toronto last night to attend the Empire-
Universal sales meetings; they return Monday.
ROLAND YOUNG will leave the Coast for
New York following completion of work in
Paramount's "Standing Room Only" tomorrow.
LEONARD DALY of United Artists is in Havana
directing the exploitation campaign on "The
Moon and Sixpence," which opens at the En-
canto Theater there Aug. 17.
MA). BEN LYON is in Baltimore.
GRACIE FIELDS has arrived in London from
New York.
The Recognized
Standard
Reference
Book of the
Motion Picture Industry
THE FILM YEAR BOOK
Published by
and given free with a
year's subscription to
THE FILM DAILY
1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY
■
'riday, August 13, 1943
anadian Usher Plan
ludied by Exhibs.
s uj.
the
(Continued from Page 1)
ar I days to reinstate a co-opera-
te ushering plan with the Daugh-
: rs of the Empire. Arrangements
ive been made between the house
id the D of E whereby two chap-
rs of the women's order will pro-
11 the ushering on the lower
f the Capitol for the duration
[' the war.
j Money earned will be paid into a
jsnd for the war activities of the
jiapters with the house staff con-
jnuing to handle the lobby, door
id twin balcony of the 1,600-seat
heater. During the earlier war,
i ihering at the Capitol was by a
i omen's group, organized for the
jjrpose, the money being used for
itriotic charities. Ushering prob-
m has been acute here as it was
rond impossible to retain a full
• aff of experienced help in the
rger-than-average house.
Proponents in this country hold
lat the plan would be of tremen-
)us help to harrassed theater opera-
irs, would swell the treasuries of
cal welfare organizations, and still
ould not cause labor repercussions
? few people seem to want the
|sher jobs during the war. Per-
j'mnel problem is expected to reach
new pitch when schools open next
onth and the youngsters who have
jen carrying the burden all Sum-
er return to their studies.
Idyor Sells Ore. Theater
Portland, Ore. — Leo Goodman,
iayor of Waldport, has sold his
leater to Henry L. Harston, taking
is first venture in the theater busi-
JSS.
oldberg Chi. Drive Chairman
Chicago — Arthur Goldberg, B & K
;torney, was named chairman
le amusement division for
immunity drive.
of
the
Aug. 13
W. E. Green
.harles "Buddy" Rogers
Regis Toomey
Sam Taylor
Gene Raymond
Mollie Stickles
Donald Duck
Alfred Hitchcock
Rita Johnson
Gloria Dickson
Leo Brecher
Mary Duncan
Aug. 14
Lois Brisbane Bob Hadley
Edward L. Boniva
Aug. 15
Estelle Brady Signe Hasso
Harry Akst
TO THE COLORS!
* PROMOTED *
LE ROY CASTLEBAUM, USA, formerly Comerford
Circuit, Scranton, Pa., to chief warrant of-
ficer, stationed in Alaska.
WILLIAM GRAFF, USA, formerly, assistant man-
ager Manhattan Theater, Scranton, to ser-
geant.
* ARMY *
ELSON L. ALTSCHULD (EDDIE ALLEN), Bing
Crosby gag writer, Hollywood.
CLAIR VON EMON, Victoria, Jersey Shore, Pa.
CHARLES HARVEY, Victoria, Jersey Shore.
DOUGLAS YOHE, Capitol, Bloomsburg, Pa.
* NAVY *
JOHN MARSHALL, Sterling, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
ARTHUR KRAMER, Capitol, Bloomsburg, Pa.
* ARMY AIR~FORCE *
A/C RICHARD SIMON, of the cast of "Life
With Father," stationed at Maxwell Field,
Montgomery, Ala.
David L. Loew Sets Up
A Financing Organization
(Continued from Page 1)
setting up of an organization through
which . he will handle secondary
financing of motion pictures He
has established a special office for
this enterprise. Through this set-
up, it was disclosed, stars, directors
and producers with proper qualifica-
tions can be completely financed in
their own independent film ventures,
with Loew contacting primary fin-
ancing and handling secondary
money personally as well as assist-
ing with release negotiations.
Loew declared his new undertak-
ing is in no way connected with
Producing Artists, Inc. The financ-
ing organization is entirely a sep-
arate enterprise, Loew said, oper-
ated personally without partnership
of any kind, direct or indirect
First-Run Status for RKO's
Broadway Palace Theater
(Continued from Page 1)
gram, are given as the reasons.
Following "Sparrow," house will
play "The Sky's the Limit," with
Fred Astaire and Joan Leslie; "Be-
hind the Rising Sun; the Kay Kyser
musical, "Around the World" and
"The Iron Major, starring Pat
O'Brien.
Changes in Two Radio
Trade Screenings in N. Y.
Two changes in the schedule of
trade screenings which RKO Radio's
New York branch will hold next
week, were announced yesterday by
Metropolitan district manager Rob-
ert Wolff.
"Adventure of a Rookie" will be
screened on Tuesday, at 10 a.m. at
the RKO Palace; "The Fallen Spar-
row" will be screened on the same
day at 2:30 p.m. only, at the RKO
Radio projection room at 630 Ninth
Ave.
Screenings of three other RKO
Radio pictures will be held as orig-
inally announced
DAILY
Our next big war job— Third War Loan September 9th-20th
m
DAILY
Friday, August 13, 194J
War Loan "Action1
Meets in 200 Cities
(.Continued from Page 1)
"Ted" Gamble, national director of
the WFC, L. C. Griffith, general
chairman for the film industry, and
a high-ranking officer in one of the
armed services.
The "Action" conferences will be
held on Aug. 25 and the time of the
program, which will be heard in the
200 cities in which Mutual has out-
lets, is scheduled for 4:15 to 4:25,
EWT. Griffith will go to Washing-
ton to face the "mike."
Station studios will serve as meet-
ing places and, if they are too small
in some cities, it is expected that
arrangements will be made locally to
pipe the addresses into a theater or
hall to accommodate the WAC-ites
and representatives of the WFC, who
will be invited to attend.
These arrangements, it is antici-
pated, will bring together the great-
est number of WAC personnel ever
to meet at one time, and is indica-
tive of the entire stepped-up attitude
which the industry feels will be
necessary to insure the success of
the campaign. It was not known
yesterday at the WAC who the
armed services speaker would be,
but it was said that an announce-
ment would be made shortly.
Diames a PCCITO Director;
Meeting Called Aug. 18-19
(Continued from Page 1)
cessitated his resignation. Hugh
Bruen, who has been a trustee of
PCCITO since its inception, will re-
main as a trustee serving together
with Diames.
PCCITO has called a meeting Aug.
18 and 19 in San Francisco. Those
present will be Leroy V. Johnson,
L.O. Lukan, Seattle; M. W. Matte-
chock, Bob White, Portland; Rotus
Harvey, Ben Levin, San Francisco;
Buren and Diames, Los Angeles; Bob
Poole, executive secretary; J. M.
Hono, executive secretary of Wash-
ington, Idaho and Alaska organiza-
tion; 0. J. Miller, executive secre-
tary of the Oregon Association.
Agenda will include future action
to be taken by PCCITO on the New
York consent decree, predicated up-
on its meeting with Tom C. Clark,
special assistant to the U. S. At-
torney General, while in Los Angeles
a short time ago.
Capt. Harold Slayer
Slain in Jap Battle
Bangor, Me. — Capt. Harold A.
Slager, 29, formerly with M & P
Pictures in this city, was
killed in action in the South
Pacific July 25, according to
War Department information received
by his parents. Capt. Slager was
with the Maine National Guard when
it was federalized.
G
pk^ma
la
i
Friday Chowder:
• • • IT'LL be unusual if there isn't a crowd going into or stand-
ing about the hospital portals of PRC's home office this afternoon about
5 p.m Prexy O. Henry Briggs is gettin' downright used to it
On Wednesday, — at the accepted hour of tea-time — , the trade scribes
marched virtually en masse in the Briggs sanctorum to interview Bill
Gell Yes'day, at the corresponding hour, or thereabouts, was the
air raid The upper floors of the Paramount Building emptied, and
execs, and workers beat a prescribed path to the 18th (safe zone) Floor,
and gathered about PRC's said portals Among those present
at yesterday's air raid siesta were Joseph Lamb, Robert Socas, East
52nd St. Post Warden Don Mersereau, Floor Warden H. R. Danziger,
Sam Kestenbaum, Floor Warden, Pete Lewis, Chester B. Bahm of the
Malverne Defense Council Medical Corps, and Floor Warden Winfield
Andrus Film Attorney Louis Nizer couldn't attend the "Siren Ses-
sion" yesterday, being in Washington
▼ T T
• • • BEFORE local and foreign press big-shots, Arthur Kelly,
UA vice-prexy, yesterday presented Gundar Haegg, famed Swedish
tniler, with a complete Hopalong Cassidy outfit Only thing the
athlete was put-out about was the fact that Hoppie's six-shooters were
rubber One of the film-minded news representative present ob-
served as Kelly and Haegg posed for photos: "Both those guys are
champions of long runs!". . . • Today the one millionth patron to
see "Stage Door Canteen" at the local Capitol will receive a $25 War
Bond from Grad Sears, UA vice-prexy in charge of domestic sales.
• Sam Goldwyn said yes'day that Elliot Nugent will return to Broad-
way to star opposite Margaret Sullavan in Johnny Van Druten's play,
"The Voice of the Turtle," planned for November production by Al-
fred DeLiagre At present, Nugent is workin' on the Goldwyn lot
as director of the Danny Kaye musical and Technicolor opus, "Up In
Arms". . . • Maria M. Garrett, of WB's foreign publicity dept., is
in Cuba on a vacation jaunt, and has already been feted at several
receptions given in her honor, and has broadcast four programs on
how the U. S. pic biz is doing everything in its power for Victory.
• Watch Harry Sherman in 1943-44! He now has more stars
and players under contract, and more stories in preparation, than at
any time in his "epic" film career. . . • Edmund Goulding is in
town from Hollywood to direct the new Frederick Lonsdale play
"Another Love Story" It'll be his first fling at a B'way stage
chore, but by no means a new role 'cause he stage-directed a'plenty
in London. . . • Louis Rosenbaum, Muscle Shoals Theaters head,
has been appointed by Alabama's Governor Sparks to serve as district
chairman of the Ala. War Chest He held same position last
year. . . • Walter E. Green, NTS prexy, announces the appointment
of A. J. Lindsley to handle advertising and publicity for the company
Br'r Lindsley, who has been associated with International
Projector Corp., assumes the duties of F. L. Friedman who resigned
from National on July 31. . . * Harry Murdoch, who used to be
pic and drama editor of the Philadelphia Evening Ledger (now de-
funct), joins the Chicago Sun in September as Motion Picture and
Dramatic Editor He is currently fmblicity head for Station WCAU
Harry has a lotta friends in the pic biz, and for a while was
associated with Columbia, doing special publicity work. . . 9 Texas
A & M alumni will sponsor a dinner in the Waldorf-Astoria next
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and thereat U's Walter Wanger production,
"We've Never Been Licked," will be screened
▼ T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
IN NEW POSTS ■
)'!
Ji
WILBERT SILVERMAN, short subject baokei
Essaness Circuit, Chicago.
IRVING PEARLMAN, booking manager, Slot:
Circuit, Chicago.
JAMES DAY, Altec service engineer in Detroit
to same company in Texas.
MARTIN J. OSWALD, manager, Belle, Detroit.
RAY LENHART, manager, Lakewood, Detroit.
HENRY J. PLUDE, manager, Fort Theate
Island, III.
C. H. STROM, manager, Fox-Rialto, Missoula
Mont.
BOB CLARK, booker, Sterling Theaters, Port
land.
CEORCE D. CAMERON, manager, Schine's Not
walk, Norwalk, O.
01
01-
1
10!
«':
rai
e;
s
WAYNE SWEENEY, manager,
Omaha.
Town Theater
JOHN ZIMM, general manager, Vanguard Films or?
Inc., Hollywood.
CARROLL TROWBRIDGE, branch manager 6C1
United Artists, Salt Lake City.
CARL BURTON, branch manager, United Ar
tists, Charlotte.
EARL COLLINS, branch manager, United Artists
Los Angeles.
BYRON ADAMS, branch manager, United Ar
tists, Dallas.
CLARENCE OLSON, branch manager, Unitec^
Artists, Denver.
ALVIN BAYER, manager, Beach Theater, Jack
sonville, Fla.
WILLIAM P. HENNEY, manager, Florida Theatet
Daytona, Beach.
ARTHUR TITUS, salesman, Monogram, Boston.
t!
A
or:
v.
re"
ia:
riii
In
fl
OS!
Ontario Exhibs. Protest
Rural Free Film Shows
(Continued from Page 1)
are arranged by local merchants to
discourage patrons from going to
larger towns to see a movie while on
a shopping trip. They do not pay
the 20 per cent tax under a section
of the law which provides exemp
tion for parish and co-operative
shows.
Exhibs. claim the shows are op-
erated to bring added profits and
should be reclassified the same as
regular theaters as permanent oper
ators cannot reduce admission scales
as do the co-op shows. Requests may
be made to exchanges to stop rent-
ing film to tax-free theaters within
15 miles of a standard operator.
Canadian Indies Meeting
Set for August 23-24-25
Toronto — National council of In
dependent Exhibitors of Canada has
issued a call for the 1943 convention
of independent theater owners to be
held August 23-24-25 at King Ed
ward Hotel, Toronto, under chair-
manship of A. J. Mason, Capitol
Theater, Springhill, N. S., and Har-
ry Romberg of Toronto as secretary
It is understood that Henry Falk
now supervisor for a group of inde-
pendent theaters in Montreal and
elected president last year, will at
tend to lead discussions on condi
tions affecting independents. Rom
berg announced Western Canada will
be represented by a delegation from
Winnipeg.
Friday, August 13, 1943
CH\ DAILY
(Continued from Page 1)
:' Regal Films, and later was coll-
ected with Pathe before joining Fox
ilms, later 20th Century-Fox, of
hich he became general manager
>r Canada. In his youth he was a
oted rugby football player with
/e^mount and Shamrocks but for
■j years the motion picture in-
LtJBPy has claimed his whole atten-
on. When he was given sick leave
;cently he retained his title as gen-
ral manager although temporarily
jplaced, the company hoping that
is illness would not prove as serious
s indicated.
O'Loghlin was president of the
anadian Motion Picture Distribu-
r>rs Ass'n, former secretary of the
anadian Picture Pioneers, and di-
sctor of the Motion Picture War
ervice Committee.
i A widower, O'Loghlin leaves two
)ns, both overseas, one in the air
lorce, and four daughters. A
rother, William E. O'Loghlin, is
lanager of the Palace on St. Cath-
rine Street, a first-run house of
Jlonsiolidated Theaters. "Bill"
''Loghlin has already received a
ost of messages of sympathy on
le loss sustained by the death of
is distinguished brother.
I'Loghlin, 20th-Fox
anadian Mgr., Dies
HCLLYWCCD DIGEST
SIGNED
LEIGH JASON, directorial termer, Columbia.
RICHARD FRASER, termer, Universal.
JOE KUPPERMAN, of Quiz Kids, M-G-M.
JACK SHILKRET, musical conductor, to score
the 1943-44 shorts program, Columbia.
ASSIGNMENTS
EDWARD SUTHERLAND, director, "Three
Cheers for the boys," Universal.
WILLIAM SEITER, director, "Command
formance," 20th-Fox.
JCHN FARROW, director, "Curacao,"
mount.
EUGENE SHUFTAN, production designer,
Junction," PRC.
LEW POLLOCK and CHARLES NEWMAN, songs,
"Sweethearts of the U.S.A.," Monogram.
ROBERT EDMUNDS, screenplay, "The Voodoo
Man," Monogram.
FRANK WISBAR, technical adviser, "Hitler's
Woman," Monogram.
CEORCE MOSCOV, production manager, "The
Sultan's Daughter," Monogram.
NEIL McCUIRE, art director, "The Sultan's
Daughter," Monogram.
WILLIAM SEITER, director, "Command Per-
formance," 20th-Fox.
Per-
Para-
"Jive
CASTINGS
RANDOLPH SCOTT, "Cung Ho," Universal;
DONALD O'CONNOR, MARTHA O'DRISCOLL and
FECCY RYAN, "We of the Theater," Universal;
ROBERT YOUNG, CHARLES LAUCHTON and
MARGARET O'BRIEN, "The Canterville Ghost,"
M-G-M; JACK OAKIE, "Command Performance,"
20th-Fox; OTTO KRUGER, "Cover Cirl," Colum-
bia; JEFF DONNELL, "There's Something About
a Soldier," Columbia; CEORCE MACREADY and
SI JENKS, "The Story of Dr. Wassell," Para-
mount; EDITH BARRETT, BEN BARD and RUS-
SELL WADE, "Ghost Ship," RKO; RUDOLPH
FRIML, JR., "Up in Arms," Samuel Goldwyn;
ROBERT BENCHLEY, "See Here, Private Har-
grove," M-C-M; DICK POWELL and JACK
OAKIE, "Tomorrow Never Comes," Arnold Press-
burger-UA.
FAYE EMERSON, "Destination, Tokyo,"
Warners; WALTER BRENNAN, "Home in In-
RECIS TOOMEY, "The Life
Samuel Bronston-UA; AN-
"Caslight," M-C-M; CAR-
"Kismet,'
Comrade,'
diana," 20th-Fox;
of Jack London,"
CELA LANSBURG,
MEN d'ANTONIO,
HUNTER, "Tender
MAMOULIAN, "Rhapsody
UNA MERKEL, "Sweethearts
Monogram; HAZEL SCOTT
Warners; EDITH BARRET
M-G-M; KIM
RKO; REUBEN
Blue," Warners;
of the U.S.A.,"
Rhapsody in Blue,"
'The Ghost Ship,"
RKO; TINA THAYER and DICKIE MOORE,
"Jive Junction," PRC; EDDIE LeBARON and
ORK., "Trocadero," PRC.
WALTER BRENNAN, "Home in Indiana,"
20th-Fox; JOHNNIE COY, "Incendiary Blonde,"
Paramount; RICHARD LOO, "The Story of
Dr. Wassell, Paramount; TED LEWIS and his
orchestra, "Three Cheers for the Boys," Uni-
versal.
CARMEN MIRANDA, "Laredo," 20th-Fox;
JAMES CLEASON, "My Client Curley," Colum-
bia; LARRY PARKS, "Hey, Rookie," Columbia;
RICHARD FRASER, "When Ladies Fly," Uni-
versal; JONATHAN HALE, "Ten Percent Wo-
man," Columbia; JOAN THORSEN, "Tropicana,"
Columbia; RUSSELL HAYDEN, "Cun Fighters,"
Universal; LEE NUGENT, "Up in Arms," Samuel
Goldwyn; DONALD CRISP, "National Velvet;
GENE AUSTIN, "East of the Bowery," Mono-
gram; BOB STEELE, "Trail Blazers," Monogram;
CCBINA WRIGHT, SR. and FARKYAKARKUS,
"Sweethearts of the U.S.A." Monogram; JOHN-
NY MACK BROWN, "Raiders of the Border,"
Monogram; PAUL ANDOR (formerly Wolfgang
Zilzer), "Dr. Paul Joseph Coebbels, His Life and
Loves," W. R. Frank.
UA Ups Two Salesmen
To Branch Managers
(Continued from Page 1)
different territories was announced
yesterday by Carl Leserman, gen-
eral sales manager.
The two salesmen who now become
branch chiefs are Carroll Trowbridge,
former salesman in Seattle, who has
been promoted to the Salt Lake City
post and Carl Burton, salesman op-
erating out of the Charlotte terri-
tory, now branch head there.
Among the managerial shifts are
the following: Earl Collins, who
joined UA in 1936 and had been
branch manager at Dallas, has been
transferred to the Los Angeles Ex-
change succeeding Cresson E. Smith,
retired. Byron Adams, former Char-
lotte manager, has been given the
post of branch manager in Dallas.
Clarence Olson, former branch man-
ager in Salt Lake City, has been
shifted to the same post in the Den-
ver territory. All of the appoint-
ments are effective immediately.
"Serve" Showing in Argentine
Published reports that "In Which
We Serve" has been withdrawn from
distribution in Argentina due to cen-
sorship difficulties, were branded yes-
terday as untrue by Walter Gould,
UA foreign manager.
NEW YORK'S ROXY THEATRE
BOOKS THIS ONE ON SIGHT!
This is only one of 28
Comedies each starring
a Top Comedian ... to
be released during
1943-44 by Columbia!
A Hilarious 2 Reel Comedy
Produced pnd Directed by JULES WHITE
THE BEST COMEDIES OF ALL COME FROM COLUMBIA!
<7*\baiiy
Friday, August 13, 194:
Percentage Pix
Issue to Atty.-Gen.
(.Continued from Page 1)
could be made. The attorney general
should be informed of this situation,
the board said, because in making a
percentage deal, the distributor
forces himself into a partnership
with the theater, dictating policies,
dates, etc.
The board pointed out that such
deals extend the distributors control
over an exhibitor almost as much
as if he had aquired the theater.
Such a system is contrary to the
aims of the Government's anti-trust
suit which was to destroy domina-
tion of the distributors over exhibi-
tion, the directors contended.
This information will be furnished
to the attorney general as part of
the data on the New York consent
decree.
To Make Demands on Col.
Allied will demand that Columbia
deliver eight pictures on its new
season program on last season's con-
tracts, it was decided at the closing
session of the national board meet-
ing.
Allied alleged that the eight pic-
tures were announced on the 1942-43
schedule but were not delivered.
These pictures, Allied claimed, are
now being offered and the board
contends that they should be ac-
cepted only on last season's deals.
The eight pictures are "Somewhere
In Shara," "My Client Curley," "Ten
Percent Woman,' "Cover Girl," "Road
to Yesterday,' "Knights Without Ar-
mour" and two others starring Rita
Hay worth.
M. A. Rosenberg, Allied president,
yesterday was authorized by the
board of directors to name a com-
mittee to formulate a policy with
respect to pictures on which high
terms are demanded on the grounds
that part or all of the profits will
be donated to some patriotic cause.
Exhibs. Want Donation Credit
Purpose of the move, it was said
by the board, was to find a way
whereby a bad precedent on high
rentals will not be set and at the
same time allow the exhibitor, him-
self, to make his donation directly to
a cause and receive credit.
The board expressed opposition to
the recent practice of paying high
prices for pictures and allowing the
distributors to get the full credit for
turning the profits or a percentage
of the profits to an organization.
Reaffirms Divorcement
Allied's board yesterday re-af-
firmed its position on favoring the-
ater divorcement and endorsed the
Kilgore bill. It was decided, how-
ever, to leave any further action on
the Kilgore measure to the Ex-
ecutive Committee which will mark
time until the fate of the New York
consent decree is determined.
Because developments on the de-
cree might make the Kilgore bill
unnecessary, it was decided that con-
certed action in pressing for the
Anderson Buys 50%
of PRC Franchises
Denver — John Anderson, recently
partner in the Denver Telenews, has
bought a half interest in the Denver
and Salt Lake City PRC franchises,
and with Joe Ashby, present part-
ner, will operate the exchanges. Ber-
nie Newman, who sold out, has been
in the Navy for some time.
Paramount N. Y. District
Sales Conference Opens
Discussions on the 1943-44 prod-
uct and sales policies on features,
shorts and Paramount News marked
yesterday's opening day of a meet-
ing of Paramount sales and booking
staffs in the New York district. Milt
Kussell, district manager, conducted
the meeting, held in the exchange. .
Today's session will be devoted to
a round table discussion of individual
problems and exploitation and book-
ing department meeting. Henry
Randel, branch manager; Myron
Sattler, sales manager; Jack Per-
ley, head booker, and Sid Mesibov,
district advertising representative,
are scheduled to address the ses-
sions.
Others in attendance are Edward
Bell, Albert Bebhardt, Edward
Ugast, Nat Beier and Max Mendel,
salesman; Richard Magin, Charlotte
Solomon, Irving Barron, Lillian
Bergson and Kitty Flynn, bookers.
Six Los Angeles Houses
Get "Army" Day-and-Date
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Los Angeles — Instead of the three
houses originally scheduled, six lo-
cal first-run theaters will simultane-
ously present Irving Berlin's "This
is the Army" starting next Wednes-
day.
In addition to the Hollywood,
Downtown and Wiltern, Warner's
Huntington Park and San Pedro
Houses also will premiere the War-
ners production for Army Emerg-
ency Relief. Sixth house will be
Fox West Coast's Academy, Pasa-
dena, and there is a possibility that
additional houses will join the day-
and-date groups.
Bill Schuyler Wounded
Syracuse, N. Y. — Corp. John Wil-
liam "Bill" Schuyler, son of Jack
Schuyler, The Film Daily corres-
pondent, was wounded in action in
the Sicilian campaign, according to
word received here.
Sauter NIEC Co-ordinator
The NEIC last night elected James
Sauter as Co-ordinator of the or-
ganization's activities. Anita Gran-
nis was named assistant to Sauter
and Mrs. Mary Lawler will be en-
gaged as a paid secretary.
divorcement bill would be out of
line.'
Col. H. A. Cole invited the board
to hold its next meeting, probably
in November, in Dallas.
«
REVIEWS
»
"True to Life"
with Mary Martin, Franchot Tone, Dick
Powell, Victor Moore
Paramount 94 Mins.
SURE-FIRE COMEDY PANS OUT AS
SOCK ENTERTAINMENT FOR FAMILY
AUDIENCES; MOORE BIG HIT.
"True to Life" is wholesome family en-
tertainment which invokes the spirit of
fun without reserve. It should have no
trouble at all providing a walloping time
for patrons craving escape from the deluge
of war films. The film is mad, jolly stuff
that will cause the customers to laugh
themselves silly. Seriousness doesn't raise
it ugly head for a single instant to spoil
the fun.
The picture take a good-natured poke
at the radio soap operas in telling the
story of two high-priced ether scribblers
who turn to life for their inspiration when
they face the heave-ho from their sponsor
because their current family program has
gone blah. One of the duo saves the day
by moving in with the screwy family of a
hash-slinger without divulging his identity.
They get plenty of material to keep the
program going until the family threatens
to sue. Matters are complicated when
one of them falls in love with the hash-
slinger and has to meet the competition
of the other, a wolfish fellow. Everything
works out well in a wow of a finale which
will have the patrons busting their sides.
Mary Martin plays the hash-slinger and
Franchot Tone and Dick Powell the radio
writers, the latter the one who gets the
girl. While all three are good, it is Victor
Moore, as Miss Martin's eccentric father,
who captures most of the honors in a tre-
mendously funny performance. Fine work
also is turned in by Mabel Paige, Beverly
Hudson, Raymond Roe, Billy Demarest,
Clarence Kolb, Ernest Truex and others. The
cast is good down to the minutest role.
Don Hartman and Harry Tugend packed
plenty of excellent material into their
screenplay, which stems from a yarn by
Ben and Sol Barzman and Bess Tafel.
George 'Marshall's direction has given their
script loads of life. Hoagy Carmichael and
Johnny Mercer have contributed a trio
of tunes sung nicely by Miss Martin and
Powell. Paul Jones functioned well as
associates producer.
CAST: Mary Martin, Franchot Tone, Dick
Powell, Victor Moore, Mabel Paige, Beverly
Hudson, Raymond Roe, Bill Demarest, Er-
nest Truex, Clarence Kolb, Harry Shannon,
Charles Moore, Tim Ryan, Betty Farington,
Charles Cane, J. Farrell MacDonald, Fred
A. Kilsey, Grace Hayle, Stanley Andrews,
Ken Carpenter, Harry Tyler, Harry Hayden,
Ann Doran, Madora Keene, Shirley Mills,
Billy Bletcher, Bud Jamison, Robert Winkler,
Jack Gardner, Paul Newlan, Christopher
King, Maxine Ardell, Yvonne De Carlo,
Alice Kirby, Marcella Phillips, Jack Baxley,
Don Kerr, Marjorie Deanne, Matt McHugh,
Walter Soderling, Constance Purdy, Dorothy
Granger, Edward S. Chandler, Frank Cole-
man, Edna Bennett, Ethel Clayton, Gloria
Williams.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Paul
Jones; Director, George Marshall; Screen-
play, Don Hartman, Harry Tugend; Based
on story by Ben Barzman, Sol Barzman,
Bess Tafel; Cameraman, Charles Lang, Jr.;
AFLP Pledges Its Aid
In Third War Loan
'SICMUND GOTTLOBER
More than a score of foreign lang
uage newspapers in New York Citj
through Sigmund Gottlober, directc
of the American
Foreign Langu-
age Press, yester-
day pledged 100
per cent co-oper-
ation to the mo-
tion picture in-
dustry in its par-
ticipation in the
forthcom ing
Third War Drive,
the War Activi-
t i e s Committee
announced. Gott-
1 o b e r delivered
this pledge in the
WAC offices to
General Chair
man L. C. Griffith, Campaign Direc
tor C. D. "Brownie" Akers, and Pub
licity Committee Chairman Raj
Beall— officials of the Third Wai
Loan.
A scroll, listing Bond purchase;
of more than $50,000, bought by in
dividual foreign language newspa
pers during a previous WAC Bone
promotion, was presented by Gott-
lober who declared: "Not only wil
the members of the American For-
eign Language Press open theii
newspaper columns to messages de-
signed to show the necessity foi
support of the Third War Loan, bui
these newspapers will themselves
'back the attack' by buying Bonds.'
Griffith, in accepting the scroll
asked that Gottlober thank the mem*
bers of the Association for thei)
past co-operation and declared thai
he was "certain that their assist*
ance would unquestionably increas
the chances for the success on th
campaign.
"Army" in Two Capital
Theaters Indefinitely
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAIL)
Washington — Irving Berlin's "This
is the Army" is set for an indefinitt
extended run in two local houses, th(
Earle and Ambassador, starting to
day following a complete sellout sev
eral days in advance for the specia
premiere performance last night a'
the Earle. Irving Berlin flew dowi
from New York to be guest of honoi
at last night's gala affair, and goe
to Charleston, W. Va., for tonight'
opening there.
Mort Blumenstock, in charge o:
Warners' advertising and publicitj
in the East, also flew down for thi
premiere.
Musical Director, Victor Young; Songs
Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer; Art Di
rector, Hans Dreier, Earl Hedrick; Filn
Editor, LeRoy Stone; Sound, Gene Merritt
Walter Oberst; Set Decorator, Georgi
Sawley.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPH!
Good.
i
.«,
Friday, August 13, 1943
DAILY
20th-Fox Lineup Calls for 39, 10 in Technicolor
At Least Two, Possibly
Four May be of Roadshow
Calibre, Connors Reveals
(Continued from Page 1)
nicolor and there will be no "B"
product on the list. He said that at
i-rieast two or perhaps four others
JJiight be of roadshow calibre.
Although figures for 20th-Fox's
total investment in story properties
for next season were no.t avail-
able it is believed to be the largest
in the company's history. It is
headed by "Eve of St. Mark," Max-
well Anderson play, rights to which
cost $300,000 and is the most the
organization had ever spent for a
Bioadway piece up to that time.
"Something for the Boys" is under-
stood to represent a cost of $305,-
000, while other very expensive
properties include "One World,"
"Keys to the Kingdom" and "Story
of Bernadette."
Showing Pix in Sicily
At yesterday's session, Schenck
declared the company's pictures are
being shown in Sicily and Algiers
and aie proving great morale build-
ers. He asserted that despite war-
time handicaps and conditions, the
quality of 20th-Fox's product will
be maintained. Schenck paid a special
tribute to President Skouras and
Sales Manager Connors and his staff.
Zanuck said the company has nev-
er before been in such a strong con-
dition, as to story material, pro-
ducers, dii ectors and technical forces.
He pointed out that although several
of its stars are in the armed forces,
20th-Fox has built up a formidable
list of players and its important
vehicles will offset the loss of "name"
players, and that the company will
also develop some new stars. Zan-
uck further declared the company is
giving serious thought to post-war
pictuies and stressed "One World"
and "Wilson" as typical of the trend
of coming production.
Skouras stated that the company
is in a stronger financial position
than ever and its product is the best
in its history. He said elimination
of its lower bracket pictures means
a consequent increase in major pic-
tures and that under Schenck and
Zanuck 20th-Fox will have the prod-
uct to back up its sales plans.
Hal Horne stressed the value of
newspaper and trade paper adver-
tising and said the company's ex-
penditures in these media will be
larger than in the past.
About half of the scheduled line-
up are based on established literary
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS
IOLA LEHMAN, booker-office manager, Mono-
gram, Des Moines.
"Common Cause"
20th-Fox 11 Mins.
All Right
This British war short attempts
to bring home the point that, despite
certain differences, the British, Chi-
nese and Russians are one in a com-
mon cause — the defense of the ideals
which the Nazis are seeking to des-
troy. The effect is achieved via a
fictional yam in which fighting men
of the three natir/ns exchange their
views and opinions. All find they
are bound together by their com-
mon hatred for Fascism and what it
stands for. The film is helped by
several nice bits of acting.
"These Are the Men"
M-G-M 11 Mins.
Effective
Here is an unusual short that
wields tremendous power. It takes
a new tack in making an indictment
of Hitler, Goebbels, Goering and
Hess, and Nazi leaders in general.
The four Nazi big shots are shown
in speaking poses, with each of them
making his own case against himself
through the medium of an off-
screen voice. Worked into the foot-
age are scenes showing how the
Nazi leaders are debasing and pois-
oning the minds of the youth of
Germany. The short packs a dra-
matic wallop. No punches are pulled.
properties, such as published books
and plays as follows:
"The Song of Bernadette," based
on Franz Werfel's novel, with Jen-
nifer Jones in the title role, Henry
King directed and William Perlberg
produced; "Claudia," from the book
and play by Rose Franken, starring
Dorothy McGuire, Robert Young and
Ina Claire with direction by Ed-
mund Goulding; "One World," based
on Wendell L. Willkie's best-seller,
to be produced by Darryl F. Zanuck.
"Heaven Can Wait," from the
play by Lazlo Bus-Fekte, an Ernst
Lubitsch production in Technicolor,
starring Don Ameche, Gene Tierney
and Charles Coburn; "Holy Matri-
mony," starring Monty Wooley and
Gracie Fields, directed by John Stahl,
from Arnold Bennett's novel, "Buried
Alive"; "The Keys of the Kingdom,"
a best seller novel by A. J. Cronin
which may be produced by Zanuck.
"Jane Eyre," from the Charlotte
Bronte classic, starring Orson Welles
and Joan Fontaine with Robert
Stevenson directing; "Guadalcanal
Diary," based on the book by INS
foreign correspondent, Richard Tre-
gaskis, with William Bendix, and
Lloyd Nolan, Lew Seiler, director,
Bryan Foy, producer; "Happy Land,"
Saturday Evening Post serial and
book by MacKinlay Kantor, with Don
Ameche, Harry Carey, Ann Ruther-
ford and Frances Dee, director,
Irving Pichel and producer, Kenneth
Macgowan.
"Lifeboat," novel by John Stein-
beck, directed by Alfred Hitchcock,
producer, Kenneth Macgowan, with
Tallulah Bankhead, Henry Hull,
Canada Lee and Mary Anderson;
"The Lodger," based on the book and
play by Mrs. Belloc-Lowndes, pro-
duced by Robert Bassler, with Merle
Oberon, Laird Cregar and George
"The Eve of St. Mark," from Max-
well Anderson's current play, to be
directed by John Stahl, produced by
William Perlberg, with Charles Bick-
ford and Michael O'Shea; "Home
in Indiana," from George Agnew
Chamberlain's Saturday Evening
Post serial and book, to be filmed in
Technicolor with Lon McAllister and
Walter Brennan.
"All Out Arlene," to be produced and
directed by Ernst Lubitsch from H. I. Phil-
lips novel, with Anne Baxter in the title
role; "Something- for the Boys." from the
current Broadway hit; "By Jupiter," stage
success, with music by Rodgers and Hart;
"Torpedo Squadron 8," from the story in
Life, in Technicolor; and "State Pair," from
Phil Stong's book, a musical version with
a score by Oscar Hammerstein, II and
Richard Rodgers. ■
Originals in List
Originals on the list, some of which may
be withdrawn for books or plays, include:
"Wilson," a Darryl F. Zanuck production
to be directed by Henry King; "Wintertime,"
musical romance starring Sonja Henie, with
Carole Landis, Jack Oakie, Cesar Romero,
Woody Herman and band, directed by John
Brahm, produced by William LeBaron; "Dan-
cing Masters," starring Stan Laurel and
Oliver Hardy; "Bomber's Moon," with
George Montgomery and Oliver Hard}-.
"Galveston," (formerly "Tampico"), star-
ring Edward G. Robinson, Victor McLaglen,
Lynn Bari, directed by Lothar Mendes, pro-
duced by Robert Bassler; "Buffalo Bill," a
Harry Sherman Technicolor production, with
Joel McCrea, Maureen O'Hara, Linda Darnell,
Thomas Mitchell, Edgar Buchanan, direc-
ted by William Wellman; "Rickenbacker,"
based on the famous flyer's life;
"The Sullivans," to be produced by Robert
T. Kane and Sam Jaffe; Lloyd Bacon
directing, with Thomas Mitchell; "Army
Wife," to star Dorothy McGuire, with Anne
Baxter, Dana Andrews, Archie Mayo di-
recting and Otto Preminger producing; "Stars
and Stripes Forever," based on the life of
John Philip Sousa. with many of his songs.
"Command Performance" (formerly "Four
Jills and a Jeep"), based on the adventures of
Carole Landis, Martha Raye, Kay Francif
and Mitzi Mayfair on the European and
North African fighting fronts. Joe E.
Brown and Cornel Wilde are east with the
four girls and William Seiter will direct;
"Paris After Dark," mystery with George
Sanders, Brenda Marshall and Philip Dorn;
"Roger Touhy, Gangster," with Preston
Foster and Victor McLaglen.
Seven Musicals In Color
Seven musicals in Technicolor are sched-
uled as follows:
"Pin-Up Girl," produced by William Le-
Baron, directed by Bruce Humberstone, with
Betty Grable, Martha Raye, Joe E. Brown,
and the Charley Spivak orchestra; "Green-
wich Village," with Carmen Miranda and
Jack Oakie; "Moment for Music," based on
the life of Benny Goodman who will ap-
pear, to be produced by William LeBaron
and directed by Irving Cummings.
"Where Do We Go from Here?", by Morris
Ryskind and Sig Herczig, produced by Wil-
liam Pearlberg, with Betty Grable. "Sweet
Rosie O'Grady," with Betty Grable, Robert
Young, Adolphe Menjou and Reginald Gard-
ner, directed by Irving Cummings and pro-
duced by William Perlberg; "The Gang's
All Here," produced by William LeBaron,
directed by Busby Berkeley, with Alice Faye,
Carmen Miranda, Edward Everett Horton,
James Ellison, Sheila Ryan and Phil Baker.
Other properties being considered for 1943-
44 production include "The Bowery After
Dark," "Laura," "A Tree Grows in Brook-
Minimum of 10 in Techni-
color Set; Two to Four
May be of Roadshow Class
lyn," "Kiki" and "Only the Stars Are
Neutral."
41 Shorts on Lineup
The 41 shorts will include "Three Sisters
of the Moors," story of the Bronte sisters
directed by Irving Pichel, 13 March of Time
issues, 20 Terrytoons. six Magic Carpets,
six Ed Thorgersen sports reels, six Movie-
tone Adventures and two Lehr comedies.
Some of the shorts will be in Technicolor
and some in Cineeolor. In addition there will
be the twice-weekly issues of Movietone
News produced by Edmund Reek.
Commentators heard in 20th-Fox shorts
will include Lowell Thomas, Ed Thorgersen,
Hugh James, Lew Lehr, and Vyvyan Don-
ner, fashion editor.
Marine Saves Operator
From Burning Hub Booth
Boston — While 200 persons, most
of them children, were evacuated
from the Rialto theater in Glendale
Square with quiet orderliness as a
fire starting in the projection booth
raged, the motion picture operator
was rescued by a Marine Corps hero
recently discharged after service in
the South Pacific.
Heroine of the occasion was the
cashier, Mary Connelly, who pre-
vented a panic after a youngster
shouted "fire."
The operator, Albert Schacht,
fought the flames until he was
dragged out of the booth by Robert
Rapps who only recently returned to
the employ of the theater after ser-
vice with the Marines from which
he received a medical discharge.
Carrying fire extinguishers up to
the booth, Rapp found Schacht stag-
gering from the effects of the smoke
and fumes, dragged him outside and
then fought the flames until the ar-
rival of the fire department. Dam-
age to house and equipment is es-
timated at better than $15,000 by
Lyndon H. Forkey of Everett, man-
ager. More than 18,000 feet of film
was destroyed.
"Shrine of Victory" Tradeshow
The British-produced film, "The
Shrine of Victory," which 20th Cen-
tury-Fox is distributing is being
tradeshown at the company's .ex-
change projection room, 345 West
44th Street, at 10:30 a.m. Monday.
To Televise Clark Gable Film
"Wings Up," the Clark Gable pic
on the Air Force, will be televised
Sunday at 8:50 p.m. by station
W2XWV.
WEDDING BELLS
Philadelphia — Thelma Rush, secre-
tary of Jack Greenberg, and Lt. Ken-
neth Sack will be married in La-
redo, Tex., next week.
0
You can obtain maximum efficiency and economy from
your Victory Carbons by observing the following simple
rules.
USE CARBON TRIM RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR PROJECTION EQUIPMENT.
The Victory Carbon trims indicated in the above table
were established by comprehensive laboratory and field
tests to ascertain the best results obtainable in all types
of equipment.
OPERATE CARBONS AT SPECIFIED ARC CURRENT.
Better projection and greater economy are obtained
when recommended arc currents are maintained. The
maximum allowable arc current is stamped on each
Victory Carbon at the left of the trade-mark.
CHECK FEED RATIO CAREFULLY.
Changes of arc current alter the ratio of burning rate be-
tween positive and negative carbons. On lamps equipped
with adjustable feed and formerly operated above 45
amperes arc current, this ratio should be adjusted to
meet the new current conditions.
A bulletin describing operation of the new Victory High
Intensity Carbons is available for distribution and will
be sent promptly upon request.
SAVE
T H E
COPPER
Most of the copper used for plating copper coated
projector carbons drops to the floor of the lamp house
when the carbons are burned. Continue to save these
copper drippings and turn them over to your supply
dealer as designated by our government.
FqpyiCTORY
NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC
Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation
UJ33
Carbon Sales Division, Cleveland, Ohio
6ENERAL OFFICES
30 East 42nd Street, New York, N. Y.
BRANCH SAtES OFFICES
NewYork, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Sk. Louis, San Francisco
Building
Remodeling
Equipment
Maintenance
• * * *
NEW YORK, FRIDAY. AUGUST 13, 1943
* * * *
^HEATER CARPET FAMINE IS NOW ACUTE
Engineering Research Keeps Theaters Running
Altec Head Reveals How
New Products, Salvage,
Solve Exhib. Problems
L. W. CONROW
Explaining how theatermen con-
tinue to get new parts when there
are apparently, and as a result of
imposed restric-
tions,-none to be
had, L. W. Con-
row, Altec's pres-
ident, declared
yesterday that the
continuous pro-
tection which re-
search engineer-
ing is affording
film outlets is ac-
countable for the
favorable situa-
tion, and that the
d e v e lopment of
new products has
gone hand - in -
with ingenious salvaging
(Continued on Page 12)
Grauman's Alcazar
Is Purchased by FWC
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
San Francisco — B. V. Sturdivant,
Northern California supervisor of
FWC, announces completion of nego-
tiations for the purchase of the Al-
cazar Theater from Sid Grauman.
Fox West Coast, Sturdivant said,
will start remodeling the Alcazar at
once for a tentative September open-
(Cqntinued on Page 10)
hand
Forces Air Cooling
For Our Air Forces
Biloxi, Miss. — Housing units atop
the three field theaters at the Air
Corps Technical School located at
nearby Keeseler Field, are being
rushed to completion for early place-
ment of air conditioning units to be
installed in each, it is declared by
1st Lt. Jackson G. Parker, Theater
Officer. The blowers, two to each
theater, will change 60,000 feet of
air per second in each playhouse,
thus adding more comfort for the
men, officers and instructors, plus
the WACS.
Equipment Field Notes
CORWARD-LOOKING move by Fairlawn
' Amusement Co. of Washington, D. C, in
contracting with John and Drew Eberson,
film theater architects, to prepare plans
and specifications for a new theater in
Anacostia, D. C, to be constructed as
soon as the war is over, has set off a wave
of similar pacts among progressive circuits
and individual exhibitors strategically eye-
ing the benefits of future expansion, and
affecting same at the earliest feasible time.
The new Fairlawn house is a 1,000-seater,
and, it is reliably reported, will contain
some eye-opening architectural and decora-
tive advances.
A total of 64 employes of Eastman
Kodak's Hawk-Bye plant have received
cash awards totaling $2,750 for ideas
that will aid the production and ef-
ficiency of their respective departments.
Out in Chi's Loop sector, the Woods,
Essaness stand, has acquired improved RCA
sound equipment, new carpets, and under-
gone a painting and decorating job. The
house operates on a 24-hour policy. Ber-
nard Mallits has recently been named as-
sistant manager.
State Theater, Charlotte, N. C, has
just reopened, following a 10-day
shuttering necessitated by repair of
fire damage. Manager B. S. Lewis
says that an entirely new interior has
been built, and complete redecorating,
including carpets, has been effected.
Electronic applications in industry, war,
medicine and the home are illustrated and
described in a new 44-page booklet now
available from Westinghouse.
Harold Peterson, formerly section-
head in the Tool Design Dept. of Bell
& Howell, where he began work tn
1935 has been promoted by the com-
pany to the post of chief tool engineer.
On August 7, Clarence G. Stull, West-
em Electric's prexy, reached his 40th anni-
versary with that organization. He joined
WE as a student apprentice in its Clinton
St. shop in Chicago; reached vice-prexy
status in 1926; and has been prexy since
1940.
Jefferson Amusement Co., Inc., Beau-
mont, Tex., has contracted with Altec
Service Corp. for Jefferson's 56 Texas
theaters. C. J. Zern negotiated for
Altec Service.
A net estate of $1,057,782 was left by
Miss Ada Howe Kent, it is disclosed in
Surrogates Court, Rochester. She was the
daughter of John H. Kent, a vice-prexy of
Eastman Dry Plate and Film Co., predecessor
of Eastman Kodak. Included in the gross
estate were 3,340 shares of Kodak com-
mon, and 507 shares of the preferred stock.
Accenting the role motion pictures
are playing in the drive to Victory is
the new issue of DeVry Corp.'s "Movie
News," lavishly illustrated and ready
for distribution. Also newly off the
presses of DeVry is organization's 56-
page catalog of 16 mm. Educational
and Recreational Films. Copies may
be had gratis by addressing request
to the company at 1111 Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, 14, III.
A brand new record-making device has
just been brought out by Heroservice, 45
West 45th St., New York City, 19. It is
called "Spot-O-Graph" and makes pos-
sible the individual timing of sound ef-
fects and music with considerably more
accuracy and precision than ever before,
the manufacturer claims. It is designed in
the form of an ordinary record, but with
a cone-shaped partition down the center,
on each side of which there is a minutely
graded scale, so that the needle can fit
exactly in the right spot.
* * *
Lieut. Carl Moody, of the Army Sig-
nal Corps and formerly a photogra-
phic tester at Eastman Kodak Co.,
Rochester, is back at his bench there
for the next two months. He will
teach 15 Signal Corps men how to
service and repair cameras and pho-
tographic equipment.
* « *
Central Theater, Central City, Pa., op-
erated by B. J. Redfoot, has just reopened
after complete repair, renovation and en-
largement. Stand was virtually destroyed
by fire a few months ago.
Another Six Months Will
See Manufacturing Cease
Except for War Purposes
With manufacturers noticeably
"eating into" their unreplenishable
stocks of rough wool, which some
four months ago totaled only some
66,000,000 pounds, or enough to last
until the Spring of 1944, availability
of carpet for film theaters and the
industry generally is currently fac-
ing "a last stand," unless, of course,
WPB sees fit to allow replenishment
of reserves by importing the wool
from India, China, Argentina, or
lesser sources, which, it is declared
by authoritative channels, is most
unlikely since carpet is classed as a
non-essential, and not a pound of
(Continued on Page 11)
Bell Telephone Labs
Have Hew Camera
A remarkable new camera, capable
of photographing even the split-sec-
ond action of our armed forces, has
just been formally announced by
Bell Telephone Laboratories, de-
veloped by them, and Western Elec-
tric, which is manufacturing the
device.
Using 8 mm. and 16 mm. film, —
sometimes at the rate of 70 miles an
hour, and appropriately called the
Fastax, this new camera is driven
by its motors at the terrific top speed
of 8,000 frames a second, an ex-
(Continued on Page 10)
DeVry Corp. to Host
Delegates of TEDPA
Chicago — Members of the The-
ater Equipment Dealers Protective
Association, who have been called
to a conference in the local Bismark
Hotel, Sept. 18-19, are also being
invited by President W. C. DeVry,
of the DeVry Corp., to a preview
of DeVry's new warborn 35 mm. the-
ater projector. DeVry will hold "open
house" on Saturday, Sept. 18, at its
main plant, 1111 Armitage Ave.
Transportation will be provided as
desired, to and from the plant.
10
EQUIPMENT NEWS
DAILY
Friday, August 13, 1943
A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre-
hensively covering the equipment field, pub-
lished every second week by Wid's Films and
Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York
City. John W. Alicoate, Publisher; Donald
M. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B.
Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipment
Editor; West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood
Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk,
Bureau Chief.
Portable RCA Equip.
"Vans" In Australia
Camden, N. J— With the aid of
portable RCA photophone equipment
especially designed for this rugged
job "down under," remote battle
stations in Australia are enjoying
sound pictures as part of the Army's
entertainment-for-morale program.
Staffed by tough, experienced pro-
jectionists selected from the armed
forces by the Army authorities, the
mobile units travel thousands of
miles under difficult conditions. Their
performance has been hailed enthu-
siastically by the troops. RCA Photo-
phone of Australia, subsidiary of
RCA, supplied the equipment to the
Australian military forces.
The "vans," as the Australians call
them, were designed to operate at
great distances from sources of re-
placements. They were built to bring
the sound and projection equipment
safely through rough country, and
to underwrite the slogan of the en-
tertainment world: "The show must
go on."
Easy dismantling of the equipment
and parts-within-part packing for
moving purposes are features of the
theaters on wheels.
The unit stands of the Photophone
equipment are of tubular metal and
constructed so that one section fits
within another to make a compact
and steady package. The soundhead
and projector are in one unit. The
screen frame is of metal tubing and
is in eight sections which fold to-
gether. As all performances are out
of doors, an unperforated screen is
used, with the speaker erected atop.
For Excellence in the Production
f Motion Picture Sound Equipment
IT'S A FACT!
War-born DEVRY preci-
sion Theatre Projectors
and Sonnd Systems pre-
sent developments far
beyond previously ac-
cepted standards. DEVRY
Corporation, 1112 Armi-
tage Avenue, Chicago, 111.
DeVRY
4,
Hollywood • CHICAGO • N<
Spare Paris Reserve
Prevents Shuttering
St. John, N. B.— The wisdom of
assembling reserve parts and equip-
ment was vindicated at the local
Regent, when, one night at 8 p.m.,
this week, the busiest hour, the sound
apparatus suddenly ceased to act.
During 1941 and 1942, Franklin &
Herschorn, of which chain the Re-
gent is a link, had been buying a
supply of spare parts and equipment,
and storing them up for emergencies.
If there had not been a replace-
ment when the sound collapsed, the
theater would have had to shut down
for at least two weeks, in the midst
of the best business in its history.
It is questionable if the needed parts
could have been available in two
weeks, or even a month. Whatever
time it would take, the Regent would
be sealed up to the public. However,
with the parts at hand, the staff had
the show resumed after a half hour
of suspension, during which the pa-
trons were given the privilege of get-
ting their money back, but none ac-
cepted this offer. The public address
system was worked to the fullest
with the catchiest of tunes, and with
lights fully on.
"Free Are The Feet
On Freedom's March"
Rochester — Eastman Kodak Co. has
donated millions of feet of film for
motion pictures sent to American
service men throughout the world, it
is revealed here. The actual con-
tributions amount to 15,000,000 feet
of 16 mm. positive film, together
with the necessary duplicating nega-
tive film and 16 mm. sound film.
Bell Telephone Labs
Have New Camera
(Continued from Page 9)
posure period of 33 millionths of a
second, making it an invaluable tool
for the research engineer. This speed
means that the Fastax can photo-
graph action far too fast for the or-
dinary slow motion camera. It means
that "movies" made with the Fastax
and projected in slow motion can lay
bare the innermost secrets of me-
chanical parts moving at lightning
speed — that it can even "slow down"
electricity itself. Thus the Fastax
has revealed to engineers frailties in
communications and other equip-
ment never before beheld by the
human eye.
usAIRco
AIR CONDITIONING
IS ENGINEERED
To Meet the Job Requirements and
Your Operating Budget
THEATRE OPERATORS don't buy air conditioning »
just for the privilege of hanging a sign from the HJS
marquee announcing "Air Conditioning Inside". -0
Theatre Air Conditioning is bought for just one &
purpose — to increase the number of buyers at the Box
Office — to attract and induce people into their house
as against the beach, the boat or a buggy ride.
• When you buy Comfort Cooling from
usAIRco you're doing business with an
engineering staff that knows how to de-
sign a system that fits the requirements of
your house — is engineered for original low
cost, and low daily operating costs.
Many a time we've come out of a The-
atre and asked — "What's the matter, is
your cooling system broken?" — And the
answer surprised us — "No, it's O. K. But
it costs too much to run it for the few
that are in there tonight."
The man who owns a cooling system
that's so costly to operate, that he can run
it only occasionally would be better off
without such a system. So while he may
have a perfectly engineered system, he has
one that costs too much to use.
usAIRco engineers the type of cooling
system you can afford to buy and afford to
operate every day — regardless of the size
of your house — or your needs for plain
air. evaporated cooling, cold water or re-
frigerated air conditioning. usAIRco en-
gineers can fill your needs precisely.
The jobs you have planned for V-day
should receive the attention of usAIRco
right now. Write us about your plans.
UNITED STATES AIR CONDITIONING CORPORATION
Profits in Cooling for the Exhibitor
Northwestern Terminal • Minneapolis, Minn.
REFRIGERATED KOOLER-AIRE
This Unit combines every phase of refrigerated
cooling in a Single Unit. Manufactured in vari-
ous sizes, it can be used singly or in combination
with other units to give you the precise capacity
you need. Books describing this system are
available. We'll be glad to send you a copy.
Grauman's Alcazar
Is Purchased by FWC
(Continued from Page 9)
ing. About $50,000 will be spent on
new seats, carpets and other furnish-
ings.
The purchase price of the Alcazar
was not revealed. The deal was made
by Grauman and Charles Skoura/^*
president of National Theaters, pats_
ent company of FWC.
The Alcazar will open as a road-
show house with advance showings
for reserved seat patrons.
Exhibitors of America have many du-
ties to perform these war days. You
build unity and morale through motion
picture presentations— and you promote
and support the various government
drives that are initiated to spur war
production and civilian defense.
RCA Service, like exhibitors, is carry-
ing on important war duties: RCA en-
gineers are rendering scheduled service
to projection room equipment in thou-
sands of theatres to "Keep 'em Run-
ning"—and other RCA Service groups
are installing military equipment and
instructing personnel, in this country
and at the battlefronts.
The RCA Service organization is to-
day more than nation-wide
... it is world-wide . . . serv-
ing the home front and
battlefronts too!
RCA SERVICE CO., INC.
RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA
Subsidiary
Camden, N. J.
Friday, August 13, 1943
"•{<
DAILY
EQUIPMENT NEWS
11
Carpet for Theaters
Scarcer Than Ever
(Continued from Page 9)
carpet wool has entered the U. S. in
the past year.
Another factor which has, since
1941, — the biggest year ever enjoyed
by the wool carpet industry, when
'-j-mie sales were in excess of $200,-
I )00, — adversely beset manufac-
turers in their operations is the pro-
gressive drain of manpower, some
6,000 employes of carpet mills now,
according to reliable estimates, serv-
ing in the nation's armed forces.
While some manufacturers have
taken up the slack as much as pos-
sible by way of blending rayon with
wool, the supply of rayon available
for non-essential use has progres-
sively diminished. Adding to the
problem of keeping the market sup-
plied, however, has been the shortage
of jute and burlap used as backing
for rugs. Both of the latter mate-
rials have been, and are, earmarked
exclusively for the war program.
For the past two years, in view
of the serious situation created by
hostilities and attendant shipping
scarcity, manufacturers have been
nursing along their finished carpet
stocks, and sources close to the mills
hold little encouragement in the mat-
ter of filling orders at all a few
months hence.
Dowty Appoints Prout
To Head Up Personnel
John T. Prout, in charge of plant
protection for the Dowty Equipment
Corp., Long Island City and Sunny-
side, N. Y., has been appointed di-
rector of personnel, according to
announcement by Alec E. Ulmann,
president.
Before becoming associated with
the Dowty Equipment Corp. a year
and a half ago, Prout was in the
auditor's office of the Equitable Life
Insurance Co.
Merchandise Hearing Aid
Chicago— The Audiophone Co. have
started an advertising campaign on
the new high efficiency low-cost
Western Electric hearing aid, devel-
oped by the Bell Telephone Labora-
tories. Although small and light,
they are compactly built for long
life and dependability.
WE CAN SUPPLY
all standard 35mm preci-
sion projector replacement
parts.
We sell only through
Dealers, but if your dealer
is unable to supply your
requirements, write us di-
rectly and we will give
you the name of the
dealer able to serve you.
FREE:— Our latest com-
plete Parts Catalogue is
now available. Ask for it
and give us the Dealer's
name serving your Com-
munity.
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY
2509 South State St.
Chicago. III.
Alleviation Extended
to Canadian Stands
Toronto — Priorities Branch of the
Dept. of Munitions and Supply has
issued new rules which will make it
easier to obtain clearances for main-
tenance and repair parts. New regu-
lations provide that these may be
purchased to the amount of $150, al-
though requests must be kept down
to a minimum.
Great Stales Circuit
Pushes Improvements
Chicago — Great States theater cir-
cuit is continuing its modernization
program as best it can, but apparent-
ly effectively, notwithstanding labor
and materials shortages. The 1,000-
seat Empress, Decatur, 111., has been
completely overhauled, and new
equipment, carpet, booth units, and
other improvements have gone into
the house. At Danville, 111., the
Fischer, seating 1,100, has new car-
pets, lobby furniture, and extensive
decoration, and paint jobs have been
finished in several other links in the
chain of stands.
Quincy's Washington Theater has
been recarpeted and the balcony
modernized by reducing its pitch, and
a n|ew penthouse for air
conditioning has gone into the Or-
pheum Theater there. At Kewanee,
111., the Key Theater, destroyed by
fire some two years ago, has been
granted priorities and the work is
under way rebuilding it. The Normal,
Normal, 111., has been overhauled.
The modernization program is
aimed at keeping all outlets in top
shape, and good business and intel-
ligent buying of equipment as well
as sound planning are aiding the
continuing moves.
Joy Theater Fire Loss $25,000
Little Rock — The Malco-owned Joy
theater at Dardanelle burned with
a loss of $25,000. J. C. Nelson is
the manager. Origin of the fire was
undetermined. Some insurance was
carried.
SEEKING A DEPENDABLE
SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR YOUR
THEATRE
TICKETS?
INTERNATIONAL OFFERS:
Dependable service . . . Low cost . . .
45 year's experience serving theatres,
stadiums, amusement parks, etc.
We can supply your needs. Roll,
machine folded, reserve seats, etc.
Write lor samples, prices or other information.
Delivery tree Maine to Virginia.
INTERNATIONAL
TICKE T fig* COMPANY
52 GRAFTON AVE. \£S/ NEWARK, N. J.
Sales Offices in Principal Centers
Kroeschell Is Up to Hilt
On Work for Government
Chicago — Kroeschell Engineering
Co., Westinghouse air conditioning
agents report they are working 24
hours each day on Government jobs.
They are dismantling a 500-ton job
in Marshall Field and Co., big State
Street store, and will install the
equipment in the new Inland Mfg.
Co. synthetic rubber plant, now be-
ing built at Dayton, Ohio. This com-
pany is a subsidiary of the General
Motors Corp.
The company is giving full service
to their many theater customers in
this territory, but have found new
jobs are out for the duration.
Bob Kroeschell, managing direc-
tor, says 15 of the employes are now
in the armed services, and Tom Mc-
Carthy has been made a lieuten-
ant, senior grade, and is located at
the Naval Proving Grounds at Dahl-
gren, Va.; Secori Browne, is now an
Army Lieutenant attached to that
service's transport branch and is in
North Africa, while Adolph Solka,
is now a Technical Sergeant with
the Marines and stationed in the
South Pacific area.
Theaters Change Hands
Cincinnati — The Chakeres Circuit
of Springfield, has acquired The
Cliftona, Circleville. It is reported
that Louis Mills, Mills Theater,
Morehead, and The Dixie, Olive Hill,
Ky., has disposed of these two
houses to a Chicago syndicate.
McMaster Re-Elected
To RPS Presidency
Rochester — An American, Donald
McMaster, is serving his second term
as president of the Royal Photogra-
phic Society. His re-election was re-
ported in the proceedings of the an-
nual general meeting of the society
in London, appearing in the newest
number of the Royal Photographic
Society's publication received here.
The first American to be presi-
dent of the British photographic
organization, although many Amer-
icans are members, McMaster is the
manager of the large manufacturing
plant of Kodak, Ltd., in England.
He is a graduate of Cornell, a
veteran of the first World War, and
was an employe of the Eastman
Kodak Co. here until he transferred
to England seven and a half years
ago.
Encore for Markus
Rochester — Charles W. Markus,
Esstman Kodak Co. executive, has
been renamed a member of the
County Board of Child Welfare.
WHITEWAY
ELECTRIC SIGN O MAINTENANCE CO.
Thomas F. Flannery, President
315-17 W. Walton St. Chicago, III.
Delaware 9111
use the National
i
to post-war
equipment
National Theatre Supply's "Magic Bridge" will help
you plan now for your post-war equipment . . . with-
out "options" or down payments of any kind.
National's "Magic Bridge'" will close the gap between
your post-war plans and their speedy realization. If
you have not yet received your personal copy of the
''Magic Bridge" Equipment Survey, ask for a copy
at your nearest National branch.
NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY
Divmon of NATIONAL-^^^-BLUDWORTH, INC.
A Generol Precision Equipment Corp Subsidiary
12
EQUIPMENT NEWS
W* % DAILY
!
Friday, August 13, 1943 -
Theater Operation
Aided by Research
(Continued from Page 9)
methods. He added that "of cours13,
we don't any of us minimize the seri-
ousness of the problem of keeping
a supply of parts available for the
industry, and anybody would be fool-
ish to stick his neck out and make
any predictions about the future. But
we saw these shortages coming a
long time ago. So we made a sys-
tematic canvass of the potential sup-
plier's market, and built ourselves
what you might call a 'portfolio' of
manufacturers with a high degree of
precision 'know how.' We figured,
and time proved we were right, that
we should spread out our buying over
a wide field, and not put all our eggs
in one basket."
Declaring of equal importance to
a source of supply the research
"which our engineer staffs are doing,
ever since the beginning, to by-pass,
to detour, the shortages of critical
materials," Conrow asserted that
"our research engineers developed en-
tirely new products, — products that
did not require critical materials.
They developed methods of salvaging
certain products that would normal-
ly have to be thrown on the scrap-
pile, and gave them an entirely new
lease of useful life."
"This engineering research," he
said, "which began a long time ago,
and which goes on at this very mo-
ment, continuously anticipates every
need for change in a constantly
changing situation. This engineering
research has protected, and is pro-
tecting, the exhibitor in an incal-
culably important way. Naturally,
to get the full life span out of the
parts in a system, we depend on the
training and experience of our field
men, plus the large array of testing
apparatus that our men use in their
regular inspection. Incidentally, the
knowledge and experience of our field
men is particularly useful and ap-
preciated in theaters which have had
the problem of new and inexperienced
projectionists. This regular inspec-
tion routine, of course, is an exhibi-
tor's prime 'anchor to windward'
against the need for new Darts. It's
the only way he can feel confident
that every part lives its full service
life, does its full job 'in keeping the
show hitting the sheet'."
Feted on 90th Birthday
Rochester — James A. MacFarlane,
who with his son built and operated
the Playhouse and formed Canan-
daigua Theaters Inc. in nearby Can-
andaigua, was feted in that city on
his 90th birthday Sunday. Friends,
relatives, former business associates
and neighbors called on the widely-
known nonagenarian.
LARGEST SELECTION OF
Popcorn Machines
We Buy — Sell — - and Service
All Makes — All Models
Write us
KRISPY KORN EQUIPMENT
120 S. Halsted St. CHICAGO, ILL.
Mid-West Theater, Damaged by Fire, Faces
Shuttering for Duration Via Restrictions
Sterling, III. — Priority problems probably will delay for the duration the re-
construction of the Sterling Theater which was damaged by fire some weeks
ago in the estimated amount of $90,000. Frank Ford owner of the stand stated
the house was insured for $60,000 and this money would be available for a
new theater to replace the 914-seater. But war restrictions are standing in
the way. Fire was caused by a short circuit in an air conditioning unit. Ford
also owns this situation's only theater, the State, which has 650 seats.
Filmdom Factories Making
It Hot For the Axis
Rochester — Equipment made here
for sighting, aiming and firing big
ship's guns and for photographing
shore installations have played one
of the most important parts in naval
warfare, the Navy Department has
revealed.
For instance, the Navy says, excel-
lence of Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.'s
fire control and range-finding appar-
atus made it possible to put the
French ship Jean Bart out of action
with only two salvos from the Amer-
ican vessel's 16-inch guns in the Al-
lied invasion of Casablanca.
Aerial cameras, with lenses made
by Eastman Kodak Company, have
proved invaluable in taking photo-
graphs of South Pacific islands in
locating Japanese installations, which
later are bombed from the air.
Binoculars from Bausch & Lomb
are used on nearly every ship, the
Navy said, by the "spotters" who
continually are on duty combing the
horizon for enemy vessels and the
skies for hostile aricraft.
Improvements Are Made
To Ampro's Army Model
Chicago — W. F. Scranton, of Am-
pro Corp., reports that the new
Army model, now manufactured by
■the company, has eliminated all
aluminum castings; reduced the use
of brass and sheet aluminum;
changed the amplifier circuit to avoid
special tubes; and has been subject
of other changes of an advantageous
nature.
Expand Ballantyne Shop
Omaha — The shop of the Ballan-
tyne company here has been enlarged
to talce care of sound equipment or-
ders for the armed services.
NO MORE TORN SEATS
Quickly repairs cuts and rips on leatherette
seats. Colors: brown, green, block, maroon,
blue. Specify color when ordering. COM-
PLETE KIT . . . $6 f.o.b. Chicago.
CHAIR • PARTS
FOR ALL MAKES OF CHAIRS
GENERAL CHAIR CO.
2035 Charleston St. CHICAGO, ILL.
General Electric Opens
Air Conditioning Center
Albany — General Electric has es-
tablished a new Air Conditioning
Service Center at 25 Western Ave.
here, to handle the servicing of G.E.
air conditioning and oil heating
equipment it has been announced by
C. M. Wilson, district manager of
the G. E. Appliance & Merchandise
Department.
The new G. E. Air Conditioning
Service Center is under the man-
agement of Robert H. Dines, who
for the past 10 years has been af-
filiated with Westoyer-Wolfe. In
addition to servicing G. E. air con-
ditioning and heat equipment in
greater Albany, the Center will be
a parts supply depot for 28 air con-
ditioning and heating dealers in up-
per New York state and western
New England.
Screen Sales Brisk
In Cleveland Sector
Cleveland — Replacement of screens
constitutes the major theater im-
provements currently being made in
this territory. L. P. Langford, head
of Oliver Theater Supply Co. re-
ports the following new Da-Lite
screen installations: Strand, Young^ .
town; State, Youngstown; Ce;
Lee, Sun and Superior TheafVw!
Cleveland.
The Strand, Youngstown, has also
installed factory rebuilt projector
mechanisms, and the State has im-
proved its projection with new lamps
and lenses.
George Manos, circuit owner, has
also installed new screens in his
American Theater, Leetonia, and the
Globe, Columbiana, and Capitol in
Newton Falls.
Safety Measure Pays Off
Storm Lake, la. — A fireproof pro-
jection room at the Lake Theater
prevented serious damage when fire
broke out from a piece of ignited
film. The blaze did not spread and
was virtually out when firemen ar-
rived. Damage was not expected to
exceed $100. The theater was re-
cently purchased by the Field's in-
terest.
Photo of a Saboteur
This is a G-112-G gear. Its teeth are stripped. When its teeth
aren't stripped, G-112-G is a faithful worker in your booth.
When its teeth strip, it's a saboteur— and there's hell to pay!
Get the local Altec technician to tell you how the Altec-originated
Booth Parts Repair-Replacement Plan can protect you— just as it
has been protecting other exhibitors for nearly four years.
Or write:
250 West 51th Street, New York 19, N. Y.
Protecting the theatre — Our "first line of morale
1 J CINZZ D A N
IS HIV*/ M HZ
t N I A } I ' Nl I I -J
//
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAILY-
V: >85. NO. 32
33
NEW YORK, MONDAY. AUGUST, 16, 1943
TEN CENTS
TRADE JLIGHTLY HTTJY "CRITICAL" LIST
Expect Exhibs. to Have Greater Voice in Decree
Reeling 'Round--
WASHINGTON
By ANDREW H. OLDER —
(.THOUGH it appeared two weeks ago
ALTHOUG
that th
among the various producers, somewhat
messed up while Harold Hopper was on the
Coast for a couple of weeks, had been sifted
down, actually they weren't in order until
ciast week. Two of the majors were on a
•limb — one for paint and one for lumber,
and four or five independents legally entitled
to just about nothing in the line of set con-
struction materials. ... • It's 0. K. now,
and the industry may soon be out from
under the construction order, L-41, where
it never belonged in the first place. . . .
• Poor Hopper! His life has settled into
a routine, it seems. Spends a few weeks
here and gets everything running smoothly,
then goes to the Coast. Comes back and
finds that on one matter or another every-
thing has become snarled up — and it's not
the fault of his staff — then spends the next
few weeks straightening it out. Then he
leaves for the Coast again, and immediately
someone in the Army or the Navy or some
other part of WPB gets a bright idea or two
and Harold has another job when he returns.
... e Latest addition to Hopper's staff,
incidentally, is Warren Doane, who spent a
good many years with Hal Roach.
e e
£1E0RGE LYON, OWI news chief, has his
'^^ man for the newsreel job, we hear, but
won't announce him until he's actually on
the job. ... e Civil Service appointment
hurdles to be taken, etc. ... O As for
George MacMurphey, who was having those
troubles, he's now "on loan" from OPA to
OCR. So, finally, he really is chief of the
OCR Amusements Section. ... • Rosalind
Russell will do a personal appeal for the
Third War Loan Drive, to be clipped to the
newsreels next month. Columbia makes it.
... e With the Nazi danger apparently
gone from Moscow, two of the Soviet's fa-
mous triumvirate of directors — Dovzhenko
("Arsenal" and "Soil") and Pudovkin
("Mother" and "Storm Over Asia") are get-
ting back into harness. Both have begun
new productions for Mosfilm, which has
just returned to Moscow after two years in
the hinterlands.
e e
"THIS IS THE ARMY" really came in for
' sendoff here, with more gold braid,
silver eagles and diamond brooches, etc.,
(Continued on Page 2)
Supreme Court Ruling
in Pipelines Case to
Have Effect — Report
Greater efforts for a "voice" in
the re-shaping of the consent decree
by independent exhibitors were in-
dicated at the week-end in the wake
of a story in The Film Daily on
Thursday to the effect that elements
affected by a consent decree can in-
tervene.
It was pointed out that the U. S.
Supreme Court, more than a year
ago, in an action involving pipelines,
had held that elements who were not
(Continued on Page 6)
Allied Decree Poll
Under Way This Week
Questionnaires on preferred
changes in the consent decree will
be sent out this week by national
Allied to its members, in line with
the decision made at the directors'
meeting in Baltimore last week. The
questionnaires are being prepared by
Abram P. Myers, general counsel,
(Continued on Page 3)
O. C. Houses Playing Up
"No War" Angle in Ads
Oklahoma City — "The public has
had enough war films!"
That is the edict of local film men
who have been studying their grosses
and have come to the conclusion that
(Continued on Page 8)
Polio Drops Biz
50% in Tex. Spots
With between 500 and 700 cases
of infantile paralysis reported in
the Northeast part of Texas, thea-
ter business in those areas is off
50 per cent, according to Col. H. A.
Cole. Cases have been reported as
far South as Houston.
Call Regional Meets
for WAC Chairmen
State chairmen of the WAC in
Los Angeles, Chicago and Washing-
tin, have been summoned by L. C.
Griffith, general chairman of the
Third War Loan for the committee,
to a series of three regional meetings
to plan co-operation with the gov-
ernment in the war bond campaign.
Griffith indicated the urgency of the
meetings in wires dispatched on
Friday.
In addition to Griffith, the three
(Continued on Page 8)
Promotions, Transfers
in Para.'s Sales Staff
Several promotions and transfers
in Paramount's sales staff were an-
nounced Friday by Neil Agnew, gen-
eral sales manager. Four of the men
are members of Paramount's 100
Per Cent Club. They are Harry
Haas, advanced from Los Angeles
(Continued on Page 8)
No Post-War Attendance Dip?
Economic Analysts See Bright Outlook
Says Product Shortage
Is Closing Iowa House
Boone, la. — The Boone Theater, op-
erated by Central States Theater
Corp. since 1936, is being closed for
the duration of the war. S. N. Fang-
man, manager, said shortage of films
was the reason for the closing. It is
the second house in Boone to be
(Continued on Page 6)
No early post-war decline from
the present high rate of motion pic-
ture attendance is neither indicated
nor expected, according to economic
analysts who have surveyed the in-
dustry outlook in recent weeks on
behalf of Wall Street investment
sources. '
Among data presented by the re-
searchers in support of their con-
clusions, compiled for private in-
(Continued on Page 6)
Production In Stronger Po-
sition; Status of Theaters
Is Somewhat Weakened
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The industry came
off rather well, on the whole, on the
new manpower regulations an-
nounced yesterday. Production is,
perhaps, in a stronger position than
before, with the status of theaters
slightly, but not greatly, weakened.
The importance of adding women to
theater staffs is again driven home.
Failure to include production jobs
on the new critical list does not
(Continued on Page 3)
Vandalism Reflected
in Mayor's Report
Vandalism in New York theaters
is reflected in a report by Mayor
LaGuardia's committee on juvenile
delinquency which points out that
the 4,208 new cases in the last six
months represented an increase of
958 over the previous six months.
Despite the increase in the last six
months, the toal cases handled by the
(Continued on Page 8)
20th-Fox's First Four
Announced for 1943-44
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Los Angeles— The titles of 20th-
Fox's initial releases of the new sell-
ing season were disclosed by Tom
Connors, distribution chief, as the
last of a series of three company
(Continued on Page 6)
Ad Agency Donates
"Army" Commissions
Blaine — Thompson advertising
agency is contributing to the Army
Emergency Relief all its customary
agency commissions for the place-
ment of advertising on Irving Ber-
lin's "This is the Army,"
Donation applies to magazine as
well as newspaper copy placed by
the agency on behalf of the War-
ner Bros, non-profit production.
— ■
.w
DAILY
Monday, August 16, 1943
■3= THE
nmrasMia
Of HIM DOM
Lg W|l| gpjAllTIKhm
PI A ■ ■ ^^ AU. ¥IH HMI
Vol. 84, No. 32 Mon. Aug., Iff, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1S01 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. - Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St, W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
{Aug. 12)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 16'/4 16 1/4! 16'/4 + Vi
Col. Picts. vtc. (2Vi%) 16 151/2 151/2+ Vi
Col. Picts. pfd 37% 377/s 377/s + %
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 15% 15i/4 15i/4 + Vs
East. Kodak 161 160 161 +2
do pfd
Gen. free. Eq 203/8 19% 203/g + %
Loew's, Inc 60i/g 60y8 60|/8 + %
Paramount 25'/2 25V8 25%* ,
RKO 83/8 8i/4 8i/4
RKO $6 pfd 89 89 89
20th Century-Fox .. 21 205/8 21 + Vz
20th Century-fox pfd. 31 1/4 31 % 31%— %
Warner Bros 13% 127/8 13'/8 + %
do pfd 89% 895/8 895/8
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... 2% 2% 2% + %
Radio-Kerth cvs. ... 13/g 1% 1%. — %
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3%
Technicolor
Trans-Lux
Universal ficts. vtc. 17% 173/8 17% + %
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. 'Bldg. 4s 1st '57 81 % 83%
Cuts Film Space
Chicago — Daily News cut film news
and pictures to one page daily, effec-
tive Friday, due to the paper short-
age.
SPECIAL
SEND YOUR
NEXT ORDER TO
SAME DAY
SERVICE
riLMACK
TRAILER CO,
1327 So Wobosh A.
WILL SELL YOUR
SPECIAL SHOWS!
Reeling 'Round- -
WASHINGTON
{Continued from Page 1)
than we've ever seen in a motion picture
house. Frank Lafalce, on whom the job
fell, merits plenty of praise for the way he
handled it. . . . • Wednesday night saw
a capsule rehearsal, with Paramount's pro-
jection room chock full of high-ranking mili-
tarymen and their ladies, plus a few civil-
ians, to view "Heaven Can Wait" as guests
of Harold Hopper (who seems to be getting
into the column this week somehow or
other). Mr. Lubitsch's latest really scored
with the very discriminating group — among
whom we were pleased to see Lowell Mel-
lett, returned only a couple of days earlier
from a well-earned vacation on the Jersey
shore and at Hot Springs, Va. ... • The
worst of the Washington Summer struck
last week, with mercury hovering between
95 and 98 for several days, and the humid-
ity as high as humidity can get without
being rain. We tried to get Allen Smith
to rustle us up a hypo full of freon, but
no go.
Roseland Theater, Omaha,
Winner in Bond Contest
Omaha — Winners in the theater di-
vision of the July War Bond and
contest here have been announced
with the Roseland Theater cleaning
up in both classes.
An average of $19.76 per-seat in
sales, gave Roseland the large blue
flag awarded the winning theater.
Individual winner was A. H. Cohn
of the same theater, who sold $21,-
190.50 worth of Bonds and Stamps,
and turned his first prize of a $50
War Bond over to the Red Cross.
Other prize winners: $25 Bond,
Pat Wilson, Paramount; $10 in
Stamps, A. V. Madison of the Or-
pheum and Ray Hasselo, Military.
Among theaters the Military was
second, Muse third and Orpheum
fourth.
Forest Park Vandals Caught
Springfield, Mass. — Four 'teen age
Forest Park youngsters, apprehend-
ed while stuffing cigaret butts down
the backs of seats in the Phillips
Theater, were released in the custo-
dies of their parents following a
dressing down by Judge William J.
Granfield. He warned them that an-
other appearance in court would
bring more serious consequences.
Monogram Closes Circuit Deals
Monogram has closed for its 1943-
44 product with RKO Theaters, na-
tionally, including the entire Metro-
politan string; Maine & New Hamp-
shire Circuit, New England, Long
Theaters, Texas; Interstate Thea-
ters, New England; Yakim Circuit,
New England; Snider Circuit, New
England and the State Theater, Hart-
ford, Conn.
Murdock to Chicago Sun
Philadelphia — Henry T. Murdock,
formerly dramatic and motion pic-
ture editor of the Philadelphia Eve-
ning Ledger, has been named to the
same post with the Chicago Sun.
Record Hollywood and
Chi. Campaigns for FWTBT
Paramount's campaigns for the
Hollywood and Chicago premieres of
"For Whom the Bell Tolls" will be
the largest in local history and will
embrace every advertising and pub-
icity channel, Robert M. Gillham,
reported prior to his return to Chi-
cago. Gillham next week will go on
to San rancisco to set that city's
campaign.
FWTBT opens at the Carthay Cir-
cle Theater, Hollywood on Monday
and will be followed by day-and-
date engagements at the Carthay Cir-
cle and United Artists Theaters,
downtown Los Angeles, the next
day. Picture opens in Chicago at
the State-Lake on ,Sept. 2 and the
Alcazar, San Francisco opening is
scheduled for about Sept. 1. On
Oct. 1, film opens day-and-date in
between 45 and 50 key cities where
pre-release engagements are not
scheduled.
Rufus Blair of the studio publicity
staff and W. C. Lewellen, Dallas dis-
trict advertising representative, ac-
companied Gillham from Los An-
geles to Chicago where they re-
main to handle the advance cam-
paign.
Geneseo, 111., House Files
On Arbitrary Clearance
Chicago — Marchesi Brothers have
filed an arbitration case for their
Geneseo Theater, Geneseo, 111.,
against the Great States Circuit's
Peerless Theater, Kewanee, 111.,
claiming arbitrary clearance against
20th-Fox, Paramount, Loew's, RKO.
Twentieth-Fox filed answer stating
that R. J. Jeanotti, Palace Theater,
Cambridge, and Phillip Billiet, Coli-
seum Theater, Annawan, 111., would
be affected by any change in the
present clearance situation.
Columbia Pays 50-Cent
Dividend on Its Common
Columbia Pictures Corp. announced
Friday that the board of directors
at its meeting held Thursday de-
clared a dividend of 50 cents per
share on the common stock of the
company, payable Sept. 22, 1943, to
stockholders of record Sept. 7, 1943.
Lavar, Son of Schine's
Gen'l Mgr., is Missing
Sander Lavar, formerly of Schine's
publicity department and son of
Louis Lavar, general manager of the
circuit, is reported missing after the
recent bombing raid on the Rumanian
oil fields.
FOR SALE OR LEASE
Neighborhood Movie House
Located in New York City
Seating 600
Reasonable price or rental
HARRY G. SOMMERS
208 W. 41 St. Phone PEn. 6-8220
COMIM and GOIflG
ARTHUR SACHSON, assistant general sales
manager for Warner Bros., returns today from
Cloversville, N. Y.
ROY HAINES is due back this morning from a
two-week tour of his Midwest territory.
JULES LAPIDUS, returns today from a week's
trip to Cincinnati, Cleveland and other *c >»ts
in the Central territory. hea
A. W. SCHWALBERC, supervisor of Writer
exchanges, gets back this morning from a trip
to Ohio.
RICHARD ARLEN arrives from the Coast to-
morrow on a 10-day vacation.
DAVID E. ROSE, Paramount's managing direc-
tor in Great 'Britain, is expected here from the
Coast today.
AUDREY WESTPHAL and BETTY WALKER,
New York showgirls signed by Paramount, have
arrived on the Coast.
CRACIE FIELDS has arrived in England from
the United States.
JULES FIELDS, 20th-Fox exploitation represen-
tative, is back in town after a week in Omaha
working on arrangements for the world premiere
there of "Claudia."
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stags Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
In
"Let's Face
It"
In Person
BENNY
GOODMAN
And Band
CONDOS BROS.
JACK MARSHALL
BUY WAR
TIMES
SwST PARAMOUNT SQS
EffiffluHfiPWmwB^iJK
/Ml
Kg r j{j
/*%■
VELOZondYOLANM
Jerry COIONNA
llond MASSEY
/Kl
^j^otTcwroJry.TOx ncrum
ROXY 3;
B WAY &
47th St.
PAT O'BRIEN • RANDOLPH SCOTT
"BOMBARDIER"
and
"GALS INCORPORATED"
LEON ERROL « HARRIET MILLIARD
I
;«?*?. STRTE
2nd WEEK
On Screen
JOAN CRAWFORD
FRED MacMURRAY
"ABOVE SUSPICION"
fc.
Monday, August 16, 1943
DAILY
"Critical" List Expands Non- Deferable Jobs
New Regulations Intended
To Encourage Transfer of
Men to Essential War Work
(Continued from Page 1)
gi__)y weaken the standing of stu-
dioWechnicians, and it does perhaps
increase the chances of the studios
to bring- in qualified men who are
not now working in production.
The expanded non-deferable list
includes several jobs in theaters and
dealing with picture promotion.
Preparation of signs and advertising
displays remains a non-deferable ac-
tivity, for instance, with ticket agen-
cies and advance ad and publicity
men also on the list. Actual theater
jobs in the non-deferable category
include barkers, charmen and clean-
ers, doormen, elevator operators, lav-
atory attendants, errand boys, port-
ers, ticket-takers, ushers and valets.
Also listed are booking agents, lit-
erary and actors' agents and "man-
aging agents (theatrical and film)".
Purposse of the Expanded List
The expansion of the non-deferable
list is intended to encourage the
transfer of men in these jobs to es-
sential work and to insure that
fathers holding these jobs will be
the first to be called for military ser-
vice.
Attempts to get definitions for
such jobs as "booking agents" and
"managing agents (theatrical and
film)" met with no success. The lists
were released but definitions, where
they exist, were confidential. One
responsible official hinted that the
latter classification might conceiv-
ably include theater managers and
that the former would include ex-
change and circuit bookers, but this
could not be confirmed. Actually, it
is a matter for local determination,
-said another official. A third advised
The Film Daily to "go ahead and
print the story as you see it, and the
possibilities, and then qualify the
whole thing."
Thus it may be said on the basis
of several unofficial interpretations
— and common sense — that theater
managers and circuit and exchange
bookers have not been classified as
non-deferrable. Neither theaters nor
exchanges in themselves have been
_ so classified although night clubs and
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
SIGNED
BYRON BARR, termer, Paramount
ASSIGNMENTS
CUNTHER VON FRITSCHE, director, "The Curse
of the Cat People," RKO.
VINCENT SHERMAN, director, "Mr. Skeffing-
ton," Warners.
CASTINGS
ELSA LANCHESTER, "Dangerous Journey,"
RKO; SIMONE SIMON, KENT SMITH and JAMES
RANDOLPH, "The Curse of the Cat People,"
RKO; JIMMY DORSEY ORK, "Command Perform-
ance U. S. A.," 20th-Fox; iBYRON BARR, "Dou-
ble Indemnity," Paramount; PAUL HENREID,
"Mr. Skeffington," Warners; TED HECHT,
"Rookies in Burma," RKO; ARTHUR TREACHER,
"We of the Theater," Universal; PECCY O'NEILL,
"Song of the Open Road," Charles R. Rogers- U A.
STORY PURCHASES
ERIC CHARREL'S "The Trumpet Man," M-C-M.
ARTHUR CAESAR'S "Atlantic City,' Republic.
"Angel of the Navy," novel by JOAN ANCEL,,
20th-Fox.
"Curacao," novel by STUART CLOETE, Para-
mount.
JOAN ANCEL's "Angel of the Navy," 20th-
Fox.
RICHARD DAVIS' "Laredo," 20th-Fox.
Mae Clarke R. G. Katz
Lucien Littlefield
other amusement business were in-
cluded on the list.
McNutt on the Regulations
The new regulations, according to
WMC Director Paul V. McNutt, were
issued because "the time has come
when every worker must justify him-
self in terms of his contribution to
the war effort." Essential workers
must be held in essential work, trans-
fer of workers otherwise engaged
must be facilitated, and the man-
power resources of essential indus-
tries must not be weakened by Army
calls.
No industry jobs are included on
the new list of "critical occupations,"
but WMC officials emphasized re-
peatedly during a press conference
Thursday that issuance of this new
list does not alter the status of the
older list of "essential" activities and
occupancy, on which production of
motion picture is found. Although
inclusion on the new list — made up
of 149 job titles previously included
on the essential list — will probably
entitle individuals to greater con-
sideration for deferment, hiring of
men for jobs on this list is dependent
upon approval by the United States
Employment Service. Any one quali-
fied to hold a job on this list who is
engaged in non-essential work on
October 1, and has not made an effort
by then to get into "war useful-
work," loses any claim he might have
had for draft deferment.
Industry circles here were not dis-
pleased by the failure to include pro-
duction jobs on the critical list. Re-
cruitment of skilled workers not
now engaged in production would
probably have been more difficult had
production jobs been placed on the
list.
Producers are affected also by the
change in the regulations governing
job transfers which make it easier
for an individual to shift his job for
higher pay.
Draft Board Regulations
The importance of convincing local
manpower and draft officials of the
value of films was pointed up by the
issuance of a new regulation to draft
boards, stressing the need for pro-
tection of the manpower needed by
essential industries. This includes not
only those industries actually on the
essential list, but also those which
might be declared "locally needed."
Although it has not been reported
that any local or regional WMC office
has held exhibition to be "locally
needed," several offices have made it
plain that they feel such is the case,
so long as production is held to be
essential. Here in Washington, the
WMC office has been on the verge of
holding both distribution and exhibi-
tion to be "locally needed" activities,
but has shied away finally urging
that such determination should be
made on a national basis. Pressure
from local and regional offices on this
matter could bear fruit.
Allied Decree Poll
Under Way This Week
(Continued from Page 1)
and they will ask for detailed experi-
ences of exhibitors under the de-
cree's operation.
Data obtained by the forms will be
collected and forwarded to Tom
Clark, special assistant attorney gen-
eral, for his examination. It is under-
stood that Clark will start formal ac-
tion on the decree the latter part of
September.
Detroit Operators Seek Raises
Detroit — Wage hikes sought by
Operators Local 199, IATSE will de-
pend on action of the regional WLB
with little opposition expected from
exhibitors. Projectionists seek $6.00
more a week for men earning up to
$77.50 and $5.00 for others. li ap-
proved, the increases will be retro-
active to March,
Col. Rule Dies in Chicago
Chicago — Col. Albert Rule, 56,
United Artists publicity representa-
tive, was found dead at the Crillon
Hotel Friday.
A UNIVERSAL PICTURE
HI
BHHH
■
£ft~
\^f"?5>
STREET OF DARKNESS
with SIGRID GURIE • J. EDWARD BROMBERG • J.
Screenplay by FREDERICK TORBERG and ARTHUR RIPLEY • Adapted from an
Original Story by ARTHUR RIPLEY • Musical Score by MICHEL MICHELET
Produced by ARTHUR RIPLEY-RUDOLPH MONTER • Directed by ARTHUR RIPLEY.
a ^a a A A
=5IRL FROM MONTEREY
starring FIFI D'ORSAY
A Cyclonic Comedy of a Mexican Night Club.
TALENT SCHOOL
A Glamorous Comedy of Stagestruck Girls.
ALASKA OUTPOST
A Stark Drama of The Arctic Regions.
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO ON AGAIN
' A Rollicking Post-War Musical.
SUSPECTED PERSON
A Mystery-Melo of an International Crook.
wmmmmmmmmMmmmmmm
BERLIN REVOLTS
The Inside Story of Revolt of German Youth.
WOMAN OF HORROR
A New Type of Spine-Tingling Drama.
THE WARNING
Melodrama of a Black Market Racketeer.
CRY OF YOUTH
A Real Human Drama of Neglected Girls.
starring FRANCIS LEDERER
CARROL NAISH • ALEXANDER GRANACH
The Story of a Musician Who Becomes a Ruthless
"Killer" When Tortured By The Nazis.
OH! SAY CAN YOU SING!
A Glamorous Musical Extravaganza.
FORGOTTEN CHILDREN
JIM TULLY's Dramatic Story of "War Orphans."
WATERFRONT
Melodrama of San Francisco Honky-Tonks.
MY BOY
A Man-and-Boy Heart-Tugging Drama.
THE EXECUTIONER
A Sensational Melodramatic Thriller.
the COSSACKS RIDE AGAIN
Heroic Russian Women at Stalingrad.
_— -
■■
END OF THE ROAD
Two Spanish-American War Vets Do Their Bit.
mmmmmmmm^immimmkmkwmmimmmmmi^^m
JIVE JUNCTION
Hepcats on Parade! Comedy With Music.
THE LAST PAGE
A Mystery-Melo of "The Eternal Triangle."
1 943-44
I'M FROM ARKANSAS
A Hillbilly Jamboree of Music and Mirth.
PROGRAM
ffitffr
■».«. BUSTER CRABBE
WITH AL (Fuzzy) ST. JOHN
BUSTER CRABBE'S new seriet
of hord-fighting, thrill -packed
stories with Al (Fuzzy) St. John, £. ■ "4
the greatest Western comic. ~" ""*
JIM NEWILL * TEX O'BRIEN
Whirlwind action,
\k \ studded with the
W^-- catchy melody of 4
'(D^r^'^T-' Cowboy Songs ondj^
t V. a hill-billy band.*"
-••.*%rl
CrKKunr
Monday, August 16, 1943
No Early Post-War
Attendance Decline
(Continued from Page 1)
formation of big investors with
stakes in the film industry, is the
fact that more than 80 per cent of
the employed population owns Gov-
ernment Bonds which can be turned
into spending money for consider-
able time after the war ends.
Reduction of 75 per cent in in-
stallment payments due, cut from
$4,000,000,000 to $1,000,000,000 since
establishment of Federal Reserve
controls, also is regarded as a heal-
thy development as it leaves the
public with fewer and smaller pay-
ments to meet periodically.
A new low in withdrawals of life
insurance also was registered in re-
cent months, while additions to in-
surance holdings continue at a high
rate.
Meanwhile, as revealed in a re-
cent OWI statement, despite added
taxes and War Bond buying, the
public will have more to spend this
year, and less on which to spend it,
than in many years past.
Payroll savings are being made
by close to 28,000,000 persons, with
several million others buying War
Bonds outright.
An optimistic view also is ex-
pressed with regard to the transi-
tion period after the war. It is
estimated that, even with a sudden
increase in unemployed, by the time
spending money runs out the ex-
pected post-war reconstruction boom
will be getting under way.
Says Product Shortage
Is Closing Iowa House
(Continued from Page 1)
closed as the Strand closed some time
ago. The Boone Theater was an 800-
seater. The Princess and Rialto,
both Central States houses, are still
operating in the town.
The Recognized
Standard
Reference
Book oi the
Motion Picture Industry
THE FILM YEAR BOOK
Published by
and given free with a
year's subscription to
THE FILM DAILY
1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY
Weeh*s Overture:
• • • NOW going into the mails are some 25,000 post cards which
Nick John Matsoukis, in behalf oi his alma mater, Skouras Theaters,
is sending out to help the oncoming Third War Loan Campaign
Said postals carry a picture of about the most belligerent young lad
you're likely to find He's Owen Murphy, Jr., and, like a flash-in
movie title, he's saying' this: "What D'ya Mean — You Ain't Gonna Buy
No Bonds!" Dad of Murphy, Jr., by-the-by, composed the song,
"It's Only The Beginning," and used to write Toe Cook shows Copy
on back of the post card reads: "Dear Friend: You'll hand your friends
a laugh if you pass along this postal card and remind them to
support the 3rd War Loan Campaign, Sept. 9 to 30, 1943"
T T T
e • # BOB WEITMAN, Paramount Theater's managing direc-
tor, has been appointed chairman of the producers committee for the
10th anniversary presentation of the Night of Stars, to be held on
Tuesday evening, Nov. 16, in Madison Square Garden Co-operat-
ing as co-chairmen are Louis K. Sidney and Ed Sullivan Ben
Boyar is associate chairman, and heading the group of honorary chair-
men are seven leaders of our pic industry: Barney Balaban, David
Bernstein, Nate J. Blumberg, Jack Colin, N. Peter Rathvon, Marvin
Schenck and Albert Warner
T T ▼
• • • WHO dropped in on the week-end to say "howdy" but
Sergeant Leo Pillot, powerhouse film-promotion gent before donning
khaki Early this week he will return to his post, — the Public Re-
lations Office, Army Air Base, Pueblo, Col Leo sported a hand-
some pair of shoes, and inspired a general exodus of FILM DAILY staff-
ites to get themselves such footwear at the New York Shoe Store, Sixth
Ave. and Central Park But, — wait a minute! The shop isn't
in New York, as its name and address sounds, but in Guatamala City,
Guatamala! Page Mr. Ripley
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
20th-Fox's First Four
Announced for 1943-44
(Continued from Page 1)
sales meetings ended at the Ambas-
sador Hotel here on Friday. The
pictures are: "Bomber's Moon,"
"Heaven Can Wait," "Holy Matri-
mony" and "Claudia."
Delegates to the meeting left for
their posts following the close of the
session. Spyros Skouras, president
of the company, left for New York
by plane with Sam Shain, director
of trade relations. The rest of the
home-office contingent, with the ex-
ception of William J. Kupper, new
general sales manager who is stop-
ping off at Omaha for the "Claudia"
premiere, is expected in New York
by train early this week. The party
includes Connors, Hermann G. Place,
W. C. Michel, Sydney Towell, Wil-
liam C. Gehring, Martin Moskowitz,
Jack Sichelman, E. H. Collins, L. J.
Schlaifer, Eugene McEvoy, T. Shaw,
W. J. Clark, Roger Ferri, J. Bloom,
George Roberts, Hal Home, Howard
Brack and John Wood, Jr.,
Feminine Replacements
Gain In Chi. Theaters
Chicago — Women are beginning to
replace men in Chicago area the-
aters. While femme theater man-
agers are few and far between, sev-
eral women are doing good jobs as
assistant managers and chiefs of
service. Great States Circuit, down-
state, has several women in minor
executive spots, while in Chicago,
Essaness, and Jones, Linick &
Schaefer use femme assistants as
do Warner Theaters in Northern In-
diana.
Alliance Theater Circuit and In-
diana-Illinois Circuit are pleased
with their women executives and
more are being trained for man-
agerial jobs. The ladies are also
taking over good spots in the pub-
licity and advertising departments
of circuits and exchanges. Virginia
Seguin recently was added to the
20th-Fox staff; Madeline Woods was
put in charge of Essaness advertis-
ing-publicity and Renee Clayton was
named trade press editor for Bala-
ban & Katz.
Exhibs. Decree Role
Widened by Decision
(Continued from Page 1)
parties to a suit and yet were af-
fected by a resulting consent^ de-
cree could intervene in the mCea"jg
of changes and could, if neceV^/y,
carry their cause up to the Supreme
Court. This Supreme Court opinion,
according to a large number of ex-
hibitors who were contacted, ap-
parently was overlooked by the thea-
ter branch of the industry, inasmuch
as theater men were of the opinion
that they had little weight in pro-
testing certain provisions inasmuch
as they were not parties to the New
York anti-trust action.
Exhibitors now feel that they have
a better chance of getting their pro-
tests across. It was indicated at the
Allied board meeting in Baltimore
last week that a different attitude
toward the independent exhibitor by
the Department of Justice was ap-
parent since the decree became ef-
fective and that the D of J, through
Tom Clark, special assistant attorney
general, was giving greater consid-
eration to the indie exhibitor's prob-
lem.
Spencer Tracy's Aunt Dies
Buffalo — Funeral services will be
held today for Sister Mary Perpetua,
88, an aunt of film star Spencer
Tracy. She was parochial school |
teacher in Buffalo and vicinity for
56 years. Besides the actor, she is
survived by a brother and a sister.
Stromberg to Film Life of Reuben
Hunt Stromberg has chosen for
near-future production the life story
of Arnold Reuben, famed New York
restaurateur and philanthropist to
be made into a timely motion picture
titled, "This Is Life," for.UA release.
Ed Sullivan will do the screenplay.
WB Raises Chicago Prices
Chicago — Warner Bros, has raised
its Metropolitan Theater prices from
35 to 40 cents evening shows; the
Oakland Theater from 28 to 33 cents;
the Frolic Theater from 30 cents
to 33 cents.
STORKS
Denver — The baby girl born to Mr.
and Mrs. Wm. Ostenberg III in a
Wilmington, Del., hospital, is un-
usual in that it had theater men as
grandads on both sides. They are
Buzz Briggs, manager of the State,
Denver, and Wm. Ostenbergll, owner
of several theaters in and around
Scottsbluff, Neb., where the child's
dad was manager of the Egyptian
befor he entered the U. S. Ferry
Command. Mrs. Briggs was with
her daughter when the child was
born.
•
ra
IffiwKs UOU/ S^Ks'WUd phew*, —
Monday, August 16, 1943
Call Regional Meets
for WAC Chairmen
{Continued from Page 1)
meetings will be addressed by F. S.
Harmon, executive vice-chairman of
the War Activities Committee; S.
H. Fabian, chairman of the theaters
division, and Ray Beall, chairman
of the WAC publicity committee for
the motion picture industry's Third
War Loan campaign.
The first meeting will be held on
Aug. 20 at the headquarters of Fox
West Coast Theaters in Los Angeles,
the second at the Blackstone Hotel
in Chicago on Aug. 23, and the third
at the Statler Hotel in Washington
on Aug. 25.
Promotions, Transfers
in Para/s Sales Staff
(Continued from Page 1)
salesman to Denver branch mana-
ger; Frank Thomas, formerly Des
Moines salesman, transferred to
Kansas City; John Kent, formerly
head booker in Seattle, promoted
to salesman, and Don Hicks, pro-
moted from Salt Lake City to a more
important zone in the San Francisco
territory.
Other promotions and transfers in-
clude :
Max Hadfield, formerly booker in
Seattle, is returning as head booker
there, succeeding John Kent.
John Himmelein, for the past year
a salesman in Chicago, has returned
to Cleveland, his Chicago zone being
taken over by Sam Stoll. StolFs
former zone will be handled by Earl
Rockabrand.
Sidney Lehman, formerly with
United Artists in Buffalo and for
the past three months salesman in
the Buffalo Paramount exchange,
has been transferred to Cleveland,
taking over the zone formerly han-
led by Max Stahl. Stahl resigned
to return to his home town in Penn-
sylvania to carry on the business
of his brother, now in the Army.
James A. Harris, until recently
short subjects representative in the
New England district, has been ap-
pointed salesman at the Boston ex-
change. Ted Mendenhall, short sub-
jects representative in the Kansas
City district, has resigned to accept
a position in another field in Iowa.
Tom McKean, salesman, at his
own request has been transferred
from Kansas City to the Oklahoma
City exchanges where he formerly
worked. Ward Pennington, former
Seattle salesman, has been trans-
ferred to Portland where he suc-
ceeds Glenn Brogger, who has re-
signed to enter another business.
Robert Martin, student salesman of
Kansas City, has taken over Frank
Thomas' zone in Des Moines.
Mendenhall to UA
Omaha — Ted Mendenhall, former
Paramount branch manager in
Omaha, has returned as a salesman
for United Artists.
«
REVIEWS
"Destroyer"
»
with Edward G. Robinson, Glenn Ford,
Marguerite Chapman
Columbia 99 Mins.
THRILLS AND THROBS, ROMANCE
AND REALISM ARE PACKED INTO THIS
FIRST-RATE BOX OFFICE FILM.
"Destroyer" works up plenty of steam,
hitting the target squarely. It represents
an ace contribution by Columbia to the
list of war-inspired films. The exhibitor
who plays the picture can count on ex-
tensive grosses, for this entertainment with
powerful appeal.
Basically, the film is the story of the
struggle between the old and the new
brought up to date. It is told in terms
of an old-timer's fanatical love for the
destroyer on which he is serving. The
story is given added audience pull by the
inclusion of a romance that will carry great
weight with the femmes, not to mention
comedy touches in the right places. ,
The conflict resolves itself into a feud
between Edward G. Robinson and Glenn
Ford. The two meet when Robinson, a
former Navy man, returns to the service
as chief boatswain's mate so that he can be
with the destroyer which he helped to build.
Robinson insists on doing things the old
way. His failure to take cognizance of
new developments and his severity with
the men turn the crew against him and
threaten to disrupt life aboard the ship. The
crew changes its attitude toward him when
he makes himself a hero by saving the ship
from going down after an encounter with
the enemy. Finally Robinson and Ford,
who represents the spirit of the present-
day navy, make their peace. At the close
Robinson gains Ford as his son-in-law.
The film contains many good performan-
ces. Robinson is excellent whether he is
being hard or sentimental. Ford gives a
surprisingly fine account of himself. Mar-
guerite Chapman shares the romantic burden
acceptably. Edgar Buchanan and Leo Gor-
cey are good for many laughs. Regis
Toomey is first-rate as the commander of
the destroyers. Others who contribute
good performances are Warren Ashe and
Ed Brophy.
Excitement and thrills pack the screen-
play of Frank Wead, Lewis Meltzer and
Borden Chase, which stems from a yarn
by the first-named. William A. Seiter's di-
rection keeps the film moving at a siz-
zling pace. Franz F. Planer's camera work
is extremely effective. Louis F. Edelman
produced in praiseworthy fashion.
CAST: Edward G. Robinson, Glenn Ford,
Marguerite Chapman, Edgar Buchanan, Leo
Gorcey, Regis Toomey, Ed Brophy, Warren
Ashe, Craig Woods, Curt Bois.
CREDITS: Producer, Louis F. Edelman;
Director, William A. Seiter; Screenplay,
Frank Wead, Lewis Meltzer, Borden Chase;
Based on story by Frank Wead; Cameraman,
Franz F. Planer; Film Editor, Gene Havlick;
Art Director, Lionel Banks; Set Decorator,
Frank Tuttle; Musical Score, Anthony Col-
lins; Musical Director, M. W. Stoloff;
Sound, Ed Bernds.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
O. C. Houses Playing Up
"No War" Angle in Ads
{Continued from Page 1)
now is the time for playing more
and better "escape" films. Only the
exceptional war film is now holding
up to expected grosses here, it is
said.
Standard Theaters has made two
experiments in "no war" bills at the
Midwest Theater here and the pro-
grams showed such satisfactory re-
sponses from the public, in addition
to word-of-mouth appreciation, that
the downtown de luxe house will
probably continue on such a run.
Advertising of these programs has
played up the "no war" angle with
more emphasis than that given the
films which have been "A" and bet-
ter "B" pictures. Emphasis was even
given to the fact that war clips in
newsreels have been eliminated and
more space than average was given
to cartoon and short-subject offer-
ings copy on which also stated were
free of "mention of war."
N. Y. Record for FWTBT
"For Whom the Bell Tolls" starts
its second month on Broadway today
with a roadshow record, more peo-
ple having paid more money to see
the Paramount picture at the Rivoli
in its first month than any other
roadshow engagement in New York
history, according to Robert M. Weit-
Vandalism Reflected
in Mayor's Report
(Continued from Page 1)
children's court in 1942 "presents
one of the low points" on a graph
covering the city's juvenile delin-
quency record in 40 years. *> .
Although the report do^heapt
mentioned vandalism, theateiV ? en
appear to agree that damage in their
houses has been more noticeable in
the last six months than during the
previous half-year period. While in
the legal sense, juvenile delinquency
covers only children between seven
and 15 years of age, most of the
offenders were said to be 16 years
or more, which coincides with the
opinion of exhibitors who have been
bothered with vandalism.
!
i
'Best Foot' Openings Start Sept. 1
Key city openings of M-G-M's
"Best Foot Forward" will start Sept.
1 in Hartford, Conn. Picture opens
the next day in Akron, Baltimore,
Boston, Bridgeport, Buffalo, Canton,
Cleveland, Dayton, Evansville, Har-
risburg, Kansas City, Louisville,
Memphis, Nashville, New Haven,
Norfolk, Reading, Richmond,
Rochester, St. Louis, Springfield,
Mass., Syracuse, Wilmington and
Worcester. Norwich and Waterbury
openings are set for Sept. 3.
0 0
tanae
9
A UNIVERSAL PICTURE
D A N
1JIZ iS^tr M HZ
i s i ci ci cm ci d w
r IL.C
<^/ V, w«^
Jack. L.Warner, Executive Producer
$c vwUo else
would have
davis *lukas
Watch on
the Rhine
th GERALDINE FITZGERALD
Lucile Watson • Beuloh Bondi
George Coulouris
A HAL B. WALLIS PRODUCTION
Directed by HERMAN SHUMLIN
Screen Piay by Dashieil Hammett-From
the Stage Play by Lillian Hellman
Additional Scenes & Dialogue by Lillian
Hellman • Music by Max Steiner
ck the Attack! Back the 3rd War Loan lit September!
w
Tuesday, August 17, 1943
DAILY
Western Gas Cut Not
To Hit Pic Deliveries
(Continued from Page 1)
•lie transportation facilities to the
full routes and schedules which pre-
vailed before they were cut last
Spring is looked for with release of
an additional 14,000 barrels of gaso-
line per day for this purpose. No
extension of film delivery service
in the East is looked for since it
appears that present schedules are
adequate.
To Call Emergency Meet
Of Vacuum Tube Distribs.
(Continued from Page 1)
days or two weeks for an emergency
meeting. The tube situation is ap-
parently tighter now than at any
time in the past year and this meet-
ing will represent an effort to in-
sure the supplying of essential ser-
vices. It is believed that WPB is
preparing a general plan to submit
for industry approval.
Actually, tube production is at a
peak, but the demands of the Army
and Navy are so high that there are
relatively few units left for civilian
use. This has been the case for a
year and theaters and radio trans-
mitters and receivers have been kept
supplied through the efforts of WPB.
Currently, however, the situation
looks even more serious than before,
but WPB sources remain hopeful
that they will be able to take care
of Civilian needs.
Luporini Named 20th-Fox
Italian Representative
(Continued from Page 1)
drops out of the war and its market
reopens. Luporini is now in this
country.
Show "Licked" at Texans Dinner
Representatives of both New York
daily and trade press will attend the
dinner and preview of Walter Wang-
er's "We've Never Been Licked," to-
night at the Waldorf-Astoria. The
dinner is being tendered by the New
York alumni of Texas A & M, the
school to which this newest Uni-
versal release was dedicated.
John Hay Whitney
Maureen O'Hara
Miliza Korjus
Mary Price
Winnie Lightner
Charles Judels
'John McCormick
W. S. McDonald
• • • MAN BITES DOG item Ernest Rogers and Paul Jones,
motion picture editors of the, Atlanta Journal and Atlanta Constitution,
respectively, tossed a luncheon to the press agents of the Southern area
The "reverse plate" feed was given by the two scribes for what
they termed "recognition of honest dealing on the part of the space grab-
bers" . .(Diogenes, are you blushing?) Among the gate crashers
at the affairs which was held at the Atlanta Variety Club were Eddie
Bonns, Universal; Jimmie Gillespie, Columbia; Jim Furman, Paramount;
Gardner Wilson, RKO; Tommy Baldridge, Spence Pierce and Leonard
Allen, 20th-Fox; Emery Austin, M-G-M, and Herb Pickman, Warner Bros.
• With the induction of Bill Andrew, office manager of RKO's branch
in Charlotte, that exchange has contributed nine out of 28 men to the
armed forces, including two salesmen, two bookers, , one head shipper,
three assistant shippers and one office manager
T T T
• • • CHATTER: The only ex-preacher who is now a film
salesman is claimed by Warners' branch in Kansas City He's Roy
Young. . . . 0 Another distinction, that of having the youngest
branch manager, also is claimed by Warners' Memphis office where
Ed Williamson, recently appointed, is still quite a distance under the
30 mark. ... • And the same office has a salesman, Fred Carter, who
is just 25. . . . • Louis Rosenberg, formerly advertising manager of the
Saks-Fifth Avenue, has joined the motion picture department of the
American Foreign Language Press headed by Sigmund Gottlober.
• D. John Phillips, before his Army induction in charge of shorts ad-
vertising-publicity for Paramount, is now in the 4th AFRD Squadron
at Hammer Field, Fresno, Calif. That's a long ways from Times
Square, so you might drop "Dud" a line, if you're among the many
who know him
V V V
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Columbia Negotiating
For Talisman Studios
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM (DAILY
Hollywood — A deal whereby Co-
lumbia will acquire the Talisman Stu-
dios for $140,000 is expected to be
consummated within a few days.
This would give Columbia badly
needed stage space.
At present Talisman is being used
primarily by PRC Productions.
Bowron Lauds Films'
Soldiers' Housing Drive
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Pledging his support
to ndustry's $350,000 servicemen's
housing fund drive, Mayor Fletcher
Bowron pointed out the need for
additional facilities for caring for
visiting uniformed men and praised
the industry for launching such a
campaign.
111. Operators to Meet
Chicago— Annual state meeting of
the Illinois operators unions will be
held:in Springfield the week of Sept.
20 during the State Federation of
Labor convention.
Film Extortion Trial
Going Over to October
(Continued from Page 1)
extorting more than $1,000,000 from
film companies is scheduled to be
adjourned from Sept. 7 to Oct. 4, or
possibly later, it was learned in
New York Federal Court yesterday.
The trial has been put back be-
cause two important witnesses, Rob-
ert McCullough and Nicholas Avo-
lio, alleged Chicago hoodlums, are
still listed as fugitives by the Fed-
eral authorities and no Federal judge
is available for such a trial until
Oct. 4, it was learned.
Yesterday Judge John C. Knox
postponed the trial of Isadore Zevin,
former bookkeeper for George E.
Browne, ex-president of the IATSE,
until Sept. 13. Zevin is accused of
having committee perjury while be-
ing questioned by the Federal grand
jury concerning the whereabouts of
the special slush fund of $1,500,000
assertedly collected from members
of the alliance. Zevin, Browne and
Williamv*Bioff are"' expected to be
Government witnesses at the trial.
IN NEW POSTS
HAROLD LYON, manager, Englert, Iowa City, la.
H. P. BREWER, manager, Garden, Des Moines.
J. E. BEITZEL, assistant manager, Strand,' Des
Moines.
MELVYN BICLEY, manager, Arbor Theater,
Nebraska City, Neb.
WAYNE SWEENEY, manager, Town Thef v
Omaha. £n
ED HAMRICK, manager, Music Hall, Seattle."r
LOREN KINNEY, manager, Music Box, Seattle.
LOU MATEZLAAR, booker, Hamrick-Evergreen
Theaters, Portland.
LEO BERKOWITZ, assistant manager, Broadway
Theater, Portland.
WILLIAM HOYT, engineer, Paramount Theater,
New Haven.
DR. A. H. ROSENTHAL, director of research and
development, Scophony Corp. of America.
TED MENDENHALL, United Artists salesman,
Omaha.
CARL REIS, United Artists salesman, Omaha.
FRANK THOMAS, Paramount salesman, Kansas
City.
LINN MARTIN,
Moines.
HARRY FENSTER, head, 20th-Fox contract de-
partment.
JOSEPH M. HOUSTON, Warner checking super-
visor, Cleveland and Detroit.
ALBERT A. CORRELL, field supervisor, Warners,
Los Angeles and San Francisco.
salesman, Paramount, Des
Delay in Transferring
Crescent Suit Records?
(Continued from Page 1)
cree in the suit, it now appears doub
ful that transfer will be compleh
by that date.
Judge Davies, now holding a court
session in Nashville, has given no
intimation of whether he would act
on pending motions by the defen-
dant to amend his findings of fact
and to modify the divestiture provis-
ion of his proposed decree or allow
the whole thing to be considered by
the Supreme Court. Since the de-
fendant's recently filed motion for
dismissal of the Government's ap-
peal motion was based on the fact
that these motions are pending, such
a basis would be nullified by the
District Court's action on all mo-
tions and petitions. However, there
is reason to believe that defendant
counsel would prefer to have Judge
Davies act at once on motions and
petitions.
It is doubted locally that, in any
case, the Supreme Court will act on
the Crescent matter in time for its
decision to be available for the use!
of D of J attorneys in further action
on the consent decree, set for Nov.
20.
First JVB Canadian
Man Killed in Action
Toronto — The first death among
former Warner employes, now in
the Canadian armed forces, is that
of Lance-Corporal Aaron Sabblut,
who was reported, as of Aug. 8th,
"killed in action in the Sicilian cam-
paign."
Sabblut, employed for several years
in the Winnipeg branch as revisor
and shipper, left to join the Cana-
dian Army on May 30, 1942.
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THESE PREMIERES ON AUGUST 19th HERALDED BY
BIGGEST CAMPAIGN EVER SEEN IN THESE TWO CITIES!
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?M
DAILY
Tuesday, August 17, 1943
Status of Bookers
Still Undetermined
(Continued from Page 1)
their dependency status. Theater
managers are not included on the
non-deferable list.
The list includes the classification
"booking agents," for which no inter-
pretation was obtainable over the
week-end. The WMC information
chief, however, finally defined a book-
ing agent as "a booker — makes en-
gagements for theatrical companies,
performers and other show persons,
or for the exhibiting of motion pic-
tures."
He admitted, however, that final
determination is a matter for local
draft boards, and that distribution
and showing of motion pictures was
not held to be non-essential. It is
possible that the use of the word
"agents," with its connotation of
making one's living from commis-
sions, may provide the necessary
"out" for bookers. "Perhaps," said
the WMC chief, "they should be con-
sidered as clerks."
9th Chi. Week for Hope Pic
Chicago — RKO Grand Theater is
holding Bob Hope's "They Got Me
Covered" for ninth Loop week break-
ing the house record.
TO THE COLORS!
* PROMOTED *
CAPT. WILLIAM HELPERIN, USMC, to major.
HARRY SCHIFFERIN, USA, former Warner sales-
man, to sergeant.
* ARMY *
H. MERRICK LYON, manager, Palace, South Nor-
walk, Conn.
S. McSWAIN, manager, Arbor Theater, Nebraska
City, Neb.
DAN REDDEN, manager, Paramount Theater,
Seattle.
CHILTON ROBINETTE, 20th-Fox salesman, Port-
land.
J. B. TOMLINSON, Universal salesman, Char-
lotte.
* NAVY*
ROBERT KAPLAN, Howard Theater, Chicago.
* WAVES *
ELLEN CASTLEMAN, assistant cashier, Colum-
bia, Seattle.
Audience Previews for
Universale "Fired Wife'
Universale "Fired Wife," initial
1943-44 release is being audience
previewed in all exchange centers.
First reports from Atlanta, Omaha
and Albany, indicate an exceptional-
ly fine reaction, the home office said
yesterday. Picture will be pre-
viewed tonight at the Criterion here
and at the Riverside, Milwaukee.
Fram Killed on Coast
As Army Plane Crashes
Chicago — Martin Fram, former
1^^ chief of staff at Warner's Ava-
Pg^lon, is reported killed in a Cali-
l^'fornia Army plane crash. He
held the Purple Heart award for
service on the African front.
A UNIVERSAL PICTURE
Visions Intemat'l Institute
Of Visual Education
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM \DAILY
Hollywood — Establishment of an
international institute of visual edu-
cation for the dissemination of the
arts, culture and sciences of friendly
nations of the world through motion
pictures, is envisaged by Col. Val-
dimir S. Hurban, Czechoslovakian
ambassador to the United States,
who with a distinguished group of
Czechoslovaks was entertained at
the Walt Disney studio.
Disney's guests saw a program of
educational pictures being produced
for the Office of Co-ordinator of In-
ter-American Affairs and for the
Army and Navy, and also viewed
a showing of Major Alexander P. de
Serversky's "Victory Through Air
Power."
"This program you have inaugur-
ated is indicative of what can be
done to bring enlightenment to all
peoples," declared Colonel Hurban.
Form Junior Safety Club
To Curb Juve Delinquency
Nashville, Tenn. — Sporadic out-
bursts of minor vandalism and ju-
venile disturbances involving the-
aters continue in the state with ef-
forts everywhere being made to curb
juvenile delinquency. Kingsport has
organized a "Junior Safety Club"
for boys 10 to 17 years of age, with
Charles L. Lineback, city director of
public safety, in charge, and pro-
posing a program of sports and re-
ceptions that may take trouble-mak-
ing boys off the streets.
Longer Runs in Sydney
Cut Feature Releases
Sydney — Features released in Syd-
ney in 1942-43 totaled 343, 17 less
than 1941-42 and 101 less than in
1940-41. Drop in releases is due to
the longer runs generally enjoyed
by pictures in this show window city
of Australia. British Empire
Films, Monogram and Republic top
the list with 55 films off the shelf.
Other companies releases include:
Universal, 53; M-G-M, 44; RKO, 31;
Columbia, 51; Paramount, 41; 20th-
Fox, 28; United Artists, 20; GBD,
10 and Warner Bros., 9.
Durkee Sells to Carpenter
Portland, Ore. — H. A. Carpenter
has purchased the Springfield The-
ater from H. C. Durkee.
Exhibs. in Three
Major Decree Kicks
(Continued from Page 1)
ceived at the field offices, and he ad-
mits to being somewhat baffled. J
"Many exhibitors obviouslypn
want the consent decree scrap- r
ped," said Clark. "Most of them
don't mention divorcement,
either. You try to figure it out.
Looks to me like they'd like to
go back to the good old days,
with everybody for himself."
That Clark, however, would sanc-
tion dropping of the suit and the
decrees is, to say the least extremely
improbable.
The anti-trust chief is convinced
from the letters he is receiving from
individuals and the numerous com-
munications from exhibitor associa-
tions throughout the country that
present distribution practices prob-
ably could stand some changes.
Discussions with distributors and
producers will probably gei under
way late this month or early in Sep-
tember, with a trip to the Coast to
talk with production heads definite-
ly planned by Clark. He will have
with him a full docket and evaluation
of exhibitor complaints and sugges-
tions to review with production and
distributon leaders, he will hear
their suggestions, their complaints,
their justifications both for current
practices and for continued theater
operation.
General feeling here is that Clark
will find the majors extremely co-
operative. Anxious to avoid a stiff
court battle and resultant publicity,
they see behind Clark also the threat
of the Kilgore Bill — a rewrite of
the old Neely divorcement bill—
which is now before the Senate Ju-
diciary Committee. Clark insists
that he is not employing this bill
as a club, but both he and the ma-
jors are aware of its existence.
Another factor is the possible ef-
fect of organized exhibitor pressure
on congressmen, particularly at this
time.
Thus Clark appears to be in the
saddle, and probably able to accom-
plish a very complete renovation of
the decree. Anxious to avoid a
congressional vote or a court battle,
there is a feeling in some quarters
here that the majors may find them-
selves yielding to the point that in-
dependent exhibitors will be better
off than they would be simply from
successful prosecution of the anti-
trust suit.
Japs Said Holding
Donald of Eastman
Rochester— Charles Donald, for-
merly, manager of Kodak Ltd. in
Singapore, believed to have lost his
life when his ship was sunk near
Singapore more than a year ago, is
reported to be alive, a prisoner in
a Japanese camp.
Tuesday, August 17, 1943
CHVeyunr
WB Screen Testing
To Resume in East
{Continued from Page 1)
liminary screen testing here on Sept.
8, it was learned yesterday.
,In establishing the new talent
^reau here early in the year, a
'Cfaicy was adopted whereby no new
players would be sent to the Coast
unless they could be put to work in
pictures immediately or at least
within a few months. This has been
found much more satisfactory than
the practice of signing talent re-
gardless of prospects for putting it
to work.
Thus the seven new leading men
are already at work at Burbank
They include: Warner Anderson and
Tom Tully, both recruited from
radio; Robert Shayne, William
Prince, John Dall and Z a c h a r y
Scott, from Broadway legitimate
shows, and Bob Hutton, whose only
experience was in summer stock.
Prince played the lead in "Eve of
St. Mark," Dally, who replaced him
in that show, was signed by War-
ners shortly thereafter. An eighth
newcomer, Bob Alda, was selected
by Jesse L. Lasky for the George
Gershwin role in "Rhapsody in Blue."
Of the likely feminine candidates, Marie
Lund, stage actress, goes to the Coast this
week. Another, Angela Green, from the
musical "Early to Bed" and voted the pret-
tiest showgirl in New York, leaves for the
studio within the next 10 days.
Warners also have established a coaching
school in the East to develop newcomers.
Promising young players for whom the
studio has no immediate film roles, but
who possess talents that are expected to be
needed in the near future, and given pre-
liminary coaching in poise, camera presence
and other studio requirements before they
are sent to Burbank.
Jurow's assistant in talent-hunting is Mar-
jorie Morrow, former talent expert for CBS
and for many years a leading casting director
in the radio field.
William F. Miller Dead
Miami, Fla. — William F. Miller,
78, associated with Miami's first
motion picture operation, died at his
home. He will be interred beside
I his wife, who died in 1926 and, ac-
cording to her wish, was encased in
a block of solid cement, 8 by 12 feet.
5 Miller will be buried in an ordinary
" casket, within the shadow of the
big concrete block.
STORKS
A son was born to Sam Shain,
head of Trade Relations Dept. of
20th Century-Fox Film Corporation,
Sunday morning at the Le Roy Sani-
tarium, Manhattan. Mrs. Shain and
the new arrival are doing well.
Chicago — A daughter has been
born to M. Mandy, manager of B & K
Howard Theater. Newcomer has been
named Judith Mary.
Chicago— Mrs. Betty Coston Ling,
daughter of James Coston, Warner
zone manager, is the mother of a boy,
born to her in Los Angeles.
«
REVIEWS
»
"The Phantom of the
Opera"
with Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster, Claude
Rains
Universal 92 Mins.
REMAKE OF HAIR-RAISER IS ACES IN
EVERY DEPARTMENT; HAS THE MAK-
INGS OF STRONG BOX OFFICE CON-
TENDER.
Universale remake of "The Phantom of
the Opera" exerts the same potent box
office lure as did the first film version of
the Gaston Leroux hair-raiser in 1925.
Dressed in superb Technicolor, the produc-
tion is a mine of entertainment which should
gain an enthusiastic response from audiences
everywhere to the enrichment of the show-
man. The studio will be more than well
repaid for calling upon the phantom of
the Paris Opera for an encore.
By toning down the gruesome details
and playing up what light moments the
subject affords Universal has widened the
film's appeal to women and those who
are not out-and-out shocker fans. The
studio also has been wise in building up
the musical aspects of the story and cutting
down the phantom role. The box office
potentialties of the film have been ad-
ditionally enhanced by refraining from mak-
ing the phantom, as played by Claude
Rains, the hideous and repellent creature
that Lon Chaney made him in the original
version of the story.
Rains does excellently as the opera vio-
linist who is secretly in love with a member
of the same company (Susanna Foster) and
who, after his features are marred by
acid, launches a wave of terror in his ef-
forts to help the girl's career. His end
comes when the cavern beneath the opera
house to which he takes the young singer
by force collapses.
Nelson Eddy and Susanna Foster play the
lovers who never seem to be able to get
together, thanks no little to the competi-
tion offered by Edgar Barrier a police of-
ficer. They take care of the film's singing
burden perfectly.
Other players of merit include Jane Far-
rar, Frank Puglia, Steven Geray, Fritz Feld,
J. Edward Bromberg, Fritz Leiber.
George Waggner has done a fine job as
producer, as have Eric Taylor and Samuel
Hoffenstein as the screen playwrights. The
direction of Arthur Lubin is aces. The
camera work of Hal Mohr and Duke Green
rates raves. Much of the credit for the
handsome interiors goes to Art Director,
John Goodman. Edward Ward's musical di-
rection deserves a bow.
CAST: Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster,
Claude Rains, Edgar Barrier, Jane Farrar,
Barbara Everest, Steven Geray, Frank Puglia,
Leo Carrillo, Hans Herbert, Fritz Feld, J.
Edward Bromberg, Hume Cronyn, Gladys
Blake, Elvira Curci, Rosina Galli, Fritz
Le:ber.
CREDITS: Producer, George Waggner;
Director, Arthur Lubin; Screenplay, Eric
Taylor, Samuel Hoffenstein; Adaptation,
John Jacoby; Based on story by Gaston
Leroux; Musical Director, Edward Ward;
Cameraman, Hal Mohr; Technicolor Cam-
eraman, Duke Green; Art Director, John
Goodman.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
Train Camera Loaders as
Assistant Cameramen
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — RKO Radio is recruit-
ing camera loaders to be trained as
assistant cameramen by the studio
and the International Photographers,
Local 659 in an effort to break the
shortage of cameramen and assis-
tants. William Eglinton, studio's
camera department head, estimates
that almost 50 per cent of studio
cameramen and assistants have been
inducted into the armed forces.
Hoyts Deadlock Brings New
Warner Australian Outlets
Sydney — Warners pictures, blocked
out of Sydney because of a dead-
lock with Hoyts Theaters, Ltd., are
again being shown here under a deal
closed with the new operators of the
Tatler Theater, just off the theater
loop. Operators have renovated to
wartime restricted expenditure lim-
its and have signed up for some of
thii Warner's backlog of up to 60 un-
released films. Company has made
arrangements for first-run outlets
in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne but
has not found a Brisbane house.
Mandel Committee to Meet
Public Relations Committee of the
WAC, headed by Harry Mandel, will
meet tomorrow to discuss publicity,
advertising and promotion for the
Third War Loan drive.
GWTW Total Gross
Now is $31,000,000
{Continued from Page 1)
London, GWTW is in its fourth year
of continuous exhibition.
According to M-G-M statistics,
the first roadshow engagement
played to 25,362,700 persons. The
second release, starting Jan. 19, 1940,
played to 24,065,279 patrons and
the third release, Feb. 1, 1942, was
seen by 10,500,000 persons.
M-G-M plans to withdraw the film
the last of August and keep it off
the market for another year.
Film Classics European
Distribution Via Wilson
{Continued from Page 1)
with Film Classics' lineup of 70 re-
issues of past successes. It is ex-
pected that Sweden and Spain will
be among the first countries, outside
of England, to get the product.
Deals are now pending for the
distribution of Film Classics releases
in Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Co-
lombia, according to George Hirli-
man, president.
Hirliman said it was the intent
of the company to set up a national
organization with well known dis-
tribution men at the helm of each
exchange.
An
'What is known in the
trade as a 'natural' 5"
— says Howard Barnes,
N. Y. herald -Tribune
Open
Letter
20th Century Fox ha
a picture which ring,
a bell!" — says Bosh
Crowther, N. Y. Times
%
If*
HHMBHO
FOR
MY KINGDOM FOR A COOK" IS IN
COLUMBIA HIT COMEDY TRADITION
Laugh Show Stars Charles
'Dingle' Coburn; To Be
Released On August 31
The announcement by Columbia that
on Aug. 31 it will release "My King-
dom For A Cook", a picture it believes
will rank high up among Columbia's
greatest comedies, brings to mind this
studio's remarkable record as a pro-
ducer of works in a light vein.
There are studios distinguished for
their treatment of headline dramas,
others renowned for their musicals,
still others for their screen romances.
While Columbia has produced suc-
cessful attractions in all these fields,
it is more often referred to as "the
studio of great comedies" than in any
other way.
And there is good reason for this appella-
tion.
The industry well remembers the story of
"It Happened One Night". How it boosted to
great new heights the fortunes of Claudette
Colbert and Clark Gable. How it started the
romantic comedy cycle.
And no one in the industry can fail to re-
call the remarkable success achieved by "The
Awful Truth'',*which set in full swing the
"wacky" comedy cycle.
It is interesting that within this comedy
field, Columbia has been able to produce out-
standing pictures as different from each
other as "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" and "My
Sister Eileen"; "You Can't Take It With
You" and "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town"; "Mr.
Smith Goes To Washington" and "The More
The Merrier".
Which brings us to "My Kingdom For A
Cook".
This one stars Charles Coburn, who has
every right, on the basis of his achievement
in "The More The Merrier", to call himself
Charles "Dingle" Coburn.
Everyone who has seen "Merrier" knows
what a whale of an acting job Coburn turned
in as "Dingle", the elderly Cupid, Columbia
officials point out!
The studio at once elevated him to star-
dom, and "My Kingdom For A Cook" is his
first starring vehicle.
In "Kingdom", Coburn has an even bigger
chance to strut his inimitable stuff, it is said.
He is cast as Rudyard Morley, world-
famous British author, who decides to go to
America to do his bit to further international
amity and United Nations unity.
But bit or no bit, the biggest thing in Mor-
ley's life is his stomach. Even his lovely
daughter Pam (Marguerite Chapman), runs
it a bad second in his thoughts.
His adventures in a small American town,
where he makes his presence thoroughly felt,
and ends up by stealing his hostess' cook,
even though Pam has fallen for his hostess'
son (Bill Carter), make for some of the most
farcical farce in years, Columbians say.
Richard Wallace directed "Kingdom". Pro-
ducer is P. J. Wolf son. The screen play is by
Harold Goldman & Andrew Solt; Joseph
Hoffman & Jack Henley.
(Advertisement)
FILE COPY
DO NOT H&MQV&
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAILY
|RftL. 84.
NO. 34
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1943
TEN CENTS
DECREEJUESTIONNAIRE GOING T0J2XHIBS.
All In Film Business To Buy Extra War Bonds
Schaefer Heads Rangers
To Handle Trade Sales;
Company Heads to Meet
Sale of at least one extra War
Bond to every one of the estimated
200,000 employes of the U. S. film
industry "will
be the trade's
way of firing
the opening
gun in the
Third War
***; dfij& Loan cam-
paign it was
anno unced
today by L.
C. Griffith,
general
chairman of
the campaign
for the WAC.
Bond sales
within the in-
dustry dur-
ing the cam-
paign period,
Sept. 9-Oct. 2, will be reported sep-
(Contimted on Page 6)
Warners Switch Co.
Holdings to Common
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Acquisition of 11,-
600 shares of Warners $5 par com-
mon and dropping of 60,856 shares
of $3.85 cumulative preferred by the
three Warner brothers during June
was revealed by the SEC today. Al-
bert and Jack Warner bought 5,000
and 6,600 shares of the common re-
(Continued on Page 6)
L. C. GRIFFITH
N. Y. CENSORS REJECT ONLY TWO
Nine-Month Report Discloses 348 Eliminations Made in 41
Films on Statutory Grounds
Albany — Report of the Motion
Picture Divison of the State Educa-
tion Department, covering only nine
months due to the change in the
State's fiscal year, reveals that 1,152
motion pictures, including 429 fea-
tures, were reviewed and of these
only two were rejected in the per-
iod from July 1, 1942 to March 31,
1943. Eliminations were made in
41 films on statutory grounds.
Receipts for the Division, accord-
ing to its director, Dr. Irwin Es-
mond, totaled $226,995.50; expenses
were $51,582.46 leaving net revenue
to the State of $175,413.04. The
average income and net revenue to
{Continued on Page 8)
Rush Pix to Troops
Mopping Up in Sicily
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — American pix reach-
ed our Sicilian campaigners over the
week-end, according to a cable re-
ceived by the Army's Special Ser-
vice Division. There was no word
as to just what films got in, but
showings got under way at once for
{Continued on Page 6)
20th-Fox Resumes
Co-op with NBC
West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Following a confer-
ence with Sidney Strotz, vice-
president of the Western division
of NBC, 20th Century-Fox studios
has resumed radio co-operation with
NBC networks. It was stated how-
ever, that co-operation will be with-
held from the Blue Network until
retractions have been made for al-
leged libelous broadcasts about one
of its stars.
Chase Bank Sells
All GPEC Holdings
Chase National Bank has disposed
of its entire block of 63,300 shares
of capital stock, no par value in
General Precision Equipment Corp.,
according to SEC report for June,
released for publication today.
During the same month, Chase
{Continued on Page 8)
WB Home Office Execs.
Off to Montreal Meet
Ben Kalmenson, Warners' general
sales manager who returned this
morning from a trip to Atlanta, Jack-
sonville, New Orleans and Memphis,
will head the home office sales de-
partment delegation leaving tonight
{Continued on Page 2)
Discuss Distribution
Of Newsreel Bulletins
PCC to Present Replies
On Effects in Operation
Of Theaters to Clark
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — H. M. Richey, assis-
tant to M-G-M Sales Chief Willam
F. Rodgers, met here yesterday with
local newsreel managers to discuss
with them the WAC plan for distri-
bution of the 26 250-feet newsreel
{Continued on Page 8)
$1,000,000 Gross For 'Army'
Warners Claims 'Take' Is Record For A Week
Spread of Polio Termed
Worst Since That in '40
Chicago — Infantile paralysis has
reached "almost epidemic propor-
tions" in parts of the country and
this may be the worst year since
1940 for the disease, the Journal of
the American Medical Association
states.
Journal pointed out that Califor-
(Contmued on Page 8)
Irving Berlin's "This is the Army"
will gross over $1,000,000 in its
first 107 openings up to Friday of
this week, Warners reported yes-
terday and will set at least two
film grossing records.
Company notes that except for
the Broadway run, which began
three weeks ago, the $1,000,000
gross will have been achieved within
a single week, believed to be the
highest take for a motion picture
(Continued on Page 3)
By RALPH WILK
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — PCCITO an-
nounced that in accordance with
its meeting with Tom C. Clark,
Assistant U. S. Attorney General,
it is sending to all independent ex-
hibitors from Alaska to the Mexican
border, a questionnaire created for
the purpose of furnishing exhibi-
tor complaints on the New York con-
sent decree, which expires Nov. 20,
1943.
Clark requested every exhibitor
{Continued on Page 3)
Goldberg Trust Suit
Now Anuses Majors
Omaha — The eight major distrib-
utors have been added to the list
of defendants in the $850,000 anti-
trust action filed here last Febru-
ary by R. D. Goldberg Theaters,
Inc., operators of the Town and a
number of other theaters in Omaha.
In the original action, only Tri-
States Theater Corp. and several of
{Continued on Page 8)
Coe Tentatively Set for
Buffalo, Toronto Talks
Tentative dates have been set for
the next addresses by Charles Fran-
cis Coe, vice-president and general
counsel of the MPPDA on industry
{Continued on Page 6)
Theater Ads Survive
Milwaukee Space Cut
Milwaukee — As a result of the
tight news print situation, the Journal
is reducing its Saturday issue to
eight pages, to be dubbed the Vic-
tory edition. While all display ad
copy is being dropped and the clas-
sified departments is being restricted
to 17 columns, a limited amount of
theater and church advertising will
be carried.
Bfe
Wednesday, August 18, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 34 Wed., Aug. 18, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
: : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
Ceneral Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :
: : : : Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1S01 Broadway, New York 18, N.
?., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
WB Home Office Execs.
Off to Montreal Meet
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Tuesday August 17)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2l/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2% 23^ 23,4
Con. Fm Ind. pfd
East. Kodak 161 161 161 + l/2
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq 203/8 20'A 20y4
Loew's, Inc 60 60 60 + i/8
Paramount 26V4 26 26
RKO 83/8 83/8 83^
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox. ... 21 3/8 21 21 1/4 + i/4
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31 '/4 31 31 1/4+ l/8
Warner Bros 13'/8 13 13'/8 -f- '/8
do pfd 895/8 895/8 895/8
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... 3 3 3 + Vs
Radio-Keith cvs 1% 1% ]3/s — i/8
Sonotone Corp 35/8 3% 3% — i/8
Technicolor 13'/2 13'/8 13%
Trans-Lux 2% 2% 2%
Universal Pictures
Universal Picts. vtc. . . 18 18 18 — V*
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER STOCK MARKET
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 803/8 82%
(Continued from Page 1)
for Montreal, where he will conduct
the company's two-day Canadian
sales meeting in the Mount Royal
Hotel starting tomorrow.
Mort Blumenstock, in charge of
advertising and publicity in the
East, also is expected to fly to Mon-
treal tonight or tomorrow.
Arthur Sachson assistant general
sales manager; Norman H. Moray,
short subject sales manager, and
A. W. Schwalberg, supervisor of ex-
changes, are the other home office
executives attending the sessions.
Canadian delegation, headed by
Wolfe Cohen, district sales manager,
will include the following branch
managers: Samuel Pearlman, Cal-
gary; I. Coval, Montreal; L. Mc-
Kenzie, St. John; Joseph Plottel,
Toronto; Earl H. Dalgleish, Vancou-
ver, and Greydon A. Matthews.
All salesmen, and Glen Ireton,
field rep., also will attend.
Syracuse Theater Riot
Brings Fines for 12
Syracuse N. Y. — Fines of $5 each
and suspended sentences of 30 days
were levied in Police Court against
12 West End youths for their parts
in a riot at Loew's State. Average
age of the boys was 17 and a num-
ber under 16 were turned over to
Children's Court.
Trouble started when one boy
was caught slipping in a side door
of the theater and arrested. Later
in the day, his companions ganged
up and attacked a part-time usher
on his way home and then decided
to raid the theater proper where
they beat up a student assistant
manager and two other ushers. More
than a score were arrested on the
complaint of Ruth Bolton, Syracuse's
first femme assistant manager, who
signed information for the warrants.
Manager Vaughn O'Neill was away
on vacation.
20th-Fox Loans Ted Lloyd
To Treasury for Bond Drive
Ted Lloyd, in charge of the 20th-
Fox radio department, has been
loaned to the Treasury Department
to represent it in Hollywood during
the Third War Loan Drive. He will
report in Hollywood on Aug. 21.
Lloyd will act as liaison officer be-
tween the Treasury and the WAC.
His work in Hollywood will be
under the joint direction of Vincent
F. Callahan, director of advertising,
press and radio for the War Finance
Division of the Treasury Depart-
ment and Carlton Duff us, associate
field director in charge of motion pic-
tures and special activities for the
department.
Connors Heads Returning
20th-Fox Executives
Hazel Bruce New Frisco Critic
San Francisco — Hazel Bruce has
succeeded Dwight Whitney as film
and drama critic of the Chronicle.
Whitney resigned to go with Time
Magazine in Hollywood. Miss Bruce
will be assisted by Marie Jepson.
FOR SALE OR LEASE
Neighborhood Movie House
Located in New York City
Seating 600
Reasonable price or rental
HARRY G. SOMMERS
208 W. 41 St. Phone PEn. 6-8220
Johnny Jones Acquires
Film Classics for Chi.
Led by Tom Connors, distribution
chief, the 20th-Fox home-office con-
tingent returned to New York today
from Los Angeles, where the last of
three company regional meetings was
held.
In the party with Connors were
W. C. Gehring, L. J. Schlaifer, A. W.
Smith, Jr., Hal Home, W. J. Clark,
Martin Moskowitz, J. Sichelman, E.
H. Collins, Roger Ferri, George Rob-
erts, Paul Terry and Harvey Day.
W. J. Kupper, general sales man-
ager, is returning to the Coast for
exchange conferences there follow-
ing his visit to Omaha for the
"Claudia" premiere tomorrow.
Name Loew, Paramount
In Tennessee Complaint
Johnny Jones, of the Jones, Linick
& Schaefer circuit of Chicago, has
acquired the Film Classics program
for the Chicago territory and is
entering into an extensive distribu-
tion arrangement with Film Clas-
sics whereby he will open exchanges
in Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis
and St. Louis.
The new exchanges will distribute
Film Classics product exclusively,
according to George Hirliman, pres-
ident. The lineup includes 24 20th
Century-Fox Gaumont British re-
issues and seven David O. Selznick-
John Hay Whitney productions.
Jones, in addition to his theater
and exchange activities, is chief
barker of the Chicago Variety Club.
Frances Fink Joins PRC
Frances Fink, former newspaper
woman and magazine writer has
joined PRC as assistant to Sam
Kestenbaum, director of advertising
and publicity.
Naming Loew's and Paramount
as defendants, the Palace Theater,
Gallatin, Tenn. has filed a demand
for arbitration in the Atlanta trib-
unal. Complainant charges that for
18 years the Palace was a satisfac-
tory customer of the two companies,
but that with the 1942-43 schedule
they sold their product away from
the complainant, allowing it only
seven pictures from each company.
The Palace seeks more product and
a designated run under Sections VI
and X of the consent decree.
"Three's A Family" Pix
Rights Go to Sol Lesser
Sol Lesser has bought the screen
rights to "Three's a Family," cur-
rent stage attraction, at a reported
price of $50,000.
COMinG and GOMG
u
to
COL. JOHN HAY WHITNEY has arrived in
the United States from England.
RUD LOHRENZ, UA district manager, is due
here today from Chicago for home office con- L
ferences.
COL. H. A. COLE returns to Dallas today.
"SCOOP" CONLON, personal representative**^ jv-
Mark Sandrich, is in town.
DAVE ROSE leaves for England late this week '
IRVINC SHIFFRON returned yesterday from;
the Coast.
RUTH SIMON, newly appointed secretary to hj
Kirk Burbank of Hal Home's department at 20th "
Fox, has returned from a vacation at Lake Placid ,
REX WILLIAMS, manager of the Loew's St fcf
Louis theater, is in New York for home office i-
confabs.
JOSEPH H. COHN, film advertising director of>.,
Weiss and Celler, is on vacation at Lake Cham- l
plain.
IRVIN SHAPIRO, Ceneral manager of Film
Classics, Inc., has left town on a national tour
of the company's exchanges.
MOE SILVER, Warners' Pittsburgh zone mana- :-
ger, and HARRY FINESTEIN, buyer-booker therj dii
for the circuit, are in New York.
I. J. HOFFMAN, Warners' New Haven zone :
manager, is due at the home office tomorrow. ft;
LIEUT. FRANK LIEBERMAN, formerly of k
Warners' field staff, is in New York on leave -
from Camp Crowder, Mo.
SAM VORZIMER, in charge of merchandising •
tieups for Paramount pictures at the studio, j
has arrived in New York on a combination va-
cation and business trip.
FRED JOYCE, UA publicity director in Chi-
cago, is en route to the Coast for two weeks II
of studio conferences.
STEVE BROIDY, ED MOREY and HARRY
THOMAS are in Washington, for a brief visit
with Monogram manager Harry J. Brown.
Product Shortage Hits
Chicago Loop Oriental
Chicago — Shortage of suitable
product has forced the 4,000-seat
Oriental Indie Loop theater to play
Universal's "Mr. Big," after its
original Loop run at the RKO Palace
theater.
The Recognized
Standard
Reference
Book oi the
Motion Picture Industry
THE FILM YEAR BOOK
Published by
and given free with a
year's subscription to
THE FILM DAILY
1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY
1 1
; Vednesday, August 18, 1943
m
DAILY
)ecree Questionnaire
ioing to All Exhibs.
■
(Continued from Page 1)
o present in detail, factual evi-
lence wherein the decree affects
he operation of his theater. These
ipestions will be answered by ex-
■Vjitors in time to be presented to
Tmi at his conference with PCC
■epresentatives here early in Sep-
;ember.
PCC is confident its questionnaires,
jecause it treats with "sins of
amission, as well as commission,"
af the decree, represents the most
definite and concerted action taken
by any exhibitor organization in the
United States in its endeavor to
correct the inadequacy of the decree.
Under unfair trade practices (not
treated as the consent decree), ex-
hibitors are asked to state in what
manner, if any, they have been af-
fected by the "move-over" practice,
distributors' arbitrary designation
of play dates, excessive gross per-
centage terms, clearance problems,
distributors hoarding or delaying re-
leases on completed pictures, es-
tablishment of additional "first-runs"
by affiliated circuits, practice of dis-
t:ibutors licensing their features to
affiliated circuits on a basis where-
by they can double-bill two "A's"
on one program, while independents
are required to play them on an ar-
bitrary percentage or high flat rental
basis, which prevents them from us-
ing them as duals.
The exhibitors are also asked "in
event distributors have unduly in-
creased your rental within the past
three years, to explain the_ basis
upon which they sought to justify
the increase and your reasons, if
any, why these increases were not
justified" and "in what manner,
if any, have distributors sought to
compel you to license any type of
picture by intimations that your
I American loyalty or patriotism would
be questioned or publicized in event
of your failure to do so."
Mrs. Klinger Retiring
Helen Jaffee Klinger, of the 20th
Century-Fox Story Department is
leaving the company this week to
await a blessed event. Incidentally,
Mrs. Klinger is no relation to her
boss Henry Klinger, associate story
editor of the company.
McGrew F. Willis
Vernon Cray
Rurh Goldberg
Robert Weitman
Sid Weiss
Stanley Braun
The Personal Angle
• • • THEY SAY THAT once you're in this business, it's tough to
get out of it and you don't have to take our word for it
Just read this excerpt from a letter written by Paul Radin, formerly with
the Buchanan agency and various film companies, and now with the
OWI in North Africa: "A woman's work is never done — and neither
is an advertising man's I quit the business I travelled 4,000
miles through death-infested seas across burning deserts
fought my way through bedbugs, mosquitoes and tons of corned beef
hash— all for what? To help defeat Hitler? To make the world
safe for democracy? No! After I get here I find myself work-
ing for Laudy Lawrence in the Rim Section And the very first job
Morris Helprin (also well known to the trade) and I had to do was to put
on the North African premiere of 'In Which We Serve' The picture
is playing to absolute capacity" Paul went on to say that movie
business there is terrific and that "Wake Island" is a top priority
picture and is being shoved into theaters as fast as they are re-opened.
T ▼ T
• • • ACCORDING TO BILL DOWNS, who holds down the
Moscow spot on the popular short wave news program "The World
Today," heard over CBS daily except Sunday, American films are the
closest link that the American people have with the people of Russia
Downs recently cabled that one of the best known women in
Moscow today is a Lady Gamelton Downs inquired around and
discovered that Lady Gamelton is really Lady Hamilton, the subject
of the movie of the same name which had pust opened there and
had taken the town by storm In fact, Lady Gamelton is the talk
of the town Downs further reported that "100 Men and a Girl"
has been playing in the Moscow suburban houses for the last two
years and "The Three Musketeers" has been playing in the same
Moscow theaters for more than six months
T T T
• • • CHATTER: If you want to know more about that fel-
low Buddy De Sylva, you'll find a very enlightening article in the Aug.
13 issue of Collier's. ... • A swell job has been done in "face-lifting"
M-G-M's publicity department on the third floor of the Loew building
You'd never recognize the old homestead. ... • John Chapman
officially replaces Burns Mantle as dramatic critic for the New York
Daily News and Louis Sobel succeeds the late John Anderson as
critic for the Journal-American. ...» Paramount got an effective
spread of photos in the Aug. 13 issue of The Service Woman on "So
Proudly We Hail". ...» Helen Colton, former Hollywood corres-
pondent for the Newark Sunday Call, is doing a series of special articles
for that sheet on former Jersey-ites who are now "names" in show busi-
ness. ... • Tom Kennedy, an independent talent agent for the last 16
years, has joined F & M Stageshows, Inc., to handle bookings of Fanchon
& Marco acts • B. P. Schulberg is reported teaming up with Marion
Gering in the production of "Marianne," a stage musical which goes
into rehearsal early in November
T T T
• • • MORE CHATTER Backers of the revival of "A
Connecticut Yankee," in addition to Warner Bros., are Mrs. Adele R.
Levy, Mrs. Marshall Field, Mrs. Richard Rodgers, Howard S. Cullman
and Al Greenstone. ... • It was a swell party last night We
mean that dinner sponsored by the New York alumni of Texas A & M
College, the locale of Walter W anger's Universal picture "We've Never
Been Licked" Dinner and screening were at the Waldorf
Y Y Y
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
IN NEW POSTS
HAROLD ROSENBAUM, PRC salesman, Phila-
delphia.
WILLIAM CIMBEL, PRC booker, Philadelphia.
DON REED, booker, Paramount, Memphis.
LILLARD M'GEE, dramatic editor, Commercial
Appeal, Memphis.
WILLIAM HILL, manager, three Field interests
houses, Storm Lake, la.
BOB JOHNS, bcoker, M-C-M, St. Louis.
CHARLES COTTLE, manager, State Lake, Chi-
cago.
CHARLES NESBITT, manager, Roosevelt, Chi-
cago.
R. SCHMIDT, manager, Cine, Chicago.
CEORCE ROSENTHAL, manager, Luna, Chicago.
C. R. GREER, manager, Apollo, Chicago.
JAMES ROSE, manager, Gateway, Chicago.
SEYMOUR ODEMS, assistant manager, Howard,
Chicago.
TED RECLIN, manager, North Shore, Chicago.
"Army" Will Gross
$1,000,000 This Week
{Continued from Page 1)
in one week. Also said to be a
record is the $500,000 two-day gross
' being realized from the 68 premieres
last night and tonight.
Following figures were cited: re-
ceipts from 10 special advance price
premieres held to date, including
New York, $75,000; regular N. Y.
run (three weeks), $150,000; nine
out-of-town runs to date, $140,000;
last night's special premieres in
Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San
Francisco (each grossing approxi-
mately $35,000), $105,000; pre-
mieres in 94 other cities (24 last
night, 41 tonight; 12, Thursday; 17,
Friday) with practically every per-
formance reported a sellout, $564,-
000; total, $1,034,000.
4 More Cities Playing
"Army" Day-and-Date
Four more cities, making a total
of 15 to date, are playing "This is
the Army" simultaneously in two
or more houses. Additions include
Charleston, W. Va., Bridgeport,
Richmond and Astoria, Ore. Other
situations showing the Warner Bros,
soldied muscal on a day-and-date
schedule include Los Angeles (six
houses), Denver (three houses), and
two houses each in Portsmouth, O.,
Milwaukee Portland, Ore., Columbus,
Sacramento, Seattle, Long Beach and
Ssn Diego.
Bomber Crash Kills
Eastman Kodak's Erb
Rochester — Second Lieut. John
W. Erb. formerly of Eastman
Kodak, was killed with nine
iBps other Army airmen when
KSj their four-engined bomber
crashed near Bowen Field,
Boise, Ida., Monday.
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Wednesday, August 18, 1943
All in Film Biz
To Buy Extra Bonds
(Continued from Page 1)
arately, not only in terms of dollar
value, but also the number of Bonds
sold, it was disclosed.
This phase of the national cam-
paign, which has as its goal the
sale of $15,000,000,000 of War Bonds
to 50,000,000 people or more in the
income brackets under $5,000, is re-
garded as so important that George
J. Schaefer, WAC chairman, is act-
ing as head of the "Rangers," a field
organization which will handle Bond
sales to everyone from ushers to
producers and stars. Leading in-
dustry personalities in New York,
Hollywood and key cities will serve
as '"Rangers," paralleling the
"Commandos" of last September's
War Bond Drive.
The New York Executive Group
for the Third War Loan drive in-
cludes Barney Balaban, O. Henry
Briggs, Steve Broidy Jules Brulatour,
Jack Conn, Stanton Griffis, Will H.
Hays, Hermann G. Place, Edward
C. Raftery, N. Peter Rathvon, Her-
man Robbins, Nicholas M. Schenck,
Spyros Skouras, Herbert Yates and
Adolph Zukor. Joseph H. Hazen is
local chairman and Henry Ginsberg
has been asked to act as chairman of
the Hollywood division.
Company Prexies to Meet
Company presidents have been in-
vited to attend a luncheon meeting
at Toots Shor's on Friday. Expan-
sion of the Executive Group is plan-
ned, in view of the fact that the 15
billion national goal requires the
industry to raise its own quota
sights.
New York sales managers will
follow through to see that personnel
in each exchange is successfully so-
licited. Exhibitor reps, will serve
as "Field Rangers" in all exchange
areas. In setting up their organi-
zations, they will include the newly
appointed state theater Third War
Loan chairmen as members of the
"Ranger" staff.
Schaefer pointed out that news-
papers, radio, retailers, outdoor ad-
vertising men and film biz are work-
ing together in this campaign under
the leadership of the Treasury's War
Finance Committee. Each of the di-
STORKS
Mrs. Sidney G. Alexander, wife of
the Columbia executive, gave birth
to a 7 pound, 15 ounce girl Sunday,
at the Jewish Hospital, Brooklyn.
The baby, named Wendy Joy is the
second daughter for the Alexanders.
Philadelphia — Jack Flynn, War-
ners' district manager, is a proud
poppa — it's a gal.
Murray L. Ashmann, division, man-
ager for Interboro Long Island Cir-
cuit, is the father of a daughter born
yesterday to Mrs. Ashmann at Kew
Gardens Hospital.
WB Memphis Theater
Ends Midnight Shows
Memphis — Warners' theater has
discontinued midnight shows, ac-
cording to Mrs. Mary Hale manager.
Attendance at midnight was said
to not justify the damage which oc-
curs at that time. House has just
been redecorated and reseated. Other
Loop theaters have as yet made no
decision on discontinuance of mid-
night shows.
Rush Pix lo Troops
Mopping Up in Sicily
(Continued from Page 1)
the Seventh Army and Air Forces
groups in Sicily. British troops are
believed to have added to the audi-
ences.
It is doubtful that any Hollywood
product has yet reached Sicily for
showing to the natives, although
OWI holds pix to be an important
factor in winning their good will.
Transportation difficulties are ex-
tremely great, with the military hard
put to get enough war material to
the island for their absolute needs.
OWI is not yet operating in Sic-
ily, but it is believed that features
dubbed in Italian will be brought
in when the agency is called to
Sicily — probably quite soon now.
visions is working for 100 per cent
Bond sales to its personnel, so it is
up to the industry in all its branches
to equal the record of its teammates,
he said. In order to do that, each
exhibitor will be responsible for his
own personnel.
War Center Under Canvas
Plays Role in Bond Drive
The large tent back of the Roxy
Theater will serve as an important
show business factor in publicizing
the Third War Loan drive. Major
L. E. Thompson of RKO is serving
ad chairman of the "War Center on
Victory Square," the name given to
the tent and its area, and is working
with a large committee of specialists
in the field. Shows will be held twice
daily after the campaign starts and
there will be a pre-campaign build-
up starting with a grand opening on
Aug. 25.
The shows, at which top talent will
perform, will be held, probably, from
12:30 to 2 and from 5 to 7 daily,
with acts going on all the time and
War Bonds and Stamps as admission
price.
What is said to be the largest
photographic mural display from
every branch of the armed forces
will be used to illuminate the en-
trance to the tent which seats ap-
proximately 2,000 persons. This will
be augmented by decorations drap-
ing every store front and building on
50th St., between 6th and 7th Ave-
nues.
«
REVIEWS*
"Thank Your Lucky
Stars"
with all-star cast
Warners 127 Mins.
PRODIGAL DISPLAY OF STAR TALENT
WILL WIN WEIGHTY GROSSES FOR THIS
MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA.
Here's a big-time tune show geared for
bulging grosses.
With such a prodigal display of star
talent, it matters little that the material is
on the whole commonplace and that the
pattern is overly familiar. Audiences will be
too busy with the movement of stars and
highly-regarded featured players on and off
the screen to worry about the faults. They'll
come to see the stars and they won't be
disappointed. Warners has scraped the bar-
rel to please them.
The Warner stars let down their hair
in this sprawling musical extravaganza to
the delight of the fans. It is a distinct
surprise to find many of the company's
big names trying their hand at entertain-
ment chores with which they have never
been associated by the public. For the
first time audiences will hear such stars as
Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Errol Flynn,
John Garfield and Ida Lupino raise their
voices in song. The only professional
song-bird is Dinah Shore. Most of the
film's stars are in for very brief stints in
the revue-like second half of the produc-
tion.
Eddie Cantor, Joan Leslie, Dennis Morgan
and Edward Everett Horton are the prin-
cipal players in the running story. Cantor
draws a barrage of laughs in a dual role in
which he appears as himself and as a Holly-
wool tourist guide. The guide has to pose
as the real Cantor so that his pal (Morgan),
a struggling singer, can appear in a charity
show. How the real Cantor, who is in
charge of the show, is gotten out of the
way is extremely funny. Cantor will bowl
the customers over with his work. The
other players in the story sequences are
equally as competent.
The direction of David Butler is a bit
slow in tempo until Cantor enters the pro-
ceedings. Mark Hellinger has supplied
good production values. The Norman Pana-
ma-Melvin frank-James V. Kern screenplay,
based on a story by Everett Freeman and
Arthur Schwartz, is serviceable. The pho-
tography of Arthur Edeson is a substantial
contribution. Schwartz and Frank Loesser
have composed an endless number of songs
for the film.
"Thank Your Lucky Stars" would have
been still better entertainment had its
footage been reduced.
CAST. Eddie Cantor, Humphrey Bogart,
Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Errol Flynn,
John Garfield, Joan Leslie, Ida Lupino,
Dennis Morgan, Ann Sheridan, Dinah Shore,
Alexis Smith, Jack Carson, Alan Hale, George
Tobias, Edward Everett Horton, S. Z. Sakall,
Hattie McDaniel, Ruth Donnelly, Don Wil-
son, Willie Best, Henry Armetta, Joyce
Reynolds, Spike Jones and His City Slickers.
CREDITS: Producer, Mark Hellinger; Di-
rector, David Butler; Screenplay, Norman
Panama, Melvin Frank, James V. Kern; Based
on story by Everett Freeman, Arthur
Schwartz; Cameraman, Arthur Edeson;
Dance Director, Leroy Prinz; Film Editor,
Irene Morra; Art Directors, Anton Grot,
Leo E. Kuter; Sound, Francis J. Scheid,
Warners Switch Co.
Holdings to Common
(Continued from Page 1)
spectively, now holding 214,550 and
193,200 shares, with Harry Warner
holding 144,060.
None of the brothers now holds
any of the preferred, according/-,,,
the report, with Albert having T J
posed of 22,280, Harry 19,395 and
Jack 15,181 and Trusts A & B in
which all three were indirect owners
of preferred, having sold out their
3,500 and 500 shares respectively.
The SEC also reported the drop-
ping of another 23,300 shares of
dollar par common in RKO by
Rockefeller Center. RC held 366,-
700 shares at the end of the month,
however.
Corrections on the May reports
for 20th-Fox revealed the sale of
40,000 shares of common no par
value by William Goetz, who re-
tained 4,588 shares, and disposal of
21,100 shares by Mrs. Goetz, who
retained 1192. Goetz and his wife
also dropped 13,500 and 6,500 shares
of the preferred in May, retaining
323 and 410 respectively.
A correction to the May report
showed also the purchase of five
shares of Loew's common by How-
ard Dietz, who now holds 15 shares.;
Loew's, during June, picked up 15
shares $25 par common in Loew's
Boston Theaters, holding 119,706.
Sale of 3,200 shares of dollar par*
common in Monogram by Samuel
Broidy, during May and June, was;
revealed. Broidy retains 4,400 shares. \
Another 2500 shares of the same ;
stock was dropped by W. Ray John-;
ston, who retains 16,571.
Purchase of 140 shares of com-
mon (no par value) and nine shares
of $2.75 cumulative preferred in
Columbia Pictures by Charles
Schwartz, New York, was also re-
vealed. These are all of those
stocks Schwartz holds.
Coe Tentatively Set for
Buffalo, Toronto Talks
(Continued from Page 1)
affairs. One may be held in Buf-
falo on Sept. 28 and the other in
Toronto on Sept. 29.
Eastman's Switzer Missing
Rochester — Tech. Sgt. Earl I.
Switzer, formerly of Eastman Kodak
Co., is reported missing in action
over Germany. He was radio opera-
tor on a Flying Fortress and has
been missing since an operational
sweep July 26.
Todd Signs Joan Blondell
Michael Todd has signed Joan
Blondell for his forthcoming play,
"The Naked Genius," to open at the
Plymouth Sept. 30.
Charles David Forrest; Set Decorator, Walter
F. Tilford; Special Effects, H. F. Koene-
kamp; Songs, Arthur Schwartz, Frank
Loesser; Musical Director, Leo F. Forb-
stein.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY
Good.
i &™Mi
..•BUT,HE/frj4'%^
DO BIG THINCj 4/ ^K%
IT'S THE mtSt°^S^
MUSICAL CO^;- *«A^
MARY LEE
m>
DAILY
Wednesday, August 18, 1943
!
Goldberg Trust Suit
Now Anuses Majors
(Continued from Page 1)
its executives were named as de-
fendants. The suit now charges
that the downtown theaters and the
distributing companies have formed
a combination and conspiracy to
monopolize all the motion picture
theater business in Omaha. Com-
plaint asks that the defendants be
ousted from doing further buiness
in Nebraska and charges that
through a combination the Town,
also a downtown house, has been kept
from getting first-run product. It
further alleges that the other the-
ater companies have been able to
dictate what pictures the Town may
show and when it may show them.
The list of defendants has been
expanded to include the following:
Tri-States Theater Corp., operators
of the Orpheum, Omaha and Para-
mount Theaters; A. H. Blank and
G. R. Branton, Tri-States ex-
ecutives; Joe Kinsky, district man-
ager; William Miskell, manager of
the Orpheum; Ted Emerson, man-
ager of the Paramount; Omaha Sin-
ger Corp., which operates the Bran-
deis; Loew's, Paramount, RKO Ra-
dio, Vitagraph, 20th Century- Fox,
Universal, Columbia and United
Artists.
©WI Cites Training Value of Pix But Says
"Movie Habit" Must First be Eradicated
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The extremely great value of motion pictures as training aids
in the building of our Army and Navy is pointed out in a study of military
training methods released by OWI. It was pointed out, however, that fre-
quently soldiers must get over "the movie habit" before training films have
their maximum effect. Said the OWI:
"In a majority of men, the movie habit must be overcome before training
films can be effective as they should be. Men are used to going to films to be
entertained, not to study. They are used to turning off their minds at will,
as they turn off their radios. Not until they overcome this habit do they get the
most of their visual training aids."
Spread of Polio Termed
Worst Since That in '40
(Continued from Page 1)
nia, Texas, Oklahoma and Connecti-
cut seem to be the most seriously
affected states with most other parts
ox the country reporting no more
cases of polio than are usually prev-
alent at this time of the year.
Topeka, Kan. — Kansas Board of
Health reports 196 cases of infan-
tile paralysis so far this year against
a total of 109 in 1942 and the state
is faced with its worst outbreak in
history. Board noted that 89 new
cases and 12 deaths were reported
last week.
Discuss Distribution
Of Newsreel Bulletins
(Continued from Page 1)
bulletins scheduled for the next year
by OWI's Palmer Hoyt and "WAC of-
ficials in Hollywood last month. The
first subject will be on the Treas-
ury war loan drive. Originally
scheduled for tomorrow, it appears
now that it will be released next
week Thursday.
Two meetings were held yesterday
to discuss distribution of the bulle-
tins, and a short meeting is sched-
uled for this morning.
Mrs. Tom Beatty Stricken
Chicago — Mrs. Katherine Beatty,
wife of Manager Thomas E. Beatty
of Englewood and Linden Theaters,
is dead from heart attack.
New York Censors
Reject Only 2 Pix
(Continued from Page 1)
the State for the period were lowei
than for the previous year.
Of the 348 eliminations in films
which were licensed, 229 were for
indecency, one was for inhuman^ ■
one was for tending to incited •
crime, 102 were for immorality 01
tending to corrupt morals and 15
were on the grounds that they were
sacrilegious.
Nine dramas were affected, two
comedies, three scenic pictures, 26
novelty and musical pictures and one
miscellaneous picture. Number of
scenes eliminated was 255, while
the subtitles or dialogue eliminated
totaled 93.
Number of reels examined in the
period totaled 4,453. The 429 clas-
sified as feature pictures were five
reels or more in length and the rest
were shorts.
8
IK
Chase National Bank
Sees All GPEC Holdings
(Continued from Page 1)
National's holdng of $1.50 cumula-
tive preferred in 20th-Fox was re-
duced by a single share, to 665,715
the SEC disclosed.
FROM COAST TO COAST
«US e.ml.ta»«.» * m-ktag *»*.«<»» » ***
MPW YORK— 10 weeks at the Little Carnegie, N. Y.
NEW YOlfiv iv vu ^^ ^ my 23> m3)
"This is the best business I
have ever seen in this house.
(From a Ross Federal Service .report or .the
Current Showing at the Clay Theatre)
SAN FRANCISCO—
FOR KEY BOOKINGS.
PALLAS FILMS, INC.
Daniel Frankel, Vice-Pres.
1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY
Tel. BRyant 9-1565
T^
jcr
1 1
3 N
DAN
i. S"»717 hi U Z
Y CI cl cl VN
v.
fo
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K Mi. NO. 35
7M
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 1943
TEN CENTS
$3,843^249 NET FORJOTH CENTURY-FOX
Only 27 of 179 Current N. Y. Films in War Class
Editorial
Star Ratings
. . . and biz outlook
= By CHESTER B. BAHN =
THE star rating system of the New York
Daily News, whose merits periodically
lave been heatedly debated both in show
md film biz, is making a 50 per cent exit
rom the Patterson tab.'s amusement pages.
John Chapman, who has succeeded to the
critical mantle of the Burns of the same
lame, formally announced yesterday that
'we are going to try to get along without
my star ratings for the stage," but in the
text breath — or paragraph, if you prefer,
idded, "The Misses Cameron, Hale and
Masters assure me that they will keep right
>n bestowing stars on the movies, however."
With the News amusement house di-
vided, as 'twere, Br'r Chapman is at pains
o explain that "going to a movie and going
0 a show are two different enterprises,"
he former being pretty much a "spur-of-
he-moment affair" and hence "the stars
ire a quick guide for a quick choice of
)ictures." If you're interested in John's
iremise — and thesis — you might read it in
ML
Without desiring to revive an old con-
roversy — and at this stage of the argu-
nent, surely there's little new left to be
;aid — your columnar commentator would
ike to toss off the remark that he has yet
o meet up with a fan who treasures a
ioard of reviews (stage or screen) bearing
tars or similar rating symbol as a guide to
uture theater attendance.
It's been well said that there's nothing
io "dead" as yesterday's newspaper . . . and
lobody knows that better than a gent who
ised to write dramatic and cinema critiques.
And, further, where a star rating system
s applied evenly, without regard to the type
if picture — as the critic is in honor bound
o do — you have some more-than-occasional
musing, yet irrating evaluations and com-
>arisons.
At any rate, a reviewer who can write
imple English and that clearly, would
eem to require no symbols to get his
estimate across to his reader following,
iymbols at best are a reviewer's crutch —
•recisely that and nothing more. Ask the
tapers across the country which have dis-
:arded 'em.
I F you've been uneasy o' late about the
' shape of things to come in the post-war
vorld — and many in film bir have been
{Continued on Page 2)
Except for First-Runs,
All Are On Double Bills
In Greater N. Y. Houses
Out of 179 features playing 115
Greater New York theaters, both
Broadway first- runs and neighborhood
houses, in the week ending today,
only 27, or about 15 per cent,
are war films, a Film Daily check-
up shows.
In addition to these 27, there are
about half a dozen military musicals
End comedies, including Irving Ber-
lin's "This is the Army," "Stage
Door Canteen," "The Fleet's In,"
"True to the Army" and a few
(Continued on Page 4)
Feminine Bookers
Gain in Washington
Washington Buieau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — With six women
taking over bookers' jobs during the
past year, Washington exchanges
now number 12 femmes as full or
assistant bookers, with 20 men still
on the job. Bookers' jobs are ex-
pected to go to several more wo-
men within the next few months.
Among the majors, Twentieth-Fox
(Continued on Page 4)
Heat, Drought and Polio
Cutting Okla. Grosses
Oklahoma City — Unprecedented
beat, a looming drought and the
infantile paralysis threat are having
their effect on Oklahoma box-of-
fices. Locally, the ban by Standard
(Continued on Page 4)
Polio Shutters Five
Bremerton Theaters
Bremerton, Wash. — All local pic
theaters were closed yesterday in
an effort to prevent the spread of
infantile paralysis. City has five
houses operated by B. F. Shearer
and Evergreen State Amusements,
a National Theaters unit. County
authorities may take similar action
to prevent an epidemic.
Appeal Board Cuts
Auburn Clearances
Arbitration appeal board again
has ruled that consecutive exhibi-
tions (i»o'veovers) under the same
management may usually be consid-
ered as one continuous first-run for
the purpose of establishing the clear-
ances of the first-run theaters over
the subsequent-run theaters.
Opinion was handed down in modi-
fying an award in the case filed by
Reuben C. Canter, operating the
(Continued on Page 5)
Pittsfield, Mass., House
Asks Clearance Relief
The 10th demand for arbitration
in the Boston tribunal this year has
been filed by the Carlton Amusement
Enterprises, Inc., operating the
Cameo Theater, Pittsfield Mass.,
against the five consenting compa-
nies.
Complainant's theater plays third-
(Continued on Page 8)
Show Biz Backs War Center
Resources Without Limit for Bond Campaign
26 Weeks' Profit Advances
$1,652,355 Despite Jump
Of $3,370,000 in Taxes
Hal Wallis to Produce
New Irving Berlin Film
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood— Hal B. Wallis, War-
ners producer, leaves here next week
foi New York to confer with Irving
Berlin on a new musical, tentatively
titled "Liberty Hall," which Wallis
(Continued on Page 8)
The tented War Center on Victory
Square at the rear of the Roxy the-
atei% which represents a "Govern-
ment venture in show business," will
draw upon the entertainment world's
resources without limit to publicize
the Third War Loan campaign which
opens nationally on Sept. 9, it was
promised by Maj. Leslie E. Thomp-
(Continued oh Page 8)
Despite an income tax burden of
$4,620,000, an increase of $3,370,000
over last year, 20th-Fox was able
to boost its net profit for the 26
weeks ended June 26, by $1,652,355
to a total of $3,843,249, it was re-
vealed yesterday in the company's
financial report for the first half of
1943. In the same period of 1942
the company realized a net profit of
$2,190,894 after providing for Fed-
eral income taxes of $1,250,000.
Earnings for the first half of this
year are equivalent to $1.81 per
share on 1,742,000 shares of com-
(Continued on Page 8)
Find Exhibs. Extend
Their Buying Range
The heavy increase in the number
of accounts reported this season by
distributors is interpreted in trade
circles here as evidence that the na-
tion's exhibitors are solving their
product problem by buying pictures
from a larger number of sources
than has been their practice in the
past.
The second-runs are seen answer-
(Continued on Page 5)
Harry Bugie Named Cincy
Branch Manager for PRC
Appointment of Harry Bugie as
branch manager of PRC's Cincinnati
exchange was announced yesterday
by Arthur Greenblatt, vice-president
and general sales manager. Bugie,
formerly with Warner Bros., M-G-M
and Republic, succeeds Nat Kaplan,
(Continued on Page 5)
3,232,205 Saw V. S.
Pix in Africa in June
Gift programs of American movies
on 16 mm. film, donated by the in-
dustry for free showing to our men
in uniform played to 3,232,205 in
North Africa during June, according
to a report released by Francis S.
Harmon, WAC vice-chairman.
-ffl
DAILY
1
Thursday, August 19, 19'|
Vol. 84, No. 35 Thurs., Aug. 19, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. AL1COATE
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Publisher
General Manager
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1S01 Broadway, New York 18, N.
f ., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New Yurl<
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months.
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS-
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Scbuck,
Cas-llo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
\{Wednesday, August 18):
High
Am. Seat 16y2
Col. Picts. vtc. (2y2%) 153/4
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 15%
E^st. Kodak 162 1
do pfd 1771/2 1
Gen Prec. Eq 20'A
Loew's, Inc 60%
Paramount 26%
RKO 8y2
RKO $6 pfd 90
20th Century-Fox .. 21%
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31 V2
Warner Bros 13 'A
do pfd 89%
NEW YORK CURB
Monogram Picts. ... 3
Radio-Keith cvs 1 Vi
Technicolor 1 3 Vi
Trans-Lux 2%
Universal Picts. vtc. 17%
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57.
Net
Low Close Chg.
I6I/2 I6I/2
153/4 153/4 — 1/4
15% 15% + Vs
62 162 + 1
77 1771/2
193/4 2oy4
601/4 601/4 + 14
26% 263/4 + 3/4
^% 83/3
90 90 + %
21% 213/s + %
313/8 3IV2 + 1/4
13% 13%
895/8 89%
MARKET
3 3
13/8 13/8
13% 13% — %
2% 2%
173/4 173/4 — %
STOCK MARKET
Bid Asked
803/8 82%
Rogers Handling "Plenty"
The British documentary picture
"World of Plenty" has been set for
limited distribution in the U. S.
through Budd Rogers. The picture,
which runs 45 minutes, will be shown
first in Tenenews theaters and will
open in Buffalo on Sept. 3. Special
arrangements are also under way
to show it in New York and other
large cities.
comma add GOinc
RUD LOHRENZ, UA district manager, is here
from Chicago.
EDWARD ALPERSON, RKO Theaters executive,
and BARRY BUCHANAN of the Treasury Dept.,
left for the Coast yesterday on Third War Loan
activity.
1TO of Ohio President MARTIN SMITH is in
town.
EDWARD C. RAFTERY, president of United
Artists, left for the Coast yesterday.
JACK LEWIS, of the RKO publicity staff,
will vacation at Block Island, R. I., starting
Monday.
FRANCIS S. HARMON, WAC executive vice-
chairman; L. C. GRIFFITH, general chairman
of the industry's Third War Loan drive; SI
FABIAN, WAC theaters chairman, and RAY
BEALL, publicity head of the drive, left for
Hollywood yesterday to work on Coast plans
for the campaign.
GORDON S. WHITE, Southern representative of
the Public Relations Committee, has returned
from Dallas.
BILLY GILBERT arrived from the Coast yes-
terday.
HAL WALLIS, Warners producer, is due in
New York late next week from the Coast.
IRVING YERGrN, Warner Bros, field rep. re-
turned to New York yesterday from the South
on special assignment by Mort Blumenstock
for "This is the Army" openings.
SUMER W. SINCER and JOHN CUNNINGHAM
of Buchanan & Co., Inc. are leaving for the
Coast tomorrow for a series of conferences
with some of Buchanan & Company's motion
picture clients.
COL. FRANK CAPRA and CAPT. ANTHONY
VEILLER are in London on U. S. Army film
business.
Star Ratings
. . . and biz outlook
(Continued from Page 1)
cogitating on the business prospects in the
years immediately following the cessation
of hostilities, you'll be interested in what
Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., of General Motors had
to say the other day.
Take it from Sloan, there will be a five-
year industrial boom after the war, with
a few months' "pause for adjustment" as
a boom preliminary.
As for wartime controls, Sloan believes
they will be essential for six or 12 months
after fighting halts while industry recon-
verts to a normal basis.
Goldberg's Anti-Trust
Suit Is New Action
Anti-trust suit filed by R. D. Gold-
berg Theaters, Inc., of Omaha, nam-
ing the eight major companies as
defendants, is a new action and not
the same as the one filed in Febru-
ary when only Tri- States Theater
Corp. was named as the defendant.
It was indicated in The Film
Daily yesterday that the suit filed
on Aug. 14 merely added the major
companies to the defendant list.
Home office legal departments yes-
terday received copies of the new
action.
The suit charges that the down-
town theaters in Omaha and the dis-
tributing companies have formed a
combination to monopolize the mo-
tion picture theater business in
Omaha. It seeks to prevent the de-
fendants from doing further busi-
ness in Nebraska.
Blake to Scout Talent
for Columbia in East
Carter Blake, newly named Colum-
bia Eastern talent scout, leaves for
the Coast Friday, with stopoffs
planned in Philadelphia, Chicago
and Frisco where he will eye the
theaters and night clubs. Blake,
former head of the MCA's Eastern
film department, will be gone about
a month.
Warners Purchasing
"Young Charm" Rights
Screen rights of "Those Endear-
ing Young Charms," by Edward
Chodorov, are reported being pur-
chased by Warners. The Max Gor-
don play had a 60-day Broadway
run this Summer.
Sol Lesser has acquired film rights
to "Three's a Family," for $50,000,
it was confirmed yesterday by Paul
Streger, representing the authors,
Phoebe and Henry Ephron. Com-
edy is current at the Longacre and
the picture version will be released in
September, 1944.
"Duffy's Tavern" to be
First of "Duffy" Series
Following the dissolution of the
Leo Spitz-Jack Skirball combination
which was to have made "Duffy's
Tavern," screen rights to the well
known radio program have been ob-
tained by Paramount which is re-
ported to have out-bid six other
companies for the property.
Paramount's deal provides that
the company shall make "Duffy's
Tavern" and carries option rights
for four more Duffy features during
the next five years. Ed Gardner,
the "Archie" of the air show, will
appear in the production along with
other members of the radio cast.
Frank, Exhib.-Producer,
Acquires 17th Theater
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — W. R. Frank who will
produce "Dr. Paul Joseph Gobbles,
His Life and Loves," has acquired
the Roxy Theater, Owatonna, Minn.,
from Sidney Kinyin. House is the
17th in his Minnesota circuit.
ACE MANPOWER for ANY JOB
AVAILABLE NOW— CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 MADISON AVE., N. Y.
Tel. MU. 2-6494
William Barker is Named
Mono. Manager in Omah«:i
Des Moines — Leo Blank, Mon
year ago, he was replaced by an
other man, who was called within s
few months. Mrs. Sadie Boles i
now a full booker, with only on
man in the booth.
Four men form the bookers' stai
at M-G-M, with one woman as asj
sistant. Mrs. Catherine Murphy be]
came a full booker last year whej
one of the men was drafted, but re!
verted to her post as assistant book
er when this man was sent back t
civilian life after a short time i
the Army.
RKO has an all-male staff c
three. Eight men do the bookinj
for Columbia and Universal, when
firgers are crossed while Margare
Stant h?s come in to help UA bookei
Elmer McKinley, after the loss o:
two men to the Army within i
very short time. Gertrude Epsteii
is now assistant booker at PRC
where David Rosenthal handled th<
booking himself until recently.
Women have been booking for Re
public and Monogram for severa
years now — Mrs. Sara Monfried wit!
the former exchange since it cami
here, and Gladys Murray following
two female predecessors into thi
Monogram booth last January.
Local managers expect now to fil
most of their vacancies from th<
female ranks, although several d
them say they find great difficult)
in finding women capable for filling
booking jobs who will stay witl
them long enough for the necessarj
training. The Government is at
extremely powerful hiring compet^
tcr here.
WEDDING BELLS
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM y the Fascists while fighting on the loyal-
st side. The audience is led to believe that
i far more vital secret than a war-scarred
ijanner is at the bottom of the black vil-
rainy in the film.
A further disappointment to the audience
/vill be the nature of the romance between
jarfield and Maureen O'Hara, who aids
the Nazi ring seeking the banner because
ihe can't help herself. Sympathy is created
|For her. yet at end she's in the hand of
the FBI.
Garfield hasn't been so good in a picture
in a long time. Miss O'Hara handles her
role well. Walter Slezak is properly sin-
ister as the head of the spy ring. Others
important to the development of the story
are Patricia Morison, Martha O'Driscoll,
Bruce Edwards, John Banner, John Miljan
ad Hugh Beaumont.
i Robert Fellows produced the film from
a screenplay by Warren Duff derived from
the Dorothy B. Hughes novel. Richard
Wallace has directed at much too deliberate
a pace. Praise must be accorded the camera
work of Nicholas Musuraca.
CAST: John Garfield, Maureen O'Hara,
Walter Slezak, Patricia Morison, Martha
O'Driscoll, Bruce Edwards, John Banner,
John Miljan, Hugh Beaumont, Sam Gold-
berg.
CREDITS: Producer, Robert Fellows;
.Director, Richard Wallace; Screenplay,
Warren Duff; Based on novel by Dorothy
B. Hughes; Cameraman, Nicholas Musuraca;
Special Effects, Vernon L. Walker; Musical
Score, Roy Webb; Musical Director, C.
Bakaleinikoff ; Art Directors, Albert D'Agos-
tino, Mark-Lee Kirk; Set Decorators, Dar-
rell Silvera, Harley Miller; Sound, Bailey
Fesler; Film Editor, Robert Wise.
DIRECTION, Fair. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Basil Out of Hospital
Buffalo — Nicholas J. Basil, presi-
dent of the Basil circuit has been
^released from a local hospital after
a siege of summer grippe.
Advance Children's Prices
Chicago — Stratford, Capitol and
Avalon Theaters of the Warner cir-
cuit, have advanced children prices
from 17 cents to 20 cents.
"Black Sea Fighters"
Artkino 60 Mins.
LATEST SOVIET DOCUMENTARY IS
POWERFUL FILM RECORD OF BATTLE
OF SEVASTOPOL.
Again the Russians demonstrate their
mastery of the documentary film form in
"Black Sea Fighters" described as the first
official film of the Soviet Black Sea fleet
in action. They have made an exciting
record of the defense of Sevastopol — a
defense in which the Soviet gave evidence
for the first time of the might of its sea
power, which up to then had received
scant notice. The heroism which made
possible the saving of the city from the
Germans is conveyed graphically in power-
packed scenes which spare no realistic de-
tail.
American audiences will be greatly im-
pressed by the spirit of the Russians in
carrying on their war against the Nazis —
a spirit that refuses to be broken how-
ever hard the going or however great the
sacrifices.
In the film the Soviet navy is shown
using every means at its command to keep
Sevastopol from falling into German hands.
It asks no quarter and gives none. This
makes for innumerable scenes of horror and
brutality — scenes that stick in your mind
in their vividness.
The very subject of this film tends to
limit its box office possibilities. Certain-
ly the picture cannot hope for more than
fair returns in this country despite all its
fine points and the superb example of
human courage that it offers. The con-
stant violent action surely will limit femme
patronage to the very minimum.
The picture has the benefit of a com-
mentary written by Clifford Odets and
spoken by Fredric March. The association
of these two names with the production
may help at the box office.
Central Newsreel Studios of Moscow
produced the picture, which was shot
by two groups of cameramen, one working
with the fleet, the other stationed in
Sevastopol.
Trade Has Recommended
No Successor to Mellett
{Continued from Page 1)
names were mentioned to him as
possibilities for the job, but Allen
made it plain that no decision is
even close, implying that Palmer
Hoyt, domestic chief, is awaiting a
recommendation from the industry.
None of the names thus far men-
tioned is receiving any serious con-
sideration at this time, Allen in-
timated.
Although there may be some slight
dipping into the $5,000,000 conting-
ency fund of the overseas branch
for Robert Riskin's motion picture
bureau, an OWI budget officer said
yesterday it is not likely that the
office will greatly exceed the sum
allotted it by Congress — less than
$900,000. There is no plan at pres-
ent for additional allotment.
* SHORTS *
"Women of Britain"
M-G-M 11 Mins.
Good
Americans who want concrete evi-
dence of what the British women are
doing for the war effort will get
it in this British government war
film. Britain's weaker sex shows
it is haidly that in as fine a tribute
to the women of the tight little
isle as one could hope for. British
womanhood is caught in action in
an amazing list of activities — many
of which one would never associate
with women. The picture clearly
proves that England's women are
not shirking their duties in wartime.
Americans will find great inspira-
tion in this reel.
"Hollywood in Uniform"
(Screen Snapshots)
Columbia 10 Mins.
Good
As its title indicates, the short
deals with the Hollywood stars who
have gone into service. The subject
is one that is certain to raise the
public esteem of Hollywood's acting
colony. It presents such an array
of names that it is definitely marked
for lively attention on the part of
the paying customers. Among those
seen in uniform are James Stewart,
Gene Autry, Tim Holt, Clark Gable,
Gene Raymond, Ronald Reagan, Alan
Ladd, John Carroll, George Mont-
gomery, Desi Arnaz, Van Heflin,
John Payne, John Howard, Eddie
Albert, Wayne Morris, "Buddy"
Rogers, Rudy Vallee, Glenn Ford and
Tyrone Power.
"The Last Hazard"
RKO 20 Mins.
Absorbing
Mark this down as an excellent war
short. Made for the British govern-
ment by the RAF Film Unit, the
two-reeler is a clear and simple
recital of the work of the balloon
ships which protect the channels
to British ports. The hazards that
attend the job are brought out ef-
fectively. The film is a deserved
tribute to the men of Britain upon
whose vigilance and courage de-
pends the safety of the nation's
vital cargoes. A lot of thrilling
stuff has been incorporated into the
footage, in which there is not a
single professional actor.
"These Are the Men"
"Community Sing"
(No. 1— Series 8)
Columbia 13 Mins.
Good
The latest of the series strikes
a strong patriotic note. Most of the
tunes featured have a rousing lilt
to them. The numbers heard in-
clude "If He Can Fight Like He Can
Love," " 'Til We Meet Again,"
"Move It Over," "For Me and My
Girl," "On a Wing and a Prayer."
There is plenty of singable stuff
in this one.
"Kill Or Be Killed"
UA 17 Mins.
Suspenseful
Suspense beyond the ordinary is
contained in this British Ministry
of Information short. The film tells
the taut story of a British and a
German sniper stalking each other.
The British soldier kills the German
and uses the body as a decoy to
trap a Nazi searching party. The
two protagonists speak their private
thoughts as they go about the busi-
ness of killing or being killed. The
film is a gripping subject. Here's
a miniature dramatic gem deservedly
worth booking.
"The Oil Filter Goes to War"
U. S. Army-Emerson Yorke Studio
28 mins.
Top-Flight Short
Wherever our motorized military
equipment rolls — whether on foreign
soil or in our homeland — its blood-
stream is lubrication, and that blood-
stream must be kept healthy (clean).
To impart instructively the operation
of the oil filter, and its care, Pur-Ola-
tor Products, Inc., of Newark, N. J.,
sponsored the fashioning of "The
Oil Filter Goes to War". Pic im-
partially utilizes the filters of all
leading manufacturers.
The training version is distributed
by the Army and the commevcial ver-
sion by the producer. This well-
made and extremely enlightening
short was directed by Sam A. Dat-
lowe; photographed by Max Lasky
and Irving Browning, narrated by
Alois Havrilla; scripted by Paul L.
Francois; with Albert Paganelli sup-
plying the animation, and Arthur G.
Pogmore serving as technical con-
sultant. Capt. James H. Smith was
production liaison. Scenes were filmed
by Yorke Studio crews at Aberdeen
Proving Grounds; Camp Holabird,
Md.; and other restricted locations,
utilizing Army personnel exclusively.
"Dizzy Newsreel"
Columbia 7>/2 Mins.
Passable
This cartoon is a burlesque on
some of the favorite subjects of
the newsreels. All the characters
a~e animals. The short moves snap-
pily and has quite a few laughs.
Dave Fleischer produced the item,
which has snatches of humor that
will appeal to grown-ups.
From Laffmovie to Victoria
The theater at Broadway and 46th
St. now known as the Laffmovie will
reopen on Sept. 4 as the Victoria.
The house will be operated by Mau-
rice Maurer, operator of the Stan-
ley Theater. The opening attrac-
tion will be "The City That Stopped
Hitler — Heroic Stalingrad," which
Paramount is releasing by special
arrangement with Artkino. En-
gagement of the film will be fol-
lowed by the first-run presentation
of other Soviet product.
_ — a
;M
DAILY
Friday, August 20, 1943
Second Star Caravan
To Boost Bond Sales
{Continued from Page 1)
the whole idea of voluntary support
of the war is a typically American
effort, the campaign should make
good use of "the most glamourous
salesmen in America" — the famous
stars of Hollywood.
Current tour, opening with an ap-
pearance in Washington the night of
Sept. 8, one dav prior to the War
Loan Campaign's opening, was ar-
ranged at the request of the War
Finance Committee of the Treasury
Dept. by the Hollywood Victory
Committee of the WAC.
Many of the stars who made last
year's tour will be in the new Caval-
cade. Among those expected are
Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Greer
Garson, Hedy Lamarr, Joan Cr?w-
ford, Cary Grant, Kay Kyser and his
band, Dick Powell, Lucille Ball, Fred
Astaire, Edward Arnold, Red Skel-
ton, Dorothy Lamour, Walter Pid-
geon and others.
First Bond rally will be in Phila-
delphia the next day and the 14
other cities on the itinerary, which
was mapped out by the War Finance
Committee are: Boston, Sept. 10;
New York, 11; Pittsburgh, 12; De-
troit, 13; Cleveland, 14; Cincin-
nati, 15; Chicago, 16; Minneapolis,
17; St. Louis, 18; New Orleans, 19;
Dallas, 20; San Francisco, 23, wind-
ing: up in Los Angeles for a giant
Bond rally on the 24th.
L. C. Griffith, general chairman of
the industry's Third War Loan cam-
paign, and Kenneth Thomson, chair-
man of the Hollywood Victory Com-
mittee, have assured Secretary Mor-
genthau that the Cavakfde of Stars
will include the outstanding celebri-
ties "even if it is necessary to close
down a studio or two." To release
the s+ars for service in the Third
War Loan producers and stars have
offered full co-operation.
War Finance Committee in each
city visited by the Cavalcade are ar-
ranp-ing; for parades and giant mass
meetings at which the stars will
put on shows, admission to which
will be Bond purchase only.
FWTBT to Have War Bond
Premiere in Washington
With seats scaled from $10,000 to
$25 in War Bonds, a War Bond pre-
miere will launch the advanced-price,
extended engagement of Paramount's
"For Whom the Bell Tolls" at Loew's
P^ace. Washington, on Sept. 15,
Neil Agnew, Paramount general
Freeport, Pa. Exhib.
His Own Projectionist
Freeport, Pa. — After losing five
projectionists to Uncle Sam during
the past two years, J. B. Wiseman,
owner of the Ritz, in order to keep
his theater operating, has been com-
pelled to be his own projectionist.
TO TUE COLORS!
* COMMISSIONED *
LIGUT. LEONARD SPINRAD, Signal Corps.,
formerly with Warners' home office publi-
city department.
HAL ABRAMSON, USA, formerly assistant con-
troller, Essaness Circuit, Chicago, com-
missioned a lieutenant.
* ARMY *
RAY SCHREIBER, paymaster, 20th-Fox home
office.
JAMES CULLIGAN, assistant manager,
Shea's Hippodrome, Buffalo, at Fort Mc-
Clellan, Ala.
FRANK CUSS, assistant manager, American,
Pittston.
H. MERRICK LYNN, manager, Warner Palace,
South Norwalk, Conn.
ROBERT BRIGGS, manager, State, Mendota,
III.
WILLIAM COLE, manager, Crown, Chicago.
TED GRANT, manager, Lake, Chicago.
PAUL DUNLAP, Essaness manager, Chicago.
RALPH SMITH, Essaness supervisor, Chicago.
STANLEY KRUEGER, Essaness supervisor, Chi-
cago.
RAY THOMPSON, Gateway, Chicago.
* navy"*
JAMES POWERS, staff photographer, Paramount
home office.
* ARMY AIR~FORCE *
ROBERT GREY, dramatic editor of the Commer-
cial Appeal, Memphis, with the Fourth Fer-
rying Croup.
Warns Against Use
Of Freon Substitutes
{Continued from Page 1)
pointed out, could not but have a
seriously adverse effect on theater
attendance as a result of the wide-
spread newspaper publicity engend-
ered.
Memphis Theater Blast
Under City Investigation
Memphis — Fire Department offi-
cials yesterday were investigating
reports that John Eaton, owner of
Peabody Theater, in which an explo-
sion Tuesday night cost the life of
Elroy R. Curry, maintenance man,
used methyl chloride in the air con-
ditioning system designed for freon
against the advice of engineers. All
patrons escaped uninjured.
"Cousin" Gets Big Grosses
"What's Buzzin' Cousin?" is play-
ing to extended grosses throughout
the country, Columbia reports. In
18 theaters, grosses have exceeded
those of "Reveille With Beverly" by
better than 11 per cent, and in some
situations by more than 35 per cent.
Rule Rites in Bellevue
Bellevue. O. — Interment rites were
held here for Al Rule, UA publicity
rep. who died suddenly in Chicago.
Only Schoolboys as
Masculine Ushers
(Continued from Page 1)
ferral card from USES to take an
ushering job and they have to prove
they are students before they get
a card. All others are urged to
enter war industry, USES stressing
the higher pay and patriotic angle.
Many local ushering staffs include
both boys and girls and some have
only girls. Film houses are having
trouble getting the lassies, too, with
war plants, the local bus company
and farmers clamoring for them.
St. Johns Branch Wins
Warners' Canadian Drive
{Continued from Page 1)
L. McKenzie's branch, amounts to
$1,000 in Victory Bonds.
Vancouver, with Earl H. Dalg-
leish as branch manager, took sec-
ond place, $600 in Victqry Bonds,
and Montreal under I. Coval came
in third with a Victory Bond prize
of $400.
Session was addressed by Ben
Krlmenson, general sales manager,
and Wolfe Cohen, Canadian district
sales manager.
sales manager, announced yesterday.
The premiere is planned as one of
the major capital events for the Third
War Loan drive, and the Treasury's
War Bond staff is co-operating.
Paramount reps, will meet with
Carter Barron, Loew's circuit di-
vision manager, in Washington next
Tuesday to discuss the premiere
plans. Attending the meeting will
be Earle W. Sweigert, Paramount
district manager; Alec Moss, ex-
ploitation manager; William Brook-
er, district advertising representa-
tive; W. C. Lewellen of the field ex-
ploitation staff and C. N. Odell of
the home office publicity staff.
Exhibitor Spadework Starts
For Third War Loan Campaign
With Third War Loan opening day
about three weeks awsy, elaborate
plans for the successful direction of
the campaign have already been re-
ported by many exhibs. throughout
the country.
Exhibitors have already been
asked to contact friends, business as-
sociates, unions, fraternal groups,
factories, etc., and urge them to
buy an extra $100 Bond over and
above regular payroll deductions.
These sales should be made before
Sept. 9, so that at least a small por-
tion of the $15,000,000,000 quota can
hi clinched before the all-out ex-
hibitor efforts begin.
Brecher New York Chairman
For Third War Loan Drive
Appointment of Leo Brecher as
Bond chairman of the Third War
Loan drive for the New York ex-
change area was announced yes-
terday.
The
FEMME TOUCH
B
GRACE RICCITELLI,, assistant booker, 20th-
Fox, New Haven.
GERTRUDE ANDERSON, bookers secretary, Uni
versal, Seattle.
DEE CRISP, assistant cashier, Columbia, Seattle ,|fj]
SHIRLEY CROWLEY, manager, Royal
la.
PEGGY FREDERICI, assistant manager, Norwalk
Theater, Norwalk, Conn.
TRUDY LIEBERMAN, student assistant manager,
Loew's Rochester. Rochester, N. Y.
MRS. JOSEPH BYRNES, M-C-M staff, Washing
ton.
MRS. BERN ICE CATELY, M-G-M staff, Wash-
ington.
JEANNE LIZAK, accounting secretary, Para-
mount, Buffalo.
JOAN ZIMMERMAN, switchboard operator
Paramount, Buffalo.
ANGELICA DAURIELO, booking department,
20th-Fox, Buffalo.
KAY KARRICAN, office manager, Berger Amuse- IT]
merit Co., Minneapolis.
EDITH KRONICK, booking department, Berger1 \
Amusement Co., Minneapolis.
MRS. MARGARETHA HUDCELL, manager, Rocket,
Rock Island, III.
ESTELLE CALEGMAN, assistant manager, Palace,
Meriden, Conn.
ANGELA FORMICO, assistant manager, Strand,
Waterbury, Conn.
IDA FRANCES MEINZER, manager Santa Fe,
Denver.
MARY PIELE, manager Jewel, Denver.
la, ieatt'e J
If .-II. ^
I
I
Coast Studios Start 5/
Making 55 Pix Shooting
{Continued from Page 1)
and Willard Parker. Irving Cum-
mings directing for producer P. J.
Wolf son; "My Client Curly," fantasy,
starring Cary Grant, with Janet Blair
and James Gleason. Al Hall di-
recting; and, "The Return of the
Vampire," thriller with Lew Landers
directing for producer Sam White.
At M-G-M Nine shooting:.
At Monogram: Three shooting'.
At Paramount: Seven shooting, including
"Henry Aldrich, Boy Scout," to be made in
co-operation with the Boy Scouts of America,
with Jimmy Lydon, Charles Smith, John
Litel and Olive Blakeney heading the cast.
Hugh Bennett directing, Walter MacEwen
producing and Michel Kraike as associate.
At PRC: One shooting.
At KKO- Radio: Seven shooting, including
"Rookies in Burma," comedy, with Wally
Brown and Allan Carney. Leslie Goodwins
directing for producer Bert Gilroy.
Samuel Goldwyn: Shooting one.
At Republic: Two shooting.
At 20th Century-Fox: Five shooting.
At United Artists: Two shooting, "The
Girl from Leningrad" being produced by
Gregor Rabinovitch; and, "Jack London"
being produced by Samuel Bronston.
At Universal: Five shooting.
At Warners: Six Shooting.
Saxophonists Double
From Plants to Pit
Buffalo — Loss of a saxophone play-
er has necessitated a kind of "vic-
tory shift" arrangement in the or-
chestra pit of Dewey Michaels'
Palace.
"I've got two men who work dif-
ferent shifts in war plants to alter-
nate in the pit," Michaels explained.
It's a modern version of doubling
in brass.
JAN
_L S^tf MHZ
3 N I V CI cl cl rN
nsra
FILE ourt
go NOT
REMOVE
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Yean Old
FDAILY'
~Jl. 84, NO?
37
NEW YORK, MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 1943
TEN CENTS
Drive Chairman Says
Thousands of Theaters
Will Give War Bond Mats.
WMC WON'T DEFMJP-DEFERRABLE JOBS
1200 Houses to Stage War Loan Drive Premieres
Vest Coast Bureau, of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — More than 1,200 thea-
;ers throughout the nation will stage
war premiere shows as "kick-offs"
for the Third War Loan drive next
nonth, it was disclosed by L. C.
Griffith, chairman of the drive for
the picture industry. In addition,
thousands of theaters are expected
to hold special War Bond and Stamp
matinees sometime during the cam-
paign, he said at a luncheon attended
by representatives of all branches
of the industry.
Bob O'Donnell, national chief
barker of variety clubs of Dallas an-
(Continued on Page 8)
July Admission Tax
Intake Up $4,500,000
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington— Falling only slightly
under the record collections of last
December, amusement tax collec-
tions for the month of July, on June
business, totaled $15,750,518.85, the
Bureau of Internal Revenue revealed
this week-end. This figure was more
than $4,500,000 better than the
previous month, when collections
(Continued on Page 2)
Memphis Theater Blast
Brings Strict Check-up
Memphis, Tenn. — Fatal blast at
the Peabody theater when methyl
chloride, leaking from the cooling
system, ignited, will bring a general
(Continued on Page 8)
Hollywood Fine Arts
Plant Bought by PRC
0. Henry Briggs, PRC president,
announced Friday the purchase by
PRC from Weco Corp., subsidiary
of Western Electric, of its entire
mortgage interest in the Fine Arts
Studio property in Hollywood. The
deal was an "all cash" transaction,
Briggs said.
TALLY-HO! WE'RE OFF TO THE MOVIES!
Horse-Drawn Station Wagon Takes 25 N. J. Fans to Theater
Three Times a Week
Livingston, N. J. — Although the
pleasure ban proved a hardship on
countless theatergoers the past
Summer months, movie fans from
this South Jersey town, solved their
problem by driving, 25 to a group,
several country miles to their near-
est movie house, the Colony Theater,
in — of all things — a stage coach.
Actually, the coach is a horse-
drawn converted station wagon,
which has been leaving the owner's
home, three nights each week on
schedule, with a standing invitation
from the owner, C. A. Townley, to
all his township neighbors.
"We are way out of the way of
any bus transportation," the owner
reports. "How to get to a movie at
least once each week was a prob-
lem. So I converted the station
wagon and hitched up the two horses
I purchased early last Spring for
Victory gardening and, well, we
haven't been missing any movies
ever since."
$500,000 Ad Budget
For "The North Star'
An appropriation of $500,000 for
a national advertising campaign on
his forthcoming picture "The North
Star" has been made by Samuel
Goldwyn, it was announced Friday
by RKO, the distributors.
Planned to be used over a period
of several months in advance of the
(Continued on Page 8)
Seek Film Raw Stock
Coating from British Sales
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Lincoln V. Bur-
roughs, assistant to WPB Motion
Picture Chief Harold Hopper, will go
(Continued on Page 4)
Dallas Exchanges
To Get More Prints
Print shortage due to Army camp
bookings is not a national situation
but is confined principally to the
Dallas territory, according to Col.
H. A. Cole, president of Texas Al-
lied, who made a nation-wide survey.
Col. Cole, who returned to Dallas
(Continued on Page 8)
Meyer Stern's Omaha
Branch Bought by PRC
O. Henry Briggs, president of
PRC, Friday announced the purchase
of the Omaha exchange owned by
Meyer Stern. PRC will operate the
exchange.
Bernard Mariner, named by Ar-
(Continued on Page 4)
Best AEF Morale Builders
Pix Second Only to Mail, Maj. Hubbell States
PCC Reaffirms Stand on
Abolishing Consent Decree
San Francisco— PCCITO at its
two-day session here Wednesday-
Thursday adopted a resolution re-
affirming its stand on the abolish-
ment of the consent decree, urging
the Government to prosecute the
(Continued on Page 4)
Except for mail from home, there
is no greater morale-builder for the
U. S. fighting forces than motion
pictures, Major John Hubbell of the
U. S. Army Overseas Motion Pic-
ture Service said Friday at a press
conference. Major Hubbell, who has
seen the effect of motion pictures in
the field, said that many of the im-
promptu theaters were set up only
(Continued on Page 8)
Effect of Extension of List
Will Vary in Different
Areas and Local Boards
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington— Effect of last week's
WMC announcement — including the
extension of the non-deferrable list
and the new "critical list" — will
probably vary in different areas and
perhaps even among different local
boards. To prevent slight job al-
terations as a means of evasion of
the effect of the non-deferrable list
and the writing of deferment re-
quests for men on the border line of
the critical list,5 WMC will not send
(Continued on Page 4)
Industry "Rangers"
Meet on Loan Drive
Third War Loan drive is envis-
ioned in official circles as a means
of destroying the complacency en-
gendered by recent Allied successes
on the battle fronts, W. Randolph
Burgess, New York State War
(Continued on Page 8)
Royal Tops NBC Com'tee
For Study of Television
A committee to make technological
studies and surveys of television
problems has been appointed by
(Continued on Page 4)
NEIC Talent Pool to
Aid War Loan Drive
A talent pool committee will be
formed by the National Entertain-
ment Industry Council today to pro-
vide immediate co-operation with
the Treasury in the Third War Loan
drive. The NEIC will co-operate
in every way possible with the War
Finance Committee for New York
State.
The NEIC announces the resig-
nation of Anita Grannis as assistant
to James Sauter, co-ordinator of the
activities of the NEIC. She will
continue as a member of the co-
ordinating and projects committees
of the NEIC.
Monday, August 23, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 37 Mon., Aug. 23, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
f., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New YuH
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; ,3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9 7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmilay, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle. Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Cas:l!o de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(August 20)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. <2'/2%>
Columbia Picts. pfd .
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . .
East. Kodak 1
do pfd 1
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox. . .
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
NEW YORK
High Low Close
1514 151/4 15V4-
27/8 '2% 'i% -
Net
Chg.
61
77i/2
20
59%
26i/2
8%
901/2
22%
313/4
13%
89%
160 160
1771/2 177%
19%
59%
255/8
8 1/4
90
21%
3H/4
123/4
89%
19%
591/2
253/4
8 1/4
90
22
311/4
12%
895/8
BOND MARKET
Par 'B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor 13 13 13
Trans-Lux 2% 27/8 2%
Universal Pictures
Universal Picts. vtc. . . 17% 17% 17%
Jimmy Powers Feted
Paramount home office fellow em-
ployes feted Jimmy Powers, staff
photog., Friday, prior to his depar-
ture for Navy service Saturday.
YOU HAVE NO WORRIES
If Your SPECIAL
TRAILERS
ARE MADE BY
FllMACKTro,7erCo
Your Firjr Order Will Prove If
1327 So. WoboihAve. Chicago-
H The Broadway Parade E
Picture and Distributor Theater
Best Foot Forward (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 9th week Astor
Mr. Lucky (RKO Radio Pictures)— 5th week Music Hall
Victory Through Air Power (United Artists-Disney) — 5th week Clobe
This is the Army (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 4th week Hollywood
Heaven Can Wait (Twentieth Century-Fox) — 3rd week Roxy
The Constant Nymph (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 4th week Strand
Let's Face It (Paramount Pictures)— 3rd week Paramount
Frontier Badmen (Universal Pictures) — 2nd week Rialto
DuBarry Was a Lady (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) Capitol
We've Never Been Licked (Universal Pictures — Walter Wanger) Criterion
The Fallen Sparrow (RKO Radio Pictures) Palace
♦ TWO-A-DAY RUN ♦
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Paramount Pictures) — 7th week Rivoli
♦ FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURES ♦
Black Sea Fighters (Artkino Pictures)— 4th week Stanley
Marimba (Crovas-Mohme) Belmont
Shrine of Victory (20th Century-Fox) (English titles) World
♦ FUTURE OPENINGS ♦
So Proudly We Hail (Paramount Pictures) (c) Music Hall
Salute to the Marines (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — Aug. 27 Globe
Watch on the Rhine (Warner Bros. Pictures) — Aug. 27 Strand
Holy Matrimony (Twentieth Century-Fox) Roxy
leannie ( British Film) (c) Little Carnegie
The Great Mr. Handel (Midfilm, Inc.)— Sept. 6 55th St. Playhouse
Hitler's Madmen (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c) Rialto
True to Life (Paramount Pictures) — Sept. 15 Paramount
Destroyer (Columbia Pictures) (c) Criterion
Johnny Come Lately (United Artists-James Cagney) (c) Capitol
The Sky is the Limit (RKO adio Pictures) — Sept. 2 Palace
Seeds of Freedom (Artkino Pictures) — Aug. 24 Stanley
Alexandra (CLASA Studios) (c) Belmont
Black Market Rustlers (Monogram Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
Girls in Chains (Producers Releasing Corp.) — Opens tomorrow (c) New York
(a) Dual bill, (b) Subsequent run. (c) Follows current bill.
Honor Frick and Tulipan
On Departure for Service
Lou Frick and Ira Tulipan, mem-
bers of the 20th-Fox press book de-
partment, under Hal Home, were
tendered a farewell luncheon by
their associates Friday at the Lob-
ster, prior to their leaving for the
Army and Navy respectively next
week.
Christy Wilbert, editor of the
press book department, emceed. At-
tending were Charles Schlaifer, Syd
Blumenstock, Jac Thall, Jonas Ro-
senfield, Jr., Ben Worthheim, Dick
Dube, Harry Hockfeld, Dave Bader,
Manny Isip, Leo Israel, Ted Jaediker,
Max Stein, Jules Fields, Sol Schnaer,
Simon Wolf, Bernie Bozzone, Sam
Resnick, Jerry Novat, Molly Grill,
Dave Sternfeld and Joe Shea of
Cagney Prods.
"Phantom" Scores Big
At First Two Openings
Universal's "Phantom of the
Opera" in a night premiere Thursday
at the Palace Theater in Cincinnati
grossed 40 per cent more from six
o'clock until closing than any other
Universal picture for an entire day,
the company announced Friday.
Universal expects "Phantom" to be
its biggest grosser in company his-
tory.
In Minneapolis, where the other
world premiere was held, the Or-
pheum Theater was sold out two
days ahead of the opening. News-
papers in both cities went overboard
on space devoted to the picture.
July Admission Tax
Collections Up $4,500,000
(Continued from Page 1)
amounted to only $11,109,476.77, and
more than $1,000,000 better than the
May high of $14,625,615, which was
tops for the year. July collections
last year totaled $12,484,881.
About 90 per cent of the total is
estimated to stem from motion pic-
ture admissions.
Collections from the third New
York (Broadway) area rose nearly
half a million dollars from the prev-
ious month, totalling $2,403,247.94
as against $1,967,604 in June and
only $1,678,230 in July, 1942. The-
ater admissions accounted for $2,-
223,605.14 of the Broadway total,
a sharp rise from the previous
month's $1,787,404 and $1,563,287
in July 1942.
The total collection for last De-
cember was $15,922,909, which In-
ternal Revenue sources opined was
the highest in history. It was point-
ed out that the high July collections
might have been swelled by inclu-
sion of some collections which had
been held over or unclassified in
previous months, since it was be-
lieved that collectors made a special
effort to clean up their accounts last
month, the beginning of a new fiscal
year.
WANTED —
Theater Supply House doing Goverment work,
STORE SALESMAN and
COUNTERMAN
Salary plus Commission
Address Box 167
THE FILM DAILY
KOI Broadway N. Y. C.
Warner Delegation
Returns from Canada
Ben Kalmenson, general sales man
ager for Warners, accompanied by
Arthur Sachson, assistant general
sales manager, and Norman H. Mo
ray, short subject sales manager,
returned to New York over the week-
end from Montreal, where Kalmen
son presided over the compa,
Canadian sales meeting.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
Radio City Music Hall
5SS
Another
l^BBJ—TT^AE Scoop
WARC V« r~...rv-ro»
CtWff°\
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
In
"Let's Face
It"
In Person
BENNY
GOODMAN
And Band
CONDOS BROS.
JACK MARSHALL
BUY WAR DADAUAIIKIT TIMES
bonds PARAMOUNT square
SEH33
B WAY &
47th St.
EXCLUSIVE 1st RUN THEATRE
JOHN MAUREEN
GARFIELD O'HARA
THE FALLEN SPARROW"
W
loTw.STHTE
ON SCREEN
BINC CROSBY
DOTTY LAMOUR
"DIXIE"
IN COLOR
IN PERSON
HARRY
LANGDON
EDITH
FELLOWS
ADDED
ATTRACTION
ARTHUR
TRACY
s
n
On opening night,
from 6 P. M. to closing,
Phantom of the Opera
did 40% more business
than any Universal
picture ever did on
any opening day from
10 A. M. to closing!
Watch for the news from Minneapolis /mHOR'
where the opening day record was broken!
UNIVERSAL PICTURE*
"BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR IOAN."
v%
Monday, August 23, 1943
DAILY
WMC Won't Define
Non-Deferrable Jobs
(Continued from Page 1)
definitions of the jobs on these lists
to the local boards.
The effect of this omission -will
be to place upon the local boards the
weight of decision even more defin-
itely than before. Until now they
have had explanatory material from
National Selective Service head-
quarters regarding the essential jobs.
Hereafter they will have only bare
lists. In some cases this might
work to the advantage of the indus-
try — bookers, for instance; they
might not be held non-deferrable be-
cause the list specifies "booking
agents," or theater managers be-
cause the list specifies "managing
agents." Bookers were originally
intended for inclusion, managers
were not. Tough boards might hold
both jobs non-deferrable.
When a board does not take an individual,
there is nothing' Selective Service can do, un-
less the individual appeals for induction. If
however, a board orders a man into uni-
form contrary to national policy, he has
the rig-lit to appeal and his induction may
be stayed. National Selective Service, how-
ever, does not interfere in appeal cases
turned down without dissent by state
appeal boards. If all members of a state
appeal board should uphold a local board's
order of induction for a theater manager,
for instance, that would be the end of the
story even though inclusion of managers
on the non-deferrable list was not included.
The same would apply in the case of bookers,
if, as is now possible, national headquarters
should decide they should not be held non-
deferrable.
Another effect of the fuzziness of these
lists may be to make it more difficult for
studios to hire some important technical
help. It affects several studio jobs that are
actually included on the critical list, al-
though this was not realized at first. The
job titles on the list are to include all holders
of such jobs in essential industries and thus
at least half a dozen studio workers must
be included as "critical."
Critical workers, although entitled to the
utmost in consideration for deferment, are
also forbidden to accept jobs from other
studios without USES approval.
Installation and maintenance electricians,
machinists, patternmakers (metal and wood),
accountants and engineers are all included on
the critical list. In addition, most directors
would probably fall under the "foremen"
classification, since they are in essential
work, have had two years or more of
training and are competent to hold down
jobs which are under their supervision.
Sabu at Fort Meade, Md.
Fort George Meade, Md. — Sabu,
Universal player, has been assigned
to the theatrical group of a special
service company stationed here for
basic training.
Gareth Hughes
Max Fleischer
Hail, the Gay's All Here
• • • OUR DAILY GAG: (This is getting monotonous, isn't it?)
We just heard about an exhibitor up in Massachusetts who was dis-
missed from a charge of violating a blue law because he was color
blind And then there was the salesman who sold an exhib. a
picture on the argument that it was so great that it would carry the
audience away After playing it, the exhib. wired: "It sure did and
they haven't been back since" Oh well, the regular Phil M. will
be back from vacation today. ... • Those recorded interviews of
soldiers who had just seen "Stage Door Canteen" at a North African
base should make Sol Lesser's ears ring with pride The press
boys heard it Friday at a conference in the' Federal Bldg. and the com-
ments were more than glowing Major Hubbell who met with the
press gave an interesting sidelight to the manner in which our soldiers
regard the movies Despite the fact that the boys come out of fox
holes and the jungles to see the pictures, they will often shave, dress
up and shine their shoes before going to the "theater"
▼ ▼ T
• • * DON'T be surprised if Paramount comes through with a
Bob Hope short covering Bob's present trip overseas to entertain
the men and women of the AEF It's being talked Inci-
dentally, how Bob is wowing 'em at the bases and camps! ... • Time
Magazine is making a survey of the non-theatrical field, with a view
to determining the post-war potentialities Majors are being
quizzed as to their own plans. ... # Paramount will launch that
new Little Lulu series of shorts, based on the Satevepost cartoons, in
October No new series in years has stirred as much interest
It could be a gold mine. ... 0 Newsreel theater biz in some
spots is reported off One guess is that there's not enough en-
tertainment footage on the screens Another is that the war footage
made available isn't the right sort Which points up again the
claim that the service brass hats are holding out on the newsreels
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Royal Tops NBC Com'tee
For Study of Television
(Continued from Page 1)
National Broadcasting Co., Niles
Trammell, president announced last
night. Trammell is of the opinion
that television needs only the re-
lease of vital materials and the ser-
vices of electronic engineers, now
devoting their time to war needs,
to serve the nation with a new and
significant service of sound and
sight.
_ Committee comprises John Eoyal,
vice-president in charge of inter-
national, shortwave and television as
chairman; William S. Hedges, vice-
president in charge of stations; 0.
B. Hansen, vice-president and chief
engineer and C. L. Menser, vice-pres-
ident and manager of the program
department. John T. Williams, as-
sistant to Noran Kersta, now in the
Marine Corps, was named secretary.
The NBC committee will co-ordi-
nate its activities with the RCA
laboratories, Princeton, N. J., and
the RCA manufacturing division.
PCC Reaffirms Stand on
Abolishing Consent Decree
(Continued from Page 1)
New York consent decree; endorsing
"divorcement" in such a manner as
to circumvent other exhibition mono-
polies being created; continuing ac-
tivities against commercialized pre-
views; protesting monopolistic and
discriminatory practices adopted by
distributors in this regard. The trus-
tees unanimously approved the re-
ports.
Hugh Bruen and Rotus Harvey
recently met with Tom C. Clark, as-
sistant to the attorney general, on
the consent decree as well as attend-
ing the Allied States board meeting
in Baltimore.
Those attending the trustees'
meeting were L. 0. Lukan and Le-
roy V. Johnson, Seattle; Bob White
and 0. J. Miller, Portland; M. W.
Mattecheck of McMinville, Ore.;
Rotus Harvey and Ben Levin, San
Francisco; George Diamos, Tuscon,
Ariz.; Hugh W. Bruen and R. H.
Poole, Los Angeles.
COMinO and GOIflG
CERALDINE FITZGERALD, Warners star, was
called back to the Coast over the week-end
to start work in a new film assignment.
ED HINCHY, head of the Warners playdate
department, returns today from a New England
vacation.
J. LAWRENCE SCHANBERCER, managed
Keith's Theater, Baltimore, is vacationing
two weeks in Atlantic City.
WILLIAM K. SAXTON, city manager for
Loew Theaters in Baltimore, and his young son,
BILLY, JR., are visiting with the former's par-
ents in Long Island.
JORCE DELANO FREDERICK, Chilean film
producer and theater operator, is in town as
a State Dept. guest. He returns to Hollywood
in two weeks, en route back to Chile.
RUSSELL TRADO, secretary to Rutgers Neilson,
is vacationing in Orchard Grove, N. J.
TED LLOYD, of the 20th -Fox home office
publicity department, left for Hollywood over
the week-end to serve as Treasury Dept.-WAC
liaison for the Third War Loan drive.
SCOOP CONLON, personal representative,
in New York.
MARTIN PRINTZ, co-owner of the Alhambi
Cleveland, O., is back from a month's vac
tion in California.
HARRY C. ARTHUR, JR., vice-president a
general manager of Fanchon & Marco, has ar-
rived here. He won't return to St. Louis until
the middle of next month.
JACK GOLDSTEIN, 20th-Fox Eastern publi-
city manager left Friday for Hollywood to dis-
cuss publicity of 1943-44 productions with
studio executives.
LOTHER WOLF, film editor of March of
Time, is back in New York from Canada, where
he spent four weeks camping and fishing.
MRS. JUANA DE LOWE, one of the largest
theater owners in Panama, is at the Lincoln.
Seek Film Raw Stock
Coating from British Sales
(Continued from Page 1)
to England next month to try to
schedule raw stock coating labora-
tories there for increased produc-
tion. The trip does not signify a
great strain on American coating
facilities, but rather the need to
shorten supply lines. The domestic
raw stock situation continues to be
satisfactory.
At present we ship Britain all its
film base, and the coating is done
there on a large enough scale to
care for British civilian and military i
needs. Manpower shortages and ;
damage to some of the laboratories
has impaired the production schedule
in England, however.
Burroughs will study the prob-
lem to see if it is not possible to
step up production to a point where
British labs can supply some of our
military needs. This would simplify
the shipping problems from this
country, since the raw stock needs
of our armed forces in the European
and African theaters could be met
in part from London rather than
from here.
Meyer Stern's Omaha
Branch Bought by PRC
(Continued from Page 1)
thur Greneblatt, PRC vice-president
in charge of sales, as Omaha branch
manager, takes over his duties im-
mediately.
;>
A*
we f*fv
wc werf
0iS6H
1«*4lr ABO*'* FUmSSr ,
RAV'"6 A. plcTURE f« YSAKS/
AUDIENCE
PREVIEWS
BACK UP
THESE
FUNNY
MEN
100%!
Be sure to attend
the previews in
your exchange
city. ..and hear
for yourself the
gales of howls at
the funniest com-
>
edy of the year!
DIANA BARRYMOR
WALTER CATLETT- ERNEST TRUE"
RICHARD LAh
Screen Play, Michael Fessier and Ernest Pagcj!1?1
Directed by CHARLES LAMONT
'BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN.
WALTER ABEL
.AN DINEHART • GEORGE DOLENZ
:X INGRAM
iginal Story by Hagor Wilde
Produced by ALEX GOTTLIEB
TW
Monday, August 23, 194
DAILY
Theaters to Stage War
Loan Drive Premieres
(Continued from Page 1)
nounced that on Sept. 8 a state-wide
blackout will be staged from 10 to
10:30 p.m., with natives urged to
listen to a radio talk by Governor
Stevenson on behalf of the drive.
Charles P. Skouras. president of National
Theatres, said he would recommend to his
organization's directors that National Thea-
tres buy $5,000,000 worth of Bonds.
In a stirring' talk, Francis S. Harmon, co-
ordinator of the War Activities Committee,
stressed the need for unity in the industry's
campaign and urged that the 200,000 men
and women employed throughout the film
industry be sold an extra Bond during Sep-
tember. He said 4,200 theaters are ac-
credited issuing ag'ents for Bonds and that
more exhibitors should seek to be made
agents. Ray Beall, WAC war loan drive
publicity director, announced that National
Screen will furnish two trailers, one star-
ring Rosalind Russell and the other Alan
Ladd, gratis, and gave other details of how
exhibitors can put over successful campaigns
for the sale of Bonds.
Si Fabian, theater representative for the
War Activities Committee, said theaters will
not "spearhead" the new campaign, but
will work in conjunction with newspapers,
radio and retailers under the leadership of the
War Finance Committees in every state and
city.
R. H. Mountain, chairman of War Finance
Committee for Southern California, said,
"For this area the goal is $422,000,000."
Harmon announced that on Wednesday,
4:15-4:25 p.m. EWT, "a motion picture con-
vention of the air" would be broadcast from
Washington over Mutual, by closed cir-
cuit to 207 stations and urged exhibitors
to go to their local Mutual outlets and
listen to talks by Griffith, Ted Gamble, as-
sistant to Henry Morgenthau, andMorgenthau.
Robert H. Poole, executive secretary of
PCCCITO, was among the speakers, and Arch
Bowles of Fox West Coast presided, out-
of-town exhibitors present included: Robert
Garland. Denver; Al Finke. Bob White. Port-
land: Frank Newman, Seattle; Sam Gillette,
Salt Lake City: John Rograr, Park City, Utah;
George Dimas, Tucson; Harry Nace, Louis
Long, Phoenix; Ray Olmstead, Preseott,
Ariz.; George Tucker, Albuqerque; D. J.
McNierney, L. Arkus, San Francisco.
Memphis Theater Blast
Brings Strict Check-up
(Continued from Page 1)
inspection of all air cooling systems
in local establishments.
City commissioner Robert Fred-
ericks told The Film Daily: "We
are obtaining a list from air-condi-
tioning distributors of the various
establishments in Memphis using air
cooling systems and we will have
a licensed engineer inspect the vari-
ous units to see that they are com-
plying with City Code which pro-
hibits change of refrigerants with-
out authority."
Meanwhile, theater managers re-
ported that the blast had brought
no drop in attendance at city houses.
IA Unionizing Canadian
NFB 16 mm. Projectionists
Toronto — The IATSE is taking
steps to unionize Canadian National
Film Board projectionists operating
16 mm. machines in rural, trade
union and other circuits. Confer-
ences are being held between Wil-
liam P. Covert, IATSE organizer,
and Harry Keough of the board.
IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS
ALLYN BUTTERF1ELD, chief, Feature Film Sec-
tion, War Dept., Hollywood.
ROBERT HASKINS, city salesman, Monogram,
Detroit.
R. A. ELMQUIST, assistant manager, Uptown,
Chicago.
LUCIEN PERRIGO, exchange publicity dept.,
Warners, Chicago.
RENEE CLAYTON, central editor, Boxoffice,
Chicago.
RALPH BANCART, RKO exchange publicity
staff, Chicago.
WILLIAM iB. LEVY, managing director, Walt
Disney, Ltd., London.
WILLIAM MISKELL, Nebraska-Western Iowa
district manager, Tri-States Theaters Corp.,
Omaha.
IOSEPH KINSKEY, owner-operator, Aero Theater,
Santa Monica, Calif.
TED EMERSON, manager, Orpheum, Omaha.
DON SHANE, manager, Paramount, Omaha.
M. M. BLATTNER, booker, Co-operative Thea-
ters of Ohio, Cleveland.
JOHN HIMMELEIN, assistant to District Mana-
ger M. R. "Duke" Clark, Paramount, Cleve-
land.
SIDNEY LEHMAN, Paramount sales force, Cleve-
land.
Industry "Rangers"
Meet on Loan Drive
(Continued from Page 1)
Finance Committee chairman, told
enlistees in the industry's "Rang-
ers" Friday, at a luncheon meeting,
at Toots Shor's. He said that the
drive is designed to unite all Amer-
icans in a Bond-buying splurge.
Company prexies, sales managers
and other enlistees in the "Rang-
ers" met to outline plans designed
to sell Bonds during the Third War
Loan to every industryite.
George J. Schaefer, chairman, pre-
siding, predicted that the "Rang-
ers," replacing the "Commandos" of
last September, would this year out-
do the latter's efforts, which resulted
in sales of almost $50,000,000.
Schaefer introduced Burgess, Jos-
eph Hazen, chairman of the "Rang-
ers" New York executive committee,
and Leo Brecher, War Bond chair-
man for the Metropolitan area, who
spoke.
Prefacing' his remarks with the state-
ment: "We need no pep talks, we know
why we're here" Schaefer explained that
in addition to those present the "Rangers"
committee included a chairman in each of
the exchange areas, who would go into
every theater and each individual industry-
connected organization to sell Bonds.
"We rely on the industry," Burgess stated
on being introduced by Schaefer, "to do a
large chunk of selling, but that is not the
only advantage to be gained from industry
participation. The showmanship ability of
the industry will undoubtedly be reflected
in general sales, excluding those within the
industry itself and the sales made to movie-
goers. Stars touring the country, with re-
sultant publicity, and all the other typically
'movie' activities, should aid the general
campaign."
Hazen expressed pleasure at the turnout,
declaring that it augured well for the suc-
cess of the "Rangers" objectives. Brecher
then discussed the appearance in Madison
Square Garden of the train load of Holly-
wood luminaries, and announced that plans
to ballyhoo and exploit the show were even
now in work. He said that an announce-
ment of the seating scale would be forth-
coming shortly.
Those attending, in addition to those
named, were: Adolph Zukor, Nicholas M.
Schenek, Leonard Goldenson, Malcolm Kings-
bury, Robert Mochrie, Ned E. Depinet, Al
Schwajberg-, Joseph Vogel, William F. Rodg-
ers, Abe Lastfogel, Dan Michalove, Tom Con-
nors, Don Mersereau, Jack Conn, Colvin
Brown, Maj. Leslie E. Thompson, A. P.
Waxman, David Lipton, Maurice Livingston,
Barney Balaban, Walton C. Anient, Spyrbs
Skouras, Sam Rinzler, Maxwell Gillis, C. B.
"Brownie" Akers, Arthur Mayer, Walter
Vincent. John O'Connor and Ed Sehretber.
Dallas Exchanges
To Get More Prints
(Continued from Page 1)
last week after conferring with
home office executives, said that the
companies had agreed to furnish
more commercial prints to the Dallas
exchanges so that theaters of the
territory will not have to set back
their bookings, as has been the
practice.
Because of the large number of
Army posts in Texas, regular the-
ater prints were being sent to the
Army camps and, as a rule, were
not returned to the exchanges for
at least 35 days. Under the new
setup, a larger number of prints will
be made available from the Army
pcol, thus easing the commercial
print situation and, at the same
time, the commercial print allot-
ment will be increased.
Col. Cole said that while other
exchange centers were affected by
the Army's print requirements, the
situation in Dallas was the worst,
according to his checkup.
Goldwyn Sets $500,000
"North Star" Ad Budget
(Continued from Page 1)
world premiere of the "The North
Star," the campaign, designed to
blanket the entire country, will em-
brace newspaper, radio, billboard
and other media. Said to be one
of the most inclusive ever created
for the pre-selling of a picture, the
campaign was presented and ap-
proved last week following confer-
ences among Goldwyn, William He-
bert, his advertising and publicity
chief; S. Barret McCormick, RKO's
director of advertising and publicity,
and William A. Schneider, vice-pres-
ident of Donahue & Coe, the agency
which has handled the Goldwyn ac-
count for several years.
Para. Hosts Trade Press
At Shorts Screening
Trade press editors and reporters
were the guests of Paramount Fri-
day at a luncheon at the Astor Ho-
tel. Event preceded a screening of
the company's first group of 1943-44
short subjects. Oscar Morgan, short
subjects sales manager, was the host.
Pix, Next to Mail,
Best for AEF Morale
:
(Continued from Page 1)
18 miles behind the front in man
spots and that every show drew c:
pacity audiences.
It was pointed out that a r
survey of the overseas theater
dicated that in July the Army
on 30,983 entertainment motion pici
ture shows which played to an at!
tendance of 13,550,000. The pic-
tures, principally on 16 mm, were
contributed by the American motion
picture industry and many of them,
such as "Stage Door Canteen," were
shown to the AEF before being seen
over here.
The troops overseas, it was pointed
out by Major Hubbell, like all pic-
tures except war and propaganda
themes, the one exception being "Air
Force." They want, first and fore-
most, he said, entertainment; the
more girls the better. Major Hub-
bell said the soldiers liked music
and comedy. "Stage Door Canteen'*
led all pictures in popularity during
the last 30 days among the fighting
forces. "Air Force" took second
place, while "The Road to Morocco"'
and "Casablanca" ran neck-and-neck
tor third and fourth positions. "Yan-
kee Doodle Dandy," "Arsenic and
Old Lace," "The Major and the Mi-
nor" and "The Amazing Mrs. Halli-
day" followed in that order.
Major Hubbell said that the shows
were put on under the most varied
climatic conditions, ranging from
the frigid temperatures of the north
to the torrid climates of the Persian
Gulf. The men sat on logs, gasoline
drums, sand dunes or whatever could
be obtained. In one overseas theater
of war, pictures were shown on the
side of a volcano. In another spot,
troops wear their head nets to the
shows as a protection against mos-
quitoes, sand flies and other insects.
Major Hubbell said that a system
of 17 exchange centers throughout
the world had been set up to handle
the distribution of the pictures which
are sent to isolated places by plane,
boat or jeep.
It was pointed out further that
motion pictures have reflected in the
various medical officers' reports as
to the improved health conditions of
the men who remain in camp to see
pictures.
Feldman Co-chairman of
War Loan Talent Body
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Charles K. Feldman,
of the Hollywood Victory Committee,
has accepted the post of Co-chairman
of the Talent Committee and Co-
manager of the as yet-unnamed cav-
alcade of stars which will tour the
country staging Bonds-for-seats
shows in some 13 key cities.
Feldman, with Kenneth Thomson,
is devoting all his time to lining up
talent for the show, which is to be
one of the most important facets of
the Third War Loan, according to
to the War Finance Committee.
3 N I
DA N
X S *7*7
m a z
V Cl cl
cl V\
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
^1>L. 84, NO. 38
NEW YORK. TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1943
TEN CENTS
i
STUDYING POST-WARJ»OPULATIONJ!HIFTS
Dedicate War Center on Victory Square Sept. 3
Reeling 'Round --
WASHINGTON
— By ANDREW H. OLDER —
WASHINGTON
XA/ITHIN another week or so there should
™* be issuing from OCR a full and de-
tailed statement of the agency's functions
and authority in regard to the industry.
A draft of the statement indicates there
won't be anything startling in it for you.
Pretty much as this bureau outlined in sever-
al stories last month In the mean-
time, the search is getting under way for
a good operating theater man to work with
OCR. Allen G. Smith, who now handles
equipment and service for theaters with
WPB's Service Equipment Division, would
be ideal for the job, but he's busy enough
where he is. Representatives of the WAC
Theaters Division, meeting with OCR's
George MacMurphey earlier this month, as-
sured him they'd see to it that he got the
sort of man he wants. They may be called
on to produce soon.
• •
TOM CLARK says he can't understand
' why stories about his including the
"Little Three" in the New York equity
action should suddenly appear. He has
nothing in mind at this time. ... • We
were told last week that what brought on
the requirement that individual licenses
be issued for every film export shipment
was discovery that several packages of cut
film went out with small unexposed pieces,
perhaps a square inch or less in size. These
tiny pieces were later developed in neutral
countries and presumably shipped on to the
enemy. ... • The first of the film bulle-
tins to be clipped on the newsreels is
scheduled to go this week. It'll be on the
Third War Loan Drive, which gets under
way next month.
• •
WITH a detailed announcement of titles
and sets of reels expected within
another few days, plans for the expansion
of the Army's industrial incentive film pro-
gram are about set. , Release of details is
awaiting approval of Maj. Gen. Alexander
Surles, public relations chief The
program will involve a stepping up of the
activity of the unit headed by Maj. Richard
Maybaum, which is working now in the
Signal Corps Photographic Center, Astoria,
L. I., on one- and two-reel subjects for
showing to industrial workers.
Footage rejected by the newsreels will
(Continued on Page 2)
Treasury and City Offi-
cials Will Participate in
Gigantic Rally and Parade
Government's War Center On Vic-
tory Square, — tented focal point of
local Third War Loan Campaign ac-
tivities, and located at the rear of
the Roxy Theater — , will have its
formal dedication at 8 o'clock on the
night of Friday, Sept. 3, it was dis-
closed yesterday by Pat Powers, di-
rector of special events for the
Third War Loan. Plans call for
participation of Treasury and city
officials, including Mayor Fiorello
H. LaGuardia, plus men and women
(Continued on Page 12)
Canadian Board Cuts
"Bell Tolls" Terms
Toronto — War-time prices and
Trade Board announced yesterday
that permission had been refused to
Paramount to play "For Whom the
Bell Tolls" in Canada at advanced
prices and at 70 per cent rental as
stipulated in contracts. Board rul-
ing calls for maximum terms of 50-
50 as in the case of special pictures
approved in that booking classifica-
(Continued on Page 12)
MPPDA Board Will Hold
Quarterly Meet Sept. 8
Quarterly meeting of the MPPDA
board of directors has been set for
Sept. 8. Agenda has not been pre-
pared.
10 P.M. Juve Curfew
Proposed in Newark
Newark, N. J. — Police Commis-
sioner John B. Keenan of this city,
who a week ago saw no need for
"curfews for children," has changed
his mind and will introduce a cur-
few ordinance at the City Commis-
sion meeting tomorrow. Ordinance
will bar all unescorted children
under 16, from the state's largest
city streets, after 10 p.m.
In nearby Elizabeth, where a 9:30
p.m. curfew is in effect, vandalism
has disappeared overnight, it is said.
K-A-O's Profit Jumps
$436,034 In 26 Weeks
A net profit increase of $456,034
was reported yesterday by Keith-
Albee-Orpheum Corp. and its sub-
sidiaries for the 26 weeks ended
June 30, 1943, over the correspond-
ing period ended July 4, 1942. Net
profit after all charges for the last
26 weeks was $963,605 as compared
with $507,571 for the 1942 period.
The provision for Federal income
(Continued on Page 3)
Lake States, Far West, Cen-
tral Atlantic and Southern
N. E. Offer Problems
By ANDREW H. OLDER
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Effect of post-war
demobilization is engaging the at-
tention of industry heads currently,
with war time population shifts, in-
dustry emphases, and the poten-
tial absorption of war production
labor by peace industries in the
same areas, being studied in the
light of their potential effect upon
box-office grosses.
The war has seen a revifalization
of the old "Go West, Young Man,"
philosophy — the Pacific Coast states
(Continued on Page 9)
Missouri Congressman
To Seek Industry Probe
St. Louis — Rep. Walter C. Ploeser,
Rep., Mo., anti-New Dealer, prior
to his departure for Washington yes-
terday announced he plans to intro-
(Continued on Page 3)
Blue Laws Out
FSA Hopes War Knell
Warners' Grosses Moving
Ahead Steadily in Canada
Theater grosses on Warner prod-
uct in Canada have been rising stead-
ily, indicating that the company's
policy of individual treatment in
the merchandising of pictures is
proving as successful in the Domin-
(Continued on Page 9)
To Stay?
May Be Permanent
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Although they have
been accomplished only "for the du-
ration," the lifting of Sunday Blue
Laws in scores of communities for
the benefit of war workers and ser-
vicemen will be a permanent thing,
officials of the Federal Security
Agency's office of Community War
Services hope. This office is charged
(Continued on Page 6)
New Theater Permits
Up to McMurphey
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — George W. MacMur-
phey, chief of the Office of Civilian
Requirements, amusement section,
will begin to pass on applications for
new theater buildings, equipment, re-
placement of burned out equipment,
(Continued on Page 3)
Sub Four Disney Shorts
For Second Feature Pix
Replacement of the second fea-
ture with four Walt Disney Techni-
color shorts has been so satisfac-
tory at the Poli Theater, Bridgeport,
Conn., that the Loew circuit is adopt-
(Continued on Page 9)
Polio Outbreak Cuts
New Haven Business
New Haven, Conn.— Polio out-
break here has seriously affected
film attendance, with nabes report-
ing week-end drops up to 40 per
cent. Downtown houses also are suf-
fering.
Army and Navy officers have made
theaters out-of-bounds for the sev-
eral thousand service men now sta-
tioned at Yale for training.
t
Vol. 84, No
. 38 Tues.
Aug.
24
1943
10 Cents
JOHN W.
ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD
M. MERSEREAU
General
Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New Yurk
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber _ should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco- Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(.Monday, August 23)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
Chg.
_' ' i/.
151/2 15V2
59 1591/2
771/2 1771/2
191/4 193/8
57 58
24l/2 241/2
High Low Close
Am. Seat
Col. Picts.vtc. (2i/2%) 15 143/4 15
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 155/s
East. Kodak 159'/2 1
do pfd 1771/2 1
Gen. Prec. Eq 19y2
Loew's, Inc 58i/2
Paramount 24%
RKO 8
RKO $6 pfd 871/2
20th Century-Fox ... 21 !/2
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31
Warner Bros 1 2 V2
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND
Par B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. . . . 2% 2l/2 21/2 — l/2
Radio-Keith cvs 13/8 13/8 l3/8
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor 12% 12'/4 12l/4 — %
Trans-Lux 27/8 2?/8 2% — i/g
Universal Pictures
73/4
87
21
7%
87
21
30% 30%
12% I21/4
1/4
1%
%
%
21/4
1/2
"i/4
MARKET
Universal Picts. vtc. . 17 16% 163/4
Art, Springfield, Mass.,
Passes to Warner Circuit
Springfield, Mass. — The Art the-
ater here has been acquired by
Warners.
MUVHT UIVICI
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M.T.C
Oku 4-0011. s- 1-4
mx pchanw wjimviioN hivki
Reeling 'Bound' -
WASHINGTON
a$
DAILY
Tuesday, August 24, 1943
(Continued from Page 1)
be used extensively, it is believed. The
reels will, for instance, receive 3,500 feet
of combat footage, of which they are able
to use 300 feet. Wherever possible the
combat footage used for these industrial
films will be from the unused 3,200 feet.
Actual production will take place usually
only on lead-in and finale sequences. ... All
these subjects will be in 16 mm., and it
is not planned that they exceed two reels
in length.
Olivia De Havilland Asks
Relief from WB Contract
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Through her attorney,
Martin Gang, Olivia de Havilland
has filed suit in Superior Court, ask-
ing declaratory relief from her
seven-year agreement with Warner
Bros., which was signed May 5,
1936. Gang contends that options
after a seven-year period are illegal
without a new contract and that ex-
tensions of time for any reason are
invalid.
Usually in cases of suspension,
players being loaned to other studios
or being ill, the long-term contracts
have been extended beyond the orig-
inal dates of agreement. It is un-
derstood Warners will contend that
most of the extensions on the star's
contract were made at her own re-
quest because of illness and other
personal reasons.
Increasing Popularity
For 16 mm. Programs
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Increasing popularity
of 16 mm. programs sponsored by
the Office of the Co-ordinator of In-
ter-American Affairs, both in the
United States and in Latin-American
countries, is revealed in recent re-
ports which show a total attendance
in all the Americas of 15,618,733 at
64,689 showings. These figures cover
a period brought up to end of July,
1943 and show a total attendance in
the United States of 7,697,788 at
47,807 showings, while other Amer-
ican republics played to 7,920,995 at
16,882 showings.
Canada to Call Labor
Classes Up to Age 40
Ottawa, Ont. — Call-up classes for
compulsory labor draft from non-
essential industries has been ex-
tended from 30 to 40 years and in-
clude both married and single males,
it was announced officially by Labor
Minister Humphrey Mitchell. Prev-
ious draft calls affected married em-
ployes 18 to 25, as well as single
men to 30 years of age. Latest order
is seen as serious for theater and
film organizations.
20 -Fox Signs Louis de Rochemont
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Louis de Rochemont,
of "March of Time," has been en-
gaged by 20th Century-Fox studios.
Cut Red Tape in Wage
Raises in Small Theaters
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Much of the red
tape involved in raising wages for
theaters and other units with less
than 30 employes is eliminated by a
special exemption announced this
morning by the War Labor Board.
The formula for firms employing 30
or fewer permits merit increases
without approval of WLB provided
the total to any individual does not
exceed 10 cents per straight time
hour during any year starting with
last July 1 and provided the total
amount involved in these increases
hi any one year does not exceed an
average of five cents per straight
time hour for all employes in the
establishment whose wages or sal-
aries are under WLB authority.
These increases are not to exceed
the highest rate paid by the em-
ployer for similar jobs between last
June and July 1942 nor may they be
used to justify price increases or
the raising of other wages within
the establishment to correct inequi-
ties.
UA Dines Circuit Reps.
Before Cagney Pic Preview
A group of metropolitan circuit
operators and trade paper represen-
tatives were hosted by United Artists
last night at a dinner at Toots Shor's.
The party of more than 60 persons
adjourned later to the Loew's Zieg-
ftld Theater for a special preview
of the James Cagney film, "Johnny
Come Lately," the initial production
of William Cagney Productions.
TJA home office representatives present
included Edward C. Rafters', Grad Sears.
Arthur Kelly. Carl Leserman. Edward
Schnitzel-. Harry Gold. Sam Lefkowitz. Harry
Buckley, Walter Gould. Paul Lazarus, Sr..
Manny Sih-erstone. Phil Dow, Jack Ellis,
Jack Wreg-e, Charles Steele, Steve McGrath,
Harry Muller, Paul Lazarus, Jr., Robin
Harris, Arthur Jeffrey, Arnold Stoltz and
Herb Berg-. James Mulvey. William Heine-
man and Joseph Shea represented Cagrney.
14 Seattle Area Houses
Closed by Polio's Sweep
Seattle — Fourteen theaters in the
Seattle territory were closed last
week due to the infantile paralysis
epidemic. Closings followed several
fatalities and the prospects for
early re-openings are said to be
dark.
"Lassie Come Home" Set
For Music Hall Showing
Metro's "Lassie Come Home" has
been set into the Music Hall to fol-
low Para.'s "So Proudly We Hail,"
Gus Eyssell managing director, said
yesterday.
Marty SchifJ Leaves Warners
Martin Schiff, of Warners foreign
department for the past several
years, and prior to that a traveling
arditor for Universal, has resigned
to join Grayson Shops, Inc., of Cali-
fornia, a chain store organization.
He took up his new duties yesterday
and will be located in New York.
COMIflG and GOIM
TOM CONNORS, vice-president ;n charge of
world - wide distribution of 20th - Fox films, left
yesterday for sales conferences in New Haven
and Toronto. W. C. CEHRINC. Western sales
manager, is accompanying Connors to Canada..
BOB SAVIN I, president of Astor Pictures,
leaves Los Angeles tomorrow, stopping in San
Atlanta to visit his exchanges. He
retur^y
1
Francisco, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans ^
Atlanta to visit hi:
New York Sept. 4
LOUIS B. MAYER and WALT DISNEY leave
the Coast today for Mexico City to be decorated
bv the Mexican president for promoting harmony
between this country and Mexico.
ABE GOODMAN, production manager of 20th-
Fox, is back at his desk at the 20th-Fox Home
Office after two weeks vacation spent in the
Adirondacks with MRS. GOODMAN and family.
LOUIS SHANFIELD, art director of 20th-Fox.
has gone on a vacation to Creen Mountain.
JACK BLOOM, assistant to L. ). Schlaifer,
20th-Fox Central sales manager, and EDDIE
COLLINS, assistant to W. C. Cehring, Western
sales manager, have left New York for New
Haven and Canada for sales conferences.
ERIC BLORE is expected in town this week.
BILLY THOMAS of Pine-Thomas, Paramount
producers, left the Coast yesterday for Wil-
mington, Del. and Washington, to screen "Sol-
diers of the Soil."
WALTER ABEL, who plays the chaplain in
"So Proudly We Hail," will arrive in New York
Sunday, from Hollywood to attend the premiere
of the picture set at Radio City Music Hall.
ED SMALL is here from the Coast and plans
to return late this week.
HENRI ELMAN, PRC franchise holder in
Chicago, is in town for product huddles with
home office officials.
ROY HAINES, Western and Southern di-
vision sales manager for Warners, left last
night for a Midwest tour. His first stop will
be Chicago, followed by Minneapolis.
TED TOD, Warners Midwest field rep., is in
Detroit for the week working on local "This
is the Army" campaign.
ROBERT H. DANN, assistant secretary of
RKO, will leave for Hollywood about Sept. 10
to assume his new post as vice-president and
general counsel of Vanguard Productions.
LEON J. BAMBERGER, RKO Radio sales pro-
motion manager, has returned to his desk after
a two weeks' vacation.
LEN DALY of UA's foreign publicity depart-
ment, returns to New York today by plane,
following a three-months' trip to Mexico and
Cuba.
MIMI CHANDLER has returned to Hollywood
from a visit to her home at Versailles, Ky.
DORIS ARDEN, Chicago Times film critic,
is vacationing.
NICK CAVALIERE, New Haven cameraman, is
back from another government photo mission,
this time in southern waters.
E. STUTZ, manager of the Circle Theater,
Cleveland, is in New York. He plans to reopen
the Penn Square, Cleveland foreign language
theater, in September.
S. J. GREGORY, Alliance circuit prexy, is in
California on a months trip.
MARCIA WINN, Chicago Tribune film writer,
is in New York City.
ALLAN JONES and IRENE HERVEY head East
from Hollywood next month to appear at the
Capitol the week of Sept. 16.
LOUISE ALBRITTON and ROBERT PAIGE start
a series of p.a.'s in the New York area Sept.
11.
LOU LEWELLEN, Paramount publicist, has re-
turned from Chicago.
ACE MANPOWER for ANY JOB
AVAILABLE NOW— CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 MADISON AVE., N. Y.
Tel. MU. 2-6494
i yD
Tuesday, August 24, 1943
DAILY
K-A-O's Profit Jumps
$436,034 In 26 Weeks
(Continued from Page 1)
taxes, $672,251, was based on a 42
per cent rate for 1943 applied on a
consolidated tax return basis as
compared with a 45 per cent rate
for 1942 on an individual tax return
D'J!i. \ wnen the tax provision was
si^l/t $474,860.
Profit before provision for depre-
ciation and income taxes was $1,-
953,629, compared with $1,300,100
in the 1942 period.
Missouri Congressman
To Seek Industry Probe
(Continued from Page 1)
duce a resolution when the House
of Eepresentatives reconvenes call-
ing for a sweeping investigation of
the motion picture industry to de-
termine whether it has been sub-
jected to any pressure to produce
propaganda pictures beneficial to
the New Deal and furthering the
drive for a fourth term.
Ploeser stated that the motion
picture industry is "as important
in influencing public opinion as the
newspapers or radio." He added
that the current Congressional in-
vestigation of the Federal Commu-
nications Commission clearly indi-
cates that certain Governmental of-
cers are exceeding their powers in
radio censorship. His probe of the
motion picture industry would de-
termine whether any producing com-
pany has violated the Corrupt Prac-
tices Act by making direct or in-
direct contributions to a political
candidacy and whether pressure to
force such violation exists, Con-
gressman Ploeser said.
Osserman Anniversary
To be Marked by Drive
Chicago — The silver anniversary
of Jack Osserman, RKO district
manager, will be celebrated by the
sales staff of four exchanges under
his management. Chicago exchanges,
with Sam Gorelic in charge; St.
Louis, with Ray Nolan, manager;
Kansas City, with James Lewis, and
Milwaukee exchange, with Art.
Schmidt on deck, will stage a sales
drive with the slogan, "25 dates for
25 years." Campaign opens Sept.
17 and runs to Oct. 14.
Mary Howard
Dorothy Comingore
H. J. Yates
Victor Halperin
"Father" and Chatter:
• • • NOT only our industry's professional orbs, but those o£ mil-
lions of entertainment-seekers, are now and climactically riveted upon
"Life With Father," — for this very week may well see the deal for film
rights consummated While all the big producing interests have put
in bids either recently or fairly so, the field appears to have narrowed
down to Warners. Pickford, Goldwyn, and Vanguard (David O. Selznick's
org.) One of the best barometers of purchaser interest in "Father"
is the plethora of invitations to luncheon which Mister Serlin is re-
ceiving (obviously extended so's particular bidders or their accredited
representatives will be sure the others ain't stealing a march)
If Mary Pickford gets the coveted prize, William Powell may get the
role of "Father" And don't be too sure that Miss Pickford won't
play the Dorothy Stickney part As matters stack up now, the top
bid is $500,000, plus 75 per cent of the net profit, plus, of course, the
Serlin "Ten Commandments," which name Mister Goldwyn is said to
have tagged upon the conditions of production demanded by Oscar
"Life With Father," in celluloid form, will undoubtedly be one
of the great grossing pix of all time If the Serlin conditions aren't
met, and it's no dice on a deal, you can bet your bottom dollar that
Oscar will make it himself, and release via a major of his choice ..••..
▼ V V
• • • CHATTER: Don't be surprised if Dick Arlen, now
in New York, appears in British pix With a shortage of leading
men on the other side, British studios are angling for his services,
0 "Roughly Speaking" and "God Is My Co-Pilot/' WB properties on
the new season schedule, moved a little higher on the best-seller lists
the past week. . , . • William K. Jenkins, head of the Lucas &
Jenkins Theaters in Georgia and Paramount associate, has been 'lected
to directorate of the First National Bank of Atlanta. ... • Leonard
Schlesinger, formerly of Warner Theaters exec, staff in New York and
now a Chief Petty Officer, has been assigned to duty with the Bureau
of Yards and Docks, Navy Building, Washington, D. C, following
completion of basic training at Camp Perry. ... a James A. Stan-
garone, formerly of Life mag, this week joins the March of Time as
assistant to Phil A. Williams, M of T advertising director Br'r
Stangarone was previously connected with the Perm Mutual Insurance
Co. and with Barron Collier in a sales capacity. ... • Columbia would
like to tie Pvt. Edward Kramer to a post-war deal {he's in The
Army Play By Play). ... • Broadway may see a play this Fall spon-
sored by Sam Bischoff . .... .It's "Mother's Day," which gets a tryout
in Frisco next month. ... • William Goetz and Leo Spitz are no
longer interested in acquiring a 50 per cent interest in "One Touch Of
Venus," Broadway-bound musical. ... • Pincus W. Tell has resumed
as movie editor and critic of the Home News, Bronx daily.
• Broadway may not guffaw at Olsen and Johnson again until they've
toured the provinces and made a second pic for Universal. ... • Or-
son Welles will finish that South American pic for RKO,— that's the
latest word via Coast "grapevine." ... • Speaking of type casting,
the U. S. Army assigned Sergeant Irving Berlin Cahn to handle radio
exploitation for the two-theater premiere of Irving Berlin's "This Is
The Army" in Denver Pic makes its gala bow out there tonight
in the Denver and Esquire La Dottie Lamour, now visiting her
hubby at Lowry Field near Denver, has been phoning the city's big-
wigs and selling 'em tickets for the two-ply bow She's piled up
over 5 G-s already
V V V
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
New Theater Permits
Up to McMurphey
(Continued from Page 1)
and similar applications today. Un-
til now, these have been handled
solely by Allen G. Smith of the
WPB Service Equipment Division,
but hereafter they will be under the
wing of the OCR Amusement Sec-
tion. Final authority over them re-
mains with Smith, however, since
they will go from OCR to Smith.
Until now there has been only one
authority over these applications,
whereas most comparable matters
have been handled through offices of
first and second reference by WPB.
The OCR office now becomes office
of first reference, with Smith act-
ing as second reference. He will
receive recommendations from OCR.
How far he will be bound by these
recommendations is something nei-
ther Smith nor MacMurphey knows
at this time, although it appears that
Smith will retain the major part
of his authority, while being re-
lieved of a good deal of the work.
MacMurphey said yesterday that
he is still looking for a man to take
over this work — preferably an in-
dustry man, but until he finds such
a person he will handle it himself.
Soviet Envoy Will Host
Preview of "Stalingrad"
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Andrei A. Gromyko,
new Soviet Ambassador, and Mme.
Gromyko will be hosts to the Wash-
ington diplomatic corps and top
ranking newspaper correspondents,
columnists and radio commentators
at a special preview of Para.'s "The
City That Stopped Hitler— Heroic
Stalingrad" in the Interior Depart-
ment auditorium in Washington
Thursday.
NTS Counsel's Wife Dead
Havana (By Air Mail) — P. Cama-
cho, wife of Victor Echevarria, coun-
sel of the National Theatre Supply
Co., is dead here.
IN NEW POSTS
YARROW MILLER, office manager, Warners
exchange, Pittsburgh.
JOSEFH N. HOUSTON, Warner field supervisor,
New Haven.
DONALD ROGERS, manager, Imperial, Cleveland,
O.
ALBERT POULTON, salesman, Monogram, New
Haven.
ROBERT STREET, manager, State, Charlotte,
N. C.
BERNAL LEWIS, manager, Dilworth, Charlotte,
N. C.
OSCAR W. MONTGOMERY, manager, Broadway,
Charlotte, N. C.
ELI DREYLINCER, city manager, North Carolina
Theaters, Inc., Lexington, N. C.
DEAN GROSS, manager, Paramount, Seattle.
ARTHUR SMITH, shipper, RKO, Seattle.
BOB HARLOWE, film editor, Chicago Shopping
News.
HARRY E. SCHILLER, manager, Grand, Crand
Island, Neb.
ft
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the Critics'
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DAIIY
Tuesday, August 24, 1943
Newark Nabe Houses
Enforce Own Curfew
Newark, N. J. — Acting on instruc-
tions from circuit and indie theater
owners, neighborhood managers,
their assistants and cashiers, were
lined up together today in a deter-
mined, concerted drive to keep un-
escorted children under 16, out of
their houses at night.
In the downtown nabes and
throughout the suburban areas, man-
agers or their assistants stood on
guard beside the cashier at the box-
office, determined that they will
not be "caught napping" under the
language of some antequated city
ordinance or state statute, such as
is being applied against the respec-
tive managers, cashiers and ticket
takers at the Claridge and Wellmont
theaters in Montclair, on complaint
of the police, for having admitted
six boys under age without adult
escort. The law under which all
will face charges, is said to have
gone by the boards unnoticed for
years. It applies as a misdemeanor
if children under 14 are admitted,
punishable by a fine.
"But we are taking no chances
on somebody else coming up with
some long-since antequated ordinance
or law, to be used against us," one
manager pointed out. "If they're
too young at 14, they are not much
older at 16. Moreover, if this is
part of a police drive to break up
vandalism, I'm all for it and the
quicker we put these kids in their
places at night — in their homes —
the better for all concerned."
Nor will it do children under age
any good to get by the ticket taker
on the arm of a borrowed "big
brother" or "aunt" from the box-
office line-up, such as has been the
practice at some of the larger down-
town houses where unaccompanied
children have been refused admit-
tance for some time.
As of today, in line with other
organized groups to bring an end
to juvenile delinquency, the police
of the city will pick up every boy
oi' girl, single or in groups, unless
they are with adults, after 11 o'clock
and all will be broght to police
headquarters for questioning. Where
the parents seem to be at fault,
these parents will be summoned and
reprimanded and advised that re-
peated offenses might bring more
drastic punishment.
Forgotten Jersey Statute
Basis for Managers' Arrest
Montclair, N. J. — Two motion pic-
ture theater managers here, their
respective cashiers and ticket takers,
faced charges here today, under a
long-forgotten state statute which
forbids the admittance to theaters,
of children under 14, unless accom-
panied by adults. They are Al
Barber, manager at the Claridge,
his cashier, Bernice Dintefass and
his ticket taker, Ray Tiefau; named
at the Wellmont theater are Fred
Steinback, assistant manager, Glo-
reviews of new fums
"The Seventh Victim"
with Tom Conway
RKO 71 Mins.
POORLY DEVELOPED STORY HANDI-
CAPS THIS ONE, ALTHOUGH MELO-
DRAMA FANS WONT MIND TOO
MUCH.
Although this melodrama leaves much to
be desired, it should manage to get by with
the type of audience for which it has been
designed. Chiefly in the film's favor is its
mood, which creates a feeling of doom.
In this the photography of Nicholas Masura-
ca plays an important role.
The story has been told with a fair amount
of suspense and one or two exciting mo-
ments. Its chief fault is that it lacks
clarity. The plot has been developed in
a confusing manner. The end in particu-
lar will leave audiences in a bit of a
quandary.
The plot has to do with the attempt to
locate a missing woman (Jean Brooks) who
is hiding from a cult that worships evil.
The devil worshippers are after her because
she has violated their code. The audience
may wonder why she's so eager to escape
the clutches of the villains when the gal
is always talking about loving death. The
girl is saved from the cult only to betake
herself to a noose for the purpose of sui-
cide.
The picture serves to introduce a new-
comer named Kim Hunter. RKO should
have picked a better coming-out party for
the young lady, who shows real capability
in spite of the ordinary role assigned her.
The girl appears as Miss Brooks' sister.
Tom Conway has the top role as a psy-
chiatrist who helps Miss Brooks. He plays
his usual suave self. Erford Gage, en-
acting a poet who assists in the search for
Miss Brooks, gives one of the best per-
formances in the picture. Among the other
players are Isabel Jewell, Evelyn Brent,
Ben Bard and Hugh Beaumont.
Mark Robson directed with a deliberate-
ness that fits in with the film's mood.
Charles O'Neal and DeWitt Bodeen col-
laborated on the screenplay, which was
produced by Val Lewton.
CAST: Tom Conway, Kim Hunter, Jean
Brooks, Hugh Beaumont, Erford Gage,
Isabel Jewell, Chef Milani, Marguerita
Sylva, Ewelyn Brent, Mary Newton, Wally
Brown, Ben Bard, Feodor Chaliapin.
CREDITS: Producer, Val Lewton; Direc-
tor, Mark Robson; Screenplay, Charles
O'Neal, DeWitt Bodeen; Cameraman,
Nicholas Musuraca! Musical Score, Roy
Webb; Musical Director, C. Bakaleinkoff ;
Art Directors, Albert S. D'Agostino, Walter
E. Keller; Set Decorators, Darrell Silvera,
Harley Miller; Sound, John C. Grubb; Film
Editor, John Lockert.
DIRECTION, Fair. PHOTOGRAPHY
Good.
ria Cocossa, cashier and ticket taker
Bernie Steeple.
Complaints are being- made by the police
as a result of a special check made a few
days ago, when, it is alleged, three boys
under 14 were admitted at the Claridge and
as many more at the Wellmont. The police
claim they have the ticket stubs of the
boys and a statement from each.
The law under which the charges will
be made, has been a state statute for years
but never observed. It is a misdemeanor
and carries a $100 fine for each conviction.
The police, it is said, were spurred to
action by the daily increasing complaints of
juvenile delinquency, in a drive to keep
children off the streets at night.
"Holy Matrimony"
with Monty Woolley, Gracie Fields
20th-Fox 87 Mins.
SUPERB COMEDY IS HEADED FOR
HEAVY TAKES; WOOLLEY, FIELDS, MAKE
A SUPERLATIVE TEAM.
Chalk up another triumph for 20th-Fox
and Nunnally Johnson. In "Holy Matri-
mony" he has consummated a wedding of
the cinematic arts that will bring happiness
galore to exhibitor and patron alike. The
fiim which is pure escapism, should prove
one of 20th-Fox's biggest grossers of the
year.
With superb cleverness and exemplary
skill Johnson has concocted a solid piece of
entertainment from the Arnold Bennett novel,
"Buried Alive," which was made into a film
once before — by Paramount in 1933 under
the title "His Double Life." Audiences will
revel in the delicious fun purveyed by this
comedy, which at times can be as gentle as
it is hilarious. The intelligent will get as
much diversion out of "Holy Matrimony" as
the dyed-in-the-wool fans.
Johnson has assembled a hand-picked
cast. In the leading role Monty Woolley
again delivers a sock comedy performance.
As a famous British painter who tries to
escape the inconveniences that go with
fame he is a mixture of brusqueness and
sentiment. In some respects he is more
satisfying than in his earlier film roles.
The story of "Holy Matrimony" is ironic,
provocative and out of the ordinary. Woolley
returns to his native England to be knighted
after secluding himself in the South Seas
for a quarter of a century. When his
valet (Eric Blore) dies, Woolley's name is
entered in the death certificate by mistake.
Blore is buried in Westminister Abbey. The
painter, eager for peace and quiet, makes no
attempt to correct the error. Assuming
Blore's identity, he finds what he's after in
marriage to Gracie Fields, a widow. Com-
plications arise when Blore's wife turns up.
There follows a court session in which
Woolley has a tough time convincing the
world that he isn't Blore. It takes the
presence of two moles on his anatomy to
win his case. Of course, the discovery that
the chap resting in the Abbey is just a
valet creates a sensation.
Miss Fields does excellently with her
part. She has every right to share the top
acting honors with Woolley. Laird Cregar
is outstanding in the supporting cast, which
includes such other fine performers as
Una O'Connor, Alan Mowbray, Melville
Cooper, Blore, Franklin Pangborn and George
Zucco.
John Stahl has provided high-cailbre di-
rection. Johnson has given the film a
production that is every bit as fine as his
screenplay. Lucien Ballard's camera work
is tops.
CAST: Monty Woolley, Gracie Fields, Laird
Cregar, Una O'Connor, Alan Mowbray, Mel-
ville Cooper, Franklin Pangborn, Ethel
Griffies, Eric Blore, George Zucco, Fritz
Feld, William Austin, Montagu Love, Richard
Fraser, Edwin Maxwell, Leyland Hodgson,
Whitner Bissell, Geoffrey Steele, Lumsden
Hare, Thomas Louden, Ian Wolfe, Milton
Parsons, Alec Craig.
CREDITS: Producer, Nunnally Johnson;
Director, John Stahl; Screenplay, Nunnally
Johnson; Based on novel "Buried Alive" by
Arnold Bennett; Cameraman, Lucien Ballard;
Art Directors, James Basevi, Russell Spencer;
Hope Blue Laws Are
Out Beyond Duration
(Continued from Page 1)
with providing the utmost in recrea-
tional facilities for war-swollen com-
munities and has succeeded, among
other things, in obtaining temporary
shelving of local ordinances prohibit-
ing Sunday operation of there's
and, in some towns, screenings \_ Jer
midnight.
In most cases, the town fathers
have written off the blue laws only
for the duration, but OCWS officials
are confident that the cases where
these are clamped down again will
be exceptions. "That's our philos-
ophy," said one official yesterday.
"Once they're down, they'll stay
down, but as a war agency we can't
push that."
' The agency has been greatly impressed by
the co-operation voluntarily offered by ex-
hibitors all over the country to try to aid
the recreation program. In many towns
where Sunday operation is prohibited and
the ban has not yet been lifted, exhibitors-
have offered their theaters for community
sings and other entertainment of a like na-
ture. Frequently these theaters afforded the
only premises suitable for such mass recrea-
tion.
In other cases, exhibitors have provided
films for showing in public parks, TMCA's,
etc., making rental arrangements usually
with the "Y" or the community recreation
committee.
OCWS has been working strictly through
these local communities which have been
keeping constant pressure on their municipal
authorities for relaxation of the Blue Laws.
Sunday closings are still prevalent in large
areas of the South and the Corn Belt, but
it is felt that considerable progress has been
made. The agency stepped in during" a re-
cent case in Farmville, Va., where an ex-
hibitor had been fined for screening on Sun-
day and the conviction was set aside by the
Virginia Court of Appeals. In his decision,
the Virginia jurist declared that "due to
the complexities of the present civilization
and the strain under which we now live and
work, relaxation and recreation are just as
much necessities as food and drink. We
must now recognize as necessities things
which were once held to be luxuries.
Miskell Replaces Kinskey
As Tri-States District Head
Omaha — Joseph Kinskey has re-
signed as Nebraska and Western
Iowa district manager of Tri-States
Theaters Corp. and has been suc-
ceeded by William Miskell, G. Bran-
ton, general manager, announced Fri-
day at a meeting of managers. Mis-
kell is the oldest Tri-States manager
in Omaha in point of service; al-
though only 39, he has had 26 years
of show business experience.
Kinskey, chief barker for the Oma-
ha Variety Club, is moving to Santa
Monica, Calif, to own and operate
the Aero Theater. Ted Emerson,
present Paramount manager, will
take over Miskell's job as manager
of the Orpheum and Don Shane,
now managing the Capitol, Daven-
port, la., will take over the Para-
mount. Emmet Lockard remains
as manager of the Omaha.
Set Decorator, Thomas Little; Film Editor,
James B. Clark; Sound, E. Clayton Ward,
Roger Heman; Special Effects, Fred Sersen;
Musical Score, Cyril J. Mockridge; Musical
Director, Emil Newman.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
WCHIN&
wee two
a vennett
CENTURY-FOX
THIRD WAR LOAN SEPT.
9th to 20th. GET READY!
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Tuesday, August 24, 1943
WVwiy
Studying Post-War
Population Shifts
(Continued from Page 1)
having gained about six per cent in
total civilian population, despite the
loss of hundreds of thousands of
residents to the armed forces. With
tb" exception of the Southeastern
ir-" )s, which registered a one per
ctrm, gain, the Far West was the
only region to gain.
Must Reabsorb 15,000,000
On the other hand, disproportion-
ately large blocs of the population
of several individual states are en-
gaged in war work, with more than
45 per cent of the total population
of Washington, Michigan, Indiana,
Connecticut and Rhode Island either
in war work or in uniform. In a
score of other states the proportion
is nearly as large. Nationally, it
has been estimated, nearly 15,000,-
000 war workers and servicemen will
have to be reabsorbed in the peace-
time economy.
There has been considerable alarm
about the future economy of these
states, but what has frequently been
forgotten is that many of them con-
tain in their war plants productive
facilities which may, with relative
ease, be converted to peacetime
needs. Employment prospects in
Connecticut, for instance, are large-
ly dependent upon the post-war de-
velopment of aircraft, resumption of
typewriter production, automotive
production, etc.
I If these industries swing into pro-
duction for civilian needs without
too great a loss of time, it is pointed
out here, there is no reason for
widespread and long-standing unem-
ployment. Although brief layoffs
are almost inevitable, demoralization
need not follow. As for the box-
office — it can do very nicely during
layoff periods when workers have
some assurance that they are not
permanently unemployed. Most
workers will be far from penniless
at the war's end.
Varies From State to State
According to a recent study of
the problem by the U. S. Depart-
ment of Labor's Post-War Planning
Unit, "the severity of the situation
will vary from state to state, de-
pending largely upon the amount of
such excess labor in relation to the
normal capacity of the industries
within the state to provide work."
This "excess," according to the de-
partment's figures, ranged from 19
to 60 per cent of normal pre-war em-
ployment. Similar figures on the
STORKS
Toronto — Birth of a son to Lt.
J. J. Fitzgibbons of the U. S. Army
and Mrs. Fitzgibbons was reported
from Honolulu where Lt. Fitzgibbons
has been stationed for more than a
year. Father is the son of the presi-
dent of Famous Players Canadian
Corp., and is the latter's first grand-
child.
HCLLyWCCD DIGEST
SIGNED
ARTHUR CUTTMAN, musical director, "Dr.
Paul Joseph Coebbels, His Life and Loves,"
W. R. Frank.
MARILYN CREEN, casting assistant, Vanguard.
MAURICE DE PACKH, composer, Pal Puppe-
roon Studios.
RANDOLPH SCOTT, three years, 20th-Fox.
HENRY O'NEIL, termer, M-C-M.
CUY LOMBARDO ORK, termer, M-C-M.
ASSIGNMENTS
LEO SOLOMON and ALAN WOOD, screenplay,
"Sweetheart of Sigma Chi," Monogram.
FRANK H. YOUNG, screenplay, "Million Dollar
Kid," Monogram.
LOUISE ALBRITTON and ROBERT PAIGE, co-
star, "Her Primitive Man," Universal.
CASTINGS
RISE STEVENS, "The Count of Luxembourg,"
Paramount; RANDOLPH SCOTT, "Torpedo
Squadron 8," 20th-Fox; CEORGE MURPHY,
JUNE HAVOC and CONSTANCE MOORE, "Show
Business," RKO; ION CHANEY, ACQUANETA
and JOHN CARRADINE, "The Mummy's Ghost,"
Universal; BELA LUCOSI, MILES MANDER and
MATT WILLS, "The Return of the Vampire,"
Columbia; WILLIAM EYTHE, "The Eve of St.
Mark," 20th-Fox; WILLIAM CARGAN, "The
Canterville Ghost," M-C-M; ENA HORNE, "Two
Sisters and a Sailor," M-C-M; TIM and IRENE
RYAN, EDWARD NORRIS, FORTUNIO BONANO-
VA, JACK LaRUE, "The Sultan's Daughter,"
Monogram.
RANDOLPH SCOTT, "Torpedo Squadron 8,"
20th-Fox; EDDIE BRACKEN, "True to the
Navy," Paramount; LENA HORNE and DONALD
MEEK, "Two Sisters and a Sailor," METRO;
VICTOR BORCE, "Higher and Higher," RKO;
PERRY COMO, "Blue Skies," 20th-Fox; ALINE
MACMAHON, TONI FAVOR and JOANN DOLAN,
"Eve of St. Mark," 20th-Fox; BARRY FITZ-
GERALD, "The Incendiary Blonde," Paramount;
CANADA LEE, "New Ceorgia," Metro; FRIEDA
INESCORT. "Return of the Vampire," Columbia;
RECINALD OWEN, "The Canterville Ghost,"
Metro; CHARLES BUTTERWORTH, "The Sultan's
Daughter," Monogram; JUDITH GIBSON and
JOEL FRIEND, "Sweethearts of the U. S. A,,"
Monogram; JONATHAN HALE, "Ten Percent
Woman," Columbia; IDA LUPINO, "The House
of Chedwick," 20th-Fox; ROLAND VARNO,
"The Return of the Vampire," Columbia; ROB-
ERT HAYMES, "The Rookie," Columbia; LEO
CARRILLO, "Moonlight and Cactus," Universal;
JUNE MILLARD, "When Ladies Fly," Universal;
DOUGLAS WOOD, ROBERT LOWELL, MARY
CURRIE, "Ten Percent Woman," Columbia;
CORDON OLIVER, "Dangerous. Journey," RKO;
JEAN BROOKS, "The Falcon and the Coeds,"
RKO.
Warners' Grosses Moving
Ahead Steadily in Canada
(Continued from Page 1)
ion as in the United States, accord-
ing to a report made yesterday by
Ben Kalmenson, general sales man-
ager, upon his return to his desk
from Montreal, where he conducted
the WB two-day Canadian sales
meeting.
Kalmenson said that, in emulation
of the practice being followed here,
the actual number of pictures to be
released in Canada during the 1943-
1944 season will depend upon the
needs of the market there.
Substitution of women for men in
the company's branches in Canada
tc fill posts vacated by men who
have gone into the service is being
resorted to on a larger scale than
in this country, asserted Kalmen-
son, who added that extra effort
is making it possible for the ex-
changes to maintain their efficiency.
Returning with Kalmenson were
Arthur Sachson, assistant general
sales manager, and Norman H. Mo-
ray, short subjects sales manager.
amount of pre-war production elimi-
nated for the duration are not avail-
able.
In general, the problem appears to
be of greatest magnitude in the
Lake States, the Far West, the Cen-
tral Atlantic states and Southern
New England. Although any defi-
nite prediction regarding these
states is not warranted at this time,
there is a strong feeling here that
the disruption to civilian economy
can be kept at a minimum by effec-
tive intelligent planning.
There is a strong possibility that
exhibitors in rural areas may feel
the effect of post-war demobilization
more than urban exhibitors, for a
sharp drop in farm income is not
unlikely. When it comes it is liable
to last far longer than the lay-off
periods many workers will expein-
ence.
Sub Four Disney Shorts
For Second Feature Pix
(Continued from Page 1)
ing the policy in a large number of
other theaters. Loew's tested the
idea in Bridgeport, labeling the
shorts unit the "Walt Disney Laff
Revue." Other circuits also have
taken up the plan.
Patrons' comment cards at the
Poli indicated an overwhelming ma-
jority in favor of the short sub-
jects, only 48 persons favoring a
second feature out of several thou-
sand replies, according to the Bridge-
port Post which reported the results.
Harry Michalson, RKO short sub-
jects sales manager, said that since
the Bridgeport test, the following
Loew theaters have repeated it:
Poli, Hartford; Palace, Meriden; Po-
li, New Haven; Poli, Waterbury; Po-
li, Worcester; Valentine Toledo;
Loew's, Indianapolis; Loew's, Louis-
ville; Midland, Kansas City;, State,
Providence; Palace, Springfield, and
Broadway, Norwich. Among the
other circuits which have tested the
revue idea is Feiber & Shea with
the Colonial, Akron, and the State,
Manchester, N. Y.
SMPE's Convention
Committees Named
Gene Pearce, Pioneer
Southern Exhib., Dead
Pontiac, Mich. — J. Eugene Pearce,
65, pioneer Southern exhibitor, died
at Pontiac General Hospital, after
a brief illness. He was a partner
in Josiah Pearce & Sons, founder
with his father in 1903, and was
said to have brought the first mo-
tion pictures into several Southern
states. In 1918 on the death of his
father, he took over the circuit of
17 theaters in Louisiana, Alabama
and Mississippi, selling out some
five years later.
Rites for Roloff's Mother
Chicago — Funeral services were
held yesterday for Mrs. Millie Ro-
loff, mother of Clair Roloff, DeVry
Co. ad manager.
Committees to handle the 54th
semi-annual technical conference of
the Society of Motion Picture Engi-
neers are announced by W. C. Kunz-
mann, convention vice-president.
Papers on a variety of topics will
be presented at 10 general sessions
during the five-day conference, Sept.
18-22.
Committees include:
Papers: C. R. Daily, chairman; C. R.
Keith, vice-chairman East Coast: F. W.
Bowditeh, G. A. Chambers, F. L. Eich, R.
E. Farnham, J. L. Forrest, J. Frank, Jr.,
J. G. Frayne, P. A. McGuire, E. W. Kel-
logg-, G. E. Matthews. H. W. Moyse. W. H.
Offenhauser, V. C. Shauer, S. P. Solow,
W. V. Wolfe.
Reception and Local Arrangements: Emery
Huse, chairman; H. J. Chanon, J. G. Frayne.
A. M. Gundelflnger, C. W. Handley. E. H.
Hansen, J. K. Hillard, E. M. Honan, M. S.
Leshing, W. C. Miller, R. H. McCullough.
P. Mole, F. K. Morgan. H. W. Moyse, W. A.
Mueller. G. F. Rackett, H. W. Remershied,
L. L. Ryder, C. G. Sawyer, S. P. Solow,
J. R. Wilkinson, W. V. Wolfe.
Registration and Information: W. C.
Kunzmann, chairman: C. W. Handley, E.
Huse, R. G. Linderman, H. Smith, Jr.
Publicity: Julius Haber, chairman; J. W.
"Boyle, C. R. Daily, G. Gibson. G. R. Girux.
C. R. Keith, E. C. Richardson.
Luncheon and Dinner-Dance: Loren L.
Ryder, chairman: A. M. Gundelflnger. H.
T. Kalmus, E. M. Honan, E. Huse, P. Mole,
H. W. Moyse, W. A. Mueller, H. W. Remer-
shied, R. R. Scoville, S. P. Solow, J. R.
Wilkinson, W. V. Wolfe.
Hotel and Transportation: A. M. Gundel-
flnger, chairman; A. C. Blaney, L. W. Chase,
H. J. Chanon. L. E. Clarke. A. F. Edouart,
H. Goldfarb. G. T. Lorance. W. C. Marcus,
O. F. Neu, G. E. Sawyer, N. L. Simons, W.
L. Thayer.
Projection — 35-mm. Programs: R. H. Mc-
Cullough, chairman; L. R. Abbott, B. Free-
ricks, W. E. Gebhardt, Jr., W. W. Lindsay,
Jr., C. R. Russell, C. R. Sawyer, W. V.
Wolfe, officers and members of IATSE lo-
cals 150 and 165: 16-mm. Programs, H. W.
Remershied, chairman: A. H. Bolt, C. Dun-
ning, A. M. Gundelflnger, J. Runk.
Ladies Reception: Mrs. C. W. Handley,
hostess.
WEDDING BELLS
Cleveland — Cupid released two
darts in the local Vitagraph ex-
change, scoring two hits. Florence
Gordon, secretary to district man-
ager Charles Rich, has announced
her engagement to Lt. Philip Astor,
a member of the Quartermaster
Corps stationed in Alaska. And
Alexandra Lifshutz of the secretar-
ial force declares her intention to
marry Corp. Joseph Berger of Camp
Crowder, Mo.
Boston — Loretta Duffy of the
RKO exchange was married Sun-
day to Emanuel Hunt.
Chicago — Ensign John Robertson,
formerly with Zenith Corp. was mar-
ried to Majorie Davidson of River
Forest. He recently returned from
active duty in the South Pacific
area.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Lt. Rudy Vallee,
USCG, and Bettejane Greer, model,
are engaged to be married.
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ITS A SHOWMAN'S NATURAL!
"There's a new team of comics in the world of show busi-
ness to be reckoned with from this point on, folks, and it's
an idea grounded in precedent to give them plenty of
running room in billing and on screen. They're Frank Fay
and Billy Gilbert, and they're not like Abbott and Costello,
but they stack up in this first of their pictures much as Bud
and Lou stacked up in their first, therefore it's a good bet
they'll be going on and up in the scale of popularity when
the public gets a look at them."
. . . MOTION PICTURE DAILY
FROM THE /Iff W VHtMQfl^!
12
3*
I
DAILY
Tuesday, August 24, 1943 j
Will Dedicate War
Center on Sept. 3
(Continued from Page 1)
of all armed services of the nation.
Powers declared that a rally, fol-
lowed by a parade from Times
Square to the new War Center On
Victory Square, is being contem-
plated, and, following dedication of
the surrounding exhibits, in which
captured enemy war materiel will
play an important part along with
our own and allied fighting equip-
ment, ceremonies will be held in the
great tent, in the presence of some
2,000 prominent personages compris-
ing the invitation audience. In
the wake of the ceremonies, the first
big talent show will be offered,
staged by the United Theatrical War
Activities body.
On Sept. 9, opening day of the
Third War Loan Campaign, other
ceremonies will probably be held,
Powers said, but the talent shows
and other programmed events will
be given each day from Sept. 3 un-
til Oct. 1 or 2 whichever date will
mark the campaign's conclusion.
Cost of construction required to
put the War Center in full operat-
ing order is estimated at approxi-
mately $50,000 by Major Leslie E.
Thompson, chairman of the Victory
Square Committee functioning with
the War Finance Committee of the
Treasury Department. The Victory
Square Committee is in the process
of formation and will include many
of the leading figures in the enter-
tainment world.
Major Thompson said that the
photo murals which occupy spaces
above the war Center's buildings on
the 50th St. side are the largest
ever made, and added that the Cen-
ter will operate the greater portion
of every day from its dedication to
campaign's finale. He expects that
the alterations now under way will
be completed today, and the devel-
opment ready for meetings of or-
ganizational and indoctrinating char-
acter which will be held at the big
tent from tomorrow until Sept. 3,
and attended by groups within the
Commerce and Industry Division of
the Third War Loan.
The auditorium will seat 2,176, in-
cluding central floor space, Thomp-
son revealed, and that the Center,
including exhibit space, aggregates
54,000 sq. ft. Box-offices are to be
on the 50th St. side, and admission
will be, for all programed events,
via purchase of Stamps or Bonds,
Exit. Billy the Kid
West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — PRC has decided to
drop the title, "Billy the Kid,"
describing its Western series star-
ring Buster Crabbe, and instead will
label the group as the "Buster
Crabbe Series." Move eliminates any
suggestion of gangsterism or out-
lawism.
17 New Features Starting
63 Pictures Before Cameras on West Coast
By RALPH WILK West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Production pace ma-
terially quickens this week under
the impetus of 17 new starters, and
the fresh burst of activity sends the
total before cameras to 63, the larg-
est number in some time.
The check-up:
At Columbia: Eight shooting, in-
cluding "None Shall Escape," drama,
with Andre De Toth directing and
Burt Kelly producing; and, "Hey
Rookie," Army musical, starring Ann
Miller, with Hal Maclntyre and his
orchestra, and the Johnson Brothers.
Irving Briskin producing and Charles
Barton directing.
At M-G-M: Twelve shooting-, including
"Gaslight," drama, co-starring Ingrid Berg-
man and Charles Boyer, with Joseph Cotten,
Dame May Whitty, Angela Lansbury, Bar-
bara Everest, Edmond Brien, Emile Ra-
meaux, Harry Allen, John Abbott and Alec
Craig. George Cukor directing for pro-
ducer Arthur Hornblow, Jr.; "The Canter-
ville Ghost," film version of the Oscar Wilde
story, with Charles Laughton. Margaret
O'Brien, Robert Young, Regs Ragland, Regin-
ald Owen and Peter Lawford. Norman Me-
Leod directing for producer, Arthur Freed;
and, "Mr. Co-Ed" starring Red Skelton. with
Esther Williams, Harry James and his
orchestra, Xavier Cugat and his orchestra
and Carlos Ramirez. Jack Cummings pro-
ducing and George Sidney directing.
At Monogram: Five shooting, including
"The Sultan's Daughter," Ann Corio star-
ring vehicle, with Tim & Irene, Edward
Norris, Fortunio Bonanova and Jack LaRue,
directed by Arthur Dreifuss for Krasne-
Burkett Productions; "Sweethearts of the
U.S.A." with Lester Cutler producing and
Lew Collins directing, with Una Merkel and
Donald Novis in the leading roles, supported
by Lillian Cornell, Joel Friend, Parkyakarkus,
Ralph Sanford, Cobina Wright, Sr., Judith
Gibson, Joe Devlin and Vince Barnett; and,
"Mr. Muggs Steps Out," an East Side
Kids picture, with Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall
and Joan Marsh, directed by William Beau-
dine for producers Sam Katzman and Jack
Dietz.
At Paramount: Eight shooting, including
"Our Hearts Were Young and Gay," Cornelia
Otis Skinner-Emily Kimbrough comedy,
with Diana Lynn, Gail Russell, Bill Ed-
wards, Charles Ruggles, Dorothy Gish,
Beulah Bondi, Helen Freeman and Alma
Kruger. Lewis Allen directing for producer
Sheridan Gibney.
At RKO-Radio: Six shooting, including
"The Falcon and the Co-Ed," mystery drama
featuring Tom Conway, with Jean Brooks.
Cliff Clark, Ed Gargan, Isabel Jewell, Ed
Clark, Rita Corday, Amelita Ward, Barbara
Brown, Patti Brill, Carole McCollum and
the Alveres Sisters. William Clemens direct-
ing for producer Maurice Geraghty.
Sam Goldwyn: Shooting one.
At Republic: Three shooting, including
"Hands Across the Border," Roy Rogers
special musical, with Ruth Terry, Duncan
Renaldo, Mary Treen, Joseph Crehan, LaRoy
Mason, Roy Barcroft, Sons of the Pioneers,
Onslow Stevens. Joe Cane directing for pro-
ducer Harry Grey; and "The Fighting Sea-
bees," starring John Wayne, with. George
Reeves. Albert J. Cohen producing.
At 20th Century-Fox: Five shooting.
At United Artists: Samuel Bronson shoot-
ing one.
At Universal: Eight shooting, including
"Passport to Dakar," drama, with Richard
Whorf, Peter Van Eyk, Allyn Joslyn, John
Qualen and Eddie Quillan. Julien Duvivier
producing and directing; "We of the The-
ater," Donald O'Connor-Martha Driscoll-
Peggy Ryan starring vehicle, with Charles
Lamont directing for associate producers
Hugh Wedlock, Jr. and Howard Snyder;
"Moonlight and Cactus," musical, starring
the Andrews Sisters, with Tom Seidel, Elyse
Knox, Leo Carrillo, Frank Lackteen, Shemp
Howard, Tom Kennedy, Murray Alper and
Mitch Ayres' band. Edward F. Cline di-
recting with Frank Gross as Associate pro-
ducer; "The Mummy's Ghost," horror pic-
ture, with Lon Chaney, John Carradine and
Acquanetta. Reginald LeBorg directing for
associate producer Ben Pivar; and, "When
Ladies Fly," based on a story of the WAFS,
Walter Wanger production, starring Loretta
Young, with Geraldine Fitzgerald, Evelyn
Ankers, Lois Collier, June Vincent, Diana
Barrymore, Anne Gwynne, Vivian Austin,
Janet Shaw, Richard Fraser, Marie Harmon,
Dorothy Moore and Owen Crawford. John
Rawlins directing.
Warners: Five shooting.
depending upon the nature of the
individual event.
Although no official announcement
has been made officailly, it is re-
ported that Archbishop Francis J.
Spellman will formally open the
Third War Loan Campaign here.
The War Center will, it is under-
stood, be under the guardianship of
the Military Police, comprising as
it will so many exhibits of allied
and enemy arms.
125 Theater Execs, at Chi.
War Loan Drive Luncheon
Chicago — One hundred and twenty-
five theater executives attended the
Third War Bond drive luncheon meet-
ing at the Blackstone Hotel yesterday.
Jack Kirsch presided. Jules Rubens,
state chairman, was unable to be
present owing to illness.
Si Fabian of the New York headquarters
urged everyone help the drive. L. C. Grif-
fith of Oklahoma City, Ray Beal of the
interstate Circuit made stirring pleas for
theater co-operation to meet their quotas.
Francis S. Harmon, co-orclinator of the
drive, told them more theater sales outlets
were needed to sell Bonds. He said the
drive would unify the industry and solidify
the theater front.
Jay N. Whipple, Illinois vice-chairman for
the Treasury commiteee, made a stirring
talk. Captain Jack Barnett of Fox Movie-
tone, veteran staff Sergeant Clifford Wehrle,
lG-year-old veteran of the African campaign,
Canton Operators' Union
Prexy, Long 111, Dead
Canton, O.— Oliver M. Stubley,
67, veteran motion picture operator,
president of Local 671, died at
bis home here after a lingering ill-
ness. He was an operator at the
Dixie, first movie theater here and
for the past 20 years had been an
operator at the Strand, which post
he held at the time of his death.
His widow and a daughter survive.
also spoke. Representing various state
groups at the meeting were Arthur Lehmann
of Mississippi, Morris Barr of Louisiana,
John Friedl of Minnesota, Elmer Rhoden of
Kansas City, Don Rossiter of Indiana, Ralph
Branton of Iowa, B. J. McKenna of Okla-
homa, Harold Fitzgerald of Wisconsin, David
Arthur of St. Louis, A. J. Jameyson of
Kansas, Will Hollander of Illinois.
Meetings of various district groups will
get under way at once.
Cleveland Distributors
Meet on War Loan Drive
Cleveland — Film industry got in-
to the War Bond drive stride yes-
terday when a meeting of distribu-
tors was held in the 20th Century-
Fox screen room. I. J. Schmertz,
20th-Fox branch manager, WAC co-
chairman with W. N. Skirball, pre-
sided in the absence of Skirball.
Canadian Board Cuts
"Bell Tolls" Terms
(Continued from Page 1)
tion by Administrator of Theaters
and Films.
Plan was to roadshow "Bell Tolls"
in the Royal Alexandra Theater here
at $1.50 top, but the Board sryd
that the basic top price of thalty -
ater is 75 cents and rental coula De
no higher than 50 per cent.
In other Canadian theaters regu-
lar prices are pegged for the dura-
tion and the Board stated no excep-
tion could be made for any picture.
Pegging of percentage pictures at
no higher than 50-50 was done for
the protection of exhibitors, it was
stated, and variation from that rule
will not be allowed.
Third War Loan Trailer
Stars Corp. Alan Ladd
By special permission of the U.
S. Army, Corp. Alan Ladd, Air
Corps, will star in a trailer titled
"Letter From A Friend," which is
expected to run in thousands of film
theaters during the Third War Loan.
The War Activities Committee,
which made this announcement yes-
terday asked particularly that ex-
hibitors note that the Ladd trailer
is the only one that is free to pledge-
signing theatermen from their local
National Screen Service exchanges.
The Third War Loan press book an-
nounced that there were two free
trailers from National Screen Ser-
vice, "Letter From A Friend" and
an as yet unnamed film featuring
Rosalind Russell. Circumstances
made a change in handling necessary
and now the Russell film, produced
by Columbia, will be attached to all
newsreels by the five newsreel com-
panies.
"Letter From A Friend" was pro-
duced by the First Motion Picture
Unit of the U. S. Army Air Corps,
of which Alan Ladd is a part. It
was directed by Captain Sherry
Shourds and photographed by Cap-
tain Ted McCord, former Warner
Bros, director and cameraman, re-
spectively. It was "shot" out in
Walla Walla, Washington, at the
Air Base, with the men all giving
up a "leave-day" to get the film
ready in time for the campaign.
A New Vogue?
Since Paramount's Y. Frank
Freeman arrived from the Coast
with a print of "Bell" he seems to
have set a new vogue. Edward C.
Raftery, United Artists president,
delayed his trip East long enough to
bring back with him a print of
"Johnny Come Lately," new James
Cagney starrer produced by Wil-
liam Cagney. Raftery arrived at
Grand Central over the week-end
print in hand for last night's special
screening at Loew's Ziegfeld.
Oie Prize Baby Salutes
Leo the Lion for a
Great Discovery !
'BACK THE ATTACK!
BUY WAR BONDS!
3RD WAR LOAN/"
FROM MOTION
PICTURE DAILY
JUNE 28, 1943
NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE CORPORATION
THE GREATEST MYSTERY IN ALL HISTORY!
with
LUDWIG DONATH • GALE SONDERGAARD
GEORGE DOLENZ • FRITZ KORTNER
LUDWIG STOSSEL • WILLIAM TRENK
Screen Play by Fritz Kortner
Original Story by Fritz Kortner and Joe May
, Directed by James Hogan
Associate Producer, Ben Pivar
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
file copy
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-IF DAILY-
J,. 84. NO. 39
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1943
TEN CENTS
WARNERS' 9-MONTH ^PROFIT AT $5^714,392
See $86,000,000 'Gate' for Garden's Bond Show
H'wood Cavalcade Here
Sept. 11; 10,000 Seats for
Buyers of $100 War Bonds
A War Bond sale of $86,000,000
is seen for the appearance of the
Hollywood Cavalcade at Madison
Square Garden on the night of Sept.
11, it was indicated yesterday by
W. Randolph Burgess, chairman of
the War Finance Committee for
New York State.
Admission will be through the
purchase of war Bonds only. There
are 18,500 seats available for the
event, and, although their sale will
(Continued on Page 9)
Execs. Meet in D. C.
On War Loan Drive
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — E astern industry
leaders gather this morning at Wash-
ington's new Hotel Statler to go over
full details of the part the in-
dustry will play in the Third War
Loan drive next month. Participa-
tion of Hollywood stars in the cam-
(Continued on Page 9)
Oil-Burning Theaters in 17
States Benefit by OPA Rule
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Theaters in 17 states
benefit from the further relaxation
of the rules regarding conversion
of oil burners to coal announced yes-
(Continued on Page 9)
Argentina to Drop
Raw Stoch Control?
Buenos Aires (By Air mail — Passed
by Censor) — The Argentine govern-
ment is relinquishing the control and
distribution of raw film imports, ac-
cording to reliable sources. The
job of supplying raw film to those
producers considered both commer-
cially and ideologically acceptable
will be left to the importers.
The shortage of raw stock may
force the Lumiton Co., one of Ar-
gentina's leading producers, to shut
down.
Detroit Industry Will Dedicate Honor Roll
of Motion Picture Men in Service on Sept. 2
Detroit — All Detroit exchanges, theater supply companies, and allied trades,
will unite on Sept. 2 for the dedication of an Honor Roll of film men in service,
the first to be erected in this city. Dedication will enlist representatives of
major faiths, including a Protestant minister, a Jewish rabbi, and a Catholic
priest.
Arrangements are being made by Charles Garner, branch manager for Artkino
Pictures with Anne V. O'Donnell of PRC as treasurer. Approximately 80 names
will be listed in a permanent Honor Roll to be placed in the lobby of the Film
Exchange Building.
Cuban Exhibs. Fight
Live Talent Decree
Havana (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — War has been declared in
Cuba between theater owners and
artists and musicians. The cause
of the hostilities is the refusal of
theaters to abide by a decree requir-
ing all managers of film houses in
towns of more than 20,000 popula-
tion to put on a program of live
entertainment featuring Cuban tal-
ent at least twice a month or suffer
(.Continued on Page 8)
Want Protection Against
Power Line Failures
Murfreesboro, Tenn. — Movie the-
aters and other electric power users
here, in Lebanon, and in other towns
in Middle Tennessee are demanding
of Tennessee Valley Authority that
(Continued on Page 4)
Gulf Storm Repairs
To Require Months
Dallas — Repairs to theaters in the
Gulf storm area will require about
three months' time, with the recon-
struction work complicated by the
fact that many types of crafts will
be required, according to Jake Elder,
Interstate's construction and main-
tenance superintendent, just re-
turned from a survey of the hurri-
cane-swept territory.
Elder expressed the opinion that
(Continued on Page 8)
Agnew Ups Wirthwein
To Manager in Milwaukee
Promotion of Harold Wirthwein,
Paramount's sales manager in Chi-
cago, to the post of manager of the
Milwaukee branch was announced
yesterday by Neil Agnew, general
(Continued on Page 8)
Gas Cut Hits Film Salesmen
OWI Pix Distribution Seen Hurt by Order
Foundation Physicians
Fight Polio in Chicago
Chicago — Physicians from the In-
fantile Paralysis Foundation, arrived
here yesterday to help fight the spread
of poliomyelitis. Cases in Chicago
and Cook County now total 269, with
21 deaths reported.
St. Louis, Mo.— The "Share-the-
Gas" order of the OPA cutting the
Middle West and Southwest quota
will hurt OWI's motion picture dis-
tribution plans in this section, ac-
cording to reports here.
Salesmen for the various motion
picture exchanges in St. Louis have
been getting enough gasoline to
travel 750 miles per week and by
careful conservation of their mile-
(Continued on Page 8)
Is a Jump of $342,517
Over Previous Year; Fed.
Income Tax $11,600,000
In the nine months ended May
29, 1943, Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.,
and subsidiary companies made a
net operating profit of $5,714,392,
a $342,517 increase over the similar
period of last year, in the face of a
boost in Federal income taxes of
$7,500,000. The net gain was after
all charges, including amortization
and depreciation and provision for
Federal income and excess profits
taxes.
The net operating profit last year
(Continued on Page 4)
Canadian Indies Will
Ask Trade Reforms
Toronto — Annual convention of
the National Council of Independent
Exhibitors of Canada yesterday in-
dicated that the organization would
go to the highest authorities in
(Continued on Page 12)
Alberti Named to Direct
20th-Fox Radio Advertising
Hal Home, 20th-Fox ad-publicity
chief, has appointed Jules Alberti
national director of radio advertis-
(Continued mi Page 4)
Loew's Pichs Femme
Pilot for Cleveland
Cleveland — Mrs. Gertrude L.
Tracy, former relief manager of
Loew's Poli, New Haven, Conn.,
has been appointed managing di-
rector of Loew's Ohio which is un-
dergoing complete rehabilitation in
anticipation of opening in September
with a straight pix policy. Mrs. Tracy,
a native of Scarsdale, N. Y., is the
first woman to become manager of
a local downtown house. Loew's
Ohio, which has been closed for
more than five years, is adjacent to
Loew's State, a 3,300-seat de luxe
"A" house.
!
m
DAILY
Wednesday, August 25, 194!
Vol. 84, No. 39 Wed., Aug. 25, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
PuMished daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1S01 Broadway, New York 18, N.
V., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau. Secretary^Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y-, under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Tuesday, August 24)
Wilmington Dailies Will
'Ration' Advertising Space
Wilmington, Del. — As a result of
newsprint cuts, the News and Jour-
nal here will inaugurate "rationing"
of ad space on Sept. 1, with the
result that local theaters will be re-
quired to reduce their advertising
by at least 15 per cent.
The "rationing," however, is not
expected to affect the national ad-
vertising situation although it is
thought that copy from Philadelphia
amusement places, which frequently
runs in the Wilmington newspapers,
will be tabooed, for the time being
anyway.
The News and Journal have not,
Ha yet, made formal announcement
of their plans but are expected to
release the general "rationing" reg-
ulations within a few days to take
effect the first of the month.
Eaton Freed on Bail to
Await Grand Jury Action
Memphis, Tenn. — John W. Eaton,
owner and manager of the Peabody,
suburban house scene of a fatal ex-
plosion attributed to a substitute
refrigerant which leaked from an
air cooling plant, was freed under
$50,000 bond yesterday following
his arrest on a second degree mur-
der charge. Case now goes to the
Grand Jury. Theater's maintenance
man was fatally burned in the blast.
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
Low Close Chg.
16'/4 I6I/4
High
I6I/4
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd.. 37%
Con. Fm. Ind 2l/2
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . 16
East. Kodak 159 1
do pfd. .
Gen. Prec. Eq 19%
Loew's, Inc 58
Paramount 25
RKO 8
RKO $6 pfd 87
20th Century-Fox . 215/8
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31
Warner Bros 12%
do pfd
NEW YORK
Par. B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48 ....
NEW YORK CURB
Monogram Picts 25/a
Radio-Keith cvs 1%
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor 121/i
Trans-Lux 2%
Universal Picts. vtc... 16l/2
371/4 371/4 — %
21/2 21/2 — l/8
15% 15% + %
587/8 158% — %
19% 19%
575/8 573/4 — 1/4
24% 25 + 1/2
7% 8 + %
86V2 87
2H/2 2H/2 + 1/2
30% 30% + y4
12% 121/4
BOND MARKET
MARKET
2% 2% + l/8
1% 1%
Charles Peskay, Father
Of Ed, Dies in Calif.
Says "Moscow" Impressed
The Russian Masses
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — "Mission to Moscow"
made a deep impression on the Rus-
sian masses as a good-will gesture
from the United States, according to
Mikhail Kalatazov, representative
of the Russian film industry in the
Western Hemisphere. He said the
Russians also acclaimed "The Three
Musketeers," because the Russians
now wish the same ideals of com-
radeship as do Americans.
Kalatazov, who is here to study American
movie technique, is particularly interested in
American musical pictures, which he said
excelled the Russian. He declared Russians
like stories of mood and the soul, and
"there, perhaps, we are your equal." He is
also greatly interested in the handling: of
American history in films and in military
training- films made by the United States
and Britain, stating such pictures are in
constant use at Soviet military schools.
Kalatazov has directed several Russian
features, including "Wings of Victory,"
which deals with life of Valera Chkalov,
Russian hero flyer, who flew over the North
pole, only to die later while testing a new
airplane.
Richard de Rochemont
Slated for MOT Top Spot
Richard de Rochemont, managing
editor of the March of Time, is ex-
pected to succeed Louis de Roche-
mont as producer when his brother
leaves the outfit to assume the du-
ties of a producer of feature films
for 20th-Fox. The March of Time
founder is scheduled to report at
the 20th-Fox studios on the Coast
on Sept. 15.
■ Par;
%■
Charles Peskay, father of Ed Pes-
kay, industry executive, died on the
Coast Saturday and burial will take
place in Chicago. Ed Peskay arrived
in Hollywood on Saturday in con-
nection with several business enter-
prises and his father died that morn-
ing.
12% 121/2
23/4 23/4 — I/4
16 1/4 16i/4 — 1/2
Jones' Distribution Plan
Chicago — Johnny Jones, leaving
for business conferences in New
York, reported that he will distribute
the Film Classics program through
Henri Elman's Capitol Exchange.
Chi. Operators Lose Raise
Chicago— The War Labor Board
has denied the operators' union wage
increase given them by the Chicago
Theater several months ago.
Fred May Stricken
Carrollton, Ky. — Fred May, oper-
ator of The Royal, died following a
cerebral hemorrhage.
B. I. Army Field Theater
Added to Wometco String
Miami, Fla.— Base Theater No 1
Oaks Field, Nassau, B. I. is the
latest addition to the growing list
of theaters owned or operated by
Wometco Theaters, Inc.
Shain Named an Aide to
Spyros Skouras and Kent
Sam Shain has been appointed an
assistant to Prexy Spyros Skouras
of 20th-Fox and to Larry Kent,
Skouras' executive assistant, and as
such will function under Kent, it
was learned yesterday. Additional
duties will not affect his post as
director of trade relations for Hal
Home, ad-publicity chief.
SPG Groups Hear Merrill
Lewis Merrill, head of the United
Office and Professional Workers of
America, discussed the problem of
negotiations at a meeting of the
representative council and the nego-
tiating committee of the Screen Pub-
licists Guild of New York a
UOPWA affiliate, at the offices of
the SPG last night.
GPEC Declares Dividend
Directors of General Precision
Equipment Corp. yesterday declared
a cash dividend of 25 cents per share
on the capital stock, payable Sept.
15 to stockholders of record Sept. 3.
The same amount was paid on June
15.
Teresa Wright Cast in
'Endearing Young Charms'
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood— Samuel Goldwyn has
acquired the screen rights to the
Broadway stage play, "Those En-
dearing Young Charms," and will
co-star Teresa Wright and Dana An-
drews in the film version.
"Bid for Happiness," in which
Goldwyn was to have starred Miss
Wright, will be made later.
A. H. BLANK, president of Tri-States Thea
ter Corp., and Central States Theater Corp,
Paramount Theater associate; C. RALPH BRAW
TON, general manager of Tri-States, and JO
DEITCH, film buyer and booker, are visiti
in New York from Des Moines.
MARK SANDR1CH, producer-director of Para
mount's "So Proudly We Hail," will leave
lywood today for New York to atten
premiere at Radio City Music Hall. H
be accompanied by MRS. SANDRICH.
WES HUSS JR., prexy of Associated Theater
Cincinnati, is in Quebec.
SUSANNA FOSTER arrives in New York toda
from Minneapolis. Miss Foster is accompaniei
by BETTY MITCHELL of Universal Studio publi
city department.
L. W. CONROW, president of Altec Service
is back from a trip through the Middle West.
EDDIE DOWDEN, New York City public re
lations chairman of the WAC, is back fron
Washington, where he conferred with Te»
Gamble, national director of the Treasury's Wa
Finance Division, and Oscar A. Doob, assistan
director, on plans for the New York openin
of the September Bond drive.
STANTON CRIFFIS has returned from thi
Coast.
0. HENRY BRIGCS, PRC prexy, goes to the
Coast at the end of the month.
CEORCE ETTINCER has returned to his Colum
bia stint from a vacation.
ARTHUR DE BRA is back at his MPPDA desk
following a vacation at Pawling.
HENRI ELMAN is in town from Chicago
JACK BARNETT, Fox Movietone News camera-
man who was recently awarded the Order of
the Purple Heart, is in New York for a va-
cation, after 22 months abroad, most of il
in the Mediterranean combat area.
MORRIE ROIZMAN, March of Time film
editor, has returnd from a vacation on the
Coast.
EVA COOPERSTACK, Universal booker, is
vacationing at Grossingers'.
AL O'KEEFE, Universal's Western division
manager, is touring the company's Western
branches.
MIKE POLLER, assistant to Robert Mochrie,
left this week for a brief vacation
Jersey Unit Backs Allied
Resolution on Columbia
Reception for Tom C. Clark
Chicago— Tom C. Clark, Assistant
Attorney General in charge of the
anti-trust division was given a re-
ception by 75 industry and other
representatives at the Palmer House
yesterday.
National Allied 's resolution con-
demning Columbia's shifting of eight
pictures sold on the 1942-43 program
over to the 1943-44 lineup has been
approved unanimously by New Jer-
sey Allied.
Allied's board of directors at its
recent meeting in Baltimore insisted
that the eight pictures involved
should be offered to exhibitors on
the same terms as were asked on
Is st year's contracts.
Sixth for "Mr. Lucky"
"Mr. Lucky" is being held for a
sixth stanza at the Music Hall, start-
ing tomorrow.
>
pp
;,V^
II
ST**
lS 00»HS ^Sfcn..^Q W 0MER e.ct,U1 BUT
22^ • * '
iSSU**
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1-i»«»ls;.!fS
\
'BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN.
V*\lUILY
Wednesday, August 25, 194;
Warner Bros. 9-Mo.
Profit $5,714,392
(Continued from Page 1)
was $5,371,875, with the taxes
amounting to $4,100,000, as against
a tax burden this year of $11,600,-
000, a record for the company.
Provision of $4,500,000 was made
in the nine-month period for net
losses on fixed assets sold subsequent
to May 29, 1943. No provision for
contingencies was required with re-
spect to foreign assets during the
nine months ended May 29, 1943,
whereas the corresponding period
last year a provision of $1,225,000
was made.
The gross income for the nine
months hit the highest level in the
company's history, amounting to
$97,518,625 after the elimination of
inter - company transactions. This
figure compares with $87,790,224 for
the preceding nine-month period.
Cash in the United States on May
29, 1943, stood at $9,767,991, as
against $12,325,615 at Feb. 27.
Net earnings on preferred stock
were equivalent to $57.49 per share
on 99,397 shares outstanding at
May 29, 1943, after deducting shares
held in the company's treasury. Divi-
dends'in arrears on preferred as at
June 1, 1943, amounted to $33.6875
per share. In terms of common
stock, earnings were equivalent to
$1.46 per share on 3,701,090 shares
outstanding (after deducting shares
held in treasury) at May 29, 1943,
after allowance for current dividend
requirements on preferred stock.
Alberti Named to Direct
20th-Fox Radio Advertising
(Continued from Page 1)
ing in line with the company's pol-
icy of making greater use of radio
as a medium of exploitation. Al-
berti recently joined the company
as assistant to President Spyros P.
Skouras.
Alberti formerly was with the
Treasury Department in Washing-
ton handling talent for Bond rallies.
He also was a producer and director
for the NBC Blue Network.
Encore for "Mrs. Miniver"
New Haven — The Bijou, first-run,
will bring back "Mrs. Miniver" on
"demand return engagement" Sep-
tember 3.
Ruby Keeler
John R. Bray
Victor Heerman
John Zanft
The Roaring >43->44:
• • • A GLANCE at M-G-M's first group lor the new season dis-
closes that Bill Rodgers and his lads had a word lor it when they were
planning the initial selling set-up, — as they undoubtedly have for the
rest of the productions in various stages of filming ...... That word is
"balance" The dozen which'll be available next month include
three musicals. "Best Foot Forward," "Girl Crazy," "I Dood It"; as
many comedies, "Whistling in Brooklyn," "Swing Shift Maisie," "Young
Ideas"; the service drama, "Salute to the Marines"; a trio with wartime
backgrounds, "Above Suspicion," "The Adventures of Tartu," "The Man
Down Under"; another in the popular series of mellers, "Dr. Gillespie's
Criminal Case," and the Eric Knight yarn of a dog and a boy, "Lassie
Come Home"
T T T
• • • AMONG 17 completed but not yet set, or still before the
cameras at Culver City, that same balance can be observed
Five are musicals: "Right About Face," "Thousands Cheer," "Broadway
Rhythm," "Meet the People" and "Mr. Co-ed" Comedies are four
in number: "The Heavenly Body," "Little Miss Magic," "Andy Hardy's
Blonde Trouble," and the topical "Rationing" Five dealing with
the present global struggle are, "Cry Havoc," "The Cross of Lorraine,"
"So7ig of Russia," "The White Cliffs of Dover," and "See Here, Private
Hargrove" Three dramas, all of which assume top places on the
new season's roster, are "Madame Curie," "A Guy Named Joe," and
"America" Soon to start are "Kismet," "Meet Me in St, Louis,"
"Dragon Seed" and Canterville Gliost" Again, comedy, music
a>id drama are well interspersed
T ▼ T
• • • The world, it appears, is M-G-M's oyster in '43-'44, as wit-
ness the diversity of locales presented by the line-up A better
understanding of our Allies, and a more accurate picture of our enemies
is behind the planning Use of Technicolor has hit a new high at
Culver City, with the list including "Best Foot Forward," "Lassie Come
Home," "Thousands Cheer," "America," "Broadway- Rhythm," "Dragon
Seed," "Kismet," "Mr. Co-ed" and "Meet Me in St. Louis," — all pro-
duced au naturel
T T ▼
• • • DEALING with our Soviet comrades-in-arms (and in
peace) is "Song of Russia" "White Cliffs of Dover" covers both
global conflicts and the growth of Anglo-American amity "Dragon
Seed," soon to start, is a drama of war-lorn China "America"
depicts the industrial rise of our own laud, and "The Man From
Down Under" is the story of modern-day Australia "The Cross
of Lorraine" slioius the suffering endured in a German prison camp
by a group of patriotic French soldiers "Above Suspicion" tells
of pre-war Germany New Guniea and tlie South Pacific are the
backgrounds of "A Guy Named Joe" "Malta" will dramatize
the most bombed place on earth "Cry Havoc" recounts the role
of civilian nurse aides in the heroic defense of Bataan "Salute to
the Marines" has a Philippine locale, and "Mr. Co-ed" will use Mexico
City as a background for part of the story
T T T
• • • SMART Lion is Leo! You'll notice that one of the main
(or should we say "mane") ideas back of his '43-'44 line-up, aside from
balance, is exploitability Yes, and timeliness Consequently,
the Friendly Company is bound to have a lot closer friendships 'mong
its customers than ever before
▼ T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
TO THE COLORS!
* DECORATED *
LT. MICHAEL S. MANNINC, AAF, formerly <
Eastman Kodak, Rochester, with Air Med,
in Southwest Pacific theater of war.
* COMMISSIONED *
FLICHT OFFICER WILLIAM McMAHON,_
Patrol Force, Coastal Air Patrol
FILM DAILY staff correspondent,
City.
w
* PROMOTED *
CAPT. JACKSON HURFORD, SR., former managi
of the Fox Theater, Detroit, to major.
* ARMY *
Ch
EARL McROBERTS, Film Truck Service^
cago.
ARTHUR BOYLE, Film Truck Service, Chicago.
ELMO BEATTY, Film Row Deliveries, Chicago.
SAMUEL MAZZUCA, operator's union, Chicag
JAMES McCANN, M-C-M booker, Chicago.
DAN REDDEN, manager, Paramount, Seattle.
IRVING FISCHER, shipper, RKO. Seattle.
* NAVY *
WILLIAM HENRY BENNETT, of the Film Build
ing staff, Detroit.
•
* TO OFFICERS SCHOOL *
NICHOLAS HARLOW CRUSIUS, USAAF, forme
screen and stage player, at Miami Beacr
Fla. i
NATHANIEL TANCHUK, USAAF, former pro
ducer-writer, Hollywood, at Miami BeacK
Fla.
BOB TOMLINSON, son of Tommy Tomlinsor
Republic exchange, Seattle.
* NAVAL AVIATION *
JAMES H. BLOOM, assistant, Paramount, Spring
field, Mass.
* WAC*
MARY SITTON, Paramount film inspector, Chi
cago.
Want Protection Against
Power Line Failures
(Continued from Page 1)
additional power feeder lines be af
forded these sections following tw(
complete power failures on succes
sive Saturday nights when all the
aters are filled to capacity.
Patronage of soldiers now 01
maneuvers in this section of Ten
nessee is involved in the demand b;
the theater owners. TVA is able t<
generate sufficient power, but singli
feeder lines are always subject t<
failure.
WEDDING BELLS
Cleveland — Engagement is an
nouneed of Norman Levin to Doro
thy Goodfreund of this city. Levii
was local United Artists city sales
man prior to being drafted into th<
Army, from which he recently ob
tained an honorable discharge. A'
present, he is in war work.
Chicago — Darlene Larson of thi
M-G-M exchange and Ensign Edwarc
Jacklin, USN, were married re|
cently.
Loretta Duffy of the RKO horn
office, and Emanuel Hunt will b
married next Sunday.
I
:< ik REVKIUS OF TH€ IKUJ FILfllS .V .V
"Hoosier Holiday"
with Dale Evans, George Byron
Republic 72 Mins.
MUSICAL IS CROWDED WITH RADIO
PERSONALITIES; PIC SHOULD DO N1CE-
is musical should prove a big lure for
radio fanatics. Most of the entertain-
ment is in the hands of performers of the
air lanes. Those who are not all-out
radio bugs may not find too much to get
enthusiastic about in "Hoosier Holiday."
Their interest is likely to be further re-
duced by the fact that the diversion dished
out by the radio performers is strictly hay-
seed. The film's best chances are in the
smaller situations.
The film doesn't suffer from a dearth
of radio talent. Woven into the action are
the Hoosier Hot Shots, the Music Maids,
George D. Hay ("The Solemn Old Judge"),
Isabel Randolph (the "Mrs. Uppington" of
the Fibber McGee and Molly airer), George
"Shug" Fisher and Lillian Randolph ("Bir-
die"!, the colored cook of the Great Gilder-
r sleeve program. The majority of this talent
is made up of warblers and instrumentalists.
The story has George Byron and the four
members of the Hoosier Hot Shots aggre-
gation as brothers on a Midwestern farm who
are bent on joining the air force. The
head of the draft board (Thurston Hall) in-
sists they are more valuable on the farm
and refuses to grant them a release.
Aware that Hall has no personal liking for
them because their mother jilted him to
be married to their father, the boys start
romancing his five daughters, hoping that
to get rid of them he will permit them to
join up. The scheme, however, boomer-
angs, and the lads find thmselves affianced
to the girls at the end. Of course, by then
the boys have fallen in love with his
daughters.
Byron and Dale Evans are the chief ro-
mantic pairing. Both do nicely. Emma Dunn and
Hall are excellent as Byron's ma and Miss
j;' Evans' father, respectively. Frank McDonald's
direction is peppy. Armand Schaefer
served as associate producer. Dorrell and
! Stuart McGowan did the screenplay from an
idea by Edward James.
CAST: Dale Evans, George Byron, Emma
i Dunn, Thurston Hall, Nicodemus, Ferris
Taylor, Georgia Davis, Hoosier Hot Shots,
1 Music Maids, George D. Hay, Isabel Ran-
dolph, George "Shug" Fisher, Lillian Ran-
; dolph, "Sleepy" Williams and His Three
Shades of Rhythm.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Armand
Schaefer; Director, Frank McDonald; Screen-
play, Dorrell and Stuart McGowan; Based
on idea by Edward James; Cameraman, Reg-
gie Lanning; Musical Director, Morton
Scott; Songs, Johnny Marvin, Charles Hen-
j derson; Film Editor, Ralph Dixon; Sound,
Dick Tyler; Art Director, Russell Kimball;
Set Decorator, Charles Thompson; Dance
Director, Josephine Earle.
DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRA-
PHY, Good.
"Hitler" to Saul Solomon
Saul Solomon of Exclusive Pic-
tures has concluded a deal with Ben
Judell, for the New York distribution
rights to "Hitler, Dead or Alive,"
which premiered at the Globe The-
ater recently. Solomon is also dis-
tributing "Under Secret Orders" fea-
turing Erich Von Stroheim.
"Revenge of the
Zombies"
with John Carradine
Monogram 61 Mins.
HORROR FILM IS AN EXERCISE IN EX-
AGGERATION THAT WILL MEET WITH
FAIR APPROVAL IN SMALL SPOTS.
All reason takes a holiday in the case
of "Revenge of the Zombies," which tells
a fantastic yarn about a mad medico who
devotes himself to the creation of a zombie
with superhuman qualities. The tale is
brought up to date by making the medical
meddler a German who intends to take his
master zombie back to the old country
with him and use it as a pattern for an
army of automatons that will spell victory
for Nazi arms. A sort of secret weapon,
you know.
The film works hard to produce goose
pimples. It should be able to get some
favorable results with those who are suckers
for anything that smacks of horror. The
picture is the sort of entertainment that
will gain a certain measure .of approval
in the small spots. The film doesn't per-
mit of intelligent analysis. To give it its
due, it makes no pretense at being other
than what it is.
The doctor, who goes so far as to turn
his own wife into a zombie, gets into
difficulty with the authorities over his de-
lightful pastime. A hectic and exciting
time is had by all before justice is meted
out. The doc meets an ironic end when
a bunch of zombies created by him turns
upon him. No villain was more deserving
of such a horible exit.
John Carradine plays the doctor who
tinkers with human lives. He is the vil-
lain right down to his heels. His wife is
enacted by Veda Ann Borg. Manton More-
land adds immeasurably to the palatability
of the film with his comedy. Robert
Lowery, Gale Storm, Mauritz Hugo, Barry
Macollum and Bob Steele are others im-
portant to the plot.
Lindsley Parsons produced. Steve Seke-
ly's direction makes for a moderate amount
of suspense. Edmund Kelso and Van Nor-
cross did the screenplay.
CAST: John Carradine, Robert Lowery,
Gale Storm, Veda Ann Borg, Mantan More-
land, Mauritz Hugo, Barry Macollum, Bob
Steele, James Baskett, Mme. Sul-Te-Wan,
Sybil Lewis, Robert Cherry.
CREDITS: Producer, Lindsley Parsons;
Director, Steve Sekely; Screenplay, Edmund
Kelso, Van Norcross; Cameraman, Mack
Stengler; Art Director, David Milton; Sound,
Glen Glenn; Film Editor, Richard Currier.
DIRECTION, So-So. PHOTOGRAPHY,
All Right.
"The Hairy Ape" Scenario
Analyzed by Exhibitors
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — - During the recent
visit here of Bob O'Donnell, Si Fa-
bian and L. C. and R. E. Griffith
for the Third War Loan drive, Jules
Levey, who will produce "The Hairy
Ape" for United Artists release, had
the visiting exhibitors analyze the
scenario by Howard Estabrook and
give suggestions for box office angles
and casting. They were also asked
for ideas for the sales campaign.
"The Renegade"
with Buster Crabbe, Al St. John
PRC 58 Mins.
WESTERN HAS PLENTY OF NOISE AND
VIOLENCE; ST. JOHN COMEDY BIG
HELP.
Here is another exciting chapter in the
saga of Billy the Kid that will entertain
the kids immensely. Again Billy kicks up
a lot of fuss in the cause of justice. Buster
Crabbe plays him with the vigor characteris-
tic of him in the role.
A dishonest mayor is the fly in the oint-
ment in this case. He stops at nothing to
drive the ranchers off the land. What
prompts his villainy is the discovery there
is oil on the land. His attempt to break the
bank which has been advancing money to
the settlers so that they can keep going
is foiled by the smart work of Crabbe and
Al St. John. The action calls for some
hot tussles between Crabbe and the mayor
(Ray Bennett) and his cohorts.
One of the best features of the film is
the comedy of St. John. The picture is
doubly entertaining when the comic is
around. He and Crabbe again make an ex-
cellent team. The main feminine role is
essayed by Lois Ranson. Karl Hackett fills
the role of the bank head well. Bennett
makes an effective chief villain.
The picture, which was produced by Sig-
mund Neufeld, has been directed in slam-
bang fashion by Sam Newfield. The screen-
play was concocted by Joe O'Donnell from
a tale by George Milton.
CAST: Buster Crabbe, Al St. John, Lois
Ranson, Karl Hackett, Ray Bennett, Frank
Hagney, Jack Rockwell, Tom London, George
Chesebro.
CREDITS: Producer, Sigmund Neufield;
Director, Sam Newfield; Screenplay, Joe
O'Donnell; Based on story by George Milton;
Cameraman, Robert Cline; Sound, Hans
Weeren; Musical Supervisor, David Chud-
now; Film Editor, Holbrook N. Todd.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Police Watch Balconies
In Drive on Vandalism
Knoxville, Tenn. — At management
request, balconies and "dark spots"
in several local theaters are being
patrolled by city police in an effort
to prevent vandalism and disturb-
ances. The City Council of Murfees-
boro has passed a curfew ordinance
on two readings and it is expected
to become a law this week. Youths
under 17 years face a 10 p.m. curfew
unless accompanied by one of their
parents. The council would issue
special permits to minors whose em-
ployment would require them to be
out late at night.
Two Col. Pix to Bow Here
Columbia's "Destroyer" opens at
the Criterion next Wednesday while
Col.'s "First Comes Courage," comes
to Loew's State next Thursday.
Legit. Flops in Newark
Newark, N. J. — Stage show policy
flopping, the Adams is back to pix,
vaude and "name" bands. Latter
policy resumed yesterday.
"The Shrine of
Victory"
20th-Fox-Casanave-Artlee 46 Mins.
STORY OF GREECE'S RESISTANCE
AGAINST THE NAZI TERROR MAKES A
DOCUMENTARY WORTH SEEING.
"The Shrine of Victory" is a glowing
tribute to Greek courage and the vivid
record of one of the darkest chapters in
Nazi villainy. The film tells effectively
and interestingly the story of Greek re-
sistance to Nazi force. The production
which should help considerably the Greek
cause in America, will benefit much from
the fact that many Americans will want
to know what manner of people are these
who gave so valiant an account of them-
selves before falling under the superior
weight of the Axis war machine.
The picture is a mixture of travelogue,
newsreel and staged scenes. Although the
editing leaves something to be desired,
the footage serves its purpose well. The
travelogue portion comes at the start of
the picture. This stresses the peacefulness
that characterized Greek existence before
the war. The contrast offered by the
scenes of conflict and German ruthlessness
is painful indeed. The re-enacted sequences
relate the story of a Greek vineyard worker
who escapes to England to join the crew
of a naval vessel being built there for the
Greek navy. This character sums up what
is being done by the Greeks to restore
their freedom. Playing the part is Vras-
sidas Capernaros, a petty officer in the
Greek navy.
The film was made at the Ealing Studios
in England with the collaboration of the
Greek Government and the co-operation
of the Greek arm of the British Mediter-
ranean fleet.
Alberto Cavalcanti is listed as producer
of the film, which was directed by Charles
Hasse from a story by M. Danischewsky.
The commentary is by Frank Owen and
Angus MacPhail. The supervising editor
was Sidney Cole.
This record of Greece's struggle to
preserve its civilization and culture makes
us proud to call that country friend.
Bill Flemion's Three
Sons Now in Services
Detroit — Near-record for a single
Film Row family has been set by
William Flemion, PRC manager,
whose three sons, all formerly asso-
ciated with him in the film business,
are now in the services. William
Flemion, Jr., is chief petty officer,
second class, with the Navy Sea-
bees, Camp Perry, Va.; Richard
Flemion is a sergeant in the Ord-
nance Division, Fort Ord, Ga.;
Charles Flemion is a naval aviation
cadet, assigned to Western Michigan
College, Kalamazoo.
Grand Island Adopts Curfew
Grand Island, Neb. — City council
here has passed a curfew ordinance
which requires children under 17
to be off the city's streets by 10:30
p.m. unless they are with a parent,
guardian or other adult having legal
custody of the child. The ordinance
holds parents responsible in case of
violation.
CLAUDIA with Dorothy McGuire • Robert Young -Ina Claire • Reginald Gardiner
Olga Baclanova • Directed by Edmund Goulding • Produced by William Perlberg
William Goetz in Charge of Production . Adapted for the Screen by Morrie
Ryskind • From the Play by Rose Franken as Produced for the Stage by John Golden
E£
At a
He said you'd triple your New York success— and at
the World Premiere in Omaha — without caravans,
stars and stuff — you did it! Jack Rachman, drama
editor of Omaha's World-Herald had this to say:
"20th Century-Fox is rolling along with another big
one! CLAUDIA definitely heading for top billing in
line-up of outstanding hits! Effect on entire audience
terrific1/' And look at this wire that just came in:
LAUGH A'"D „_ uMjUlG EX^t
„t« W"-* ,W|0H1 OBI"0"' 520*
CENTURY-FOX
BACK THE ATTACK/ BUY WAR BONDS I THIRD WAR LOAN!
Wednesday, August 25, 1943 L
DAILY
Gulf Storm Repairs
To Require Months
{Continued from Page 1)
reconstruction payrolls in the towns
of the storm area largely can recoup
at the box-offices the losses sustained
by theaters.
The Interstate exec, said that ex-
tensive construction will be required
generally through the territory by
all branches of business, complicat-
ing the crafts manpower situation.
Extensive reconditioning and re-
pairs to restore pre-storm facilities
will also be necessary, Elder added.
Agnew Ups Werthwein
To Manager in Milwaukee
(Continued from Page 1)
sales manager. Wirthwein, who
takes over his new duties on Sept.
1, replaces Farnk Clai'k who has
resigned.
Starting at the Milwaukee ex-
change in 1928 as a shipping clerk,
Wirthwein was transferred to the
sales department a year later and
became ad sales manager late in
1929. After becoming a salesman
in Chicago in 1933, he was named
sales manager of the Chicago branch
in July, 1942.
Quebec Parley Notables
See "This Is the Army"
Quebec — Warners' "This Is the
Army" had its first showing in Can-
ada when it was put on by the U. S.
Army at the Capitol Theater here
Monday night for members of the
British-American war conference,
who were invited to the screening by
the Canadian Co-ordination Com-
mittee. The theater was made avail-
able by J. J. Fitzgibbons, president
of Famous Players Canadian.
Among those in attendance were
Lord Louis Mountbatten; Admiral
Ernest J. King, head of the U. S.
fleet; Vice- Admiral Percy W. Nelles,
chief of staff of the Royal Canadian
Navy; Air Marshal L. S. Breadner,
chief of staff of the Royal Canadian
Air Force; Air Marshal Sir Charles
Portal, chief of staff of the RAF.
Cuban Critic Stricken
Havana (By Air Mail) — Mario
Lezcano Abella, critic of the Ad-
vance died of a heart attack here.
His son, Edgardo Lezcano Abella,
succeeded.
STORKS
Miami, Fla. — Mark Chartrand,
manager of the Miami Theater, is
the father of a baby boy, Mark Ray
III.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood- — Richard Carlson, M-
G-M contract player, is the father
of a second son, Christopher Hugh.
Gas Cut Hits Film Salesmen
OWI Pix Distribution Seen Hurt by Order
(Continued from Page 1)
age and using trains and motor buses
where possible to supplement their
autos they have been able to make
their territory on a fairly satisfac-
tory basis, although they formerly
traveled 1,500 miles or more per
month.
Under the new gas order, these
salesmen are being slashed to 480
miles per month, if they are able to
ayerage 15 miles per gallon of gaso-
line.
In the first eight months of this
year more than 50 per cent of the
salesman's time on the road has been
devoted to OWI films, and this sec-
tion has been one of the nation's
leaders in the use of Government
films. But that promises now to be a
thing of the past. In a territory that
is 350 miles long and some 350 miles
wide it is apparent how hard the OPA
has hit the industry here. One trip to
Jefferson City would take a two
week's supply of gasoline.
Salesmen who with the fullest use
of their autos have been able to make
from 15 to 21 towns per week under
the new regulations will be lucky to
make four or five. Many of the
towns in Eastern Missouri, Southern
Illinois, Northwestern Arkansas and
Northwestern Kentucky have but one
train a day. So if a salesman uses
the rail lines, he is stranded there
for from 24 to 48 hours and fre-
quently salesman will be unable to
get on trains at many spots in their
territory. The best trains between
Chicago and St. Louis make no stops
between Springfield, St. Louis and
those coming from the East miss most
of the towns in Southern Illinois. All
of which sums up to the elimination
of hundreds of theaters from regular
service from film salesmen, it is
claimed here.
Film "Ukraine in Flames"
Far Behind the Nazi Lines
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Shooting on the new
Russian picture "The Ukraine in
Flames" is proceeding now far be-
hind the Nazi lines according to the
Soviet Embassy. The picture con-
cerns the struggle of the Ukrainian
people against their German con-
querors, underground and guerrilla
warfare and Soviet cameramen have
drifted far behind the German lines
to shoot their film apparently living
among guerrilla bands. There was
no information available as to how
much footage has been received from
these crews.
Footage has already been received,
however, from most of the 17 cam-
eramen who crossed the enemy lines
to shoot for the documentary on guer-
rilla warfare entitled "The People's
Avengers," and on several occasions
behind the lines footage has been
shown in Soviet newsreels it was
reported here.
Grovas, Mexican Studio,
To Make Eight for 1944
Mexico City (By Air Mail)— Gro-
vas Productions plans to make eight
pictures for the 1944 program, first
of which goes into production this
week. Two new stages are being
added to the studio.
First three pictures on the sched-
ule are "Una Carta de Amor" ("A
Love Letter), "La Mujer Sin Alma"
("The Woman Without a Soul"),
and "Nana."
Pal Working Two Shifts
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — A rush of work has
caused George Pal to put his Pup-
petoon Studio on two eight-hour
shifts, with the studio now open
from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
First "Film Bulletin"
Plugs Third War Loan
"One Day Sooner," the first of
the briefer "Film Bulletins" to be
produced under the new WAC war
information film program, has been
completed by Columbia and stars
Rosalind Russell. Three-minute
briefie will serve as an advance
for the industry's participation in
the Third War Loan.
Pie will travel to approximately
10,000 theaters in newsreel cans, at-
tached to the five regular newsreels.
Additional circulation through the
customary WAC distribution chan-
nels will bring the Bond-selling mes-
sage to audiences in a combined to-
tal of more than 15,000 theaters.
This unique method of distribu-
tion means that the film will reach
its maximum audience in perhaps
half the 16 weeks necessary for the
usual WAC release, and is expected
to_ do much to aid exhibitors with
this campaign.
Blumenstock Sends 3
On Field Assignments
Three members of Mort Blumen-
stock's publicity department at
Warners left yesterday for the
South and Southwest to work on
special premieres of Irving Berlin's
"This is the Army." Will Yolen went
to Dallas, Irving Yergin to New Or-
leans and Abe Kronenberg en-
trained for Atlanta, Jacksonville and
Miami.
"Corregidor" Over Butterfield
Detroit — William Flemion, PRC
manager, reports booking of "Cor-
regidor" to play the entire Butter-
field Circuit, largest in Michigan.
PRC has also booked "Gangs, Inc."
for 14 Detroit theaters day and
date, and reports a flood of calls
for playdates that is taxing the
available supply of prints.
Cuban Exhibs. Fight \
Live Talent Decree ''
(Continued from Page 1)
a fine. The decree was signed by
President Batista.
In taking a stand against the de-
cree the National Union of Exj^\<
tors accuses the Government of ^P-'
ing to ruin the theater business. The
exhibitors maintain that it would
be impossible at present scales to
show a profit with live entertainment
added to their programs. They as-
sert a 20 to 25 per cent boost in ad-
mission prices would be necessary.
Conversely, they feel that the pub
lie would be averse to paying higher
admissions.
It is also pointed out that many
theaters have no facilities for put-
ting on stage shows. Such theaters,
it is asserted, would have to shut
down if the decree were enforced.
The artists, who are in a bad way
because of the lack of a national
film industry and because the radio
stations go in for amateur hours,
recordings and foreign talent, have
started picketing the Havana houses.
In their campaign against the ex-
hibitors they also are using street
demonstrations, pamphlets and other
means of gaining the public sym-
pathy. The exhibitors are counter-
ing with a campaign using radio,
press and newsreels.
The National Union of Exhibitors
has suggested that the Government
solve the problem of unemployment
among artists and musicians by
building a national theater or sev-
eral municipal ones, directed and ad-
ministered by the Government.
I. H. Cooper Foundation
Leases Lincoln's Stuart
Lincoln, Neb. — A lease giving the
J. H. Cooper Foundation use of the
Stuart theater, and Lincoln Theater
Corp. offices until 1961, has been
filed in the office of the register of
deeds.
The lease reveals that the lessee
is to pay $20,800 a year rental. That
is to be the maximum unless 15 per
cent of the theater's gross income
is greater than $400 a week.
To Reopen Danbury Capitol
Danbury, Conn. — The Warner,
Capitol, closed for the Summer,, re-
opens Sept. 5, with policy of
four changes a week, 1-2-2-2. The
house has been closed for the Sum-
mer. Manager has not yet been an-
nounced.
BACK IN CIVVIES
Honorably Discharged
MORRIE SEGAL, from the Army, to United
Artists sales staff, Seattle.
U. E. CRICK, from the Army, to M-G-M ex-
change, Memphis.
CLENCENA MAY, from the WAAC, to Ev
saness Circuit, Chicago.
Wednesday, August 25, 1943
3fe
See An $86,000,000
Cavalcade "Gate"
(Continued from Page 1)
represent $86,000,000 in Third War
Loan extra Bonds, Madison Square
Garden has been scaled to give the
'■erage man a chance to see the
— o dozen outstanding film stars,
'nurgess said.
Since the Third War Loan is ex-
pected to bring about the purchase
of an extra $100 War Bond by every
. person in the country, the largest
block, 10,000 seats, has been allo-
cated to this price. There are 1,800
seats to be given away for the pur-
chase of $25 Bonds; 2,000 seats to
go to $50 Bond purchasers and 2,000
tickets for buyers of $500 bonds.
-Among the stars who will appear
are Edward Arnold, Fred Astaire,
I Lucille Ball, Jimmy Cagney, Greer
Garson, Cary Grant, Judy Garland,
Kay Kyser and his band, Hedy La-
i marr, Dorothy Lamour, Myrna Loy,
Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Mickey
Kooney, Red Skelton and others.
Leo Brecher is chairman of the
industry's committee sponsoring the
affair.
Conn. Theaters Organize
For War Bond Loan Drive
New Haven — Following a second
organization meeting at the Hotel
Taft, for the Third War Loan cam-
paign at which I. J. Hoffman, War-
ner zone head, and Harry F. Shaw,
Loew-Poli division manager pre-
sided, eight county chairmen, and
17 key men throughout the state,
have been appointed to carry on
the theater work before and during
the campaign.
County chairmen include Harry F. Shaw,
Loew-Poli, New Haven; Matt Saunders, Poli,
Bridgeport: J. J. Scanlon, Warner, Torring-
ton; Fred Greenway, Palace, Hartford; Er-
nest Dorau, Middlesex, Middletown: Joseph
Miklos, Palace, Norwich; R. B. Hamilton,
Gem, Willimantic. Assisting' are Alexander
Hamilton, Empress, South Norwalk; Samuel
Weiss, Stamford, Stamford; Rohert E. Rus-
sell, John Hesse and Jim Darby, of the
Loew-Poli, Roger Sherman, and Paramount,
New Haven; D. Rich, Cameo, Bristol: J.
Borenstein, Embassy, New Britain: J. San-
son, State, Manchester; Henry Needles, Strand,
Hartford; Morris Harris, State, Hartford:
T. Grace, Garde, New London; J. Murphy.
Capitol. New London; J. Boyle, Broadway,
Norwich; J. W. Smith, State. Waterbury;
Edward Fitzpatrick, Poli, Waterbury: H. J.
Harvey, Palace, Danbury: Joseph Samartano,
Palace, Meriden: Leo Ricci, Capitol, Meriden.
IN NEW POSTS
HAROLD WIRTHWEIN, manager, Paramount
Milwaukee exchange.
ALBERT MONTEFALCO, manager, Roxy, New
Britain, Conn.
E. A. COEN, salesman, Metro, St. Louis.
WILLIAM "Bud" WEIGEL, salesman, Metro,
Cincinnati.
JAMES A. STANCARONE, ad-publicity assistant,
March of Time.
BILL CLARK, former PRC salesman, to mana-
ger, Richard Theater, Flint, Mich.
VINCENT MURPHY, Paramount salesman, Los
Angeles.
E. E. BAUERMAN, Paramount booking manager,
Los Angeles.
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
Execs. Meet in D. C.
On War Loan Drive
ASSIGNMENTS
TERESA WRIGHT, DANA ANDREWS, "Those
Endearing Young Charms," Sam Goldwyn.
CASTINGS
DONALD O'CONNOR, ANN BLYTHE, "The
Third Clory," Universal; JOSEPH VITALI, "Dan-
gerous Journey," RKO; HENRY MORGAN,
ROBERT BAILEY, "The Eve of St. Mark,"
20th-Fox; LON CHANEY, JOHN CARRADINE,
ACQUANETTA, "The Mummy's Ghost," Uni-
versal; RICHARD FRASER, SAMUEL S. HINDS,
"When Ladies Fly," Universal-Wanger.
loa'ned
JUDITH GIBSON and JOEL FRIEND, dance team,
by Paramount to Monogram.
IDA LUPINO by Warners to 20th-Fox.
■ STORY PURCHASES
JACK McGOWAN's "Oh, You Kid," M-G-M.
TITLE SWITCHES
"The Case of the Dangerous Blondes," formerly
"Restless Lady," Columbia.
"The Chance of a Lifetime," formerly "The
Gamble of Boston Blackie," Columbia.
"Mr. Muggs Steps Out," formerly "The Honor
System," Monogram.
"Gangway for Tomorrow," formerly "An Ameri-
can Story," RKO.
NEW TERMERS
JOHN FARROW, director, Paramount.
SCHEDULED
"The Purple Heart," producer, DARRYL F.
ZANUCK; story, JERRY CADY; technical
advisor, OTTO TOLISCHUS, 20rh-Fox.
"The Devil's Apprentice," producer, JACK
SCHWARZ; story LARRY WILLIAMS;
screenplay, MARTIN MOONEY, PRC.
"True to the Navy," musical, by KARL TUN-
BERG and DARRELL WARE, Paramount.
"Claudia," sequel, 20th-Fox.
Oil-Burning Theaters in 17 j Clark to Confer With
States Benefit by OPA Rule ! Film Execs, on Monday
(.Continued from Page 1)
terday by OPA, extending the area
in which users of under 10,000 gal-
lons of oil annually need not con-
vert. Last May the removal of con-
vertibility tests for theaters and
other commercial buildings in the
New England states, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska
and Missouri was announced, with
no conversion required in the Pa-
cific Northwest, Florida or the East-
ern part of Georgia regardless of how
much oil is used.
The objective is. according to OPA of-
ficials, "to save the greatest amount of
fuel oil with the use of the smallest quantity
of iron, steel and other critical materials
necessary for conversion. The small con-
versions which are eliminated by this
action use a disproportionate amount of
scarce materials, require the least plentiful
types and sizes of coal and place the great-
est strain upon the already burdened retail
coal delivery facilities.'' Users of over
10.000 gallons will still be questioned re-
garding; convertibility.
Thus, theaters which used 10,000 gallons
of oil or less during the 1942-43 season
need not convert to coal if they live in the
11 states named above or New York, Penn-
sylvania. New Jersey. Delaware. Maryland,
West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina,
Ohio, Kentucky. Indiana, Illinois, Michigan,
Wisconsin, Iowa. Minnesota and the Dis-
trict of Columbia.
Local 152 Drafts Scales
New wage scales have been drawn
up by the recently organized Motion
Picture Theater Managers and Em-
ployes Union, Local 152, CIO, for
submission this week to Loew's,
RKO, Skouras, Brandt and other
circuits, according to D. F. Bar-
reca, president of the union. The
union is asking $100 for managers,
$50 for assistants, $30 for doormen
and cashiers, $20 for ushers. These
scales are based on a 40-hour week.
Metro's Four on Broadway
M-G-M will have four first-run
features on Broadway this week-end.
"Hitler's Madman" will have its New
York premiere Friday at the Rialto,
while "Salute to the Marines" bows
in at the Globe the following day.
"Best Foot Forward," now in its
ninth week, continues at the Astor,
while "Du Barry Was A Lady" holds
for a second stanza at the Capitol.
Chicago — Assistant Attorney Gen-
eral Tom C. Clark will address U. S.
district attorneys this afternoon at
the Chicago war-time regional con-
ference, bringing them the latest re-
ports on the consent decree and war-
time frauds. He leaves tomorrow
morning for Fargo, N. D., to address
a meeting to be held there returning
to Washington for conferences Mon-
day with film producers which he
said, will be an important meeting.
Attorney General Biddle addresses
wartime conference lawyers asso-
ciation at the Drake Hotel at the
banquet tonight.
Take 16 mm. Pix to Remote
Areas of Venezuela
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — According to word re-
ceived by the Motion Picture Society
for the Americas, American and
British business firms in Venezuela
are helping to bring up-to-date films
to remote communities in that coun-
try, many of which had never seen
a movie before.
The firms, scattered through the
rich, oil-bearing areas of coastal and
eastern Venezuela have been co-
operating with local representatives
of Inter - American Affairs to
bring 16 mm. shorts, newsreels
and features to their employes and
other inhabitants of the area.
Reopen Milwaukee Theaters
Milwaukee, Wis. — Fox has re-
opened the Lincoln, and the Mirth.
Former was remodelled, and equip-
ped with new seats, projection
equipment, and screen.
Two Move in Minneapolis
Milwaukee, Wins. — Film Arts
Corp., commercial trailer company,
and Astor Pictures, are now located
in new offices at 725 W. Wells St.
Polio Restricts Juve Attendance
Chicago — First local theater to
restrict juvenile attendance as a re-
sult of the polio outbreak is the
Berwyn, West Side suburban.
(Continued from Page 1)
paign will be one of the main points
of today's discussion, with programs
to be worked out for the appear-
ance of the Hollywood caravan in
numerous cities. The meeting will
see also an exchange of promotion
ideas from various regions in the
East.
At 4:15 industry leaders will be
aired in a closed circuit broadcast
by the Mutual Broadcasting System,
expected to reach about 5,000 exhi-
bitors throughout the country, who
will be guests of the local MBS sta-
tions. Speakers will include L. C.
Griffith, general chairman of the
industry committee for the drive,
Ted Gamble, Oregon exhibitor new
serving as special assistant to
Treasury Secretary Henry Morgen-
thau, Si Fabian, WAC theaters chair-
man, C. B. Akers, industry campaign
director and Francis S. Harmon,
WAC co-ordinator.
Regional WAC leaders will meet in the
morning, with a luncheon to follow at
which Treasury officials will be guests.
All exhibitors from the local area are in-
vited to attend the afternoon session.
Invited to Attend
Invited to be present will be motion picture
operators from the District of Columbia.
Virginia and Maryland in addition to such
nationally known industry representatives
as Joseph E. Bernhard, WB vice-president:
William F. Rodgers, and H. M. Riehey. M-G-M:
Charles Moskowitz. Lowe's. Inc.: Leonard
Goldenson. Paramount Theaters: I. J. Hoff-
man, zone manager Warner Bros.. New
England; W. K. Jenkins, Lucas & Jenkins
Theaters, Georgia; R. J. O'Donnell. Inter-
state Circuit, Dallas; M. A. Lightman,
MPTOA vice-president; Harry Browning, pub-
licity director M & P Theaters. Boston:
Myer Schine, Schine Circuit: H. F. Kincey,
Wilby-Kincey Theaters. North Carolina: M.
A. Silver, Warner Bros., zone manager,
Pittsburgh; Frank A. Hornig, Maryland:
J. C. Shanklin. West Virginia Managers
Association: Pete Wood, Secretary, Ohio
ITOA: D. B. Jacocks. zone manager WB
Theaters. New Jersey; R. H. Kennedy. Bir-
mingham: M. S. McCord, Little Rock: Harry
Shaw New Haven; Lewis S. Black, Wilming-
ton: J. L. Cartwright, Tampa: A. Higgin-
bothan. New Orleans: Connie Russell.
Bangor, Maine; Sam Varbalow, Camden:
Nick Basil, Buffalo: L. R. Golding. Albany:
I. Libson. Cincinnati: A. Frudenfeld. Cin-
cinnati: William Skirball. Cleveland: Warren
Irwin. Columbia, S. C; Robert E. Bryant.
Rockhill; Hermit Stengel. Nashville: W. F.
Crockett, Virginia Beach.
"Rhine" Dubbed in German
"Watch on the Rhine" is under-
stood to be the first American film
to be dubbed in German for showing
in Germany after the Nazis' capitu-
lation to the United Nations.
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
MISS N. C. SCHAEFFER, manager, La Plazi
Theater, St. Petersburg, Ha.
MRS. CLETA BOWMAN, assistant, Crand,
Grand Island, Neb.
MRS. GERTRUDE L. TRACEY, manager, Loew's
Ohio, Cleveland.
BETTY APPLEBY, office staff, National Scraen,
Seattle.
CARLOTTA PORTER, booker, Paramount, Char-
lotte, N. C.
Exhibitors can
count on exten-
sive grosses .Thrills,
throbs, roman
packed into first
rate film. Ace con-
tribution to war-
inspired fi
FILM DAIL
Standout. Top
revenue. Grip-
I
BOX OFFICE
with GLENN FORD
MARGUERITE CHAPMAN
EDGAR BUCHANAN
Screen Play by Frank Wead, Lewis Meltzer and Borden Chase . Produced by
LOUIS F. EDELMAN • Directed by WILLIAM A. SEITER • A COLUMBIA PICTURE
Should hit pox Office
bull's-eye. One of best
lilms about U. S. Nov
to plow across screen."
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"Packed with situations
audiences will enjoy.
Fast moving melodrama
as all the angles."
THE EXHIBITOR
"Exciting, timely enter-
ainment. Appeal to
en and women.
DAILY VARIETY
Rousing, full-bodied
story of ship. Makes
home with plenty to
spare.
H MP DAILY
"Fine example of what
swell entertainment can
be put into picture with
war theme."
SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW
"Excellent. 'Destroyer'
rings true as the steel
of her keel."
M P HERALD
BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAM!
■MM
m r
13
NC
12
2 i)W 4-4- S T
N Y C
Canadian Indies Will
Ask Trade Reforms
(Continued from Page 1)
seeking reforms in the trade situa-
tion, brought about by conditions
created by Government regulations.
It was reported that the members
proposed to present recommenda-
tions on Government control of the
film industry, manpower problems,
restrictions on theater construction,
priorities on theater equipment and
supplies and classification of films
in contracts for the new season.
The recommendations will be
made to Chairman Donald Gordon
of the Wartime Prices and Trade
Board, Labor Minister Humphrey
Mitchell, who holds the direction of
national Selective Service regula-
tions, and others.
Convention is being held at the
King Edward Hotel, with President
Ben Freeman of the Ontario Inde-
pendent Exhibitors Association act-
ing as chairman at a luncheon yes-
terday when special guests included
Mayor Fred J. Conboy, Controller
Fred Hamilton, J. J. Fitzgibbons, R.
G. McMullen and others.
Stricter Moral Standards
For Mex. Pix Censorship
Mexico City (By Air Mail) — Amer-
ican films destined for exhibition
South of the border will be sub-
jected to stiffer censorship require-
ments than formerly, it is disclosed
by the Mexican Department of
State. Expressing its dissatisfac-
tion with the working of the code
covering both native and foreign
productions, the censor's office at-
tached to the department has de-
clared its intention of exerting a
stricter supervision over the morals
of Mexican moviegoers.
In announcing the projected tight-
ening of standards, a Government
spokesman said:
"One of the principal functions
of the State is to watch over public
education and see that the moral
laws governing society are not dis-
turbed by propaganda inciting vio-
lation of the law, treason, hatred,
crime, prostitution, vice, and bad
habits that defeat the goal of mak-
ing the younger generation strong,
sound of body and of mind, capable
of serving the country and itself."
Under the present set-up local pro-
ducers submit scripts for review be-
fore production and the finished
films afterwards. However, the pol-
icy of granting a limited approval
to some productions has recently
drawn forth considerable criticism.
Particularly outside the capital, it
is pointed out, it has proven difficult
to prevent children and minors from
attending performances licensed ex-
clusively for grown-ups'.
Elinor Fishman Feted
New Haven — Elinor Fishman, re-
signing 20th-Fox booker, was given
a farewell buffet supper and gift
by the staff.
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
Omaha — World premiere of "Claudia"
has netted $1,700 for The Omaha World-
Herald's "Smokes for Service Men's" fund,
Ted Emerson, manager of the Paramount
where the event was held, has announced.
The amount turned over to the fund will
go to purchase 750,000 cigarets for Ameri-
cans overseas.
... — V ... —
Mystic, Conn. — John P. Findlay, operator
of the Strand, is head of civilian defense
in Stonington.
. . . _ V . . . —
New York City exhibitors who since
Feb. 8, have been participating in a cam-
paign to enlist blood donors for the Red
Cross have sent over 26,772 registrants to
that organization's blood banks to date.
. . . _ V. . . —
Pawtucket, R. I. — Martin R. Toohey,
manager of Leroy Theater, is general chair-
man of a current civic campaign to raise $7,-
000 for Servicemen's Lounge in downtown
Pawtucket. Opened several months ago,
lounge already has played host to 1,100
men in uniform.
... — V ... —
Theaters throughout the nation will aid
a recruitment drive for the Army Nurse
Corps and its sister organization the Navy
Nurse Corps concurrently with the exhi-
bition of Paramount's "So Proudly We
Hail," which will be launched during the
25th Anniversary Paramount Week, Sept.
5-11.
Providence Playhouse
Legit. Season Drama Off
Providence — Playhouse Theater
went dark Saturday night at termi-
nation of its previously announced
10-week season of drama. Stage
shows did not come up to previous
season's in box-office take, blame
resting in extended heat wave dur-
ing season and, most of all, to
OPA's ban on use of automobiles.
This was markedly evident in out-
of-town orders for tickets, many
regulars of other seasons not being
on the books this year. Film stars
proved best money-getters during
season, with Constance Bennett top-
ping list, Glenda Farrell in closing
week also rating well up in the cash
books.
Fish Reports to Warners
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Michael J. Fish, for
10 years chief of the Chicago Times
photographic staff, has taken up his
duties as assistant in charge of
photography under Alex Evelove at
Warners studio. Fish joined War-
ners several weeks ago and has been
making a tour of the country before
checking in at Burbank.
Down to Four-Day Operation
Washington Depot, Conn. — For the
time in nine years, Joseph
first
Reed has cut the Bryan Memorial
program from full time to four-a-
week.
Wednesday, August 25, 1943
Mystery Marvel
Of The War,
In Paramount's
THE CITY THAT
STOPPED HITLER
Heroic Stalingrad
V
Our next big war job— Third War Loan September 9th-20th
In Today's Issues The Equipment News Section
(See Pages 7 and 8)
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Picture*
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAILY
Q:
84, NO. 40
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1943
TEN CENTS
THEATERS NOT ESSENTIAL, HOLDS McNUTT
Griffith Of fers 9-Point Plan for War Bond Sales
Exhib. Leaders Hear Pep
Talk on Bond Drive Over
209-Station MBS Hookup
Exhibitors who want to do some-
thing for the Third War Loan were
given nine suggestions by L. C.
J Griffith, national chairman of the
Imotion picture industry's participa-
tion in the campaign, on a 209-sta-
Ition closed circuit broadcast yester-
Iday through the courtesy of the
| Mutual Broadcasting System.
Speaking from Washington to ex-
hibitors gathered in the studios of
the Mutual network in 209 cities,
Griffith said that if a theater man
(Continued on Page 3)
Every House Can Have
iWar Bond Premiere
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — "Every theater in
America can have a War Bond pre-
miere if it wants," William F. Rodg-
ers, M-G-M sales chief, told the
WAC Bond meeting here yesterday.
"All distributors have agreed to fur-
nish pix for War Bond premieres
two weeks in advance of scheduled
(Continued on Page 6)
SPG Acts to Expedite
Collective Bargaining
Development of a program to ex-
pedite completion of the collective
bargaining between it and nine film
companies was announced yesterday
b>' the Screen Publicists Guild of
New York, UOPWA. The program
(Continued on Page 6)
Fine Montreal Exhib.
For Over-Charging
Montreal — Joseph Cardinal, opera-
tor of the Starland Cinema, pleaded
guilty before Judge Fred T. En-
right yesterday to selling admissions
to his theater at a price higher than
charged during the basic period,
contrary to Wartime Prices and Trade
Board regulations. He was fined
$200 and costs.
Canadian Indies OUay
Reform Resolutions
Toronto — Resolutions pertaining
to Federal control of the industry
and other conditions affecting un-
affiliated theater owners were ap-
proved yesterday at the closing ses-
sion of the annual convention of
the National Council of Independent
Exhibitors of Canada. It was reported
that the motions will be presented
in the form of briefs to the Gov-
ernment without delay as they deal
with product and rental terms for
the new season. Sessions were
closed and it was announced that
other developments would be made
public later.
Says Pix Did Greatest
Single Job in War
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The greatest single
job ever done by any industry _ in
this war was done by the motion
picture industry during the first
War Loan drive last September
when from 250 to 300 million dol-
(Continued on Page 6)
Clark to Discuss Consent
Decree With Pix Reps. Mon.
Chicago — Tom C. Clark, assistant
to the Attorney General in charge
of the anti-trust division, said he
would meet Monday in Washington
(Continued on Page 6)
War Manpower Chief Lauds Industry, But Tells WAC
Meeting in Washington Essential Rating Impossible;
Will Confer with Committee on Draft Clarification
By ANDREW H. OLDER Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — "The answer, in two letters, is 'no'," Paul V.
McNutt, WMC chief replied yesterday when asked whether
theatres could be held essential. McNutt appeared before the
morning session of the WAC meet-
ing at the Hotel Statler to answer
questions from exhibitors regarding
the manpower outlook.
Although his remarks were de-
clared off the record at the meeting,
McNutt later told The Film Daily
to feel free to use whatever part
might be valuable information to
(Continued on Page 6)
Vandalism Increases
In Boston Theaters
Boston — Vandalism in the local
theaters is again on the increase and
the managers are admitting that
drastic measures must be taken in
some instances.
Teen-agers are no, great problem,
according to most of the managers,
for they find younger patrons can be
handled with a bit of warning, and
sometimes a fatherly word of advice.
"Parents are to be blamed more
than the teen-agers," said the mana-
ger of one of the largest de luxers,
(Continued on Page 2)
Biz Off as Harvesting
Starts; Fall Looks Good
A temporary slump in theater at-
tendance in sections where harvest-
ing is under way is noted by box-
office receipts. Slump is particularly
noticeable this year in the vicinity
of Sioux Falls, S. D., where the
populace is going all-out to bring
(Continued on Page 3)
Theaters Over Equip. 'Hump*
Essential Supply Will be Available— Nelson
Extend Transfer Period
For Crescent Records
Nashville, Tenn. — Federal Judge
Elmer D. Davies yesterday extended
to Oct. 25 the time for transfer of
records in the Crescent anti-trust ac-
tion to the U. S. Supreme Court for
an appeal hearing on the issue of
theater acquisitions.
Extension means that Judge Dav-
(Continued on Page 3)
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington— Theaters are "over
the hump" on their equipment prob-
lems, the WAC theaters group meet-
ing here at the Hotel Statler yester-
day was told by WPB Director Don-
ald M. Nelson. "You've had plenty
of problems," Nelson said. "Man-
power and supplies, I suppose, have
been most important. I can't help
you on manpower, but I can tell you
(Continued on Page 6)
Warners Inventory
At All-Time High
Continued increase in production
costs, with top-bracket pictures now
involving an average investment of
around $1,500,000, is reflected in
the latest Warners financial state-
ment issued yesterday.
Analysis of the latest consolidated
balance sheet shows the highest in-
(Continued on Page 3)
MPPDA to Honor British
Minister of Information
Brendan Bracken, British Minister
of Information, will be the guest of
the MPPDA at a luncheon today at
the Waldorf-Astoria. Bracken will
come here from Quebec where he
has been one of the key figures in
(Continued on Page 2)
Radio News Summary
at Rochester Palace
Rochester — A one-minute summary
of the news, by direct wire from
WHEC, is now being featured three
times daily at the RKO Palace here.
The news summary follows the
newsreel and is given over the pub-
lic address system by news commen-
tators from WHEC. It is popular
with audiences.
mm
Thursday, August 26, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 40 Thurs., Aug. 26, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE :
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN
Publisher
Ceneral Manager
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
tf., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New Yurk
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco- Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
i(Wednesday, August 2'5):
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd. 37 37 37 — y4
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd
East. Kodak 158 158 158 — %
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq 20l/2 195/s 20 -f 5/8
Loew's, Inc 58i/2 57% 58i/2 + %
Paramount 255/s 25 25% + %
RKO 8% 8 8
RKO $6 pfd 88 88 88 +1
20th Century-Fox . . . 21 % 21 1/2 21 %
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31l/4 31 3iy4 + %
Warner Bros 12% 123/8 12'/2 + l/4
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par B'way 3s55
Warner Bros. dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs 1 '/2 13/8 l3/8
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor 12% 125/8 12% + %
Trans-Lux 23,4 23^ 23,4 — i/4
"Sammy" to Run on Boards
A dramatization of "What Makes
Sammy Run" is listed for production
in January by the recently organized
legit, producing towsome of B. P.
Schulberg and Marion Gering. The
author of the novel of Hollywood
life is Schulberg's son, Bud Schul-
berg. Hal Korda will function as
executive assistant to Schulberg.
ACE MANPOWER for ANY JOB
AVAILABLE NOW— CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Aoeney)
331 MADISON AVE., N. Y.
Tel. MU. 2-6494
cominG rrd come
u
J. D. KENDIS, president of Continental Pic-
tures, Hollywood is at the Edison.
DAVID ROSE has returned to London via
Clipper.
JOSEPH MOSKOWITZ has arrived from the
Coast.
CEORCE J. SCHAEFER is in Hollywood.
FRANK N. PHELiPS, Warner Theaters' ex-
ecutive in charge of labor relations, left last
night for Washington, where he will remain
the rest of the week.
BEN KALMENSON, general sales manager for
Warners, leaves today for a cross-country tour
on "This is the Army" deals, with Chicago
as his first stop.
FRED MEYERS, Universal division manager,
was in Albany with Jere Spandau to make
calls on Fabian and Warner circuits.
EDWARD X. CALLAHAN, 20th Century-Fox
district manager, returned to Boston after
spending two days in Albany.
LOU COLDINC, Fabian district manager, Al-
bany and WAC chairman there, is in Washington
with SI FABIAN.
ROBERT E. RUSSELL, on a three months'
leave of absence from the Loew-Poli manager-
ship, is New Haven, is stopping at Friend's
Lake, New York.
ARTHUR GOODMAN, film editor of the
Rochester Times-Union, is on vacation.
MICHAEL J. MUNCOVAN, head of the Stage
Hands Union in Rochester, and a vice-president
of the N. Y. State Federation of Labor, is in
Buffalo for sessions of the Federation's an-
nual convention.
RAYMOND SCHOSBERG, in charge of candy
sales for Paramount, is in Rochester, on
business.
ED HOWARD, manager of the RKO Temple,
Rochester, and MRS. HOWARD, are visiting in
New York this week.
JOHN POLLOCK, general manager for John
Golden, the Broadway producer is back from
the Coast.
JULES FIELDS of the 20th Century-Fox ex-
ploitation department is back from Atlantic
City, where he handled the Eastern premiere of
"Claudia" at the Apollo Theater there.
JONAS ROSENFIELD, JR., of the 20th Century-
Fox publicity department leaves this week
for a vacation trip to Maine.
CHARLES KRAMPF of the 20th Century-
Fox advertising department is back from two
weeks in the Catskills.
JULES ALBERTI, director of radio advertising
of 20th Century-Fox, is in New Haven.
DAVID HERSH, president of the Ideal Factor-
ing Corp., leaves for the Coast today to nego-
tiate financing for several productions.
Ambassador Sponsors
Screening of "Stalingrad"
When invitations went out to dip-
lomatic representatives to attend a
Washington screening of Para-
mount's "The City That Stopped
Hitler — Heroic Stalingrad," the host
was named as Andrei A. Gromyko,
then Russian charge d'affaires. Since
then Gromyko has been named am-
bassador and he thus becomes the
first ambassador to sponsor a screen-
ing. As a result, nobody who was
invited can afford to be absent and
an overflow is expected tonight when
the screening is held in the Interior
Bldg.
Meanwhile, WPB officials will at-
tend a special screening of the pic-
ture in Washington tomorrow night
so that they may see how U. S.
war materials sent to Russia per-
formed in combat.
Para. Eastman Ad Reps.
Plan "Bell" Premieres
U. S. Court's Jurisdiction
In Skouras Motion Upheld
Federal Judge John C. Knox yes-
terday rejected the contention of the
Skouras Theaters Corp. that the Fed-
eral Court lacked jurisdiction in re-
spect of a motion by Robert Aron-
stein, attorney for a creditor in the
Fox Theater Corp. receivership, to
set aside the sale of the Academy of
Music by the Fox receiver to
the Skouras circuit.
20th-Fox Grooming 5 Femmes
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — In line with its policy
of developing its own stars and fea-
tured players 20th-Fox will intro-
duce five new feminine personalities
in its new-season product. They are
Mary Anderson, Jeanne Crain, June
Haver, Gale Robbins and Trudy Mar-
shall.
Paramount's Eastern district ad-
vertising representatives will meet
here tomorrow to discuss plans for
the handling of the "For Whom the
Bell Tolls" premiere in important
key cities. Approximately 50 open-
ings will be held on or about Oct. 1.
Alec Moss, exploitation manager,
will preside at the meeting to be
held at the home office. Attending
will be William Brooker, Philadel-
phia; J. M. Joice, Cleveland; C. C.
Perry, Cincinnati; Arnold Van Leer,
Boston; Ed J. Wall, Albany; James
C. Furman, Atlanta, and Sid Mesi-
bov, New York. W. C. Lewellen, of
the Dallas district, will tell of his
experiences in exploiting the picture
in Los Angeles, Chicago and Wash-
ington.
Blackouts for St. Louis
Sit. Louis, Mo. — St. Louis and
vicinty is to have three practice
blackouts during the remainder of
this year. The new audible air raid
alarm system will be used.
ATTENTION
FILM BUYERS
Just arrived in New York from Holly-
wood, California with the following
re-issue exploitation pictures for great-
er New York and other territories:
"Secrets of a Model"
with Cheryl Walker
"Crusade Against Rackets"
"Parole From the Big House"
and others
See J. D. Kendis
Continental Pictures, Inc.
Room 1045, Edison Hotel, N. Y. C.
Vandalism Increases
In Boston Theaters
(Continued from Page 1)
"for as a rule when they find that
we have cautioned their offspring,
they are vehement in their denuncia-
tion of us and of our having th
temerity to warn their children.
MPPDA to Honor British
Minister of Information
(Continued from Page 1)
the conferences between President
Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
The luncheon, tendered as a ges-
ture of good will to a distinguished
visitor, will be attended by com-
pany presidents and the heads of
the foreign departments.
1VEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
In
"Let's Face
It"
In Person
BENNY
GOODMAN
And Band
CONDOS BROS.
JACK MARSHALL
BUY WAR
TIMES
Boi^r PARAMOUNT S^A£
B'WAY &
47th St.
EXCLUSIVE 1st RUN THEATRE
JOHN MAUREEN
GARFIELD O'HARA
"THE FALLEN SPARROW"
P
oTws STATE
ON SCREEN
"STAGE DOOR
CANTEEN"
48 STARS
6 BANDS
Thursday, August 26, 1943
w
DAILY
Griffith Tells of Nine
Ways fo Help Drive
{Continued from Page 1)
asked what he could do to help, the
following would be recommended:
(1). Buy an extra Bond for
himself and every member of
his family; (2). see that each
^•-employe bought an extra bond;
^]3). sign a pledge of co-opera-
tion; (4). send the pledge to
National Screen Service for use
in a trailer; (5). become an is-
suing agent; (6). get a display
kit from the National Screen
decorating the lobby during the
drive; (7). urge Bond sales in
the theater'Js newspaper ads;
(8). keep the Bond booths open
at all times, and (9). arrange
for Bond premieres.
Francis S. Harmon, WAC ex-
ecutive vice-chairman, opened and
closed the 15-minute program and
introduced the other speaker, Ted
Gamble, Oregon exhibitor now serv-
ing as special assistant to Secretary
of the Treasury Morgenthau. Gam-
ble told his listeners that the "zero
hour" was approaching for the great-
est merchandising drive in history
and promised that the theaters would
give the drive all the necessary color
and ballyhoo.
Hollywood Chairmen for
Third War Loan Drive
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Among chairmen
named for the Third War Loan Drive
by Henry Ginsberg, head of the
motion picture War Finance Com-
mittee, are Tom Baily, Albert G.
Ruben, associate chairmen allied in-
dustries; Sol Lesser with I. E. Chad-
wick and Trem Carr of independent
studios; John McCormick, agents
and freelance publicists; U. H. Ro-
senberg, special committee to sell
Government securities to corpora-
tions; Frank Carruthers, Basic
agreement unions; Carl Cooper,
IATSE unions; Herbert Sorrell, Con-
ference of Studio Unions; David
Butler, Screen Directors Guild;
Ralph Byrd, Screen Actors Guild;
Jane Murfin, Screen Writers Guild.
Paul J. Sharpegger Dead
Portland, Ore. — Paul J. Sharpeg-
ger, 62, motion picture operator at
the Mayfair died at his home.
Jerry Drew
Alice White Richard Wallace
ALONG
THE
PktfWI.Dt
About The Trtule:
• • • WELL, 'twas all confirmed yes'day Dick de Roche-
merit takes full charge of M & T movie division's operations for Time,
Inc., succeeding Br'r Louis who has resigned to become a feature pro-
ducer for 20th-Fox For the past several months, Dick has been
executively pinch-hitting for Louis while the latter was on sick leave
from the org In that span, Br'r Dick did exceedingly well in the
relief role, hatching such potent issues as "Inside Fascist Spain," "Show
Business at War," "Invasion," "Jack & Heintz," "And Then Japan"
The brother act will continue to be close knit, 'cause M & T is distri-
buted by 20th-Fox, Louis' current (and former) alma mater The
forces of Spyros Skouras can count it a pronounced victory to have
Louis on the feature-production end He has demonstrated a rare
flare for such work, and the wonder is that he hasn't been lifted for
such a post long before this While M & T will miss Louis from
the desk on Lexington Ave., — make no mistake about it, Br'r Dick is a
mighty nifty fit in the managing editor chair
T T T
• • • O'ER in the lair of Leo the Lion, they're whistling two
tunes of mellow vintage And with good reason M-G-M has
purchased both "In the Good Old Summer Time" and "There'll Be
a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight" from Edward B. Marks Music
Corp. for a higher price than was ever received by the latter for mel-
low melodies of yore Both properties will go into production
soon in Culver City Out of the Marks copyright cata-
logue have wafted some slick celluloid attractions, 'mong them "My
Gal Sal," "Song of the Islands," "To the Shores of Tripoli," "El Rancho
Grande," "Cowboy Serenade," "A Gay Ranchero," et al
T T ▼
• • • JOTTINGS JENEEALLY: As tribute to Mexico and
Central America on their Independence Day anniversary, the Good
Neighbors Center of New York, 310 Riverside Drive, will hold a rally
and fiesta on Tuesday evening, Sept. L4, on the stage of Skouras' Beacon
Theater, B'way at 74th St., at 8 p.m Program will include top-
notch entertainment by screen, stage, radio and opera luminaries, and
messages by Mexican, Central and North American dignitaries
Tickets (while they last) can be had gratis by writing to the Good Neigh-
bors Center. ... • Herman Barnett succeeds Harold Seerot as art
director at RKO Theaters h.o. on Sept. 7. . . . • New Haven clarions
that George Worcester, 20th -Fox's newest and best janitor is 90 years
old, and passes on to us the latter's assertion that, many years ago,
he sold Louis B. Mayer that big-wig's first theater in Boston! ... • John
Galvin, manager of Wilkes-Barre's Orpheum, recently turned literary
by serving as a guest colyumist in the Times Leader-Evening News
there for Miss Kay Dangeriield, author of "Vignettes of the Valley"
which appears daily in that newspaper Dipping the pen into
satirical ink, John captioned his colyum, "Mr. Theater Manager Goes to
Work." ... • Jimmy Cagney is in town to put in his eagerly-awaited
appearance at the $800,000,000 Journal-American Bond Baseball Game
and show at the Polo Grounds tonight The Academy Award Win-
ner heads a contingent of screen, stage and radio stars, which includes
Irving Berlin, Ethel Merman and Milton Berle Leo Durocher would
do well to be on hand for certain John Hancocks to Dodger pacts (Babe
Ruth, Walter Johnson, Hans Wagner, George Sisler, Tris Speaker and
Eddie Collins, all to appear on the "dream team of the century").
• Frank Rosenberg, manager of Columbia's exploitation dept., is in
Camp Campbell, Ky., arranging for the big showing there of "Sahara" on
Sept. 2
V V V
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Warners Inventory
At Ail-Time High
(Continued from Page 1)
ventory in the history of the com-
pany, the current figure of $29,929,-
174 comparing with $21,021,183 a
year ago and $16,781,829 two years
ago.
The sharp rise is accounted for by
the substantial number of unre-
leased productions on hand plus the
higher cost of the type picture on
which Warners is now concentrating.
Company had about a dozen of
these features on hand, including
some costing over $2,000,000, plus
several other pictures completed last
year but still awaiting release, on
the date of the last financial state-
ment.
Another new high shown in the
latest consolidated report is in to-
tal assets, which now stand at $182,-
607,003, an industry record, and an
increase of over $12,000,000 in the
past two years.
Extend Transfer Period
For Crescent Records
(.Continued from Page 1)
ies, if he elects to so do, will have
60 additional days in which to act
on motions filed by defense counsel
seeking to amend the court's find-
ings of fact and to alter the decree
before it becomes final.
The defense has a motion on file
to dismiss the Government's motion
to appeal on the grounds that the
case, at this stage, is not "appeal-
able" due to motions and petitions
by the defense which have not been
acted upon. Petitions have also been
filed by shareholders of three of the
corporations affiliated with Crescent
seeking to annul provisions of the
proposed decree requiring Crescent
officials to divest themselves of all
interest in them.
Biz Off as Harvesting
Starts; Fall Looks Good
(Continued from Page 1)
in the crops and are passing up the-
aters for the time being. Smaller
town theaters in several agricultural
sections report a decline in receipts
since harvesting started, but all ex-
hibitors in those territories are pre-
dicting excellent Fall theater busi-
ness.
Son of Arthur Horn
Dies in Jap Battle
Albany — Lt. Charles Horn, son of
Arthur Horn. Metro salesman, was
killed in action in the Pacific, ac-
cording to word received here
BE^ this week from the War De-
\~i; partment by his parents. At-
tached to the Medical Corps,
Lieut. Horn was a doctor at Mount
Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, before his
enlistment.
OJ*-ttu
"Such box-office
lines, and so nice
to hold over!"
'Du Barry Was A Lady" starring Red Skekon, Lucille Ball, Gene Kelly with Virginia O'Brien, "Rags"
Ragland, Zero Mostel • Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra • Photographed in Technicolor • Screen Play by
Irving Brecher • Adaptation by Nancy Hamilton • Additional Dialogue by Wilkie Mahoney • Based on the
Play Produced by B. G. DeSylva and Written by Herbert Fields and B. G. DeSylva with Music and Lyrics by
Cole Porter • Directed by Roy Del Ruth • Produced by Arthur Freed • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
Ready!
Set!
3rd War
Loan —
Sept. 9th!
\
'yj ••
W*\ DAILY
Thursday, August 26, 194
s
Every House (an Have
War Bond Premiere
{Continued from Page 1)
release dates." These will be rent-
free and for one performance only.
Only 700 Bond premieres were
held last year during the first Bond
drive, Rodgers explained, and there
was jealousy among exhibitors. For
next month's drive it was at first
estimated that there would be 1,200
Bond premieres, but he expects that
figure to be knocked into a cocked-
hat, said Rodgers. He has been ad-
vised he said, that there will be 175
such premieres in the Dallas area
alone.
Exhibitors were urged by WAC Co-or-
dinator Francis S. Harmon to exploit all the
showmanship facilities offered by their home
towns. It will not be possible for the in-
dustry, to send Hollywood stars or nationally
known war heroes to every town or city,
he said, but exhibitors can do a terrific pro-
motion job by emphasizing- the contributions
of local men in the armed forces.
Harmon spoke also of the value of the
drive as a force to unite the industry. Aside
from the money raised, he said, the Septem-
ber drive last year did more to unite the
industry than any other single thing. Next
month's drive would be desirable even if
no money were to be raised. He pointed out
the value of selling- War Bonds as a means
of continued theater patronage after the
war with the public using the money saved
in Bonds to keep the box office busy.
No Essentiality For Theaters
McNutt to Meet Trade Com. on Draft Clarity
{Continued from Page 1)
Says Theaters Over
Equipment "Hump'
{Continued from Page 1)
the worst is over in the supply situa-
tion." Although he did not predict
a plenitude of theater supplies, he
assured the group that essential the-
ater supply will be made available.
Nelson declared the industry has
done "a grand job — you've helped us
tremendously. You've proved to us
that the motion picture is a very
effective advertising medium and al-
though you're a bunch of live wires
when you get your teeth in some-
thing." He referred specifically to
the industry-wide salvage campaign.
(Nelson urged that collection of cop-
per scrap not be discontinued al-
though "we have temporarily out-
run our smelting capacity." He asked
that the drive be continued but that
the steam be relaxed a little tem-
porarily).
The War Production Chief asks the aid
of the industry in combatting what he de-
scribed as a "psychological slump" of the
American people. "The question today is
not one of winning the war," he said, "but
rather one of shortening the war. Our
opponent is groggy, but we're still a long,
long way from Berlin." The industry can aid
in keeping the public at fighting pitch, he
said.
Nelson pledged his aid to Palmer Hoyt,
OWI domestic director, who had declared
earlier yesterday that he will continue his
efforts to promote better war pictures from
the armed services. Hoyt thanked the in-
dustry for taking over the OWI shorts
program and assured exhibitors the shorts
and film bulletin planned will be newsy and
interesting and made it plain that OWI
needs all the aid it can get from the industry.
the industry. In a brief exclusive
interview after the meeting, he am-
plified some of his earlier state-
ments.
The tall, white-haired Indianan
spoke straight-from-the-shoulder to
the exhibitor group. Although he
had highest praise for the work of
the industry, he insisted that WMC's
primary jobs are to supply men for
the armed forces and for production
of war material. Everything else
must be subordinate to those needs,
he said.
"I recognize full well what
problems confront you," declared
McNutt. "I see it day after
day and hour after hour. We
will do the best we can for you,
but in order. First must come
the armed forces, Second the
industrial forces furnishing ma-
terial for the war. You're
what's left."
Industry members complained bit-
terly about the lack of clarity in the
draft setup, with one trade leader
telling McNutt that he doesn't be-
lieve "that you or your associates
can know what we do in the war
effort unless we can lay it before
you." This brought an invitation
from the manpower chief to appear
before him and "say whatever you
please and stay as long as you please.
You'll get every consideration."
To Name Joint Committee
It was later decided that a joint
exhibitor-distributor committee will
be named to confer with WMC of-
ficials.
McNutt had highest praise for the work
the industry has been doing. "I know what
kind of a job you're doing," he said. "I go
to your theaters, I like your pictures — you're
doing a grand job. We're all making sacrifices
— you're making them, I'm making them."
McNutt later told THE FILM DAILY that
he believes motion pictures to be one of the
most important morale boosters in American
life today.
The request regarding the essentiality rat-
ing followed several minutes of complaint
regarding the fuzziness of draft rulings. Ex-
hibitors and distributors had complained
about the uncertainty regarding the status
of bookers and others. This theme was taken
up again later, and will be perhaps the main
thing on the agenda when the group meets
with the WMC officials.
One prominent New York exhibitor told
McNutt that "as far as we are concerned,
the war must come first. All we want is as-
surance that we will not be discriminaed
against." He was assured by McNutt that
WAC has every right to go to state and
regional Selective, Service directors on indivi-
dual cases.
McNutt told the group that theaters will
be given "every consideration on the top
side, in order to see that you get your pic-
tures." He implied that not all of Washing-
ton has been enthusiastic about the draft
preference given studio technicians. Later
he told THE FILM DAILY that he had had
to fight for that, but felt it to be of suffi-
cient importance.
After McNutt left, the meeting approved
unanimously a decision reached last May
by the executive committee of the WAC
theaters division not to press for an es-
sential rating for theater employes. Chair-
man Si Fabian declared that what is really-
needed is a determination that theater em-
ployes should continue to receive considera-
tion for dependency — in effect that they
not be held non-deferrable. This was taken
to refer to keymen only.
This was seconded by WB Vice-President
Joseph Bernhard who declared that the
primary aim was to prevent men from being
drafted for other work. There is no point
in trying to win deferment), for theater em-
ployes from military service, he said.
Problem is to Hold Gain
At this point Harry Brandt of New York
declared that this industry now faces the
problem of holding on to what it has. "The
producers have won a victory," he said, re-
ferring to the production jobs on the es-
sential list. These jobs are today in great
danger, however, he continued, declaring
that the essential list is being whittled down
and that, expansion of it is almost impossible
for any but a direct war job. The motion
picture industry, he said, is as well off as
any industry today turning out the materials
for our fighting men.
Another exhibitor seconded Brandt's posi-
tion that the important thing today is to
get a clarificaion of the many manpower
directives as they refer to theaters. During
the past week, he said, numerous theater
managers have been ordered by local draft
boards to get into essential work or answer
a call to the armed services. This, he said,
points up the need for definitions of the
job titles on the non-deferrable list.
Preparing Interpretations
Claude Collins, WAC representative in
Washington, explained that interpretations
are now being prepared in Washington
as revealed Monday by THE FILM
DAILY, but it is unlikely that these will
ever be sent to local draft boards. Direct
interpretations from WMC or Selective Ser-
vice are very unlikely, he said, although
when the National Selective Service head-
quarters has interpretations, it is likely that
they will aid in individual appeals. The
classification "managing agents" was not
intended to include theater managers, said
Collins, and Washington is still undecided
about film bookers. The latter were in-
tended for inclusion when the list was re-
leased he said, but that was because the
compilers of the list understood bookers to
be people who went into the field to book
pictures. He said it was suggested to him
that the best safeguard might be to re-
classify bookers as clerks.
Closing the manpower session, Fabian
urged WAC officials to try to "make good
contact with your State Selective Service
director." Most state and regional offi-
cials have more authority with local boards
than Washington, said Fabian.
Says Pix Did Greatest
Single Job in War
!
Continental's "Teen Age"
To Play Interstate Spots
"Teen Age," independently pro-
duced on the Coast by Continental
Pictures, will have its world pre-
miere at the Palace, Houston, on
Sept. 2 and has been set to play the
entire Interstate circuit, it was said
here yesterday by J. D. Kendis,
Continental's prexy. Pic deals with
the juvenile delinquency problem.
Kendis, here to talk distribution
deals, is at the Edison.
Bus Service Restoration
Order, Boon in Rochester
{Continued from Page 1)
lars was raised in theaters, T. P.1
Gamble, special assistant to Treas
ury Secretary Henry Morgenthau
Jr., told the WAC group meeting
here yesterday. i
The industry faces next montj^hi ^
greatest challenge it has everf d
the Oregon exhibitor said, au^inj
that he is certain it will do a greate
job than last year and will derivij
even more benefit than last yea:
from that job. He declared that the
aters will comprise about 15 per cen
cf the issuing agencies for Wa;
Bonds, and thus will bear tremendou:
responsibility for the actual Bone
sales. (This figure refers only t<
the "issuing agencies" — a circuit o:
10 theaters in a town, all sellin<
Bonds but through a circuit office
would count as only one issuin
agency).
Ray Beall. publicity director for the In
terstate Circuit. Dallas, now heading th
industry for the War Loan drive, promisei
the utmost help for exhibitors from his of
fice. He urged universal use of the specia
Alan Ladd trailer, and mentioned also th
Rosalind Russell bulletin and several other
that will be attached to the newsreels.
Beall revealed that the Treasury will make
available a 15-minute transcription as par
of its Treasury star-parade series, this lattf
to comprise a salute to the industry, witl
talent from the Hollywood Bond Cavalcad
participating. This will be available for loca
broadcasts.
In addition to the Cavalcade, the wa
heroes' aid armadas, several groups of out
standing fighting men each accompanied bj
a leading female star, will appear in perhap
75 cities. Itinerary will be
later.
Rochester — Downtown houses are
expected to fare well from the new-
est bus order, for restoration of
normal pre-June 1 bus service here
is expected this week.
It comes in the wake of an ODT
order revoking the 20 per cent mile-
age reduction order, issued May 22.
The order means putting back about
50 routes, or trips, most of which go
near downtown theaters.
announce
V.
-
Clark to Discuss Consent
Decree With Pix Reps. Mon
{Continued from Page 1)
with representatives from M-G-Mj I
Paramount, RKO, Warner Bros. ancj|
20th Century-Fox to discuss the con-
sent decree and trade matters. Hej j.
met with several Chicago theater, J
owners during the day and said the
Department of Justice was receiv-
ing an average 50 letters daily con-
taining complaints covering the con-
sent decree, divorcement, block-buy-
ing and clearance.
After his talk at the U. S. at-
torneys' meeting yesterday, he left
for Fargo, N. D., for another meet-
ing, returning then to Washington.
SPG Acts to Expedite
Collective Bargaining
{Continued from Page 1)
was evolved at an emergency meet-
ing of the SPG's negotiations com-
mittee and representative council
called for the purpose of re-exam-
ining the status of the four-month-
old negotiations with the employers
on the re-opening of the wage clause
in the contracts between the union
and the companies.
Peter K. Hawley, labor represen-
tative on the regional board of the
WLB, has been assigned by the
UOPWA, of which he is a national
representative, to assist the SPG in
concluding the negotiations.
Building
Remodeling
Equipment
Maintenance
FDAILY
k * * *
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, AUGUST, 26, 1943
* * * •
NEW EQUIPMENT ADVANCES LOOM IN TRADE
Intra -Industry Meeting Is Suggested by DeVry
Juch a Conference Would
Clarify Equip. Problem
7or Mfrs. and Theaters
Chicago — That the equipment
rade and the industry generally
hould hold a conclave in the im-
nediate future and discuss post-
war conditions which are bound to
>e poised, particularly in light of
he fact that currently there is more
heater equipment being manufac-
tured and sold to the armed forces
han film houses can reasonably ab-
orbed, is held advisable by W. C.
)eVry, president of the DeVry Corp.
Such a conference, he feels, could
stablish constructive policies along
nth a program through which the
arious manufacturers of equipment
^ould know where they were going
n a clear and organized fashion,
nd theaters would not be encumb-
(Continued on Page 8)
1: J
lew England Theater
xpanding Capacity
v.
Springfield, Mass. — Stage of the
ocal Loew's Poli Theater will be
emoved shortly to make room for
he addition of 250 seats, it is re-
pealed by officials of the circuit. The
tage has been used only occasionally
uring recent years, although in the
eyday of the legitimate theater and
uring the vaudeville era the stage
ad been regularly trod by some of
le biggest names in the theater.
The additional seats will mean
(Continued on Page 8)
Many an End Served
By Liftiny This Ban!
Rochester — A sigh of relief went
up from Bausch & Lomb the other
day, along with every American
mother, when WPB took steps to
relieve the diaper shortage. Rea-
son for the plant's elation is that
it uses a type of lint-free cloth, com-
monly used in diapers, for wiping
and polishing lenses. Material is a
combination of cotton and rayon,
with the warp of one and the woof
of another.
Equipment Field Notes
The Scenic Theater, Lake Wales, Fla.,
closed for some time, is now ready for
operation, but will not open, it is under-
stood, until attendance at the State, op-
erated by the same interests, is too great
to be conveniently accommodated.
National Theatre Supply Co. has in-
stalled new Walker sound screens in
the Rivoli, Indianapolis, and the Mars,
in Lafayette, Ind.
McKinley Theater, closed two months
age when Harry Reinhart did not renew
his lease on the house, is being recon-
ditioned by the owner, Clarence D. Smith,
in anticipation of its reopening next month.
Name of the operator is not being divulged
at this time.
Carl Henriksen has been named
chief production methods engineer by
Bell & Howell.
Hailed as Rochester's "Ambassador of
Good-Will," Carl S. Hallauer, vice-prexy
of Bausch & Lomb, has received the Roch-
ester Business Institute's first honorary dec-
oration.
The Walnut Theater, operated in
Lawrenceburg, Ind., by J. B. Weddle,
has installed new sper mechanisms,
pedestals and magazines, and in Wina-
mac, Ind., Verne Garrell has purchased
new Alexander Smith Crestwood car-
pet for his Isis Theater.
Violet Theater, Milwaukee, is now man-
aged by Albert Schoenleber who is direct-
ing current remodeling to the house.
Leon Drezdon has taken over the
Park and Midget Theaters, Milwaukee,
and has effected remodelling to both.
The Park also has new seats.
Dunlap, la., has a new theater, the Royal,
which will be operated by Carl Worl.
Equipment was furnished by Quality The-
ater Supply Co.
For suggesting a new way of adding
dye to batches of emulsion at Eastman
Kodak's plant in Rochester, Herman
Paeth, an employee, has been awarded
$500. It was his 10th accepted sug-
gestion in a span of 15 years.
The Ritz Theater, Starke, Fla., is being
remodeled and will be equipped with new
upholstered seats. Mrs. Tom Grady is the
owner.
Will Dute, Ohio-Pennsylvania sales
representative for DeVry Corp., has
been recalled to Chicago headquarters
to aid in getting out huge shipments
of equipment and material destined for
the armed forces.
It was inevitable that Bell & Howell
would register its newly coined word, Opti-
onics. It is now registered as a trade-
mark. At the company's plant in Chicago,
the big service flag now has 412 stars on
it. During the past few weeks, 25 such
stars were added.
Dr. A. H. Rosenthal, internationally-
known physicist and electronic en-
gineer, has been appointed director of
research and development of Scophony
Corp. of America under a three year's
contract, it is announced by company's
president, Arthur Levey.
The Red Springs, (N. C), Theater which
was completely destroyed by fire early this
Summer has been rebuilt and re-opened.
Bcyd B. Horton, owner, also operates a
number of other theaters including the
Rialto in Grier, S. C, and the State in
Concord, N. C.
Facing motion picture equipment
will be nothing new to Stella Pecelj
of Bell & Howell's purchasing depart-
ment when she decides to accept the
invitation of M-G-M to come to the
Culver City lot for a screen test. Leo
the Lion saw her photograph on the
cover of the B & H mag, Finder, — and
Metro thinks it is just that in "discover-
ing" the photogenic young lady.
The Strand, Dayton, O., operated by Daco
Theaters, Inc., headed by Ike Libson, is to
be wrecked. The house is old and has
been operated as a motion picture theater
for many years.
High Frequency Control,
A Wire Sound Recorder,
And Camera Dolly Emerge
From three major equipment de-
velopment and manufacturing fronts,
—New York, Chicago, and Los An-
geles— , came rumblings this week
of new advances which are held cer-
tain to have respective effects upon
the mechanical side of the industry
with the advent of peace.
In New York, William C. White,
head of the electronics laboratories
of General Electric, revealed that
vast and far-reaching adaptations of
electronics as the result of the suc-
cessful control of high frequencies
in the billions of cycles would, when
it comes, be so "startling and revo-
lutionary as to open great new fields
(Continued on Page 8)
Latest Ore. Stand
Has Official Debut
Portland, Ore. — A brand new Ore-
gon city, — and with it a brand new
and ultra-modern motion picture
theater — , has sprung up at Van-
port, Ore. Both the new community
and the film house have been of-
ficially "opened" by Harry D. Free-
man, executive director of the Port-
land Housing Authority, and C. M.
Gartrell, chairman of the board of
Commissioners, who formally ac-
cepted the new city of 40,000 from
Frank M. Crutsinger, regional di-
rector of the Federal Public Housing
Authority.
The new Vanport Theater, which
(Continued on Page 8)
Reconstruction Job
On Our Home Front
New Haven — Natale DiFrancesco,
owner and operator of the Fair-
mont, has repaired 431 of the 492
seats marred by vandals, has painted
the lobby, installed new carpets and
wall drapes, as well as having a new
sidewalk put down. The damage
done to the theater seats was so
extensive that it represented close
to 90 per cent of those installed!
8 • EQUIPMENT NEWS
DAILY
Thursday, August 26, 1943J
A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre-
hensively covering the equipment field, pub-
lished every second week by Wid's Films and
Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York
City. John W. Alicoate, Publisher; Donald
M. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B.
Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipment
Editor; West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood
Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk,
Bureau Chief.
New England Theater
Expanding Capacity
(Continued from Page 7)
that two extra exits will have to be
added in order to conform with build-
ing regulations in this city, which
are strictly enforced, particularly
since the Cocoanut Grove disaster
in Boston. The house has been play-
ing to capacity business for some
time, and the extra seating capacity,
plus its present 2,500 chairs, will
mean considerable additional box-
office revenue.
Kraska Made Manager of
Strand by Loew Interests
Boston — Leonard Kraska, former
assistant manager of the Fine Arts
here, has been named manager of
the Strand Theater on Huntington
Ave. in Boston's Back Bay. The
Strand was only recently acquired
by the E. M. Loew interests and is
being thoroughly renovated and im-
proved. The upper floors of the
building, which has been purchased
by E. M. Loew, are occupied by the
Boston Lodge of Elks.
File Under Enemy "Operations"
Rochester — Grapevine reports
reaching: here reveal that the three
five-million-dollar dental clinics, es-
tablished by the late George East-
man in Rome, Brussels and Paris as
demonstration centers to care for
the teeth of indigent children, are
today rendering service to the armed
forces of our nation's enemies. It
is said that the clinics are perform-
ing surgical work on the heads and
jaws of injured soldiers, including
skin-grafting.
WE CAN SUPPLY
all standard 35mm preci-
sion projector replacement
parts.
We sell only through
Dealers, but if your dealer
is unable to supply your
requirements, write us di-
rectly and we will give
you the name of the
dealer able to serve you.
FREE: — Our latest com-
plete Parts Catalogue is
now available. Ask for it
and give us the Dealer's
name serving your Com-
munity.
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY
2509 South State St. Chicago, III.
Infra-Industry Meet
Advocated by DeVry
(Continued from Page 7)
ered by conditions which, if not
chaotic, would be confusing^ and not
in the best interests of either man-
ufacturer or consumer.
DeVry sees in the forthcoming con-
ference of the Theater Equipment
Dealers Protective Association, set
for this city's Hotel Bismarck on
Sept. 18-19, an unusually good op-
portunity for the suggested post-
war discussions, and expresses con-
fidence that much good will come
from the sessions, particularly if
there is a large and representative
attendance, which fact is now in-
dicated.
On Sept. 18, the delegates to the
conference will visit the DeVry plant
and preview the company's new war-
born 35 mm. theater projector. It
is also learned here that the com-
pany, in order to give impetus to
the post-war marketing and use of
8 mm. cameras and projectors, is
offering $1,500 in War Bonds to
home movie fans who submit most
acceptable design ideas and mechan-
ical improvements for such cameras
and projectors.
RCAF Honors Pearce
For Camera Development
Montreal — Wing Cmdr. Harold
Pearce, director of photography at
Royal Canadian Air Force head-
quarters, has been awarded a fel-
lowship in the Royal Photographic
Society of Great Britain for his part
in the invention of the new "Oph-
thalmic" camera developed by the
RCAF.
Under development for the past
18 months, the camera has been use-
ful in diagnosing vitamin deficien-
cies among members of air crew,
particularly those whose eyes suf-
fered acutely on long submarine-
hunting patrol over sun-swept At-
lantic reaches or on reconnaissance
flights over dazzling arctic snows.
New Liberty Theater Is
To Make Bow In Florida
Trenton, Fla. — A new theater to
be known as The Liberty is to be
opened as soon as alterations to the
Economy Building can be complet-
ed. Projectors will be the regular
35 mm. Features will be offered three
nights weekly.
New Electrical Company
Enters Theatrical Field
Chicago — Glasser Brothers and L.
Roth have organized the Roth Elec-
trical Co., 3315 Fullerton Ave., to
manufacture electrical equipment
for the theater trade.
Eastmanites March On!
Rochester — Employes of East-
man Kodak serving in the
armed forces now number 8,010, it
has been revealed here.
The Certain Way Is
To Do It Yourself
Clarinda, la. — It's tough to get
labor these days, and it's tough to
get materials. But the outlook didn't
bother Assistant Manager Walter
Keener of the Clarinda Theater. He
finally got the requisite material for
the extensive job of decoration which
was planned. He couldn't get the
labor on time. So he did all the
work himself.
Latest Ore. Stand
Has Official Debut
(Continued from Page 7)
made its bow after numerous delays
occasioned by inability to get the
requisite equipment promptly, is a
750-seat house, boasting the latest
Motiograph sound equipment. It is
under the management of Willard
E. Gamble, brother of Theodore Gam-
ble of the U. S. Treasury Depart-
ment, and special assistant to Sec-
retary of the Treasury Henry Mor-
genthau, Jr.
Policy calls for change of program
three times each week, and releases
will be preferred suburban, at popu-
lar prices, it is announced.
Pirtle Acquires Site
For Post-War Theater
McLeansboro, 111.— S. E. Pirtle of
Jerseyville who already has the
Capitol and McLean Theaters here,
has purchased two lots on the west
side of the public square and is said
to plan the erection of a new house
after the close of the war. One of
his present houses is closed.
Superior Will Rebuild
Verdun Palace, Montreal
Montreal — The Verdun Palace, a
Superior Theaters house in the West
End suburb, will be rebuilt at an
approximate cost of $50,000. This
is the first theater construction or
repair contract awarded in Quebec
Province this year. House burned
down a year ago.
For Excellence in the Production
of Motion Picture Sound Equipment
IT'S A FACT!
War-born DEVRY preci-
sion Theatre Projectors
and Sound Systems pre-
sent developments far
beyond previously ac-
cepted standards. DEVRY
Corporation, 1112 Armi-
tage Avenue, Chicago, 111.
DeVRY^
Hollywood • CHICAGO • New York
Equip. Developments
Spring Up In Trade
(Continued from Page 7)
to the science of electricity," a
that the telephone, radio, frequen
modulation, television and rad
together with devices employed b.
industry generally, the field of mo-
tion pictures included, would ^p.^f
the beneficient impact once \~ i,]
neers have found the full use -"of
these controlled high frequencies,
New musical instruments, he as-
serted, will issue after the war's
end.
In Chicago, the Armour Research
Foundation of the Illinois Institute
of Technology disclosed that it had
developed a new wire sound recorded
that is now being tested in Europe
under actual battle conditions. The
new equipment makes spot record-
ings simple and sure. General Elec-
tric is preparing to manufacture the
instrument after its military use ha?
ended with the war.
From Los Angeles, via Burbank,
word came of a new pint-size camera
dolly designed and built under th
direction of Delmer Daves and Ber
Glennon for use without track. It
is declared to be so small and maneu-
vnrable that it can negotiate intri-
cate narrow passageways of a sub-
marine with full war load. The de-
vice will, it is declared, enable di-
rectors and cameramen to make
scenes of full effectiveness, notwith-
standing space limitations on sound
stages and location.
Bettering Ohio Drive-In
Rocky River, O. — Paugh & Brown,
Inc., are making changes at the
Drive-In Theater in Rocky River, re-
locating the screen and amphitheater
to face in opposite direction to the
present setting.
WHITEWAY
ELECTRIC SIGN 0 MAINTENANCE CO.
Thomas F. Flannery, President
315-17 W. Walton St. Chicago, III.
Delaware 9111
SEEKING A DEPENDABLE
SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR YOUR
THEATRE
TICKETS?
INTERNATIONAL OFFERS:
Dependable service . . . Low cost . . .
45 year's experience serving theatres,
stadiums, amusement parks, etc.
We can supply your needs. Roll,
machine folded, reserve seats, etc.
Write for samples, prices or other information.
Delivery free Maine to Virginia.
INTERNATIONAL
TICKET /•§£) COMPANY
52 GRAFTON AVE. \f§/ NEWARK, N. J.
Sales Of/ices in Principal Centers
3 A N
LS HIVtr M l> Z
1 J LS I Z
L S I C 1 r I l 1 i I l I C I rN
Intimate In Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
j
DO NOT REMOVE
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-^PDAILY-
)L. 84, NO. 41
NEW YORK. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27. 1943
TEN CENTS
The year's most compell-
ing and dynamic story
concerning the motion
picture industry appears
in The Film Daily today.
■■■■i
____
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
:
DAILY
mo«
inspiring, it is overwhelming,
ull 34 pages of The Film Daily
reflection of the fiery co-opera-
ssire of every spoke in the great
•do itself in the greatest of cur-
home front — the selling, both
the country's Third War Loan.
Brc
Foi
sta:
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
Ft*
D
Loan
"Dra
all
ccmi
boml
Mou
by B
shell
will
loade
Japs.
the
plefe
erson
glove
radio,
It is big, it is striking, it is
this story to be found in the J
today, for it is the patriotic
tive spirit and the fighting d<
motion picture wheel to oul
rent national causes on the
to the public and to itself of
■.CJ.U.U.,,
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old |
It is big, it is striking, it is inspiring, it is overwhelming,
this story to be found in the iull 34 pages of The Film Daily
today, for it is the patriotic reflection of the fiery co-opera-
tive spirit and the fighting disire of every spoke in the great
motion picture wheel to ou^-do itself in the greatest of cur-
rent national causes on the home front — the selling, both
to the public and to itself of the country's Third War Loan.
DAILY
Friday, August 27, 1943
1
It is the biggest story of
1943 because it directly
concerns every exhibitor,
every executive, every
director, artist and Holly-
wood personality— in fact,
man and every
woman in the American
Tg i;T?m*-r**\W* ft •*—
field of motion pictures.
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Oi Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1? DAILY
L. 84, NO. 41
NEW YORK. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 1943
TEN CENTS
BLITZ OPENS THIRD LOANDRIVE
British Information Head Praises Pix War Role
Bracken Expresses Hope
For 'Deeper Mutual Under-
standing by Our Peoples'
Calling attention to the "invalu-
able" role of the motion picture as
a disseminator of wartime informa-
tion and its vital function as a chan-
nel for the interchange of ideas be-
tween America and Great Britain,
Brendan Bracken, British Minister
of Information, yesterday told in-
dustry leaders that Bntish fighting
(Continued on Page 24)
Editorial
JJ
Back The Attack!"
it's the industry's and YOUR job
By CHESTER B. BAHN
Nine Stars, Kyser's
Band Head Cavalcade
The Hollywood Bond Cavalvade,
which will visit 15 cities in the in-
terest of the Third War Loan, will
include nine screen personalities and
Kay Kyser and his orchestra, it was
(Continued on Page 2)
Night of Stars Nov. 16
To Have Victory Theme
Victory will be the keynote of the
forthcoming Night of Stars, which,
Chairman Nathan Straus announces,
will be held on the night of Nov.
16 in Madison Square Garden, the
(Continued on Page 24)
From: Old Colorado
To: Japan's Mikado
Denver — A complete Third War
Loan campaign, highlighted by a
"Drop a Bomb on Tokyo" idea, is
all set by showmen here. Each
community in the State will get a
bombshell from the local Rocky
Mountain Arsenal to be autographed
by Bond purchasers. As soon as the
shell is covered with autographs, it
will be returned to the arsenal to be
loaded, and subsequently dropped on
Japs. Organization right down to
the last exhibitor has been com-
pleted by State Chairman Rick Rick-
etson, who is also working hand-in-
glove with service commands, press,
radio, retailers, civic groups, et al.
BACK the Attack!"
The Treasury's challenging and fighting slogan for the Third War
Loan starting Sept. 9 is right down the American film industry's own
private alley.
In the trade's own highly expressive vernacular, it is a "natural" — a
super-colossal "natural," at that.
"Back the Attack!"— why, bless you, that is what the American motion
picture has been doing for many a year, and the industry's long and dis-
tinguished record of public service, in peace no less than in war, is
predicated upon the principle embodied in the three-word slogan.
o
!N peace, the industry, through the medium of the free screen, has
backed the attack upon the dual blights of dull care and ignorance.
In so doing, it has given to unnumbered millions at home and in far-distant
lands glorious entertainment, a full measure of inspiration and a truly
liberal visual education which makes today's average moviegoer better
schooled than was many a savant of yesterday.
In war, the industry has written, is writing and will continue to write
an equally brilliant record. It not only has responded eagerly and pa-
triotically en masse to every governmental request to "back the attack,"
but in notable instances, to its credit, the request actually has been
anticipated.
What all this has meant to the successful prosecution of global war
and the speeding of ultimate victory may not now be evaluated. With
other chapters presently "restricted," the full chronicling must wait until
gangsterism has been eliminated from the community of nations.
o
MEANWHILE, once again, there is a job to be done for Uncle Sam by
the 200,000 men and women whose livelihood is identified with
production, distribution and exhibition.
As Si Fabian has said, the call to duty from Secretary of the Treasury
Henry Morgenthau, Jr., is "an honor, a challenge, and a great respon-
sibility."
An honor, because in the drive to sell $15,000,000,000 War Bonds to
50,000,000 people or more in the income brackets under $5,000 the
industry is allied with the press, with radio, with the outdoor advertising
men and the nation's retailers, surely excellent company.
A challenge, because the success of the industry's own drive role neces-
sarily will call into play all its "know-how" of showmanship.
A great responsibility, because the campaign must enlist the personal
endeavor of all associated with motion pictures.
Yes, it's the industry's job. But it's also YOUR job.
So both BUY and SELL War Bonds.
"Back the Attack!" and roll up the greatest mass sale in history.
Industry Harnessing
Vivid Showmanship To
Reach Treasury Goal
Coincident with the return to
New York yesterday of L. C.
Griffith, Third War Loan gen-
eral chairman, following regional
conferences in Los Angeles, Chicago
and Washington, it was announced
that a showmanship blitz, including
a Bond blackout in Texas, a 24-hour
rally on Boston Common, and the
convergence of seven military con-
voys on New York's Times Square,
will inaugurate the motion picture
industry's participation in the Third
(Continued on Page 28)
War (enter Opening
Set for Next Friday
War Center on Victory Square,
new New York headquarters of the
entertainment and promotional end
of the Third War Loan campaign,
will have its formal opening one
week from today, with a program to
be announced later.
Maj. Leslie E. Thompson, chsir-
man of the Victory Square Commit-
(Continued on Page 2)
Louis Lober Appointed
OWI Aide to Bob Riskin
Louis Lober, former M-G-M man-
ager in the Middle East, has been
appointed executive assistant to
Robert Riskin, chief of the Motion
Picture Bureau of the OWI. Lober
(Continued on Page 3)
1,000 More Theaters
as Treasury Agents
With motion picture theaters now
accounting for 10 per cent of the
Treasury Department's War Bond
issuing agents, the WAC is out
to add another thousand pix houses
to the list within a month, it is dis-
closed by Francis S. Harmon, WAC
executive vice-chairman.
BACK THE ATTACK— BUY WAR BOHDS * THIRD WAR LOABi * BACK THE ATTACK— BUY WAR BOKBS
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The
Daily
Newip
aper
Oi
Motion
Pictures
Twe
nty-Five
Years
Old
-IF DAILY
-I
L. 84, NO. 41
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 1943
TEN CENTS
BLITZ
THIRD LOAN DRIVE
British Information Head Praises Pix War Role
Bracken Expresses Hope
For 'Deeper Mutual Under-
standing by Our Peoples'
Calling attention to the "invalu-
able" role of the motion picture as
a disseminator of wartime informa-
tion and its vital function as a chan-
nel for the interchange of ideas be-
tween America and Great Britain,
Brendan Bracken, British Minister
of Information, yesterday told in-
dustry leaders that British fighting
(Continued on Page 24)
Nine Stars, Kyser's
Band Head Cavalcade
The Hollywood Bond Cavalvade,
which will visit 15 cities in the in-
terest of the Third War Loan, will
include nine screen personalities and
Kay Kyser and his orchestra, it was
(Continued on Page 2)
Night of Stars Nov. 16
To Have Victory Theme
Victory will be the keynote of the
forthcoming Night of Stars, which,
Chairman Nathan Straus announces,
will be held on the night of Nov.
16 in Madison Square Garden, the
(Continued on Page 24)
From: Old Colorado
To: Japan's Mikado
Denver — A complete Third War
Loan campaign, highlighted by a
"Drop a Bomb on Tokyo" idea, is
all set by showmen here. Each
community in the State will get a
bombshell from the local Rocky
Mountain Arsenal to be autographed
by Bond purchasers. As soon as the
shell is covered with autographs, it
will be returned to the arsenal to be
loaded, and subsequently dropped on
Japs. Organization right down to
the last exhibitor has been com-
pleted by State Chairman Rick Rick-
etson, who is also working hand-in-
glove with service commands, press,
radio, retailers, civic groups, et al.
Editorial
"Back The Attack!"
. . . it's the industry's and YOUR job
- By CHESTER B. BAHN
Industry Harnessing
Vivid Showmanship To
Reach Treasury Goal
Coincident with the return to
New York yesterday of L. C.
Griffith, Third War Loan gen-
eral chairman, following regional
conferences in Los Angeles, Chicago
and Washington, it was announced
that a showmanship blitz, including
a Bond blackout in Texas, a 24-hour
rally on Boston Common, and the
convergence of seven military con-
voys on New York's Times Square,
will inaugurate the motion picture
industry's participation in the Third
(Continued on Page 28)
BACK the Attack!"
The Treasury's challenging and fighting slogan for the Third War
Loan starting Sept. 9 is right down the American film industry's own
private alley.
In the trade's own highly expressive vernacular, it is a "natural" — a
super-colossal "natural," at that.
"Back the Attack!"— why, bless you, that is what the American motion
picture has been doing for many a year, and the industry's long and dis-
tinguished record of public service, in peace no less than in war, is
predicated upon the principle embodied in the three-word slogan.
o
IN peace, the industry, through the medium of the free screen, has U/a» (GOtOf 006111110
I backed the attack upon the dual blights of dull care and ignorance. "*" VVIIIVI vpviiiiiy
In so doing, it has given to unnumbered millions at home and in far-distant f | 1 Mttvl FhH#)V
lands glorious entertainment, a full measure of inspiration and a truly jCI lUl HCAI luClj
liberal visual education which makes today's average moviegoer better
schooled than was many a savant of yesterday.
In war, the industry has written, is writing and will continue to write
an equally brilliant record. It not only has responded eagerly and pa-
triotically en masse to every governmental request to "back the attack,"
but in notable instances, to its credit, the request actually has been
anticipated.
What all this has meant to the successful prosecution of global war
and the speeding of ultimate victory may not now be evaluated. With
other chapters presently "restricted," the full chronicling must wait until
gangsterism has been eliminated from the community of nations.
o
MEANWHILE, once again, there is a job to be done for Uncle Sam by
the 200,000 men and women whose livelihood is identified with
production, distribution and exhibition.
As Si Fabian has said, the call to duty from Secretary of the Treasury
Henry Morgenthau, Jr., is "an honor, a challenge, and a great respon-
sibility."
An honor, because in the drive to sell $15,000,000,000 War Bonds to
50,000,000 people or more in the income brackets under $5,000 the
industry is allied with the press, with radio, with the outdoor advertising
men and the nation's retailers, surely excellent company.
A challenge, because the success of the industry's own drive role neces-
sarily will call into play all its "know-how" of showmanship.
A great responsibility, because the campaign must enlist the personal
endeavor of all associated with motion pictures.
Yes, it's the industry's job. But it's also YOUR job.
So both BUY and SELL War Bonds.
"Back the Attack!" and roll up the greatest mass sale in history.
War Center on Victory Square,
new New York headquarters of the
entertainment and promotional end
of the Third War Loan campaign,
will have its formal opening one
week from today, with a program to
be announced later.
Maj. Leslie E. Thompson, chair-
man of the Victory Square Commit-
(Contiiiued on Page 2)
Louis Lober Appointed
OWI Aide to Bob Riskin
Louis Lober, former M-G-M man-
ager in the Middle East, has been
appointed executive assistant to
Robert Riskin, chief of the Motion
Picture Bureau of the OWL Lober
(Continued on Page 3)
1,000 More Theaters
as Treasury Agents
With motion picture theaters now
accounting for 10 per cent of the
Treasury Department's War Bond
issuing agents, the WAC is out
to add another thousand pix houses
to the list within a month, it is dis-
closed by Francis S. Harmon, WAC
executive vice-chairman.
BACK THE ATTACK-
■BUY WAR BOMBS * THIRD WAR LOAI% * BACK THE ATTACK— BUY WAR BOMBS
Vol. 84, No. 41 Fri., Aug. 27, 1943
10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE :
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : Ceneral
Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N
{., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New YurK
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone URyant 9-7117,
9 7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD. 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St.-N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casil!o de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Thursday, August 26)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High Low Close
Am. Seat
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Columbia Picts. pfd. 37 Vb 37'/8 37.■/■:■■/ ■:. ^
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WAR
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DAILY
Friday, August 27, 1945
Pix Contributions to War Program Manifold
"Valuable Patriotic Service" Hailed by Secretary of Navy Frank Knox
(Continued from Page 11)
turned over their respective stages
to the CDVO shortly before the meat
and butter rationing systems went
into effect, so that housewives could
learn how to run their homes most
efficiently in wartime. Lecturers,
thoroughly conversant with the
topics expounded, addressed groups
of women in more than 70 theaters.
Shortly after this, another group of
New York theaters set up cooking
stoves on their stages, and the CDVO
experts instructed the housewives
how to get the most out of their
points and money.
In mid-April, the U. S. Navy was
included in the gift of 16 mm. cur-
rent films for free showing to its
personnel both afloat and ashore. Sec-
retary of the Navy Frank Knox de-
clared: "I will be grateful if you will
convey this expression of apprecia-
tion to the motion picture industry
for the valued patriotic service thus
rendered to American bluejackets
throughout the world."
Praise from General Surles
WAC distributed, and eager and
patriotic exhibitors showed, the War
Department's hour-long film, "Pre-
lude To War," first in an Army series
of orientation films. A factual com-
pilation of newsreels, confiscated
Axis film, and assembled under the
expert supervision of Major Frank
Capra, it traces the events leading to
America's involvement in World War
II, and is still being shown in thea-
ters in all sections of the United
States. Major General A. D. Surles,
director, Bureau of Public Relations,
U. S. Army, said: "Everywhere
soldiers and statesmen have agreed
that it should be made available to
the public. Your industry is now un-
dertaking that responsibility. We
believe that the pattern of Nazi and
Japanese plans for world conquest
should be understood, and that events
leading up to Pearl Harbor should
be exposed as cunning steps toward
the subjugation of the United States
and all the other nations of the free
world. We are proud of the partner-
ship by which 'Prelude to War,' con-
ceived as a portion of an Army
orientation course, is offered to the
public through exhibition on your
screens. Everyone seeing it will un-
derstand clearly why there can be
no compromise with any Axis gov-
ernment and why this nation's armies
must fight until the Axis is brought
to 'unconditional surrender'."
"Send Your Name to War"
For several weeks beginning May
27, exhibitors, in co-operation with
the Treasury Department and North
American Aviation Co., put on a
Bond campaign around the slogan,
"Buy a Bond To Buy a Bomber and
Send Your Name To War." Method
of operation was that a Bond buyer
in a theater could sign a scroll.
Latter was then sent to North Amer-
L. C. GRIFFITH:
"M am a Cash Register
jj
pt
By L. C. GRIFFITH
General Chairman,
THIRD WAR LOAN
DECENTLY Theodore R. Gamble, National
■ * War Finance Director, stated that the
nation's motion picture theaters are "cash-
registers" in this war.
I felt honored.
I am a "cash-reg-
ister."
Mr. Gamble also
stated that the thea-
ters, representing
more than 10 per
cent of all issuing
agents for Govern-
ment securities, were
"indispensable."
I am, in an humble
way, proud.
It is good, when
my country is at war
and I cannot be in
the front line, to feel
I am doing a job here on the home front
that is "indispensable."
And I can see where other exhibitors —
every one of the 16,000-odd patriotic show-
men who have rallied to the WAC banner —
must feel pretty good about it, too. For
almost two years, even before America was
involved in this war against Fascism, the
average theater man, in addition to running
his theater in the face of war shortages,
has done a real, grief-for-the-Axis job.
DUT there has been no job that has been
" as big as the Third War Loan. In the
industry, words like mammoth, terrific,
L. C. CRIFFITH
colossal and stupendous are flung around
recklessly. They have come to mean just
"pretty good."
Well, just analyze the goal of the Third
War Loan: Fifteen Billion Dollars. Not mil-
lion—BILLION! That, friends, is a lot of
of money. That's why the "terrifies" and
the "colossals" aren't being used in the
Third War Loan. The Third War Loan is
too big to be merely "stupendous."
Of course, the exhibitors, the touring
Hollywood stars, the thousands of people
within the industry who will place business
second beginning Sept. 9, are not expected
to sell the entire $15,000,000,000 worth of
bonds. But — and I sincerely believe this is
not impossible — it would be a magnificent
thing if an extra bond could be sold for
every seat in every theater in the land.
That would be "backing the attack" — with
a vengeance
\A/E have great, strong allies in the Third
' ''•War Loan. The newspapers, the retail
merchants, the outdoor advertising compa-
nies and radio. Their jobs are the same as
ours if this campaign is to be the success
it should be if we are to be solidly behind
our boys. Yes, the job can be expressed
in two sentences —
Buy an extra bond yourself.
Sell an extra bond to everyone you
can.
If that is done, we may find that fifteen
billion dollars is, after all, only terrific.
ican, who photographed it and placed
it in the cabin of a B-25 Mitchell
bomber. There is no tally on the
total amount of Bonds sold in this
campaign, but the records show that
approximately 4,500 theaters par-
ticipated, and that the results, con-
sequently, were very substantial.
One of the standout contributions
of the present year by filmland to
national welfare was its magnificent
support, via collections, in behalf of
the Infantile Paralysis fund. More
than $2,500,000 was collected, pre-
dominantly by the theaters, as the
result of the energies and humani-
tarianism of circuits and individual
exhibitors throughout the country.
Among the extremely useful serv-
ices extended by the motion picture
industry to the war effort has been
and is the work of the trade press.
The daily, weekly, and bi-monthly
publications, together with special
issues and yearly compendia, have
been the channels through which
journalistic liaison has been main-
tained between the trade and the
war's general prosecution. Through
the printed word, highly effective and
efficient relationships have been
maintained between all branches of
the business, and, in turn, between
the trade, the Government, plus the
national as well as international
scene as far as motion picture com-
merce is concerned. Invaluable back-
ing has been given to all war ac-
tivities, and production, distribution
and exhibition, along with kindred
arms of the trade, have depended
largely upon the motion picture press
for information as well as inspira-
tion.
Trade Press Is "All-Out"
From the Trade Press Publishers
Committee, and through that body
the staffs of their publications, the
War Activities Committee has re-
ceived solid backing of every plan
and measure designed to insure and
hasten Victory. Periodic meetings
are held by the TPPC and WAC to
keep filmland apprised of all neces-
sary announcements and the devel-
opment and course of campaigns un-
dertaken jointly by the Government
and the film entertainment field.
Also in collaboration with the Of-
fice of War Information, the WAC
each month meets with a represenl
tive of that organization and the .
tors of the various movie ma^„
zines, to outline war information
stories, picture layouts and articles
for these publications. For instance,
stories are put in work that will ex-
plain the necessity for women to
take the essential, unglamorous, non-
uniformed jobs vacated by men who
have gone into the service. Others
stress, for example, the importance
of stay-at-home vacations, working
on farms during vacations, etc. Since
millions among the public read and
heed the so-called fan magazines,
these publications are a powerful in-
strumentality whereby movie patrons
can be influenced for the good of the
war effort.
Motion picture theaters in all sec-
tions of the nation are one of the
chief avenues through which Ameri-
cans are contributing blood to the
Red Cross. With Red Cross nurses
stationed in theater lobbies, tens of
thousands of donors have registered
and given blood in the past few
months. The presence of such nurses
in lobbies was initiated in New York
City, and the campaign worked so
well that the Red Cross decided to
expand the campaign and put it on a
national basis. Steps were taken for
blood bank stations to be established
in all the 31 key cities.
Jap Sub Tour Utilized
Since showmanship is the very
cornerstone of motion picture exhi-
bition, the relatively recent tour of
the two-man Japanese submarine,
which was washed ashore at one of
the islands near Pearl Harbor after
the cowardly attack upon Pearl Har-
bor, came under exhibitor auspices in
many cities where it was shown. In-
dividuals were allowed to view the
interior of the midget sub by pur-
chasing a Bond. There is no accurate
dollars-and-cents record of results
available, but that the undersea
craft's exhibition at the hands of
theatermen sold vast quantities of
Bonds is readily gauged by what
happened in Texas. There, as result
of stops in 67 cities, sales totaled
$14,750,214.45. In New York City, a
seven-day itinerary brought sales of
more than $1,000,000.
High on the roster of exhibitor as-
sistance to the war effort has been
the display in theater lobbies of an
average of three OWI posters each
month. These posters stress various
war themes such as the command to
Buy Bonds; caution against careless
talk that might in any way assist the
enemy; the need for food conserva-
tion, etc.
An indication of the importance of
the theaters' role in helping the war
(Continued on Page 18)
BACK THE ATTACK— BUY WAR BONDS * THIRD WAR LOAN * BACK THE ATTACK—BUY WAR BONDS
J
\jjatcklbe
ATTACK/
'Vv this
lifiOo
etli'b'ttors!
This advertisement prepa
and space paid fo
X WARNER BROS
18
DAILY
Friday, August 27, 1943
Industry Ready for Service When War Came
First Steps Taken Towards This End Before the Fall of France in 1940
{Continued from Page 16)
can be gained by a study of an Office
of Defense Transportation ruling.
Film carriers in the strictly rationed
areas have been given an "A" prior-
ity gasoline rating because they haul
to theaters the war films, recruiting
films, and reels which are used for
scrap matinee programs, Bond pre-
mieres, and other shows which valu-
ably aid in the current conflict's
prosecution.
During July, last, film houses co-
operated with the Treasury Depart-
ment in a campaign to sell an extra
dolar's worth of War Stamps to
every American, — the goal total of
$130,000,000 being earmarked to
build the aircraft carrier "Shangri-
La." To aid this campaign, WAC's
Newsreel Division filmed a series of
clips, using such stars as Hedy La-
marr, Maria Montez, Lynn Bari and
Susan Hayward, selling Stamps to
Captain Ted Lawson, one of General
Doolittle's crew on the memorable
raid upon Tokyo.
Certainly one of the most impor-
tant events since the beginning of
1943 was the industry's extension of
the 16 mm. gift programs of current
films. The original gift was 4,500
prints. This was raised subsequently
to more than 10,000 programs aver-
aging 100 minutes. Among the films
which have been seen abroad, in
many instances even before exhibi-
tion in the United States, are "The
Human Comedy," "Stage Door Can-
teen," "Lady of Burlesque," "Some-
thing to Shout About," "The Young-
est Profession," "Flight for Free-
dom," "Action in the North At-
lantic," and numerous others.
Troops Overseas See Movies
The Army has released some at-
tendance figures, as follows: In
April, the audience in Noith Africa
which viewed these films totaled
1,250,000. In Hawaii, during Febru-
ary, there were 3,803 exhibitions, at-
tended by 950,000 servicemen.
Major John W. Hubbell, of the
War Department's Services of Sup-
ply, recently expressed appreciation
for the industry's aid in securing
more than 500 second-hand 16 mm.
sound projectors, some of which have
been reconditioned for use abroad,
and all of which probably, by now,
have been shipped overseas.
The theaters have been and will
continue to be a stady means of com-
municating war informational mes-
sages to the moviegoing public. This
is done with brief films which are
shown in an average of 13,000 thea-
ters. In the past, some of these films
were made by various Government
agencies and given to exhibitors,
while others, produced by the motion
picture industry, were rented to ex-
hibitors with all revenue above ac-
tual cost going to charity. Commenc-
ing with the current month of Au-
gust, in the interests of uniformity,
MOVIES ARE AMERICA'S WEAPONS
No Blitz Required to Mobilize Industry's Resources
on the Side of Freedom, Says Si Fabian
By S. H. FABIAN
Chairman. WAC Theaters Division
v\c
HEN the history of this war comes
be written, one of the brightest
pages will be the contributions and achieve-
ments of the Amer-
ican motion picture
industry. No blitz
was required to
mobilize its re-
sources on the side
of freedom in the
present world crisis.
Its official co-op-
eration with the
Government began
on June 5, 1940.
But unofficially
it began long be-
fore. You will re-
member Wendell
Willkie discovered
on his global tour
that there exists in the world today a
"gigantic reservoir of good will" toward
the American people. "Our motion pictures
have played an important role in building
up this reservoir of friendliness," he said.
"They are shown all over the world. People
of every country can see with their own
eyes what we look like, can hear our
voices."
The continuing importance of motion pic-
Sl FABIAN
tures as weapons in the arsenal of democracy
is attested by the fact that more than 40
Hollywood pictures with special Italian titles
were sent by the Office of War Information
to Sicily for shipment into Italy after its
release from the Axis yoke. These pic-
tures, selected by the OWI Overseas Film
Bureau, stress entertainment. And the
service of entertainment is one of the
greatest contributions the motion picture
industry has made — and continues to make
week in and out — in the cause of democracy.
K IOW Secretary of the Treasury Morgen-
' ^ thau has asked the War Activities Com-
mittee to take part in the Third War Loan
Drive, which opens on Sept. 9, and we are
proud to comply. Showmen accept it as
a tribute to the effective work they did
in the drive last year. Newspapers, radio,
retailers, advertising men and theaters are
working together. It is a community affair,
and again the theaters take their accus-
tomed places as community centers. A
train caravan of Hollywood stars is sched-
uled for a coast to coast tour to promote
Bend sales. In addition it is planned that
several score cities will be visited by other
Hollywood personalities traveling with war
heroes in bombers.
The Treasury goal is $15,000,000,000 in
Bond sales to 50,000,000 individual buyers.
That's why theaters are important. They
reach millions of potential members of the
Bond buyers' brigade every week.
the WAC began a new program of
films, all of which are supplied to
exhibitors gratis.
These films are scheduled for re-
lease on a one-each-week basis, and
thus far the new program is set for
27 weeks, begun Aug. 1. The motion
picture industry is giving 14 of these
shorts, 677 prints of each, for the
new program. There are seven
shorts, prepared by the Motion Pic-
ture Bureau of OWI, prior to its
liquidation. Others include four films
made by the Office of the Co-ordina-
tor of Inter-American Affairs, one
from the Red Cross and one from the
National War Fund.
Every Trade Firm Enrolled
So intensive and varied were film-
land's efforts in behalf of the war's
winning during 1943 that it is patent-
ly impossible to more than briefly
touch upon some of the highlights.
Some idea of the magnitude of the
over-all energies put into the sole
objective of Victory will be appre-
ciated by citing that the work of
every component business firm
throughout the huge structure of
filmland, and the work of every de-
partment and individual therein, has
been directed toward the complete
and prompt defeat of the Axis
nations.
By no means does the Treasury De-
partment's voluntary and eager en-
listment of the motion picture indus-
try to play a "Commando" role in
the Third War Loan Campaign re-
volve about the invaluable perform-
ance and precedent-for-aid set dur-
ing 1943. Indeed, filmland, even be-
fore Pearl Harbor, established a
powerful and efficient set-up which
assured the Government and the na-
tion of thorough co-operation in the
event of hostilities. First steps were
taken toward this end even before
the fall of France in the Spring of
1940. At that time, when Axis
might, which had been accumulating
for almost two decades and dovetail-
ing into a well-defined plan for world
domination, tragically outweighed
any force which could be immediate-
ly summoned by the democracies, a
group of exhibitors, summoned by
R. B. Wilby of Atlanta and E. V.
Richards, Jr., of New Orleans, ex-
amined the processes whereby thor-
ough assistance could be accorded by
the motion picture industry to the
cause of National Defense.
During this same period, the iA
Sidney R. Kent convened a meet^J
in New York City's Union League
Club, with military authorities as the
chief speakers, and industry leaders
in attendance. Out of the Union
League Club session and the im-
petus given to aims and purposes by
the Wilby-Richards confab with fel-
low exhibitors evolved a committee
with George J. Schaefer as its chair-
man. Thus was born the nucleus of
what is now the industry's War Ac-
tivities Committee. On Oct. 14, 1940,
Francis S. Harmon began his duties
as co-ordinator, and the then exist-
ing Motion Picture Committee Co-
operating for National Defense was
greatly expanded to make it more
representative of all branches of
filmland. Five separate divisions were
organized: (1) Hollywood Division,
Y. Frank Freeman, chairman; (2)
Theaters Division, Joseph Bernhard
and E. V. Richards, Jr., co-chairmen;
(3) Distributors' Division, W. A.
Scully, chairman; (4) Newsreel Divi-
sion, E. B. Hatrick, chairman, (suc-
ceeded by Walton Anient); and (5)
Trade Press Division, Martin Quig-
ley, chairman.
The WAC Quickly Emerges
Came the "Day That Will Live in
Infamy!"
Within a fortnight, filmland's co-op-
e: ative organization became stream-
lined into the War Activities Com-
mittee, Motion Picture Industry. It
had and has two cornerstones, — to
assist with all possible vigor the
United States and its allied nations
in the successful prosecution of the
war, and the winning of the peace.
Seven divisions of WAC entered
upon their individual and collective
duties with determination and un-
flagging "will to win." These divi-
sions comprised (1) Theaters Divi-
sion, S. H. Fabian, chairman; (2)
Newsreels Division, Walton C. Ament
and Michael D. Clofine, chairmen;
(3) Hollywood Division, Mary Mc-
Call, chairman; (4) Trade Press Di-
vision, Martin Quigley, chairman;
(5) Distributors Division, W. F.
Rodgers, chairman; (6) Foreign
Managers Division, Philip Reisman,
chairman; and (7) Press Relations
Division, Oscar A. Doob, chairman.
Soon, two other divisions were add-
ed,— the Drives Division, headed by
Adolph Zukor, and the Publicity and
Advertising Division, with Monroe
Greenthal as chairman, who, upon
joining WPB, was succeeded by Hal
Home.
BACK THE ATTACK— BUY WAB BONDS * THIRD WAB LOAN * BACK THE ATTACK— BUY WAB BONDS
4. Run Na- \
M M W 5. Order Na- 1
B Am y a ranking officer in each branch
'rom which they are chosen. The
•ally will duplicate a national piesi-
lential election convention, divided
fnto the county's 35 districts. Each
listrict will operate under its own
;tandard and have its own leaders.
Charles A. Otis, vice-chairman of the
Cuyahoga County War Finance Com-
nittee, will preside over the whole
Hffair.
This pre-drive lally will be free
];o the public. No Bonds are re-
quired for admission. And no bor.ds
vill be sold during the rally which,
n reality is planned as a "pepper-
lpper" meeting for the 25,000 volun-
;eer bondsellers whose job will be to
nake a house to house and an office
;o office canvass of the county. Mas-
;er of ceremony at the rally will be
2. M. "Pinky" Hunter, well known
■adio program manager, and head of
;he Cleveland Stage Door Canteen.
Caravan to Appear Sept. 14
j The Hollywood Caravan stars are
| (t>et for an appearance at the Public
Auditorium on the evening of Sept.
14, admission to be by Bond or re-
ceipt for the purchase of a Bond
luring the drive. The stars will also
ippear personally at war plants
SK0URAS IN ALL-OUT CAMPAIGN
Unusual "Baby Party" Features Circuit's Campaign
to Spur Third War Loan Bond Sales
Motion Picture Day
as Buffalo Feature
Buffalo — Show folk of Buffalo and
its territory are preparing to "Back
the Attack with the greatest in-
dustry campaign yet staged — and
there have been many great ones —
to help this area raise the largest
amount ever asked of it in a War
Loan drive.
Plans for industry participation
have been outlined in their broader
phases, but complete details have
not been worked out. A further
meeting of all theater managers
will be held in the Variety Club
early next week. Motion Picture
Day, a drive feature, will be ob-
served on or about Sept. 16.
By AL STEEN
Associate Editor, THE FILM DAILY
Having proved its value to the
war program in the past, the War
Effort Department of Skouras The-
aters Corp. is giving both barrels to
the Third War Loan drive.
Highlighting the department's job
for September will be the Owen
Murphy, Jr., War Bond campaign.
Owen Murphy, Jr., a seven-month old
boy, has been photographed in a
striking ' I-mean-business" pose of a
tough, determined and ferocious-
looking kid. The photo is captioned
'What d'ya mean vou ain't gonr.a
buy no Bonds!" More than 50,000
glossy prints have been sent out by
che War Effort Department and have
been distributed thioughout the
Metropolitan area. In addition, 100
40 x 60 blowups and 5,000 11 x 14
photographs have been released in
key spots. Everybody who receives
the Baby Murphy photo can't help
but smile and be reminded gently
that he must buy War Bonds.
"Baby Party" Unique Sunt
The photographs are being accom-
panied by a letter supposedly written
by the baby along with an applica-
tion blank. On Sept. 2, the Skouras
theaters will hold a "baby party" at
the Hotel Astor. Baby Murphy has
"invited" the press to the affair
where the only food will be milk,
pabulum and other items that make
up an infant's diet. Conover models
will do the serving. No goal has been
set for the Baby Murphy phase of
the campaign, the only aim is to sell
as many Bonds as possible.
The department will promote a
rally in Journal Square, Jersey City,
on Sept. 21. A replica of one of the
planes that bombed Tokyo will be
assembled on the scene. Bond pur-
chases will buy the various parts
which will be put together as each
Bond is sold. Another rally will be
held at Crotona Park by the Skouras
theaters in conjunction with Crotona
Citizens Committee and the Bronx
War Finance Committee, while still
another rally will be conducted in
Queens. In fact, it is the aim of the
War Effort Department to promote
some function every day during the
campaign.
Members of the staff of the War
Effort Department have been loaned
out to various groups whenever re-
quested. During the September cam-
paign, members will be working as
volunteers with the Treasury De-
partment, War Finance Committee
and other groups active in the sale
of War Bonds.
The War Effort Department is
unique in its conception and in the
execution of its purpose. Created
by George P. Skouras, the depart-
ment co-ordinates, directs and pro-
motes war effort activities of groups
in communities which have sought
and needed aid and assistance. Many
other circuits throughout the coun-
try have patterned their war activi-
ties after the Skouras formula.
Issuing Agents
The Skouras circuit became the
first theater company to be named an
official issuing agent of the U. S.
Treasury in the sale of War Bonds
and Stamps. This took place months
before the Treasury Department des-
ignated principal theaters of the
country as issuing agents on a "con-
signment" basis. Innumerable war
Bond i allies have been staged for
more than a year and a half through-
out the Skouras circuit. Theaters
were turned over to the community
and to the Treasury officials to stage
rallies where millions of dollars
worth of Bonds were sold.
Skouras' War Effort Department
is ably guided by Nick Matsuokas
and Harry Fuchs who devote their
entire time to its operation.
showing the greatest Bond sale dur-
ing the drive.
A civic luncheon is planned to be
held at the Carter Hotel during the
first week of the drive. It will be
under the sponsorship of the Cleve-
land Chamber of Commerce, Cleve-
land Advertising Club, Rotary, Ki-
wanis and Lion Clubs. Master of
ceremony will be Kay Kyser, who
will appear with his band. Tickets
for this luncheon will be on sale, but
because of limited space, the paying
guests will be confined to an invita-
tional list.
Big event of the luncheon at which
the Caravan stars will be present,
will be an auction of souvenirs taken
in combat authenticated with letters
from the men who seized them.
Among the articles to be auctioned
are Jap flags, Jap swords, rice bowls,
all taken from the South Pacific
area, as well as weapons taken from
the fields of combat in Africa, Sicily
and the Aleutians.
Scale Show at $40,000,000
The Hollywood Caravan show at
the Public Auditorium is scaled at
$40,000,000. Nat Wolf, Warner zone
manager, is chairman of the caravan
committee. Charles Raymond, Loew
theater division manager, is chair-
man of the theater division for the
drive. George W. Erdmann, secre-
tary of the Independent Theater
Owners of Ohio, represents the inde- j
pendent exhibitors on the theater
committee while William N. Skirball
and I. J. Schmertz, 20th Century-Fox
branch manager, are active as co-
chairmen of the WAC in this area.
40 K. (. Picture Men
Pledge Half Million
Kansas City, Mo. — The Kansas
City exchange area organization of
the WAC is re-a: ranging its two-
year set-up to conform to the state
chairman plan devised for the con-
duct of the Third War Loan and is
already geared to ' back the attack"
in Kansas and the Western half of
Missouri with everything they've got.
At an organization meeting held
this week at the Hotel Muehlebach,
presided oved by E. C. Rhoden, presi-
dent of Fox Midwest Theaters, area
chairman, preview of industry Bond
sales possibilities was taken and
from 40 men present pledges for
September purchases totalled $500,-
000. This preliminary survey of
the industry alone gives some idea
of the possibility of success in the
campaign in this territory when the
motion picture organization joins
with the newspapers, the radio and
the retailers in putting the Third
War Loan campaign before the gen-
eral public.
Present at the Kansas City organi-
zation meeting were representatives
of the Fox Midwest ci: cuit, Com-
monwealth circuit, Griffith circuit
and Durwood-Dubinsky theaters; the
president and other officials of the
Missouri-Kansas Theater Owners As-
sociation and Kansas City Indepen-
dent Theater Owners; all exchange
managers and a number of others.
Circuit heads will follow right down
the line on the internal solicitation
and the same urgent plea to buy
that extra bond or bonds during
September will be made to all in-
dependent theater owners and em-
ployes.
The publicity plan for motion pic-
ture theater participation in the cam-
paign was outlined and William
Truog, distributor char man set up
his organization and plans for the
booking and dating of War Bond
premieres throughout the ter: itory.
St. Louis Plans Huge
Bond Bally Sept. 9
St. Louis— Highlights of the St.
Louis industry's participation in the
Third War Loan have been mapped
out here by exhibitors and ex-
change men. The program includes,
in part, a War Bond premiere Sept.
8 at the Ambassador Theater, a
huge rally the next day at Sports-
man's Park, an all-day program for
members of the Hollywood Caval-
cade on Sept. 18 and special events
in every Missouri town. Harry C.
Arthur is chairman of the activi-
ties here.
MACK THE ATTACK— BUY WAB BONDS * THIBD WAB LOAN * BACK THE ATTACK—BUY WAB BONDS
B
mmi
- - ■ -
28
■m"Mm
Friday, August 27, 194l
DAILY
Inspiring Events To Launch Sept. Bond Drive
Boston Sets Huge Rally;
"Home Front Invasion"
Scheduled for New York
(Continued from Page 1)
War Loan Campaign, and will sup-
plement the broadcast of Hollywood
stars from the White House on Sept.
8.
Griffith was accompanied on his
cross-country trip by Francis S. Har-
mon, WAC executive vice-chairman;
Si Fabian, chairman of the WAC
theaters division, and Ray Beall,
drive publicity chief.
The tour, which culminated in a
nation-wide address over a Mutual
closed circuit hook-up from Washing-
ton to WAC and War Finance Com-
mittee workers in 200 cities on Wed-
nesday evoked a flood of wired assur-
ances from the regional chairmen
that they are bending every effort
to make this the most memorable
drive of the war, and many tangible
evidences of the steps being taken
accompanied the expressions of as-
surance.
Star Tour Plans Finalized
While in Los Angeles, the WAC
executives conferred with Kenneth
Thomson and Chailes K. Feldman
of the Hollywood Victory Commit-
tee, which is collaborating with WAC
in the campaign. Arrangements have
been finalized for the Hollywood Star
tour which will visit 15 cities on a
Coast-to-Coast swing in wake of the
White House broadcast. Edward L.
Alperson is tour chairman, and Frank
Seltzer is now visiting the 15 cities
to make advance arrangements with
Bond rally committees.
Several score of cities additionally
will be visited by war heroes via
bombers, with Hollywood personali-
ties serving as masters of ceremonies.
Roster of stars making the "Bond-
storming" trips will be released
shortly by the Hollywood Victory
Committee. Kay Kyser's band, it
is indicated, will accompany the tour.
Reports reaching Griffith and Wil-
liam F. Rodgers, — who is serving as
Bond premiere chairmen — , discloses
that some 1,200 cities are planning
such premieres. The "Ranger" field
organization, headed by WAC Chair-
man George J. Schaefer, will begin
backing the attack by selling at
Kelley's Four Sons
lit Armed Services
Avoca, Pa. — Joseph Kelley, veter-
an employe of the Palace, now has
four sons serving in the armed forces.
Ensign Thomas Kelley is somewhere
in the Southwest Pacafic; Sgt. Paul
Kelley has been stationed in Africa
for several months; Pvt. William
Kelley is at Camp Polk, La.; and
Frank Kelley, 18, has just been ac-
cepted by the Navy.
WAR SERVICE
. . • on the Film Front
Chicago— More than $8,500,000 in War
Bonds and approximately $1,000,000 in War
Stamps have been sold by the Balaban &
Katz and the Great States circuits to date.
More than $500,000 in bonds, has been
purchased by the employes of theh two cir-
cuits.
. . ._ V . . .—
Rochester — Although date for the open-
ing of "This Is The Army" here has not
been definitely set, Jay Golden of the
RKO Palace has announced that top admis-
sion for the first night will be $15. That's
the highest ever reported here. Proceeds
will go to the Army Emergency Relief, and
$10,000 is expected to be realized.
Portland, Ore. — The George A. White
Service Center snack bar, installed at
Parker's Broadway Theater, where "Stage
Door Canteen," is current, has already
served more than 15,000 in the armed
forces.
. . . _ V . . . —
Des Moines, la. — Local film theaters put
en one of the most successful drives in
the recent Shangri-La Bond selling cam-
paign, with more than $1,250,000 bonds
and stamps sold against the quota of only
$170,000.
The Des Moines drive was engineered
by G. Ralph Branton, general manager for
Tri-States Theater Corp.
least one extra Bond to every film
industry employe. Liaison between
WAC and the War Finance Com-
mittee is being maintained by Oscar
A. Doob, on leave from his post as
W A C ' s public relations division
piogram, General Donovan of the
Eighth Service Command will dis-
cuss the Bond campaign and its im-
portance to the nation.
Dramatic presentation, with cast
headed by Taylor, Douglas, Holt,
chairman and now acting as WFC's j Holden and Bartholomew, will climax
assistant national director. Theo-
dore R. Gamble, WFC national di-
recto: , is himself an Oregon film ex-
hibitor.
Stars In Texas Broadcast
Individual campaigns are current-
ly receiving finishing touches at the
hands of state, area and local com-
mittees, prominently that being
planned in Texas, which calls for a
broadcast by Lt. (j.g.) Robert Tay-
lor, Capt. Melvyn Douglas, Cadet
Freddie Bartlolomew, Maj. Jack
Holt and Lt. William Holden, during
a state-wide Bond blackout on Sept.
8, the night prior to the drive's op-
ening. All five actors are stationed
in the area.
First reports that such a blackout
was contemplated reached New York
from Karl Hoblitzelle who said that
James O. Cheiry, Dallas chairman,
conceived the idea and arranged de- j eight big Bond Stands in prominent
the program. Thousands of air raid
wardens all over the state will carry
Bond drive messages into homes,
and, when the lights come on again,
the Texas committee confidently ex-
pects to vend a record number of
Bonds. Among the many other sub-
sequent events in the state cam-
paign are a prizefight refereed by
Jack Dempsey, paratrooper jumps,
and the Hollywood Cavalcade Bond
rally in Dallas, Sept. 20.
Army Co-operates in Boston
To publicity Committee Chairman
Ray Beall came word yesterday from
Harry Browning, public relations di-
rector of the Boston area that co-
operation between the industry and
all other organizations and g: oups
is at a maximum high. As evidence,
he pointed to the Board of Trade's
enthusiastic co-operation in building
tails with Robert E. Smith, regional
director of the OCD. Latter body,
it is said, was in complete agree-
ment with the plan and ordered a
full 30-minute blackout over the en-
tire state from 10 to 10:30 p.m. on
the eve of the drive. Duiing it, every
radio station in Texas will tie-in
to a central broadcast from Dallas.
At the microphones, Gov. Coke Stev-
enson will explain blackout's purpose,
locations throughout the city. Thea-
termen will supply talent and special
attractions for these booths. The
Army's First Corps Area Command,
Browning states, has proclaimed
"no ceilings" on the supply of men,
peeps, jeeps and bands. Equipment
and personnel, plus the entire Army
public relations staff is at the drive's
service for the whole month.
Boston's campaign begins with a
and officially proclaim remainder of I 24-hour rally on Boston Common
the month for Bond sales and pur- Bond Stand with the Army, radio and
chase. He will further remind the press co-operating with filmland,
people that other communities tieing in with the White House
throughout the world are blacked-out bioadcast on the night of Sept. 8.
because they fear enemy bombers, A Million Dollar Luncheon is planned
but that the Texas blackout is sim-
ply to impress upon Texans the great
for Sept. 10, the day the Hollywood
Star Tour reaches the city. Meal
privilege they have m buying War will cost each guest the purchase of a
Bonds, i $1,000 Bond. In the evening, stars
Following the Governor on the ' will parade to Boston Garden, do-
Texas to Stage Blackout
On Eve of the Campaign
To Kindle Public Fervor
SQjW
pUu
nated for the occasion, where soj
20,000 will pay an $18.75 Bond
chase to see the show. Several pie
licity projects are planned, one foil
each Boston newspaper and radic
station. One newspaper will feature
a competition, open to all housewives
for "Bond Queen of Boston" cham-
pionship.
"Home Front Invasion" In N. Y.
New York City will open the Third|
War Loan via a Home Front In-
vasion by seven military convoys of!
jeeps, tanks and trucks converging!
on institutional Times Sq. at 10 a.m.!
on Sept. 9 from seven directions.
Plans are under leadership of Eddie
Dowden, New York City public re-
lations chairman, in collaboration
with the New York metropolitan ex-
change committee under chairman-
ship of Harry Mandel.
Each convoy will include at least
five wounded war heroes convales-
cing in the New Yoik area. Greeting
them will Be Governor Dewey, Mayor
LaGuardia and other officials at a
Hotel Astor reception. A military
band will furnish the music, and,
at noon, the heroes will emerge from
the hotel and mount a Times Sq.
platform. A salute, fired by a mili-
tary detachment, will then open the
Third War Loan Campaign officially.
The heroes will be introduced to
the crowds over a public address sys-
tem. AWVS and other organiza-i
tions' workers will then sell Bonds
from tents on the scene. Subse-
quently the motorcycle-escorted con-l
voys will visit the five boroughs,!
Westchester County and northern!
New Jersey, with receptions planned
in each so that the war heroes can
be acclaimed and the public can buy
Bonds.
Theater Plans Contest
For War Bond Booth
Rochester — One of the highlights
of the War Bond drive here next
month will be a War Bond Booth con-
test mapped by the RKO Palace.
The most unusual Bond booth de-
sign submitted will be used by the
theater during the month, and the
originator will receive a $50 War
Bond, according to Manager Jay
Golden.
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
MRS. FRANK NOWAK, owner-manager, Lincoln,
Buffalo.
BACK THE ATTACK — BUY WAB BONDS * THIRD WAB LOAN * BACK THE ATTACK BUY WAB BONDS
'The Motion Picture
Bond Booths... Cash Registers
of the War"
THEODORE GAMBLE
National Director, War Finance Committee
This space contributed by Columbia Pictures Corp.
M I3 I3 IUJ IJ
2 £3 W 44 S
■>f
NYC
I F L
THIRD
LOAN
starts
SEPTEMBER 9th
* * * * *
Help Shorten the War
BUY MORE BONDS
* * * * *
J. E. BRULATOUR, Inc.
EASTMAN
MOTION PICTURE
FILMS
Fort Lee
Chicago
Hollywood
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
I"
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAIIY
84, NO. 42
NEW YORK. MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 1943
TEN CENTS
ALLIEDJANVASSES JHCREE EXPERIENCES
Clark, Wright Meet With Distribs. This Week
THE WEEK IN
REVIEW
Bond Drive
SALESMANSHIP: The film in-
dustry centered its attention during
the week on preparations for the part
it will play the Third War Loan
drive to sell $15,000,000,000 in War
Bonds and Stamps. L. C. Griffith,
national chairman, announced that
the industry would open its blitz on
Wednesday, Sept. 8, the day before
Bond selling is to start, and would
harness all its colorful salesman-
ship to swell filmdom's total sales
far beyond its record in any previous
Bond campaign. He offered the
trade a nine-point plan through which
this end can be achieved. . . . The
War Center in New York's "Victory
Square' will be opened on Friday,
Sept. 3. . . . More than 1,200 theaters
plan to hold War Bond Premieres
admission to which will be by the
purchase of a War Bond. ... It is
hoped that at least 1,000 more thea-
ters will become issuing agents for
Bonds. ... An $86,000,000 "gate" in
the sale of War Bonds is expected
from the great show at Madison
Square Garden. ... A Hollywood
Bond Cavalcade with nine famous
film stars and Kay Kyser's band will
tour the country.
* * *
FINANCIALS Warner Bros, re-
ported a nine-month profit of $5,-
714,392. Its inventory reached an
all-time high of $29,929,174, with
total consolidated assets of $182,-
607,003. . . . K-A-0 reported a 26-
week net of $963,605, a jump of
$436,034 over the same period n
1942. . . . July report on admission
tax collections for June was $15,-
750,518, a jump of $4,500,000 over
May,
* * *
NEWS NUGGETS: Paul V. Mc-
Nutt, War Manpower Commission
chief, announced that theaters were
not essential to the war effort, at
the same time lauding the industry's
part in the war effort. . . . Donald
M. Nelson WPB chief, told the in-
dustry that it. was. over the "hump"
insofar as theater equipment is con-
cerned.
Decree Huddles May
Start Wednesday; See
Clark as Well Armed
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Distributor heads
will meet with Assistant Attorney
General Tom Clark and Robert L.
Wright, motion picture specialist for
the anti-trust division of the De-
partment of Justice, some time this
week, Wright said Friday. He did
not know that any day had definite-
ly been set, but believed the confer-
ence would take place Wednesday.
The meeting will be the first Clark
has had with distributor heads in
(Continued on Page 3)
White House Star
Bond Broadcast Wed.
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — - A number of top
Hollywood stars — including Bing
Crosby, Burns and Allen, Edgar Bei*-
gen, Dinah Shore and others — will
participate in a giant four-network
full-hour broadcast the evening of
Wednesday, Sept. 8, to launch the
Treasury's giant Third War Loan
(Continued on Page 6)
Toronto Exhibs. Up in Arms
Over Hike in Posting Fee
Toronto — The announcement of
Toronto poster firms that the bill-
board posting charge had been in-
creased 20 per cent on Friday aroused
local theaters to a fighting pitch. The
poster people advised the exhibitors
(Continued on Page 3)
Manpower Shortage
on Coast Worries
Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The capital at the
week-end was watching with con-
cern reports on the West Coast
manpower shortage in war produc-
tion plants. Industry leaders were
especially apprehensive because of
the warning issued by WMC direc-
tor Paul V. McNutt, who told the
WAC group meeting that it might
be necessary to transfer workers
from the industry to war plants on
the Coast.
The strain on Pacific Coast man-
power facilities indicates that
studios will find it nearly impossible
to gain approval from the U. S. Em-
ployment Service for the hiring of
engineers, electricians, pattern-
makers and others included on the
new "critical list."
Appeal Board Hands
Down Two Decisions
Arbitration appeal board on Fri-
day handed down two decisions,
modifying one award and remand-
ing the other to an arbitrator.
The Ellicott Theater, Ellicott
(Continued on Page 3)
Additional Equipment
Manufacture Next Year?
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Justification of re-
quests from the WPB Service Equip-
ment Division for materials for the-
(Continued on Page 2)
More Financing For Indies
Ideal Factoring Corp. Expands Operations
WPB Okays $1,000,000
Agfa Ansco Expansion
Binghamton — Construction of a
$1,000,000 addition to Agfa Ansco's
film manufacturing plant here to
house a film-coating alley and aux-
iliary equipment has been okayed
(Continued on Page 2)
Following an extensive survey of
the financial needs of independent
producers who release through ma-
jor companies, the Ideal Factoring
Corp. is expanding its operations so
as to make funds available for es-
tablished producers. More than $5,-
000,000 is now available for "second-
ary financing," it was stated Friday
(Continued on Page 7)
Three-Part Questionnaire
Seeks Suggested Remedies
For So-called Trade Evils
Seeking information as to how the
New York consent decree has af-
fected independent exhibitors and
asking for suggestions that might
remedy so-called trade "evils," Al-
lied over the week-end dispatched
questionnaires to its members and
others. Full text appears on page
6 The queries are similar to those
sent out previously by the Pacific
Coast Conference of Independent
Theater Owners, except that the Al-
lied inquiries, in some instances, ask
for more detailed information.
In a letter attached to the ques-
(Continued on Page 6)
See Permanency for
Palace First-Runs
The Broadway Palace's debut as
a permanent first-run house got off
to a start that apparently surprised
both the exhibition and distribution
branches of the RKO family. Bow-
ing in with "The Fallen Sparrow"
as the first offering on the new pol-
(Continued on Page 6)
Scully Names Supervisors
In "U" Sales Districts
W. A. Scully, vice-president and
general sales manager of Universal,
announced Friday that certain
changes have been effected in the
(Continued on Page 3)
Daily Exhib. Reports
on Bond Sales Ashed
National pattern of reporting War
Bond sales during the Third War
Loan campaign was announced over
the week-end by L. C. Griffith, gen-
eral chairman. Reports are to be
filed daily by exhibs. in each state
to the state chairman who will re-
port weekly — on Sept. 16, 23 and 30
to the WAC headquarters here,
permitting a national tally at the
close of each of the campaign's three
weeks.
3fe
Monday, August 30, 194.:
Vol. 84, No. 42 Mon., Aug. 30, 1943 10 Cents
Additional Equipment
Manufacture Next Year?
JOHN W. ALICOATE :
: : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSBREAU
General Manager
: : : : Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
(., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New Yorl
$10.00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months.
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadwaj
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117.
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PAR1S-
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12)
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY-
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(August 27)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
pfd.
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%)
Columbia iPicts. pfd. .
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind.
East. Kodak..
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . . .
20th Century- Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
89 13-1
NEW YORK
Par. B'way 3s55
NEW YORK
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor
15% 153/4 15%
Vi
21/2 2l/2 21/2
15% 151/2 151/2
Vi
581/4 573/4 58% — %
25% 25'/4 25%
8 77/8 7%
88 88 88
21% 21% 21% - %
303/4 301/2 30%
121/2 121/4 121/4 — %
6 8934 89 13-16 +3-16
BOND MARKET
78 78 78
CURB MARKET
21/2 21/2 2% - %
1% 13/8 13/8 — %
31/2 3% 31/2
. 12% 121/2 121/2 — %
Huddle In Dallas Today
On 400 "Army" Openings
Dallas — With a minimum of 400
special advance-price premieres of
Irving Berlin's "This is the Army"
in prospect for this territory, War-
ner Bros, and Interstate Circuit rep-
resentatives will meet here today
with U. S. Army officers from the
Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and
New Mexico areas to outline the
working operation of the gala open-
ings.
Warner group will include Doak
Roberts, branch manager; Will Yo-
len of Mort Blumenstock's home of-
fice staff and Frank Bruner, south-
western field rep. Frank Starz will
represent Interstate.
(Continued from Page 1)
ater equipment has become a far
simpler job in the last few months,
Allen G. Smith, head of the divisions
amusement section, said Friday.
Referring to the assurance given
last week's WAC meeting by WPB
Chief Donald M. Nelson that "the
worst is over" as regards theater
equipment, Smith said WPB now ap-
pears to be convinced of the legiti-
macy of requests for iron, steel,
copper, aluminum and other mate-
rials for the manufacture of theater
supplies and repair parts.
Nelson had assured the exhibitors
that their essential needs will be
met. This statement should be taken
literally, according to Smith. No
more equipment than has been avail-
able in the past is now authorized,
although it is not unlikely that man-
ufacture of some additional projec-
tors, sound systems, lamps and recti-
fiers will be permitted next year.
Production of 100 new projectors,
lamps and rectifiers and 50 sound
systems during the fourth quarter
of this year was authorized earlier
this Summer.
Smith warned that available equip-
ment will be used only to replace
burned out or obsolete equipment,
with nothing to be used for "new
expansion."
Chicago Operators Union
Asks Rehearing by WLB
Chicago — Projectionists' Local 110,
IATSE, has petitioned the Chicago
Regional War Labor Board to re-
consider the latter's refusal to ap-
prove a proposal of local theater
owners raising the wages of their
operators five per cent for a period
of one year, with the increases being
retroactive to Sept. 1, 1942, and an
extra three per cent the following
year.
Pete Shayne, president; Clarence
■Talas, secretary-treasurer; John
Smith, business agent, and Harry
Ragen, the last-named's assistant ap-
peared personally before the board
with a request for a rehearing.
Condon Leaving 20th-Fox
To Head Own Publicity Co.
Richard Condon has resigned as
director of national promotion for
?0th-Fox. He will enter the pub-
licity field on his own as the Rich-
ard Condon Organization.
Before he assumed his present du-
ties with 20th-Fox Condon was in
charge of publicity for the company
in New York.
In accepting his resignation, which
becomes effective on Sept. 15, Hal
Home, director of advertising and
Publicity for 20thFox, said on Fri-
day that he faced the loss of Con-
don's services "with deep regret."
Max Youngstein, who had been
executive assistant to Home until
recently, will be associated with
Condon in the venture.
WPB Okays $1,000,000
Agfa Ansco Expansion
(Continued from Page 1)
by the WPB, it was disclosed at the
week-end by H. G. Harrison Echols,
general manager.
The coating alley will result in
increasing production of finished film
by more than 25 per cent, Echols
said.
Constructions is scheduled to start
within a week and plans are to have
the new plant in production late
next Spring, according to Echols.
Agfa Ansco is a division of the
General Aniline & Film Corp.
New N-S-B Post for Meyer,
Former IPC Sales Manager
A. E. Meyer, long sales manager
of the International Projector Corp.,
has been named manager of the
projection equipment division of the
recently organized National- Simplex-
Bludworth, Inc. He is scheduled to
leave shortly on a trip to the Coast,
stopping at key centers to meet ex-
hibitors and National branch man-
agers.
Meyer also will see leading pro-
jectionists and attend meetings of
IATSE locals to discuss subjects
which will lead to improved main-
tenance and secure better projection
under existing conditions.
First 130 "Army" Dates
Hold Over 100 Per Cent
Every one of the first 130 open-
ings of Irving Berlin's "This is the
Army" has been held over for a
second week of additional time, War-
ners announced Friday.
At the Ambassador, St. Louis, the
Warner Bros, production will be
one of the first, if not the first, to
play a third consecutive week. Other
three-week runs to date include
Memphis, Des Moines, Kansas City,
Albany, Cincinnati, Dayton, Phila-
delphia and Washington. Most of
the 75 engagements now in their
second week also will go into a third.
"Up in Mabel's Room"
On Stage Before Pic
Edward Small will precede his
film version of "Up In Mabel's Room"
with a stage production, the pro-
ducer, now in the East, said Friday.
Small said he planned to use most
of the stage cast in the pic, with two
scieen "names" in the leads.
"Destroyer" Scores Big
With five pre-release engagements
concluding their first week runs, Co-
lumbia's "Destroyer" has broken
house records established by all
other Columbia pictures in these
spots and is being held over in four
of the five situations, the home of-
fices reported Friday. These five
pre-release showings are in Provi-
dence, Seattle, Portland, Me., Water-
bury, Conn., and Detroit.
L. A. Theater Files Action
Against 20 Cent.-Fox
H
in'1 '
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DA1L
Hollywood — Colorado Corporatio
operating the Bard-Adams Theate
Los Angeles, has filed an action i
Federal Court, charging 20th Cei
tury-Fox with violation of the Cla;
ton and Sherman anti-trust laws ar
asking 20th-Fox to rent films to tl:
plaintiff on a basis comparable"
Fox West Coast Theaters in*
zone adjoining the Bard. Twentien
Fox is cited as defendant in the actio
as owner of National Theaters Corj
which owns FWC.
Suit contends FWC Theaters
competition with the Bard are a
lowed to play pictures from one '
two weeks ahead of the Bard ar
alleges 20th-Fox has discriminate
in prices between the Bard and tl
FWC Theaters.
\EW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CARY GRANT
"MR. LUCKY"
With LARAINE DAY
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
In
"Let's Face
It"
In Person
BENNY
GOODMAN
And Band
CON DOS BROS.
JACK MARSHALL
BUY WAR DADAMnilKIT TIMES
bonds PARAMOUNT square
m TECHNICOLOR!
i cEwrusr-fOx picr/m
VELOZ and YOLANDA
Jerry COLONNA
Mono MASSEY
R0XY3
IMVlonday, August 30, 1943
.3*
DAILY
iuddles on Decree
itart This Week
(Continued from Page 1)
iiome weeks, and the first since he
>cgan his all-out campaign to get
■xhibitor ideas on the consent de-
cree. It is expected that he will find
i' '_tributors anxious to co-operate
' ~3i him in drafting changes in the
rfi£ree. Although it has been re-
ported that distributors will seek to
lave the decree changed and then
extended for five years, this sugges-
;ion has not been advanced in Wash-
ngton. Wright said he would not
ie i je surprised to see something of the
afjort asked, but has no knowledge
at|i;hat that will be the case.
Clark was due this week-end from
Chicago, where he talked with sev-
sral independent exhibitors. Im-
pression here is that he will be pre-
pared to "throw the book" at the
distributor group if he gets the im-
pression that they are reluctant to
agree to a drastic revision of the
i decree. Although he has not yet
made up his mind whether revision,
-Lor a pressing of the divorcement case
is the answer, Clark will be armed
'with a rather complete docket of ex-
hibitor complaints against the de-
cree.
Scully Names Supervisors
In "U" Sales Districts
{Continued from Page 1)
+sales districts to allow closer con-
centration and supervision in the
field.
Samuel Applegate joins Universal
i.and will have headquarters in Phila-
delphia. Applegate will supervise
Jsales in the Philadelphia and Wash-
ington offices.
ii Dave Miller will cover the Cleve-
..land and Pittsburgh offices with
headquarters in Cleveland.
■j- Barney Rose has been transferred
from his headquarters in Philadel-
phia to Boston and will cover the
Albany, Boston, Buffalo and New
^ Haven offices.
Astra Line-up for Al Dezel
Chicago — Al Dezel, independent
distributor, closed a deal with Oliver
" Unger for Middle Western distribu-
tion of Astra films and with J. D.
Kendis of Continental Pictures to
| handle "Teen Age" in the central
j states.
Joan Blondell
Happy Birthday!
• • • IT WAS JUST 22 years ago last night that Loew's Stale
Theater on Broadway opened its doors to the public and Al
Rosen, its present manager, will be host tonight when the house has
a 22nd anniversary party There are a lot o£ film folk who were on
hand on the opening night and to refresh their memory we quote
one paragraph lrom the story of the opening night which appeared in
THE FILM DAILY issue of Aug. 30. 1922: "It was a proud night for
Marcus Loew and when he finally reached the stage of the magnificent
playhouse, hand in hand with Fannie Brice. he rather briefly and halting-
ly expressed just what the unusual reception meant to him
Flanked by Raymond Hitchcock, Flo Ziegfeld, Miss Brice and the en-
tire Follies chorus, Mr. Loew delved into things that 'money can't buy,'
and placed in that category the friendship of his friends and their good
will toward him."
▼.▼''▼
e • • HEAR AND THEIR Universal is hosting at a cock-
tail party this afternoon at "21" for Susanna Foster, star of "Phantom
of the Opera." ... • New member of Mort Blumenstock's publicity
department at Warner Bros, is Russell H. Stewart, formerly motion
picture critic of the Washington News. ... • Advertising copy of the
DeVry Corp. for the 1943-44 season will promote some of the better
pictures in each ad In September, DeVry will focus attention
on 20//; Century-Fox's "Song of Bernadette" Test ads in July
and August won so many favorable comments that the program will
be continued. ... • Sol Lesser's contract with Cheryl Walker and
Marjorie Riordan, who had romantic parts in "Stage Door Canteen,"
has been purchased by Warner Bros, but the gals will be available to
Lesser for one picture a year. ... • G. H. Coats, manager of the
Wilby-Kincey Tiger Theater in Auburn, Ala., has been elected president
of the Rotary Club there
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Arbitration Appeal Board
Hands Down 2 Decisions
(Continued from Page 1)
City, Md., has claimed that the 14-
day clearance granted by RKO in
favor of the Alpha Theater was un-
reasonable and asked that it be
eliminated or reduced to one day.
The arbitrator cut the clearance to
seven days, but the complainant ap-
pealed.
Appeal board found that some
competition existed and modified the
award, fixing seven days as the
clearance to the Alpha, provided that
in the event that the Alpha shall
commence to play a picture more
than 14 days after it has become
available to it, then the clearance of
the Alpha over the Ellicott shall be
reduced by one day for each day
of delay, except that in no event
shall such clearance be reduced to
less than one day.
Appeal board remanded to the ar-
bitrator, or another arbitrator, the
complaint filed by the Peacock The-
ater, New Orleans, against Para-
mount, Warner Bros., RKO and
Freeman, RKO Executive,
Leaves to loin the Navy
Norman Freeman, assistant to
RKO President N. Peter Rathvon,
left the company last Friday to enter
the United States Navy. He will
report to the Navy induction office
tomorrow for assignment.
Assistant to Rathvon since Jan-
uary, 1943, Freeman joined RKO on
Jan. 1, 1942. In March, 1942, he was
made assistant secretary and assis-
tant treasurer of RKO Radio Pic-
tures, Inc.
20th Century-Fox. Because of tech-
nicalities in the decree and the fact
that a zoning schedule, submitted by
the complainant, apparently had not
been seen by the defendants, the ap-
peal board sent the case back for
further hearing on its merits. The
Peacock had charged that RKO, prior
to 1935, had released product to
the house 60 days after first-run,
but that subsequently the Peacock
was forced to play 60 days after the
Rivoli which followed first-run by
6C days.
COmiflG aid G0IIIG
ROY HAINES, Warners' Southern and Western
division sales manager, gets back the first
of this week from a Midwest tour.
CARL LESERMAN, UA general sales manager,
left over the week-end for a visit to the com-
pany's Coast Studios.
EDDIE SILVERMAN of the Essaness circuit has
returned to Chicago from his Summer home at
Eagle River, Wis.
). D. SCHMELZER, controller for the Jones,
Linick & Schaefer circuit of Chicago, is on
vacation in Wisconsin.
STEVE BROIDY, Monogram vice-president and
general sales manager, returned to Hollywood on
Saturday after several weeks visiting Eastern
exchange centers.
CAPT. WILLIAM FIELDS of the Canadian
Army, former public relations man for the Play-
wrights Co., leaves for Ottawa today after sev-
eral days in town following the completion of
an infantry-training course at Quebec.
CAPT. ROMNEY BRENT is in town on a mis-
sion for the Canadian government.
WILLIAM HARRIS, JR., is back from the Coast.
JANE DARWELL leaves Hollywood for the East
this week.
VIRGINIA O'BRIEN, M-C-M comedienne, ar-
rives from the Coast on Sept. 10.
RUBE JACKTER, Columbia Assistant Ceneral
Sales Manager, leaves today for Jacksonville,
Fla,, on a business trip which will take ap-
proximately a week.
JOSEPH FELDMAN, assistant zone manager
for Warner Theaters in the Pittsburgh territory,
returned to that city over the week-end from
Washington and New York.
JAMES R. NAIRN, director of advertising and
publicity for Famous Players Canadian, has
returned to Toronto after a New York
visit.
HARRY M. KALMINE, assistant general mana-
ger of Warner Theaters, returns today from a
Wisconsin trip.
LOU DAVIDOFF and JOHN TURNER, heads
of the Warner Circuit film buying department in
the Philadelphia zone, returned to that- city
over the week-end after a week's stay in New
York working on product deals. '
GIL GOLDEN and JOHN HARKINS of Warners'
advertising and publicity department return
today from vacation.
WILLIAM CACNEY pulls into town from the
Coast today.
Toronto Exhibs. Up in Arms
Over Hike in Posting Fee
(Continued from Page 1)
that the boost would take effect
Sept. 1.
The theater men let it be known
that they intended to make an issue
of the matter with Government of-
ficials, basing their case on the con-
tention that costs affecting theater
operations should be stabilized. They
hold that the increase is out of place
in view of the fact that the board
of trade has pegged admission prices
for the duration. The exhibitors
feel that an unfair advantage is be-
ing taken of them.
STORKS
A baby boy weighing seven pounds,
nine ounces was born Friday to Mr.
and Mrs. John Wrege. Father is
manager of United Artist's playdate
department.
and the
GARFIELD 0HAR4
are no
exception
WALTER SLEZAK • PATRICIA MORISON • MARTHA O'DRISCOLL
P/ioJuceJ iy robert fellows • $)i/ieckd 'iy richard Wallace
Screen Play by Warren Duff
\'«%a$
fte He*
XotV 0**
»rVot
*****
the
t*o. I ttetn
to oi *** ^
taVn«v"" ^..v.Goe
on
"\cti®n'
jWSpenSe, «*—*
. Jobn Gai
.we***6*'"
C ttest role he ever bad"
field in *e «a«e^o.w^s
_ Kate Cameron, N. •
.vocative
***-*l'ZZZ.~*
of recent mo
ntVia.
^
.0„e of tbe uneo^on and provo- __^y Oo^,
mes
i„ f>
e is fast the entertainment hectic.
There are thrills, chases . . . 1 ^ Pac __ ^ ^^ N y Daiiy Mirror
"Creates and holds engrossing mood of suspense and excitement.
— Alton Cook, N. Y. World-Telegram
"Trim and close-hauled melodrama." —John T.
McManus, P.M.
'This unusual picture deserves
your attention." - Archer Winsten, N. Y. Post
The Trade Press
"Melodra
m* with sufficient
suspense to carry throu
Profitable biz."
"T°Pnotch nieJJer
l}1™y ^ their Ukii' ;, " Sh°W that «** stand
^Vonet/^8^0^^"-^
mg.
"Tau( and te„s
"Outside
e • • • ""mark* with
exj'Joitatio,,
-^Exh/b/for " ' CUS,°mers wiU ^d
genera]
«*— *l satl,facfion_
>9
""*./?,.,
r"» . . m ~"" Mp- Daily
*» a„ ;C *«* o«ce ranrf^Pe,,e,.
—reuse .
*•>• Herou 'a^e "«ea
Sl|re."
e*se.
JACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS!
THIRD WAR LOAN!
0^V ,
eyiew
d^a f
or
w
Monday, August 30, 1943
DjUU
Allied Canvasses
Decree Experiences
{Continued from Page 1)
tionnaire, Abram F. Myers, general
counsel, points out that "as a re-
sult of an interview by representa-
tives of Allied with Tom Clark, As-
sistant Attorney General, it has
been arranged so that the indepen-
dent exhibitors can get their views
before the Department of Justice and
have them considered." Myers as-
serts that this is an important de-
velopment and in contrast to the
methods used three years ago "when
the views of the independent ex-
hibitors were not solicited and a
decree was foisted upon them which
was contrary to their interests."
Three courses of action are open
to the Department of Justice, Myers
explains, naming them as follows:
(1) To continue the consent decree
in its present form, either indefi-
nitely or for a period of years; (2)
negotiate a new consent decree and
enter it for a trial period, and (3)
terminate the consent decree in its
entirety and prosecute the pending
suit against the Big Eight.
Myers assures the exhibitors that
Clark has assured exhibitor leaders
that the information supplied will
be kept in strict confidence.
See Permanency for
Palace Theaters First-Runs
{Continued from Page 1)
icy, the house grossed a reported
?31,000 the first week and held the
picture over for a second stanza.
Formerly, $15,000 was considered an
excellent week's gross.
While previous attempts in re-
cent years to make the Palace a
first-run house have failed, indica-
tions are that the present policy is
here to stay. Formerly, RKO didn't
have enough first-run product to
keep up the policy, but with a string
of reported hits on the way, every-
thing points to a successful venture.
Now that RKO has a permanent
first-run show window on Broad-
way, other houses on the circuit will
not be held back on product. Execs,
believe that "The Fallen Sparrow"
could remain four weeks, but it must
be yanked at the end of the second
due to subsequent-run bookings. Top
RKO pictures will play the house.
Next attraction is the Fred Astaire
musical, "The Sky's the Limit," which
will be followed by "Behind the Ris-
ing Sun."
It is too early to determine what
effect the new first-run house on
Broadway will have on other the-
aters in the sector.
Acquires Moville Theater
Moville, la. — Thomas Sandberg,
former operator of the Laurel, Neb.,
theater, has taken over the theater
here from Banker Charles Logan.
TEXT OF ALLIED'S QUESTIONNAIRE
I. QUESTIONS RELATING TO EXPERI-
ENCES UNDER THE CONSENT DECREE
1. FORCING FEATURES. Has any dis-
tributor attempted, directly or indirectly, to
force you to license any feature picture or
group of feature pictures as a condition ol
licensing- the feature or group of features
that you wished to license? If so, give
name of distributor, titles of pictures, ap-
proximate dates of each occurrence and any
other details you may wish to add.
2. FORCING SHORTS. Has any distribu-
tor attempted, directly or indirectly, to force
you to license short subjects, newsreels,
trailers or serials as a condition of licensing
its feature pictures? If so, give full de-
tails as called for in Question No .1.
3. EFFECT OF FIVE PICTURE PLAN
ON RUN. State in detail whether the five
picture selling plan has had the effect, di-
rectly or indirectly, to endanger your estab-
lished run; that is, have distributors used
the five picture plan to sell away, or threaten
to sell away, to a competing- theater on the
same or later run in order to force you to
pay higher film rentals th; i you are ac-
customed to pay? Give deta. ..
4. HOW DO YOU PREFER TO LICENSE
FEATURE PICTURES? Please check one of
the following-, or else write in your individual
views :
(a) The five picture plan, with trade-
showings, as provided in the Consent
Decree. (b) The selling of trade-
shown pictures in such groups as
the distributor and exhibitor may
agree upon, with provision that the
exhibitor may not be required to
license pictures he does not want in
order to get the pictures he does
want* (c) The selling of trade-
shown or adequately identified pic-
tures in groups containing approxi-
mately one-fourth of the annual out-
put, with a 20 per cent cancellation
(d) The selling of a full season's
output, adequately identified, with a
20 per cent cancellation. (e) Other
method desired.
5. BLIND PRICING. Do you think (a)
there should be a provision requiring either
that prices and allocations be written into
the contract or (b) that allocations be made
upon notice of availability, or when the
picture is booked, whichever is earlier?
State preference and reasons.
6. SOME RUN OF PICTURES. Has any
distributor refused directly, or indirectly, or
for inadequate reasons, to license you pic-
tures on "some run"? Give details, espe-
cially if terms demanded were calculated to
deny you the run, that is, were in excess
of those demanded in comparable situations.
7. CANCELLATION ON MORAL, RELIG-
IOUS OR RACIAL GROUNDS. Have you
had occasion to request that any picture be
cancelled for any of these reasons? Give
details, including attitude of the distributor.
8. CLEARANCE. Has any distributor dis-
criminated against you in the matter of
clearance? If so, give details, including names
of distributors and theaters involved, and
whether theater favored is an affiliated the-
ater—that is, a theater in which a producer
has a financial interest. Also state whether
higher film rentals, or admissions, have been
demanded in order for you to retain your
clearance status.
9. WITHHOLDING PRINTS. Has any
distributor arbitrarily withheld prints or
shown preference to your competitor in
making prints available? If so, give full
details, stating whether or not your competi-
tor is an affiliated theater.
10. REFUSAL TO LICENSE PICTURES
ON REQUESTED RUN. Has any distributor
refused to license pictures to you on the
run requested by you? If so, state why you
think you are entitled to play on the run
requested, give name of the dist .tor and
of the theater and date oi r»' , and the
reasons assigned or tactics < yed by the
distributor in denying your : st.
11. THEATER EXPANSION. (a) Has
any distributor acquired or built a theater
in competition with you since November 20,
1940? If so, has it endangered your run,
interfered with you in licensing pictures, in-
creased clearance against you, or adversely
affected you in any way? Give details.
(b) Has the Consent Decree permitted fur-
ther expansion of the affiliated circuits in
your territory — whether directly competitive
or not? If so, give specific instances, loca-
tions, names of theaters, etc.
12. COMPULSORY BLOCK-BOOKING. Has
the. Consent Decree method of selling trade-
shown pictures in small groups eliminated
the evils of compulsory block-booking? An-
swer fully, being careful to state whether
under the decree you have had to license
feature pictures you did not want in order
to license the ones that you did want.
H. ARBITRATION PROVISIONS
13. ARBITRATION. (a) If you have
brought an arbitration proceeding under the
decree, state in detail whether you obtained
beneficial or satisfactory results, giving dates
and nature of the award.
(b) If you have cause for complaint and
have not brought a proceeding, explain in
detail why you have not.
14. APPEAL BOARD. Check one of the
following suggestions in reference to the
Arbitration Appeal Board.
(a) The Board should be abolished and
the awards of the local arbitrators
made final. (b) The Board should
be replaced by local appeal boards
composed of qualified arbitrators
chosen from the panels, (c) The Ap-
peal Board should be retained but
there should be a change in personnel
so that all will not reside in New
York.
III. UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES
15. HIGH FILM RENTALS. Has the
five picture plan had the effect unduly to
increase your film rentals? If so, explain
why you think the selling method was re-
sponsible, and state whether distributors
have increased demands for percentage play-
ing.
16. PREFERRED PLAYING TIME. Have
the distributors increased their demands for
preferred playing time? If so, has this ad-
versely affected your business; explain how.
Also state whether this practice forces you
to show unsuitable pictures on the days
designated by the distributor, either from
the standpoint of the public (i.e. unsuitable
pictures on Sunday), or of box-office receipts.
17. HOARDING PICTURES. Has the
policy of some distrihutors of withholding
completed pictures from release created a
picture shortage in your territory? If so,
give details and explain adverse effect, if
any, on your theater.
18. ADDITIONAL FIRST-RUNS — MOVE-
OVERS. Have the affiliated circuits created
additional first-runs, or increased move-overs
(i.e. extended first-runs in a different the-
ater) ? If so, has this added to the picture
shortage? Give details.
19. SELLING OUT TO THE CHAIN. If
during the last three years you have sold a
theater to an affiliated circuit, or have
entered into an operating arrangement with
such a circuit, please give the name of the
theater and of the circuit and outline your
reasons for making the deal.
20. DOUBLE-FEATURING "A" PIC-
TURES. If you are confronted with a situa-
tion whereby pictures are licensed to af-
filiated theaters on a basis which enables
them to play two "A" pictures on a single
bill, and you are prevented from so doing
because of the high percentages or flat
rentals demanded for "A" pictures, give de-
tails including names of circuit theaters,
examples of such double-billing of "A"
pictures and state effect of the practice on
your business.
21. WAR PICTURES. To what extent, if
at all, have distributors sought, directly or
indirectly, to force you to license any type
of picture by intimations that your Amer-
ican loyalty or patriotism would be ques-
tioned, or your attitude made public, in the
event you refused to do so? Give titles of
pictures, names of distributors, and state
whether pictures were distributed commer-
cially, i.e., whether you were expected to
pay film rental.
22. OTHER PRACTICES. Please write
on a separate sheet and attach any additional
trade practices which you think should be
remedied by the decree, stating which dis-
tributors enforce them and how they affect
your business.
White House Star
Bond Broadcast Wed.
(Continued from Page 1)
Drive. Lineup of stars was being
completed this week-end, with an
effort being made to enlist those
whose names are drawing cards or
the air as well as in theaters.
The program will include a Whiir
House broadcast featuring the Pi^
ident and Secretary Morgenthau, an,
it is possible that members of the
Hollywod Bond Cavalcade will alsc
be aired from the White House
Hollywood Stellar Caravan
Will Head East on Sept. 4
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Rehearsals for the
Hollywood Bond Cavalcade started
over the week-end. Because the
show must be completely cast and
routined in little more than a week,
additional rehearsals have been
scheduled up to the departure of
the special train on Sept. 4. Pol
ishing will be done en route to
Washington, scene of the first per-
formance.
Alfred Newman, musical director
of last year's Victory Caravan, has
again been enlisted to assist with
special arrangements for the fea
tured stars. The Cavalcade will in-
clude Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball,
Kathryn Grayson, James Cagney,
Olivia de Havilland, Judy Garland
Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell and
Kay Kyser and his orchestra. Co
managers of the tour are Charles
K. Feldman and Ken Thomson.
$100,000-a-Minute Bond
Star Broadcasts in Pitts.
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Motion picture ex
hibitors of Pittsburgh look for the
sale of many extra War Bonds dur-
ing the Third War Loan campaign
as the result of a deal worked out
through the local WAC comittee
with the broadcasters of that city.
Pittsburgh stations will sell per-
formances by members of the Holly-
wood Bond Cavalcade in return for
the purchase of War Bonds.
As soon as the broadcasters know
the full make-up of the Cavalcade
and the date of its appearance in
Pittsburgh, they will offer the pub
lie broadcast performances by indi
vidual stars at the rate of $100,000
a minute. The plan is for all five
stations to present these perform
ances jointly with the stars per-
forming in response to audience re-
quests.
Even a 10-minute show featuring
the visiting stars will mean $1,
000,000 extra in Bonds. It is hoped
that longer period will be subscribed
for before the stars reach Pittsburgh
Rename Studio for PRC
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Name of Fine Arts
Studio will be changed to PRC Stu-
dio when PRC Pictures, Inc., moves
into the Santa Monica Boulevard
plant late next month. No change in
personnel at the studio is contem
plated, Fromkess states.
Ei
Monday, August 30, 1943
1MB
DAILY
{Continued from Page 1)
by Martin Hersh, counsel and secre-
tary of the New York corporation.
For the last five years, Ideal has
been active in the financing of 16
mm. organizations and independent
producers of moderately budgeted
pictures. The company is now pre-
pared to supply the secondary money
for high-budgeted productions.
The recent survey, Hersh said,
revealed that the biggest problem
facing the independent producer was
the acquisition of the "in-between"
money. An established producer with
a good record and an assured releas-
c< R E V I E UJ S » M<>re Financing
'Johnny~Co^e~ Lately" ^ I"* PrOllUCerS
with James Cagney, Grace George
JA-Cagney 97 Mins.
CAGNEY OUTFIT BOWS IN WITH
/ASTLY ENTERTAINING FILM WITH
1TRONG BOX OFFICE POTENTIALITIES.
i_Jn "Johnny Come Lately" William Cag-
W-3 Productions fully justifies its existence.
J/s a good beginning for the newcomer to
he ranks of independent producers. The
jublic will supply plenty of dollar-and-
:ents evidence to sustain this opinion.
The Cagney outfit's initial production
s an extremely entertaining and signally
satisfactory treatment of the Louis Brom-
field story, "McLeod's Folly." Into it have
i gone varied ingredients that have been
& '-skillfully blended into an entity that wields
'popular appeal. Comedy, drama, melodrama
I and romance have their moments in the
story. The result is a picture that has
^'something to offer everyone. The film
• has only one outstanding fault: it is slow
'fin getting under way.
The film is given distinction by the pres-
ence in the cast of Grace George, that
grand old lady of the stage. It was quite
an achievement for the Cagney outfit to
induce Miss George to try her hand at film
acting. The actress makes an auspicious
screen debut, bringing kindness, simplicity,
^understanding and poise to the role of a
'widow trying to keep alive the newspaper
inherited from her husband. The woman
is at the mercy of Ed McNamara, a crook
who has the town in his grasp. Miss
George's attempts at reform get nowhere
until James Cagney, a tramp newspaper
man, comes on the scene. Cagney joins
forces with Miss George in bucking Mc-
Namara, ultimately putting him and his
stooges to rout. Their goal is not achieved
without much violence. At the end, his
work done, Cagney moves on.
Cagney gives an excellent performance.
He is forceful and convincing as Miss
George's Galahad. He and Miss George
II have been surrounded by a fine group of
players. Standing out among them are
Marjorie Main as the town's bistro queen
who helps put McNamara out of business;
Marjorie Lord, as Miss George's niece who
is in love with Bill Henry, the villain's
son; Hattie McDaniel, as Miss George's
maid, and George Cleveland, as a tippling
newspaper man.
William Cagney acquitted himself well as
producer. William K. Howard's direction
is commendable. John Van Druten did a
f'ne job on the screenplay. The settings
are faithful to the period of the action—
1906.
CAST: James Cagney, Grace George,
Marjorie Main, Marjorie Lord, Hattie Mc-
Daniel, Ed McNamara, Bill Henry, Robert
Barrat, George Cleveland, Margaret Hamil-
ton, Norman Willis, Lucien Littlefield,
Edwin Stanley, Irving Bacon, Tom Dugan,
Charles Irwin, John Sheehan, Clarence
Muse, John Miller, Arthur Hunnicutt,
Victor Kilian, Wee Willie Davis.
CREDITS: Producer, William Cagney;
Director, William K. Howard; Screenplay,
John Van Druten; Based on story "McLeod's
Folly" by Louis Bromfield; Cameraman,
Theodor Sparkuhl; Musical Director, Le'gh
Harline; Art Director, Jack Okey; Film
Editor, George Arthur; Set Decorator, Julia
Heron; Sound, Benjamin Winkler.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Short Short Story
Chicago — Today's short short story,
as found on the Bugg Theater's mar-
quee:
"Dead Men Walk"
with
"Lady Bodyguard"
ing outlet has little trouble in get-
ting anywhere from 50 per cent to
75 per cent of the money required
to make a picture from a bank, but
it's the secondary financing that has
been the problem, Hersh said.
David Hersh, president of Ideal
Factoring Corp., left last week for
Hollywood to close several financing
deals. Several other deals have been
closed in recent months.
Rep. Adds $1,000,000
To 'Oklahoma' Budget
The $250,000 appropriated for ra-
dio, newspaper and billboard adver-
tising in 40 key cities has been in-
creased by Republic by $100,000 for
similar campaigns in subordinate
key cities on "In Old Oklahoma," it
was disclosed on Friday by Prexy
James R. Grainger who has com-
pleted lining up pre-release presen-
tations of the film.
The opening campaigns in the 40
keys will be conducted by Charles
Reed Jones, director of advertising,
and Steve Edwards, director of pub-
licity for the company.
SING, AMERICA SING!
Wl
ith
LUCY MONROE
A COMMUNITY SING
featuring
"THE STAR SPA 'SLED BANNER" • "OVER THERE"
"ANCHORS AWL JH" • "ARMY AIR CORPS"
SERIES 8 NO. 2 -A COLUMBIA RELEASE
READY fOR BOOKING starting SEPT. 24th
A CASUAL LETTER loses Us "inno-
cence" when a Kodak film, with the
aid of ultraviolet rays, discloses the
real message— in invisible ink.
SPIES' MEETING PLACE ...To get evidence
that will convict, investigators may con-
ceal a Cine\Kodak in an adjacent room,
make thousands of feet of movies of such
"business conferences" as thatshown here.
How the Cine-Kodak is sound-proofed
and arranged to "see" through an inno-
cent-looking wall . . . and other photo-
graphic details necessary for satisfactory
results . . . can't be told now.
//
not so Secret
Secret Abents
to l£s)(5Mk9§ special-purpose films
I
BURNING an incriminating document
no longer safeguards an enemy agent
—Kodak Infrared Film makes frag-
ments of charred paper readable.
rli TUGGING" the criminal— taking
IV A his picture "full figure, full face,
and profile" — is the widest use of
photography by the police. That's
useful — after he's caught.
But first, catch him . . . be sure
he's the wanted man . . . get evi-
dence no jury can question . . . these
are counter-espionage activities
which photography has made an
exact science.
A jury will believe what it sees with
its own eyes. Photography makes
this possible. Cameras are often on
the alert near the meeting places of
suspected enemy agents — even their
"casual" meetings on the street.
Kodak special-purpose films find
unseen fingerprints on surfaces
dusted with a fluorescent powder . . .
unseen chemical erasures, or blood-
stains on cloth, when illuminated by
infrared or ultraviolet rays . . . tell-
tale differences in ink, or ink strokes,
on a document which has been tam-
pered with . . . can even photograph
a man in absolute darkness, with
the aid of invisible infrared "light."
* t t
And photography isn't finished with
the enemy agent when he's trapped.
Through Kodak's Recordak System.
the "records". . . photographs, finger-
prints, and police history . . . of 3,000
criminals can be condensed on one
small roll of 16-mm. film— for future
reference . . . Eastman Kodak Com-
pany, Rochester, N. Y.
Serving human progress through Photography
DM I
DA N
1 S irir MHZ
V CI ct cl W
'-*
L. 84, NO. 43
NEW YORK, TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1943
TEN CENTS
TRUSTCASES REMAINUNDER CLARK'S WING
U. S. Pix to Follow Flag as Axis Nations Fall
Distribs. Subtitling
Films in All Tongues
As Preparedness Move
American films, appropriately sub-
titled in the language prevailing in
the country, will follow the flag re-
gardless of the locale of the next Eu-
ropean theater of war opened by
the United Nations, it was learned
yesterday.
Representing a "preparedness"
move mapped jointly by the Ameri-
can distributors and Robert Riskin,
chief of the Overseas Motion Picture
(Continued on Page 7)
Eastern Gas Ban
End Tomorrow
ashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Lifting of the East
]oast pleasure-driving ban is ex-
pected this week, according to un-
official reports from OPA. A ten-
tative order is believed to have
been sent OPA field offices providing
for lifting of the ban tomorrow as
per the hint given by OPA officials
three weeks ago that lifting by Sept.
1 was likely.
Although gasoline withdrawals
{Continued on Page 7)
jrmit Yale Service Men
Again Attend Movies
s
New Haven — Ban on film attend-
ance by service men stationed at
Yale University for training was
lifted on Saturday, and biz at local
houses accordingly benefited over the
week-end.
heaters here had been placed out
(Continued on Page 6)
vveee
H. J. Griffith;, Kansas City Circuit Head,
Reported Slated for OCR Amusement Spot
Designation of H. J. Griffith, president of the Kansas City circuit bearing
his name, as the operating theater man in the OCR Amusement Section under
George MacMurphey, was reported as impending last night.
Griffith, it is understood, will arrive in Washington today from the West
for a conference, and it is expected that announcement of his appointment will
follow.
Stars' Loan Disc
To 850 Stations
A special Treasury Star Parade
radio transcription featuring stars
representing most of the major film
studios is being sent out this week
to more than 850 radio stations
throughout the country. The record-
ing, made for the War Finance Di-
vision of the Treasury Dept., is an
industry salute to the Third War
Loan Drive.
The program features Ginny
Simms, Dick Powell, Thomas Mit-
chell, Grace McDonald, Brian
(Continued on Page 6)
Quebec Exhibs. Protest
End of Pool Deliveries
Quebec — Exhibitors in this area
have entered a formal protest against
the discontinuance of inter-exchange
shipments of film. The practice of
loading films together from various
exchanges for delivery in the same
area has been a money-saver for ex-
hibitors who now must pay express
(Continued on Page 3)
MPTOA Relief After
Other Efforts Fail
MPTOA's committee on product,
prices and policies should be called
upon for assistance only after an ex-
hibitor has failed to obtain relief
through his local exchange manager
and the home office, Ed Kuykendall,
MPTOA president, announced in a
special communication yesterday.
Kuykendall pointed out that most
of the general sales managers have
indicated accord with the plan by let-
ter and public statements, although,
he added, "there may be a few sales
managers and exchange managers
who have confused the issue by say-
(Continued on Page 7)
Terms, Long Runs Start
Re-issue Boom in Cleve.
Cleveland — Re-issues are in grow-
ing demand in the Cleveland terri-
tory by subsequent-run theater own-
ers. The turn to the re-issues, ex-
hibs. claim, has been due to two pri-
mary causes which have increased
(Continued on Page 3)
Projectionist Named
Manager in Canada
Montreal — Managerial "squeeze"
evidently is getting more serious than
the shortage of projectionists.
Adrien Gauthier is leaving the
booth at the Villery to take the man-
agerial helm of the Empress, in Notre
Dame de Grace suburb.
Ask End Of Section XVII
Elimination Favored in Distribs.' Proposals
Atty. Gen. Transferring
Him to Criminal Div.. Asks
Him to Handle Film Actions
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Shifting of Tom C.
Clark, Assistant Attorney General,
to the criminal division will not in-
terfere with his handling of the in-
dustry anti-trust cases. Wendell
Rerge, who has been head of the
criminal division and now takes
over as anti-trust chief, is not ex-
pected to take any action in the in-
dustry eases although he is some-
what familiar with them and Clark
(Continued on Page 7)
Argentine Shipping
Order to Speed Pix
Buenos Aires (By Air Mail —
Passed by Censor)— Argentine film
circles are jubilant over the decision
of the Government to restore New
York City as a port of call for ships
(Continued on Page 6)
20th-Fox Negative Cost
Average to Rise 55%
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The negative costs of
20th-Fox feature releases for_ 1943-
44 will average more than 55 per
cent above those for the 1942-43 sea-
son, it has been learned here.
Jacob Schreiber Heads
New Detroit Theater Co.
Detroit— Anticipated return of Ja-
cob Schreiber to theater operation
with disclosure of his heading of the
new Kiska Operating Co. has aroused
(Continued on Page 6)
A willingness on the part of the
five consenting companies to have
Section XVII of the New York con-
sent decree eliminated is indicated
in a tentative draft of proposed de-
cree changes prepared by the compa-
nies' counsel, it was learned yester-
day.
Section XVII permits a distributor
(Continued on Page 3)
Damage to Prints
Gains in Australia
Sydney (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — Concerned over the fact
that "film damage is definitely on the
increase," the Film Renters Ass'n
here has made an urgent appeal to
exhibitors to give greater attention
to the care of prints to meet the
critical situation arising from the
shortage of raw stock. The increased
damage to film is attributed to in-
experienced help and to the failure
of exhibitors to renew worn projec-
tor parts and to adjust other parts
which have gotten out of alignment.
w
Tuesday, August 31, 1943* Ti
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 43 Tues., Aug. 31, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : Ceneral Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
AHcoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117.
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 520 Third St. N.W., Phone District 1253.
LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film
Renter. 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. PARIS—
P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Marsoulan (12).
HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes
214. HONOLULU — Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco- Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
{Monday, Aug. 30)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
16i/8 16'/s 161/s — i/8
) 15% 153/4 15%
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%
Columbia Picts. pfd. .
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . .
East. Kodak
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . . .
20th Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
do pfd
21/2 21/2. 2i/2 ....
157 " 156" 156" —2
20i/8 20 201/s + 1/4
581/z 583/8 58i/2 + 1/2
25% 251/2 255/s
8 77/8 7T/8 — i/g
871/2 87i/2 871/2 — 1/2
213/4 215/8 213/4 4. 1/
303/4 301/2 305/s + l/8
121/2 121/4 121/2 + 1/4
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48 ....
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs \y2 i% ' \y2 \\\\\
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor 131/4 12?4 13% +"%
Trans-Lux
Universal Picts. vtc '"
S. HACKER b CO.
'Certified Public Accountants)
Tax Consultants
SPECIALIZING IN THE
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
132 West 43rd St., N. Y. C. 18, N. Y
CHickering 4-1812
Paulum Cocktails Will
Toast Third War Loan
A "baby cocktail party" at which
milk, paulum, animal crackers and
strained vegetable food will be the
refreshments is to be held tomorrow
afternoon when Owen Murphy, Jr.,
will be the guest of honor. Young
Murphy is the seven-month old baby
whose stern face has been widely
distributed via post cards captioned
"What d'ya mean — you ain't gonna
buy no Bonds!"
Party will be held in the interests
of the Third War Loan and will be
attended by Treasury officials, mem-
bers of the War Activities Commit-
tee, screen and radio stars. Scene
will be the College Room of the
Hotel Astor. Owen Murphy, Jr., will
be presented by William White, gen-
eral manager of Skouras Theaters
Coip., under whose auspices the
party is being given.
Selznick Would Vacate
Service in Chaplin Suit
Vanguard Films, Inc., and David
O. Selznick Productions, Inc., — co-
defendants in the million-dollar ac-
tion brought against them in New
York Supreme Court by Charles
Chaplin, acting both in his own be-
half and that of all United Artists
stockholders affected — , yesterday,
through counsel, White & Case,
moved to vacate service on the
ground that they do not operate in
New York State, but in California
where they are incorporated.
Defendants generally in the action
are seeking a 20-day extension.
Schwartz & Frohlich, plaintiff's
counsel, will, it is anticipated, op-
pose. Court is expected to hear ar-
guments on Sept. 10.
"Thousands Cheer" Opens
Astor Engagement Sept. 14
Metro has set "Thousands
Cheer" to follow "Best Foot For-
ward" at the Astor on Broadway.
Latter pic bows out after 11 weeks
on Sept. 12 and "Cheer" will have its
premiere on the 14th.
Fuller Gets Warner Product
Adelaide (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — Fuller Theaters has ex-
tended its film expansion plans by
closing a deal for first-run Warner
Bros, product for exhibition in the
Majestic Theater here. Involved are
"Casablanca," "King's Row," "The
Male Animal, "Juke Girl," "In This
Our Life," "Larceny, Inc.," "Air
Force," "Edge of Darkness," "Back-
ground to Danger," "Mission to Mos-
cow."
Phil Ryan Heads Terneen
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Phil L. Ryan was
elected president of Terneen Pro-
ductions, Inc., with Pat O'Brien as
vice-president. Howard B. Henshey
is treasurer and Judge Lester Roth,
secretary. Pat O'Brien will star in
Terneen's first "Pile Buck," for Co-
lumbia release.
"Mating Call" by Hecht
As Skirball's Allen Pic
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Jack Skirball has re-
aligned his production schedule.
Fred Allen will be starred in a
comedy by Ben Hecht called "Mat-
ing Call" instead of in the Sally
Benson script based on the Michael
Innes novel, "Appleby on Ararat."
Production ife set to roll on Oct. 10.
The Benson script is the second to
be dropped by Skirball, the other be-
ing "Duffy's Tavern."
Skirball also has set a deal with
Billy Rose to do a Technicolor mus-
ical labelled "Billy Rose's Diamond
Horseshoe," in which will be fea-
tured numbers from the Rose night-
club revues. It is understood that
Rose will share in the film's profits.
Skirball also plans a film version of
Franz Werfel's "Loves and Hates of
Zorah Pasha."
Warners Sell Real Estate
Bought for Theater Sites
Many real estate holdings acquired
by the company from 1920 to 1930
for theater sites were sold by War-
ner Bros, in the current fiscal year
for a total consideration of $4,500,000
less than what was paid for
them, it is learned. The fact
that the land was not being used
and that theater building is re-
stricted for the duration impelled
the company to divest itself of the
property. The company was able to
make up most of the loss in saving
in taxes.
The loss was taken out of income
account for the nine months ended
May 29, 1943. The net loss to the
company was actually only about
$900,000, since some 80 per cent of
the $4,500,000 would have wound
up as excess profits taxes if it were
not deducted from income.
Levin Nock Davis Named
Virginia Censorship Chief
Richmond, Va. — Attorney General
A. P. Staples has appointed Levine
Nock Davis as director of the divis-
ion of motion picture censorship,
succeeding the late E. S. McCaughin,
of Roanoke. Davis is a former mem-
ber of the House of Delegates and at
present assistant director and coun-
sel for the securities division of the
State Corporation Commission.
Albert Here for Short
Arnold Albert, Warners short sub-
jects producer, arrived in New York
from the West Coast yesterday to
direct a two-reel Technicolor film en-
titled "Devil Boats." The picture,
which is a story of our PT boats,
will be directed at the U. S. naval
base in Melville, R. I., and at a
PT hull manufacturing plant in
Bayonne, N. J.
20th-Fox Drive Honors Skouras
The 20th-Fox sales drive this year
has been tagged the Spyros P. Skou-
ras Testimonial Drive and will run
until Aug. 19, 1944.
COfJlinG and 001 DG
WENDELL 1. WILLKIE has returned to New
York from Rushville, Ind.
BEN KALMENSON, Warners' general sale:
manager, arrives at the company's Burbank
studios today following a cross-country tour in
conjunction with bookings on "This is the
Army."
HERBERT CROOKER of M-C-M's home o
fice puiblicty department arrives in Chjjfl^
today on a business trpi.
LT. RICHARD MILLER, former UA Cle/e
land salesman, now with the tank division at
Fort Knox, Ky., is home on a leave.
JACK COHEN, NSS district manager, was a
guest of Cleveland branch manager Nat Baracti.
WARREN SLEE, M-G-M publicist in Chicago,
has returned from a Wisconsin vacation.
MIKE SIMONS, editor of the M-C-M Dis-
tributor, is a Chicago visitor.
PATRICIA COLLINGE has arrived on the
Coast from New York.
NORMAN ELSON, general manager of Trans-
Lux goes to Philadelphia and Washington today.
HENRY BRASH, New York rep. for Arnold
Pressburger, UA producer is here from Holly-
wood.
HOWARD LEVINSON back from Washington.
DAVE PALFREYMAN returned yesterday from a
Maine vacation.
LILLIAN MILLER, Claude Lee's secretary at
Paramount returned from a vacation yesterday.
ERIC BLORE has arrived in New York from
Hollywood.
CHARLES DACCETT, William Cagney Prod, ad-
publicity director, is here from the Coast, hav-
ing accompanied WILLIAM CAGNEY.
BEATRICE ROSS has returned from a vaca-
tion to her desk at Republic.
BARRET McCORMICK, RKO Radio's adver-
tising-publicity head, returned to his home of-
fice desk yesterday from the Coast.
BERNARD B. KREISLER, Universale short sub-
jects and newsreel chief, is spending a vaca-
tion in East Hampton, L. I., accompanied by his
wife. He is scheduled to return to New York
Sept. 11.
II
V
"Stage Door Canteen'
Ends Record Chi. Run
With the completion of the seventh
and final week at the State-Lake The-
ater, Chicago, United Artists "Stage
Door Canteen" will have broken all
records both in gross receipts and to-
tal film rental for any first-run pic-
ture since "Gone With the Wind,"
Rud Lohrenz, UA Chicago division
manager, reported.
Gross receipts for the entire
seven weeks, ending tomorrow, ac-
cording to Lohrenz, will top the
$200,000 mark.
"The Fledgling" to Metro
"The Fledgling," an unproduced
play by Jacques Deval, has been ac-
quired by M-G-M for a consideration
said to be $25,000. The script deals
with the romance of an American
flier in North Africa.
ACE MANPOWER for ANY JOB
AVAILABLE NOW— CALL
FRANK McGRANN
POSITION SECURING BUREAU, INC.
(Agency)
331 MADISON AVE., N. Y.
Tel. MU. 2-6494
Tuesday, August 31, 1943
Oistribs. Favor End
31 Decree's Sec. 17
(Continued from Page 1)
defendant to be dismissed from an
irbitration complaint if its own the-
aters are involved in the case. In-
asmuch as their theaters are affected
./>v an award, the distributors are
fc^ to be agreeable to be allowed
' Remain as defendants in a com-
plaint. A motion to be dismissed
from a complaint if a defendant's
theaters are involved always has
oeen granted by the arbitrator.
i The draft also suggests expansion
Df the arbitration provisions to in-
clude more issues of complaint and
also an expansion of the provisions
involving clearance, some run and
designated run, it was reported.
The draft is expected to be re-
vised further before being submitted
to the Department of Justice.
Terms, Long Runs Start
Re-issue Boom in Cleve.
(Continued from Page 1)
the necessity for taking past suc-
cesses off the shelves.
One reason, theater men say, is
the high terms being asked for new
pictures and the other is that the
good pictures are milked dry with ex-
tended runs so that there's no possi-
bility for good grosses when the at-
tractions hit the neighborhoods.
Para. Offers Package
Chicago — Paramount's exchange
here is doing a heavy business with
-
V5 N Z
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Ik***
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IVfc
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GLENN MARGUERITE EDGAR
FORD CHAPMAN • BUCHANAN
Screen Play by Frank Wead, lewis Meltzer and Borden Chase • Directed by WILLIAM A. SEITER
Produced by LOUIS F. EDELMAN • A COLUMBIA PICTURE
5
FILE COPY
OO NOT REMOVE
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAILY
n
L. 84, NO. 44
NEW YORK. WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 1. 1943
TEN CENTS
WMC SAID SHDTINCJTUDIO TECHNICIANS
Aussie Raw Stock Situation Worrying Distribs.
Reeling 'Round --
WASHINGTON
j£= By ANDREW H. OLDER =
WASHINGTON
THE knots that have been tied between
' our industry and the producers and
exhibitors of South and Central America
will hold long after this war is over, most
observers here believe. Hollywood has
been one of the most important factors
in our good neighbor policy, and whether
or pot Congress steps in and kills CIAA
when the present conflict is over (and
that's no certainty) it's a pretty safe bet
that there will be some sort of pix agency
here to work among our Government, Hol-
lywood and the South American industry
For the first time the Yankees are
beginning to win the respect and trust,
rather than the fear, of large portions of
the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking peoples
of the Western Hemisphere. Commercial
aid offered by this country has been ex-
tremely important in winning the good
will of businessmen below the border, poli-
tical utterances have won us the friend-
ship of the progressive literate people, but
the most effective agency of friendship
and understanding for the masses below
the Rio Grande has been the work dene by
the patriotic and far-seeing members of
our own industry who have, for over two
years been giving their best to insure the
success of the CIAA program down there.
IT's not simply that they've gone out of
" their way to put special sequences in com-
mercial pix or that they've adopted a much
more adult attitude toward South America
than once prevailed upon our screens. More
important are the special pix made for
South American distribution, both theatrical
and non-theatrical, the aid they've given
Spanish - language production — especially
Mexican — at considerable cost of time,
money and manpower, the warm recep-
tion they've given South American pix
figures traveling up here All these
are premiums to insure good-will toward
America and, properly enough, toward Hol-
lywood, which may rightfully anticipate the
position its art entitles it to in the South
American post-war picture business. Not
only is our industry proving that it can
make the pictures they want down there,
but also that it is anxious to see them de-
velop their own industry and work out
{Continued on Page 2)
75% Quota for This Year
Has Dwindled to Trickle,
Making Position Acute
By ALLAN WHITE
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Sydney (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — The MPDA here is seeking
complete clarification in respect to
the raw stock situation, so that a
permanent satisfactory basis may
be determined. Distributors some-
time ago were advised of a 45 per
cent cut on base year (1938-39)
usage. Previous importation of the
industry life stream was then ap-
proximately 1,000,000 feet a week.
This was reduced by 25 per cent
(Continued on Page 6)
Cuban Theater Biz
Picking Up-White
Although deprived of the stimulus
provided by war industries, the the-
ater business in Cuba is picking up
surprisingly, it was reported yester-
day by Herbert White, 20th-Fox's
Cuban sales manager, who is here
for home-office conferences.
"I think next year will be a very
good one in Cuba as far as film busi-
( Com tinned on Page 11)
Fatal Memphis Explosion
Brings Murder Indictment
Memphis — The Shelby County
Grand Jury yesterday returned a
second degree murder indictment
against John W. Eaton, owner and
(Continued on Page 11)
LOU METZGER
ON WAC STAFF
Coast Theater Operator Takes
Up Duties Here Oct. 1
Lou B. Metzger, operating the-
aters in several California cities and
former executive of Universal, Co-
lumbia and British International,
joins the WAC staff on a permanent
basis Oct. 1, Francis S. Harmon,
executive vice-president, announced
yesterday.
Metzger, who is delaying assump-
tion of his new WAC spot here until
the completion of the Third War
Loan campaign, joins Arthur Mayer,
treasure:; Si Fabian, Theaters Di-
vision chairman, and Herman Gluck-
man, assistant to the distributor
chaiiman, as a voluntary worker.
Harmon, in making public Metz-
(Continued on Page 6)
SOPEG Survey Aims
At Up-grading Jobs
The Screen Office and Professional
Employes Guild, Local 109, UOPWA,
yesterday announced it. had launched
a survey of existing jobs and salaries
of white-collar workers at the home
offices and exchanges of the local film
industry with the issuance of job-
evaluation questionnaires to all of-
fice employes at Loew's, Inc., Colum-
bia Pictures Corp., 20th Century-
(Continued on Page 6)
Few Closings Due To Polio
Public Health Service Believes Peak Reached
Suit Against Universal
Dismissed in Wilmington
Wilmington, Del. — Vice-Chancellor
George B. Pearson has dismissed a
bill of complaint against Universal
Corp. and Universal Pictures Co.,
Inc., for failure of the complainants,
Dorette A. Wise and Bailey, Dwyer
(Continued on Page 3)
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Danger of wide-
spread closings due to the polio epi-
demic were discounted here yester-
day by officials of the U. S. Public
Health Service. While it is true that
nearly twice as many cases have
been reported thus far this year as in
equal periods for the last five years,
PHS officials do not expect to see
(Continued on Page 3)
Washington Hears Techni-
cal Workers Being Trans-
ferred to Airplane Plants
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington— West Coast WMC is
repoited ready to start shifting mo-
vie studio technicians to airplane
plants. Washington offices of WMC
disclaim all knowledge of what is
going on outside the capital city, but
in other agencies which follow man-
power programs the report is re-
peated with minor variations as to
details.
It is well known that the aircraft
(Continued on Page 3)
New Plan Augments
Navy's Film Service
As the result of a plan worked out
by the WAC Distribution Division
and the Bureau of Naval Personnel
of the U. S. Navy, newest pictures
will be made available to Naval
Shore Activities in the continental
U. S.
For several months the Bureau of
Naval Personnel has been working
with William F. Rodgers, chairman
of the Distributors Committee, on
details of the plan which have now
(Continued on Page 6)
Gas Ban End to Benefit
Small-Town, Nabe Houses
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Small-town and sub-
urban motion picture theaters once
more should draw reasonably large
audiences following the removal of
(Continued on Page 3)
Griffith Pre-Trial
Conference Sept. 13
A pre - trial conference in the
United States vs. Griffith anti-trust
case has been called for Sept. 13
in Oklahoma City by Federal Judge
Voight. Conference was called for
the purpose of defining issues and
to agree on certain fapts so that
the trial can be speeded up when
it gets under way.
m
DAILY
I
Wednesday, September, 1, 194: 5
Vol 84, No. 44 Wed., Sept. 1, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Publisher
General Manager
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, ^-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. CONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle. Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco- Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Tuesday, Aug. 31)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Clcse Chg.
Am. Seat 16y4 16y4 16y4 + Vs
Col. Picts. vtc. <2!/2%>
Columbia Picts. pfd. 38 38 38 + %
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. 16 15% 16 + '/2
East. Kodak 157'/2 157'/2 1 57 1/2 + ll/2
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq 20l/4 20% 20%+ %
Loew's, Inc 59 58y8 59 + l/2
Paramount 25% 25% 25% + %
RKO 8% 7% 8% + 3/g
RKO $6 pfd 89 87% 89 + 1 %
20th Century-Fox . . 22% 21% 22% + %
20th Century-Fox pfd. 30% 30% 30% + %
Warner Bros 13 125/8 13 + %
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs 1% 1% 1%
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3% +i-16
Technicolor 13% 13 13%
Trans-Lux
Universal Picts. vtc. . 17% 17% 17%
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 7934 82%
Niven in "The Way Ahead"
London (By Air Mail)— British
Army pic in which Maj. David Niven
will star will be titled 'The Way
Ahead." It's to be a saga of British
infantry.
1600 R'WAY, N.Y. C. - CIRCLE 6-0081-2-3-4
* C A PROHCTIOtt ROOM— flLM STOIACE
IUM (XCMAMCt DltTllttfTIOM UtVKI
Reeling 'Round' -
WASHINGTON
(Continued from Page 1)
their own means of cinematic expression.
• e
IT is too early to predict with certainty
' just what will happen to the CIAA
when the guns are put up. Thus far.
Nelson Rockefeller — because his agency has
been doing an outstanding job and because
of his own personality — has been able to
steer an even ccurse Perhaps Con-
gress will decide the agency should con-
tinue— if not it is likely that the work
will be carried on under private auspices.
As for the pix end, we know that more
than one major producer has already started
to plan to offer his support for the con-
tinuation of the work done, should Federal
funds be withdrawn.
Berny Byrens Sues Zukor,
Claims Service Agreement
A suit for $68,930 for services
rendered was filed against Adolph
Zukor, chairman of the board of
Paramount Pictures, by Berny By-
rens yesterday in New York Federal
Court. The plaintiff alleges that
under an agreement made with Zu-
kor to study and survey the prob-
lems concerning the latter's financial
status he was to receive 10 per cent
of all monies saved. Byrens claims
that after working on the assign-
ment between May, 1938, and Janu-
ary, 1939, he effected a saving for
Zukor of $699,307. He charges all
he received for his work was $1,000,
the remainder being still unpaid.
Redeem General Aniline
51/2% Debentures Nov. 1
General Aniline & Film Corp., for-
merly American I. G. Chemical Corp.,
is notifying holders of American I.
G. Chemical Corp. guaranteed 5 Ms
per cent convertible debentures due
May 1, 1949, that it intends to re-
deem on Nov. 1, at their principal
amount $1,750,000 of these deben-
tures, selected by lot by the trustee.
Payment of the drawn debentures
will be made upon surrender at the
head office of the trustee, The Na-
tional City Bank of New York.
To Redeem WB Preferred
Stock at $89.65 Today
All Warner Bros. Pictures pre-
ferred stock outstanding, totalling
99,397 shares, will be redeemed to-
day at $89.65 par. The shares are
being retired with the proceeds of
$23,000,000 in new financing obtained
recently by the company.
IATSE Executive Board
To Meet in Montreal
The general executive board of
the IATSE will convene at the Mount
Royal Hotel in Montreal, Canada,
the week of Sept. 13.
NLRB Nixes F-51 Move
For New 20th-Fox Vote
The National Labor Relations
Board has turned down the petition
of Local F-51, which covers all white-
collar exchange workers in the New
York exchanges affiliated with the
IATSE, to set aside the certification
of the Screen Office and Professional
Employes Guild, Local 109, UOPWA,
as bargaining agent for the office
help at the 20th-Fox exchange here
and to call a new election.
The petition was filed through the
IATSE on Aug. 16. The election
which the petition sought to set
aside was held on Feb. 5. The
SOPEG carried the election by 17
votes to the IA's 10.
Plaintiff's Findings Due
In Momand Suit Saturday
Plaintiffs in the Momand anti-
trust case have been instructed by
Federal Judge Broaddus to file all
proposed findings of facts, conclu-
sions of law and briefs by Saturday.
Defendants were given until Sept.
19 to reply.
Originally, all parties in the action
were requested to file their findings
by Sept. 4, but the order later was
modified to apply only to the plain-
tiffs, with the defendants given 15
days to give their answers.
Hodge, Taylor-Shantz
Head, Dies in Rochester
Rochester — Shurly Christy Hodge,
president and treasurer of the Tay-
lor-Shantz Co., Inc., makers of metal
stamping and safety guards, died
here. Hodge represented the firm
for 16 years in New York, his prin-
cipal contacts being members of
the motion picture industry.
"A Lady Takes a Chance"
Opens at Para. Sept. 15
RKO's "A Lady Takes a Chance"
will open at the Broadway Para-
mount on Sept. 15. One of the few
outside pictures to play the Para-
mount, "A Lady Takes a Chance"
was selected by Bob Weitman, man-
aging director, to initiate the new
season.
Wilmington Adopts Curfew
Wilmington, Del. — Curfew ordi-
nance designed to bar children un-
der 16 from the streets after 10
p.m. has become effective here.
I
COMIflG and GOIIti
WILL HAYS, MPFDA prexy, is in New York.
N. PETER RATHVON, RKO prexy, has returne
from Hollywood.
J. CHEEVER COWDIN, Universal board chair
man, is expected today from the Coast.
HERBERT WHITE, 20th-Fcx Cuban sales
ec, is at the home office.
JOSEPH H. COHN, vice-president and filrri
vertising director of the Weiss and Celler ageift .';
is back at his desk from a Lake Champlain va *
cation.
LEW COOPER leaves for Hollywood on Frida
to complete casting for a new Broadway shov
in which he is interested.
I!
KATINA PAXINOU,
for San Francisco.
*
left Hollywood yesterda V
Fox-Hole Premiere Set
For U's "Hers to Hold"
Universal's Deanna Durbin pic
ture "Hers to Hold" will have it:
Latin-American premiere in the fo>,
holes of Panama on Sept. 5. Due tc
Army censorship, the exact locale
cannot be revealed, but it will be
held in an improvised theater in ar
Army outpost and indications are
that it will be one of the most novei
and gala affairs in the history oi
Panama. President Ricardo Adolfc
de la Guardia of Panama will be th
guest of honor at the premiere which Jj
is being sponsored by the "Jungle ^
Mudders" of Major General Ralph
Meyer's Coast Artillery. Many other
dignitaries also will be present.
.' :
Nebraska Some Run Case
Dropped by Complainants in
h
Demand for arbitration filed last
February by Frank Gartner and
Howard Harvey, operating the Rial
to Theater, Beatrice, Neb., has been
withdrawn. Complainants hadfca
charged that Paramount, RKO, 20th1 j»
Century-Fox and. Loew's had refused '
to license product to the Rialto on
any run.
■;.
SEEKING A DEPENDABLE
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52 GRAFTON AVE» \&/ NEWARK, N. J,
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nu
Wednesday, September, 1, 1943
'WSs
« ee No Widespread
losings Due to Polio
■!
(Continued from Page 1)
;hool openings delayed, theaters
™|iiuttered or any other form of com-
mnity activity banned because of
le crippling disease.
Total of 747 cases of poliomyelitis
fere reported last week, spread
^ugh Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio,
| yk York, Connecticut, Utah and
.',' Washington. Had this number of
ases been concentrated in one reg-
j >n, theater closings would be a good
det, but the wide geographical dis-
tribution of the cases is apparently
»Miough to render such drastic meas-
) res unnecessary.
So far this year, 3,312 cases of
olio have been reported, as against
| nly 1,322 for the same period last
I ear and a five-year median of 1,681
jor the period from Jan. 1 through
. | ae third week of August. Distribu-
tion has been quite even throughout
. f score of states, however, and re-
ports from the field do not appear to
;; ortend the coming of any severe
\ pidemic in any one locality.
The polio peak has been reached,
is believed, with the new cases
eported expected to begin dropping,
ff rapidly. There is a danger that
he reopening of schools might mean
slight rise in cases, but no sharp
+ ise is looked for. Officials of the
ublic Health Service are anxious
li hat speculation about the curtail-
ment of ordinary community func-
tions because of the disease not be
pread, because they are confident
hat no such measures will be nee- I
^ssary.
?»uit Against Universal
Msmissed in Wilmington
(Continued from Page t)
z Co., to file a cost bond of $250.
Complainants had sought to pre-
sent the merger of Universal Corp.
i^.nd the picture company. The mer-
ger eventually was consummated.
Jy failing to file a bond, the case
>as removed legally from the record.
Chicago NEIC Organized
Chicago — A National Entertain-
nent Industry Council has been or-
ganized here at a meeting at the
Sherman Hotel to co-operate in the
imusement industry's war drives.
Edwin S. Clifford Richard Arlen
Betty Blythe Miriam Seegar
Renee Haal Rex Beach
Maj. William S. Altman
Along With The Bills:
• • • ON THE sunny side of "double features" is news that the
lournal-American is to have two drama critics aboard its amusement
pages, — Messrs. Bob Garland and George Jean Nathan Latter will
contribute weekly (Stet!. cries Phil M„ 'cause Br'r Nathan never contri-
buted weakly to any publication), initially next Tuesday and on Mon-
days thereafter. ... • Lionel Stander, member of the enlisted re-
serve of the Army Air Forces, has been ordered to active duty and re-
ports to Mitchel Field on Friday. ... • Jerry Wald and his ork have
been booked for a September personal appearance on local Roxy's
stage. ... • Things We Like: Jack RKO Level's sports-flavored colyum
"By-Line Brilant," which deals with Arthur of the winged words and
the air's winged creatures. . . . • Mary Ransome, vice-president
of University Pictures and now a member of the WACS has com-
pleted her basic training at Fort Devens, Mass., and is now stationed
at Daytona Beach, Fla. ... • William Home, tenor of the stage
version of "This Is The Army"; Lola Hayes, Negro concert singer;
The Skylarks, vocal swing quartette; and a name band from one o' the
big nite spots will headline tonight's entertainment at the Silver Screen
Canteen (located in the Fraternal Clubhouse, 1 10 W. 48th St.)
The Canteen, for the lads in the armed forces and the merchant marine,
is sponsored by SOPEG, Local 109, — comprising the swains and maids
in pic companies' home offices. ... • William K. Saxton, city mana-
ger for Loew's Theaters in Baltimore, is chairman of a committee ar-
ranging for Governor Herbert R. O'Conor of Maryland to be inducted
into the Baltimore Tent, Variety Club, as an honorary member on
Sept. IS, — the occasion to be known as Governor's Night It'll be
celebrated with a buffet supper, dancing and entertainment Com-
mittee working with Bill Saxton includes Barry Goldman, Morris Oletsky,
Bill Abrams, Jerome Grant, A. Shugars, C. B. Wolfe and Abram Marcus.
• • • THERE'LL be a hot time down at ole Camp Campbell,
Ky., tomorrow nite, Suh! The 4th Armored Corps, composed of a
number of divisions, is set to celebrate the second anniversary of its
founding Said celebration's highlight will be the first showing
anywhere of Columbia's "Sahara," starring Humphrey Bogart
It's an appropriate attraction for the armored boys, what with Mister
Bogart cast as a tank crew Sergeant and the screenplay bristling with
North African campaign action There's only one incongruity
associated with this showing, as far as Phil M. is concerned
It's that the Kentucky Colonels, who have always held that the
only drink worth searching for is the Mint Julep, will probably never
condone Bogart and his pals hunting vainly and frantically for water
Well, y'can't please ev'rahodah, Suh!, — as Jesse Zunser, that
Chattanooga man, would say
V T V
• • • REPUBLIC'S foreign distribution chief, Morris Goodman, was
reported to have been "frozen" in Florida yes'day, — the climate not-
withstanding Returning from his Latin-American trip, he landed
in Miami only to find his reservations for transportation commandeered
So-o-o, philosophical and always glad to co-operate with his
Uncle Sam, Mister Goodman will probably arrive on our local Film Row
hearth by tomorrow afternoon, — and then again, not until Friday.
C'est La Guerre
▼ V T
• • « A FENCE PEARL HARBOR!
DATE BOOK
Sept. 8: MPPDA board quarterly meeting.
Sept. 9: ITOA installation luncheon, Hotel
Astor.
Sept. 9: Third Victory Loan drive opens.
Sept. 13: NEIC service flag dedication.
Sept. 13: IATSE general executive board meeting,
Mount Royal Hotel, Montreal.
Sept. 16: Ampa's first Fall meeting, Hotel
Astor.
Sept. 17-19: Theater Equipment Dealers Pro-
tective Association meeting, Bismarck Hotel,
Chicago.
Oct. 4-6— War conference of the Allied Theaters
of Michigan, Detroit.
Oct. 18-22 SMPE technical conference, Holly-
wood-Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood.
Nov. 16: Night of Stars, Madison Square Car-
den.
Coast WMC Shifting
Studio Technicians?
(Continued from Page 1)
program is far behind schedule for
1943 and that a rise of about 30 per
cent is contemplated in 1944 sched-
ules. Chief ceiling on production is
lack of manpower, particularly work-
ers with skill. WMC has been asked
again and again to come to the
rescue so that channeling of movie
staffs is considered probable.
Gas Ban End to Benefit
Small-Town, Nabe Houses
«r <4
* » m
(Continued from Page 1)
the pleasure driving ban in the East
last night. There is no increase in
the amount of gas given to motorists,
but they need no longer fear Fed-
eral prosecution if they go to the
movies.
The removal of restrictions re-
stores the "honor system", which
Price Administrator Prentiss Brown
inaugurated when he first succeeded
Leon Henderson. Motorists are ex-
pected to avoid pleasure driving but
are not subject to penalties.
OPA officials were frank in saying
that the change, in effect, lets the bars
down, and that movies should be a
major beneficiary. Those who go to
the movies are, of course, limited
by their A and B card restrictions.
Japs Will Liberate
Three Eastman Men
Rochester — Three former mem-
bers of Eastman Kodak's Shanghai
branch will return from a Japanese
internment camp to the United
States in the second exchange of
nationals between the two coun-
tries, it was learned yesterday.
Linden L. Farnsworth, Morley
Clayton Reid and Eric D. Sitzenstat-
ter are scheduled to come home,
it was said.
Vol. 84, No. 44 Wed., Sept. 1, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN
Publisher
General Manager
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, ^-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco- Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Tuesday, Aug. 31)
38
38
+ 7s
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Clcse Chg.
Am. Seat 16y4 16y4 16>/4 + i/3
Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2%) ..
Columbia Picts. pfd.. 38
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 16 15% 16 + '/2
East. Kodak 1 57 1/2 157i/2 157'/2 + 1 1/2
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq 20y4 20 V4 20 '/4 + %
Loew's, Inc 59 585/8 59 + i/2
Paramount 25% 25% 25% -f- %
RKO 8'/4 77/8 8% + 3/g
RKO $6 pfd 89 87i/2 89 + 1 Vi
20th Century-Fox . . 22% 21% 223/8 + S/8
20th Century-Fox pfd. 30% 30y2 30% + %
Warner Bros 13 12% 13 + i/2
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Para. B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs 1 1/2 1% IV2
Sonotone Corp 3>/2 3% 3% +1-16
Technicolor 13l/4 13 13%
Trans-Lux ,..
Universal Picts. vtc. . 17% 17% 17'/4
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 79% 82%
Niven in "The Way Ahead"
London (By Air Mail)— British
Army pic in which Maj. David Niven
will star will be titled 'The Way
Ahead." It's to be a saga of British
infantry.
Dimnrn
[film storage corpII
11 w 11 11 b il
1600 B'WAY, N,Y, C, - CIRCLE 6-0081-2-3-4
Reeling 'Round- -
WASHINGTON
(.Continued from Page 1)
their own means of cinematic expression.
• • .
IT is too early to predict with certainty
■ just what will happen to the CIAA
when the guns are put up. Thus far.
Nelson Rockefeller — because his agency has
been doing an outstanding job and because
of his own personality — has been able to
steer an even c;urse Perhaps Con-
gress will decide the agency should con-
tinue— if not it is likely that the work
will be carried on under private auspices.
As for the pix end, we know that more
than one major producer has already started
to plan to offer his support for the con-
tinuation of the work dons, should Federal
funds be withdrawn.
Berny Byrens Sues Zukor,
Claims Service Agreement
A suit for $68,930 for services
rendered was filed against Adolph
Zukor, chairman of the board of
Paramount Pictures, by Berny By-
rens yesterday in New York Federal
Court. The plaintiff alleges that
under an agreement made with Zu-
kor to study and survey the prob-
lems concerning the latter's financial
status he was to receive 10 per cent
of all monies saved. Byrens claims
that after working on the assign-
ment between May, 1938, and Janu-
ary, 1939, he effected a saving for
Zukor of $699,307. He charges all
he received for his work was $1,000
the remainder being still unpaid.
Redeem General Aniline
SV2% Debentures Nov. 1
General Aniline & Film Corp., for-
merly American I. G. Chemical Corp.,
is notifying holders of American I.
G. Chemical Corp. guaranteed 5%
per cent convertible debentures due
May 1, 1949, that it intends to re-
deem on Nov. 1, at their principal
amount $1,750,000 of these deben-
tures, selected by lot by the trustee.
Payment of the drawn debentures
will be made upon surrender at the
head office of the trustee, The Na-
tional City Bank of New York.
To Redeem WB Preferred
Stock at $89.65 Today
All Warner Bros. Pictures pre-
ferred stock outstanding, totalling
99,397 shares, will be redeemed to-
day at $89.65 par. The shares are
being retired with the proceeds of
$23,000,000 in new financing obtained
recently by the company.
IATSE Executive Board
To Meet in Montreal
DAILY
We
Wednesday, September, 1, 1943 5
The general executive board of
the IATSE will convene at the Mount
Royal Hotel in Montreal, Canada,
the week of Sept. 13.
NLRB Nixes F-51 Move
For New 20th-Fox Vote
The National Labor Relations
Board has turned down the petition
of Local F-51, which covers all white-
collar exchange workers in the New
York exchanges affiliated with the
IATSE, to set aside the certification
of the Screen Office and Professional
Employes Guild, Local 109, UOPWA,
as bargaining agent for the office
help at the 20th-Fox exchange here
and to call a new election.
The petition was filed through the
IATSE on Aug. 16. The election
which the petition sought to set
aside was held on Feb. 5. The
SOPEG carried the election by 17
votes to the IA's 10.
Plaintiff's Findings Due
In Momand Suit Saturday
Plaintiffs in the Momand anti-
trust case have been instructed by
Federal Judge Broaddus to file all
proposed findings of facts, conclu-
sions of law and briefs by Saturday.
Defendants were given until Sept.
19 to reply.
Originally, all parties in the action
were requested to file their findings
by Sept. 4, but the order later was
modified to apply only to the plain-
tiffs, with the defendants given 15
days to give their answers.
Hodge, Taylor-Shantz
Head, Dies in Rochester
Rochester — Shurly Christy Hodge,
president and treasurer of the Tay-
lor-Shantz Co., Inc., makers of metal
stamping and safety guards, died
here. Hodge represented the firm
for 16 years in New York, his prin-
cipal contacts being members of
the motion picture industry.
"A Lady Takes a Chance"
Opens at Para. Sept. 15
RKO's "A Lady Takes a Chance"
will open at the Broadway Para-
mount on Sept. 15. One of the few
outside pictures to play the Para-
mount, "A Lady Takes a Chance"
was selected by Bob Weitman, man-
aging director, to initiate the new
season.
Wilmington Adopts Curfew-
Wilmington, Del. — Curfew ordi-
nance designed to bar children un-
der 16 from the streets after 10
p.m. has become effective here.
C0MIIIG and GOIflG
I
WILL HAYS, MPFDA prexy, is in New York. ,
N. PETER RATHVON, RKO prexy, has returned ■
from Hollywood.
J. CHEEVER COWDIN, Universal board chair-
man, is expected today from the Coast.
HERBERT WHITE, 20rh-Fox Cuban sales ex- |
ec, is at the home office.
JOSEPH H. COHN, vice-president and filit#*
vertising director of the Weiss and Celler agl&f,
is back at his desk from a Lake Champlain va
cation.
LEW COOPER leaves for Hollywood on Friday
to complete casting for a new Broadway show
in which he is interested.
KATINA PAXINOU, left Hollywood yesterday
for San Francisco.
Fox-Hole Premiere Set
For U's "Hers to Hold'
Universal's Deanna Durbin pic-
ture "Hers to Hold" will have its
Latin-American premiere in the fox
holes of Panama on Sept. 5. Due to
Army censorship, the exact locale
cannot be revealed, but it will be
held in an improvised theater in an
Army outpost and indications are
that it will be one of the most novel
and gala affairs in the history of
Panama. President Ricardo Adolfo
de la Guardia of Panama will be the
guest of honor at the premiere which
is being sponsored by the "Jungle
Mudders" of Major General Ralph
Meyer's Coast Artillery. Many other
dignitaries also will be present.
Nebraska Some Run Case
Dropped by Complainants
Demand for arbitration filed last
February by Frank Gartner and
Howard Harvey, operating the Rial-
to Theater, Beatrice, Neb., has been
withdrawn. Complainants had
charged that Paramount, RKO, 20th
Century-Fox and. Loew's had refused
to license product to the Rialto on
any run.
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INTERNATIONAL
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52 GRAFTON AVE* \£g/ NEWARK, N. J.
Sales Offices m Principal Centers
Wednesday, September, 1, 1943
tee No Widespread
[losings Due to Polio
{Continued from Page 1)
chool openings delayed, theaters
huttered or any other form of com-
aunity activity banned because of
he crippling disease.
Total of 747 cases of poliomyelitis
ere reported last week, spread
Jugh Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio,
% York, Connecticut, Utah and
,| Washington. Had this number of
:ases been concentrated in one reg-
, on, theater closings would be a good
i» >et, but the wide geographical dis-
xibution of the cases is apparently
mough to render such drastic meas-
lres unnecessary.
So far this year, 3,312 cases of
jolio have been reported, as against
mly 1,322 for the same period last
/ear and a five-year median of 1,681
:'or the period from Jan. 1 through
;he third week of August. Distribu-
tion has been quite even throughout
i score of states, however, and re-
9orts from the field do not appear to
{portend the coming of any severe
jpidemic in any one locality.
The polio peak has been reached,
it is believed, with the new cases
.reported expected to begin dropping
.off rapidly. There is a danger that
'the reopening of schools might mean
a slight rise in cases, but no sharp
rise is looked for. Officials of the
Public Health Service are anxious
■that speculation about the curtail-
ment of ordinary community func-
tions because of the disease not be
spread, because they are confident
that no such measures will be nec-
essary.
Suit Against Universal
Dismissed in Wilmington
(Continued from Page i)
& Co., to file a cost bond of $250.
Complainants had sought to pre-
vent the merger of Universal Corp.
and the picture company. The mer-
ger eventually was consummated.
By failing to file a bond, the case
was removed legally from the record.
Chicago NEIC Organized
Chicago — A National Entertain-
ment Industry Council has been or-
ganized here at a meeting at the
Sherman Hotel to co-operate in the
amusement industry's war drives.
Edwin S. Clifford Richard Arlen
Betty Blythe Miriam Seegar
Renee Haal Rex Beach
Ma], William S. Altman
Along With The Bills:
• • • ON THE sunny side of "double features" is news that the
Journal-American is to have two drama critics aboard its amusement
pages. — Messrs. Bob Garland and George Jean Nathan Latter will
contribute weekly (Stet!. cries Phil M.. 'cause Br'r Nathan never contri-
buted weakly to any publication), initially next Tuesday and on Mon-
days thereafter. ...» Lionel Stander. member of the enlisted re-
serve of the Army Air Forces, has been ordered to active duty and re-
ports to Mitchel Field on Friday. ... • Jerry Wald and his ork have
been booked for a September personal appearance on local Roxy's
stage. ... • Things We Like: Jack RKO Level's sports-flavored colyum
"By-Line Brilant." which deals with Arthur of the winged words and
the air's winged creatures. ... • Mary Ransome, vice-president
of University Pictures and now a member of the WACS has com-
pleted her basic training at Fort Devens, Mass.. and is now stationed
at Daytona Beach, Fla. ...» William Home, tenor of the stage
version of "This Is The Army"; Lola Hayes, Negro concert singer:
The Skylarks, vocal swing quartette; and a name band from one o' the
big nite spots will headline tonight's entertainment at the Silver Screen
Canteen (located in the Fraternal Clubhouse, 110 W. 48th St.)
The Canteen, for the lads in the armed forces and the merchant marine,
is sponsored by SOPEG. Local 109,— comprising the swains and maids
in pic companies' home offices. ... • William K. Saxton, city mana-
ger for Loew's Theaters in Baltimore, is chairman of a committee ar-
ranging for Governor Herbert R. O'Conor of Maryland to be inducted
into the Baltimore Tent, Variety Club, as an honorary member on
Sept. 15, — the occasion to be known as Governor's Night It'll be
celebrated with a buffet supper, dancing and entertainment Com-
mittee working with Bill Saxton includes Barry Goldman, Morris Oletsky,
Bill Abrams, Jerome Grant, A. Shugars, C. B. Wolfe and Abram Marcus.
T T T
• # • THERE'LL be a hot time down at ole Camp Campbell,
Ky., tomorrow nite, Suh! The ith Armored Corps, composed of a
number of divisions, is set to celebrate the second anniversary of its
founding Said celebration's highlight will be the first showing
anywhere of Columbia's "Sahara," starring Humphrey Bogart
It's an appropriate attraction for the armored boys, what with Mister
Bogart cast as a tank crew Sergeant and the screenplay bristling with
North African campaign action There's only one incongruity
associated with this showing, as far as Phil M. is concerned
It's that the Kentucky Colonels, who have always held that the
only drink worth searching for is the Mint Julep, will probably never
condone Bogart and his pals hunting vainly and frantically for water
Well, y'can't please ev'rahodah, Suh!, — as Jesse Zunser, that
Chattanooga man, would say
T T T
• • • REPUBLIC'S foreign distribution chief. Morris Goodman, was
reported to have been "frozen" in Florida yes'day— the climate not-
withstanding Returning from his Latin-American trip, he landed
in Miami only to find his reservations for transportation commandeered
So-o-o, philosophical and always glad to co-operate with his
Uncle Sam, Mister Goodman will probably arrive on our local Film Row
heaTth by tomorrow afternoon,— and then again, not until Friday
C'est La Guerre
T T T
• • • A VENCE PEARL HARBOR!
€< <4
* » *
DATE BOOK
Sept. 8: MPPDA board quarterly meeting.
Sept. 9: ITOA installation luncheon, Hotel
As tor.
Sept. 9: Third Victory Loan drive opens.
Sept. 13: NEIC service flag dedication.
Sept. 13: IATSE general executive board meeting.
Mount Royal Hotel, Montreal.
Sept. 16: Ampa's first Fall meeting, Hotel
Astor.
Sept. 17-19: Theater Equipment Dealers Pro-
tective Association meeting, Bismarck Hotel,
Chicago.
Oct. 4-6 — War conference of the Allied Theaters
of Michigan, Detroit.
Oct. 18-22 SMPE technical conference, Holly-
wood-Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood.
Nov. 16: Night of Stars, Madison Square Car-
den.
Coast WMC Shifting
Studio Technicians!
(Continued from Page 1)
program is far behind schedule for
1943 and that a rise of about 30 per
cent is contemplated in 1944 sched-
ules. Chief ceiling on production is
lack of manpower, particularly work-
ers with skill. WMC has been asked
again and again to come to the
rescue so that channeling of movie
staffs is considered probable.
Gas Ban End to Benefit
Small-Town, Nabe Houses
(Continued from Page 1)
the pleasure driving ban in the East
last night. There is no increase in
the amount of gas given to motorists,
but they need no longer fear Fed-
eral prosecution if they go to the
movies.
The removal of restrictions re-
stores the "honor system", which
Price Administrator Prentiss Brown
inaugurated when he first succeeded
Leon Henderson. Motorists are ex-
pected to avoid pleasure driving but
are not subject to penalties.
OPA officials were frank in saying
that the change, in effect, lets the bars
down, and that movies should be a
major beneficiary. Those who go to
the movies are, of course, limited
by their A and B card restrictions.
Japs Will Liberate
Three Eastman Men
Rochester — Three former mem-
bers of Eastman Kodak's Shanghai
branch will return from a Japanese
internment camp to the United
States in the second exchange of
nationals between the two coun-
tries, it was learned yesterday.
Linden L. Farnsworth, Morley
Clayton Reid and Eric D. Sitzenstat-
ter are scheduled to come home,
it was said.
■M
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* • «, in Jersey City I The most
thatsneakprev.ewmJersey |
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"CAN'T I**5**
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HEADED FOR HEAVY
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"ELDS, SUPERLATIVE
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MONTY MOUi
/*
BACK THE AnACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN!
nutm
w.% LAIRD CREGAR « Una O'Connor
Ethel Griff ies • Eric Blore • George
and Written for the Screen by Nunj
T
lowbray • Melville Cooper • Franklin Pangborn
rritz Feld • Directed by John Stahl • Produced
hnson • From the Novel by Arnold Bennett
CENTURY-FOX
C/™CUUIY
Wednesday, September, 1, 194:;!
Name Lou Metzger
To Staff of WAC
{Continued from Page 1)
ger's affiliation, said that "his pres-
ence full time at WAC New York
headquarters is needed and appre-
ciated."
Metzger's theater interests are in
San Diego, Pasadena and Lanesa.
He has been identified with film biz
his entire life except for military
service in World War I.
N. Y. and N. J. Exhibs. Meet,
Map Plans on Bond Drive
Exhibitors in New York and New
Jersey met yesterday in two separ-
ate meetings to outline plans for
theater participation in the Third
War Loan.
The New Jersey group met in
Proctor's Theater in Newark, with
Harry Lowenstein, WAC chairman
for that area, presiding. Lowen-
stein introduced L. C. Griffith, gen-
eral chairman, S. H. Fabian and
Francis S. Harmon, who addressed
the assemblage.
With N. Y. state Bond chairman
Leo Brecher wielding the gavel, the-
atermen in the met. area gathered in
the Paramount board room, and dis-
cussed methods of boosting sales in
the proportion necessary to meet the
requirements of the campaign.
Carole Landis Trailer
For Third War Loan Use
WAC is rushing to completion an
additional Third War Loan trailer
starring Carole Landis. Produced at
Fox Movietone Studios here, trailer
is titled, "Tomorrow's Headline," and
will be free from all NSS exchanges
to exhibs. signing the Loan pledge.
Theaters will get it about Sept. 20.
So. Calif. Theaters Agents
For War Loan Bond Sales
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Holly wood —Virtually every film
theater in Southern California will
be an aggressive War Bond sales
agency during the Third War Loan
drive, according to Dave Bershon,
chairman of theater war savings
staff for the Treasury Department
He has completed committee set-
ups for every area and has a closely
unified organization in action.
Open Air Theater for Dyer
Dyer, Ind.— Thomas J. Seymour
will open an open air theater here.
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
JUANITA BANE, booker Republic exchange,
Memphis, Tertn.
MRS. MAkTHA SUMMERS, contract dept., War-
ner's exchange, Memphis, Tenn.
ELROSE BYRNE, Checker, Warner's exchange
Memphis, Tenn.
LILLIAN BURT, telephone desk, Warner's ex-
change, Memphis, Tenn.
JOYCE LUTY, ticket taker, Wake, Raleigh,
N. C.
IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS
DON ATKINSON, National Theatre, Supply De-
troit.
JOSEPH CARSON, United Artists shipper, De-
troit.
CLAY JESSUP, head booker, RKO, Charlotte,
N. C.
JULES WILLIAMSON, office manager, RKO,
Charlotte, N. C.
R. D. CRAVER, manager, Lincoln, Florence, S. C.
SAM NOEL, head shipper, Republic, Charlotte,
N. C.
VINCENT FLYNN, salesman, Metro, Cleveland.
HOWARD LANDCRAF, manager, State Theater,
Chicago.
JACK BAKER, manager, Lincoln Theater, Chi-
cago.
FRED CHANDLER manager, Liberty Theater,
Vandalia, III.
JOHN C. MOUSER, general superintendent Bell
& Howell Co., Rockwell plant.
L. C. WILCOX, superintendent Bell & Howell
Larchmont Ave. factory, Chicago.
CEORCE BRESSLER assistant, B. K. Chicago
Theater, Chicago,
E. L. HORVATH, assistant, Northtown Thea-
ter, Chicago.
ADRIEN CAUTHIER, manager, Empress, Notre
Dame de Grace, Que.
BOB SNOOK, manager Liberty Theater, Chi-
cago, to Missouri Pacific 'Railroad.
CEORCE PITZLEY, manager, Roosevelt Thea-
ter, Detroit.
AMBROSE ). FITZGERALD, supervisor of check-
ers, M-G-M, Detroit.
LESTER B. COTTSCHALL, Jr., salesman, PRC,
Dallas.
CHARLES SHULMAN, executive assistant, Licht-
man, circuit, Washington.
CLEN BOTTORFF, assistant manager, Capitol,
Grand Island, Neb.
MARVIN GODWIN, office manager Columbia, ex-
change, Memphis, Tenn.
WELLINGTON JACKSON, and JAMES POLK, stu-
dent bookers, Columbia, Memphis, Tenn.
CLIFF WILSON, postal clerk, Columbia, Mem-
phis, Tenn.
New Plan Augments
Navy's Film Service
{Continued from Page 1)
been approved. The detailed plan
has been sent to the Naval Com-
mandants of the Naval Shore Ac-
tivities in the 11 naval districts, as
well as to the Chiefs of Naval Tech-
nical, Operational, Air Primary and
Intermediate Training and to Marine
and Coast Guard Commandants.
Called the Optional Naval Dis-
trict Motion Picture Plan, it will
make available to all Naval shore
activities within the continental U.
S. the newest motion pictures gen-
erally within 30 days of availability
in the territory in which the activity
is located and will augment the Naval
Motion Picture Service in use for
many years for ships on the high
seas.
Final approval of the arrangement
was arrived at at a conference held
last week in Washington with Rodg-
ers and H. M. Richey.
The plan will become effective
Sept. 15 and detailed explanation
of the plan has been sent to all
branch managers of all distributors
and to the Naval District Com-
mandants.
"Oklahoma Kid" Re-issue
Scoring in Early Dates
Warners' re-issue of "The Okla-
home Kid" is piling up way-above-
average grosses in its first show-
ings, the home office said yesterday.
At the Ritz Theater, Albany, the
feature grossed double normal busi-
ness; at the Mary Anderson, Louis-
ville, the take was within $75 of
"Yankee Doodle Dandy," the record
for the house; at the New Bedford,
New Bedford, Mass., and the Lincoln,
Troy, the re-release took in 90 per
cent above normal.
The feature goes into general re-
lease the week of Sept. 18, with over
200 dates expected ot break at that
time.
Situation Worries
Aussie Raw Slock
(Continued from Page 1)
with the U. S. production ease. Aus-
tralia's 75 per cent quota for this
year has dwindled to a trickle and
the position is now very acute.
The Government Department of
Import and Procurement has pooled
all available stock and decreed a
maximum eight prints per feature
until the matter is in hand. Fight-
ing Services, D.O.I. Documentaries
and other regular users are also
sharing the pool. Commonwealth re-
quirements for War Loans, Home
Security, Army Training and In-
structional subjects, and similar war
and propaganda subjects must grow,
and this aspect is perturbing film
companies since government require-
ments have immediate priority.
Most major distribs. have a back-
log of films, with adequate prints of
each feature already duped and on
the shelves. As a consequence it
might be some months before these
restrictions catch up with them to
be a very real problem.
Universal, and British Empire
Films (Monogram and Republic)
with consistent outlet through Great-
er Union Theaters' city theater chain
are probably the only two compa-
nies to immediately feel the pinch.
Situation however, will not be com-
fortable until the importation of raw
stock becomes a little healthier, and
the D.I.P. can be impressed into
some activity in determining how
present, and incoming raw stock
can, and is to be used.
Spitz-Goetz Silent on
Seeking Korda's UA Share
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood— Representatives of In-
ternational Pictures, controlled by
Leo Spitz and William Goetz, and
of Sir Alexander Korda refused to
comment on a published report that
International plans to purchase Kor-
da's interest in United Artists.
S0PEG Survey Aims
At Up-grading Jobs
(Continued from Page 1)
Fox, RKO-Radio Pictures and at the
Columbia, 20th-Fox, Loew's and
United Artists New York exchanges,
Accompanying the questionnaire ia
a classification brochure.
Questionnaire's purpose is to
tablish the basis for a system of
and salary classifications for the
white collarites in the industry here
in an attempt by the union to up-
grade existing jobs and salaries
"through equal pay for equal work
within and between the companies
and through merit, promotional and
length-of-service increases." The
questionnaire will make it possible
for the union's classifications com-
mittee to obtain information neces-
sary for proper job evaluation by
giving every worker an opportunity
to describe his job in detail.
In a letter accompanying; the questionnaire
and the brochure the SOPEG states: "The
questionnaire and the resulting; classifications
system will assure fruitful salary negotia
tions with your company and will be ofi
inestimable value in seeking; War Labor
Board approval of such salary increases."
The one-year wage provisions in SOPEG'
two-year contracts with Loew's, 20th-Fox,
RKO-Radio, Columbia and Columbia ex
change expired on July 28. Negotiations
for new wage increases covering approxi-
mately 1,500 employes in these offices be
gan between the union and the companies'
representatives on Aug. 12 in the office of
Maj. Leslie E. Thompson, executive vice
president of RKO. SOPEG's negotiating-
committee, headed by President Sidney
Young and organizers Ellen Davidson and
Charlotte Peterson, claimed that the need
for substantial wage increases was demon
strated by the prevailing high manpower
turnover resulting from low fixed income:
and widespread salary inequalities. The
union pointed out that an industry-wide sta
bilization of wages, through classifications
would be in the best interests of the com-
panies, the employes and the war effort
Increases based on classifications are spe-
cifically stipulated in the contract affecting
400 office workers which the union signed
with Paramount Pictures on May 10
SOPEG also has let it be known that it
will request classifications for the 200 white
collarites at the National Screen Service
home office and exchange when negotiation*
for new wage increases begin today, the date
of expiration of the wage clauses in the
contract signed by NSS and the Union on
Sept. 1, 1942.
Films of End of Sicilian
Campaign Out Tomorrow
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Films showing the
windup of the Sicilian campaign will
be released tomorrow. Pictures were
taken both by Army and by war
photographers. The public will see
the attacks on Messina and Troina.
WEDDING BELLS
Rochester — Ann Michaels, former
student assistant at Loew's Roches-
ter, will be married Sept. 4 to Staff
Sergt. Paul H. Preo, AAF, of Waco,
Tex.
REPRINTED FROM FILM DAILY, AUG. 25, 1943
RATHER THAN
BLOW OUR
OWN HORN-
The Roaring 943-944:
• • • A GLANCE at M-G-M's first group tor the new season dis-
closes that Bill Rodgen and his lads had a word ior it when they were
planning the initial selling set-up — as they undoubtedly have ior the
rest of the productions in various stages of filming That word is
"balance" The dozen which'll be available next month include
three musicals. "Best Foot Forward," "Girl Crazy," "I Dood It"; as
many comedies. "Whistling in Brooklyn," "Swing Shift Maisie," "Young
Ideas"; the service drama, "Salute to the Marines"; a trio with wartime
backgrounds, "Above Suspicion." "The Adventures of Tartu." "The Man
Down Under"; another in the popular series of metiers. "Dr. Gillespie's
Criminal Case," and the Eric Knight yarn of a dog and a boy, "Lassie
Come Home"
• • • AMONG 17 completed but not yet set, or still before the
cameras at Culver City, that same balance can be observed
Five are musicals: "Right About Face," "Thousands Cheer," "Broadway
Rhythm" "Meet the People" and "Mr. Co-ed" Comedies are four
in number: "The Heavenly Body," "Little Miss Magic," "Andy Hardy's
Blonde Trouble," and the topical "Rationing" Five dealing with
the present global struggle are, "Cry Havoc," "The Cross of Lorraine,"
"Song of Russia," "The White Cliffs of Dover," and "See Here, Private
Hargrove" Three dramas, all of which assume top places on the
new season's roster, are "Madame Curie," "A Guy Named Joe," and
"America" Soon. to start are "Kismet," "Meet Me in St. Louis,"
"Dragon Seed" and Canterville Ghost" Again, comedy, music
and drama are well interspersed
Y ▼ ▼
• • • The world, it appears, is M-G-M's oyster in '43-'44. as wit-
ness the diversity of locales presented by the line-up A better
understanding of our Allies, and a more accurate picture of our enemies
is behind the planning Use of Technicolor has hit a new high at
Culver City, with the list including "Best Foot Forward," "Lassie Come
Home." "Thousands Cheer/' "America." "Broadway Rhythm," "Dragon
Seed." "Kismet" "Mr. Co-ed" and "Meet Me in St. Louis," — all pro-
duced au natural
▼ ▼ ▼
• # # DEALING with our Soviet comrades-in-arms (and in
peace) is "Song of Russia" "White Cliffs of Dover" covers both
global conflicts and the growth of Anglo-American amity "Dragon
Seed," soon to start, is a drama of war-torn China "America"
depicts the industrial rise of our own land, and "The Man From
Down Under" is the story of modern-day Australia "The Cross
of Lorraine" shows the suffering endured in a German prison camp
by a group of patriotic French soldiers. .... ."Above Suspicion" tells
of pre-war Germany New Guniea and the South Pacific are the
backgrounds of "A Guy Named Joe" "Malta" will dramatize
the most bombed place on earth "Cry Havoc" recounts the role
of civilian nurse aides in the heroic defense of Bataan "Salute to
the Marines" has a Philippine locale, and "Mr. Co-ed" will use Mexico
City as a- background for part of the story
▼ ▼ ▼
• • • SMART Lion is Leo! You'll notice that one of the main
(or should we say "mane") ideas back of his '43-'44 line-up, aside from
balance, is exploitability Yes, and timeliness Consequently.
the Friendly Company is bound to have a lot closer friendships 'mong
its customers than ever before
3d WAR LOAN! OUR BIGGEST JOB! BACK THE ATTACK!
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NEW YORK 20, N. Y.
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RICHARD
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VAILABLE FOR FOREIGN BOOKING
10
DAILY
Wednesday, September, 1, 194:1 ^
;< :< Reviews of the new turns •&
"The City That Stopped
Hitler — Heroic
Stalingrad"
Artkino-Paramount 58 Mins.
SOVIET WAR DOCUMENTARY RATES
SECOND TO NONE; SUPERB FILM REC-
ORD OF STALINGRAD STRUGGLE.
"The City That Stopped Hitler — Heroic
Stalingrad" is absolute tops in its line.
This, the film record of the crucial strug-
gle for the Soviet stronghold on the Volga,
takes second place to no documentary that
has come out of this war. Certainly no
picture has been able to convey so force-
fully and so vividly the destructiveness of
war. It is a terrifying demonstration of
modern warfare that spares no realistic
detail. Hence exhibitors must look to the
men for their patronage wherever this film
is played. The footage is made of sterner
stuff than the average woman can bear.
The film, an unparalleled tribute to the
fighting heart of Soviet Russia, covers every
phase of the five-month battle for Stalin-
grad. Some idea of the material that has
gone into the picture may be had from the
fact that eight cameramen and five soldiers
detailed to work with camera crews were
killed in shooting the footage. There are
shots in the picture such as have never
been seen before. They contribute in mak-
ing the film a taut and gripping offering
that shoves you to the edge of your seat
and keeps you there.
The final assault that sealed the fate
of the German army of Field Marshal Gen.
Friedrich von Paulus is the high point of
the film. This sequence is given added
weight by the fact that it shows in action
for the first time a devastating Soviet
rocket gun, which the Red army has af-
fectionately nicknamed "Katusha." An-
other high point of the film is scenes of
the actual capture of von Paulus with a
large group of his generals.
The picture, compiled by the Central
Newsreel Studios in the USSR, has been
superbly edited by Leonid Varlamov for
Artkino Pictures. Included in the footage
is material from Nazi newsreels captured
by the Russians. The picture has been
supplied with excellent background music
taken from the famous Seventh Symphony
of Dmitri Shostakovich.
Accompanying the action is a first-rate
commentary written by John Wexley and
spoken by Brian Donlevy.
The film is marked by a smoothness
never noted before in a Soviet documen-
tary. Some of the credit for this goes to
Richard Blumenthal, Paramount producer
who was in charge of the assembling of
the production.
Polio Cases in Chicago
At a New High of 471
Chicago — A new polio high was
reached here yesterday with 471
cases reported in Chicago and Cook
County, with deaths reaching 46.
Among the fatalities was Jacqueline
Frances Eckhart, the five-year-old
daughter of the chief booker at the
20th Century-Fox exchange here.
"The Unknown Guest"
with Victor Jory and Pamela Blake
Monogram 65 Mins.
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW)
ACE SUSPENSE MELODRAMA CLEV-
ERLY ADAPTED TO REQUIREMENTS OF
CAMERA WILL HAVE 'EM ON THE EDGE
OF THEIR SEATS.
This rates with the best suspense movies
this town has turned out. It's a film that
will have even your most stolid customer
sitting on the edge of his seat and biting
his nails.
The King Brothers, producers, must be
commended for giving the movie lots of
production. The actors, Victor Jory and
Pamela Blake and their supporting cast must
be commended for turning in grand per-
formances, and megger Kurt Neumann
should get some kind of an award for doing
an outstanding job. Neumann has also
brought a new star forth, for Miss Blake's
performance is of such calibre that she will
undoubtedly become one of our most sought
after young leading women.
The story is cleverly adapted to the re-
quirements of the camera. A young man,
Victor Jory, runs away from a saloon in
Chicago after seeming to be involved in a
killing. He goes West to the hunting lodge
of an aunt and uncle, a pair of stingy misers
who begrudge him a bite of food on his
first night there. The next morning we
find him in possession of the place and the
relatives gone. Pamela Blake continues to
work for him, and gradually falls in iove
with him, despite the fact that she is con-
vinced that he has murdered his aunt and
uncle. The suspense built up as the girl
seems to catch him in all sorts of wrong
deeds, and the townspeople and the sheriff
begin to suspect him of murder, is terrific.
Then comes the denouement which is a
shock — and a happy ending.
It's not so much the tale, but the way
it's told that makes this show. It's a
goodie from the King Brothers and Mono-
gram.
CAST: Victor Jory, Pamela Blake, Harry
Hayden, Emory Parnell, Nora Cecil, Lee
"Lasses" White, Paul Fix, Ray Walker, Ed-
win Mills, Veda Ann Borg.
CREDITS: Producer, Maurice King; As-
sociate Producer, Franklin King; Director,
Kurt Neumann; Author, Maurice Franklin;
Screenplay, Philip Yordan; Cameraman,
Jackson Rose; Editor, Martin G. Cohen; Art
Directors, Neil McGuire and Dave Milton;
Production Manager, George Moskov;
Sound, Glen Glenn; Music by Dimitri Tiom-
kin; Musical supervision, David Chudnow
DIRECTION, Brilliant. PHOTOGRA-
PRY, Excellent.
950 Calif. Theaters Co-op.
On "Bed for Buddy" Drive
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Holly wood— Nine hundred and fifty
California theaters have pledged
their support to the Sept. 1 "Bed for
a Buddy" campaign, it was an-
nounced by Charles P. Skouras,
chairman of the Servicemen's Over-
night Housing Fund. While the
goal for Southern California has
been set at $200,000, with a $150,000
total sought in the North, drive
* SHORTS *
"Mardi Gras"
(Musical Parade)
Paramount 20 mins.
Swell Entertainment
Paramount has struck a high note
with this miniature musical, which
has so much to offer that it will take
the play away from many a feature.
The short, tops in every department,
is a big leaguer that will create
plenty of talk wherever it is shown.
Dressed in superb Technicolor, the
film has production values worthy of
a feature. It has, furthermore, a
charming and human little story
about two nobodies who get a chance
to play at being somebodies during
the mad whirl of the New Orleans
Mardi Gras festivities, finding love
in the process.
Cast as the romantic pair are
Betty Rhodes and Johnnie Johnston,
both of whom are good. They sing
two engaging numbers, "All the
Way" and "At the Mardi Gras."
Among the other performers is Bert
Roach. Walter MacEwen produced
this bit of make-believe lavishly.
George Barnes did a swell camera
job.
10 Mins.
"Popular Science
(J2-6)
Paramount
First-Rate
Here is a first-class booking. The
interest in this short centers pri-
marily in an Illinois crime detection
laboratory that travels on wheels.
There is a realistic demonstration
of how the lab. operates. A Bev-
erly Hills (Calif, school gymnasium
that can be converted into a swim-
ming pool will open the audience's
eyes. Other sequence have to do
with the making of Rio de Janeiro's
intricate mosaic sidewalks and the
building of landing barges and tor-
pedo boats in a New Orleans plant.
"Any Chickens Today?"
Universal 9 Mins.
Good
Plenty of interest attaches to this
short. All the three subjects which
make up the reel have to do with
fowl. The opening clip introduces the
audience to a rooster that relishes
beer. The second item concerns a
"hen hotel" in Miami. A modern
hatchery where 16,000,000 chicks see
the light annually winds up the
footage.
"Sing, Helen, Sing"
Paramount n Mins
Fair
Helen O'Connell does her stuff to
the satisfaction of her admirers in
this musical short. Those who don't
go in for her type of crooning won't
A
be unduly impressed. The gal give
out with three tunes — "Murder, H
Says," "He Didn't Ask Me" and "
Have Faith." The film has bee
produced in a manner that will ar
peal especially to service men.
20th-Fox
"Super Mouse Rides Again" <"
(Terrytoon) (
7 irA*
Fair
Again Supermouse comes to |h
rescue of a colony of mice being b<
devilled by cats. The mice live i
mortal terror until our rodent hei
projects himself upon the scene ar
routs the villains. The kids will fir
the cartoon entertaining, althoug
it is no better than fair. The sho:
is in Technicolor.
"Who's Next?"
Universal 9 Min
Swell
This short about barbering shou
work the customers into a lathe
It's a nifty number that is bol
entertaining and instructive. Tr
short is a thumb-nail review of tl
barber's trade. Immensely inte
e sting is a display of barberir
paraphernalia collected by De Zer
ler of Rockefeller Center, Ne
York. Set this one down as an
sorbing booking.
"Coast of Strategy"
(Magic Carpet of Movietone)
20th-Fox 9 min
First-Rate
Lowell Thomas comes through wi
another excellent subject. CeyL
claims his attention this time. Seen
of life on that strategic island ha
been well selected. The short a
tempts to show what there is abo
Ceylon that causes the Japs to tu
covetous eyes to it. The Technicol
treatment brings out all the warm
of the lush vegetation of that tropic
island.
:
I
"Yukon Outpost"
Universal 9 M
Okay
Here is the story of Alaska
terms of present-day developmen
The footage makes clear the i
portance of Alaska in our bat
against the Axis. It reviews intt
estingly the resources available
us in our northern outpost. T
film has been nicely photographs
Because of the new interest whi
the war has created in Alaska tl
short should make a good booking
"Dog Sense"
(Sports Review)
20th-Fox 9 miH
Good
This short on what makes a
triever deserves a. high rating. He
a hunting dog is taught to do his
is shown in this short in an extren
ly interesting manner. A large ;
ray of dogs was used in making
subject, which has excellent came
work. The short is a natural
dog lovers.
15
sdnesday, September, 1, 1943
m
DAILY
11
|ban Theater Biz
eking Up-White
(Continued from Page 1)
| is concerned," said White, who
3 holds the title of president of
c Films de Cuba.
Vhite asserted that, while the re-
l^v imposed war emergency tax
1— jckets is holding the first-run
I pes in Havana to about the same
el a^s those in the past, the "takes"
the ^ubsequents are up consider-
'"•According to White, theaters in
ba have not been noticeably af-
ted by the war, chiefly because
jjfli rationing there has not been so
'tstic as that in the States. He
•d that the industry had been
'•etty fortunate" in Cuba because
nsportation facilities for film
)duct, while not what they could
were much better than those
dlable to the South American
rket.
fVar films are not going over well
Cuba, said White, explaining that
o|o! patrons there prefer speectacles
[Jbve anything else.
White reported that the improve-
ment in product turned out by stu-
oiis in Mexico and Argentina had re-
sred interest in his territory in
>>lns made in those countries.
HCLLyWCCD DIGEST
ASSIGNMENTS
GEORGE MARSHALL, director, "Incendiary
Blonde."
CASTINGS
RICHARD HALE, RICHARD CRANE, TREVOR
BARDETTE, "After the Night," Columbia;
GORDON OLIVER, "Since You Went Away,"
Selznick; PHILLIP TERRY, 'When Ladies Fly,"
Wanger; BILLY BENEDICT, WARREN ASHE,
"Cover Girl," Columbia; WILLIAM EYTHE,
"The Eve of St. Mark," 20fh-Fox; WARD BOND,
"Home in Indiana,' 20th-Fox; SHELLEY WINTER,
"Ten Percent Woman," Columbia.
MARSHA HUNT, "Lebensraum," Columbia.
SCHEDULED
"The Merry Monohans," by MICHAEL FESSIER
and ERNEST iPAGANO, for Donald O'Con-
nor; Universal.
'Son of Flicka," sequel to "My Friend Flicka,"
for RODDY McDOWALL, 20th-Fox.
'Belle of the Bowery," Technicolor or musical, |
Harry Sherman. I
"Andrew Stone's Sensations of 1944," all-star
musical revue, Andrew Stone Prod.
LOANED
JOAN FONTAINE, by Selznick to Metro for
"Forever.'
TITLE SWITCHES
"Cowboy Canteen," formerly "Barnyard Can-
teen,' Columbia.
"No Bars — No Music," formerly "Music Without
Bars," PRC.
"International Zone," formerly "The Fanatic of
Fez,' RKO.
NEW TERMERS
BETTY HUTTON, Paramount.
RAY MILLAND, Paramount.
DOUGLAS DUM'BRILLE, Harry Sherman.
ETHEL SMITH, Metro.
RICK VALLIN, Monogram.
CERRE YOUNG, PRC.
POSTPONED
"Army Wife." 20th-Fcx.
lief of Chaplains Speaks
t Metro Plaque Ceremony
fomaha— Col. Charles 0. Purdy,
ief of chaplains for the Seventh
rvice command, was the principal
'saker at a ceremony at the M-G-M
'inch office here, honoring its 12
"rmer employes now in the armed
"vices.
['Mothers and wives of the service
l%n also attended, receiving bou-
[cets from Office Manager Hazel
'lderson. Branch Manager John
*!mptgen unveiled a plaque with
s names of the 12 on it and re-
rwed their records in the service.
•Mowing the ceremony, all attended
"private screening of "Lassie Come
)me."
Service men honored: Lt. Walter J. Guy,
flrht command, Lancaster, Cat.; Lt. William
• Ruthhart, Aberdeen, Md.; Lt. J. L. Mar-
3, Camp Fannin, Tex.; Sgt. Milton Mala-
ock, Columbia, S. C. air base; Sgt. Norman
;ve. Camp McCabe, Miss.; Seaman 'Howard
irk, Memphis, Tenn.; Leo Ickman, Fort
onard Wood, Mo.: Jac Crawford, provost
irshal's department; H. A. Chase, L. T.
nung\ C. E. Chace and Joseph Slatterv.
Fatal Memphis Explosion
Brings Murder Indictment
(Continued from Page 1)
operator of the suburban Peabody
Theater, following its investigation
into the explosion and fire on Aug.
17 which fatally injured Elroy R.
Curry, Peabody's maintenance man.
Eaton was ai rested on the same
charge on Aug. 23 and released on
heavy bail pending action of the
grand jurors.
Explosion, it is claimed, resulted
from the use of a substitute for
freon in the theater's cooling plant.
Change was made, it is claimed, de-
spite a warning that it was hazar-
dous.
First "Hi Diddle Diddle"
Biz Tops Normal 10-36%
sopen Indianapolis Fox
Indianapolis — The Fox, closed for
e Summer, will reopen Sept. 3.
"Mr. Luchy" Stays
7th at Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is holding
RKO's "Mr. Lucky" for a seventh
week, starting tomorrow. Only two
other pix have stayed longer, "Ran-
dom Harvest" going 11 and "Mrs.
Miniver," 10.
Juvenile Panhandlers
N. J. Delinquency Problem
Montclair, N. J. — Panhandling for
pennies to attend movies by children
between the ages of eight and 14, is
seen by the police and theater man-
agers of this city, as another juve-
nile delinquency problem which must
be "nipped in the bud" before it gets
out of hand.
Theater operators, promising their
wholehearted co-operation, have in-
structed their managers, assistants
and other personnel to keep a watch-
ful eye for and under no circum-
stances to admit children under 14
unless they are accompanied by
elders. In this regard, however, the-
ater men point out, the public can
help solve the problem first, by re-
fusing to be panhandled and second,
by refusing to play "Brother Bill" or
'Aunt Sue" for the kids to gain them
admission.
No less serious throughout Essex
County, theater managers in down-
town Newark, have joined in the
drive to break up the juvenile racket.
"Army's" Chi. Debut Sept. 23
Chicago — Local debut of Warners'
"This is the Army" has been set for
B & K's Chicago Theater on Sept.
23. An elaborate promotional cam-
paign is being prepared.
"Hi Diddle Diddle," UA's initial
Andrew Stone release, is running
from 10 to 36 per cent ahead of nor-
mal business in its first group of key
city engagements, reports to the
UA home office revealed.
Following its world premiere up-
state in Utica, "Hi Diddle Diddle"
completed its first week in the fol-
lowing keys by topping normal re-
ceipts in each engagement: At-
lanta, Dayton, Akron, Richmond,
Syracuse, Toledo.
In its first four days in Provi-
dence, Canton, Indianapolis, Louis-
ville, Kansas City, New Orleans,
Wilmington, Baltimore and Norfolk
"Hi Diddle Diddle" scored from 10
to 36 per cent above normal re-
ceipts.
Nab Gang Which Looted
11 Nabes in Columbus
Columbus, O. — The arrest of a
gang of juvenile hoodlums has
cleared up a gang of "theater
thieves" which broke into 11 Colum-
bus neighborhood theaters and also
burglarized some 24 other business
places in Columbus and Franklin
County during the last six weeks.
Set Five More Premieres
On "For Whom Bell Tolls"
Five additional advanced price ex-
tended engagements of "For Whom
the Bell Tolls" were announced yes-
terday by Charles Reagan, Para-
mount's assistant general sales man-
ager.
Deals have been set for Keith's,
Baltimore, Sept. 29 or Oct. 6; Circle
Theater, Indianapolis, Oct. 1; Rialto,
Louisville, Oct. 7 or 14; the Capitol,
Cincinnati, Oct. 7 or 14, and the Co-
lonial, Dayton, Oct. 14.
The Northern California premiere
will be held at the Alcazar, San
Francisco, today.
TO THE COLORS!
* ARMY *
CARL THOMAS, Capitol, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
LEONARD SHEA, salesman, Republic, Memphis,
Tenn.
* NAVY *
CARL FISHMAN, publicist, Metro home office.
ROBERT BEAUBIEN, formerly B & K Northtown
Theater, Chicago, to yeoman school, New-
port, R. I.
Hollywood Digest
NORMAN FREEMAN, assistant to the president,
RKO.
LOU ABRAMSON, secretary to Jack Kirsch, Il-
linois Allied prexy.
CEORCE SCHROEDER, Penn, Wilkes-Barre.
JOHN CONNORS, Penn, Wilkes-Barre.
* WAVES *
MARGUERITE SHANNON, Eastman Kodak.
Rochester, N. Y.
* SEEBEES *
O. C. MINOR, manager, State, Bradenton, Fla.
* MARINES AUXILIARY *
JULIA HITTNER, 20th-Fox exchange, Omaha,
Neb.
Appeals Court to Hear
Youngstown Lease Suit
Youngstown, O. — Visiting Court of
Appeals will hear the case involving
lease rights to the Palace Theater,
Youngstown, as soon after Sept. 15
as possible, after sustaining a mo-
tion filed by the New York Life In-
surance Co. for an early hearing.
Suit was brought by the Dallmer Co.
to determine whether it or the Public
Square Theater Co. should have the
rights to operate the theater after
Aug. 1, 1943.
Dallmer obtained a lease from the
Palace Realty Co., owner of the
building, while the New York Life,
as mortgagee-in-possession, had
made arrangements to renew the
lease with Public Square Theater Co.
Judge Erskine Maiden, Jr., decided
in lower court that the Dallmer Co.
was entitled to the lease. Appeals
bond was set at $50,000.
Chaplin to Show Cause
New York Supreme Court Justice
Sidney Bernstein yesterday signed
an order directing Charles Chaplin to
show cause on Sept. 10 why an order
vacating service of process as to
David O. Selznick Productions, Inc.,
and Vanguard Films, Inc., should not
be dismissed. This was the latest
development in the million-dollar
suit brought against Selznick and
Vanguard by Chaplin.
Driving Ban Lifted,
Drive-in to Re-open
Rochester — Twelve hours after
the lifting of the pleasure driving
ban had been reported here, Gradon
Hodges had an advertisement in the
local papers announcing the re-
opening of the drive-in for tomor-
row night. Drive-in has been closed
since the ban went into effect,
but Hodges has kept it in readiness
for immediate re-opening.
10
DAILY
Wednesday, September, 1, 194
* * R6VICUJS OF THE Mill FILfllS 3r &
"The City That Stopped
Hitler — Heroic
Stalingrad"
Artkino-Paramount 58 Mins.
SOVIET WAR DOCUMENTARY RATES
SECOND TO NONE; SUPERB FILM REC-
ORD OF STALINGRAD STRUGGLE.
"The City That Stopped Hitler — Heroic
Stalingrad" is absolute tops in its line.
This, the film record of the crucial strug-
gle for the Soviet stronghold on the Volga,
takes second place to no documentary that
has come out of this war. Certainly no
picture has been able to convey so force-
fully and so vividly the destructiveness of
war. It is a terrifying demonstration of
modern warfare that spares no realistic
detail. Hence exhibitors must look to the
men for their patronage wherever this film
is played. The footage is made of sterner
stuff than the average woman can bear.
The film, an unparalleled tribute to the
fighting heart of Soviet Russia, covers every
phase of the five-month battle for Stalin-
grad. Some idea of the material that has
gone into the picture may be had from the
fact that eight cameramen and five soldiers
detailed to work with camera crews were
killed in shooting the footage. There are
shots in the picture such as have never
been seen before. They contribute in mak-
ing the film a taut and gripping offering
that shoves you to the edge of your seat
and keeps you there.
The final assault that sealed the fate
of the German army of Field Marshal Gen.
Friedrich von Paulus is the high point of
the film. This sequence is given added
weight by the fact that it shows in action
for the first time a devastating Soviet
rocket gun, which the Red army has af-
fectionately nicknamed "Katusha." An-
other high point of the film is scenes of
the actual capture of von Paulus with a
large group of his generals.
The picture, compiled by the Central
Newsreel Studios in the USSR, has been
superbly edited by Leonid Varlamov for
Artkino Pictures. Included in the footage
is material from Nazi newsreels captured
by the Russians. The picture has been
supplied with excellent background music
taken from the famous Seventh Symphony
of Dmitri Shostakovich.
Accompanying the action is a first-rate
commentary written by John Wexley and
spoken by Brian Donlevy.
The film is marked by a smoothness
never noted before in a Soviet documen-
tary. Some of the credit for this goes to
Richard Blumenthal, Paramount producer
who was in charge of the assembling of
the production.
Polio Cases in Chicago
At a New High of 471
Chicago — A new polio high was
reached here yesterday with 471
cases reported in Chicago and Cook
County, with deaths reaching 46.
Among the fatalities was Jacqueline
Frances Eckhart, the five-year-old
daughter of the chief booker at the
20th Century-Fox exchange here.
"The Unknown Guest"
with Victor Jory and Pamela Blake
Monogram 65 Mins.
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW)
ACE SUSPENSE MELODRAMA CLEV-
ERLY ADAPTED TO REQUIREMENTS OF
CAMERA WILL HAVE 'EM ON THE EDGE
OF THEIR SEATS.
This rates with the best suspense movies
this town has turned out. It's a film that
will have even your most stolid customer
sitting on the edge of his seat and biting
his nails.
The King Brothers, producers, must be
commended for giving the movie lots of
production. The actors, Victor Jory and
Pamela Blake and their supporting cast must
be commended for turning in grand per-
formances, and megger Kurt Neumann
should get some kind of an award for doing
an outstanding job. Neumann has also
brought a new star forth, for Miss Blake's
performance is of such calibre that she will
undoubtedly become one of our most sought
after young leading women.
The story is cleverly adapted to the re-
quirements of the camera. A young man,
Victor Jory, runs away from a saloon in
Chicago after seeming to be involved in a
killing. He goes West to the hunting lodge
of an aunt and uncle, a pair of stingy misers
who begrudge him a bite of food on his
first night there. The next morning we
find him in possession of the place and the
relatives gone. Pamela Blake continues to
work for him, and gradually falls in love
with him, despite the fact that she is con-
vinced that he has murdered his aunt and
uncle. The suspense built up as the girl
seems to catch him in all sorts of wrong
deeds, and the townspeople and the sheriff
begin to suspect him of murder, is terrific.
Then comes the denouement which is a
shock — and a happy ending.
It's not so much the tale, but the way
it's told that makes this show. It's a
goodie from the King Brothers and Mono-
gram.
CAST: Victor Jory, Pamela Blake, Harry
Hayden, Emory Parnell, Nora Cecil, Lee
"Lasses" White, Paul Fix, Ray Walker, Ed-
win Mills, Veda Ann Borg.
CREDITS: Producer, Maurice King; As-
sociate Producer, Franklin King; Director,
Kurt Neumann; Author, Maurice Franklin;
Screenplay, Philip Yordan; Cameraman,
Jackson Rose; Editor, Martin G. Cohen; Art
Directors, Neil McGuire and Dave Milton;
Production Manager, George Moskov;
Sound, Glen Glenn; Music by Dimitri Tiom-
kin; Musical supervision, David Chudnow.
DIRECTION, Brilliant. PHOTOGRA-
PRY, Excellent.
950 Calif. Theaters Co-op.
On "Bed for Buddy" Drive
IV est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Nine hundred and fifty
California theaters have pledged
their support to the Sept. 1 "Bed for
a Buddy" campaign, it was an-
nounced by Charles P. Skouras,
chairman of the Servicemen's Over-
night Housing Fund. While the
goal for Southern California has
been set at $200,000, with a $150,000
total sought in the North, drive
* SHORTS *
"Mardi Gras"
(Musical Parade)
Paramount 20 mins.
Swell Entertainment
Paramount has struck a high note
with this miniature musical, which
has so much to offer that it will take
the play away from many a feature.
The short, tops in every department,
is a big leaguer that will create
plenty of talk wherever it is shown.
Dressed in superb Technicolor, the
film has production values worthy of
a feature. It has, furthermore, a
charming and human little story
about two nobodies who get a chance
to play at being somebodies during
the mad whirl of the New Orleans
Mardi Gras festivities, finding love
in the process.
Cast as the romantic pair are
Betty Rhodes and Johnnie Johnston,
both of whom are good. They sing
two engaging numbers, "All the
Way" and "At the Mardi Gras."
Among the other performers is Bert
Roach. Walter MacEwen produced
this bit of make-believe lavishly.
George Barnes did a swell camera
job.
"Popular Science
(J2-6)
Paramount 10 Mins.
First-Rate
Here is a first-class booking. The
interest in this short centers pri-
marily in an Illinois crime detection
laboratory that travels on wheels.
There is a realistic demonstration
of how the lab. operates. A Bev-
erly Hills (Calif, school gymnasium
that can be converted into a swim-
ming pool will open the audience's
eyes. Other sequence have to do
with the making of Rio de Janeiro's
intricate mosaic sidewalks and the
building of landing barges and tor-
pedo boats in a New Orleans plant.
"Any Chickens Today?"
Universal 9 Mins.
Good
Plenty of interest attaches to this
short. All the three subjects which
make up the reel have to do with
fowl. The opening clip introduces the
audience to a rooster that relishes
beer. The second item concerns a
"hen hotel" in Miami. A modern
hatchery where 16,000,000 chicks see
the light annually winds up the
footage.
"Sing, Helen, Sing"
Paramount 11 Mins.
Fair
Helen O'Connell does her stuff to
the satisfaction of her admirers in
this musical short. Those who don't
go in for her type of crooning won't
be unduly impressed. The gal give
out with three tunes — "Murder, H
Says," "He Didn't Ask Me" and "
Have Faith." The film has bee
produced in a manner that will ap
peal especially to service men.
;
""1
7 m"
"Super Mouse Rides Again"
(Terrytoon)
20th-Fox
Fair
Again Supermouse comes to th
rescue of a colony of mice being be
devilled by cats. The mice live i:
mortal terror until our rodent her
projects himself upon the scene an
routs the villains. The kids will fin
the cartoon entertaining, althoug
it is no better than fair. The shor
is in Technicolor.
"Who's Next?"
Universal 9 Min?
Swell
This short about barbering shoul
work the customers into a lathei
It's a nifty number that is bot
entertaining and instructive. Th
short is a thumb-nail review of th
barber's trade. Immensely inter
esting is a display of barberin
paraphernalia collected by De Zero
ler of Rockefeller Center, Ne\
York. Set this one down as an ab
sorbing booking.
"Coast of Strategy"
(Magic Carpet of Movietone)
20th-Fox 9 mins
First-Rate
Lowell Thomas comes through wit
another excellent subject. Ceylo;
claims his attention this time. Scene
of life on that strategic island hav
been well selected. The short at
tempts to show what there is abou
Ceylon that causes the Japs to tun
covetous eyes to it. The Technicolo
treatment brings out all the warmt
of the lush vegetation of that tropica
island.
c
"Yukon Outpost"
Universal 9 Mini
Okay
Here is the story of Alaska i
terms of present-day developments
The footage makes clear the im
portance of Alaska in our battl
against the Axis. It reviews inter
estingly the resources available t
us in our northern outpost. Th
fiim has been nicely photographer
Because of the new interest whicl
the war has created in Alaska thi|
short should make a good booking
"Dog Sense"
(Sports Review)
20th-Fox 9 mins
Good
This short on what makes a re
triever deserves a high rating. Ho'v
a hunting dog is taught to do his jo
is shown in this short in an extreme
ly interesting manner. A large ar
ray of dogs was used in making th
subject, which has excellent earner
work. The short is a natural fo
dog lovers.
'ednesday, September, 1, 1943
1HE<
* DAILY
11
mban Theater Bii
icking Up-While
(Continued from Page 1)
iiss is concerned," said White, who
,so holds the title of president of
>x Films de Cuba.
White asserted that, while the re-
rey imposed war emergency tax
—rkets is holding the first-run
pes in Havana to about the same
vel a" those in the past, the "takes"
the .ubsequents are up consider-
;»ly.
According to White, theaters in
aba have not been noticeably af-
cted by the war, chiefly because
'is rationing there has not been so
!,astic as that in the States. He
»dd that the industry had been
)retty fortunate" in Cuba because
ansportation facilities for film
'oduct, while not what they could
;, were much better than those
mailable to the South American
arket.
War films are not going over well
Cuba, said White, explaining that
le patrons there prefer speectacles
)ove anything else.
White reported that the improve-
ent in product turned out by stu-
os in Mexico and Argentina had re-
ved interest in his territory in
ms made in those countries.
HOLLYWOOD CIC EST
GEORGE
Blonde
ASSIGNMENTS
MARSHALL, director, "Incendiary
CASTINGS
RICHARD HALE, RICHARD CRANE, TREVOR
BARDETTE, "After the Night," Columbia;
CORDON OLIVER, "Since You Went Away,"
Selznick; PHILLIP TERRY, 'When Ladies Fly,"
Wanger; BILLY BENEDICT, WARREN ASHE,
"Cover Girl," Columbia; WILLIAM EYTHE,
"The Eve of St. Mark," 20th-Fox; WARD BOND,
"Home in Indiana,' 20th-fox; SHELLEY WINTER,
"Ten Percent Woman," Columbia.
MARSHA HUNT, "Lebensraum," Columbia.
SCHEDULED
'The Merry Monohans," by MICHAEL FESSIER
and ERNEST iPAGANO, for Donald O'Con-
nor; Universal.
'Son of Flicka," sequel to "My Friend Flicka,"
for RODDY McDOWALL, 20th-Fox.
'Belle of the Bowery," Technicolor or musical,
Harry Sherman.
"Andrew Stone's Sensations of 1944," all-star
musical revue, Andrew Stone Prod.
LOA*NED
JOAN FONTAINE, by Selznick to Metro for
"Forever.'
TITLE SWITCHES
"Cowboy Canteen," formerly "Barnyard Can-
teen,' Columbia.
"No Bars — No Music," formerly "Music Without
Bars," PRC.
"International Zone," formerly "The Fanatic of
Fez,' RKO.
NEW TERMERS
BETTY HUTTON, Paramount.
RAY MILLAND, Paramount.
DOUGLAS DUMBRILLE, Harry Sherman.
ETHEL SMITH, Metro.
RICK VALLIN, Monogram.
CERRE YOUNG, PRC.
TO THE COLORS!
POSTPONED
'Army Wife." 20th-Fcx.
hief of Chaplains Speaks
t Metro Plaque Ceremony
Omaha — Col. Charles 0. Purdy,
ief of chaplains for the Seventh
srvice command, was the principal
eaker at a ceremony at the M-G-M
anch office here, honoring its 12
rmer employes now in the armed
rvices.
Mothers and wives of the service
sn also attended, receiving bou-
iets from Office Manager Hazel
iderson. Branch Manager John
miptgen unveiled a plaque with
e names of the 12 on it and re-
jwed their records in the service.
Mowing the ceremony, all attended
private screening of "Lassie Come
)me."
Service men honored: Lt. Walter J. Guy,
,'ht command, Lancaster, Cal.: Lt. William
Ruthhart, Aberdeen, Md.; Lt. J. L. Mar-
i. Camp Fannin, Tex.; Sg-t. Milton Mala-
>ck, Columbia, S. C. air base; Sg-t. Norman
ve. Camp McCabe, Miss.; Seaman 'Howard
irk, Memphis, Tenn.; Leo Iekman, Fort
mard Wood, Mo.; Jac Crawford, provost
rshal's department: H. A. Chase. L. T.
nung-. C. E. Chace and Joseph Slattery.
Fatal Memphis Explosion
Brings Murder Indictment
(Continued from Page 1)
operator of the suburban Peabody
Theater, following its investigation
into the explosion and fire on Aug.
17 which fatally injured Elroy R.
Curry, Peabody's maintenance man.
Eaton was ai rested on the same
charge on Aug. 23 and released on
heavy bail pending action of the
grand jurors.
Explosion, it is claimed, resulted
from the use of a substitute for
freon in the theater's cooling plant.
Change was made, it is claimed, de-
spite a warning that it was hazar-
dous.
(open Indianapolis Fox
Indianapolis — The Fox, closed for
i Summer, will reopen Sept. 3.
"Mr. Lucky" Stays
7th at Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is holding
RKO's "Mr. Lucky" for a seventh
week, starting tomorrow. Only two
other pix have stayed longer, "Ran-
dom Harvest" going 11 and "Mrs.
Miniver," 10.
Juvenile Panhandlers
N. J. Delinquency Problem
Montclair, N. J. — Panhandling for
pennies to attend movies by children
between the ages of eight and 14, is
seen by the police and theater man-
agers of this city, as another juve-
nile delinquency problem which must
be "nipped in the bud" before it gets
out of hand.
Theater operators, promising their
wholehearted co-operation, have in-
structed their managers, assistants
and other personnel to keep a watch-
ful eye for and under no circum-
stances to admit children under 14
unless they are accompanied by
elders. In this regard, however, the-
ater men point out, the public can
help solve the problem first, by re-
fusing to be panhandled and second,
by refusing to play "Brother Bill" or
'Aunt Sue" for the kids to gain them
admission.
No less serious throughout Essex
County, theater managers in down-
town Newark, have joined in the
drive to break up the juvenile racket.
First "Hi Diddle Diddle"
Biz Tops Normal 10-36%
"Hi Diddle Diddle," UA's initial
Andrew Stone release, is running
from 10 to 36 per cent ahead of nor-
mal business in its first group of key
city engagements, reports to the
UA home office revealed.
Following its world premiere up-
state in Utica, "Hi Diddle Diddle"
completed its first week in the fol-
lowing keys by topping normal re-
ceipts in each engagement: At-
lanta, Dayton, Akron, Richmond,
Syracuse, Toledo.
In its first four days in Provi-
dence, Canton, Indianapolis, Louis-
ville, Kansas City, New Orleans,
Wilmington, Baltimore and Norfolk
'Hi Diddle Diddle" scored from 10
to 36 per cent above normal re-
ceipts.
Nab Gang Which Looted
11 Nabes in Columbus
Columbus, O. — The arrest of a
gang of juvenile hoodlums has
cleared up a gang of "theater
thieves" which broke into 11 Colum-
bus neighborhood theaters and also
burglarized some 24 other business
places in Columbus and Franklin
County during the last six weeks.
Set Five More Premieres
On "For Whom Bell Tolls"
"Army's" Chi. Debut Sept. 23
Chicago — Local debut of Warners'
"This is the Army" has been set for
B & K's Chicago Theater on Sept.
23. An elaborate promotional cam-
paign is being prepared.
Five additional advanced price ex-
tended engagements of "For Whom
the Bell Tolls" were announced yes-
terday by Charles Reagan, Para-
mount's assistant general sales man-
ager.
Deals have been set for Keith's,
Baltimore, Sept. 29 or Oct. 6; Circle
Theater, Indianapolis, Oct. 1; Rialto,
Louisville, Oct. 7 or 14; the Capitol,
Cincinnati, Oct. 7 or 14, and the Co-
lonial, Dayton, Oct. 14.
The Northern California premiere
will be held at the Alcazar, San
Francisco, today.
* ARMY *
CARL THOMAS, Capitol, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
LEONARD SHEA, salesman, Republic, Memphis,
Tenn.
* NAVY*
CARL FISHMAN, publicist, Metro home office.
ROBERT BEAUBIEN, formerly B & K Northtown
Theater, Chicago, to yeoman school, New-
port, R. I.
Hollywood Digest
NORMAN FREEMAN, assistant to the president,
RKO.
LOU ABRAMSON, secretary to Jack Kirsch, li-
linois Allied prexy.
GEORGE SCHROEDER, Penn, Wilkes-Barre.
JOHN CONNORS, Penn, Wilkes-Barre.
* WAVES *
MARCUERITE SHANNON, Eastman Kodak.
Rochester, N. Y.
* SEEBEES *
O. C. MINOR, manager. State, Bradenton, Fla.
* MARINES AUXILIARY *
JULIA HITTNER, 20th-Fox exchange, Omaha,
Neb.
Appeals Court to Hear
Youngstown Lease Suit
Youngstown, O. — Visiting Court of
Appeals will hear the case involving
lease rights to the Palace Theater,
Youngstown, as soon after Sept. 15
as possible, after sustaining a mo-
tion filed by the New York Life In-
surance Co. for an early hearing.
Suit was brought by the Dallmer Co.
to determine whether it or the Public
Square Theater Co. should have the
rights to operate the theater after
Aug. 1, 1943.
Dallmer obtained a lease from the
Palace Realty Co., owner of the
building, while the New York Life,
as mortgagee-in-possession, had
made arrangements to renew the
lease with Public Square Theater Co.
Judge Erskine Maiden, Jr., decided
in lower court that the Dallmer Co.
was entitled to the lease. Appeals
bond was set at $50,000.
Chaplin to Show Cause
New York Supreme Court Justice
Sidney Bernstein yesterday signed
an order directing Charles Chaplin to
show cause on Sept. 10 why an order
vacating service of process as to
David O. Selznick Productions, Inc.,
and Vanguard Films, Inc., should not
be dismissed. This was the latest
development in the million-dollar
suit brought against Selznick and
Vanguard by Chaplin.
Driving Ban Lifted,
Drive-in to Re-open
Rochester — Twelve hours after
the lifting of the pleasure driving
ban had been reported here, Gradon
Hodges had an advertisement in the
local papers announcing the re-
opening of the drive-in for tomor-
row night. Drive-in has been closed
since the ban went into effect,
but Hodges has kept it in readiness
for immediate re-opening.
M P P |3 A INC ^^ t ij
W """"" _»« 1235 \ — -
|
W%0^-
.WU^
"BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN.'
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
FV-t COPY
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAILY
JOL. 84,
NO. 46
NEW YORK. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1943
TEN CENTS
FDR 0NFHM STARSMtf AR BOND AIR SHOW
Pictures in Spanish Edging U.S. Aside in Cuba
Mexican Product Getting
Playing Time in Havana
Runs as Popularity Gains
By MARY LOUISE BLANCO
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Havana (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — iSpanish language films,
especially those from Mexico, are
making increasing popularity gains
in Cuba, and are now getting play-
ing time in Havana runs to the ex-
clusion of U. S. made pictures.
Out-of-city houses have always
played Mexican films as their pat-
rons are unfamiliar with U. S. cus-
(Continued on Page 6)
P. R. Exhibs. lo Press
Percentage Rale Cut
San Juan, P. R. (By Air Mail-
Passed by Censor) — A reduction of
40 per cent in percentage rates for
film rentals on first-run product will
be sought by Puerto Rican exhibi-
tors, it is believed in well-informed
quarters here. The exhibitors will
make no move to place their de-
mands for a percentage cut before
{Continued on Page 6)
Foreign Groups Attend
Pix Houses Twice Weekly
Film fans included among the
readers of foreign language news-
papers published in 32 languages
across the U. S. attend theaters twice
a week, in groups averaging three
{Continued on Page 7)
Ail Sept. Sales to
Third War Loan Total
All War Bond sales for the month
of September will be credited to the
Third War Loan, the WAC was
advised yesterday by the Treasury's
WFC.
This means that even though the
industry is preparing to go on Sept.
9, the official starting date, all sales
from Sept. 1 on will be allocated to
the $15,000,000,000 sought in the
Third War Loan.
^
10,000 Exhibitor Pledges to Participate
In Third War Loan Campaign Already Filed
Record participation on the part of the nation's exhibs. in the Third War
Loan campaign which gets under way next week was indicated yesterday when
the WAC headquarters here reported more than 10,000 pledges from indie and
circuit operators already signed and filed.
However, with some 16,000-odd houses pledged to permanent WAC pro-
jects, it was pointed out that many more participants would be needed in order
to support the gargantuan effort necessary to put the industry's portion of the
$15,000,000,000 campaign over the top.
"Give Our Boys The Edge— Sign The Third War Loan Pledge!"
British Gov't Sees
Pix as Trade Lure
London (By Air Mail) — Borrow-
ing a leaf from the book of U. S.
film biz, which, through the medium
of Hollywood product has blazed
trade trails for American commerce
in distant climes, the British Gov-
ernment is preparing in the post-
war period to pay special attention
to film exports from the "trade-
fcllows-the-film" angle.
Addressing the British Film Pro-
(Continued on Page 7)
Schroon Lake Exhib. Files
3,000-Word D of I Squawk
Schroon Lake, N. Y. — Charles
Rossi, owner and manager of the
Paramount Theater here, has filed a
complaint with the Department of
Justice, via a 3,000-word telegram,
charging RKO with unfair practices.
Rossi claims that RKO furnishes
(Continued on Page 6)
Commercial Handling
For Army Pictures!
Washington Bureau of THE FIMM \DAILY
Washington — Film men making
war pictures for the United States
Army are hopeful that they will be
able to make suitable arrangements
for the commercial distribution of
Army films. To date, there have
been frequent expressions of discon-
tent that the British have been more
successful in distributing their films
through the commercial companies
(Continued on Page 3)
J. J. Theaters Withdraws
Bronx Clearance Case
J. J. Theaters, Inc., which had
filed a clearance complaint charging
unfair clearance granted to Loew's
Victory Theater in the Bronx over
the Casino Theater, has withdrawn
the case without prejudice. RKO,
(Continued on Page 7)
War Plants Draining Ushers
WMC Controlled Referral Hiring Plan, Factor
Gracie Fields' Song May
Ban "Canteen" in England
While United Artists home office
had not been informed officially,
cabled reports to American newspa-
pers said yesterday that "Stage
Door Canteen" might be banned in
(Continued on Page 3)
Buffalo — Theaters in war produc-
tion centers throughout the nation
are threatened with loss of virtually
their last source of male ushers, if
Buffalo's experience is general — and
an announcement here indicated it
will be.
Contributing to the situation are
the controlled referral hiring plan
and a plan of using high school
(Continued on Page 2)
Will Speak for 10 Minutes
On Hour-Long Broadcast to
Open 3rd Loan Campaign
Washington Bureau of THE' FJMM 'DAILY
Washington — Filfhf industry-
history will be Written ;> next
Wednesday night "when' Btf'esi-
d e n t Roosevelt
will join with
his Secretary of
the Treasury,
Henry Morgen-
thau, Jr., and a
group of Holly-
wood stars to
officially launch
the Third War
Loan drive via
a four-network
broadcast ex-
pected to attract
a 70 million-
audience.
Morgenthau
will introduce FDR, but it is not
(Continued on Page 7)
THE PRESIDENT
Reisman Says Mexico
Theater Biz Rising
While theater business in Mexico
City has not increased to the extent
it has in the United States, grosses
arc up over last year and RKO
(Continued on Page 6)
Examine H. M. Warner in
Hillside Suit Wednesday
Examination of Harry M. War-
ner, president of Warner Bros. Pic-
tures, Inc., will take place Wednes-
(Continued on Page 7)
Champ. Bond Sellers
Slated for Medals
New Haven, Conn. — Merit- awards
in the form of medals will be given
to the champion Third War Loan
War Bond salesman in each theater
or organization in Connecticut, it
is announced by Harry F. Shaw, co-
chairman of the WAC state execu-
tive committee. Seventeen state
theaters already are set for War
Bond premieres.
mm
w
Friday, September 3, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 46 Fri., Sept. 3, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Publisher
General Manager
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON — Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Thursday, Sept. 2)
NEW YORK STOCK
High
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2%) 16
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 2V4
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd
East. Kodak
do pfd 173
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc 59
Paramount 26%
RKO 8i/4
RKO $6 pfd 88i/2
20th Century-Fox . . . 22%
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31
Warner Bros 13%
do pfd
MARKET
Net
Low Close Chg.
16 16 + %
'2% "vk •••••
73 173 — %
War Plants Seen
Draining Ushers
(Continued from Page 1)
boys over 16 on "Victory shifts" in
war plants.
Mrs. Anna M. Rosenberg of New
York, regional director of the War
Manpower Commission, said the con-
trolled referral plan for hiring male
workers, first put into effect in Buf-
falo, will be extended to every crit-
ical labor market area in the nation.
Operation of the plan in the Buf-
falo-Niagara area already had made
it impossible to obtain male ushers,
except from the ranks of boys going
to school who could handle theater
jobs in after-school hours. Employ-
ment of any male help has required
a referral slip from the U. , S. Em-
ployment Service. Referrals to the-
ater jobs generally have been re-
fused, except when a boy could prove
he was going to school.
But Bell Aircraft Corp., one of
the area's largest war producers
with plants at both Niagara Falls
and Buffalo, now has launched a
program to hire high school boys at
standard pay rates three days_ a
week on an eight-hour shift begin-
ning in early evening, provided they
can maintain their scholastic stand-
ing.
Other war plants are expected to
follow Bell's example. Public and
parochial school authorities of Buf-
falo, Niagara Palls, Kenmore, Tona-
wanda and North Tonawanda have
endorsed the plan.
Under the referral plan, the USES
gives war plants priority over film
houses in hiring. Since war plants
offer the boys both glamour jobs
and higher pay than theaters, there
is practically no chance to get more
male ushers.
583/4 59 + %
25%
257/8 —
%
8'/R
8i/8 —
%
88'/?
88i/2 _
V?
221/,
221/2 +
V*
30%
303/4 _
%
131/s
13% —
Vs
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55 77% 77% 77%— %
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 2% 2% 2% + %
Radio-Keith cvs 1 Vi l3/8 1 1/2
Sonotone Corp 3l/2 3l/2 3l/2
Technicolor 14 13% 14 + 1/2
Trans-Lux
Universal Pitcs. vtc. 17% 17% 17% + %
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 79l/2 82
Lt. Arthur Bryant Missing
Lowell, Mass. — Reported missing
on a bombing mission over Germany
is Lit. Arthur R. Bryant, formerly
head usher at the M & P Merrimack
Square Theater here.
We are in the market for Used opera chairs
in any quantity. We also can use any
quantity of standards only. What have you?
CHICAGO USED CHAIR MART
844 South Wabash Ave. Chicago, III.
JVo Paper Monday
There will be no issue of THE
FILM DAILY on Monday, Sept. 6,
Labor Day.
leane Cohen Appointed
Sol Lesser Story Editor
PRC Planning Extensive
Campaigns on Specials
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — PRC is planning its
biggest publicity, promotion and ad-
vertising campaign to be focused on
the 10 specials planned for the cur-
rent season. President O. Henry
Briggs and Leon Fromkess, produc-
tion chief, are conferring here on
the campaign which will cover four
in the Producers' Specials group and
six in the Victory Specials lineup.
It is planned to send exploitation
men into the field wherever prac-
tical to work with exhibitors on the
campaigns.
For the first time, PRC is plan-
ning to give its two western series
national campaigns.
William Rippard Dead
Farmville, Va. — William H. Rip-
pard, 61, former manager of the
Eaco and Lee Theaters, died here
after an illness of seven months.
Rippard was a film salesman in
Washington, Pittsburgh and Phila-
delphia before coming here in 1930
to manage the Eaco. Surviving are
a wife, son and daughter.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Appointment of Jeane
Cohen as story editor for his Prin-
cipal Artists Productions was an-
nounced yesterday by Sol Lesser,
United Artists producer.
Miss Cohen started her editorial
career with David Belasco. She
than worked for Paramount and Co-
lumbia. She also was associated
with Chester Erskine and Edward
Black in a Broadway production en-
terprise and was at one time busi-
ness manager for Paul Whiteman.
Recently Miss Cohen was connected
with the Irving Salkow Agency.
Ampa's Salute Meeting
Put Over to Oct 14
Ampa's meeting designed as a
Salute to Industry Men and Women
in the Armed Forces will be staged
on Oct. 14 rather than Sept. 16 to
avoid any conflict of interest with
the Third War Loan campaign, the
directors decided yesterday at a
Hotel Edison meeting.
The board was advised of prog-
ress in relief plans and informed
that through the courtesy of Hal
Home of 20th-Fox, Ampa members
would receive a monthly information
bulletin edited by Max Stein and
Dave Bader in co-op. with Bill Orn-
slein, Ampa publicity rep.
Allyn Butterfield to Head
Coast Bureau of War Dept.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Allyn Butterfield,
former Pathe News head, will be in
charge of the Hollywood office to
be established by the War Depart-
ment to expedite approval of and
co-operate on scripts necessitating
use of Army terminology, scenes and
uniforms.
Butterfield will act as representa-
tive of the motion picture bureau
of public relations of the War De-
partment. Whether he will serve
as a civilian or an officer has as yet
not been disclosed.
Lubitsch in Hospital
With a Heart Attack
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Ernst Lubitsch suf-
fered a heart attack and is a pa-
tient at the Cedars of Lebanon Hos-
pital. He was declared out of dan-
ger, but must remain in the hospital
for about two weeks for a general
physical checkup.
Dodd Named BFPA Secretary
London (By Air Mail) — H. G.
Dodd is the new secretary of the
British Film Producers Association.
COMIflG and GOiflC
TOM CONNORS, vice-president in charge of
world-wide distribution of 20th-Fox, and WIL-
LIAM C. GEHRINC, Western Sales Manager,
have returned to the home office, following
a week spent in Toronto, conferring with
Sydney Samson.
PHIL REISMAN, RKO Radio vice-presideni
in charge of foreign distribution, returned We/
nesday following a three-week plane trip {
Mexico City.
HERBERT CROOKER of M-C-M's home office
publicity department returned to New York
yesterday after a business trip of several days
to Chicago.
AL. O. BONDY, film distributor for General
Electric, returned to New York yesterday from
a swing through New England.
MICHAEL TODD has gone to the Coast. He'll
be back Tuesday.
JOAN DOLAN has left for the Coast to act
in the film version of "The Eve of St. Mark,"
repeating the role she had in the stage produc-
tion.
VERA ZORINA leaves for Hollywood on Sun-
day to appear in a film for Universal.
ARTHUR KOBER is headed here from the
Coast.
"Bell Tolls" Opening in
Chicago Breaks Records
Chicago — "For Whom the Bell
Tolls" had its Chicago opening yes-
terday at the State Lake Theater
with box-office receipts breaking the
house record and doubling the busi-
ness of any Paramount picture ever
played in the theater, it was re-
ported. For the first time in the his-
tory of the State Lake crowds be-
gan assembling in line at 6:30
o'clock in the morning and so many
persons were waiting when the doors
opened at 8 o'clock that the house
was filled within a few minutes. A
line a block long stood waiting to
get to the box-office throughout the
day.
Kalmenson Suggests "A"
Theaters Reserve Seats
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — That reserved seats in
"A" theaters, slightly higher priced,
would be taken advantage of by
thousands of patrons to whom time
is a grave consideration is the belief
of Ben Kalmenson, Warner Bros.'
sales chief, who contacted numerous
exhibitors in a 75,000-mile tour of
the country in the past six months
Possible alternate suggestions are
earlier openings and later closings,
and better timing on spotting of
features. Kalmenson left for New
York yesterday.
Mountain on Odeon Board
London (By Air Mail) — Lt. Col.
Brian E. S. Mountain has been
named a director of Odeon Theaters.
Ltd., succeeding the late S. A. Ben
nett.
= Available at Modest Salary^r^
Both artist and visualizer . . . can produce
arresting layouts . . . capable at lettering
and finished art . . . wide experience
motion picture advertising ... a self-
starter, equipped to handle responsibility
. . . seeks position with possibilities . . .
will go anywhere . . . BOX 168, Film Daily.
Friday, September 3, 1943
Commercial Handling
For Army Pictures!
(Continued from Page 1)
than has the United .States Army.
The differences between British
and American military film produc-
e's are, of course, those of friendly
/valry such as always exist among
The various services. Americans
.praise the British pictures and the
\ British, in turn, praise those of the
United States. However, the Amer-
j icans expressed awed indignation
i that their opposite numbers in the
British Army have been more suc-
cessful than themselves in releasing
films.
It is pointed out that the British
Army film, "Desert Victory," was
distributed commercially by 20th
Century-Fox. Other British films
were given similar commercial re-
. lease. American Army films, on
the other hand, according to one
high-placed officer, have been dis-
tributed "only after we slugged our
way through."
The commercial companies have
I objected that American films have
not been of the right length. It is
'true that several were of four reels,
\ which, Army men concede, is in-
convenient for distributors. Length
f of Army films in process or to be
pioduced in the future will be de-
termined with greater thought^ to
commercial distribution, it is said.
{Continued from Page 1)
England unless certain cuts were
made.
Chief objection was said to have
been Gracie Fields' singing of the
Lord's Prayer which was described
by Lord Tyrrell, chief film censor, as
being irreverent.
Rename Trenton, Fla., House
Trenton, Fla. — The name of Liber-
ty Theater has been changed to the
1 Capitol.
Gracie Fields' Song May
Ban "Canteen" in England
Sept. 3
Mary Doran Maj. William A. Halpern
Sept. 4
Pete Smith
Sept. 5
Jack Beutel Doris Kenyon
Jerry Safron Cleve Adams
Sam Sax
Sept. 6
Donald Keith Otto Kruger
Dorothy Gulliver Rowland V. Lee
Hail. Columbia.
T T T
—And Lucy Monroe!:
If VUIIUMWHI,
• • • COLUMBIA unleashed in its home ofiice projection room
yesterday- in the presence of Ye Trade Scribes, what is easily one of the
top shorts of 1943. — its Community Sing (No. 3-Series 8) featuring Lucy
Monroe Therein, accompanied by Leonard Joy and the Victor Re-
cording Orchestra, the Star Spangled Banner Girl sings our National
Anthem, climaxing her renditions of "The Army Air Corps Song,"
"Anchors Aweigh," and George M. Cohan's immortal "Over There"
It is as stirring a reel as exhibitors can put hands upon, and there
will be few who won't when this Community Sing's fame reaches its
age of release, which is slated to commence Sept. 24
T T T
• • • MISS MONROE, the trade scriveners learned at a luncheon
tendered to them at Toots Shor's immediately following the special
screening, and whereat^ the famous songbird was present in person, that
she has not seen her Community Sing reel as yet The reason ap-
parently lies in a sincere timidity ,— because this is the first time she has
ever appeared in a film. Her absence from the cinema up to this
point is astonishing on several counts First of all, it is a mite
incomprehensible that any artiste, in this day and age,— particularly
when you consder that at least 10,000,000 have heard her sing in various
auditoriums, et al, and that just about the whole nation has heard her
on the air on many a great occasion—, could have thus far escaped the
eagle eyes, not to mention the ears, of Hollywood talent scouts
Secondly, it is almost beyond belief that the said talent sleuths (unless
their eyes are those of the owl instead of the eagle) could fail to note
the appeal of La Monroe in the matters of histrionic savoir faire, per-
sonality, and glamour,— even if she couldn't warble a note Third-
ly, her exploitability is very great, and so is her following Maybe
Hollywood has been too busy with the war Certainly Miss Monroe
has From the time of the American Legion's local convention here
in 1937 to date, she has sung "The Star Spangled Banner" some 2,025
times,— and some 5,000 additional times in rehearsals Almost in-
variably she has rendered the first and fourth verses of the Anthem —
the latter being (as it is F.D.R.'s) her favorite one
▼ T T
• • • HER first fling in pictures, — the new Columbia Community
Sing — , was the result of the Army Motion Picture Service requesting
that the reel be made All the profit therefrom goes to Army Emerg-
ency Relief Just 10 days before its release. Miss Monroe is slated
to sing, — at dawn on Sept. 14, which is being decreed by State Govern-
ors as "Star Spangled Banner Day" — , the Anthem at historic Fort Mc-
Henry It was on the dawn of that day in 1814 that Francis Scott
Key saw "that our flag was still there" Blanketing the nation, radio
stations will carry her broadcast on that morn It will be an in-
spiring event, and one which will kindle great fervor for the Third War
Loan Campaign, then rounding out its first week under the spearheading
aegis of filmland Miss Monroe will rise (and very early) to the
occasion She always does At the mammoth "I Am An Amer-
ican Day" festivities on Central Park Mall a bit back, she sang to an
estimted 750,000 in-the-flesh listeners Perhaps her smallest audience
(literally and figuratively) was when she sang for 12 children at Sky
Top Lodge in the Poconos Because she specializes in our Anthem's
rendition, her versatile vocal repetoire is generally lost sight of, — much
as her talents are by Hollywood
▼ T ▼
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
TO THE COLORS!
* COMMISSIONED *
DR. MILTON NUSSBAUM, co-owner, Cameo,
lieutenant, Army.
* ARMY *
HARRY COLDSTEIN, assistant to Lou Brandt.
STANLEY SLEVEN, assistant, Earle, Philadel-
phia.
ROBERT GROSSMAN, manager, Avon, Providence,
R. I.
* NAVY*
ROBERT KNIGHT, manager, Star, Westbrook,
Me.
•
* AVIATION CADET *
WILLIAM JENNINGS, son of Jack Jennings,
Republic salesman, Boston.
Providence Playhouse
Back to Films Sept. 15
Providence — Playhouse here will
go into film lists again Sept. 15
when Associated Theaters reopens
it with a policy of week-run show-
ings of double-feature films that
have established themselves as
moneygetters in by-gone seasons.
George Cronin, manager of Empire
for same circuit, who will also han-
dle management at Playhouse, says
admission scale will be set at 50-
cent top evenings, Wednesdays as
opening day for new shows. "Fleet's
In" and "Penny Serenade" will be
initial bill.
CIO Denies Move to
Organize Chi. Managers
Reports from Chicago that the CIO
was attempting to organize theater
managers there yesterday found no
confirmation at the New York head-
quarters of the United Office and
Professional Workers of America. A
spokesman for the UOPWA, CIO
affiliate, said that no group had been
chartered by it to organize that
city's theater managers.
"Watch on the Rhine"
Hangs Up Strand Mark
A new house record for the New
York Strand was claimed by War-
ners last night for "Watch on the
Rhine," credited with a take of ap-
proximately $61,500 for the first
week. Pic is playing with Abe Ly-
man's ork. Previous best Strand biz
was credited to "In This Our Life,"
also a Bette Davis pic, which in turn
had displaced another Davis vehicle,
"The Old Maid."
Boston Projectionist
Killed on Maneuvers
Boston — Max Bornstein, former
projectionist at the Apollo, Nan-
rasket, and before that at the
lag- Rialto, Scollay Square, was
ESS accidentally killed while on
«"""*• maneuvers with the AEF in
England, according to word
received here.
BOB
The SKV S iteUMH
Scnqs
,WySh-.n,n9Hour
» lot In Common Witt."
)„e for Wy Boby'
tlC i
third-run audiences like Mexica:
songs and that Mexican films hav
progressed a great deal lately.
In addition there is a scarcity o
suitable U. S. films and the two
year controversy between the Amer
ican distributors and the Smith ani
Valcarce circuits on selling term
got a good many Cubans in tb
habit of seeing the Mexican product
Also, Mexican and Argentine film
are sold for less than U. S. product
Situation is pointed up by a dea
closed by Ernesto P. Smith, witJ
Tropical Films for 10 Mexican film;
and some Republic product to bi
played at his Encanto and Faust<
Theaters. Smith heretofore has no
played independent or Mexican pic f
tures at his first-run houses.
Growing strength of the Mexicat
releases is indicated by the an
nouncement that the Vicente Blanc<
Co., which as always distributee
Argentine films, is going to handh
Mexican product. Ignacio Blanco
Cuban manager, is in Mexico mak
ing releasing deals with several pro
ducers.
SHORTS REVIEWS
"Mormon Trails"
(Magic Carpet of Movietone)
20th -Fox 9 mins
Swell
Eye-filling Technicolor makes this
a superb thumbnail travelogue. The
camera captures the magnificence oi
the Utah country in an impressive
fashion. After a few quick glimpses
of Salt Lake City the camera focus
ses its attention on the wonders oi
nature in which Utah abounds. There
are breath-taking scenes shot in Zior
National Park and Bryce Canyon
The subject was made to order foi \
the color cameras.
"Jasper Goes Fishing"
(Madcap Models)
Paramount 8'/2 mins
Excellent
George Pal has worked his magic
again. For his latest creation hd
has reunited Jasper, the Scarecrow
and the latter's blackbird with hilar-
ious results. Jasper undergoes
some hair-raising experiences with a
school of irate fish when he plays
hookey from Sunday school to go
fishing with the Scarecrow and the
blackbird. A world of imagination
has gone into the short, which is in
superb Technicolor.
he
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riday, September 3, 1943
<7fe
Roosevelt to Join Stars in Bond Drive Air Show
'resident to Participate
a Hour-Long Radio Show
■aunching Third War Loan
!:;
k :
:'I i
(Continued from Page 1)
nown from what point the Presi-
xt will speak. His address, how-
/, in which he is expected to call
fr a rededication of America to the
alinited Nations' war aims and for
xjf! laximum sacrifice to hasten an
arly decisive victory, will climax
fee hour air show. Program's first
5 minutes will originate in Holly-
i >'Ood, starting at 9 p.m. EWS.
It is expected that several hundred
xhibitors across the country will
alt their shows to pipe in the un-
a! 'recedented program.
| Morgenthau devoted his entire
ress conference yesterday to dis-
cission of the broadcast, emphasiz-
I'fhg the role of film biz.
From Hollywood, the program
ponsored by the Treasury's War
'inance Committee, the Hollywood
rictory Committee, and the WAC
all present Bing Crosby, Gary Coo-
er, Burns and Allen, Dinah Shore,
Idgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy,
"lumphrey Bogart, Robert Young,
)on Ameche, Jimmy Durante,
iharles Boyer, George Murphy,
onald Colman and Akim Tamiroff.
[ay Kyser's band will supply the
rmsical setting.
To Present Dramatic Sketches
The stars will present a series of
n iramatic sketches, using as the
heme the slogan, "Back the Attack."
'hese will recount highlights of the
/_ar, from the first numbing shock
f Pearl Harbor through the slow
bift from peace to war, from strug-
ling defense to powerful offense,
nth a gayer note provided by the
attle songs of the services.
Government officials here estimate
jglpat approximately 17,500,000 of the
ountry's 28,838,000 radio families
■ith a possible listening audiences
f more than 70,000,000 persons will
e tuned in. Virtually all of the 567
\itlets of the four major networks
" s well as most of the 324 indepen-
ent stations will carry the show.
From Hollywood the program will
witch to Washington where James
agney, as SAG president, will place
fie Hollywood Bond Cavalcade of
bars and the trade's full resources
t the disposal of Morgenthau. Af-
H€LLyW€CD DIGEST
SIGNED
MARLENE DIETRICH, by Metro for a second
pic.
CASTINGS
DON AMECHE, "Greenwich Village," 20th-
Fox; FORTUNIO 'BONANOVA, "Coing My Way,"
Paramount; JANE FRAZEE, "Cowboy Canteen,"
Columbia; MARION WOOLEY, "Dr. Paul Joseph
Goebbels," W. R. Frank; NINA FOCH, ROLAND
VARNO, FRIEDA INESCOURT, SHIRLEY COL-
LIER, GILBERT EMERY, DONALD DEVAR, OT-
TOLA NESMITH, "The Retunr of the Vampire,"
Columbia; DONALD DICKSON "Up in Arms,"
Sam Goldwyn; ALINE MacMAHON, "Dragon
Seed," Metro.
NEW TERMERS
ALINE MacMAHON, Metro,
STORY PURCHASES
"Hot Time in the Old Town," by Jack Mc-
Cowan, by Metro for RED SKELTON.
ASSIGNMENTS
ARTHUR FREED, producer, "Hot Time in the
Old Town," Metro.
LOANED
MARSHA HUNT by Metro to Columbia for
"The Day Will Come."
SUSAN HAYWARD by Paramount to Republic
for "The Fighting Seebees."
LENORE AUBERT by Sam Goldwyn to RKO for
"The Dangerous Journey."
Examine H. M. Warner in
Hillside Suit Wednesday
Raleigh Ambassador
Introduces Newscast
Raleigh, N. C. — Three-minute spot
news broadcasts originating from Sta-
tion WPTF now are featured at the
7 and 9 o'clock shows at the Am-
bassador, first theater in Eastern
North Carolina to give this service.
The broadcasts are rather impres-
sive— a huge artist-made mike slow-
ly drops from the scenery level onto
the darkened stage, and a spotlight
plays upon it, illuminating the metal-
lic letters "WPTF."
(Continued from Page 1)
daj; in connection with the Sherman
anti-trust action instituted in New
York Federal Court by the Hillside
Amusement Co. against 14 film com-
panies and the MPPDA. The com-
plaint alleges that the defendants
conspired to commit unlawful acts
for their own benefit.
The defendant companies include
Warner Bros. Pictures, 20th-Pox,
National Theaters Corp., Columbia
Pictures, United Artists, Universal
Pictures Co., Universal Film Ex-
change, Inc., Big "U" Film Ex-
change, Inc., Universal Corp., Vita-
graph, Inc., Warner Bros. Circuit
Management Corp., Paramount Pic-
tures, Loew's, Inc., RKO Radio Pic-
tures, Inc.
The suit seeks treble damages. No
trial date has been set. The exami-
nation of Warner will take place at
the law offices of Hays, Podell and
Schulman.
Philly MPA to Resume
Philadelphia — MP Associates re-
sumes sessions here on Sept. 11 with
a meeting in the Paramount pro-
jection room.
Foreign Groups Attend
Pix Houses Twice Weekly
ter a brief acknowledgment, the
Secretary will introduct the Presi-
dent, who is expected to speak for 10
minutes.
Stars With the President
With the President and the Secre-
tary will be members of the "Caval-
cade," including Greer Garson, Judy
Garland, Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball,
Olivia de Havilland, Kathryn Gray-
son, Harpo Marx, Dick Powell, Betty
Hutton and Mickey Rooney, in ad-
dition to Cagney.
From Washington the film group
will proceed with their War Bond
shows and demonstrations to Phila-
delphia, 9: Boston, 10; New York
City. 11; Pittsburgh, 12; Cleveland,
IS; Detroit, 14; Cincinnati, 15; Chi-
cago, 16; Minneapolis, 17; St. Louis,
18; New Orleans, 20; Dallas, 21; San
Antonio, 22; San Francisco, 26; and
Los Angeles, 27.
(Continued from Page 1)
persons, while a majority attend a
first-run house once a week, accord-
ing to a poll just completed by the
N. Y. Foreign Language Film Crit-
ics Circle and the American Foreign
Language Press.
Survey was conducted through the
medium of a film questionnaire
printed by the foreign language pa-
pers for a week. Other results:
Approximately 70 per cent stated
they followed the reviews as a
guide to picture selection.
Newsreels and documentaries met
with favor.
"Air Force," "Casablanca," "Ox-
Bow Incident," "Commandos Strike
at Dawn" and "Random Harvest"
were preferred pix for the first half
of the year.
Gary Cooper was named favorite
male star, followed by Humphrey
Bogart, Bob Hope, Ray Milland,
Henry Fonda.
Ingrid Bergman was voted favor-
ite actress, followed by Greer Gar-
son, Joan Leslie, Ida Lupino, Kath-
arine Hepburn.
J. J. Theaters Withdraws
Bronx Clearance Case
(Continued from Page 1)
2Gth Century-Fox and Warner Bros,
were the named defendants.
St. Louis Apollo Appeals
From Clearance Award
Apollo Theater, St. Louis, has
appealed from an award that re-
duced the 14-day clearance held by
the Pageant to seven days. Com-
plete elimination of clearance will
be sought. The five consenting com-
panies were defendants.
Joe Diamond Dead
Rochester — Joe Diamond, who once
traveled throughout the nation as
a member of the original six Dixie
minstrels and who appeared on the
Keith Vaudeville Circuit, died here
yesterday.
British Gov't Sees
Pix as Trade Lure
(Continued from Page 1)
ducers Association at a recent meet-
ing, H.T.N. Gaitskell of the Board
of Trade took cognizance of the
"feeling in many quarters that de-
velopment of exports generally will
be assisted by the success of Brit-
ish films."
It was disclosed that the Board
of Trade already had addressed let-
ters to a large number of trade
associations in different countries,
inviting views of the best means of
getting back to normalcy once hos-
tilities cease.
Gaitskell told the British produc-
ers that it was advisable to con-
sider the question of post-war film
exports immediately.
Officially, the Board of Trade has
asked the British producers to con-
sider these aspects of post-war pro-
duction:
(1) The main obstacles which, im-
mediately after an armistice, are
likely to impede the restoration of
full pre-war activity in the feature
fiim studios, and the question how
these obstacles may best be over-
come.
(2) The probable condition of
studio equipment at the end of the
war (e.g., sound, lighting, photogra-
phic, processing, structural, etc.).
(3) The possible development in
the post-war era of a demand for
new types of films or new produc-
tion techniques.
(4) The possibility of a substan-
tial increase in the export of Brit-
ish films to overseas territories, how
this can best be achieved, and what
changes, if any, it calls for in exist-
ing marketing arrangements.
Listed among the main obstacles
under the first point were the possi-
bilities of obtaining an adequate sup-
ply of skilled technicians and crafts-
men. Views are invited on the spe-
cial classes of key and pivotal work-
ers now in the Forces and on na-
tional service which should be given
priority of release.
The Association is also asked to
estimate the number of workers (ex-
cluding artists) which might be re-
quired (1) six months, or (2) 12
months after the end of the war.
based upon (a) present studio ca-
pacity, and (b) if presently-requisi-
tioned studios could be released.
'Twasn't Hay Fever —
Two Boxes of Pepper
Columbus, O. — Sneezing in the
Alhambra Theater was unusually
heavy, even for the hay fever season
— so the show closed for the night.
Investigation found two boxes of
pepper in the ventilating fans.
THE
EEE&g&$*
JL
Of Glories To Come:
• • • SOON the nation's motion picture critics, — serving on
newspapers, magazines, news syndicates, and even as commentators
on films o'er radio chains and individual stations, — will cast their bal-
lots in the exceedingly important poll conducted by THE FILM DAILY
to determine, in the opinions of America's professional pic appraisers,
the Ten Best Directors of 1943 and those deserving Honor Roll status
When these experts have recorded their choices, the results
will be disclosed in THE FILM DAILY'S Directors Number and Production
Preview, a compendium of information riches on the more vital facets
of recent, present and future film-making Consequently, the Direc-
"~ tors Number and Production Preview will be of key importance to ALL
segments of filmland, because product is filmland's cornerstone
o W T ▼ T
• 4
Tuesday, September 7, 1943
DAILY
Appeal Board Future
Hanging in Balance
(Continued from Page 1 )
fact, exhibitor leaders opposed the
establishment of a board before the
decree became a reality. It is re-
ported that the distributors insisted
that arbitration awards be subject
to appeal, allegedly threatening to
veto the arbitration proposals un-
less an appeal board was created.
In the various protests against
the board by exhibitors, it has been
pointed out that the very nature of
arbitration prohibits the use of ap-
peal, the claims being that arbitra-
tion was established to speed up jus-
tice and arrive at a quick and eco-
nomical decision which would be
final. They have further pointed
out that there is no appeal from an
aibitration award in any other indus-
try operating under a consent de-
cree.
It is reported that the distributors
are prepared to fight against any
move to eliminate the appeal board.
One principal bone of contention
among exhibitors appears to be the
maintenance of the board in New
York. There have been proposals
that one member of the board be in
New York and the other two in other
parts of the country. It also has
been suggested that appeal boards
be set up on a regional basis, with
each board having jurisdiction in
its own section of the country.
Because of the divergent views on
the appeal board by the exhibition
and distribution branches of the in-
dustry, it is expected that Depart-
ment of Justice will have one of its
chief decree "headaches" when the
future of the board comes up for
action.
N. Y. Times Buys Two Theaters
Capt. Vincent Astor has sold the
44th St. Theater, including the Nora
Bayes Theater, to the New York
Times Co. The Times in turn has
leased the 44th St. Theater for five
years to the Central Leasing and
Construction Co., which is owned by
the Shuberts, who presently tenant
the house.
PRC Pic In Strand Top Spot
PRC's "Danger! Women At
Work" opens first-run at the Brook-
lyn Strand Thursday, as top feature.
Merna Kennedy Arthur W.
Roscoe Karns
Kelly
E
WA MsP
Post-Holiday Patter:
• • • NEW novel by Steve Fisher. "Destination Tokyo," is being
brought out by Appleton-Century on Nov. 22 Fisher also wrote the
Warner Bros, pic by the same name, starring Cory Grant. ... • Out
in Chi.. Lou Abramson. formerly secretary to Allied Prexy lack Kirsch,
was given a gold watch by his relatives upon his leaving for his Navy
duties Lou has three brothers in the armed forces. ... • Gordon
Beck, projectionist at Omaha's Orpheum Theater has been re-appointed
to executive board of the Iowa Federation of Labor. ... • Hark to the
story of "The Over-Tired Distributor." — UA's Eddie Ashkins out St. Louis
way Eddie was motoring near Nokomis, 111., recently, minding his
own good business and that of his company As he was following a
large truck on the highway, the latter's big spare tire suddenly jangled
loose from its moorings, bounced on the road high into the air, and then
bounced onto the forward portion of Eddie's car, forcing him to leave
the road Almost before you could say "Firestone," or even "Fisk,"
the truck, unaware of the spare's loss, rolled merrily out of sight
Eddie surveyed the damage to the front of his automobile Toting
the giant tire around angrily in his tonneau, Eddie eventually arrived
back in St. Louis. .... -There further trouble loomed in his mind
What would happen if he didn't report his possession of the tire to
Uncle Sam? So-o-o, down he went to the OPA officials and put
his dilemma before them Those august gents commanded him to
keep the tire in his possession until the owner showed up Now he's
trustee of the damn thing that battered up his car, nearly caused his de-
mise, and has been a continual burden to him But Eddie has drawn
a moral from his tiring, tire vicissitude It's simply this: "Buy More
War Bonds — And Avoid Inflation' "
T T T
• • • MORE than 100 representatives of the Omaha wing of our
pic biz, as well as merchants and professional men, turned out to give
Joseph Kinsky, who is retiring as Tri-States Theaters' district manager
to move to California, a whale of a send-off Special guests in-
cluded Monsignor Edward J. Flanagan of Boys' Town, Rabbi Arthur
Lelyvelt of Temple Israel, and Ted Lewis who is appearing at Omaha's
Orpheum E. J. Rubin, Paramount salesman, presented Joe with
a wrist watch and scroll. ... * Up in Rochester, Lester Pollock, pro-
motional solon for Loew's Theater there, sure hit the publicity jack-
pot for M-G-M's Autumn Parade of Movie Hits Lester grabbed
full pages of nooze for the event from the Democrat and Chronicle and
the Times-Union, and plenty of pictorial space. ... # Neat Breaks
For 20th-Fox: The story about Monty Woolley (teamed with Grade
Fields in company's "Holy Matrimony") in the current issue of the
Satevepost; and the condensed "Torpedo Squadron 8" novel, film
version of which is now in production at 20th-Fox Studio, appearing
in the current issue of Liberty. ... » One of the largest audiences
ever to witness a motion picture cheered the world premiere of Colum-
bia's new epic of desert tank fighting, "Sahara," starring Humphrey
Bogart, at the celebration of the first anniversary of the 4th Armored
Corps at Camp Campbell, Ky Premiere, which followed a day
of military maneuvers and festivities, was held in a specially -constructed
outdoor theater * Tommy Dix, M-G-M contract player, was the
industry's sole representative at the Youth Service Council meeting yes-
terday at the Capitol Building in Albany More than 300 heads
of various youth service organizations were addressed by Tommy, and
by Governor Dewey
▼ ▼ T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!....
COMIfIG and GOIflG
J. R. CRAINGER, president of Republic, re
turned to New York today from Detroit, where
he completed a seasonal product deal with the
t'utterfield circuit.
MORT BLUMENSTOCK arrives in Chicago to-
day from New York.
MAX MILDER, managing director for Wj
ners in Great Britain, has arrived in New Y|
for a visit. He will remain for about two we
HERBERT YATES and WILLIAM SAAL returnee
from Hollywood over the holiday week-end
BEN COETZ and MRS. COETZ have arrived
from the Coast.
J. ROBERT RUBIN and MRS. RUBIN leave
the Coast today for New York.
LOUIS B. MAYER and AL LICHTMAN are
here from Culver City.
SIR ALEXANDER KORDA has returned from
the Coast, en route to London.
ANN CORIO started a 10-week p.a. tour
yesterday in Vancouver, B. C.
JOHNNY MACK BROWN and RAYMOND
HATTON open a p.a. tour Thursday to cover
most of Texas.
J. LAWRENCE SCHANBERCER, manager and
owner of Keith's Theater, Baltimore, is back
from two weeks in Atlantic City.
EVERETT HAYS, owner of the Grand, Sulli-
van, III., and MRS. HAYS have returned from a
trip to New York City.
EDWARD SCHNITZER, UA division manager,
left last night on a three-week business trip
to Chicago, Omaha, St. Louis and Southern
offices.
JAMES WINN, UA district manager, re-
turned to his headquarters in Boston over the
week-end, following a three-day visit to the
home office for conference.
WILLIAM THOMAS, Paramount producer, has
returned to the Hollywood Studios after a visit
in the East.
MILTON LEWIS, of the Paramount studio
talent department, is in New York.
SAM VORZIMER, in charge of merchandising
tie-ups for Paramount at the Hollywood studios,
has returned to the Coast after a New York
visit.
MARK SANDRICH, producer-director of "So
Proudly We Hail," left New York Friday, after
a New York visit in connection with the open-
ing of the picture at the Radio City Music Hall.
FELIX KNIGHT, the tenor, is preparing to
return to the states after completing a 15-week
voluntary tour of the South Pacific for USO-
Camp Shows.
AL JOLSON has arrived in North Africa to
entertain American troops under the auspices
of USO-Camp Shows. With him as piano ac-
companist is HARRY AKST.
GEORGE ARCHIBALD returns from England
next month.
Goldstein's Mother Dead
Jack Goldstein, Eastern publicity
manager of 20th-Fox, is mourning
the loss of his mother, who passed
away in Brookline, Mass., Friday, af-
ter a long illness.
Maj. Leslie Thompson
Proves Prime Prophet
Shortly after 3 p.m. on Thursday,
Maj. Leslie E. Thompson, addressing
delegates of filmland and other
trades at an organizational meeting
for the Third War Loan Campaign
at the local War Center on Victory
Square, urged his listeners to "back
the attack which we are all sure
will be directed shortly at Europe."
Just seven hours later, Allied forces
invaded the Continent!
I
..the man who
made the nation
Dingle-conscious in
"The More The Merrier"
A COLUMBIA COMEDY INT THE
GREAT BOX OFFICE TRADIHOJi
OF THE MOBE THE
eUctouglif detin'oug/ Deliqdtfiyllw different!
CHARLES * COBUR
uh Marguerite Chapman • Bill Carter
Isobel Elsom • Edward Gargan
Screen Play by Harold Goldman & Andrew Solt; and Joseph Hoffman & Jack Henley
Directed by P. J. WOLFSON • Produced by RICHARD WALLACE
A COIUMBIA PICTURE
BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR
— "
Tuesday, September 7, 1943
DAILY
Hussies May Adopt
Rental Control Plan
(Continued from Page 1)
that means of controlling film rentals
■were being devised.
"It is intended to bring: it (film
e) under control as it is in Can-
where the price-ceiling plan is
operation," said a statement is-
sued by Copland. "Action will be
taken in the very near future to deal
finally with this problem."
Copland asserted that although
some rental hikes might be "quite
justified,' it "will not be left com-
pletely in the hands of distributors
as sellers to decide whether the in-
crease they desire should be imposed
upon the exhibitors as buyers."
In commenting on Copland's state-
ment the Queensland Motion Picture
Exhibitors' Ass'n asserted that "it
should be accepted that some price
control over film hire is inescapable."
"From the outset exhibitors have
accepted the edict that prices are
definitely pegged," the MPEA added.
"Defiance of this ruling is of daily
occurrence. If exhibitors will only
play ball with each other and adopt
a stick-together policy, particularly
where there are contemporary shows
in the same suburb or country town,
they can still call the tune."
The increased turnover, stemming
in part from the larger spending
power available to the people, is said
to be at the bottom of the dispute
over film rentals.
Proposals looking to the control of
film rentals were submitted by Cop-
land to the joint conference in Can-
berra in May when representative
exhibitors and distributors laid their
respective grievances and aims before
I a government tribunal set up pur-
posely to arbitrate on future film-
selling procedure.
THE FEMININE TOUCH
Early Getaway at UA
To permit its personnel to make
an early getaway for the long holi-
day week-end, UA's home office shut-
tered Friday at 1 p.m.
IN NEW POSTS
FRANK BECKERLE, assistant shipper, M-G-M,
Buffalo.
WILLIAM BEAUDINE, supervising director,
Katzman-Dierz Productions.
KEITH LINFORTH, manager, New Rivoli Car-
dens, Seattle, Wash.
JERRY DALE, publicity director, Benedict Bo-
geaus.
RAY CURRAN, salesman, UA, Memphis ter-
ritory, out of St. Louis.
JACK BELASCO, manager, Woods Theater, Chi-
cago.
PAT MEADOWS, salesman, Republic, South-
eastern Missouri territory, out of St.
Louis.
HAL SEROY, Columbia home office art depart-
ment.
HERMAN BARNETT, art director, RKO Theaters
home office.
BUD MORAN, salesman, Warners, Southern ter-
ritory out of St. Louis.
MILDRED JOYCE, manager, Avon, Providence,
R. I.
MRS. BERTHA BROTHERS, manager, Bellevue,
Richmond, Va.
LOIS SCOTT, assistant, Capitol, Richmond, Va.
MARYLYN SCHROEDER, assistant, Orpheum,
Davenport, la.
MRS. NORA CHERRY, assistant, Ambassador,
Raleigh, N. C.
CHRISTINE BARKER, assistant, Palace, Raleigh,
N. C.
"PAT" TAYLOR, second booker, 20th-Fox,
Washington, D. C.
ANN GRIFFIN, third booker, 20th-Fox, Wash-
ington, D. C.
JANICE LEDNOVICH, cashier, Warner, Bridge-
port, Conn.
AGNES LUMINELLO, Palace staff, Lawrence,
Mass.
JULIA JOYCE, staff, Monogram, St. Louis.
GLADYS McCAFFREY, Warner staff, Lawrence,
Mass.
LEONA LAKEMAN, Loew's Poli staff, Worcester,
Mass.
SHIRLEY CARDNER,, Loew's Poli staff, Wor-
cester, Mass.
EILEEN SALMON, Loew's Poli staff, Worcester,
Mass.
ANGELICA DAURELIO, booker, 20th-Fox, Buf-
falo.
HELEN PELECHOWICZ, assistant, Grand, Phila-
delphia.
GRACE D'AMATO, stenographic department,
M-G-M, Buffalo.
GENEVIEVE DRUCKER, assistant, Loew-Poli,
Springfield, Mass.
DELORES KNECHT, staff, PRC, St. Louis.
ALICE DUBIN, booker, PRC, Chicago.
GLADYS PAOLINO, Warner staff, Lawrence,
Mass.
Airmada to "Tour Country
For The Third War Loan
(Continued from Page 1)
of the committee will take over and
utilize the services of the service-
men and film folks for Bond selling
rallies.
The setup is as follows: Zone 1, Grig-mat-
ins' from Los Angeles, with Lois Andrews
and Sheila Ryan as mistresses of ceremonies
and Louis Alleman as advance man, will
stop at Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, Butte,
Salt Lake City, Denver, Roswell, Phoenix
and San Diego.
Zone 2 : Starts from Dallas with William
Boyd and Grace Bradley, co-masters of cere-
monies, and E. B. Coleman as advance man,
stops at Fort Worth, Austin, Corpus Christi,
Beaumont, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita,
Kansas City, Omaha and Des Moines.
Zone 3 : Originates in Chicago, with Elyse
Knox and Helen Walker and Earl Wingart as
advance man stops at Peoria, Davenport,
Rock Island, Moline, Milwaukee, Flint, Fort
Wayne, Indianapolis, Louisville, Charleston,
Buffalo and Toledo.
Zone 4: First stop Atlanta with Shirley
Patterson and Lynn Carver and Leonard Al-
len as advance man, stopping at Jacksonville,
Birmingham, Memphis, Nashville, Charlotte,
Norfolk, Richmond, Baltimore and Wilming-
ton.
Zone 5: Originates in New York with Vir-
ginia Grey and Gene Lockhart and Ed Hol-
land as advance man, stops at Newark, Jersey
City, New Haven, Providence, Worcester,
Manchester, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and
Scranton.
Detroit Exhibitors Named
To Direct War Loan Drive
Detroit — Committee to direct Third
War Loan activities here has been
named by Chairman Earl J. Hudson,
to include: Samuel Barrett and
James F. Sharkey, Co-Operative The-
aters of Michigan; Carl W. Buer-
mele, General Theater Service Corp.
manager; Allan Dowzer, Mutual The-
aters manager; Pearl M. Sprott,
business manager, Allied Theaters
of Michigan; David M. Idzal, manag-
ing director, Fox Theaters; Charles
Perry, Adams Theater manager;
Norman Wheaton, Telenews Theater
manager; and Louis Lutz, RKO Up-
town Theater manager.
Detroit Showmen Take
Over the S. S. McKeever
Detroit — Members of Russell John-
son Theatrical Post of the American
Legion, composed entirely of De-
troit showmen, are taking over the
Government to Oppose
Extortion Trial Delay
(Continued from Page 1)
yond Oct. 4 will be opposed by the
Government, Boris Kostelanetz, as-
sistant U. S. attorney general, stated
on Friday in New York Federal
Court. The defendants are charged
with conspiracy to extort more than
$2,500,000 from the film industry.
The case, which was to have come
up for trial today, was adjourned to
Oct. 4, Kostelanetz said because no
Federal judge was available sooner.
Kostalanetz disclosed that he had
sent subpoenas returnable Oct. 4 to
50 Government witnesses.
James D. C. Murray, counsel for
the six Chicago defendants, is ex-
pected to seek a delay of the trial
until late in November on the
grounds that he needs more time to
prepare a defense.
Midnight Mystery Plays
Set for Comerford Spots
(Continued from Page 1)
man, long known as a producer of
vaudeville. The experiment received
its first test at the Comerford cir-
cuit's Penn Theater in Wilkes-Barre,
Pa., at the spook hour on Saturday,
when an original 50-minute play by
Henry H. Walsh called "Here and
Hereafter" was put on for one per-
formance. Only one performance
will be given in each theater. A
series of productions along the same
lines as "Here and Hereafter" will
be presented on the Comerford cir-
cuit.
The idea of putting on abbreviated
plays at the close of the film pro-
grams was conceived by Ackerman.
"Wintertime" in Wichita Bow
World premiere of 20th-Fox's
"Wintertime," will take place at the
Orpheum Theater, Wichita, Kan., on
Friday.
S. S. McKeever for third War Loan
Bond sales. Filmites will be on duty
daily from 2 to 3 p.m. on the "ship."
The McKeever is a reproduction of
a destroyer, erected on the Campus
Martinus opposite the City Hall.
BIG PICTURE
is for
JUDY
Jubilant Jog. Jolly
High- Jinks, Jumping
Jive and Jovial Jokes
. . . jaunt to your neurent
theatre in jig-time and join
the jubilee
l\ Soots:
pohtoi s»w«
it W Me l^eie
"«'I,Wt?Eoi
i"iwiiiim«we2.
with
DENNIS DAY
Ruth Donnelly
Joe Sawyer Ernest Truex
Douglas Fowley
MIKE RILEY
and his ORCHESTRA
Joseph Sontley — Director
Screen Ploy by Frank Gill,
Jr. — George Carleton Brown
Based On An Original
Story by Prescott Chaplin
Associate Producer — Albert
J. Cohen
BACK THE ATTACK-BUY
WAR BONDS AND STAMPS
REPUBLIC PICTURE
■a
W* DAILY
Tuesday, September 7, 1943
Army Convoys Set
For Boroughs' Tour
(Continued from Page 1)
10 pieces of Army motorized equip-
ment and 10 war heroes, will assem-
ble in front of the Warner Build-
ing on West 44th St. at 11 a.m.
Headed by an Army band and motor-
cycle police escort, they will pro-
ceed to the Hotel Astor, where a
brief reception will take place in
the lounge of the hotel. Among
those px*esent will be officials of the
WAC. After the Astor reception
the soldiers assigned to the convoys
will be presented to the Times
Square crowd. The convoys will then
start_out for their respective terri-
tories.
Publicists have been assigned to
the convoys as follows: Fred Herko-
witz, Al Naroff, Manhattan; Al Zim-
balist, Manny Frisch, Brooklyn; Vin-
cent Liguri, Sid Kain, Bronx; Ray
Malone, Mike Seigel, Queens; Teddy
Tiust, Staten Island; Jerry Sager,
Ira Morais, Westchester. Traveling
with the convoys as masters of cere-
monies will be Joe Martin, Oscar
Davis, Jimmy Jemail, Jan Murray,
Tom O'Neil, Gene Doyle.
The convoys will participate in six
rallies in Manhattan, nine in Brook-
lyn, six in the Bronx, eight, in Queens,
five in Staten Island and five in
Westchester.
Drop Fourth Delivery
Of Mail in Rochester
Rochester — Downtown house here
are now getting only three mail de-
liveries a day, for the first time in
about 40 years, but they're not com-
plaining for they're still getting as
much mail as usual.
Elimination of the 12:10 p.m.
downtown delivery as a wartime
economy measure means simply that
houses receive an extra amount of
mail on the last delivery around 1:45
p.m.
Navy Pilot on Leave
Denison, la. — Lt. Bob Saggau, for-
mer Notre Dame grid star, and son
of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Saggau, who
own the theater here, has returned
home on a 30-day leave. Bob has
been mentioned frequently in recent
press dispatches for sensational feats
as a Navy dive bomber pilot.
TO THE COLORS!
* PROMOTED *
FIRST LT. JOHN P. O'LEARY, son of John J.
O'Leary, general manager of Comerford cir-
cuit, fo captain, in North Africa.
CAPT. CORDON S. MITCHELL, Signal Corps,
former manager of the Academy's Research
Council, to major, at Camp Livingston,
La.
SECOND LT HARRY PETERSON, formerly with
Kroehler Co., to first lieutenant, at Duke
University, Durham, N. C.
* ARMY *
DAVE KIMMEL. booker. RKO, Chcago.
REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS
"Arctic Passage"
(This Is America)
RKO 20 mins.
Topnotch
Here is the story of the Alaska
Highway (formerly known as the
Alcan Highway) as it has never been
told in celluloid before. The footage
is a gripping and exciting record of
the latest progress in the highway's
construction. The dangers and prob-
lems facing the army of service men
and civilians engaged in the building
of that strategic road are pictured
effectively with a graphicness that
makes the film a constant source of
interest. There is scene after scene
of army truck convoys carrying pre-
cious materials to the northern ter-
minus of the highway, Fairbanks.
The film, loaded with drama, is a
credit to Producer Frederic Ullman,
Jr., and Larry O'Reilly, who directed
and shot the film. This looks like
the best of the This Is America
"Glimpses of Mexico"
(FitzPatrick Traveltalk)
M-G-M 9 mins.
Fine
James FitzPatrick takes the audi-
ences on a brief Mexican trip high-
lighted by interesting and pic-
turesque scenes in Xochimilco, where
still remain vestiges of Aztec civili-
zation. Several sequences are de-
voted to a demonstration of ancient
Indian dances of Mexico. Done in
superb Technicolor, the short packs
great visual appeal. Mexican tunes
provide a fine musical background.
Lovers of travelogues will react to
this enthusiastically.
"All Sails Set"
(Grantland Rice Sportlight)
Paramount 9'/2 mins.
Good
The training of candidates for the
U. S. Maritime Service is dealt with
excitingly herein. Following pre-
liminary training at Sheepshead Bay,
New York, the men are shown in
action at St. Petersburg, Fla., where
they get their first practical expe-
rience aboard the famous sailing
ship the Joseph Conrad. The climax,
in which the men do their stuff in a
howling storm, is a thriller. There is
some fine camera work to help this
one along.
"1 Can Hardly Wait"
Columbia 16J/2 mins.
For Those Who Can Wait
A toothache is the cause of it all
in the Three Stooges' latest cinema-
tic antic. The tooth that is the seat
of the pain belongs to Curly. The
action is wholly devoted to the ef-
forts of the other two members of
the trio to remove the molar. While
the tricks used by the comedians
are ancient and are worked to death,
they still manage to extract plenty
of laughs for those who go in for
slapstick. . The kids especially won't
mind waiting for this one. Jules
White produced and directed.
"Ration Bored"
Universal 7 Mins.
Fair
This Technicolor cartoon has
Woody Woodpecker as its chief char-
acter. This time Woody is concerned
with getting gas to run his jalopy.
In siphoning gas from other cars
he makes the mistake of tangling
with a police car. Woody and the
cop chase each other all over the
place. The film has a bang-up finish.
The kids will get a few laughs out
of this one.
"Down With Cats"
(Terrytoon)
20th-Fox 7 mins.
Good
Here's another of the Technicolor
cartoons featuring Supermouse. This
one seems to be the best of the ser-
ies so far. It has some clever touches
and many laugh-getting situations.
Again Supermouse saves a bunch of
mice from the depredations of their
cat enemies. The cats attempt to
trap the mice while the latter are
skating on a pond. Put this down
as an A-l booking for the kids.
"Election Daze"
(Our Gang)
M-G-M 10 mins.
Fair
In their latest comedy effort the
Our Gang kids are faced with the
job of electing a new president of
their club. There are two candi-
dates and both are tied in the voting.
Each of the candidates tries political
trickery to win the election. When
democratic principles are applied a
dark horse carries the day. The
youngsters will get a few hearty
laughs out of this short.
"Kings of Basketball"
(World of Sport)
Columbia 10 mins.
This One Scores
Sports fans will get a kick out of
this one. With Bill Stern doing the
spieling, the short is an exposition
on the St. John's (Brooklyn) basket-
ball team, one of the country's great-
est. The team demonstrates some
of the shots which have won it its
standing in the basketball world.
Slow motion is used freely. The sub-
ject has been excellently produced.
"Scrap Happy"
(Pete Smith Specialty)
MG-M 9 mins.
Message with a Laugh
In this Pete Smith deals with the
scrap drive in humorous fashion. He
tells the story behind each of sev-
eral items on a scrap pile. Each
incident is a comedy gem. There are
some touches that will bring howls
of laughter. Where necessary, Smith
has used a slapstick to excellent pur-
poses. Smith's commentary is a rib-
tickler.
See U. S.r "Big Five
Getting Together
ii
I
I
(Continued from Page 1)
that a friendly atmosphere existed
through the discussions and every
thing pointed to a solution that
would be "worked out in a ni£,
way," as one executive put it. |
There appears to be optimism prt'-f^
vailing in both sides of the industry
fence, the belief being that sore spots
in the decree will be smoothed out
to the general satisfaction of the in-
dustry as a whole.
]
Picture Pioneers' Harvest
Dinner at Waldorf Nov. 18
(Continued from Page 1)
House Manager Jack Cohn reported
Friday.
New York, Seattle, Pittsburgh,
Cleveland and Hollywood are repre
sented in the applications for mem
bership which the executive commit-
tee will act upon at its next meet-
ing. Among applicants are: Grad-
well Sears, William A. Scully, John
L. McCurdy, Lee L. Goldberg, Wil-
liam Finkle, Herbert R. Ebenstein
and Frederick K. Abbott.
Sutton to Rugoff-Becker
The Sutton Cinema on East 57th
St., Manhattan, on Saturday closed
down for extensive alterations. The
house will reopen under the new
management of Rugoff and Becker.
It was formerly operated by Samuel
Silvers.
Harry Meyers Dead
St. Louis, Mo. — Harry Meyers, 50,
projectionist at the Empress, died
from a heart attack.
HCLLYWCCD
DIGEST
SIGNED
ALAN MARSHALL, two picture deal, Metro.
MAC BONOFF, writer, 'Paramount.
I
by
ASSIGNMENTS
MARC CONNELLY, screenplay, "Divided
Five," Paramount.
JOHN HOUSEMAN, producer, "Her Heart
Her Throat," Paramount.
MAC BONOFF, Polish script of "Salty O'Rourke,'
Paramount.
CASTINGS
VIRGINIA BRUCE, "International Zone,' J
RKO; SELENA ROYLE, JAMES CARDWELLf
JOHN CAMPBELL, "The Sullivans"; DICK
HAYMES, "Camp Show," 20th-Fox; CRACE
McDONALD, "Three Cheers for the Boys," Uni-
versal; LYNN MERRICK, REGINALD DENNY J
ROSE HO'BART, next "Crime Doctor" pici
RICHARD MARTIN, "Tender Comrade," RKOl
LOANED
WILLIAM BENDIX by Hal Roach to Jules Levey
for "Hairy Ape" lead.
LYNN BARI by 20th-Fox to Benedict Bogeaus
for "The Bridge of San Luis Rey."
SCHEDULED
"The Servant Problem," for LAUREL and HARDY,
20th-Fox.
Tuesday, September 7, 1943
DAILY
1. J. Griffith Turns
town ORC Post Offer
(Continued fyom Page 1)
t was confirmed here Friday by the
ircuit operator on his arrival from
■Vashington where he had spent sev-
j#al days conferring both with
-^iMurphey and Allen G. Smith.
Griffith told The Film Daily that
ie greatly appreciated the honor im-
plied in the Governmental invitation,
[ind expressed regret that circum-
stances made his acceptance inad-
risable.
The circuit operator said that he
lad been approached on a new busi-
ness affiliation, within the theater
iield, and that the deal's consumma-
;ion within 30 to 60 days would pre-
lude ORC service.
Griffith returned to Kansas City
Sunday.
iyan to Resume Sept. 15
i Chicago — Charles Ryan, Warner
theater executive, plans retui n to his
;;heater duties, after Sept. 15, after
■ii long siege of illness.
l/eteran Booker Resigns
" Seattle — Muriel Parker, booker for
VT.-G-M exchange for 15 years, re-
signed to go to Oregon.
Theater Aide Army Rejected on Physical
Ground Ordered to Take Essential Job
New Haven — The Loew-Poli division office has received the resignation of
William Brownstein, assistant at the Loew-Poli, Springfield, Mass. because of
notification by his Draft Board to take an "essential" job, although previously
rejected for active service on physical grounds.
Genevieve Drucker, former student assistant, is the new assistant, making it
11 for the women in managerial positions on the Loew-Poli staff.
Buffalo and Syracuse
Theaters Re-opening
Buffalo — Shuttered for the sum-
mer, Minna Zackem's Artistic, Buf-
falo nabe, has reopened. George Lu-
rie has taken over the Orpheum, an-
other local nabe, and will reopen it
shortly.
Two Syracuse houses scheduled
for Fall re-openings are the Liberty,
operated by Meyer Golding, and the
Brighton, taken over by Sid Gross-
man, who has the Elmwood.
Ealing Studios to Make
First Two Pix in Color
Cagney Pic In Loew Keys
"Johnny Come Lately" has been
booked for September and early Oc-
tober engagements in 28 key city
Loew theaters throughout the coun-
try, Carl Leserman, UA general
sales manager, announced Friday.
London (By Air Mail) — First color
pix to be produced at Ealing Stu-
dios are set as "The Beggar's
Opera" and "Black Beauty." Other
important pix scheduled include "The
Road to Addis," film based on the
liberation of Abyssinia, and an un-
titled story telling Australia's war
story.
Exhib. Turns Welder
Troy, Mo. — Charley Rudolph, own-
er of the Trojan, is working as a
welder in a war industry in the Wood
River, 111., sector. Mrs Rudolph has
taken over the management of the
300-seat house.
Gollos Circuit Adds Langley
Chicago — Gollos Brothers circuit
has added the Langley theater.
Warner Bros. After
More First-Runs!
(.Continued from Page 1)
"Army" maintaining a pace that in-
dicates it can stay at the Hollywood
Theater right through the first of
the year or longer, while the Strand
bookings ate averaging five weeks,
the company faces a special problem
in finding a first-run and showcase
for about a dozen top-bracket pro-
ductions on its completed list, in-
cluding several pictures finished last
year. One of these is "The Desert
Song," which several times has been
penciled in for opening at either the
Hollywood or the Strand but each
time had to give way to more timely
attractions.
With the Hollywood now tied up
indefinitely by "Army," and the
Strand playing "Watch on the Rhine"
for the next five weeks, Warners
have an immediate problem in find-
ing an opening for "Thank Your
Lucky Stars," all-star musical set
for general release this month.
Among other big attractions await-
ing available dates are "Adventures
of Mark Twain," "Old Acquaint-
ance," "Arsenic and Old Lace,"
"Princess O'Rourke," "Saratoga
Trunk" and several more.
»•
HUGH HERBERT ,„ ,,„
first 2 Reel Comedy is a Laugh Wow!
NrcHitfiN ine mmn
Ready for Release September 10th
THE BEST COMEDIES OF ALL COME FROM COLUMBIA!
■Mi
WEATHER
(Censored)
THE
%4^rA
REPORTER
THE NEWS OF 3
MILLION READERS
MOVIE FANS HIT ALL-TIME HIGH
GREATEST tribute perhaps
ever paid the movie industry
came from the Russians during the
Battle of Stalingrad. The Red
Army kept the movie theatres open
until the very day the Nazis
marched into the city proper! Ac-
cording to True Magazine, one of
the score of Fawcett Publications
— and a very exciting one, too.
Speaking of the movie industry,
as everybody is these war days,
one of our bright people wants to
know why it's called an industry.
Would you call either Sam Gold-
wyn or Darryl Zanuck an indus-
trialist? Just because the movies
are big doesn't mean they have to
be an "industry." Art in mass
production, yes — our man says —
but industry, never!
Producer Alex Yokel in a letter
to Motion Picture predicts a pos-
sible public surfeit with musicals,
with 105 of them scheduled for the
cameras — a lot of songs — and pat-
ter even for 135 million people.
Says vocal Yokel: We're going to
overdo the musical — as we did
shortly after sound came in.
* * * *
How many words do you use in
your everyday conversation? The
readers of Fawcett women's maga-
zines seem to be pretty smart. An
analysis of mail from readers shows
they have a combined vocabulary
of almost 3,200 words!
Our latest testimonial comes from
Milton Berle, who writes us from
New York: "There are two ways
of keeping in touch with Holly-
wood from here. One is to visit
Agent Louis Shurr's office and read
his mail to the staff, and the olhsr,
of course, is to eagerly await each
edition of Motion Picture-Holly-
wood. I'll say one thing about
Motion Picture-Hollywood — it's
prettier than Shurr."
And we'll say one thing about
Mr. Berle. He splits his infinitives.
Advertisement
BULLETIN FROM
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON BULLETIN, a top cor-
respondent writes "Bulletin from
Washington," exclusive in our Fawcett
Women's Group magazines, because Faw-
cett surveys show Washington now holds
an interest for the American woman com-
parable to Hollywood and New York.
The Bulletin is crammed with advance
information on what every young woman
should know— about Washington, anyway.
A NEAT TRICK
by Katharine Brush
THE movie stars have one pub-
lic trick that I think is wonder-
ful— and that I can best describe
by means of the following. . . . One
day in the lobby of the Beverly-
Wilshire, I watched Bette Davis
and Rosalind Russell meet by
chance, greet each other enthusi-
astically, and begin a conversation
about something which absorbed
them both. Meanwhile, a little
army of news photographers sprang
up from the lobby floor, and came
hurrying out of the walls and wood-
work. The cameras, the flashlight
bulbs went off like ack-ack; the air
was loud with such commands as
MOTION PICTURE 85% UP
FLASH! Over 3,096,500 women will
buy September issues of True Con.
fessions, Motion Picture and Movie
Story magazines— —684,640 more than
last year. These women go to the
movies an average of twice a week,
and with them go their boy friends,
husbands, children. Is that bad?
"Now smile at each other" — and
the point is that both Miss Davies
and Miss Russell were able to obey
all instructions automatically, with-
out really listening., or for an in-
stant interrupting their own earnest
conversation.
It's entirely instinctive. Any two
experienced screen people can smile
seductively for the cameras while
asking each other solicitously how
the baby is; or they can register
light hearted vivacity while dis-
cussing topics like the servant
problem, the Hays office, or the
next bondselling tour. . . . It's quite
a trick, fun to watch. (From Sept.
Motion Picture.)
WIPS FOR WAR
Have you heard about the WIPS?
More than 1,748,000 buyers of Septem-
ber's True Confession have. The WIPS
Women's Industrial Production Service,
are women war workers, newly organ-
ized to increase production.
A short article and coupon invited
readers to write in concerning member-
ship in this infant organization. We've
received more than 1,000 coupons—
the first two days. (And pouring in
heavier now!)
The WIPS aud we think that's great
but one thing bothers us. Ten
coupons came in a full 15 days before
True Confessions appeared on the news-
stands. Is our printer handing out
advance copies to his relatives again?
7,500,000 Box Office
People set new record!
MOVIE fans — backbone of the
box-office — are buying more
movie magazines than ever before
in the history of publishing — and
they're walking up to the news-
stands to buy them, too. No free
dictionary deals there.
How many people read movie
magazines, anyhow? Well, almost
7,500,000 box-office people now buy
them every month — and Lord
knows how many others read them
through. This is about 40% more
than a year ago!
To get commercial, Fawcett's
own movie magazines, Motion
Picture and Movie Story, will show
a 53% circulation increase for
September issues — and Motion
Picture itself will show an 85%
jump over the year before.
And final figures tell us that
97.5% of all the August Motion
Picture magazines printed were
sold!
Modestly but firmly, we consider
this a bit colossal.
MOVIE STORY is the most popular maga-
zine of its kind. Its film fictionizations
constitute a monthly roll of honor. For
September : This Is The Army ; Song of
Russia; Jane Eyre; The Song of Bernadette;
Claudia; Frontier Bad Men; My Kingdom
for A Cook.
Each and every magazine mentioned
above in The Fawcett Reporter is a
member of the great family of Fawcett
Publications. Published by Fawcett
Publications, Inc., 1501 Broadway, Netv
York, N. Y.
F\UE COt^
84, NO. 48
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1943
TEN CENTS
FORCINGOF SHORTS [REGARDED ASJURBED
ndostry Set for "Back the Attack" Bond Drive
400 War Bond Premieres
lready Sure; 'Pre-release'
ctivities Launch Drive
By GEORGE H. MORRIS
i FILM DAILY Staff Writer
DReports, pouring into WAC head-
larters last night, gave eloquent
stimony that the estimated 200,000
Tsons comprising the rank and file
'■■ film production, distribution and
hibition, stand ready and eager for
J greatest combined operation in
e history of the business, — the all-
it effort to aid Uncle Sam raise
e staggering total of $15,000,000,-
0 — , which commences today with
ire-release" events.
[Indication of the comprehensive na-
(Continued on Page 12)
SI
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Start on Coast,
taking 62 Shooting
!est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Addition of seven new
x starting puts the total number
" features shooting this week in lo-
il studios at 62. The checkup:
Columbia: Starting, "My Client
urley," a comedy, with Cary Grant
(Continued on Page 8)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
'leveland Plain Dealer
luts Theater Adv. 50%
Cleveland — Local first-run the-
ters have been notified to cut their
lain Dealer advertising space fifty
sr cent. No other newspaper here
as ordered theatrical space cuts.
Vandalism Shutters
Ottumwa, I «., Strand
Ottumwa, la. — The Strand The-
ater, which has been in operation
since 1911, has been closed because
vandals damaged the seats beyond
repair. The management explained
it had been unable to purchase new
seats or obtain replacements.
It was the first case of serious
damage by vandals in Iowa. The
city has a curfew law which was
recently put into effect.
New Haven Film Men Told to Get Essential
Jobs or Register for Employment by Sept. 20
New Haven — Following reclassification of non-deferrables, New Haven film
men have received orders from their local Draft boards to take "essential"
jobs or register with the Connecticut Employment Service by Sept. 20. Among
those so ordered are Earl Wright, 20th-Fox salesman, Lou Brown, Loew-Poli pub-
licity chief, Joseph DiFranceso, operator of the Cheshire and Fairmount, New
Haven, James Memery, Loew-Poli, artist, Ernest Gau, Loew cleaning agent,
William Brownstein, assistant Poli, Springfield.
Australian Rentals
Under Price Control
The Australian News and Infor-
mation Bureau yesterday reported
that Custom Minister Keene in Bris-
bane had announced that he intended
to place film rentals under the Price
Control Regulation.
Keene, according to a bulletin is-
sued by the Bureau, said that this
action would enable any exhibitor
who claimed dissatisfaction with his
film contracts to have his deals ex-
(Continucd on Page 6)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Thomas Appointed V.-P.
Of A & S Lyons Agency
Earl G. Thomas, well known in
the field of artists' representation
and talent management, has been ap-
pointed executive vice-president of
A & S Lyons, Inc., it was announced
yesterday by Arthur S. Lyons.
Thomas, who has just been placed on
(.Continued on Page 8)
Hear FPC to Press
Odeon Theater Suit
Toronto — Famous Players Canad-
ian Corp. is reliably reported pro-
ceeding with its action before Su-
preme Court of Ontario against
Odeon Theaters of Canada and as-
sociates, involving a number of the-
aters claimed by Famous Players,
with damages and costs being asked.
Writs were issued a year ago but
hearing was delayed because of the
illness of N. L. Nathanson who died
three months ago. It is stated ac-
tion will proceed to trial this Fall.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Canadian Indies to Ask
Reduction in Specials
Toronto — Despite the fact that
the Theater and Film section of the
Wartime Prices and Trade Board
has approved the 1943-44 groupings
of nine Canadian distributing organ-
izations, the National Council of In-
(Continued on Page 10)
Cuba Studies Mexican Prod'n
Gov't Names Commission as Studios Fold Up
c , . Z^T. ~ T~^~ By MARY LOUISE BLANCO
OUaekum UlVeS Army S FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Net for Run tO Relief Havana (By Air Mail)— Passed by
Censor) — Highly alarmed by the ser-
ious decline in Cuba's film produc-
tion, the Cuban Government is tak-
ing measures to correct the situa-
tion.
The first step in the Government's
decision to do something about it is
the appointment by the Ministry of
Commerce of a commission headed
(Continued on Page 10)
Nashville, Tenn. — Announcing that
the gross take of Nashville's pre-
miere of "This Is the Army" at the
Knickerbocker was $3,500, all given,
of course, to Army and Navy Relief,
Tony Sudekum, president of Crescent
Amusement Co., said that "net" re-
ceipts from the regular run of the
(Continued on Page 8)
Not a Single Arbitration
Complaint Involving
Forcing Has Been Filed
Despite the fact the forcing of
short subjects with a feature con-
tract is subject to arbitration, not
a single complaint involving the
forcing of shorts has been filed in
any of the tribunals since the arbi-
tration system under the consent
decree became effective, according to
a checkup of cases.
Various formal protests against
the decree by exhibitor organiza-
(Continued on Page 6)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
SI. Louis Wage Hike
Fight May Go to WLB
St. Louis — The feeling here is that
the fight of the city's operators and
stagehands for a 15 per cent wage
hike may go to the War Labor Board.
The demands of the operators were
(Continued on Page 8)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Mort Spring Named Prexy
Of Loew's International
Merely as an intra-company move,
Loew's International Corp. has been
formed to handle the distribution of
M-G-M pictures in the foreign field.
(Continued on Page 8)
"And Hangs by Such
A Slender Thread"
W. C. "Bill" Gehring, 20th-Fox*s
Western and Canadian division man-
ager, is an avid baseball fan, a red-
hot Yankee rooter. Frequently, when
time and circumstance permit, he
travels with the team. On Labor
Day the Yanks were in Philadelphia.
So was Bill, along with Mrs. Gehring
and a party of friends. They had
tickets back to New York on the
7:02 that evening, — but they decided
to leave on an earlier train, which
they rushed to catch at North Phila-
delphia. Just as they arrived at the
gate, it was slammed virtually in
their faces. The Congressional
Limited left without them!
w
Wednesday, September 8, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 48 Wed,, Sept. 8, 1943 10 Cents
)CHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
CCNALD M. MERSEREAU
General
Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :
: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filrmlay, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
Tuesday, September 7)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High Low Close
Net
Chg.
16
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2%>
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 3
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd . 16
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq 20'/2
Loews, Inc 59
Paramount 26
RKC
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox
20fh Century-Fox pfd.
Warner Bros
NEW YORK
Par. B'way 3s55
Warner Bros.' dbs. 6s48
16
16
3
16
20 V8
58%
253/4
8i/8
88i/2
223/4
31
12%
201/4
59
25%
8i/4
883/4
22%
3H/4
13%
BOND MARKET
77% 77S/3 775/8
883/4
223/4
31
13%
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1% 1% 1 %
Sonctone Carp 31/5.
Technicolor 13%
Tians-Lux 2%
Universal Picts. vtc , . 17
N. Y
3%
133/4
23/4
17
3V2
133/4
23/4
17
OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 79V4 82
— Eack 3rd Loan Drive! —
Foreign Pix House Resumes
Cleveland — Penn Square Theater,
only local foreign movie house, closed
all summer, re-opened Labor Day.
ART FOR
MOTION
PJCTORE
ADVERTISING
%
'^165 W. 46th ST
N Y C
IR. 9-4153-4
Army Training Films
In Use in South America
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — According to reports
received by the Motion Picture So-
ciety for the Americas, hundreds of
reels of training films, showing all
phases of the training of the United
States Army, are in use in many
other American nations. Officers of
the Inter-American Defense Board
recently divulged this development
in Washington, emphasizing that
some 90 translations in Spanish and
Portuguese are already available and
others are being made steadily.
At present, 1,800 reels have been
sent to other American republics.
The films portray training methods
in all branches of the United States
Army,, starting with the basic train-
ing program and then going into spe-
cialized training such as tank de-
stroyers, aviation ground crews,
combat and bomber pilots, naviga-
tors, radio operators, artillery and
others.
The motion picture program is a
co-operative enterprise between the
producers in Hollywood and New
York and various governmental
agencies striving to develop or ex-
pand Inter-American solidarity.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Paramount-Cooper Action
Transferred to Fed. Court
The action of Paramount Pictures,
Inc., against Joseph H. Cooper, Ri-
alto, Inc., Interstate Theaters, Inc.,
and J. H. Cooper Enterprises, Inc.,
charging violation of an agreement
and to adjudge Paramount's owner-
ship of certain stocks of the three de-
fendant corporations, was yesterday
ordered transferred from Supreme
Court to New York Federal Court.
The complaint charges that Cooper
under an agreement made with the
Irving Trust Co., trustee in the bank-
ruptcy of two Paramount subsidi-
aries, agreed to reorganize the af-
fairs of the two companies, for which
he was assertedly to receive a half
interest. Instead Cooper is alleged to
have taken options in his own name
on certain theaters formerly owned
by the bankrupt companies, Moun-
tain States and Publix Theaters
Corp.
The defendant companies are all
Colorado concerns.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Labor Day Week-End
Grosses Reported Heavy
Reports from various sections of
the country yesterday pointed to
heavy theater business chalked up by
the nation's theaters over the Labor
Day week-end. The gas situation
which conspired to keep people at
home was held an important factor
in the box-office showings this year.
On Broadway theater business on
Saturday, Sunday and Monday was
reported "terrific." In almost every
instance the "takes" were far above
those of last year.
Brother of Loew's
Murphy s an Air Hero
Lt. William Murphy, whose
brothers hold important positions
with Loew's, shot down two German
planes during the recent pounding
of the Brenner Pass, according to an
official communique from General
Eisenhower's headquarters in North
Africa. Murphy's brother, John, is
assistant to Joseph R. Vogel and an-
other brother, Paul, is manager of
Loew's Ziegfeld Theater.
Ford Unit Filming Brazil
Feature for U. S. Showing
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Headed by Gregg To-
land and Sam Engels, the John Ford
production unit now in Brazil under
the auspices of the Co-ordinator of
Inter-American Affairs, is shooting
material planned for commercial re-
lease all over America. One of the
films the unit is turning out is a
documentary feature dealing with
the contribution of Brazil to the
United States.
The unit will also make a short
subject which will serve to inform
the American public about present-
day Brazilian life, its geography,
its great cities, industry and culture.
In addition, the Ford unit plans to
film unrelated material to build up
a library of Brazilian subjects, which
will be useful in the production of
instructional 16 mm. non-theatrical
films on Brazil and at the same time
serve Hollywood with a wealth of
background material for future pro-
ductions concerning Brazil.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
To Argue Phase of J. J.
Monopoly Action Today
A motion by the J. J. Theaters
Inc., to modify the demands of the
Brandt circuit for a bill of particu-
lars in the monopoly action brought
by the former against the latter and
eight major film companies, among
others, will be argued today in New
York Supreme Court.
J. J. Theaters, owners of the
Time Theater in the Times Square
District, charges 20th-Fox, RKO,
Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures,
Loew's, United Artists Corp., Colum-
bia Pictures, Universal Pictures Co.,
Iris Joyce, Inc., Anwell Amuse-
ment Corp., William and Harry
Brandt, Helgus, Inc., Andear Amuse-
ment Corp. and Max Cohen with
creating a monopoly and conspiring
in restraint of trade to affect opera-
tions of the plaintiff's theaters.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
FPC Calls $575,000
Bonds for Redemption
Toronto — Upward of $575,000 in
Bonds ordinarily maturing in 1951
have been called for redemption Oct.
20 by Famous Players Canadian
Corp. to reduce the capital structure.
Premium of two per cent plus inter-
est will be paid on redeemed Bonds
which were selected by lot.
COMinC and G0IHG
WILLIAM J. KUPPER, General Sales Manager
of 20th-Fox returned yesterday to his New
York desk, after three weeks in the field en
route from California.
JONAS ROSENFIELD, JR., and MAX STEIN of
the 20th-Fox publicity department, are back
from their vacations.
SIR ALEXANDER KORDA arrives here toda
from Washington and returns to Hollywood o
Friday.
FELIX JENKINS, 20th-Fox secretary and gen-
eral counsel, is back from the Coast.
JACK GOLDSTEIN, Eastern Publicity Manager
of 20th-Fox, has returned from Brookline, Mass.,
where he attended his mother's funeral.
BOB HOPE arrives in Hollywood today.
SONNY TUFTS, will arrive in New York to-
morrow to attend the opening of "So Proudly
We Hail."
M. J. WEISFELDT of Columbia is on a
business trip through the West, with stops
in Chicago, Des Moines and Omaha.
DORIS ARDEN, Chicago Times film editor,
has returned from a three-week vacation in
Michigan.
CORP. WILLIAM BERNS, former film com-
mentator for WNEW, is in New York on fur-
lough.
J. D. KENDIS, head of Continental, Pictures,
Inc., leaves for Boston today on business, re-
turning to the Edison Hotel next week.
BOB HOPE is back from a USO-Camp Shows
tour of the British Isles, North Africa and
Sicily.
PFC FREDDIE BARTHOLOMEW is expected in
town about Sept. 15 from Texas for a final
audition for a role in the Moss Hart Army
Air Forces show.
HOWARD J. LONDON, radio director of the
National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis,
leaves on Friday for Hollywood to confer
with film and radio executives on plans for the
1944 March of Dimes drive. PETER J. A.
CUSACK, assistant to Basil O'Connor, presi-
dent of the Foundation will accompany him.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Judge Sets Oct. 5 for
Extortionists' Trial
The trial of the six alleged Chi-
cago gangsters and John Rosselli,
their former West Coast agent, and
Louis Kaufman, business agent of
Newark operators' Local 244, all of
them charged with extorting more
than $2,500,000 from film companies
in violation of the Federal anti-
racketeering act, was adjourned yes-
terday until Oct. 5 by Federal Judge
J. Waties Waring.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
MLT to Pay Dividend
Montreal — Directors of Marcus
Loew's Theaters, Ltd., have declared
regular quarterly dividend of 1%
per cent on preferred, payable Sept.
30, to shareholders of record Sept. 15.
David Horsley Howard Dietz
May McAvoy
jM —
Wtvuanv
4j
ters.
* USAA *
TOMMY DIX, Metro player.
* WAC*
MARY BRIDGET SITTON, film inspect!
Chicago.
— • —
* AVIATION CADET *
CHARLES KATES, former Warner booker, C
land.
* SEABEES *
CARL FISHMAN, publicist, Loew's Bronx Tr
ters.
Forcing of Shorts
Regarded as Curbed
(Continued from Page 1)
tions usually include the matter
shorts forcing, but inasmuch as
cases based on the subject have b«
docketed, it is believed in indusi
circles that the alleged abuse
been checked, at least insofar as 1
five companies affected by the
cree are concerned.
Disputes involving other issu
such as clearance, designated r
some run and kindred subjects, h
been the basis for all of the co
plaints heard by the arbitrators, 1
the matter of forcing of shorts a
newsreels has been missing fr
the demands for arbitration.
Some observers are of the op
ion that exhibitors have not be
aware that the issue was subject
arbitration, due to the fact that t
have not read the decree thorough
In any event, the first complaint
shorts forcing is yet to be filed.
— Hack 3rd Loan Drive! —
Harry E. Schiller Dead
Grand Island, Neb. — Harry
Schiller, 53, veteran theater nd
ager, died at his home in Grand
land after an illness of seve
months. He had been in the theai
business for nearly 25 years, twe
spent in Kansas City and the
mainder in Grand Island.
I
Montgomery Decrees
Rat-proof Theaters
Montgomery, Ala. — All places of
amusement are included in a new
city orlinance requiring certain struc-
tures be kept rat-proof and rat-free
as a health measure. Failure to
comply makes owners subject to a
$100 fine or 30 days imprisonment
or both.
tnnovfi
DENNIS DAY
RUTH DONNELLY
JOE SAWYER
ERNEST TRUEX
DOUGLAS FOWLEY
iMIKE RILEYrORCH.
OSEPH SANTLEY, Director
Screen Play by Frank Gill, Jr.- George :
Tarleton Brown • Based On An
>iginalA Story by Prescott Chaplin
•
BUY'
% WAR SAVINGS BONDS
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^^\ DAILY :
Wednesday, September 8, 1943
SI. Louis Wage Hike
Fight May Go to WLB
{Continued from Page 1)
placed recently before the theater
owners by Local 143, IATSE. No-
tice of a wage increase for the stage-
hands was submitted to the theaters
Friday by Local 6, IATSE.
In addition to larger wages the
operators are seeking two-week va-
cation after employment of more
than a year on any one job.
The contract with Local 143 ex-
pired at midnight, Aug. 31, but the
operators continued at their jobs in
the knowledge that any agreement
that might be reached with the the-
aters would be retroactive. Com-
mittees representing first and sec-
ond-runs and subsequents indepen-
dently owned have yet to meet with
representatives of the operators.
Any increase granted to the mem-
bers of Local 143 would be propor-
tionately extended to Negro projec-
tionists who are members of Local
143A.
— 'Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Move for All-Exhibitor
Body Gains in Dominion
Montreal — Proposal to form a Do-
minion-wide association of motion
picture exhibitors received the sup-
port of the Quebec Allied Theatrical
Industries Association at its annual
meeting here last week. The im-
portance of having one association
which would represent the industry
on a larger scale was stressed by J.
Arthur Hirsch, president of the or-
ganization. Syd Taube, executive
secretary of the Motion Picture The-
aters Association of Ontario, praised
the plan and the convention voted to
support any move that would lead to
one big Canadian unit.
Hirsch was re-elected president of
the Industries Association. Other
officers elected were B. E. Norrich,
honorary president; George Gane-
takos, vice-president E. N. Tabah,
treasurer; Eugene Beaulac, secre-
tary. The executive committee con-
sists of Hirsch, Ganetakos, Tabah,
Beaulac, J. A. Deseeve, B. A. Garson,
W. E. Lester, B. C. Salamis, Mau-
rice West and T. H. Trow.
STORKS
Cleveland — Julius Lamm, manager
of Warners' Uptown Theater became
a grandfather last week when a six
pound baby boy was born to his
daughter, Mrs. Theresa Bandler at
Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Santa Monica, Calif. — Mrs. Bert
Lahr, wife of the comic, has become
the mother of a daughter at the St.
John's Hospital here.
Buffalo — A son, Bruce Adam, was
born last week to Mrs. Harry Gold-
smith, wife of Schine City manager.
IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS
HARRY SPIEGEL, supervisor, Comerford circuit,
Scranton.
SOL HANDWERGER, publicist, Loew's Metro-
politan and other Brooklyn Loew houses.
WILLIAM JEFFERSON, portfolio service, Loew's
out-of-town houses.
PETE McCARTY, publicist, Loew's Valencia and
North Queens Theaters.
SAM COOLICK, publicity, Loew's Paradise and
Bronx Theaters.
SIDNEY KAIN, Loew circuit ad department,
home office.
FRANK RICER, manager, Paramount, Hammond,
Ind.
CRIS DEMOS, manager, Warners Frolic, Chicago.
JAMES BLACKMAN. assistant, Warners Capitol,
Chicago.
JACK RICE, assistant, Hamilton, Chicago.
LATHAM OVENS, chief, radio script division,
Donahue & Coe, Inc.
GUS DAVIS, booking staff, Co-operative Thea-
ters of Ohio, Cleveland.
CHARLES R. McGHEES manager, Princess, Cleve-
land, Tenn.
FRANK LOFTUS, manager, Globe, Scranton.
WINCHESTER H. HEICHER, writer, RCA De-
partment of Information staff.
RICHARD ZELLER, district manager, Essaness
circuit, Chicago.
BRYON LINN, manager, Strand, Scranton.
WILLARD MATTHEWS, manager, Capitol, Hazle-
ton, Pa.
JOHN HUGGINS, manager, Feelet, Hazleton,
Pa.
GEORGE PROPOPIC, manager, Hippodrome,
Potsville, Pa.
BERT ALLEN, manager, Hollywood, Potsville,
Pa.
JOHN GIBBONS, manager, Capitol, Scranton.
MATT O'KEEFE, manager, American, Pittston,
Pa.
THOMAS JONES, supervisor, Comerford Scranton
suburban houses.
AL FARRELL, Comerford booker, Binghamton.
JACK MAHON, manager, Comerford booking of-
fice, Scranton.
EDWARD McCOVERN, manager, Westside,
Scranton.
WILLIAM KAYS, manager, Rialto, Scranton.
URBAN ANDERSON, manager, Shore, Cleve-
land.
JOHN FITZGERALD, publicist, Metro home of-
fice.
Thomas Appointed V.-P.
Of A & S Lyons Agency
{Continued from Page 1)
an inactive duty status after a year in
the armed forces, will head the New
York office of the Lyons organiza-
tion.
The Thomas appointment is re-
garded as the first step in a new ex-
pansion program now being pro-
jected by the Lyons office in antici-
pation of the increased activity in
the entertainment world immediate-
ly after the war.
As a captain in the Army, Thomas
served as a theatrical adviser, pro-
ducing soldier shows, utilizing mili-
tary personnel in this country and
overseas. Before entering the ser-
vice, Thomas was radio director of
the Chicago office of McCann, Erick-
son, Inc. He was radio director of
A & S Lyons from 1928 to 1936.
Irene Etkin, who has been with
Lyons since 1925, will be assistant
to Thomas.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Chadwick Equipment to PRC
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — PRC has purchased all
equipment in the Chadwick studio on
Gower St. and will install it in Fine
Arts studio, which the company re-
cently acquired. Equipment includes
electrical fixtures, generators, sets
and flats. Deal was made by PRC
with I. E. Chadwick. The company
will move into the Fine Arts studio
late this month and change name of
the lot to "PRC."
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
"Silver Spurs" Sets Record
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
San Francisco — Republic's Roy
Rogers special, "Silver Spurs,"
topped the house record by 25 per
cent in its opening Saturday, at
Loew's Warfield. Sunday grosses
were 20 per cent above average. Star
made a p. a. in connection with the
booking.
Sudekum Gives "Army's'
Net for Run to Relief
(Continued from Page 1)
picture will also be donated to the
service charities.
Youngstown, O. — Premiere of "This
Is the Army" at the Warner tonight
is being underwritten by 100 busi
ness firms and industries. Tickets
run in three brackets, $10, $5, and
$1, plus tax.
Cleveland — Warners' Hippodrome
is all sold out for the local premiere
of "This is the Army" on Sept. 15.
House was scaled at $35,000 for this
showing.
Geneva — Local premiere of "This Is
the Army" at Schine's Geneva to-
night is expected to yield $3,383 for
the Army Emergency Relief Fund.
Des Moines, la. — "This Is the
Army" broke all run records at the
RKO-Orpheum with a 22-day show-
ing.
Memphis— "This Is the Army"
closed its four-week run at War-
ners' theater Thursday, its "take"
of better than $50,000 indicating
that more people saw the picture
than did GWTW when it showed four
weeks at its opening here.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Mort Spring Named Prexy
Of Loew's International
7 Start on Coast,
Making 62 Shooting
{Continued from Page 1)
and Rita Hayworth. Shooting, "Ten
Per Cent Woman," "There's Some-
thing About A Soldier," "Cover
Girl," "The Return Of The Vampire,"
"Roundup for Victory," "Hey, Roo-
kie," "The Day Will Come."
RKO: Shooting, "The Falcon And
the Co-Eds," "Higher and Higher,"
"Revenge," "Rookies In Burma,"
"Tender Comrade," "The Curse Of
the Cat People," "Dangerous Jour-
nev."
M-G-M: Starting "Two Sisters And a Sai-
lor," musical comedy, with Jimmy Durante
Van Johnson. June Allyson. Gloria De Haven.
Harry James and Xavier Curat bands. Shoot-
ing, "A Guy Named Joe." "Rationing." "Thr-
Heavenly Bodv." "Andy Hardy's Blonde Trou-
ble." "Gaslight." "White Cliffs Of Dover.'
"Mr. Co-Ed, " "The Canterville Ghost," "Sep
Here. Private Hargrove." "Broadway Rhy-
thm." "Meet The People." "Kismet."
20th-Fox: Shooting. "Buffalo Bill." (Harry
Sherman Prod,): "Pin-Up Girl," "Lifeboat."
"Tampico." "The Lodger."
Warner Bros.: Shooting. "Uncertain Glory.
"Rhapsody In Blue." "Shine On Harve>t
Moon." "Passage To Marseille."
Paramount: Shooting, "Frenchmen :
Creek," "Hail The Conquering Hero." "Tlif
Story Of Dr. Wassell." "Our Hearts Were
Young And Gay," "Henry Aldrich. Bo>
Scout," "Going My Way."
Universal: Shooting. "Gung Ho." "His But
ler's Sister," "Passport To Dakar," "Whet
Ladies Fly." "The Third Glory."
Republic: Starting, "O My Darling Clemen
tine," with Frank Albertson. Lorna Gray
Roy Acuff and band. Shooting. "Hand'
Across The Border," "Overland Mail Rob
bery," "In Old Oklahoma."
Monogram: Starting. "Lady Let's Dance.'
musical starring Belita. Shooting, "Charlie
Chan In The Secret Service." with Sidnf:
Toler (Krasne-Burkett Prods.) "Millioi
Dollar Kid" (Sam Katzman and Jack Dietz i
"Sweethearts Of The U. S. A." (Lester Cut;
ler) : "Big Brother" (Jack Coyle).
Sam Goldwyn: Shooting, "Up In Arms."
Samuel Bronston: Shooting. "Jack London.
W. K. Frank: Starting, "Dr. Paul Josepl
Goebbels — His Life And Loves," a love stor,
told against a German political background.
Producers Releasing Corp.: Starting "Devi
Riders," a Western, with Buster Crabbe (Sij
Neufeld). Shooting, "Return Of The RaiT-r
ers" (Alexander-Stern Prods.).
WEDDING BELLS
Cleveland — Audrey Mandeville oj
the Warner theater department sur
prised friends last week with an
nouncement of her marriage to Rogei
Vance Goodin of this city.
{Continued from Page 1)
Mort Spring has been named presi-
dent of the subsidiary. M-G-M for-
merly handled foreign distribution
through its international department.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Albert Bachman Stricken
Chicago — Albert Bachman, 56,
manager of B & K's Harding the-
ater is dead from a heart attack. His
widow survives.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Jean Rogers has re
vealed her remarriage to Dann}
Winkler, the actor's agent. Th<
ceremony took place on July 3 ir
Ventura, Calif.
Coldwater, Mich. — "Syd" Chap
man, western Michigan's represen
tative for RKO, headquartering ir
Detroit, was married recently here
to Mrs. Florence Magnus of Ne-u
York.
Springfield, 111. — Charles R. Simp
son, manager of the Pantheon, was
married at St. Joseph's Catholic
Church Saturday, to Rosemary
Ruschmeyer.
WANTED:
5000 PARADES!
Let it be written into the annals of this war that the showmen of the
motion picture business backed the attack in the 3d War Loan with a will
and a vigor that reached across the world and thrilled the hearts of our
troops in combat! Within our showmanship power lies success! Parades
and more parades to rouse our mass audiences ! Small bonds in millions of
hands is the job! Tonight as you sit in the security of your home thank
God for that privilege — and remember the boys in agony under fire who
make it possible. Back the attack with your weapon— showmanship!
War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture lrxdustry, 1501 Broadway, New York City*
10
W* DAILY
Wednesday, September 8, 1943
Cuba is Studying
Mexican Production
(.Continued from Page 1)
by Rafael Ayala which will study
the development of the Mexican in-
dustry in the last two years and the
support being given film makers by
the Mexican Government.
The commission also will make a
study of the Banco Cinematografico
of Mexico, created within the last
year for the purpose of financing
Mexican film production under the
sponsorship of the Mexican govern-
ment.
Another cause of alarm is the con-
stant emigration of Cuban artists to
Mexico, Panama and other places be-
cause of the lack of work in Cuba.
To make matters worse, the big-
ger studios in Cuba are selling their
equipment, two of them having closed
down.
According to industry spokesmen,
what the Cuban studios need is pro-
tective laws and reciprocal treaties
with other Latin-American countries.
It is held that only thus can the Cu-
ban industry be revived.
An indication of the seriousness of
the situation is the fact that not one
feature has been produced in Cuba
this year, film production being lim-
ited to 14 shorts turned out by Ma-
nolo Alonso.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Legion Puts Three Pix
In "B" Classification
National Legion of Decency has
given Class B objectionable-in-part
ratings to Paramount's "City That
Stopped Hitler," Republic's "A
Scream in the Dark" and RKO's
"The Seventh Victim." In the in-
stance of the Russian documentary,
the Legion said its classification was
occasioned by its finding that the pic
"tends to incite hatred of the per-
sons of enemies and to be excessive-
ly gruesome."
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Defer Chi. V. C. Tourney
Chicago — Golf tourney and outing
planned by the Variety Club for Sept.
16 at the Olympia Fields Country
Club has been postponed.
\ fir Guinea Troops
Pich 'Best9 Players
Brisbane (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — In a poll conducted by
Guinea Gold, soldier newspaper in
New Guinea, the fighting men in
that combat area chose Spencer
Tracy as the best dramatic actor,
Bette Davis as the best dramatic
actress, Abbott and Costello as the
best comedy bet, Rosalind Russell as
the best comedy actress, Nelson Eddy
as the best singing actor, Jeanette
MacDonald as the best singing actress
and Carmen Miranda as the most
decorative actress.
HCLLyW€CD DIGEST
SIGNED
HUME CRONYN, Metro.
EDDIE GREEN, Paramount, for "Duffy's Tav-
ern."
HELEN GILBERT, Metro.
WALTER CATLETT, Sam Coldwyn for "Up in
Arms."
SAMMY KAYE and ORK, "Song of the Open
Road," CHARLES R. ROGERS, WALTER
SLEZAK, RKO.
ASSIGNMENTS
JEROME KERN, musical score, "Caroline," Uni-
versal.
MARK HELLINCER, producer, "Outward Bound,"
Warners.
LEO SOLOMON, ALLAN WOODS, script, "Sweet-
heart of Sigma Chi," Monogram.
BARTON AD'AMS, assistant director, "Dr.
Paul Joseph Coebbels," W. R. Frank.
CASTINGS
DONALD WOODS, CLAUDIA DRAKE, RALPH
MORGAN SICRID CURIE,, H. B. WARNER,
ROBERT BARRATT, "Dr. Paul Joseph Coebbels,"
W. R. Frank; ROBERT HAYMES, "Rhapsody in
Flatbush," Columbia; WILLIAM HENRY, JEAN
PARKER, 'The Navy Way," Pine-Thomas; DINAH
SHORE, FREDDIE SLACK'S ORK, "Three Cheers
for the Boys," Universal; BETTY HUTTON,
"Divided by Five," Paramount; DENNIS DAY,
"See Here, Private Hargrove," Metro; WILLIAM
EYTHE, "House of Chedworth," 20th-Fox; KURT
KRUGER, "The Day Will Come," Columbia;
BEN BLUE, "Two Sisters and a Sailor," Metro;
JOHN GARFIELD, "Outward Bound," Warners;
ODETTE MYRTIL, "Uncertain Glory," Warners;
BARBARA STANWYCK, "Instruct My Sor-
rows,' Warners.
STORY PURCHASES
"Practically Yours," by NORMAN KRASNA,
Pine-Thomas.
REOPTIONED
JEAN BROOKS, RKO.
BRUCE EDWARDS, RKO.
DAUN KENNEDY, RKO.
TITLE SWITCHES
"Women in Bondage," formerly "Hitler's Wo-
men," Monogram.
"Mystery Man," formerly "Thundering Hoofs,"
Sherman.
NEW TERMERS
BING CROSBY, Paramount, Terms; Seven years,
two pix annually, right to make one out-
side feature annually.
SCHEDULED
"Patrick the Great," Universal, for DONALD
O'CONNOR.
"A Nazi in the U. S. A. (temp, title), Colum-
bia.
"Belle of the Yukon," by GYPSY ROSE LEE,
International (William Goetz).
Canadian Indies to Ask
Reduction in Specials
(Continued from Page 1)
dependents will appeal to Domonion
authorities to reduce the number of
specials and top group pictures.
Council will ask that means be
adopted to keep the freezing of film
prices as of the basic period from
thawing out, and a "re-freezing of
the thawed-out prices."
The 1943-44 groupings reveal that
most companies are offering fewer
pictures this season. Totals, as ap-
proved by the Trade Board, are as
follows: RKO, 46; Vitagraph, 38 in-
cluding four re-issues; Republic, 64;
Monogram, 42; Universal, 65; Co-
lumbia, 53; 20th-Fox, 40; Paramount,
28 plus Group 4 not yet announced,
and M-G-M, 30 plus a fourth group.
Paramount announced two spe-
cials; RKO, five; Warner Bros., four;
Monogram, six; Republic, four; Uni-
versal, three; Columbia, two, and
20th-Fox, two.
Board's decision in approving the
listings is said to be final and not
subject to revision.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Adventure Films Loses
"Invasion" Title Motion
New York Supreme Court Justice
Kenneth O'Brien yesterday denied
Adventure Films, Inc., its motion to
enjoin 20th Century-Fox Film Corp.
and Time, Inc., from using the title
"Invasion." Adventure had charged
that the defendants unlawfully ap-
propriated the title, which it used in
connection with a film released in
1941. The defendants were alleged
to have used the title in a March of
Time release.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Princess to McGaughey
Mount Dora, Fla. — Otto McGaug-
hey has taken over the Princess.
Stimson Told of Trade's
Gifts of Films to Troops
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Biennial report from
Gen. George C. Marshall to Secre-
tary of War Stimson, summarizing
important events affecting the U. S.
Army between July 1, 1941, and June
30, last, will be issued here this
morning and will give filmland a
prominent niche in the history of the
present war, via the indudstry's gifts
of 16 mm. film programs to the
armed forces, for free showing to
men in uniform overseas.
Gen. Marshall states: "In the past
year the number of theaters of the
Army Motion Picture Service oper-
ating under the Special Service Divi-
sion, has been doubled over the pre-
vious year. The average daily at-
tendance in 1943 was 573,756 as
compared with 260,000 in 1942. Each
week at least three Hollywood fea-
ture pictures, the gift of the Amer-
ican Motion Picture Industry, are
distributed among overseas stations,
these pictures being released simul-
taneously with the release of similar
programs in the United States." He
added that screen, radio and concert
stage stars have circulated through
950 Army stations in the past six
months.
A statement received by Francis
S. Harmon, WAC executive vice-
chairman, shows that during the
week of Aug. 30, 123 features and
213 shorts were turned over to the
Army, bringing the total number up
to 6,140 features and 7,986 shorts
delivered in the U. S. and England.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Comerford Buys Out Spiegel
Scranton — J. J. O'Leary, general
manager of the Comerford Circuit,
has announced the company's ac-
quisition of the interest of Harry
Spiegel in the Family Theater. Spie-
gel has been named Supervisor of
all local Comerford houses.
SHORTS REVIEWS
"Somewhere in Egypt"
(Terrytoon)
20th-Fox 7 mins
Quite Funny
The further adventures of Ser-
geant Cat anl Private Gandy Goose.
This time the two find themselves in
the desert in Egypt. Gandy's play-
ing of a plaintive oriental tune sends
the sarge into a dream in which he
meets some feline stunners. The
cartoon, which is in Technicolor, is
good for innumerable laughs.
"Birds on the Wing"
(Panoramic)
Columbia 9'/2 mins.
Fine
The age-old mystery, the migra-
tory instinct of birds, has been made
the subject of an excellent short
produced with the cooperation of the
New York Museum of Natural His-
tory. The film is filled with superb
shots of birds in mass flight. Here
is an out-of-the-ordinary short that
is instructive and interesting at the
same time.
"One Ham's Family"
M-G-M 8 mins.
Quite Funny
Plenty of laughs here. The action
takes place on Christmas Eve and
the principal characters are a kid pig
and the big bad wolf. The wolf
tries every trick, including disguis-
ing himself as Santa Clause, to lure
the piggy into his clutches, but the
porker gets the better of the villain
at every turn. At the windup of this
Technicolor cartoon the wolf is a
FWC Raises First-Run
Admissions to 75 Cents
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Fox West Coast has
raised its admission prices in its Los
Angeles first-run theaters from 65
cents to 75 cents and it is expected
its subsequent-run houses will soon
institute a general five cent price
raise. Admission raise was decided
upon as a move to offset increased
operating costs and in some measure
to make up for property destruction
by vandals.
Warners' first-run houses have not
as yet taken any action regarding
a price tilt, but it is thought they
may follow FWC lead.
Rites for Carl J. Walker
Hollywood — Funeral services will
be held at the Church of the Good
Shepherd tomorrow for Carl J. Wal-
ker, 55, who died of a heart attack.
He was northern district manager
for Warner Bros.' Pacific Coast the-
aters.
Form World-Wide Pictures
Chicago — Johnny Jones, G. B. West
and E. E. Bensch have organized
World-Wide Pictures to distribute
films throughout this territory. Com-
pany headquarters are in McVickers
Theater building.
Before Pearl Harbor
1928
SINGLE DENSITY
1932
SINGLE DENSITY
SQUEEZE
1934
PUSH-PULL
DENSITY
100 MIL
1937
PUSH-PULL
DENSITY
200 MIL
1938
PUSH-PULL
AREA
200 MIL
1940
SINGLE DENSITY
WITH 5 MIL
CONTROL TRACK
1941
COMPREX DENSITY
WITH 100 MIL
CONTROL TRACK
1941
COMPREX BILATERAL
AREA WITH 100 MIL
CONTROL TRACK
1941
STEREOPHONIC
AREA
3 SOUND TRACKS
1 CONTROL TRACK
1941
STEREOPHONIC
DENSITY
3 SOUND TRACKS
1 CONTROL TRACK
POST-WAR
194X
Above you see ten different sound tracks made with Western
Electric Equipment from 1928 up to the beginning of the war.
. . . during the war
Wonderful new weapons — based on the engineering principles
learned in recording sound for motion pictures — are being developed
and perfected today. They will help to end this war sooner. Where
and how they are serving will make an interesting story when it
can be told. In the course of this wartime development program,
the scientists at Bell Telephone Laboratories and Western Electric
are constantly adding to their already unique knowledge of sound -
recording and transmission.
. . . and after
When V-day comes, the post-war sound track — no matter what
it may look like — will reflect the new ideas and developments now
coming out of our work on war projects. The Voice of the Screen
will be still finer!
Back the Attack! During the Third War
^ Loan Drive — and till the day of Victory ^
— buy all the War Bonds you can!
Electrical Research Products Division
OF
Western Electric Company
INCORPORATED r *
195 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, N. Y.
12
Wednesday, September 8, 194:!
Bond Premiere Quota Passed; 1400 Already Sei
30% of Territories Still
To Report on Openings;
FDR on Air Show Tonight
(.Continued from Page 1)
ture of the trade's participation in
the Third War Loan can be gained
by study of figures on the Bond pre-
mieres. William F. Rodgers, Pre-
miere Chairman, recently set a quota
of 1,200 premieres, which was felt
to be maximum. But with 30 per
cent of the territories still to be
heard from, more than 1,400 pre-
mieres have been set. Virtually all
Greater New York theaters, it is
reported by New York State Bond
Chairman Leo Brecher, will hold free
shows, — i.e., free to Bond purchas-
ers— , tentatively on Sept. 27.
So great is exhibitor backing of
the drive that a sharp boost is con-
templated in the original print or-
der for trailers, which was 12,000.
FDR on Air Tonight
With President Roosevelt official-
ly opening the Third War Loan cam-
paign between 9:45 and 10 p.m. to-
night, climaxing the full Hollywood
and Washington radio show from 9
to 10 p.m., exhibitors were urged
yesterday by General Chairman L.
C. Griffith to arrange at least to
bring the final 15 minutes into their
theaters via loud speaker, and that
at least 10,000 industry employes
purchase Bonds toward the $15,000,-
000,000 goal.
Shots which will be heard around
the world, — signalizing doom to the
Axis, and approaching triumph to
all the freedom-loving peoples of the
earth — , will sound at noon today in
Times Square from Army guns as
the Metropolitan N. Y. Exchange
Area opens the Third War Loan
Drive, under the aegis of the WAC.
That the inaugural salute will be fired in
the presence of vast crowds, and under cir-
cumstances of unprecedented military and
dramatic pageantry, is assured, for into
Times Square during- the preceding hour
will have poured six motorized U. S. Army
Convoys, consisting of such mobile equip-
ment as tanks, tank destroyers, trucks, and
jeeps, bearing, as components, Navy heroes
who will accompany the convoys in their
"invasion" of the five boroughs and West-
chester County, where, through the instru-
mentality of 39 scheduled meetings under
WAC auspices, it is hoped to sell before
nightfall a record number of War Bonds to
New Yorkers and their suburban neighbors
Floats to Augment Convoy
Mobilization at 11 a.m. in front of the
Want a Ride in Jeep?
Then Buy War Stamps
Dallas — Unique Third War Loan
stunt here, originating with the
WAC special events committee
headed by James O. Cherry, Inter-
state city manager, calls for rides in
amphibian jeeps on White Rock Lake
in return for purchase of $5 in War
Savings Stamps. "Ticket" for a
similar ride on a land jeep will be a
$1 purchase of stamps. Stunt is
designed for Saturdays and Sun-
days while the drive is on.
Hollywood Volunteer Group of 532 Ready
To Launch Third War Loan Sales Tomorrow
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A total of 532 volunteer Bond salesmen, the largest group yet
assembled within the local film industry, today are ready for the opening of
the Third War Loan drive tomorrow.
The 532 individual committeemen include the executive committee, a
special committee of industry leaders, and chairmen and their staffs in all
major and independent studios, allied industries, guilds, unions, other employe
groups, and offices of agents, business managers and independent publicists.
Astor will also find six special floats aug-
menting the convoys, and the U. S. Army
Band furnishing the musical program both
during and following the informal reception
accorded to the war heroes in the hostelry.
It is planned not only to introduce the war
heroes to the crowds, but also to have the
assembled citizens addressed by civic lead-
ors, Treasury officials, and motion picture
executives. Rallies will be held throughout
the afternoon in six Manhattan locales;
nine in Brooklyn; six in the Bronx; eight
in Queens; five in Staten Island; and five in
Westchester.
Tomorrow's metropolitan newspapers, it
was asserted yesterday by J. E. Davidson,
retail chairman of the New York State WFC,
will contain the greatest concerted adver-
tising program the retailers Wave ever staged
in support of any campaign. More than
100 leading metropolitan stores are gearing
their ads to persuade the public to "Back
the Attack. . . Buy War Bonds," and this
campaign will be repeated each Thursday in
September to the tune of an estimated
400,000 lines.
Henreid Joins Caravan
Newspaper columnists, virtually all of
whom are widely syndicated, will, as their
contributions to the Third War Loan, "beat
the drums" for the campaign, and retail
merchants are donating their most valuable
windows to Bond sales messages and dis-
plays.
Harry Mandel, chairman of WAC's public
relations division, announced yesterday that
Paul Henreid has joined the Hollywood Bond
Cavalcade of Stars now headed East for
the $100,000,000 War Bond Show to be
held in Madison Square Garden on the night
of Sept. 11.
M-G-M's home office officials disclosed
yesterday that the first War Bond World
Premiere in connection with filmland's par-
ticipation in the new drive will be held at
the Astor Theater next Monday night when
the company's "Thousands Cheer" will be
presented. Sale of Bonds at the Astor's
box-office starts today. Reserved seats will
be presented to purchasers of Bonds of $25,
$50, $100, $500 and $1,000 denominations.
Century's Big Campaign
Century Circuit, Inc., plans an intensive
campaign to back the Third War Loan. Man-
ager Nicholas of the Kingsway has secured
Sam Taub, noted sports announcer, to speak
at today's Army Convoy rally in Joyce Kilmer
Square, and plans a giant rally Sept. 10
which will include Jack Dempsey. Bob Olin,
members of AWVS, Coast Guard, Jewish
War Veterans, and Air Raid Wardens. To-
day, Fred Schwartz, circuit's vice-president,
is tendering a breakfast to his managers as
spearhead event of their drive. Latter in-
cludes a giant Bond Show at the Albermarle
on Sept. 27, and, on Sept. 17, the Bliss
Theater's big Bond show with John Powers
models as the Bond vendors.
sador to Mexico; Brig.-Gen. Frank
A. Armstrong, native Tar Heel and
now member of the U. S. Eighth Air
Force stationed in England, all ap-
peared on the program.
Theater members of the commit-
tee charged with program planning
and prmotion were W. G. Enloe, dis-
trict manager of North Carolina
Theaters, Inc., chairman; C. E. Stone,
Ambassador manager; Si Palmer,
State manager; E. S. Wray, Capitol
manager; Mrs. Cleone Baker, Var-
sity manager; Christine Barker, Pal-
ace; and Willard Croom, city man-
ager of the Wake and Colony.
Many Conn. Theaters Set
For War Bond Premieres
New Haven — War Bond premieres
in Connecticut have been scheduled
between Sept. 15 and the end of the
month, as follows: Palace, Danbury;
Commodore Hull, Derby; Palace,
Norwich; Warner, Torrington; Capi-
tol, Willimantic; Roger Sherman,
New Haven, "Thank Your Lucky
Stars"; Merritt and Warner, Bridge-
port, "Let's Face It"; Capitol, An-
sonia; State, Manchester, "So Proud-
ly We Hail"; Cameo, Bristol; Em-
bassy, New Britain, "Watch On the
Rhine"; Loew-Poli, Waterbury,
"Claudia"; Empress, South Norwalk,
"Wintertime"; Capitol, New London,
"Salute to the Marines"; Colonial,
Southington, "Dixie"; Pickwick,
Greenwich, "Blithe Spirit," legiti-
mate show; Stratford Theater, Ri-
voli, West Haven, "Best Foot For-
ward"; Whitney, Hamden; Commu-
nity, Fairfield; Middlesex, Middle-
town; Capitol, Meriden; Wilkinson,
Wallingford; Branford, State and
Bushnell Memorial, Hartford, dates
and pictures to be announced.
Raleigh Theater Rally
Sells $2,190,925 Bonds
Raleigh, N. C— A total of $2,190,-
925 in War Bonds — the largest sum
ever raised for a Bond rally in the
South, according to Bond officials — ■
was sold for the theater-sponsored
Dr. I.Q. rally here Thursday in Me-
morial Auditorium, which launched
Wake County's Third War Loan
drive.
North Carolina's Governor J. M.
Broughton; Josephus Daniels, ex-
secretary of the Navy and ex-ambas-
Wilby-Kincey Managers
Prepared for Loan Drive
Charlotte, N. C. — Ways and means
by which the 37 Wilby-Kincey the-
aters in North and South Carolina
may co-operate most effectively in
the War Loan drive were set in an
all-day meeting here of managers
and officials of the circuit, with H. F.
Kincey, chairman of the WAC in the
Carolinas, presiding.
Among speakers were R. B. Wilby
of Atlanta; M. S. Hill, city manager
for Greensboro; Norris Hadaway,
chairman of publicity for the the-
ater group in North Carolina; War-
ren Irvin of Columbia, S. C, and Lt.
Robert O. Gilbert, of Morris Field
air base.
Ala. Theater Execs.
"Back the Attack"
Montgomery, Ala.— Fifty-odd the-
ater executives attended a state-widY
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"BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN.
in Today's Issue: The Equipment News Section
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
S© NOT R
(See Pages 13-16)
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
JOL. 84.
NO. 50
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1943
TEN CENTS
DIVORCEMENT ISSUEJHJT FOR DURATION?
Loew's in $17,000,000 3rd War Loan Bond 'Boy'
1,000 Employes Pledge to
Purchase Extra Bond Dur-
ing September at Rally
Loew's, Inc., and subsidiaries will
purchase $17,000,000 in War Bonds
during the current Third War Loan,
it was announced jointly by Prexy
Nicholas M. Schenck and David Bern-
stein, treasurer, at a home office Bond
rally yesterday.
It was stated that the aggregate
of $17,000,000 will be allocated to
New York, to California and to the
{Continued on Page 10)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Express Order Hits
N. S. Film Delivery
Halifax, N. S. — Exhibitors and
distributors throughout Nova Scotia
have another major headache in the
ordered closing of the Halifax rail-
way express office at 10:30 p.m. daily.
Previously the office was open the
full 24 hours each day.
Contracts between theaters and
{Continued on Page 8)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Australia's GUT Expands,
Via 8 Suburban Houses
Greater Union Theaters emerges
as the new owner of the Australian
Broadway circuit of eight suburban
theaters, recently sold by W. A.
"Gus" Mclntyre. David N. Martin
{Continued on Page 8)
Nylons for Bonds —
It's "Sheer" Genius!
Seattle — Number of femme War
Bond purchasers during the Third
War Loan campaign here promises
to hit a new high, and there's a
reason.
It's nylon stockings!
Kings County Chairman Herbert
Sobottka has obtained exactly 1,000
pairs of the precious nylons and
they'll be "auctioned" to the highest
bond purchasers in Victory Square.
IV. Y. Motion Picture Film Editors Guild
Drops Indie Status to Become IATSE Local
The film editors in this area yesterday found themselves members of the
IATSE family as result of a charter granted to them by the International.
Their designation in the IA setup will be Motion Picture Film Editors, Local
771. They have been organized independently up to now as the Motion Picture
Film Editors Guild. The charter was presented at the Hotel Capitol Wednesday
night at induction ceremonies which brought out three top-ranking officials of
the IA — Richard F. Walsh, president William P. Raoul, assistant president,
and Louis Krouse, secretary-treasurer.
Stars Roll Up Huge
Bond Sale in Philly
Philadelphia— The activities of film
personalities accounted for a stag-
gering "take" for the opening of the
Third War Loan Bond drive here yes-
terday. The big event was the ap-
pearance of the Hollywood Caval-
cade of Stars at Convention Hall —
an attraction that jammed the place
to the roof, bringing in Bond sales to
more than $100,000,000. Screen not-
{Continued on Page 5)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Artkino to Dub Soviet
Films for U. S. Market
Artkino, distributor of Soviet
films in this country, will resort to
dubbing in a drive to widen the
American market for Russian screen
product, it is disclosed by Nicola
Napoli, president of the company.
The step is prompted by the belief
{Continued on Page 10)
Shortage of Ushers,
Problem in Ottawa
Ottawa — The problem of securing
sufficient help to operate Ottawa the-
aters was the main topic of discus-
sion at the luncheon meeting of the
Motion Picture Theaters Association
held at the Chateau Laurier yester-
day.
With theater staffs classed by Se-
lective Service as employes of a non-
essential industry, it has become in-
{Continucd on Page 8)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Griffith Suit Pre-Trial
Conference Is Deferred
The pre-trial conference in the
Griffith anti-trust case, scheduled for
Sept. 13, has been postponed indefi-
nitely by the Government which
seeks to examine the Griffith books
before holding a parley. Conference,
{Continued on Page 5)
Pix Men To invade Broadway
Coast Producers Set New York Legit. Plans
UA Appoints Shartin
New Haven Manager
New Haven — William Shartin,
former United Artists salesman,
Chicago, is new manager for UA.
here, succeeding Lou Wechsler, re-
signed. Wechsler was with the com-
pany for 12 years. Lou Ginsberg,
former salesman here for several
{Continued on Page 5)
By RALPH WILK
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Members of the film
colony plan to make debuts as Broad-
way producers during the new the-
atrical season. One of the most am-
bitious productions to be sent East
will be "The Waltz King," which
will be presented by Boris Morros.
It starts a two weeks engagement in
Los Angeles Sunday and then is
{Continued on Page 8)
Industry Sources Believe
Extension of Decree Now
Certain After Nov. 20
Theater divorcement is not likely
to be attempted as long as the war
continues and the possibility of a re-
newal of the New York equity suit or
the filing of a new action is regarded
as being highly remote, in the opin-
ion of reliable industry sources.
Because of the situation, it ap-
pears practically certain that the
consent decree will be renewed with
changes in its provisions, even
though the Government has the right
{Continued on Page 10)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
See Clearance Cut
To Raise Admission
Detroit — Asking a reduction in
clearance so that it can raise its ad-
mission price from 30 to 35 cents, the
Clawson Theater in the Detroit sub-
{Continued on Page 2)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Iowa's Amusement Biz
Shows 9% Yearly Gain
Des Moines, la.— Amusement busi-
ness in Iowa increased nine per cent
during the 12-month period ending
{Continued on Page 8)
Dimout Modification
Urged in Conn. Cities
Hartford — John McCarthy, State
Motor Vehicle Commissioner, has
suggested in a letter to War Ad-
ministrator Harold Woodcock that a
re-appraisal be made of the present
regulations for dimout in Hartford,
Waterbury, New Britain, Bristol and
Meriden, all inland cities. If feas-
ible, he suggests, the relief of strict
dimout would assist in street and
highway safety for all types of traf-
fic, and in reducing the crime due
to improper street lighting. Exhibi-
tors have also reported that dimmed
streets and reports of attacks on men
and women had hurt business, es-
pecially in neighborhoods.
THE WAR BONDS YOU BUY TODAY WILL SEND THE AEF TO BERLIN AND TOKYO TOMORROW
&%
DAILY
Friday, September 10. 194:!
Vol. 84, No. 50 Fri., Sept., 10, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE :
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(Thursday, September 9 )
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 16 16 16 + Vs
Col. Picts. vtc. <2'/2%) 16'/2 1614 16ft + 3A
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 153/s 153/8 15% — %
East. Kodak 15734 157i/4 157y2 + V2
do pfd.
Cen. iPrec. Eq 20}4 203/8 20%+ !4
Loew's, Inc 593/8 58y2 593/8 + 1%
Paramount 26 25 25% -j- 3/4
RKO 8% 8 8i/2 + i/2
RKO $6 pfd 90'/2 89 90i/2 -f- li/2
20th Century-Fox ... 22% 223/8 22% + l/2
20th-Fox pfd. (1%). 313/8 31 31
20th-FoX pfd. (4%). 1001/4 iooy4 iooy4 — %
Warner Bros 133/8 13 133/8 + 3/8
do pfd. '.
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts 2% 2% 2%
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1% 1% 1% + >/8
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3% — Va
Technicolor 13% 13% 13% + %
Trans-Lux 3 3 3 -f- y4
Universal Picts. vtc. 17 17 17 -f- %
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
IFRC Hears Louis Lober
Louis Lober, assistant chief of the
OWI Overseas Motion Picture
Branch, yesterday addressed mem-
bers of the International Film Rela-
tions Committee at a meeting in the
office of Chairman David Blum of
Loew's, Inc.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Set "Flesh" Release
Universal executives have desig-
nated Oct. 29 as the national
release date for "Flesh and Fantasy"
co-produced by Charles Boyer and
Julien Duvivier and directed by Du-
vivier. "Flesh and Fantasy" will
have a $250,000 promotional budget.
See Clearance Cut
To Raise Admission
(Continued from Page 1)
urb of Clawson, has filed a demand
for arbitration here.
Irving Belinsky and Joseph Mellon,
owners of the Clawson, seek a cut
(.Continued on Page 5)
from 14 days to seven days after the
Royal Oak and Washington Theaters
in Royal Oak, which now play inter-
mediate run without clearance after
the RKO Uptown, second-run Detroit
house.
Complainants assert that the prin-
cipal reason for asking the clearance
reduction is their desire to raise their
price scale.
Grand Rapids Arbitration
Complaint is Withdrawn
Detroit — Clearance case filed by
the Family Theater, Grand Rapids,
has been withdrawn and settled after
a short hearing. Complainants had
asked that the 74-day clearance now
granted to Butterfield's first-run the-
aters be cut to 28 days. Details of
the agreement were not revealed.
Meanwhile, hearing on the com-
plaint filed by the Beverly Theater,
Detroit, scheduled for yesterday, was
postponed to Oct. 11.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Menzies Associated With
Sam Wood in Production
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — William Cameron
Menzies will be associated with Sam
Wood in production of several pic-
tures to be produced independently
for release by Columbia. He will
direct "Address Unknown," from the
famous short story by Kressmann
Taylor, and will function as a pro-
duction associate on other pictures
which Wood will produce.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
RKO Promotes Sid Rogell
To Executive Producer Post
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood— Sid Rogell, RKO Ra-
dio studio manager, has been pro-
moted to producer executive and will
produce or supervise about 50 per
cent of the RKO product, including
both "A's and B's." Rogell will be
succeeded as studio manager by Leon
Goldberg, present treasurer of RKO,
who will assume his new duties Oct.
15.
Leon Goldberg, RKO treasurer,
goes to the Coast next month to take
the studio manager post. His suc-
cessor as treasurer will be elected at
a forthcoming meeting of the board
of directors.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Leif Jorgensborg Inducted
Leif Jorgensborg, executive assis-
tant at the Radio City Music Hall
and a member of its staff since its or-
ganization, has been inducted into
the Army Air Forces. He leaves for
training at Camp Upton following
which he will be assigned to the
Moss Hart AAF show.
Bond-tor-Every-Sent
Mass Drive in Wash.
Seattle — Mass drive to sell "a
bond for every seat" in Washing-
ton's 245 film theaters, whose ag-
gregate seating capacity is 145,-
000, is tentatively set for Sept. 22.
State's War Bond sales quota for the
Third War Loan stands at $191,000,-
000.
Irene Lee, Dick Krakeur
Join Lyons Agency Staff
In line with its expansion plans,
the A. & S. Lyons, Inc., talent agency
has added Irene Lee and Richard
Krakeur to its New York staff.
Miss Lee, long story editor for
film producers, among them Samuel
Goldwyn and Warners, will work
under Earl G. Thomas, newly-ap-
pointed executive vice - president.
Krakeur will function in the musi-
cal comedy field for the agency. He
comes from the legit theater field,
where at the moment he is associated
in the production of the forthcoming
musical, "Blind Date."
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
RKO Home Office Opens
Own Medical Department
RKO has established a medical de-
partment at the home office for the
use of its employes to serve as a
first aid station in case of emerg-
ency.
Located in Suite 703 of the RKO
Building, the new department, vir-
tually a miniature hospital fully
equipped and staffed, will be open
for service during all business hours.
Mary Farrell, R.N., is in charge.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
New York SPG to Meet
Company Reps. Today
New York SPG's bargaining com-
mittee is scheduled to meet today
with representatives of all companies
except Warners and Republic to dis-
cuss a reopening of the salary clauses
of the current contracts. SPG held
a membership meeting last night.
' — Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Gordon Hollingshead Improving
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Gordon Hollingshead,
Warners' short subjects producer,
who suffered a severe heart attack
over the Labor Day week-end is still
under an oxygen tent at the Seaside
Hospital, Long Beach, with his con-
dition reported slightly improved.
Dr. W. C. Smallwood is attending.
— Back 3rd loan Drive! —
Record for "Rising Sun"
Indianapolis, Ind. — RKO's "Be-
hind the Rising Sun," which opened
at the Indianapolis Theater on Wed-
nesday, set a new first-day house rec-
ord according to the management
yesterday. Opening day gross ex-
ceeded by more than 20 per cent the
intake grossed by "Hitler's Child-
ren," previous record holder.
COMIDG and GOIflG
MORT BLUMENSTOCK returns to the War
ner home office today after a few days in Chi
cago arranging details on premiere there o
"This is the Army."
CRAD SEARS is Hollywood-bound.
J. ROBERT RUBIN, LOUIS B. MAYER, /
LICHTMAN and MARVIN SCHENCK have re
turned to New York from Chicago wheci
Mayer's horse, Thumbs-Up. won $26,000 m
prizes at the Washington Park races.
SERCT. DON HIATT, from Camp Barclay!
Texas, and SERCT. HARRY BLATT from Fort
Sheridan, III., are in Seattle on furlough. Both
men formerly were with M-C-M.
Rivoli's MONTY SALMON leaves today for the
Coast on a mixed vacation and business trip
he returns in about two weeks.
DAVID KAUFMAN, Loew-Poli artist, New
Haven, is on vacation.
VINCENT PALMER1, manager of the Merritt,
Bridgeport, Conn., is vacationing at Candle-
wood Lake.
LOUISE ALLBRITTON arrives from the Coast1!
on Monday for her first visit to New York.
ROBERT PAICE gets here from Hollywood on
Monday.
ALLAN JONES arrives from Hollywood on
Monday for personal appearances at the Capitol
Theater. His wife IRENE HERVEY, will be
with him.
J. ROBERT RUBIN is scheduled to arrive
today from the Coast.
JOSEPH SEIDELMAN arrives in New York Mon-
day from the Coast.
HARRY HUNTER, Paramount's managing di-
rector in Australia, is due here shortly for home
office conferences.
CRAD SEARS is en route to the Coast.
BOB SAVINI has returned from Hollywood.
ERNEST EMERLING, Loew acting ad manager,
will confer with Oscar A. Doob over the week-
end, in Washington.
JOSEPH R. VOCEL of Loew's returns from
Cleveland today. While there, Vogel completed
arrangements for the opening of Loew's new
Ohio Theater on Sept. 23.
SCT. RECINALD DAWES, RAF, son of Sutton
Dawes, sales manager of 20th Century-Fox's
London office, is in New York on a furlough
from the North African theater of war, and
will remain in the city for another week
or two.
JOHN BALABAN has returned to Chicago from
Eagle River.
Sept. 10
Charles Koerner Robert W. Perkins
Al. St. John F.dmond O'Brien
Matty Kemp Carlo Vannicola
Lily Damita
Sept. 11
Ruth Weisberg Herbert Stothart
Sept. 12
Lindsley Parsons Sylvan Simon
S. Manhelmer
Alice Lake
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BACK THE ATTACK * BUY WAR BONDS* THIRD WAR LOAN *
Friday, September 10, 1943
TOI
FilU
DAILY
Stars Roll Up Huge
Bond Sale in Philly
(Continued from Page 1)
ables created a terrific * sensation
everywhere they went.
A luncheon at the Navy Yard with
Judy Garland as the attraction cre-
mated a riot, accounting for some $2,-
J)00,000 Bond sales. A Betty Hutton
luncheon on a Sun ship raised an-
other $2,000,000. A luncheon at the
Fidelity Mutual at which Greer Gar-
son was the attraction added $8,000,-
000 to the pot. Ten millions were
realized from other sources.
Four hundred persons lined the pa-
rade route to see the stars as they
rolled through the town with an es-
cort that included Army motorized
equipment, WAVES, WACS, SPARS,
sailors, soldiers and Marines. Judge
Vincent Carroll was marshal of the
parade.
An auction at Broad and Chestnut
in which Jimmy Cagney participated
raised $70,000,000. The cavalcade
was received at City Hall by Mayor
Samuel.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Griffith Suit Pre-Trial
Conference is Deferred
(Continued from Page 1)
which was to have been held in
Oklahoma City, was called for the
purpose of agreeing on certain facts
so that the trial could be speeded up.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
UA Appoints Shartin
New Haven Manager
(Continued from Page 1)
years, and recently honorably dis-
charged from the Army, is back at
the salesman's post.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Arthur Silverstone at Fox
Arthur Silverstone has joined
20th Century-Fox' International De-
partment as special home office rep.
He will work temporarily under
Irving Maas.
$110,000,000 "Gate"
For Garden's Show
Although originally scaled to rea-
lize $86,000,000 in War Bond sales,
the Hollywood Bond Cavalcade at
Madison Square Garden tomorrow
night will top $110,000,000, ac-
cording to Leo Brecher, Chairman
of the WAC Metropolitan Commit-
tee which is sponsoring the show in
conjunction with the Treasury.
The additional millions in War
Bonds have resulted from re-sales
of the boxes, which were originally
sold at cne and two million dollars
each. Most of the big business or-
ganizations purchasing these boxes,
each of which seats 18, have re-sold
the individual chairs to top execu-
tives, thus swelling the mammoth
gross.
Personal . . . and Personalities
• • • PERSONAL to Leo the Lion: That corking color shot of
Times Square which graced the "Best Foot Forward" trade ad in the
Sept. 2 issue of this HI' ol' paper now is the nostalgic decorative piece
de resistance in a barracks of Squadron L-6, Class 44-D. Section 307,
AAF-PFS (Pilot) at Maxwell Field. Ala. ... • Maj. Barney Oldiield.
who before he was called to war duty with the Nebraska National Guard
was FILM DAILY's Lincoln staff correspondent, is represented in Movie-
Radio Guide by an article. "My Wife's a WAC" Written at the
request of the War Department Bureau of Public Relations, the article
gives an officer's reasons why there is more an Army wife can do
than on a duration sit down in an Officer's Club Mrs. Oldiield.
who was the major's FD stand-in for a period, is with the WAC in
Louisiana The major incidentally is now a paratrooper, at present
engaged in supervising parachute and air-borne infantry demonstrations
in the Midwest
V T T
• • • MARTIN JUROW, Warners' Eastern talent scout, will
discuss, "So You Want to be an Actor" on Ethel Colby's WMCA
program at 3:15 p.m. Sept. 22. . . . • Harry Link, professional mana-
ger of Leo Feist, Inc., Loew 7tiusic subsidiary, has signed a new con-
tract Announcement comes from Prexy David Bernstein.
0 Design contest featuring Republic's Vera Hruba Ralston, starred in
the forthcoming "Cray Blades," breaks in the October issue of Child
Life mag. which hits the stands Sept. 25 Contest is aimed to
garner concerted publicity over a five-month period. ... • Produc-
tion of "Birds on the Wing," short released by Columbia, was financed
by the New York Zoological Society, the Co-ordinator of Inter-Ameri-
can Affairs and the National Film Board of Canada, it develops
Which makes somewhat embarrassing the statement in FD's review that
the pic was made with the co-operation of the New York Museum of
Natural History Apologies all the way 'round and excuse,
please
T T V
• • • TWO of the five theaters in Kingsport. Term., now have
femme projectionists Mrs. Aline Brooks is an operator at the
Rialto, while Ruby Collins is in the booth at the Gem. ... • Gilbert
Lefton, son of Nat Lefton, PRC franchise holder in Cleveland, is now with
the Coast Guard on Staten Island Joe Minsky, former Warner city
salesman in Cleveland has landed in England as top sergeant in the
military police. ... • Wouldn't Hitler like to know the names of the
Axis-held countries for which the OWI already has sub-titled American
pix packaged and stenciled for shipping? ... • That new Australian
feature, "The Rats of Tobruk," which Charles Chauvel of "40,000 Horse-
men" fame is producing has as its backers, RKO Charles Munro and Hoyts
Theaters, according to a tip from Sydney Like "40,000 Horsemen,"
the pic, first Aussie feature to be made since the war, is aimed for the
world market _ _ _
• • • HAP HADLEY, Vincent Trotta and W. Horace Schmid-
lapp again are casting a judicial eye over the candidates for the Miss
America title at Atlantic City. ... # The trade press meets producer
William Cagney at a "Johnny Come Lately" breakfast at the Astor
at noon today. ... 0 Dick Condon, ivhose resignation as 20th-Fox's
director of national promotion to start his own publicity organization
with Max Youngstein was announced last week, has left the company
and will open offices shortly. ... * And to those other two fellows
who don't know, Robin Harris' middle name is Franklin he's
UA publicity manager
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
TO THE COLORS!
• DECORATED •
LT. HARRY McCULLOUGH, AAF, formerly Colum-
bia home office publicity dept., with the
Air Medal.
* PROMOTED *
SEC. LT. HARRY McCULLOUCH, AAF, for-
merly Columbia home office publicity dept.,
to first lieutenant in Southwest Pacific
theater.
PVT. CATHERINE ALLEN, WAC, formerly,
Westside. Scranton, to corporal at Daytona
Beach, Fla.
* AR*MY *
ROBERT MORGAN, manager, Hollywood, Potts-
ville, Pa.
H. ). BLADES, manager, McLean and Capitol,
McLeansboro, III.
* NAVY *
CERARD JOYCE, Strand, Scranton.
* USAA*
LEIF (ORCENSBORG, executive, assistant, Radio
City Music Hall.
* MERCHANTMARINE *
ROBERT REESE, Comerford, Wilkes-Barre.
Warners Rushing Three
Timed With World Events
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Warners are rushing
production of "Uncertain Glory"
starring Errol Flynn, in a story of
the invasion of France by the United
Nations, and "Passage to Marseille"
also with a background in France,
to again keep pace with anticipated
world news events. "Destination
Tokio" is also being ready to coin-
cide with further developments in
the Pacific area.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Crumit Rites Yesterday
Funeral services were held yester-
day in Springfield, Mass., for Frank
Crumit, radio star, who died here
suddenly Tuesday. Crumit spent
most of his professional career on
the stage and in radio, although he
made a short for Paramount in 1941.
His wife was Julia Sanderson.
Our Minds Willi But
A Single Thought!
Shortly after noon on Wednesday,
— immediately in the wake of the
clarioned news that Italy had sur-
rendered unconditionally — , THE
FILM DAILY's news desk fashioned
the phrase, "One Down, Two To
Go! Buy More- Bonds NOW!,'* to
appear in red letters atop Page One
of yesterday's issue, — which it did.
By a curious circumstance, that
phases was hit upon later by several
other journalistic sources. One
Down, Two To Go!" captioned a
photo in yesterday's Daily News;
also headed Hanson W. Baldwin's
column in the New York Times; and
additionally appeared as the head on
an editorial in last night's World-
Telegram! It should be a particularly
potent warning to Germany and
Japan that we not only act alike
toward their defeat, but spon-
taneously THINK ALIKE. That's
unity!
WITH THE FIGHTING FLYERS
mmiammmmm^mmam
New Authentic Thrills . . .
patrol with the battling eagles
of the ocean sky ... as they
drop hull-crushing bombs on
sneaking subs ... pound vicious
surface raiders ... crash Focke-
Wulf vultures to a fiery doom!
A show to make you cheer every
uniform with wings!
;
RODUCTION
Distributed by
IK
PLAYED BY
OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED
OFFICERS AND MEN AND
WOMEN OF THE COASTAL
COMMAND OF THE
ROYAL AIR FORCE
w*vS?
Friday, September 10. 1943
Coast Producers Planning Broadway Invasion
Bischoff, Cowan and
Schulberg Among Those
To Do Broadway Plays
(Continued from Page 1)
booked for San Francisco, Seattle,
Portland, Minneapolis, Omaha, Des
Moines and Chicago. It will make
its New York bow in January. Rich-
ard Bonelli and Irra Petina head the
cast of the operetta, which deals with
the life, loves and music of Johann
Strauss.
Harry Joe Brown and Ralph Mur-
phy will sponsor Ann Corio's New
York engagement in "Sleep It Off."
In addition to being the co-producer,
Murphy will also direct the piece.
Sam Bischoff, veteran film pro-
ducer, will take his initial fling at
stage producing when he presents
"Mother's Day," by Aleen Wetstein,
scenarist and former Pittsburgh col-
umnist. Melville Burke, the stage
director, has been borrowed from
RKO to handle the direction.
The new combination of B. P.
Schulberg and Marion Gering, has
announced Broadway plans for
"What Makes Sammy Run," a dra-
matization of the book by Schul-
berg's son, Budd, and "Marianne."
The firm may also do "Dupont Cir-
cle," set in a girls' boarding house
in Washington, D. C, by Novelist
Meyer Levin.
Howard Lang, no newcomer to
play financing or producing, has
bought the rights to "Crescendo,"
which was tried out here. It is by
Ramon Romero and Harriet Hins-
dale, who have done much screen
writing.
Lester Cowan plans to produce a
musical version of Molnar's "The
Play's the Thing" on Broadway in
which venture he will be associated
with Gilbert Miller. Rise Stevens
will star. A film version will follow,
Cowan having acquired pix rights
from RKO.
Al Margolies Planning
Two Broadway Offerings
Al Margolies is planning to join
the legit, production ranks. His first
effort will be the Michael Hogan mur-
der play tentatively known as "Mag-
gots in the Cheese," which he ex-
pects to put on the local boards to-
ward the close of the year. He hopes
to bring Hogan East from the Coast
to direct the script.
Margolies also has plans for a
musical version of Shakespeare's
"The Taming of the Shrew," with
the music by Irvin Graham. The
idea is to throw the show to the pub-
lic after the New Year.
WEDDING BELLS
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Marriage is announc-
ed of Fred Datig, casting director,
and Celia Villa, daughter of the late
Pancho Villa.
HCLLYWCCD DIGEST
SIGNED
FRED PARRISH, cameraman, Selznick.
LEICH HARLINES, musical director and com-
poser, RKO.
ASSIGNMENTS
IRVING PICHEL, director, "And Tommorrow,"
Paramount.
WALTER MOROSCO, producer, "Torpedo Squad-
ron 8," 20th-Fox.
HENRY HATHAWAY, director, "Torpedo Squad-
ron 8," 20th-Fox.
DUDLEY NICHOLS, screenplay, "Tomorrow Never
Comes," Pressburger.
VICTOR YOUNC, score, "Ministry of Fear,"
Paramount.
CASTINGS
JEROME COWAN, LINDA DARNELL, PATRI-
CIA MORISON, "Song of Bernadette" (re-
takes), 20th-Fox; HARRY DAVENPORT, "Jack
London," Bronston.
MINOR WATSON, "The Story of Dr. Wassell,"
Paramount; MYRNA LOY, WILLIAM POWELL,
"The Thin Man Goes Home," Metro; ANNE
BAXTER, "The Eve of St. Mark," 20th-Fox;
JANE LAWRENCE, "Cone Are the Days," Co-
lumbia; LEATRICE JOY GILBERT, "Kismet,"
Metro; JEAN FARRAR, "Tender Comrade," RKO;
JAMES ELLISON, WALTER CATLETT, "Lady,
Let's Dance," Monogram; GLORIA STUART,
REID KILPATRICK, "Dr. iPaul Joseph Goebbels,"
W. R. Frank; PATTI MCCARTHY, "Devil Riders,"
PRC.
•
SCHEDULED
"Mr. Jordan Returns," sequel to "Here Comes
Mr. Jordan," Columbia.
"Honest-Plus Crannan," by William Lipman and
Grant Garrett, for WALLACE BEERY, Metro.
"Whistling in Hollywood," for RED SKELTON,
Metro.
•
LOANED
JAMES ELLISON, by 20th-Fox to Monogram.
TITLE SWITCHES
"Under Western Skies," formerly "Nevada,"
Columbia.
"Four Jills and a Jeep," formerly "Camp Show,"
20th-Fox.
Shortage of Ushers
A Problem in Ottawa
(Continued from Page 1)
creasingly difficult, to employ ushers
over 16. On the other hand, the On-
tario Adolescent act required those
under 16 to attend school.
A proposal to send a deputation
to put the case of the theaters before
Selective Service was turned down,
and it was decided instead to get
along as well as possible with teen
age boys until such time as they are
required to return to school.
In the absence of Bill 0. Regan,
H. G. Marshall of the Regent the-
ater acted as chairman.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Australia's GUT Expands,
Via 8 Suburban Houses
(Continued from Page 1)
had been reported as the purchaser
in an earlier dispatch from Sydney.
According to Capt. Harold Auten,
New York rep. for Norman Rydge,
GUT managing director, the houses
involved are: Broadway, Sydney;
Hub, Newtown; Stanmore, Stan-
more; Acme, Rockdale; St. George,
Bexley; Addison, Marrickville; Rex,
Rockdale; Hub No. 2, Erskineville.
Acquisition of these theaters will
materially strengthen the position of
Greater Union Theaters in Sydney, as
heretofore it had only first-runs in
that city, including the Sydney State,
Capitol, Lyceum, Victory, Embassy,
Civic, etc.
Rydge, as opportunity offers, plans
to build a suburban chain, with the
Broadway Circuit providing the
foundation.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Lt. Hellman Missing
Chicago — Lt. Harold Hellman,
nephew of Marris Hellman, of the
United Artists exchange, is reported
missing in action. Lt. Hellman, was
formerly connected with Republic's
branch here.
Iowa's Amusement Biz
Shows 9% Yearly Gain
(Continued from Page 1)
June 30 last, the annual report of
the Iowa state tax commission dis-
closed yesterday.
The annual report showed that all
types of amusement business paid
a total of $312,228.10 on the two per
cent state sales tax which is levied
on all retail sales in the state. The
total represented a total business
of more than $15,000,000 grossed by
the amusement spots including thea-
ters, ballrooms, carnivals, rinks,
parks and other forms of amusement
centers. It is estimated one-third
of the returns are made by motion
picture operators.
The year's tax was $24,404.20
more than was paid for the previous
12 months, when collections totaled
$287,823.90.
The increase came despite a drop in
the number of operators turning in
reports, which reflected the number
of amusement spots closed during
the year. The annual report showed
only 4,657 returns as compared with
5,149 during the previous 12 months.
Operators are required to file four
returns during the year.
Largest increase was made during
the April-May-June quarterly peri-
od with a 10 per cent jump over the
same three months in 1942. A 7%
per cent jump was made during Jan.-
Feb.-March, 8 per cent Oct.-Nov.-
Dec. and 7% per cent July-Aug.-
Sept. over the previous year.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Fred'k Schwanhausser Dead
Maplewood, N. J. — Frederick
Schwanhausser, 91, industry veteran
died at his home here. He was well
known in the early days of motion
pictures as a manufacturer of lan-
tern slides and stereopticons, and
was one of the Government witnesses
in the anti-trust action against the
Motion Picture Patents Co.
ort
Express Order Hits
N. S. Film Delivery
(Continued from Page 1)
exchanges make it compulsory f
the theaters to have all prints af
finishing out their booking at o:
theater, placed on the next outgoing;
train for the next stop. As the first
train out of Halifax is at 7:30 a.m.,
the theaters of Halifax and Dart-
mouth must have the film cans on
that train. Otherwise, afternoon and
even night shows at the next theater
on a can's itinerary are missed, with
resultant loss to the net exhibitor
on the line. This has developed,
causing the closing for a full day
of theaters.
Getting members of the current
theater staffs, all of which are sub-
par, up that early in the morning
is not the biggest problem. It con-
sists of transporting the cans from
the theaters to the train. Under
present conditions, it is practically
impossible to have a taxi respond
to a call on time. The exhibitors of
Halifax and Dartmouth have offered
to take the cans in their own cars to
the 7:30 a.m. train, but cannot se
cure the necessary extra gasoline
ration. The district oil controller
has negatived such a proposal. Now
the cans must be carried all the
way unless a ride can be thumbed.
The 10:30 closing of the express
service is a half-hour before the
theaters are through with the films,
all houses here being open until 11.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Coast Studios See Relief
In 60-Day Deferment
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Some relief to West
Coast movie studios with respect to
loss of personnel to war industries
is seen in the 60-day deferment just
granted to Coast plane plants. The
blanket deferment was announced at
a press conference by Lawrence Ap-
ply, assistant to WMC Chief McNutt.
The West Coast greatly fears that
its technical staffs will be shifted
to plane plants; deferment may put
off such shifts.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Chi. Janitors Get New Pact
Chicago — New wage contract sign-
ed by the theater janitors allows
them two weeks' vacation with pay
after three years' employment, six
holidays annually, time and a half
for Sunday work, and guaranteed
jobs for men entering the armed ser-
vices upon their release.
STORKS
Buffalo — A daughter was born to
Marian Walsh Guilfoyle, formerly
secretary at the Lafayette Theater.
Buffalo.
The Critics
have their say/
Never before in the history of the FILM
DAILY Critics' Forums have we received
such a volume of enthusiastic replies.
A complete recapitulation of the
answers to the series of pertinent
industry questions will appear in the
forthcoming edition of
W^V DULY
PRODUCT PREVIEW
AND
DIRECTORS' NUMBER
1
10
W •*, DAILY :
Friday, September 10. 1943
Loew Staff's Bond
Buy $17,000,000
{Continued from Page 1)
various cities in which the Loew
circuit operates theaters.
More than 1,000 Loew employes at-
tended the rally at which stirring
"Buy More Bonds" appeals were
voiced by Frank Mitchell, chairman
of the Treasury's speaker's Bureau,
Dean John T. Madden, personnel di-
rector of Loew's, Edward Dowden,
publicity chairman of the New York
City WAC, and Ernest Emerling, act-
ing advertising manager.
Seventy-two box seat tickets for
the Hollywood Star Caravan at Madi-
son Square Garden, representing
the purchase of $4,000,000 in Bonds,
were awarded to employes holding
the lucky numbers. All present
pledged the purchase of an extra
Bond during September. The com-
pany is financing the purchase of
the extra Bonds, permitting each em-
ploye a period of up to one year to
pay for same.
Pat Stewart, assistant secretary of
Loews Employes' Welfare Fund, an-
nounced the purchase of $25,000 in
Bonds by the Fund.
reviews of n€iu mms
$250,000 Bond Premiere
At St. Louis' Ambassador
St. Louis — A capacity crowd that
purchase some $250,000 in War
Bonds, attended the preview of
"Watch on the Rhine" at Fanchon &
Marco's Ambassador.
Harmon to Speak Sunday
On Skouras WINS Show
Reporting on the progress of the
first stage of the Third War Loan
drive, the Skouras Theaters-spon-
sored "This Is Our Cause" program
Sunday, over WINS from 4:30 to 5
p.m. will present a special program
on behalf of the Treasury's State
War Finance Committee. Guest
speaker will be Francis S. Harmon,
WAC executive chairman.
Chi. Bond Buyers Get Tickets
To Hollywood Caravan Show
Chicago — The Chicago theater
committee for the Third War Loan
met at the Variety Club yesterday
afternoon. Eighty-five hundred tick-
ets to Bond purchasers, through the-
aters, will be awarded for the Hol-
lywood Caravan show at Soldiers
"First Comes Courage"
with Merle Oberon, Brian Aherne
Columbia 88 Mins.
FAMILIAR MATERIAL HAS BEEN
WORKED INTO A FAIRLY ENTERTAIN-
ING WAR FILM; ACTING A BIG HELP.
"First Comes Courage" is nothing more
nor less than the title of the Elliot Arnold
novel from which the film is derived, "Com-
mandos," implies. While the material has
become pretty familiar by now, it still
manages somehow to exert a certain draw-
ing power in this latest application of the
pattern. What is chiefly praiseworthy
about the film is that it keeps within the
realm of possibility, with the Nazi charac-
ters escaping the exaggeration which is
commonly their lot in pictures in which
their kind is the center of the villainy.
The acting also is to be commended in
that it keeps well within bounds. Per-
haps here the credit goes largely to the
feminine restraint exercised by Dorothy
Arzner, who directed the production. The
performances are generally believable, es-
pecially worthy of singling out being those
of Merle Oberon, Brian Aherne, Carl Es-
mond and Reinhold Schunzel.
Aherne has the role of a British com-
mando who goes to Norway to contact the
underground there. Miss Oberon, a native
of the Norwegian village where most of
the action takes place, is a leader of the
underground who has the unenviable task
of associating with the Nazis so that she
can obtain valuable information. Although
she and Aherne are in love, she marries
Esmond, the local Nazi commandant so
she may be in a better position to serve
the cause. The call of duty is so powerful
that when Esmond is killed she gives up all
thought of happiness with Aherne to re-
main with her people in their hour of
need. The film closes with the destruction
of a vital oil refinery by British commandos.
The film, for which Lewis Meltzer and
Melvin Levy did the screenplay from George
Sklar's adaptation of the Arnold book, was
directed by Miss Arzner with some nice
touches of suspense. Harry Joe Brown served
as producer.
CAST: Merle Oberon, Brian Aherne, Carl
Esmond, Fritz Leiber, Erville Alderson, Erik
Rolf, Reinhold Schunzel, Isobel Elsom.
CREDITS: Producer, Harry Joe Brown;
Director, Dorothy Arzner; Screenplay, Lewis
Meltzer, Melvin Levy; Adaptation, George
Sklar; Based on novel by Elliot Arnold;
Cameraman, Joseph Walker; Musical Direc-
tor, M. W. Stoloff; Set Decorator, Fay
Babcock; Art Director, Lionel Banks; Film
Editor, Viola Lawrence.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
The Transmutation
Of the Xazi Soul!
During an early afternoon broad-
cast of war news yesterday, a com-
mentator began quoting the text
of a Nazi broadcast. As members
of THE FILM DAILY staff listened
to the reference to Heinrich Himm-
ler, a worm crawled out of the radio,
— an appropriate symbol of the Ges-
tapo chief. The worm was cere-
moniously dropped out the 24th
story window.
Field, Sept. 16. Jules Rubens pre-
sided.
Jack Kirsch and Will Hollander
urged full theater co-operation to
put the diive over.
Bond Premieres Sept. 13
In Buffalo First-Runs
Buffalo — All five of Buffalo's down-
town first-runs have scheduled Bond
Premieres the evening of Sept. 13,
Motion Picture Day in the Third
War Loan Drive. Date was advanced
from Sept. 17.
Theaters will close at 6 on the 13th
and reopen at 8:30 when admissions
will be by Bond purchases only.
"Wintertime"
with Sonja Henie, Jack Oakie
20th-Fox 82 Mins.
LATEST HENIE PICTURE A FUNFEST;
SEVERAL SPECTACULAR ICE ROUTINES
CLINCH B.O. CLAIM.
The rank-and-file of picture fans will
have little difficulty warming up to "Win-
tertime." The film is a storehouse of fun
jampacked with all the ingredients that
make for popular entertainment. That the
story is cut from familiar material and that
its developments are not always plausible
are of no moment in this case. There is
too much on the credit side of the produc-
tion to worry about shortcomings such as
these. All that matters is that the film is
a joyous and tasty melange of comedy, mu-
sic, romance and spectacle, all cleverly mixed
into a swell box-office dish.
The cast should prove a powerful magnet.
It offers such potent drawing cards as
Sonja Henie, Jack Oakie, Cesar Romero,
Carole Landis, Woody Herman and his or-
chestra. Miss Henie makes her latest screen
appearance a positive delight, flashing in
her ice routines all the brilliance of which
she is capable. Her work on the blades
provides one of the production's greatest
assets. In Oakie, Romero and Miss Lan-
dis she has support of the first quality.
Oakie and Romero handle the comedy with
a strong assist from S. Z. Sakall, who, as
Miss Henie's rich uncle, claims practically
every scene in which he appears. Cornel
Wilde is the romantic foil for Miss Henie.
Miss Henie and Sakall are visiting Nor-
wegians. Sakall is inveigled by Oakie into
taking off his hands a Canadian winter re-
sort that is a flop. Sakall turns the place
into a success with the help of the spec-
tacular ice show put on by Oakie with Miss
Henie as the star. The romance between
Miss Henie and Wilde has its ups and downs
but is worked out to a happy windup.
William LeBaron has given the picture a
fine production highlighted by several stun-
ningly staged ice numbers. The direction
of John Brahm milks the story for all its
entertainment value, pointing up the comedy
with signal success. Arthur Kober au-
thored the story from which E. Edwin Moran,
Jack Jevne and Lynn Starling derived their
screenplay. Leo Robin and Nacio Herb
Brown have contributed seven tunes, most
of them of high merit. Also to be noted
are the photography of Joe MacDonald and
Glen MacWilliams, the musical direction of
Alfred Newman and Charles Henderson and
the art direction of James Beseva and Mau-
rice Ransford.
CAST: Sonja Henie, Jack Oakie, Cesar
Romero, Carole Landis, S. Z. Sakall, Cornel
Wilde, Woody Herman and orchestra,
Helene Reynolds, Matt Briggs, Don Douglas,
Geary Steffen, Charles Trowbridge, Nella
Walker, Georges Renavent, Jean Del Val,
Arthur Loft, Jean De Briac, Henri De Soto,
Charles Irwin, Dick Elliott.
CREDITS: Producer, William LeBaron;
Director, John Brahm; Screenplay, E. Edwin
Moran, Jack Jevne, Lynn Starling; Based
on story by Arthur Kober; Songs, Leo Robin,
Nacio Herb Brown; Cameraman, Glen Mac-
Williams, Joe MacDonald; Musical Direc-
tors, Alfred Newman, Charles Henderson;
Art Directors, James Beseva, Maurice Rans-
ford; Set Decorator, Thomas Little; Film
Editor, Louis Loeffler; Sound, Jesse Bastian,
Roger Heman; Special Effects, Fred Sersen.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
Divorcement Issue
Out for Duration!
(Continued from Page 1)
to file a new suit prior to or afte
Nov. 20 when the trial period of th
decree expires.
Sometime during the week of Sept
20 Tom Clark, special assistant
torney general, and Robert Wrig'
of the Department of Justice's an£i
trust division, are slated to meet ir.
New York with the heads of the five
consenting companies. It is believed
in industry circles that the finishing
touches to the distributors' propos-
als for revisions of the decree will
be drafted during the New York
sessions. Revisions drafted to date
are said to be in an embryonic state,
although it is understood that the
elimination of Section XVII of the
decree is recommended strongly, as
well as enlargement of the scope of
arbitration.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Artkino to Dub Soviet
Films for U. S. Market
(Continued from Page 1)
that the language problem is one of
the chief obstacles to wider accept-
ance of Soviet films by American
film audiences. Only the more im-
portant Soviet films will get the
dubbing treatment, according tc
Napoli.
"She Defends Her Country," foi
which Artkino is now preparing a
sound track in English, will be usee
for test purposes. Upon the success
of this film will depend very mucr
the dubbing program of Artkino, il
is understood.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
"Rising Sun" Premiere
In 50 Cities Today
With the Albee, Cincinnati, as th
spearhead, a 50-city premiere o:
RKO's "Behind the Rising Sun," wil
get under way today under the spon-
sorship of WLW. Opening day cere-
monies will be broadcast.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Ampa's "Salute" Oct. 21
Ampa's meeting designed as a Sa-
lute to Industry Men and Women ir
the Armed Forces is finally set foi
Oct. 21 at the Hotel Astor.
New Eng. Drit?e-I»s
Resume Operations
Boston — New England Drive-In
Theaters, grabbing what solace they
can from the tag end of a season
during which they were forbidden
to operate for the greater part of
the time, are advertising, "Now Open
— Share Your Car — Double Up to
Conserve Gas."
The E. M. Loew drive-in institu-
tions at Saugus, Methuen and Lynn
are all open. The theaters are using
a patented dim - out light which
seems to eliminate the glow.
With time-saving, life-saving movies. . . . outgrowth
of IEb(Sdk9[l> pioneer Teaching Rims. .... the Army
and Navy are giving millions the know how of war
historical note — Back in 1923, having per-
fected "safety" film — making classroom
projection practical — Kodak made available
16-mm. movie cameras and projectors . . .
and shortly afterwards pioneered a pro-
gram of teaching films for schools.
Put yourself in the boots of one of
these young men. You've been ac-
cepted for the Army or Navy. What do
you know about this war of 2,000-
horsepower aircraft motors . . . Ba-
zookas . . . submarine detectors?
Our Army and Navy Commands
realize this lack of experience. They
know that you may go up against bat-
tle-wise troops or ship crews or flyers.
They have done the worry ing for you .
They will turn you out a better man —
more competent in the use of your
weapons, abler to take care of yourself
— than any "trainee" who ever went
before you.
Training Films are a great and
growing part of their system. The
Army and Navy have made thousands.
Don't get the idea that you're just
"going to the movies," though. These
movies are different. Each teaches you
to do a part of your job in the Service
— do it exactly right.
Maybe it's how to dig a foxhole. Or
inflate a rubber life raft. Or take down
and reassemble a 50-calibre machine
gun. Or — bake a batch of bread . . .
In an Army and Navy made up
largely of "specialists," thousands of
films are not too many. (Kodak is a
major supplier of film for these pic-
tures— one big reason civilians are
not getting all the film they want.)
You'll see battle, in these training
movies. You'll hear it — to make your
new life and work "second nature"
under all conditions. You'll be hardened
. . . ready to "dish it out and take it" . . .
up to 40% sooner because of Training Films.
After this war is won, you — and mil-
lions like you who have learned so
much, so easily, through training films
— will want your children to learn the
Arts of Peace this way.
Teaching through motion pictures
and slide film — steadily growing in
importance during the twenty years
since Kodak made its first teaching
films available — will really come into
its own . . . Eastman Kodak Co.,
Rochester, N. Y.
Serving human progress through Photography
You can obtain maximum efficiency and economy from
your Victory Carbons by observing the following simple
rules.
USE CARBON TRIM RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR PROJECTION EQUIPMENT.
The Victory Carbon trims indicated in the above table
were established by comprehensive laboratory and field
tests to ascertain the best results obtainable in all types
of equipment.
OPERATE CARBONS AT SPECIFIED ARC CURRENT.
Better projection and greater economy are obtained
when recommended arc currents are maintained. The
maximum allowable arc current is stamped on each
Victory Carbon at the left of the trade-mark.
CHECK FEED RATIO CAREFULLY.
Changes of arc current alter the ratio of burning rate be-
tween positive and negative carbons. On lamps equipped
with adjustable feed and formerly operated above 45
amperes arc current, this ratio should be adjusted to
meet the new current conditions.
A bulletin describing operation of the new Victory High
Intensity Carbons is available for distribution and will
be sent promptly upon request.
SAVE
T H E
COPPER
Most of the copper used for plating copper coated
projector carbons drops to the floor of the lamp house
when the carbons are burned. Continue to save these
copper drippings and turn them over to your supply
dealer as designated by our government.
FWICTORY
NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY/INC
Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation -
noa
Carbon Sales Division, Cleveland, Ohio
&ENERAL OFFICES
30 East 42nd Street, New York, N. Y.
BRANCH SALES OFFICES
New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco
-
Building
Remodeling
nmfita;
Equipment
Maintenance
• • * *
NEW YORK. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. 1943
..•', * * *
TEXASJHAINS TO AID POST-WAR ECONOMY
SMPE Meet to Feature Recording, Reproduction
Wide Range of Subjects
Are Included in List
Of Papers Now Scheduled
Developments in motion picture
sound recording and reproduction
during the present war will highlight
the agenda of the 54th semi-annual
technical conference of the Society
of Motion Picture Engineers to be
held from Oct 18-22, inclusive, at
the Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel in
Hollywood, it was revealed yester-
day by Julius Haber, chairman of
SMPE's publicity committee, in be-
half of the organization.
Thirty technical papers have al-
ready been scheduled for presenta-
tion, it was revealed by C. R. Daily,
chairman of the Paper Committee.
(Continued on Page 14)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Big Attendance Seen
For TEDPA Conclave
St. Louis — Advance hotel reserva-
tions for the three-day meeting of
the Theater Equipment Dealers Pro-
tective Association, in which equip-
ment manufacturers will participate
prominently, and which will be held
in the Bismarck Hotel, Chicago, Sept.
17-18-19, have surpassed all expecta-
tions of those in charge of arrange-
ments, it is announced by the or-
ganization's secretary, Ray Colvin,
(Continued on Page 15)
Equipment Manager
Serves Army to Tee
Seattle — Lieut. Roy A. Brobeck,
former manager for the B. F. Shearer
Co., film theater supply organization,
has won considerable fame among
the officers and men at Fort Huachu-
ca, Ariz., where he is serving in
Uncle Sam's Army. Roy, thoroughly
familiar with the complexities of
motion picture equipment design,
found it relatively simple to design
and engineer a golf course for the
Fort.^thus adding some versatile
"shooting" to the training program.
Equipment
kyJOTIOGRAPH is now sending bulle-
™' t'ns twice each week to its dealers
throughout the country, listing used equip-
ment available for swap or sale by the dis-
tributors.
* * *
Max K. Baker, Edith Baker and
Joseph J. Kurland have organized the
Kurbak Electronic Corp. out in Chi-
cago. It is planned to manufacture
electronic equipment for distribution
to the theater trade.
^S $ $
Celotex Co. reports recent installations
in the Loring, Minneapolis; Broadway, New-
burgh, N. Y-; Rialto, Salt Lake City; Tele-
news, San Francisco; U. S. Engineers Thea-
ter, Cudahy, Wis.; and the Shenango Per-
sonnel Depot Theater, Greenville, Pa.
* * *
Chicago theater chains are still seek-
ing more candy and nut products for
their counters and machines. Buying
has been so brisk on the part of the
public that an "axiom" has been pro-
pounded: "Anything that is packaged
will sell."
* * *
Brilliance of the lighting of the Lafay-
ette's marquee, — first-run stand in down-
own Buffalo, has been doubled, it is de-
clared, by the type of repainting and ad-
dition of new fluorescent Neon to the face
and ceiling.
* * *
Eire of unknown origin has dam-
aged the State Theater, Clay, Ky.
* * *
Gwen Desplanter, of Mills Industries,
Chicago, has been named president of
Women Ordnance Workers. Anent Mills
Industries, company's James Mangan re-
ports that 20 per cent of the Panoram ma-
chines are now being used by organiza-
tions engaged in war work, while 30 per
cent are being used part time for the same
purpose.
* * *
James J. Nance, Zenith Corp.'s vice-
prexy in charge of sales, addressed
yesterday the first autumn season
luncheon meeting of the Chicago Sales
Executives Club in the LaSalle Hotel.
His subject was: "Which? — Post-War
Planning of Post-War Crystal Gazing."
* * * '
W. Lee, owner and operator of the
Capitol Theater, Trenton, Fla., has added
Notes
a new screen to the stand's equipment and
has also effected several other improvements
to the house. A new facade sign has been
purchased and will be installed as soon as
delivery has been made. Lee says that
other new equipment will be added as
fast as same can be obtained.
Edward J. Moriarty, general attorney
for Western Electric, celebrated the
30th anniversary of his service with
the company on Sept. 5. A graduate
of N. Y. V., Ed joined WE's legal de-
partment at organization's New York
headquarters on Sept. 5, 1913. He
gained promotions in quick succes-
sion. He has been general attorney
since 1928, and was assistant general
attorney back in 1923.
Joy Theaters, Inc., of New Orleans, has
signed a sound and repair-replacement
agreement with Altec Service for 20 Joy
outlets in Louisiana, Mississippi and Ar-
kansas. A. Mclntyre negotiated for Altec
Service.
The Dunlap Theater, Dunlap, la.,
which was heavily damaged by fire
last May, has been rebuilt, and was
accorded its reopening last Sunday. C.
C. Moore is the owner. The seats
have been rebuilt, but almost every-
thing else, including the projector,
sound equipment and interior equip-
ment, is new.
* . * ■.#
Copies of the new Display Guide, issued
by Sherman Paper Products Corp. of New-
ton Upper Falls, Mass., have been received
in many sections of the trade. The cata-
log issued periodically is a valuable source
from which theatermen and exploiteers can
select special materials, made of paper,
for lobby and window displays of an un-
usual nature.
* * *
A number of improvements have
been scheduled for the La Plaza The-
ater, St. Peterburg, Fla., including a
cooling system. Miss N. C. Schaeffer
is manager. .
* * *
ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO! NOW
IS THE TIME TO BUY WAR BONDS!
Three Circuits Planning
Outlay of $1,000,000
As Spur to Employment
Dallas — Three large Texas theater
chains contribute importantly to
post-war employment through pur-
chases of replacement equipment and
furnishings that will be needed when
the markets open up, it is disclosed
here, following a State-wide survey.
Circuits are, specifically, R. E. Grif-
fith Theaters, Interstate, and R & R-
United.
Conservative estimates, based on
the more recent market averages, are
that the three chains will initially in-
vest close to $1,000,000 in improving
their stands immediately after the
war, assuming, of course the mate^
rials' prompt availability.
Interstate's partial and tentative
(Continued on Page IS)
^Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
WPB Changes Title
Of Industry Setup
Washington Bureau of THE- FILM DAILY
Washington — The Amusement Sec-
tion of the Service Equipment Divis-
ion here, of which A. G. Smith has
been chief for several months, has
been changed in title to the Theater
Equipment Section of the Service
Equipment Division;- War Production
Board, it is formally announced here.
In order to assist theater Owners
throughout the United States in ad-
(Continued on Page IS)
Shirball of Fire
Descends Upon Japs
Toledo — When Howard Feigley,
Jr., former manager of the local
Palace, operated by Skirball Bros.,
was commissioned an Air Force pilot
and ordered overseas, Bill Skirball
asked Feigley to write the Skirball
name on a bomb and drop it on the
Japs. A few days ago, Skirball got
word that it had been done. Bill
then sent the young pilot a money
order for $100. "Buy yourself and
crew a drink," he wrote.—
14
EQUIPMENT NEWS
9$
Friday, September 10. 1943
DAILY
A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre-
hensively covering the equipment field, pub-
lished every second week by Wid's Films and
Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York
City. John W. Alicoate, Publisher; Donald
M. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B.
Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipment
Editor; West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood
Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk,
Bureau Chief.
SMPE Conclave Will
Put Accent on Sound
American Seating Co.
Re-assigns Pat Nelson
Chicago — Pat Nelson, for many
years the local manager of Ameri-
1 can Seating Co., has been transfer-
red to company's headquarters in
Grand Rapids, and R. 0. Ives, dis-
trict manager, takes over additional
■ duties here. Company has closed for
the duration its branch sales offices
in Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati,
Kansas City and St Louis.
Two branch offices remain, — the
New York headquarters under James
Vermeulin, and the local headquart-
[ ers under Ives. Branch stores are
maintained in Atlanta, San Fran-
; cisco, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
More than 480 stars are on the
company's service flag in the Grand
Rapids home office, including three
gold stars. The company sends "The
Seater," its house organ, to all em-
ployes in the armed services through-
out the world.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Preserve Idle Drive-In;
urglars Pilfer Same
Rochester — Although it has been
shuttered because of the pleasure
driving ban, the Drive-in here has
been completely repainted. At the
same time, it was revealed that bur-
glars broke into the projection room
at the theater and stole eight Dietz
lanterns.
Gradon Hodges, Drive-In manager,
said that equipment will be taken
out of the theater this week and
the place will be boarded up.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive!- —
Rubber Shortage Spurs
Saving Of Rubber Gloves
Rochester — Hundreds of pairs of
rubber gloves, which in normal times
were used and discarded at the first
sign of a cut or tear, today are be-
ing reclaimed each month through a
recapping process at the Eastman
Kodak Co.
Before Pearl Harbor, few gloves
lasted more than a week. Today,
however, careful use and repair have
lengthened the lives of the gloves
to approximately two years.
Better Illinois Stand
Springfield, 111.— The Roxy The-
ater here has undergone a minor
renovation. Old iron grill work on
the third floor level of the building
has been removed, some re-painting
and tuck-point work done which will
do for the duration.
(Continued from Page 13)
who is also head of the local Exhibi-
The papers cover a wide range of
subjects, including acoustical re-
search, new sound recording instal-
lations, post-war television planning,
possibilities in plastics, new types
of cameras, amplifiers and speakers,
transformers, lantern slides, 16 mm.
films, and a symposium on scoring
stage design.
Among the papers listed are "Post-
War Television Planning and Re-
quirements," by Klaus Landsberg,
Television Productions, Paramount
Studios; "Walt Disney Studios A
War Plant," by Carl Nater, produc-
tion co-ordinator, Army and Navy
Training Films, Walt Disney Produc-
tions; "New Single Film Recording
Camera," by George Worrell, Mit-
chell Camera Co.; "An Improved
Light Valve Checking Device," by
James P. Corcoran, 20th-Fox Studio;
and 'Improvements in Sound Record-
ing Equipments," by Dr. L. F. Brown,
Electrical Research Products Divis-
ion, Western Electric Co., Inc.
Other papers include one by Dr. H. F.
Olsen, research engineer of the RCA Labora-
tories in Princeton, N. J., on ' acoustical re-
search facilities of the laboratories, and one
by another RCA engineer describing recent
sound recording installations in Washington,
D. C, including RCA's new, small 3o mm.
studio recorder, and one on improvements in
16 mm. equipment by Commander Alfred
Gilks, of the Field Photographic Branch, Of-
fice of Strategic Supplies, Navy.
Contributors to the symposium on design
of scoring stages will be C. O. Slyfield, of
Walt Disney Productions; John Livadary, of
Columbia Pictures Corporation; and Loren
L. Ryder, of Paramount Pictures, Inc.
Still others who are submitting papers are
Commander S. J. Singer, TJSNR, Industrial
Incentive Division, Navy Department; Lieut.
Commander Patrick Murphy, of the Visual
Training Section of the U. S. Coast Guard;
Captain E. H. Fehnders, U. S. Army Signal
Corps; Lloyd Thompson, of the Calvin Co.;
J. B. Lansing, Ercell B. Harrison, and John
W. Hilliard, all of the Altec-Lansing Corp.;
Paul Zeff and S. J. Twining, of Columbia
Pictures Corp.; Bart Thompson, A. C. Zoulis,
Farciot Edouart, Earle Morgan, and Ray
Peck, all of the Paramount Studio; Caroll
H. Dunning, of the Dunning Process Com-
pany; J. A. Maurer, of Berndt-Maurer Corp.;
W. H. Offenhauser, of Johns Hopkins Labora-
tory of Applied Science; and Harry Cunning-
ham, of RKO Pictures.
General sessions of the conference, at
which these papers will be presented, will be
held each afternoon and evening of the five
days, Monday through Friday, except Wed-
nesday, October 20. On that day a general
session will be held in the morning. The
afternoon will be devoted to a recreational
program, and the evening will be the occa-
sion of the society's semi-annual dinner-
dance. An extra general session will be held
on Friday morning to make up a total of 10.
W. C. Kunzmann is Conventilon vice-presi-
dent. C. R. Keith is vice chairman of that
committee for the East Coast. Emery Huse
heads the Reception and Local Arrangements
Committee, and Mrs. C. W. Handley is hostess
for the Ladies' Reception Committee.
We are in the market for Used opera chairs
in any quantity. We also can use any
quantity of standards only. What have you?
CHICAGO USED CHAIR MART
844 South Wabash Ave. Chicago, III.
A Venerable Theater
Is Getting Netv Voice
Detroit — Replacement installation
of Western Electric sound is being
started in the Avenue Theater, this
city's oldest theater, dating back to
about 1880, it is reported by Fred C.
Dickely of Altec Service which is
doing the job. Altec has just com-
p I e t e d installations in the new
Loew's Ohio in Cleveland, formerly
a night club, and also in the Huron,
Huron, Ohio.
Equip. Deteriorates
in Aussie Theaters
Theater Ticket Co-op.
At Maximum Efficiency
Chicago — Co-operation between lo-
cal theater ticket printers, theater
owners and the Government tax de-
partments which supervise the the-
ater admission tax is currently at an
all-time high, it is declared here by
channels close to the situation.
Local branch of the Internal Rev-
enue Department, which handles the
26 counties in northern Illinois, has
600 men in that division, under the
direction of Commissioner Carter
Harrison.
Ticket companies have 13 colors
they can use in the printing of the-
ater tickets, but blue, green, yellow
and red seem to be the favorite hues
ordered by theater owners. These
tickets are numbered from 1 to 500,-
000, and, if another run is desired
in the same color, permission must
be obtained from the Revenue Dept.
When there is a price change and
new tickets are needed, the old
tickets must be destroyed under su-
pervision of the Government's agents.
The companies send copies of all or-
ders and numbers to the Revenue
Dept. after each press run.
There is a constant check by the
Government on ticket sales. Now
that the tax reaches down to the 10
per cent on children's tickets, the
job has been multiplied many fold
for the U. S. agents-.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Staub Short Will Display
Pic Equipment of Old Days
Motion picture equipment dating
back as far as 1915 will be shown
and their historical significance in
the development of the industry ex-
plained in a short to be produced by
Ralph Staub at Columbia as one of
his Screen Snapshots series. It will
be titled "Hollywood Museum."
Featured in the short will be the
original Mitchell camera. Numbered
A-l by the Mitchell Camera Com-
pany when it was made in 1915, this
camera has been in the possession of
Staub for the past 17 years.
LARGEST SELECTION OF
Popcorn Machines
We Buy — Sell — and Service
All Makes — All Models
Write us
KRISPY KORN EQUIPMENT
120 S. Halsted St.
CHICAGO, ILL.
Brisbane (By Air Mail) — Queens-
land, as well as other sections of
Australia, is currently facing an
acute problem in general theater
maintenance, due not only to short-
age of skilled workmen, but also lack
of suitable materials, it is declared^
by C. Knowles, theater supply au-
thority and a leading figure in equip-
ment requirements for the armed
forces and industry.
"Those familiar with the technical
requirements of the motion picture
business are aware of the very high
degree of precision engineering
called for in the manufacture of pro-
jectors, sound equipment, and other
units, which calls for materials of
the best quality possible. Similarly,
with amplifying equipment, nothing
but high grade components will suf-
fice, since the satisfactory reproduc-
tion of the extended frequency range
calls for power equivalent to a mod-
erately-powered transmitter," he de-
clares.
Knowles added that, in conse-
quence, not only is a reasonably high
priority necessary for release of
materials, but these should be of a
standard and quality necessary to
maintain equipment with a minimum
of service and attention, and this is
more vital in wartime than ever.
The shortage of equipment and
the lack of skilled labor, he states,
has brought about a critical situa-
tion, namely, that some theaters are
in appalling condition because,
among other factors, repair work
has been kept to the barest minimum.
He urges that all outlets bend maxi-
mum effort toward conservation.
Authoritative sources here see a
tremendous market for theater equip-
ment at the end of the war, with
existing houses faced with the neces-
sity of completly replacing their pro-
jection, sound and other units.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
500-Seater Under Way
Charlotte, N. C— M. A. Cowell is
having a new 500-seat second-run
theater built at Jacksonville to ac-
commodate the nearby New River
marine base. This theater will be
the third in Jacksonville, the two
first-run houses having been recent-
ly purchased by H. H. Everett of
Charlotte.
No More Loose Chairs!
Permanently anchors loose chairs
to concrete floors in ten minutes.
COMPLETE KIT AND INSTRUC-
TIONS ... $5. f.o.b. Chicago.
CHAIR • PARTS
FOR ALL MAKES OF CHAIRS
GENERAL CHAIR CO.
2035 Charleston St.
CHICAGO, ILL.
m
Friday, September 10, 1943
DAILY
EQUIPMENT NEWS
15
WPB Changes Title
Of Industry Setup
(Continued from Page 13)
dressing mail concerning the vari-
ous activities within the WPB rel-
ative to the operating of theaters,
the address is Room 325, Standard
*)il Building, 3rd and Constitution
pvenues.
All matters pertaining to the man-
ufacture of 35 mm. motion picture
projection equipment, sound systems,
accessories and repair parts should
be addressed to the above. Matters
pertaining to the sale and distribu-
tion of equipment or repair parts,
either by a manufacturer or theater
supply dealer, should be sent to the
above address.
Smith is now devoting 100 per cent
of his time to the allocation of con-
trolled materials necessary to manu-
facture the equipment required by
the Army, Navy, Lend-Lease Admin-
istration, Office of Economic War-
fare, Canadian Division and the
Office of Civilian Requirements. "It
is highly important," Smith declares,
"that our full time be devoted to
these duties, particularly for the rea-
son that the scheduling of the manu-
facture of repair parts is vital to the
continued operation of our civilian
theaters."
The title of the Amusement Sec-
tion is retained in the War Produc-
tion Board, being transferred to the
Office of Civilian Requirements, with
George MacMurphey as chief. The
address is Room 2408, Social Secur-
ity Building. All matters pertain-
ing to the construction of all the-
aters or the reconstruction of burned-
out theaters should be addressed to
the above section. Any correspon-
dence relating to the repairs of a
theater building or the general op-
erating policy of any motion picture
ior legitimate theater should be ad-
dressed to MacMurphey's office.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Plans New 700-Seater
Toledo, O. — R. E. Young, owner of
the Strand in nearby Maumee and
the Palace in neighboring Perrys-
burg, both near Toledo, has pur-
chased a site on the former Ryan
Estate, at Conont St. and Anthony
Wayne Trail in Maumee, where he
plans construction of a new 700-seat
theater. The building will also in-
WE CAN SUPPLY
all standard 35mm preci-
sion projector replacement
parts.
We sell only through
Dealers, but if your dealer
is unable to supply your
requirements, write us di-
rectly and we will give
you the name of the
dealer able to serve you.
FREE:— Our latest com-
plete Parts Catalogue is
now available. Ask for it
and give us the Dealer's
name serving your Com-
munity.
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY
2509 South State St. Chicago, III.
To Fortify Post' War Economy
Griffith, Interstate, R & R Drafting Plans
(Continued from Page 13)
list is declared to include 15,000
yards of carpet; 10,000 yards of pad-
ding; 10,000 chairs; 15 pairs of pro-
jectors; 15 pairs of lamps; 25
screens; 400 tons air-conditioning;
and at least 10 popcorn machines.
Basic Griffith list, . which undoubt-
edly will be boosted, is reported call-
ing for 10,000 yards of carpet; 10,000
yards of padding; 5,000 chairs; four
pairs of projectors and lamps; 10
screens; four sound system sets; 10
washed air-cooling units; three re-
frigeration cooling units; 10 popcorn
machines; 25 motors of various
horsepower ratings; 15 heating
plants; 10 vacuum cleaners; 10 drink-
ing fountains; electric wiring for five
theaters; and other items.
R & R-United plans acquisition of
an estimated 6,000 yards of carpet
with 4,000 yards of padding; 10 pairs
of projectors; 15 pairs of lamps; 10
sound systems; two air-conditioning
refrigeration units; 50 air-washer
cooling systems; 20 popcorn ma-
chines; 10 water coolers; and 10
screens.
When it is considered that the ma-
jor portion of the purchases is for
labor and services that rest on la-
bor, and the turn-over of a dollar in
circulation multiplies itself many
times, the foregoing lists of planned
purchases takes on great signifi-
cance.
"Our circuit's aid to post-war em-
ployment must reach beyond our own
employed forces and furnish work
for other industries," it is asserted
by R. I. Payne, general manager of
the R. E. Griffith and West Tex The-
aters. He added: "It is true, of
course, that we and likely all other
circuits have what is approximately
a full personnel. While we will give
back jobs to our employes who have
gone into some branch of service in
the war effort, we cannot increase
our number of workers very mate-
rially. And yet we realize that the
success of our theaters rests upon
mass employment and the general
prosperity of the people." Raymond
Willie, assistant general manager of
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INTERNATIONAL
T I C K E TiMcOMPANY
52 GRAFTON AVE. \££/ NEWARK, N. J.
Soles Offices in Principal Centers
Interstate and Texas Consolidated
chains, concurred with Payne in the
latter's remarks, which answered
what outside employment circuits
could provide when peace comes.
Willie pointed out: "Interstate al-
ways is willing to do the constructive
thing and particularly when the re-
sults come back to us in trade at the
box-office through spread of income
to a mass of people, as happens when
we buy goods,— for our Texas cot-
ton, mohair and wool are used in up-
holstery and carpeting products; our
petroleum products to run and grease
the mills; our meat, vegetables, and
fruits to feed the workers in distant
States. It is a circle of prosperity."
Ed Rowley of R & R said that the
matter of post-war employment is
everybody's concern and that it is
good business for all firms to do all
they can to prevent a job slack after
the war ends.
Estimates of equipment require-
ments for these three circuits for re-
placements and repairs only, exclu-
sive of new construction, run the full
gamut of units used in theater op-
erations, and reflect employment to
workers in other industries from the
forests and fields and mines, through
all the processes of fabrication, man-
ufacture, and distribution to their
spot of final use.
Big Attendance Seen
For TEDPA Conclave
(Continued from Page 13)
tors Supply Company. He declared
that indications point to an attend-
ance of at least 150 key men in the
equipment manufacturing and sup-
ply fields.
Friday, Sept. 17, will be devoted
to sessions of TEDPA, while the pro-
grams on Sept. 18 and 19 will be
open to all equipment dealers and
manufacturers, regardless of their
affiliations. The last two days will
be in the nature of a school of in-
struction for those in attendance,
with Allan G. Smith, chief of WPB's
Theater Equipment Section, Service
Equipment Division, acting as head
master. At these sessions, Smith
will endeavor to advise the dealers
and manufacturers what the Govern-
ment expects of them and just what
they can do under any particular
situation that may arise in the course
of normal trade.
WHITEWAY
ELECTRIC SIGN & MAINTENANCE CO.
Thomas F. Flannery, President
315-17 W. Walton St. Chicago, III.
Delaware 9111
use the National
"■
to post-war
equipment
National Theatre Supply's "Magic Bridge" will help
you plan now for your post-war equipment . . . with-
out "options" or down payments of any kind.
National's "Magic Bridge" will close the gap between
your post-war plans and their speedy realization. If
you have not yet received your personal copy of the
"Afagic Bridge" Equipment Survey, ask for a copy
at your nearest National branch.
NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY
Diviiion of NATIONAL^gfS^-BLUDWORTH, INC.
A General Precision Equipment Corp. Subsidiary
1
16 • EQUIPMENT NEWS
Friday, September 10. 19431
DAILY
Gov't Relaxes Hold
On Radiant Screens
Chicago — Permission granted by
the War Production Board permits
Radiant Manufacturing Corp. to re-
lease a limited quantity of Radiant
Metal Screens for essential activi-
ties such as maintenance, repair and
operating supplies on orders up to
$100, it is announced by the organi-
zation here. This means that Rad-
iant Metal Screens are immediately
available to War Industries, Govern-
ment Agencies, pre-induction schools,
hospitals, educational institutions,
Red Cross branches and to Lend-
Lease purchasers.
Coincident with the announcement,
Radiant has issued a completely new,
illustrated screen catalog, present-
ing a full range of its regular
screens, a new line of non-metal
screens available for immediate de-
livery without priority. These new
screens, company declares, incorpo-
rate the well-known brilliant Hy-
Flect glass beaded surface and many
other f atures which have evoked wide
popularity. A special section of the
new catalog explains two new plans
for renovating and repairing old
screens for which Radiant has just
installed a new department.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Preservation of Morale
Argument for Rebuilding
Sterling, 111.— A. E. McGregor, ad-
vertising manager of the Sterling
Gazette has been named chairman
of a citizens' committee appointed
to aid the owners of the Sterling
Theater to obtain necessary Govern-
ment priority orders to enable them
to reconstruct the theater which was
badly damaged in a recent fire.
It is hoped that the WPR can be
convinced that Sterling and nearby
Rock Falls need the theater to keep
up public morale during the war
Franklin Ford and C. J. Kontos are
co-managers of the theater. Mayor
Ronald Shawger is a leader in the
movement to enlist public aid on be-
half of the theatermen. J. C. Moo-
mau, president of the Sterling-Rock
Falls Chamber of Commerce, said
his organization will back the efforts
to secure priorities for rebuilding the
theater.
For Excellence in the Production
of Motion Picture Sound Equipment
IT'S A FACT!
War-bom DEVRY preci-
sion Theatre Projectors
and Sound Systems pre-
sent developments far
beyond previously ac-
cepted standards. DEVRY
Corporation, 1112 Armi-
tage Avenue, Chicago, 111.
DeVRY^
Hollywood ' CHICAGO • New York
B & L Employes MaUe 75 % of the Optical
Instruments Used by the Allied Forces
Rochester — Employes of Eastman Kodak and Bausch & Lomb were lauded by
three Army Air Force veterans when they addressed the workers at two rallies.
B & L employes were told that theirs was the opportunity and responsibility
to. produce more than 75 per cent of the vital optical instruments used by Allied
fighting men. Speakers were Maj. C. J. Bishop, representing Undersecretary
of War Robert Patterson; Staff Sergt. Schiller Cohen, Flying Fortress photog-
rapher-machine gunner and winner of the Distinguished Flying Cross; and
Second Lieut. James Bray, photographer who filed more than 20,000 feet of bat-
tle scenes over Sicily and Italy.
Ward Hopes to Relocate
Fire-Gutted Theater
Tfenton, O. — W. D. Ward is plan-
ning to relocate the Ohio Theater in
this community, it is learned here.
The house was gutted by fire on Aug.
29 with a loss of some $20,000.
Flames originated in waste paper on
a rear landing and were swept
through the aisles by the air-cooling
fans. More than 200 patrons were
herded to safety by Fire Chief Ralph
Jones, who was in the theater at the
time. Two adjoining business places
suffered smoke and water damage.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
P-B, Altec in Pact
C. R. Bamford, president of the
Publix-Bamford circuit of Asheville,
N. C, has signed Altec Service for
a sound and repair-replacement
agreement for the Publix-Bamford
circuit's houses. H. B. Moog nego-
tiated for Altec.
Building Housing Theater
Is Purchased by Circuit
Chatham, N. B.— The B & L The-
aters, St. John, N. B., have purchased
the building housing the Capitol here
from the Masonic order. For several
years, the auditorium, only, had been
der lease, has started buying the-
restrictions are lifted, a new en-
trance and two rest rooms will be
installed. B & L., operating a chain
of small town and village houses on
both sides of the border, and all un-
der lease, have started buying the-
ater properties which have been
leased. Recently, the building hous-
ing the Capitol at Ednlundston, N.
B., was purchased. Since the burn-
ing of the Palace, oldest of Chatham
theaters several years ago, the Capi-
tol has been the only Chatham the-
ater.
r
Here's
6.B.B.
Your war lime strategy is to make
your house more appealing right now!
There are many things you can do to
maintain and improve its appearance
and comfort. Most important, keep a
weather-eye cocked on the not far dis-
tant time when you can call in usAIRco
for some real box-office boosting.
Yes, there'll be some new ideas. From
today's war time production, usAIRco
has developed new plans.
But one basic idea hangs on — usAIRco
will continue to design and manufac-
ture Theatre Air Conditioning built
around your box office. usAIRco sys-
tems are as big or small as your job
requirements and operating budget.
Comfort cooling that pays a profit is _•
the blueprint for your usAIRco system, f'
This much you can do now — main-
tain your house in tip-top condition
— and when the time comes, you can
depend on usAIRco Theatre Air Con-
ditioning for greater profits.
UNITED STATES AIR CONDITIONING CORPORATION
Profits in Cooling for the Exhibitor
NORTHWESTERN TERMINAL • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
^usAIRco
AIR CONDITIONING
Refrigerated
KOOLER-AIRE
This Unit, a masterpiece of engineering
simplicity combines every phase of re-
frigerated cooling in a Single Unit.
Manufactured in various sizes, it can be
used singly or in combination with oth-
er units to give you the precise capacity
you need. Refrigerated Kooler-Aire is
a good unit to be acquainted with.
Books describing this system are avail-
able. We'll be glad to send you a copy.
Wilby-Kincey Plans
The South/s Fines!
Charlotte — One of the Souths
largest and finest theaters, thorough-
ly in step with the new times, will
be erected on the downtown corner
lot just purchased by the Wilby-
Kincey theater chain, it is confirmed |
here via H. F. Kincey, circuit's gen-
eral manager. The lot with a huj~
dred-foot frontage on the city's mal
street was purchased in readiness
for construction of the finest theater
in the two Carolinas, a banner build-
ing with all modern scientific ap-
pointments known to the amusement
world.
Exhibitors of America have many du-
ties to perform these war days. You
build unity and morale through motion
picture presentations— and you promote
and support the various government
drives that are initiated to spur war
production and civilian defense.
RCA Service, like exhibitors, is carry-
ing on important war duties: RCA en-
gineers are rendering scheduled service
to projection room equipment in thou-
sands of theatres to "Keep 'em Run-
ning"—and other RCA Service groups
are installing military equipment and
instructing personnel, in this country
and at the battlefronts.
The RCA Service organization is to-
day more than nation-wide
... it is world-wide . . . serv-
ing the home front and
battlefronts too!
RCA SERVICE CO., INC.
RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA
Subsidiary
Camden, N. J.
DAN
3 N
JL S 17 17
V CI
MHZ
cl hi
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
{ Independent in Thought
&*m
_
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-^FDAILY1
^84'
NO. 51
NEW YORK, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1943
TEN CENTS
REPEATPIX GRATIS FOR WAR BONDSHOWS
Federal Injunction Issued in Clearance Case
THE WEEK IN
REVIEW
Bond Drive Starts
By L. H. MITCHELL
WAR LOAN: The Government's
Third War Loan campaign got under
way officially, so far as the industry
is concerned, Wednesday night when
President Roosevelt addressed the
nation over the air to an estimated
audience of more than 70,000,000
listeners. Hollywood talent provided
a 50-minute air show. Treasury
Secretary Morgenthau, at a recep-
tion in Washington, praised film biz
for its support of the war effort,
stating that the industry was always
the first to respond in a crisis. In
New York the War Bond Center was
opened, and Army convoys toured
the five boroughs in support of the
$15,000,000,000 loan. Loew's, Inc.,
i and subsidiaries announced that its
, War Bond purchases during the
drive would amount to $17,000,000.
In Philly, Bond rally film stars rolled
up Bond sales to the tune of $100,-
000,000. The industry's "Airmada,"
with film stars and war heroes, was
. routed to cover 50 cities, while Bond
Premieres were set for 1,400 thea-
ters.
* * *
ARBITRATION: Fate of the arbi-
tration appeal board was seen hang-
; ing in the balance at the expiration
t of the consent decree trial period
with exhibs. wanting it dropped and
' distribs. seeking its retention. . . .
Clawson Theater, a Detroit suburban,
sought clearance relief that it might
. increase admission prices five
cents. . . . First test period of the
working of a clearance award was
set for the Huron Theater, Detroit.
... Forcing of shorts was seen a
thing of the past as not one arbitra-
i tion demand complained of that prac-
tice.
* * *
CONSENT DECREE: Industry
saw the Government and the "Big
Five" getting together on consent
decree matters following a confer-
ence in the nation's capital. ... Ed
Kuykendall, MPTOA prexy, in a
bulletin urged that the consent de-
cree be "thrown out of the window."
(Continued on Page 12)
Precedent Set in Mich.
Arbitration Complaint;
Detroit House Involved
By H. F. REYES
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Detroit — Unexpected development
of the Beverly Theater arbitration
case, now postponed for hearing un-
til Oct. 11, is the issuance of what
is believed to be the first injunction
by a Federal Court in connection
with a motion picture arbitration
case.
In the case, the Kilbride Circuit,
operators of the house, asked for a
reasonable clearance between the
(Continued on Page 7)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
$2,000,000 Budget
For Cagney's Next
As the next and immediate step
in fulfillment of its three to five year
pact with United Artists, calling for
a reported minimum of nine and a
maximum of 15 productions, five of
either nine or 15 to star James Cag-
(Continued on Page 14)
—Back 3rd loan Drive! —
Cooper, Suing Paramount,
Says Contract Breached
A suit was filed by Joseph H. Coo-
per against Paramount Pictures for
$250,000 for alleged breach of con-
tract in New York Federal Court on
Friday. The complaint alleges that
(Continued on Page 14)
INDUSTRY BOND
DRIVE IN HIGH
Madison Square Garden Show
Sells $125,000,000
Industry participation in the Third
War Loan was hitting on all 16
cylinders over the week-end, accord-
ing to reports pouring into WAC
headquarters hei'e.
In New York itself, the week-end
drive highlight was provided by the
visit of the stellar Hollywood Bond
Cavalcade, with the Madison Square
Garden Show rolling up the stag-
gering "take" of $125,000,000 in
War Bond sales for the Treasury.
The Cavalcade came to New York
Saturday morning from Boston. In
the Hub and Philadelphia one night
(Continued on Page 10)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Coke Only for British
Theaters This Winter
London (By Air Mail) — Coke will
be practically the sole means avail-
able for heating British theaters this
Winter. New regulations, about to
be put in force, forbid the use of oil
and coal, except in special cases
where the Ministry of Fuel believes
that the type of coal already in use
might be more readily available.
Ministry and the CEA are pre-
(Continued on Page 10)
Seek Australian Stock Needs
DIP Expected to Rule on Film Supply and Use
Wolff Quits OWI Coast
To Head M-G-M Tele Dept.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Nat Wolff has re-
signed as Coast head of the Office
of War Information's domestic radio
bureau to join M-G-M in October
as head of the studio's new television
department. He will use several
radio people, directors and writers,
(Continud on Page 12)
By ALLAN WHITE
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Sydney (By Air Mail) — Hopes that
the Department of Import Procure-
ment will soon be in a position to
issue a ruling on the supply and use
of raw stock were raised when an-
other questionnaire was issued ask-
ing distributors the amount of foot-
age used during 1942 and the first
half of 1943. Move is the DIP's lat-
est in a series designed to familiar-
(Continued on Page 7)
Distribs. Agree on Plan
To Enable Every Theater
To Aid Third War Loan :
jjsP^^S
-
' ^J^i
W9
■ 4p
W&m. -"i
3*-"-
liiiiiilil
i
WILLIAM F. RODGERS
As a further move to push ,the
sale of War Bonds in theaters dur-
ing the Third War Loan, the dis-
tributors
have agreed
to furnish
gratis — for
one perform-
ance — a re-
peat picture,
provided the
admission is
the purchase
of a Bond, it
was announc-
ed Friday by
William F.
Eodgers,
chairman of
the War
Bond Premieres of the campaign.
It was pointed out by Rodgers,
(Continued on Page 10)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Canadian Film Biz
At Peak— Lightstone
Theater business in Canada is
booming and grosses on Paramount
pictures are reaching unprecedented
marks, according to Gordon Light-
(Continued on Page 12)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Coe Speaking Dates Set
In Buffalo and Toronto
Two addresses by Charles Francis
Coe, vice-president and general coun-
(Continued on Page 14)
Warners To Make
"H'tcood Canteen"
Jack L. Warner, executive pro-
ducer, has completed arrangements
for Warner Bros, to bring to the
screen a motion picture about the
Hollywood Canteen. Bette Davis,
president of the organization, will
play one of the leading roles of the
picture which will be entitled "Hol-
lywood Canteen."
YOUR COUNTRY LOOKS TO YOU TO BACK THE INVASION WITH WAR BONDS NOW
Monday, September 13, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 51 Mon., Sept. 13, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. AUCOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : Ceneral Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN
: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber _ should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
: (.September 10) ;
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High Low Close
Am. Seat 16 16 16
Col. Piers, vtc. (2l/2%) 16% 16V4 16'A
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 15% 15% 15%
Cast. Kodak 157% 157Vi 157%
Gen. Prec. Eq 203/8 20'/4 2014
toew's, Inc 60 59% 60
Paramount 263^ 25% 26
20 Century-Fox .... 23% 23 23 1/4
20th-Fox pfd. (1%). 32'/8 31% 31 1/4
20th-Fox pfd. (4%). IOOI/4 100% IOO1/4
Warner Bros 13% 13% 13%
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Piers 2% 2% 2%
Sonotone Corp 31% 3% 3%
Technicolor 14% 14 14%
Trans-Lux 3% 2% 3
Universal Piers 17 17 17
Net
Chg.
— "%
— %
+ %
+ %
+ %
+ %
+ "Vs
+ %
+ %
+ %
+ %
— 1
—Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
EAO Declares Dividends
On Common and Preferred
Dividends on both the common and
preferred stock of Keith-Albee-Or-
pheum Corp. was declared Friday by
the board of directors.
A dividend, out of operating sur-
plus, of $1.75 per share on the 7 per
cent cumulative convertible prefer-
red was declared for the quarter
ended Sept. 30 and payable Oct. 1
to stockholders of record Sept. 21.
The common stock dividend was 50
cents a share, out of operating sur-
plus, payable Oct. 1 to stockholders
of record Sept. 24.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
"U" Cocktail Party Tomorrow
Universal will host a cocktail party
at "21" tomorrow afternoon for
Louis Allbritton and Robert Paige,
co-stars of "Fired Wife," and Allan
Jones, star of "Larceny With Mu-
sic."
H The Broadway Parade H
This Is the Army (Warner Bros. Pictures)— 9th week Hollywood
Let's Face It (Paramount Pictures)— 6th week Paramount
Heaven Can Wait (20th Century-Fox)— 6th week Roxy
OuBarry Was a lady (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 'Pictures) — 5th week Capitol
Salute to the Marines (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures)— 3rd week Clobe
Hitler's Madman (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures)— 3rd week Rialro
Watch on the Rhine (Warner Bros. Pictures)— 2nd week Strand
The Sky's the Limit (RKO Radio Pictures)— 2nd week Palace
Destroyer (Columbia Pictures) — 2nd week Criterion
So Proudly We Hail (Paramount Pictures) Music Hall
Swing Shift Maisie (Metro-Goldwyn-M3yer Pictures).. ...Loew's State
The Great Mr. Handel (Midfilm) 55th St. Playhouse
Thousands Cheer (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) '..".' Astor
Jeannie (English Films) Little Carnegie
Petticoat Fever (RKO Radio Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
Black Hills Express (Republic Pictures)— Opens tomorrow (a).. New York
♦ TWO-A-DAY RUN ♦
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Paramount Pictures)— 10th week Rivoli
♦ FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURES ♦
Seeds of Freedom (Artkino Pictures) — 4th week Stanley
Alexandra (CLASA-Mohme)— 2nd week 1 .Belmont
The City That Stopped Hitler — Heroic Stalingrad (Russian Documentary) —
2nd week Victoria
The Women of Round Larson (Scandia Films (a) 48th St. Theater
Walpurgis Night (Scandia Films) (a) 48th St. Theater
♦ FUTURE OPENINGS ♦
Holy Matrimony (Twentieth Century-Fox)— Sept. 15 Roxy
Johnny Come lately (United Artists-Cagney) — Sept. 23 Capitol
Behind the Rising Sun (RKO Radio Pictures)— Sept. 23 Palace
Thank Your Lucky Stars (Warner Bros. Pictures)— Oct. 1 Strand
Hit the Ice (Universal Pictures) (c) Criterion
Seventh Victim (RKO Radio Pictures )(c) Ria'to
Lassie Come Home (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c) Music Hall
Don Perideo (Mexican film) (c) Belmont
(a) Dual bill, (c) Follows current bill.
Re-Booking of "Canteen" Decision Is Reserved
Is Setting UA Record On Selznick's Motion
United Artists' current Sol Les-
ser production, "Stage Door Can-
teen" is receiving more return en-
gagements from exhibitors than any
previous UA release, Carl Leserman,
UA general sales manager, announc-
ed Friday.
This additional playing time has
been noticeable in practically every
section of the country, Leserman
said.
To cite but a few of the return en-
gagements recently enjoyed by
"Stage Door Canteen," Leserman
pointed to the picture's run in Holy-
oke, Mass., where it played for seven
days at the Suffolk Theater, held for
an additional two days and later was
brought back to the same house for
four more days. In Pittsfield, "Stage
Door Canteen" received a 10-day
run at the Union Square Theater
and three weeks later was brought
back for a return engagement.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
S. D. Berns Opens Offices
Samuel D. Berns has formed the
Samuel D. Berns Associates, Inc.,
publicity and public relations or-
ganization, with headquarters in
the Paramount Bldg. New com-
pany will handle special events and
tie-ups for motion pictures, as well
as personal press relations for Hol-
lywood personalities. Berns long
has been identified with the theater
field in New York and Pennsylvania.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
WB Tilts Juvenile Price
Chicago — Warners' Beverly has
advanced its juvenile admission
prices from 17 cents to 20 cents.
Supreme Court Justice Ferdinand
Pecora on Friday reserved decision
on the motion by David O. Selznick
Productions, Inc., and Vanguard
Films to set aside services of proc-
ess in the $2,000,000 Charles Chap-
lin suit for an accounting of profits.
The court ordered both sides to sub-
mit additional papers within the
next week.
In addition to Selznick Productions
and Vanguard the defendants are
Selznick, 20th-Fox and United Ar-
tists. Chaplin's suit is on behalf of
himself and other stockholders of
United Artists and seeks to have
Selznick account for profits on deals
he made with 20th-Fox on literary
property.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Ralph Martin Leaves Columbia
Ralph Martin, who for the past
seven years has been with the ex-
ploitation department at Columbia,
severs his connection with the com-
pany on Friday to join the advertis-
ing staff of Dell Publishing Co.,
where he will handle special promo-
tion.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Wild Shot Kills Currie
Detroit — Arthur J. Currie, Jr., of
the Eastown Theater staff, was in-
stantly killed when he was struck
by stray bullets from a police vs.
bandits gun battle, on his way home
from the theater.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
PRC Exchange Moving, Too
PRC's New York exchange moves
to larger quarters at 630 Ninth Ave-
nue this week, one week before the
PRC home office moves to 625 Madi-
son Ave. for more floor space.
Columbia Sets Trade
Showings of "Sahara"
Columbia has scheduled a series
of special tradeshowings, to which
exhibitors, circuit operators and the
press will be invited, for its Humph-
rey Bogart starrer, "Sahara." Dis-
trict and branch managers will host
the screenings.
First showing will be todaj^in
Kansas City with others sch^rmtfd
for the Dennis Theater, Pittsb_x Office
iig
lollywood Reporter
•llywood Variety
PARAMOUNT THEATRE
selects it above all others to usher in its bril-
liant Fall Show Season . . . Opening September
15! ... No wonder theatres everywhere soon
will be drawing terrific crowds with
FRANK ROSS presents
%Z
fcJHfibse exhibitors who are skeptical
we urge that you see for yourself
CK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN."
tical about these rave reviews,
by having an audience preview:
*BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN."
^^wbs^^WII
"WILL HAVE THE AUDIEN^TotT^^^^^^^
ESROLUNGlN THE AISLES-
Universal h*. , -motion picture daily
Sj"? has » winner in
co™, YIFE! A situa«on-
comedy which smacks of box,
office from the word go. Spar-
Wing sophisticated comedy
canted, o catch the popular
taste, smartIy enacted
clever cast who get the most
°ut of some of the h^t ^ j
^es of the seasons C°medy
-DAILY VARIETY
"Si?" *— *— » hy»-
the eternal triangle theme into
conference about comrJ
with the rh,iT comPeting
Tod, Challen8er-..it's TIP.
-MOTION PICTURE HBRALD
j he show is aimed at the a„
knee's funny bone Ln
AUbritton conLmlTde^r
Robert Paige takes to townS
bm, opportunity he ever had
on the screen. It is sUck enfer,
henSfr0mthefir--eI
IaSt! -^OUYWOOD REPOKTEK
"-designed solely for Iaughs
—e being of the belly varied
—film daily
brittle TT C°med^ **
brittle and clever dialog
should establish P . 8*-'
AUhri«.« aige an4
ubntton as toP biUers!"
-THE EXHIBITOR
"The laugh content of thfe
£lThTd C°medy is Effi-
ciently hefty to insure it profit
able reception"' „
aa.. ..-.- -BOXOFFICE
ROBERT PAIGE
«0
LOUISE ALLBRITTON
/n
Wi'fA
FIRED WIFE
DIANA BARRYMORE • WALTER ABEL
WALTER CATLETT • ERNEST TRUEX
ALAN DINEHART • GEORGE DOLENZ • RICHARD LANE • REX INGRAM
Directed by CHARLES lAMONT_^S«reen Play. Michael Feuier and Ernest Pagano • Original Sfory by Hagar Wilde • Produced by ALEX GOTTLIEB)
^SSMM^W^^^^1
10
0*\ DAILY
Monday, September 13, 1949
Exhibs. to Get Repeat Pix Free for Bond Shows
Distribs. Agree on Plan
To Enable Every Theater
To Aid Third War Loan
{Continued from Page 1)
following a meeting of the sales
heads at a meeting in the Warwick
Hotel, that present War Bond pre-
mieres will not in some instances
accomplish the maximum results in
particular territories. For. that rea-
son, the sales managers agreed to
additional plans which will make it
possible for every theater in the
United States to participate in the
Third War Loan.
Telegram Outlines Plan
Details of the plan were sent to
all WAC distribution chairmen in
the following telegram:
"In addition to offering any cur-
rent picture under contract, to be
played either for one performance
during the continuous engagement
the night before or not more than
two weeks prior to the regular play-
date, admission to which is the pur-
chase of a Bond at or through the
theater, the additional offer of the
distributors is also to furnish gratis
to any theater desiring to hold a
Bond premiere a repeat picture if
played previously in that theater,
for one performance only — providing
the admission to the performance is
also the purchase of a Bond at or
through the theater, and provided,
of course, prints are available.
"The distributors further agree
that where a theater or theaters in
a community want to designate a
day as 'Free Movie Day,' and on
that day accept as admission to the
theater's regular performances a
Bond purchased on the theater prem-
ises, the distributor will waive his
share of such free admissions if the
picture is being played on percent-
age that day. This will afford every
theater an opportunity to partici-
pate in the Bond drive.
Sept. 27, Suggested Date
"It is recommended that all the-
aters in the United States if pos-
sible select the same date, Sept.
27, as 'Free Movie Day.' New York
already has designated this date.
"This recommendation is made be-
cause of the tremendous publicity
value to the campaign of having
all theaters who are not holding
Bond premieres follow the same
plan. However, no 'Free Movie Day'
should be held on the same date as
a local Bond premiere.
"Under the plan, distributors will
waive their share of such admis-
sions of percentage pictures upon
certification of names of Bond pur-
chasers; and where theaters are not
issuing agents they undoubtedly can
make arrangements with local banks
to have some one at their theaters
for this one day to issue Bonds — as
the mere holding of a certificate that
a Bond was purchased should not be
accepted unless purchased at the
theater. These alternatives are of-
fered to those whose localities or
INDUSTRY'S BOND DRIVE IN HIGH
$125,000,000 Sale Thru Madison Square Garden Show;
Reports from the Field Swelling Total
{Continued from Page 1)
stands, the stars accounted for well
above $200,000,000 in Bond sale ad-
missions.
Exceptional Press Breaks
Local appearance of the Holly-
wood contingent, embracing Fred
Astaire, Lucille Ball, James Cag-
ney, Judy Garland, Greer Garson,
Kathryn Grayson, Paul Henried,
Betty Hutton, Harpo Marx, Dick
Powell, Mickey Rooney, Kay Kyser
and his band, Rosemary LaPlanche,
Doris Merrick, Dolores Moran and
Marjorie Stewart, garnered excep-
tional press breaks for the Bond
campaign.
The show was extremely well re-
ceived, with several of the "bugs"
which cropped up in the premiere
engagement in Philadelphia ironed
out by Cavalcade Director Eddie
Buzzell. Yesterday the group ap-
peared in Pittsburgh and tonight the
Bonds-for-seats show will be given
in Detroit.
Loew's Theaters at the week-end
reported total Bond sales in excess
of $2,000,000 for the opening day of
the Loan drive. Loew's houses in
the metropolitan area accounted for
$1,170,530 of this amount, and out-
of-town situations for $1,022,500.
Sales are twice as great as on the
opening day of the September, 1942,
drive.
Largest single total reported was
$798,525 from Loew's Washington
theaters. Runner-up was Loew's
Pitkin, Brooklyn, with $151,200.
More than $500,000 worth of
Bonds have been sold by the Astor
Theater for tonight's War Bond
Premiere of M-G-M's "Thousands
Cheer."
From various parts of the coun-
try other reports show clearly that
the diligence and showmanship of
the industry are bearing fruit in
Bond sales that augur well for the
success of the Third War Loan.
Rangers Report Sales
Three sets of opening day figures,
totaling $6,675,000 have been wired
to Ranger chairman George J.
Schaefer. Broken down this effort
is the result of the activities of the
following Rangers: Detroit, Earl
Hudson, $3,075,000; Detroit, Ed
Beatty, $1,000,000; and New Eng-
land, Sam Pinanski, $2,600,000.
Tour managers of the War Vet-
erans Bond Airmada have sent glow-
ing reports of the receptions given
the fighting men and Hollywood
stars accompanying them on the
flights. A Chicago rally, staged by
the Airmada unit with Eugene
O'Brien as manager, resulted in a
total Bond sale of $20,187,000, the
WAC was advised. Ted Scofield,
Tour Manager for Route No. 1, tells
of the Sacramento, Calif, engage-
ment: "Enormous parade with eve-
ning show at Civic Auditorium pro-
duced $583,375."
Bob Sunderland, Tour Manager on
Route 4, reports the enormous
success of the Atlanta, Ga., appear-
ance. A luncheon rally at Bell Air-
craft earned $23,000, the Chamber
of Commerce Dinner brought in ex-
actly $1,000,000, and with a black-
out no handicap, an auction was held
which produced $1,400,000.
The Route Three troupe, accord-
ing to advance manager Earl Win-
gart, was greatly instrumental in
selling $4,000,000 worth of Third
War Loan "paper" in Peoria, 111.
This figure represents 35 per cent
of the county's quota.
"Airmada" In Syracuse
Thursday for Bond Drive
Syracuse — John Garfield will head
the party of Hollywood celebrities
and war heroes arriving by air
transport Thursday, to conduct Bond
rallies in support of the film indus-
try's campaign to aid the Third War
Loan drive.
Other film players will include Ed-
die Bracken, Virginia Grey and Gene
Lockhart. The service veterans will
be Morton Dietz, cadet midshipman,
Merchant Marine; Robert J. Croak,
machinist's mate, first class, Coast
Guard; Ward Gemmer, boatswain's
mate, second class, Navy; Pit. Sgt.
John Basilone, Marines, and Staff
Sgt. Schiller Cohen, Army Air Force.
A full day of speeches and p.a.'s
is scheduled for the visitors, who will
"star" in a public Bond rally in
front of the City Hall and appear
at a civic luncheon and Bond sale at
the Onondaga Hotel. The afternoon
will be devoted to a tour of war
plants.
Arrangements for the visit are in
charge of a committee of Syracuse
theater men, headed by Harry Un-
terfort, city manager of RKO-Schine
theaters, as chairman; Vaughn R.
O'Neill, manager of Loew's State
Theater, and Sidney Grossman, rep-
resenting the Syracuse Motion Pic-
Coke Only for British
Theaters This Winter
{Continued from Page 1) >«c-
paring instructions on the (rm<;er-
sion of theater heating plantsfnow
using oil or coal, to coke. Pamphlets
and posters are being printed and
lectures are to be given in the 12
principal regions of the country.
possibilities do not lend themselves
to the usual Bond premiere.
"It must be understood that our
first objective is the Bond premiere,
and nothing should be done in any
way to depreciate their tremendous
possibilities. Distributors are mo-
tivated by the sincere desire to make
it possible for every operating the-
ater to participate productively in
the campaign. It is therefore im-
perative that all theater owners be
advised at once through Theater
Committee chairmen of these plans
to enable them to give proper pub-
licity to the day."
ture Theater Owners' Association.
Two Million Dollar Events
Boost Albany Bond Total
Albany — Spurred by sale of $5,
000,000 in War Bonds for the Third
War Loan towards the cruiser "Al-
bany" goal of $40,000,000, the local
WAC group headed by Lou Gold
ing, Fabian district manager, ex-
pects to raise $2,000,000 Wednesday
with Bert Lytell and the Caravan
of Heroes as the attraction. The
Ten Eyck Hotel ballroom will be sold
for $1,000,000 in War Bonds, with
purchasers attending the luncheon.
Lytell and the war heroes will make
p.a.'s at the Strand Theater at night,
with the 1,900-seat house sold out
for the equivalent of another million
in Bonds.
\
\
$5,000,000 Bond Premiere
Planned for Omaha Friday
Omaha — War Bond premiere de-
signed to roll up $5,000,000 in Bond
sales is planned for the Paramount
Theater here Friday; pic offering
will be "Watch on the Rhine." Thea-
ter is being scaled at $25 to $25,000
Other cities in this area which al-
ready have Bond premieres sched-
uled, according to Frank Hannon,
WAC distributor chairman, are:
Grand Island. Neb., Capitol, Sept. 28,
"Claudia": Falls City, Neb., Rivoli, Sept.
29, "Destroyer"; Fairbury, Neb., Bonham,
Sept. 28, "Holy Matrimony"; Auburn, Neb.,
State, Sept. 14, "Human Comedy": Deshler,
Neb., Ritz Sept. 9, "This Land Is Mine";
Howells, Neb., Howells, Sept. 28, "Action
in the North Atlantic ": Villisca, la., Rialto,
Sept. 15 "Dixie": Nebraska City, Neb., Arbor,
Sept. 16, "Dixie": Sioux City, la.. Capitol,
Sept. 27, "Hers to Hold"; Hastings, Neb.,
Sept. 28, "Claudia."
Paramount Employes Go
Over Top in Bond Buys
Paramount home office employes
will top their quota for war Bond
purchases during the Third War
Loan by a considerable margin, it
was announced Friday by Claude
Lee, chairman of the central commit-
tee. A deadline has been set for
Wednesday for final reports from
department heads who make up the
central committee.
The Paramount drive was sparked)
by a rally Thursday for employes
who were addressed by Barney Bala-
ban, Adolph Zukor, Major L. E;
Thompson and L. C. Griffith. Sonny
Tufts, featured in "So Proudly We
Hail," also spoke and Benny Good-
man and his sextette and vocalist
entertained the rally through the|
courtesy of Bob Weitman, manage
of the Paramount Theater where
Goodman is playing.
Pr:z: ;-;:•;, —j
cRF
Ml
A split second's delay often means disaster... if
you're engaged in some enterprise that depends
precise punctuality of delivery. .. For years
we tiave been building up a fine "REP" for fool-
proof, no-alibi, on-the-dot delivery... Along came
the war anaVaway went the"REP"...for you can't
hold up a troop-train that theatrical advertising
may go through . /vno matter how urgently it's
needed... So if we're cMittle late now and then...
have a heart... and if we^ask you to relay a
trailer to another theatre... be^a good sport and
help out.. .Some day when the war is over...
everything will be jake again. ..until the)
and 1 give every fellow-American. ..an even
£&£
HfiTIOflfiL \mJ0teefl SERVICE
'PRIZE BttBY OF THE ItWUSTRY
ANDARD ACCESSORIES
TRAILERS
12
™#$
Monday, September 13, 194:
DAILY
Canadian Film Biz
At Peak— Lighlstone
[Continued from Page 1)
stone, general manager of Para-
mount Film Service, Ltd., who was
in New York last week.
"Let's Face It" and "Dixie" are
reaching new highs in theaters where
they are now playing, an all-time
record having been established at
the Capitol, Halifax, by "Let's Face
It." Lightstone said that "Dixie"
was out-grossing some of Para-
mount's biggest hits of the past.
Although Canadian business is
big, the industry is beset by an in-
creasingly serious personnel prob-
lem which is worse than it is in this
country, Lightstone said, explaining
that draft age limits had been in-
creased from 35 to 40 and lowered
from 20 to 18. All men between 18
and 40 not in essential industries
must enter war work and the drain
on theaters and exchanges has been
tremendous, he added. Women are
being used more extensively.
"Rising Sun" Premieres
Click in 50-City Tieup
Cincinnati — RKO's "Behind the
Rising Sun" was launched here Fri-
day at the Albee and in 50 other
Midwest, cities to one of the biggest
grosses recorded in the territory. At
the Albee lines sta:ted forming at
7:30 a.m. and continued throughout
the day.
Sponsored by Radio Station WLW,
which plugged the picture in ad-
vance on the air, the premiere was
broadcast several times during the
day, with pickups from the Albee
stage where Margo, the star, James
Young, author of the picture, and
Gregor Ziemer, WLW commentator
and author of "Hitler's Children"
spoke.
). CARROLL SMITH, booker-office manager, FRC,
Dallas.
HARRY W. IRONS, manager, Lake Theater,
Chicago.
O. REDMON, manager, Lamar, Chicago.
JAMES DEVLIN, salesman, Paramount, Mil-
waukee.
CLIFF SAILOR, manager, Granada, Creencastle,
IND.
PAUL GRIFFIN, manager the Park, Marathon,
New York.
JOHN BACLOW, assistant shipper, Warners,
Seattle.
WILLIAM SHARTIN, manager, UA, New Haven.
JAMES RICKETS, booker, Universal, Des Moines.
JCE FRIEDMAN, salesman, Monogram, Des
Moines.
H. ). DEVEAU, manager, Capitol, Sydney, N. S.
RALPH MARTIN, adv. staff, Dell Publishing
Co.
AL SPARGUR, manager, Fox Midwest, Du Quoin,
III.
GLENN BONER, manager. Globe, Christopher,
III.
Dipping Screens In Dye Vat
Greatest Wave of Color in Industry Annals
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The nation's screens,
already well dipped in the dye vat,
thanks to 12 features recently re-
leased, are headed for the greatest
wave of color in industry history, on
the basis of a studio checkup which
shows nine Technicolor features
awaiting release, 10 more shooting
and no less than 14 additional in
preparation.
Tabulation by studios follows:
Columbia — In production, one,
'Cover Girl"; in preparation 1,
"Heart of the City."
Disney — In release, two, "Saludos
Amigos," (RKO), "Victory Through
Air Power, (UA) ; in production,
one, "Surprise Package," also known
as "Let's Go Latin," (RKO).
Metro — In release, three, "Best
Foot Forward," "Du Barry Was a
Lady," "Salute to the Marines," to be
released, three, "America," "As
Thousands Cheer," "Lassie Come
Home"; in production, two, "Broad-
way Rhythm," "Kismet"; in prepara-
tion, three, "Meet Me in St. Louis,"
'Mrs. Co-Ed," "National Velvet."
Paramount — In release, two,
"Dixie," "For Whom the Bell Tolls";
to be released, two, "Lady in the
Dark," "Riding High"; in production,
two, "Frenchman's Creek," "Story of
Dr. Wassell"; in preparation, two,
"California," "Rainbow Island."
RKO — In preparation, two, "Gib-
son Girl," "The Robe," (Disney's
"Saludos Amigos" and "Surprise
Package" have been listed above as
RKO releases, and Goldwyn's "Up
in Arms" has also been announced
for RKO release).
Samuel Goldwyn — In production,
one, "Up in Arms."
20th Century-Fox — In release,
three, "Coney Island," "Heaven Can
Wait," "My Friend Flicka"; to be
released, two, "Sweet Rosie
O'Grady," "Girls He Left Behind,"
also known as 'The Gang's All
Here"; in production, two, "Buffalo
Bill," "Pin-Up Girl"; in preparation,
three, "Back Home in Indiana,"
"Greenwich Village," "Where Do We
Go From Here?"
Universal — In release, one, "Phan-
tom of the Opera'; to be released,
one, "Cobra Woman"; in production,
one, "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves";
in preparation, two, "Carolina,"
"Zorya," also carried as "Gypsy
Girl."
Warners — In release, one, "This Is
the Army"; to be released, one, "Des-
ert Song"; in preparation, one, "The
Gay Nineties."
Wolff Quits OWI Coast
To Head M-G-M Tele Dept.
{Continued from Pufic 1)
in early preparation for television
when it is fully in use after the war.
The new acquisition will work on
screen production until the studio
puts television into actual use.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Hub Stage Door Canteen
Slated for Thursday Bow
Boston — The Hub's Stage Door
Canteen will be officially opened next
Thursday, occupying the former
Checker Inn, in the Shubert Copley
Theater building.
Heading the star cast for those
festivities will be Governor Salton-
stal, Gertrude Lawrence and Helen
Menken, accompanied by a large
representation from the American
Theater Wing. Miss Menken, head
of the Radio Division of the Ameri-
can Theater Wing, will be mistress
of ceremonies on the Boston end of
a radio hook-up, which will broad-
cast the proceedings across the
country over the Corn Products
program, "Stage Door Canteen."
The broadcast will shift from New
York to Boston and back to New
York.
Co-chairmen of the new canteen
are Frances Starr and Mrs. Mal-
colm Bradley French, head of th°
Cushman Club.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
To Adjudicate Rubens Estate
Joliet, 111.— The $400,000 estate
left by Louis M. Rubens, Great States
circuit exec, will receive adjudica-
tion in Will County Circuit Court.
Dismiss Creditors' Petition
Toi Set Aside Theater Sale
Federal Judge John C. Knox on
Friday dismissed the creditors' peti-
tion to set aside the sale of the
Academy of Music on 14th St. by
the Fox Theaters receivership to the
Skouias Theaters Corp. The court
granted the creditors' attorney, Rob-
ert Aronstein, 20 days in which to
file an amended petition.
Judge Knox held that the dismis-
sed petition was insufficient in law
and that an amended petition, if filed,
should contain proper jurisdictional
allegation and define clearly the is-
sues at law. The court previously
had ruled against the Skouras The-
aters Corp. with respect to the rights
of the creditors to contest the sale.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Western 'Premiere in Exile'
For 'Watch on the Rhine'
"Premiere in Exile" is the theme
for the Western opening of "Watch
on the Rhine" on Wednesday at
Warners' Hollywood and downtown
Wiltern Theaters in Hollywood.
World-famous personalities in ex-
ile from occupied countries of Europe
will be Jack L. Wrrner's guests.
Among those invited are Thomas
Mann, Heinrich Mann, Franz Werfel,
Bruno Frank, Emil Ludwig, Leon
Feuchtwanger, Bert Brecht and pro-
fessor Max Horkheimer.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Polio Drops Off in Chi.
Chicago — New polio cases are de-
clining here.
THE WEEK E\
REVIEW
Bond Drive Starts
(Continued from Page 1);
He also took a shot at the theater]
divorcement problem.
* * * (rmt't
NEWS NUGGETS: War Eaoo
Board approved pay raises of from
$2 to $7 a week for exchange em-
ployes in 28 cities. Fight of St.
Louis projectionists and stagehands
for a 15 per cent wage boost is
headed for a WLB hearing. . . . H.
J. Griffith turned down the offer of
an executive post in the amusements
division of the Office of Civilian Re-
quirements. . . . Films producers and
directors are preparing to invade
Broadway, New York, with a dozen
or so stage productions. . . . Warner
Bros., is seeking more first-run thea-
ters, particularly in New York, due
mainly to extended runs of "This is
the Army" tieing up so many first-
run houses. . . . Distribs, are pre-
paring pictures for showing in Italy
following that, country's capitulation
to the Allied Nations, with 40 films
already dubbed in Italian. . . . RKO
p;omoted Sid Rogell to post of execu-
tive producer at its studios in charge
of all "A" and "B" productions.
Fete Retiring Janet Piatt
New Haven — Vitagraph staff mem-
bers and other film employes joined
to give Janet Sullivan Piatt a fare-
well dinner and gift at Tiernan's
Homestead Inn Friday night. Mrs.
Piatt, chief inspectress, now retir-
ing has been on Meadow Street 13
years, 10 of which have been with
Vitagraph. Present were Eleanor
Nuzzo, Marie Smith, Lee Alderman,
Francis Silverman, Francis Soren-
sen, Sara Magliora, Florence Fitz-
gerald, Gertrude Sullivan, Joan Du-
pee, Marion Salowitz, Katherine Hig-
gins, Leona Nuhn, Hannah Ginsberg,
Mary O'Brien, Jack Mullen, Morris
Weber, Sam Gallagher, Jim Mahan,
Harold Garson, Al Herman, Henry
Tvufan, Sam Zipkin, and Sidney
Swirsky. Many other film people
joined in the gift.
The ....
FEMME TOUCH
MARGUERITE WHEELER, assistant, Carrick, Hali-
fax, N. S.
ELEANOR CANOL, booker's stenographer, War-
ners, Seattle.
EDITH WEINSTEIN, cashier, Warners, Seattle.
(CAN RYAN, clerk in availability department,
Warners, Seattle.
MRS. F. RYBACK, manager the Andover, An-
dover, N. Y.
ANGELICA DAURALIO,, bookeeping department,
20th Century-Fox Exchange, Buffalo.
CERALDINE MAYER, Coast publicity rep., Ar-
nold Pressburger.
MRS. KATHLEEN BLADES, manager, McLean and
Capitol, McLeansboro, III.
MRS. DOROTHY DTLREY, manager. Southern
Theater, Chicago.
IN A SERIES O
m
(PICTURE
POWERFUL RED-BLOODED
ACTION DRAMAS
BOOST YOUR BOX OFFICE VALUE WITH
THIS ALL-NEW SERIES OF SPECTACULAR
AND BREATH-TAKING ADVENTURES
BLAZING A TRAIL TO GREATER WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT
BACK THE ATTACK . . . —BUY MORE BONDS!
14
THE'
DAILY
Monday, September 13, 1943
$2,000,000 Budget
For Cagney's Next
(Continued from Page 1)
ney, two top-flight story properties
are scheduled to be put before the
cameras, probably within the next 10
to 12 weeks, by Cagney Productions,
Inc., it was asserted by Producer
William Cagney Friday at a Hotel
Astor trade press luncheon.
Productions are "Port Royal," to
be filmed in Technicolor at an esti-
mated cost of approximately $2,000,-
000, with James Cagney in the top
role, and "The Stray Lamb," which
will not include the hard-hitting
Academy Award winner in its cast.
Aside from these two pictures, it
is not decided currently just what
Cagney Productions will be on the
UA lineup during the 1943-44 season,
it is said. It is further learned that,
although the production deal pro-
vides that one feature each year
during the life of the contract per-
mits James Cagney to make one pro-
duction away from the UA banner, it
is highly improbable that such an
attraction will be forthcoming.
Queried as to whether the present
star and player shortage might have
its effect upon the planned indepen-
dently-made offerings of Cagney
Productions, William Cagney de-
clared that no difficulties whatever
are anticipated, due to the excellent
co-operation between his company
and important Coast studios, as has
been evidenced in the instances of
M-G-M and Paramount.
It was confirmed that the company
has under option the screen services
of Grace George, as well as others of
prime value to picture-making.
William Cagney expressed keen
satisfaction over the reception by
trade and public of "Johnny Come
Lately," and the strong impression
the picture has made upon reviewers
and the box-offices of stands where
it has played during its early release
life to date.
The producer expects to remain in
New York until Sept. 25, and then
head for the Coast to assign writers
to both "Port Royal" and "The Stray
Lamb."
Ann Arbor Weighing
Curfew for Minors
Ann Arbor, Mich. — The city coun-
cil is considering a new curfew ordi-
nance, setting a 10 p.m. deadline for
minors up to the age of 16, with an
hour's leeway on Saturday and Sun-
days. Ann Arbor, site of the state
university, traditionally has been ex-
ceptionally liberal in dealing with the
younger elment.
Detroit — Additional theaters are
hiring private detective agencies to
guard theaters, in an effort to meet
the various juvenile problems that
have arisen here.
Good Business Suits
Suit Good Business
Chicago — Business is so good in
the Loop theaters these days that the
circuit theater managers don't have
time to change into their tuxedos.
They just manage matters in their
business suits. Taking care of the
crowds is such a burden that one
Loop manager told customers to wait
20 minutes for the next show, as his
front man was busy taking care of
the sidewalk crowd. Usher problem
will become acute again with open-
ing of public schools.
Cooper, Suing Paramount,
Says Contract Breached
(.Continued from Page 1)
since 1927 the plaintiff has been one-
half the owner of the common stock
of Lincoln Theater Corp., a Delaware
corporation doing business in Lin-
coln, Neb., the other half being
owned by Publix Theaters Corp.
Cooper asserts that between 1928
and 1932 Publix withdrew from Lin-
coln $138,581 and that he got a simi-
lar amount, with the understanding
that both sums were to be set up
as amounts owed to Lincoln. He
further alleges that prior to 1937
Publix fraudulently and without his
knowledge converted the advance-
ments into overhead for itself and
salary charges against him.
In 1936, the complaint asserts.
Cooper was met with a claim by the
Internal Revenue Bureau that he had
not paid proper income taxes. He
says he denied the claim because he
relied on the information furnished
him by Publix that his salary was
only $150 per week and he did not
learn of the assertedly wrongful acts
of Publix until the bureau had inves-
tigated his earnings. The complaint
states at the special instance of Pub-
lix he made under duress a payment
of $100,000 to the Government.
Cooper' according to the complaint,
suffered damages of $100,000 by vir-
tue of injury to his business reputa-
tion, and he demands an additional
$150,000 because of the injury to
his finances by the Government.
In a suit instituted by Montague
F. Gowthorpe as treasurer and direc-
tor and Sam Dembow, Jr., as direc-
tor of Lincoln Theater Corp., against
Cooper and Lincoln Theater Corp. an
order was obtained Friday by the
plaintiffs for examination of Cooper
and Joseph A. Philipson, who han-
dled the former's affairs. Examina-
tion of Cooper and Philipson is sched-
uled for Sept. 16. Plaintiffs seek to
compel Cooper as president of Lin-
coln Theater Corp., to account for
his conduct and to pay the corpora-
tion any money or the value of any
property acquired by himself.
At the same time an order was ob-
tained by Paramount Pictures for
the examination of Cooper and Phil-
ipson in connection with its suit
against Cooper, Rialto, Inc., Inter-
state Theaters Corp. and J. H. Coo-
per Enterprises, Inc., of Colorado.
In this suit Paramount seeks adjudi-
cation of its rights to ownership of
«
REVIEWS
"Top Man"
»
with Donald O'Connor, Susanna Foster
Universal 82'/2 Mins.
O'CONNOR DOES IT AGAIN IN LIVELY
MUSICAL THAT IS SWELL FUN FOR
THE FAMILY TRADE. ■
This musical further establishes Donald
O'Connor as a Universal gold mine. The
younger element will respond enthusiastical-
ly to the display of talent put on by the
youthful performer, without whose presence
the picture would be just another variation
of a familiar story. He, Susanna Foster
and Peggy Ryan are the whole film. As
long as the three are around the customers
won't care about anything else.
In this spry, youthful and hilarious en-
tertainment O'Connor is a riot in his at-
tempt to play the head of the family while
his father (Richard Dixl is away serving
as an officer in the navy. He gets into
situation after situation loaded with laughter,
tossing lines around with amazing skill and
ease. O'Connor wins the admiration of all
when he induces his young friends to devote
their spare time to working in an airplane
factory sadly in need of help. The plant,
run by Miss Foster's uncle (Samuel S.
Hinds), gets the Army-Navy E, and O'Con-
nor gets official Government recognition
for his act of patriotism. The film winds
up with a swell show put on by O'Connor
and his pals for the entertainment of the
factory hands.
The music, of which there is plenty, has
been selected to suit the tastes of both
jitterbugs and lovers of the better music.
Miss Foster, who plays the girl in O'Con-
nor's life, takes care of the demands of the
iatter group with a selection of numbers
that bring out the full beauty cf her voice.
The singer lends a touch of class to the
film.
O'Connor and the Misses Foster and Ryan
(playing O'Connor's kid sister) get excel-
lent backing from Dix, Lillian Gish, (O'Con-
nor's ma), Anne Gwynne, David Holt,
Noah Beery, Jr. Not to be forgotten are
Count Basie and his orchestra and Borrah
Minnevitch's Harmonica Rascals (minus
Minnevitch).
Producer Milton Schwarzwald deserves
much credit for the film's high status as
popular entertainment. Charles Lamont's
snappy direction makes "Top Man" extreme-
ly zestful diversion. The screenplay was
written by Zachary Gold from a story by
Ken Goldsmith. The musical direction of
Charles Previn and the art direction cf
John Goodman are to be commended
Bernard Burton served as associate producer.
CAST: Donald O'Connor, Susanna Foster,
Lillian Gish, Richard Dix, Peggy Ryan,
Anne Gwynne, David Holt, Noah Beery, Jr.,
Marcia Mae Jones, Richard Love, Samuel
S. Hinds, Count Basie and orchestra, Bor-
rah Minnevitch's Harmonica Rascals.
CREDITS: Producer, Milton Schwarzwald;
Associate Producer, Bernard Burton; Direc-
tor, Charles Lamont; Screenplay, Zachary
Gold; Based on story by Ken Goldsmith;
Cameraman, Hal Mohr; Art Director, John
Goodman; Sound Supervisor, Bernard B.
Brown; Film Editor, Paul Landres; Musical
Director, Charles Previn.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
H€LI_yWCCD
DIGEST
SIGNED
WALTER SLEZAK, two pictures, RKO.
ASSIGNMENTS /C„ -
WILLIAM CASTLE, director, "Klondike'W.e, |
Columbia.
RENE CLAIR, director, "Tomorrow Never Comes,
Arnold Pressburger-UA.
DUDLEY NICHOLS, screenplay, "Tomorrow Never
Comes," Arnold Pressburger-UA.
PHIL ROSEN, director, "Charlie Chan in the
Secret Service," Monogram.
JOSEPH BERNE, director, "Lucky Cowbcy,
Technicolor short, Paramount.
JOHN CROMWELL, director, "Since You Went
Away," Seiznick.
LES GOODWINS, director, "The Return ot Casa-
nova," Republic.
VAL BURTON, script, "The Return of Casanova.
Republic.
JOHN K. BUTLER and MORTON GRANT, screen-
play, "Pistol Packin' Mama," Republic.
RONALD DAVIDSON, script, "Captain America,'
Republic serial.
•
CASTINGS
ELLA RAINES, "Phantom Lady," Universal:
ANN SAVAGE, "Klondike Kate," Columbia
CRACIE ALLEN, "Two Sisters and a Sailor,'
M-C-M; JOHN SUTTON and JOAN HARVEY
"Four Jills and a Jeep," 20th-Fox; DICK POW-
ELL and JACK OAKIE, "Tomorrow Never Comes,'
Arnold Pressburger-UA; AKIM TAMIROFF and
LOUIS CALHERN, "The Bridge of San Luis Rev":
WALTER SLEZAK, "China Sky," RKO; SIDNEY
TOLER, "Charlie Chan in the Secret Service,'
Monogram; SHARON DOUGLAS, "The Navy
Way," Pine-Thomas, Paramount; ODETTE MYR-
TIL, SHELDON LEONARD and ALFRED PAIX.
"Uncertain Clory," Warners; STEPHEN RICH-
ARDS, "Rhapsody in Blue," Warners; RICHARD
MARTIN, "Tender Comrade," RKO; ERSKINE
SANFORD, DOUCLAS FOWLEY, STEPHEN ROB-
ERTS, LESTER DOERR and WALTER BROOKE
j "Dr. Paul Joseph Goebbels," W. R. Frank:
WANDA McKAY, "Trocadero," Walter Colmes-
PRC.
KURT KREUCER, "The Day Will Come," Co-
lumbia; JANE FRAZEE, "Cowboy Canteen" (re-
placing Shirley Ross), Columbia; JOHN HUB-
BARD and RITA QUIGLEY, "Whispering Foot-
steps," Republic; IRENE RYAN, "O. My Darling
Clementine," Republic.
STORY PURCHASES
DONALD MOORE and DICK HYLAND'S "Ten
Minutes for Love," RKO.
Coe Speaking Dates Set
In Buffalo and Toronto
(Continued from Page 1)
sel of the MPPDA, have been set
for Buffalo and Toronto.
Coe will speak before the Greater
Buffalo Advertising Club at a lun-
cheon on Sept. 28 and will be a
guest speaker at a Variety Club
dinner that night. The next day he
will address the Advertising and
Sales Club of Toronto.
It is possible that Coe will go di-
rect to Hollywood from Toronto.
WEDDING BELLS
Class B. stock in Rialto and J. H.
Cooper Enterprises and of Class A
stock in Interstate.
Hollywood — Mozelle Cravens, Re-
public player, and John Hyde, vice-
president and co-owner of the Wil-
liams Morris agency, were married
Friday at the home of Mrs. and Mrs.
Leo Spitz in Encino, with Judge
Joseph Marchetti officiating. They
Every Exhibitor
will want
Every Distributor
will want
Every Producer
will want
the***
•^Vdaily
A Copy of
PRODUCT PREVIEW
DIRECTORS' NUMBER
THE TEN BEST DIRECTORS OF 1942-43
As voted in the annual FILM DAILY nation-wide poll by critics, reviewers, columnists and
commentators of press and radio.
THE 1943 CRITICS FORUM
With trenchant typewriters, film commentators of the American press and radio assay and
analyze the state of the screen and its industry. Their frank criticism and recommendations
will be read with interest in New York, in Hollywood and in points between.
PRODUCT PREVIEW
A practical, informative and time-saving presentation of 1943-44 product, designed as a
special service feature for every exhibitor in every city, town and village.
DIRECTORS' BIOGRAPHIES
Tabloid sketches of the careers and accomplishments of the "men behind the picture1' . . .
a valuable ready reference work for all associated with film business.
DIRECTORS' WORK
A comprehensive report on the directorial record of the year.
PRODUCERS' WORK
An authentic listing of producers and their productions for the 12-month period.
CINEMATOGRAPHERS' WORK
Cameramen and their official credits for the full season.
A Typical FILM DAILY Production
Louise Allbritton and Robert Paige
..."a pair of comedy talents whose
stars are
than ever"
2 ^
4
shining brighter
-MotiQmPktvre Daily
Directed by CHARLES LAMONT *Q ^^ Produced by ALEX GOTTLIEB
Screen Play, Michael Fessier and Ernest Paganp • Original Story by Hagar Wilde
BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN."
N* I3 P Jr ID 2 I S T F L
2 H W 44TH ST
r . ™-£ copy
NOT REM
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1? DAILY
J
L. 84, NO. 52
NEW YORK, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1943
TEN CENTS
INDUSTRY ADS TURN TOWARD FACTUAL COPY
INat'l Allied to Co-op with Legion of Decency
Exhib. Association Move
Designed to Avoid Play-
ing of Objectionable Pix
National Allied is taking steps to
co-operate with the Legion of Dec-
ency "in avoiding as far as possible
the playing of objectionable pictures
and in elevating the standards of
the screen."
This action, proposed at the meet-
ing of the board of directors in Bal-
timore last month, was forwarded
to Msgr. John J. McClafferty, ex-
ecutive secretary of the Legion of
(Continued on Page 3)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
New Syrian Branch
Opened by Warners
Growing importance of the Middle
Eastern film market to American
distributors is indicated by the War-
ner announcement yesterday that
the company has opened a new
branch in Beyrouth, Syria.
Georges Mamari has been appoint-
(Continucd on Page 3)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Power Rationing Cuts
Haitian Performances
Port-au-Prince — Number of per-
formances in Haitian theaters have
been reduced because of rationing
(Continued on Page 3)
Again: The Marines
Have Landed. . . .
Metro's "Salute to the Marines"
was August's No. 1 box office at-
traction in War Department the-
aters, R. B. Murray, director of the
Army Motion Picture Service, re-
ported yesterday.
Other four outstanding features
from a b.o. standpoint for the month
were in the order named, as fol-
lows:
"So Proudly We Hail," Para-
mount; "Du Barry Was a Lady,"
Loew's; "Behind the Rising Sun,"
RKO; "Dixie," Paramount.
Cleveland Downtown 1st -Runs Score Biggest
Week in History With "Take" Soaring 58%
Cleveland — Local downtown first-run theaters have just concluded the big-
gest week's business on record. The "take" for the seven days, including Labor
Day, soared 58 per cent over the estimated average take. Rain over the week-
end, travel restrictions and cash in the pockets contributed to this healthy box
office condition. Special holiday midnight shows also helped to boost the
total. Over at Loew's State Theater, "Salute to the Marines" established a record
by playing four midnight shows during the course of eight days.
Cavalcade Pittsburgh Meet Tomorrow on
Stop Tops $80,000,000 Non-Deferrable Jobs
Pittsburgh — War Bond sales to-
taling in excess of $80,000,000 are
expected from the Hollywood Bond
Cavalcade's stop here last Sunday,
preliminary estimates indicate.
Estimates are based on the $70,-
000,000 proceeds from the Forbes
Stadium performance, plus some
$10,000,000 receipts from a Bond
Dinner at which the Cavalcade stars
were the main attraction. Show
marked up another triumph as" a
(Continued on Page 10)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
20th-Fox Sets Record
Advertising Budget
A record advertising budget for
the 1943-44 product calling for an
outlay twice that for the 1942-1943
season has been set up by 20th-Fox
under the supervision of Hal Home,
the company's ad-publicity head.
(Continued on Page 6)
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Members of the War
Manpower Committee's essential ac-
tivities committee are expected to
discuss definitions of the jobs on
the non-deferrable list in a meeting
tomorrow. Although these defini-
tions are not expected to go out to
Selective Service boards even when
agreed upon, it is known that they
have been under preparation and are
potentially of great value in the
(Continued on Page 6)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
35 mm. Projector Mfgrs.
Confer With WPB in Wash.
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Manufacturers of
35 mm. projection equipment met
yesterday with WPB officials here to
discuss a new order restricting dis-
posal of such equipment. Details of
the new order, which has been under
(Continued on Page 6)
Scophony Tele Progresses
Color, 3rd Dimension, More Light in Work
Lottery Defense Ruled Out
In Iowa Bank Night Suit
Des
court
Night
$1,000
R. O.
States
The
Moines, la. — A. Polk County
refused to recognize Bank
as a lottery as a defense in a
damage suit brought by Mrs.
Youngerman against Tri-
Theater Corp. of Des Moines,
theater company in resisting
(Continued on Page 6)
Progress of Scophony Corp. of
America in recent months has re-
sulted in three important television
developments under the guidance of
Dr. A. H. Rosenthal, research engi-
neer, according to Arthur Levey,
president.
Research in the industrial applica-
tion of electronics is bringing out
more light and definition; projection
of color through the modification of
(Continued on Page 3)
Institutional Copy Now
Said to be Most Effect-
ive by Advertising Men
Strong emphasis on factual and
institutional copy, seen by advertis-
ing experts as a post-war trend in
newspaper ads, will find motion pic-
ture copy leading the parade, in the
opinion of several advertising man-
agers.
With advertising following the
production trend, which has shown a
steady increase in biographical, so-
ciological and other significant sub-
jects, the industry's promotional
copy already has become well
grooved along informative lines and
(Continued on Page 10)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Clark Coming Here
For Decree Parley
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Tom C. Clark, assis-
tant attorney general handling the
New York consent decree, insisted
yesterday that he has reached no
decision as to what course the
Department of Justice will pursue in
November. Although he has indi-
(Continued on Page 6)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
'Naked Genius' Bought by
20th-Fox from Rehearsal
In what is said to be the first in-
stance of a Broadway play's being-
sold while in rehearsal, 20th-Fox has
acquired from Michael Todd the
rights to the Gypsy Rose Lee prop-
(Continued on Page 3)
Ala. Theater's Gross
To Buy Extra Bonds
Montgomery, Ala. — Charles Rook
has pledged all gross receipts from
the Charles Theater between Sept.
9 and 30 to the purchase of "extra"
War Bonds in support of the Third
War Loan campaign, the pledge be-
ing carried in newspaper ads.
YOUR WAR GETS TOUGHER — BACK THE ATTACK! — BUY EXTRA WAR BOWDS NOW!
1HE'
Vol. 84, No. 52 Tues., Sept. 14, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
: : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
: General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :
: : : Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
iCMonday, September 13)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 16 16 16 + 'A
Col. Piers, vtc. (2'/2%)
Columiba Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind . . . . ,
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd
East. Kodak 157y2 1 57 Vi 157i/2
do pfd 1731/2 173i/2 l73'/2 + Vi
Cen. Prec. Eq 20 20 20 + Vs
Loew's, Inc 60 59% 595/8 — %
Paramount 26 25% 26 + Va
RKO 85/8 8i/2 8l/2 — i/8
RKO $6 pfd 91 1/2 91 1/2 91 1/2 + Vi
20th Century-Fox . . . 23i/8 23 23
20th Century-Fox pfd. 31 1/4 31 1/8 31 1/4
Warner Bros 13 V4 13% 13% — 1/4
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1 1/2 1 1/2 l'/2
Scnotone Corp 3y2 3]/2 3V2
Technicolor 13% 13%. 13%— %
Trans-Lux 3% 3 3
Universal Picts
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. iBIdg. 4s 1st '57 78% 81 1/4
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Para. Suspends Donlevy
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Brian Donlevy has
been suspended by Paramount be-
cause of his refusal to play a co-
starring role with Betty Hutton in
"Incendiary Blonde."
Lt. Turrou of Warners
Meets Death In Action
Lt. Victor Turrou, AAF, 23-year-
old son of Leon G. Turrou and for-
merly employed at the Warners
home office, was killed in action
pr^ Aug. 16 in the Near East, ac-
|^§ cording to word just received
here.
Leon Turrou, at one time a mem-
ber of the FBI, also is now an of-
ficer in the Army.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Harry Unterfort to Army;
Flex Succeeds in Syracuse
Syracuse — Harry H. Unterfort,
RKO-Schine city manager here, re-
ports for Army induction at Utica
on Sept. 21. He is slated for assign-
ment to Volunteer Officers' School,
in which he was enrolled last March.
Jack Flex, at present manager of
Keith's here, will succeed Unterfort
as city manager.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
$3 NSS Cleveland Pay
Tilt Approved by WLB
Cleveland — Dan Cowhig, business
manager for Local F-5, announces
that he has been advised by the
IATSE headquarters that a pay in-
crease of $3 a week for all employes
of National Screen Service in Cleve-
land, has been approved by the War
Labor Board. The increase, which
is to be paid in full right away, is
retroactive to Oct. 1, 1942.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Say WB Paid $250,000
For "Hollywood Canteen"
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — It is understood War-
ners has paid $250,000 for the mo-
tion picture rights to "Hollywood
Canteen" and will give 40 per cent
of the picture's profits to the can-
teen. Bette Davis, head officer of
the canteen, and other Warner Bros.'
stars will be used in the picture. .
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Grainger Sets New Eng. Deals
Upon his return from Boston, Re-
public president, J. R. Grainger an-
nounced that the company has closed
a deal with both Interstate The-
aters and Maine and New Hamp-
shire Theaters, covering the entire
1943-44 program. Grainger was as-
sisted by Jack Davis, Boston branch
manager; and the circuits were rep-
resented by Harold Stoneman and
John Ford, respectively.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Preparing for Racketeer Trial
Chicago — Bradley Eben, defense
attorney in the alleged film rack-
eteering case is in New York City
this week, preparing for the trial's
opening.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Glenn Crouch Stricken
Troy, Ala. — Glenn Crouch, man-
ager of Wilby-Kincey's Enzor The-
ater for 20 years, died suddenly in
his office.
DAILY
Tuesday, September 14, 194:
Oh, Opening Cold?
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory —
Built in the record time of three
weeks, a new 500-seat theater in
this half-way stop on the Alcan
Highway will open the night of Sept.
21 with "This is the Army" as the
premiere attraction. This also will
mark the Canadian premiere of the
Warner pic.
Both the Canadian Broadcasting
Corp. and Mutual Coast-to-Coast
networks will carry a special pro-
gram of the premiere ceremonies.
Ambassadors of Occupied
Nations Wash'n V.C. Guest
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Ambassadors of the
nine Nazi-occupied European na-
tions were luncheon guests yester-
day of the Washington tent of the
Variety Club, with addresses by all,
broadcast over the Mutual Broad-
casting System. Arranged by Bark-
ers Alexander Sherman, formerly
with Columbia Pictures and now of
the Norwegian Embassy staff, and
Nathan D. Golden, Department of
Commerce motion picture specialist,
yesterday's luncheon is reported to
be the first occasion upon which
representatives of these nine nations
have sat together.
Guests of honor were Ambassador
Wilhelme Munthe de Morgenstierne,
Norway; Jan Ciechanowski, Poland;
Count Robert von d'er Straten-Pon-
thoz, Belgium; Constantin Fotitch,
Jugoslavia; Cimon P. Diamantopo-
lous, Greece; and Vladimar Hurban,
Czechoslovakia. Also Ministers Bar-
on W. Van Boelzealer, Netherlands;
Henrik de Kauffman, Denmark, and
Huguos Le Gallais, Luxembourg.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
IATSE Executive Board
Opens Montreal Meeting
Montreal — Discussion of problems
affecting the IATSE and its mem-
bership began yesterday as the gen-
eral executive board of the alliance
convened at the Mount Royal Ho-
tel for its semi-annual meeting,
which closes on Friday. The talks
are preliminary to setting up a pro-
gram of action.
Attending the conference are:
Richard F. Walsh, International president;
Louis Krouse, general secretary-treasurer;
William P. Raoul. assistant International
president; Harland Holmden, first vice-presi-
dent; William P. Covert, second vice-presi-
dent; Floyd M. Billing'sley, third vice-presi-
dent: James J. Brennan, 4th vice-president;
Roger M. Kennedy, fifth vice-president: Felix
D. Snow, sixth vice-president, and Carl G
Cooper, seventh vice-president.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Warners Sell in Newark
Newark — Stanley Co. of America
has sold a plot at Broad and Lafay-
ette Sts. here to Samuel I. and Nat
Kessler, local attorneys. The prop-
erty had been acquired by Stanley
for a theater site. A loft building
on the plot will continue to be used
by Warner Bros, as a warehouse and
repair shop for film equipment.
COMinG and GOIflG
BOB GILLHAM, Paramount's promotion^
head, leaves New York today for Philadelphia
Detroit and Cleveland in connection with open-
ings of "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
JOSEPH H. COHN, vice-president and direct.;
of films for the Weiss and Celler agency- ••
gone to the Coast. ►"
WILLIAM C. CEHRINC, Western sales mana-
ger of 20th-Fox, leaves Minneapolis today foi
Omaha, completing the first leg of a toui
of six exchanges under his jurisdiction. Other
cities on his list are Des Moines, Kansas City.
St. Louis and Indianapolis. He will return
to his desk here on Oct. 1. EDDIE COLLINS, hi; \
assistant, who is with him, will return to New
York at the close of the Omaha visit
Thursday.
PHIL ENCEL, Warner Bros. New England repre-
sentative, is visiting Buffalo, Rochester and
Syracuse in connection with "This Is Th<
Army" openings.
HARRY COLD, UA Eastern Division manager
visited in New Haven.
HARRY BRANDT, ITOA prexy, goes to the
Coast today on personal matters.
CARL BAMFORD of Publix-Bamford Thea
ters, Asheville, N. C, Paramount associate, is
a New York visitor.
MARTIN LEWIS, radio contact at Paramount's
Coast studios, arrived in New York yesterday
for a stay of approximately two weeks.
CARTER BLAKE, Eastern talent scout for
Columbia arrives in New York tomorrow after
devoting two weeks at the studio to tests and
conferences with executives on new talent.
RICHARD F. WALSH, president; WILLIAM
P. RAOUL, assistant president; JAMES J. BREN-
NAN, fourth vice-president, and LOUIS
KROUSE, general secretary-treasurer of the
IATSE, are in Montreal attending the semi-
annual meeting of the international's general
executive board. They are expected back
in town on Monday.
WILLIAM MORGAN, 20th-Fox's home of-
fice representative in Spain, is headed for the
States.
MARION SHOULE, secretary to Les Whelan.
who is in charge of foreign publicity at 20th-
Fox, yesterday was back from a two-week j
vacation at Setauket, Long Island.
JOSE ITURBI has arrived from the Coast
for a short stay in town.
LESTER ISAACS, Loew's New York theater
equipment chief, goes to Washington today to
confer with OCR officials.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
"Claudia" Gets Big Biz
Twentieth-Fox reports that "Clau-
dia," is outgrossing "Hello, Frisco,
Hello" by 11.8 per cent and "Spring-
time in the Rockies" by 22 per cent.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
"Rhine" in French, Italian
French and Italian versions of
"Watch on the Rhine" are being
rushed by Warners for showing
abroad.
Alfred Santell
Phil Reisman
Robert Florey
Glen Tryon
Keith Douglas
Tuesday, September 14, 1943
TOE
DAILY
Co-op
Vilh Decency Legion
{Continued from Page 1)
)ecency in New York, by Abram F.
lyers, general counsel of Allied.
Ivers told Msgr. McClafferty that
Npe you will see fit to wire me
tistridiately of any picture that has
liieen given a 'C rating so that I
'an, in turn, notify the regional as-
ociations. In this way, we may be
ible to get the information to the
egional members before they make
'my commitment in regard to the
•icture."
According to the Catholic Chron-
cle, published in Toledo, the ITO of
)hio had formed a conference com-
nittee in each diocese of the state
o "take quick action on motion pic-
tures classified as 'C by the Legion
»f Decency." Leo Jones, Upper San-
lusky exhibitor, was appointed state
:hairman to take the initial steps
lor the formation of the commit-
.ees.
Jones and Pete Wood, secretary of
;he ITO of Ohio, conferred with
WL"sgr. McClafferty on Aug. 13 in New
JTork. Myers is expected to confer
vith the monsignor on his next trip.
i,Myers, in his letter to Msgr. Mc-
Clafferty, said he hoped that Allied
f nay arrive at an understanding with
";he Legion on each other's problems
ind "thus pave the way for co-opera-
tion in all matters of common in-
;erest."
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Hew Syrian Branch
Opened by Warners
{Continued from Page 1)
>3d manager of the branch, and the
territory will be under the supervis-
ion of E. De Leon, Warners' man-
ager in Cairo, Egypt.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Power Rationing Cuts
Haitian Performances
{Continued from Page 1)
of electricity. Gasoline and tire
shortages have also affected film the-
ater attendance, now estimated at
225,000 annually.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Chalmer Sinkey HI
Seattle, Wash. — Chalmer Sinkey,
20th Century-Fox news cameraman,
is in the Swedish Hospital as a re-
sult of a heart attack.
WEDDING BELLS
Omaha — Frances Knight, Warner
Brothers cashier at Omaha, was mar-
ried to Sgt. Orville Gabriel.
Seattle — ■ Verda Clarno, former
bookkeeper at Warners, married
•John Vallin, auditor from the home
office.
The Bell Ropes 'Em fit:
• • • WITH Paramount's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" rolling up
huge and sustained grosses in its current premiere engagements, — New
York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco — , industry statisticians
who make it their business to get the right answers via doodling with
figures come up with the fascinating info that "Bell," as the result of
its power and 70-30 terms, may well return from the aforementioned
quartet of engagements something very close to one-third of the pic's
negative cost, and also reward operators of the outlets with magnificient
remuneration The digit doodlers base their figuring on the premise
that "Bell" costs something over $3,000,000 to make, and has grabbed
a "take" to date of more than $1.000,000 If the present pace is
maintained (and there is every indication of its so doing), the four
premiere runs should easily hit $1,700,000 Now 70 per cent of
$1,700,000, whether you write it on a blackboard with white chalk, or
on a white tablecloth with a black pencil (which is a favorite doodling
practice), the answer is $1,190,000, — or somewhere close to the one-third
o' said negative cost
▼ T ▼
• • • THERE will be a number of important key city openings
of "Bell" late in the present month and especially so in October, ad-
vanced prices being, of course, the prevailing policy Of particular
interest are the big bows in Loew's Ohio, Cleveland, soon, and on
October 3, according to present plans, in the Wilson and United Artists
(simultaneously) in Detroit; the Broad, Columbus; and the Great
Lakes, Buffalo On Sept. 30 or Oct. 6, Baltimore's Keith Theater
launches it; Oct. 1 will see it unfold in the Circle, Indianapolis; Louis-
ville gets it on Sept. 30; and the Capitol, Cincinnati, and Colonial.
Dayton, on either Oct. 7 or 14 In all these situations ;— and we
have mentioned only a relative handful of the oncoming bows—, the
promotional campaigns will follow closely the pattern which Bob Gill-
ham wove so expertly for the New York world premiere of the opus
at the local Rivoli Particularly brilliant in the "Bell" engagements
to date has been the newspaper advertising Newspapers, it is un-
derstood, have pulled the best
• • • THIS- A AND THAT- A: Film companies are looking into
the potentialities of the helicopter as a medium for exec, and salesman
travel as well as film delivery Who said our industry ain't progres-
sive! ... • Over in Wyckoff, N. I., the town's 4,000 meat-consuming
residents have their dander up 'cause Philip Temple, one of the three
butchers there, is being called by Uncle Sam If the gent really
has to go, the retail meat supply for the citizens will drop off 50 per
cent, it is contended So-o-o, Ralph W. Budd, chairman of the
Wyckoff Defense Council (and head of Warners' h.o. personnel,) has
outlined a plan of action If the butcher can be kept via appealing to
Army authorities to have a heart, awright If not. Mister Budd pro-
poses that the citizens take over the meat emporium and run it for the
duration on a co-op. basis. ... • There's a lot of celebrating of an
anniversary nature going on in Chi Al Platzman, office manager of
the "U" exchange, is getting Congrats (and a fine watch) on having at-
tained his 25th year with the company Chester Amberg, assistant
manager of the Oriental, is also receiving plaudits and remembrances on
the occasion of his 23rd anniversary in the biz
▼ T T
IN NEW POSTS
STUART HONECK, salesman, Republic, Mil-
waukee.
FRED SAVELY, manager, Charles Theater, Charles
City. la.
)OE COLE, manager, World, Karney, Neb.
EARL HILTON, Tryon Theater, Charlotte, N. C.
WILLIAM PATCH, manager, Arch Theater,
Springfield, Conn.
ROBERT COOPER, United Artists publicity rep-
resentative, Chicago.
Scophony Television
Developing Features
{Continued from Page 1)
the present Scophony television pro-
jectors is making rapid advances,
and the creation of third dimension
in television is nearing a reality.
Levey pointed out yesterday that
recent experiments have resulted in
greater brilliance on the screen,
which, he said, is expected to be far
superior to anything yet exhibited
through what he termed "optical
storage."
New transmission methods for
Scophony also are in the development
stage. Levey said that the company
was seeking to reach a high scale of
perfection in all phases of television
so that it can be placed on a com-
mercial basis as soon as the post-war
economic situation will permit.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
'Naked Genius' Bought by
20th-Fox from Rehearsal
{Continued from Page 1)
erty, "The Naked Genius." The deal,
which required an okay from the
Dramatists Guild, calls for a ceiling
of $350,000, with a down payment
understood to be $150,000. In addi-
tion 20th-Fox will pay weekly 15
per cent of the film's gross in New
York and 10 per cent out-of-town.
The film version will be released
following the close of the play.
STORKS
Baltimore, Md. — Allan Kahn, own-
er of the Pennington Theater, has
a new daughter, Judith.
• •
AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!.
Milwaukee — Harry Shumow, M-
G-M branch manager, is a grand-
dad. His son, Sheldon Shumow, who
does not as yet know he is a father,
is in the armed forces and en route
to a new station, probably overseas.
Omaha — -A 6% pound boy, Jack
Allen, Jr., was born to Mrs. Jack
Zeigler, daughter of F. A. Van
Husen, owner of Western Theater
Supply Co. The father, formerly
with Western Theater, too, is now
in Alaska.
LENA HORNE
4\( Beattie, Paramount exchanj
|p3$ manager, Philadelphia, died
action in the North Africa
campaign. He is survived by h
widow, the former Margaret Ste
art, of this city.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
"Thousands Cheer" Is Tops
"Thousands Cheer" set a ne
opening-day record for any Meti
attraction in the history of the A,
tor Theater, in its world premiei
Tuesday topping the first-day groi
ses of the "Human Comedy," pre'
ious record holder.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Claudette Paulette Veronica
COLBERT • GODDARD • LAKE
"SO PROUDLY WE HAIL"
Produced and Directed by Mark Sandrlch
A Paramount Picture
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600 /
JEAN JOHN
Arthur • Wayne
In
"A Lady Takes
A Chance"
IN PERSON
VAUGHN
MONROE
SOB EVANS
B2ftJiche PARAMOUNT sS!!lg
SQUARE
I
MonTy Grade
W00MY-FMS
Another Big One from 20th.Cen!ury-Fox! ^
PLUS A BIG B f\ Y Y
STAGE SHOW K. VJ W I
7th Ave.
& 50th St.
EEE
B'WAY &
47th St.
BROADWAY'S NEW 1st RUN THEATRE
FRED ASTAIRE
JOAN LESLIE
"THE SKY'S THE LIMIT"
loTwsSTHTE
ON SCREEN
"BEST FOOT
FORWARD"
LUCILLE BALL
HARRY JAMES
T
"^
IN PERSON
ED. SULLIVAN
HARVEST
MOON DANCE
WINNERS
PLUS ALL
NEW SHOW
4^3
WH
WAIT
FOR ME!"
"I Dood It" joins the M-G-M
Parade on Broadway! It's the
same roaring story on every
Main ("Mane") Street of the Land!
/C\
r^r vr ~
SALUTE
TO THE
MARINES
4th Smash Week!
Followed by
Charles
Laughron in
'The Man From
Down Under"
Com inq Soon!
LASSIE
cowt
HOIAE
48B
>artu"
TRAVEUTAtK
On the Rood,
+0 Monterey
M-G-M
It's Fun to
Be Friendly!
3rd WAR LOAN! BACK THE ATTACK!
A surprisingly
different picture to
make any audience
thrill and howl!
It starts with a crime quiz... and
ends in a battle of the sexes!
ALLYN JOSLYN- EVELYN KEYES
EDMUND LOWE JOHN HUBBARD
ANITA LOUISE • FRANK CRAVEN
Screen Play by Richard Flournoy and Jack Henley
Produced by SAMUEL BISCHOFF • Directed by LEIGH JASON
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
BACK WE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN!
WELCOME!
Just as military equipment on the fighting fronts is an indispensable ke
attainment. Individually and in unison, we, the equipment companies
meeting in Chicago's Hotel Bismark, and to the conclave's distinguish®
peace. In the days of world reconstruction which lie ahead, it is inevitab
the privilege to so serve, these responsibilities will be shouldered.
l'
ADLER SILHOUETTE LETTER CO.
CHICAGO— NEW YORK— TORONTO, CAN.— LONDON, ENG.
General Offices and Factory:
2909 INDIANA AVE., CHICAGO, ILL.
DA-LITE SCREEN COMPANY, INC|
2823 NO. CRAWFORD AVE., CHICAGO
Manufacturers of Motion Picture Da-Lite Screens
G-M-LABORATORIES, INC.
4332 NO. KNOX AVE., CHICAGO
Quality Photoelectric Cells Since 1925
Best Wishes of
MILLS INDUSTRIES, Incorporated
4100 FULLERTON AVE., CHICAGO. ILL.
MANUFACTURING CORP.
1114-1146 WEST SUPERIOR ST., CHICAGO
Manufacturers of Radiant Projection Screens
GOLDE MFG. COMPANY
1214 W. MADISON STREET, CHICAGO
Manufacturers of Motion Picture Lighting and
Lobby Displays
KROEHLER
MFG. COMPANY
666 LAKE SHORE DRIVE
CHICAGO
Manufacturers of
Push-Bak Seats
JOE GOLDBERG
INC.
1255 SO. WABASH AVE.
CHICAGO
RCA-Ideal Seats —
Brinkert Lamps
JOE HORNSTEIN
630 NINTH AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY
Sole Distributor
of
Ace Reel End Alarm
THEATER EQUIPMENT BE
THREE-DAY MEETINGM
SEPTE3MI I
p| AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF I HEREBY INVOKE EVERY CITIZEN TO GIVE ALL POSSI
/, motion picture equipment is an indispensable key to the maintenance of high morale on the home front for Victory's
a clarion an enthusiastic Welcome to all the delegates participating in the Theater Equipment Dealers Protective Association's
«his assemblage is but the visible symbol of the film equipment industry's resolve that not only will the war be won, but the
on pictures and their equipment will be called upon to play a vital and continuing role. In concert and with an awareness of
DeVRY CORPORATION
1111 ARMITAGE AVENUE, CHICAGO
World's Largest Line of
Motion Picture Sound Equipment
MOTIOGRAPH, INC.
4431 WEST LAKE ST.. CHICAGO
Manufacturers of Motion Picture Projectors
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY
2505-19 SOUTH STATE STREET, CHICAGO, ILL.
Manufacturers of Wenzel Precision
Projectors and Replacement Parts
HOLMES PROJECTOR COMPANY
1815 ORCHARD STREET, CHICAGO
Sound Motion Picture Projectors
THE RAULAND CORPORATION
4245 NO. KNOX AVE., CHICAGO
Manufacturers of Television Tubes of Quality
SOS CINEMA SUPPLY CORP.
449 WEST 42nd STREET, NEW YORK CITY
The Industry's Mail Order House
PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION
iRK HOTEL, CHICAGO
I 18 and 19
THE CELOTEX
CORPORATION
Manufacturers of
Acousti-Celotex
General Offices:
120 SO. LA SALLE ST.
CHICAGO, ILL.
FENSIN
SEATING CO.
13th AND WABASH AVE.
CHICAGO
Seating - Maintenance
Supplies
AND SUPPORT TO THE THIRD WAR LOAN DRIVE — FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
1W
Thursday, September 16, 194f
DAILY
Non-Industrial Area
Houses in Comeback
(.Continued from Page 1)
in the Midwest, have stopped "slip-
ping" and indications are that the-
ater grosses there will be higher than
ever within the next month or two.
For some reason, not fully explained,
money from the heavy industrial cen-
ters is finding its way back to the
small non-industrial areas with the
corresponding beneficial effect on
theaters.
One sales manager said yesterday
that grosses in every part of the
country were higher each week and
that complaints about business had
practically vanished. He said that
reports had come to him that people
who had left the farms and small
communities to get higher wages in
the larger ctiies had saved enough
money to return to their homes and
spend part of their earnings. That,
he said, may be one reason for the
picking up of business in the non-
defense spots.
The situation appears to be true
also in southern Canada. It was re-
ported in The Film Daily yesterday
that small towns in the Winnipeg
territory, previously identified as
"war casualty" towns, enjoyed top
business throughout the Summer, the
increase retaining its pace.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Schlesinger Scouts Talk
Of Rank Getting His /Houses
(Continued from Page 1)
fied interests held by the Schlesing-
ers in the South African amusement
field.
Schlesinger reported that theater
business in South Africa had in-
creased considerably in the last few
years, due partly to a greater tran-
sient trade.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Field Introduces Murdock
Chicago — Seventy film and theater
executives were guests of Marshall
Field, publisher of the Sun, at a
Blackstone Hotel luncheon to intro-
duce Henry Murdock, the paper's
new film editor and critic.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
"Rising Sun" Chi. Debut 25th
Chicago — Local premiere of RKO's
"Behind the Rising Sun" has been
set for the Palace Theater Sept. 25.
Sir Alexander Korda Neely Edwards
Earl Carroll Jackie Cooper
Wally Caldwell
Assorted Topics:
• • • WORD wafts to this corner that when Brig. Gen. Edward
P. "Ted" Curtis, motion picture film chief of Eastman Kodak Co., was
awarded the French Legion of Honor some weeks ago, the coveted
honor was personally bestowed upon him by Gen. Charles de Gaulle.
• Did you see in Tuesday's Daily News, the story of New York's pupils
goin' back to school? 'Twas illustrated with a picture of filmland's
William (M-G-M Press Book Dept.) Ornstein leading his six-year-old
daughter, Francine, to dear old P. S. 46 up in the Bronx. ... • Deems
Taylor, Ascap head, strongly defends current war songs and sez it
ain't fair to compare contemporary tunes with World War One's "Over
There" Or should we say that Taylor Deems it improper
Anyhow, he avers that "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition,"
"Coming In On a Wing and a Prayer" and "Johnny Doughboy Found
a Rose in Ireland" are very effective in this war The latter tune
has undergone something of a title change in taxi dance halls here-
abouts The soldiers call it "Johnny Doughboy Lost His Ire in
Roseland". .....
T T T
• • • YES'DAY we got a letter from our frigidaired corres-
pondent in Iceland, Manny (Paramount Alumnus) Reiner, in which
he says: "These are crowded days even the minutes don't seem
to have sixty ticks in them and I'm in my 120th consecutive day
of broadcasting over Radio Reykjavik as the "Voice of America"
.That really is a stretch, brother, and I hardly remember what
those five-day-weeks at Paramount were like It's wake up, dash
to a typewriter, put together a news show, test a few platters, race to
the radio station, give a little with the larynx and spill the news
Then get back to the office and get ready for the next broad-
cast There are three sessions like this every day, and, come mid-
night, it's home with a Film Daily or a letter from home in the hands
That's my life, and while it's nowhere near as tough as that
of the boys behind the guns, at least I'm doing something"
Manny's address is c/o Office of War Information, American Legation,
Reykjavik , Iceland
T T ▼
• • • IN ORDER to sell $3,000,000 worth of War Bonds to "back
the attack" during the current Third War Loan Campaign, a huge
"in person" show with scads of staTs and orks will take place at
midnight Oct. 1 in the local 5,000-seat Capitol Theater-. Bob Weit-
man and Jesse Kaye head the talent committee, and the show will be
produced by Harry Gouriaine, Arthur Knorr, and Leon Leonidoff
Ben Serkowich and Paula Gould will serve on the Public Information
committee Ticket sales are being supervised by the Capitol's
manager, Herman Landwehr, and John Murphy of Loew's Ernest
Emerling is general manager
T T T
• • • THROUGH an editorial in the October issue of Movie
Story, W. H. Fawcett, Jr., president of Fawcelt Publications, passes
along a suggestion to Hollywood made by a reader It's this:
Screen credit should be given to every Hollywood actor whose
name appears in the cast of a picture, calling attention to the fact
that the actor is in the armed forces It's so easy to give such
service recognition Take Tyrone Power as an illustration
Alongside his name would be an asterisk, and at the bottom of the
cast a line stating simply and briefly: Now Serving With The U. S.
Marines
T T
• AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!.
IN NEW POSTS
JOHN BECK JR.. in charge of talent ar::
studio contacts, International Pictures, Hoi
lywood.
DAN KAMPEL, home office exploitation sraf |
Columbia.
MICKEN NUNES, assistant manager, Allyn, Hart]
ford, Conn.
IRA CRANE, manager, Capitol, Sioux City, la.
WILLIAM ECAN, manager, Princess, Sioux
la.
P. A. McGUIRE, director of public relation
projection equipment division,' National]
Simplex-Bludworth.
Sticks Beef as N. Y. Dailie ■ I
Drop Amusement Pages
(Continued from Page 1)
a policy adopted recently by bot]
New York dailies as a means of con
serving newsprint, has brought
flood of local criticism from theater
and theatergoers in many communi
ties which receive the papers shor:
of theatrical pages.
The managers base their com
plaints chiefly on the fact that the;
have been accustomed to getting sug
gestions for ad copy from the the
ater pages. The beef from subscrib
ers to the country editions of th«
News and the Mirror is that they nt
longer have any way of knowing |
what's playing at the New York fito
and legit, houses.
The country edition of the News
is distributed in communities beyonc
a 50-mile radius of New York. Ter
ritories beyond the reach of true!
deliveries receive the country edi
tion of the Mirror.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Ore. Theater Burns
Baker, Ore. — With a loss estimated!
at $100,000, said to be covered by in
surance, fire destroyed the Orpheum
owned by Frank Buckmiller. Blaz<
is believed to have been started by
lighted cigaret.
STORKS
Joseph R. Vogel, Loew's vice-pres-
ident, yesterday became the father
of a seven-and-a-half pound boy born
to Mrs. Lina Vogel at Doctors Hos-
pital.
Carmen George, shipper at Loew's
New York exchange, this week
bought two extra War Bonds in ad-i
dition to boosting his weekly allot-!
ment as part of the motion picture
industry's contribution to the Third
War Loan. Extra pair of Bonds were
purchased in the names of twin sons
born to Mrs. George at Williams-
burg Maternity Hospital, Brooklyn,
last Sunday. The boys have been
named Carmen P., Jr. and William A.
A son, named Jordan Jay, weight
eight pounds, three ounces, was born
Tuesday at the Israel Zion Hospital,
Brooklyn, to Mrs. and Jack Setchen.
The father is an employe of Barnes
Printing Co., printers of The Film
Daily,
"Best of the Series"
AND the critic of The Film Daily wasn't the only one
£,X to stand up and cheer for "Arctic Passage." The other
trade press reviewers, hard-boiled as they are, all were
loud in their praise for this latest "This Is America." As a
matter of fact every one of the eleven releases to date has
received enthusiastic acclaim all along the line. So much so
that already more than 7300 theatres from coast to coast are
now playing this amazingly popular series. If you happen to
be one of the lessening number of exhibitors who hasn't
signed up for this greatest short subject buy in years, ask
your local RKO exchange to let you see some samples. Make
sure that "Arctic Passage" is one of them.
10
Thursday, September 16, 194!:
Cuts in Ad Space
Blow to Big Films
(Continued from Page 1)
present imposed restrictions on
space, is that the situation will be-
come worse nationally before it be-
comes better. In Philadelphia, for
example, the Evening Bulletin is
working under a 25 per cent cut, re-
ducing considerably the normal lin-
age used by Warners' some 60 out-
lets in that key. Some or all papers
in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Memphis and
other large cities are also pruning
amusement ad volume. In general, the
space restrictions amount to a maxi-
mum of 50 per cent, and in many
cases 25 per cent. For the October-
November-December span the cut is
expected to be considerably larger.
Restriction makes it particularly
difficult for the big attractions which
are being given large campaigns in
keys at advanced prices, amounting
to roadshow engagements, but all
films' normal ballyhoo is obviously
curtailed.
Currently, the so-called "hot bed"
of ad rationing is said to be Cleve-
land, where both the Plain Dealer
and the Press, and, to a lesser extent
the News, have sharply limited
amusement linage, with three major
circuits, — RKO, Warner, and Loew's
— , particularly affected because of
their large holdings in downtown
and leading nabe stands.
All of Loew's outlets in the city
have, for the period of Sept. 7 to
30, inclusive, been allowed some 6,-
700 lines by the Plain Dealer, and a
reported 8,500 by the Press. These
stands comprise, it is reported, the
Ohio, Grenada, Park, Stand and
Stillman. Corresponding slashes
have likewise been applied in the in-
stances of RKO's Palace and 105th
Street; to the pool houses, Allen and
Hippodrome; and to Warners' Lake,
Uptown, Variety, Colony and Doan.
Distributors and their promotion
departments, as well as exhibitors,
are properly charging off the cut in
ad space to the fortunes of war,
whose winning is the matter of prime
importance. There is, however, a
note of regret that att' actions must,
as a consequence of the slash, have
to sacrifice more than other "mer-
chandise." It is cited that motion
picture advertising embodies the ele-
ment of "time" to a much greater
degree than other manufactured
products which must be sold. For ex-
ample a picture's advent, and even
holdover, cannot well be postponed,
whereas other products sold at re-
tail have leeway.
WEDDING BELLS
Omaha — Roselyn Levy, daughter
of Harry Levy, salesman for Twen-
tieth Century-Fox, was married to
Lt. Stanley Greenberg, USA, of Min-
neapolis here. The bridegroom is
stationed at Nashville, Tenn.
Trade Eyes Equip. Parley
Supply Clarification Expected at Chi. Meet
{Continued from Page 1)
agenda item will comprise the ways
and means whereby film theaters
throughout the nation can be kept
open and in effective operation in
light of G vernment restriction on
equipment and supplies, which, cur-
rently are not available to motion
picture outlets because of the blan-
ket ruling that they can only be re-
leased to the armed forces, will
clarify a number of important is-
sues.
Smith, Weber Will Speak
In order that the closest possible
collaboration can be effected between
the Government and the trade, and
problems can be authoritatively pre-
sented and discussed, Allan G. Smith,
chief of WPB's Theater Equipment
Section, Service Equipment Division,
will address on Saturday a joint
meeting of equipment dealers and
manufacturers who will also hear
Ed Weber, of the Controlled Mate-
rials Division, Washington, D. C.
Tomorrow's sessions will be de-
voted entirely to a business meeting
of the Theater Equipment Dealers
Protective Association, and on Sun-'
day a question and answer forum
will feature the convention program,
with Smith and Weber endeavoring
to answer all questions of the deal-
ers and manufacturers.
Conclave's climax will be the ban-
quet of all delegates and their of-
ficial guests. A number of industry
leaders have accepted invitations to
address this gathering.
Playing both an important, busi-
ness and social role in the convention
proceedings will be the "open house"
for the delegates, hosted by the De-
Vry Corp. at its local plant. Both
there and in a special display room
of the Hotel Bismark, the new DeVry
de luxe 35 mm. projector will be un-
veiled so that delegates can inspect
it at first hand. At the convention it-
self, William DeVry and Edward
DeVry will lead that company's del-
egation, which will include Clair
Roloff, Norman Olson, Bob Engle,
Ira Fleming and E. W. D'Arcy.
Prominent Participants
Prominently participating in the
three-day TEDPA meeting will be
Walter E. Green, head of the Na-
tional Theatre Supply Division of
National - Simplex - Bludworth, Inc.,
together with members of the com-
pany's local branch; Oscar F. Neu,
president of Neumade Products; Joe
Hornstein, president of Joe Horn-
stein, Inc.; Fred Matthews, Thorwell
Matthews, Thomas Matthews and
Roy Boomer, the Motiograph Com-
pany; Joe Goldberg and Charley Wil-
liams, Joe Goldberg, Inc.; B. B. Buch-
anon, Kroehler Manufacturing Co.,
makers of theater chairs; Max Roos
and Herman Edwards, American
Ticket Corp.; Elizabeth Day, Wagner
Sign Service, Inc.; A. G. Bradt, gen-
eral sales manager, and A. M. Pol-
lack, special representative, GM
Laboratories, makers of the Visitron
line of photo-electric cells; F. J.
Wenzel, H. J. Keefe and H. L. Den-
ton, Wenzel Projection Co.; M. H.
Goldberg, E. W. Goldberg, B. Pearl-
man, GoldE Mfg. Co., which has re-
cently developed the new rewind
stereopticon projectors; E. E. Holmes
and W. S. Martin, O. J. Holmes Pro-
jector Co.; Ben Adler, Adler Sil-
houette Letter Co.; G. C. Anders
and V. H. Naylon, Droll Theater
Supply Co.; C. P. Cushway and R.
M. Gray, Rauland Corp., makers of
television tubes; Chester Cooley and
Fred Heck, the Da-Lite Screen Co.;
A. W. Wertheimer, Radiant Mfg.
Corp.; George A. Smith, A. Wilson,
J. Howland and G. Morrisson, Celotex
Corp.; E. R. Fensin, Morris Fensin
and L. C. Simansky, Fensin Seating
Co., and many others.
Because of the dominant position
this city holds in the equipment man-
ufacturing field, the convention at
the Hotel Bismarck will give an op-
portunity to the delegates to visit
numerous company offices, many of
which have made plans to entertain
trade members during their three-
day stay here.
A large number of circuit opera-
tors and independent showmen both
in Chicago and the surrounding ter-
ritory have indicated their inten-
tion to attend the more vital ses-
sions, and the banquet. At the lat-
ter function, further support of the
war effort is expected to be pledged,
with War Bonds and Stamps coming
in for special accent. It is reported
that novel souvenirs along this pa-
triotic line will be presented to dele-
gates.
N. E. Indies File
Divorcement Brief
*
r
•
:.'•
Bell Aircraft's Show
To Sub for Pix Bill
Buffalo — Film presentations at the
20th Century, downtown first-run,
will give way for a week start-
ing today to "Bell-Za-Poppin," a
stage production of Bell Aircraft
Corp. workers. The show is sched-
uled to be presented three times
daily and five times on Sunday.
The production was originated by
Louis Pepe, who with Robert T.
Murphy, managing director of the
20th Century, arranged the presenta-
tion.
Wallis East to Confer
On Berlin, Porter Musicals
(Continued from Page 1)
spective musical pictures which Wal-
lis will produce in the coming sea-
son.
The Berlin film, tentatively titled
"Liberty Call," will be based on a
story outlined by the composer, with
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Berg-
man expected to play the leading
roles. "Night and Day," the Porter
production, is to be based on his
life and music.
Wallis will remain East about a
week.
(Continued from Page 1)
proposed sales tax for the industr
and their experiences under the cor;
sent decree.
The independents point out in thei
brief that the "Big Five" film com
panies, currently subject to the R
York consent decree, now compj
that they are suffering from, fi
the loss of their entire European foi
eign market, barring England; sec
ond, Government-imposed restric
tions on their Canadian film rentals
third, the current constriction of fih
supply; and fourth, their greatly ir
creased costs of production.
The independents allege that "i
spite of these hardships, real an
alleged, we find from their publishe
statements that earnings during th
past theater season have increased.
The brief then continues to say:
"It is evident that the film rental
obtained from exhibitors within th
continental United States have ir
creased so enormously that thes
companies operating under the Nc
York consent decree, have not onl; !.
overcome all the hardships whic
they publicly lament, as listed abov
but they have also exacted rental
sufficient to pay those increased wa
taxes, which have lowered the profit
of such a large percentage of con*
mercial enterprises; they have lai
away unpublished reserves for post
war emergencies, and in addition t
all that, find themselves emerginffc
with profits from 26.8 per cent
33.9 per cent greater than in th
comparable portion of last year,
seems beyond the necessity of fui
ther proof that only by means <
their oppressive, monopolistic cor
trol could the producer-distribute
corporations have climbed on th
shoulders of the theater owners, an
by means of such exhorbitant fih
rentals, obtained these results.
"We, therefore, pray, the Depar
ment of Justice will use its ever
i endeavor to correct these condition
to ameliorate the burdens undc
which the independent, unaffiliate
exhibitor now suffers, and to restore
as far as possible, the conditions o
fair competition and free opportu
nity within the industry,"
The brief is signed by Francis IV
Perry, president of the Independen
Exhibitors of New England.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
20th-Fox's Cicero 111
Chicago — Anthony L. Cicero, 20th
Fox traveling auditor, is seriousl I
ill at St. Luke's hospital.
til
TO THE COLORS!
* ARMY *
WARREN WEPFLER, Missouri Theater
Louis.
BILL CAMMEN, manager, Moon and Oakol
Theaters, Yankton, S. D.
* USAF *
FRANK REYNOLDS, student assistant, Loew
Rochester, Rochester, N. Y.
■
i
Thursday, September 16, 1943
THE'
DAILY
11
Three Circuits Win
Master's Decision
(Continued from Page 1)
:ases. He has been attorney for
he M & R case since its inception.
The Millinocket Theaters of Mil-
inocket, Maine, and Clarence F.
| -llett of Bridgeton, Maine, two
dependent exhibitors, also won a
naster's decision yesterday against
;he Kurson Graphic Circuit in Maine
»f $61,000 which tripled amounts
vith attorneys' fees and costs
imount to more than $200,000.
Both cases were handled by Ryan
vho thus wins the initial step for
he plaintiffs against the major com-
janies for the independents. The
:ases have atracted wide attention
ind in the depositions taken in
tfew York in 1938 many of filmdom's
nost noted celebrities, including
#111 Hays, Joseph McConville,
Jeorge J. Schaefer and many other
ilm company heads appeared to
five their depositions.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
freeman Denies Any
,?ara.-UA Pix Deal
(Continued from Page 1)
illiscussions between Paramount and
representatives of United Artists in
eference to the sale of any Para-
mount pictures to United Artists,
have no knowledge of any visit to
lihe Coast of any representatives of
JA for the purpose of meeting and
'lliscussing with me the sale of any
'aramount pictures to them.
' "No representative of UA is
creening any Paramount pictures
'if which I have any knowledge. I
mphatically deny all stories now ap-
iearing in this connection. Certain
'■dctures that have been mentioned
'a. erroneous reports that discussions
or their sale were taking place be-
ween me and representatives of UA
re considered top-ranking 'A' pic-
ares on Paramount's schedule and
all be released on Paramount sched-
le and on no other program insofar
s I know or have any knowledge."
, Locally published report said that
Tnited Artists was dickering for "No
'ime for Love" with Claudette Col-
ert and Fred MacMurray; "Miracle
f Morgan's Creek" with Betty Hut-
m, Eddie Bracken, Diana Lynn and
William Demarest, and "Triumph
ver Pain" with Joel McCrea and
etty Field, while another published
,jport was to effect that the only
icture Paramount might be inter-
ested in selling was "Triumph Over
ain."
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
farriers Buys at Sheboygan
4= Sheboygan, Wis. — Warners has
archased the Van der Vaart Theater
•om Nick Johnson. House will be
smodeled before being opened.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
:hoenstadt Reopening Two
j Chicago — Schoenstadt circuit will
-open the Crane and Homan this
eek.
Davenport May Have
First Iowa Drive-in
Davenport, la. — Possibility of a
drive-in theater, the first of its
kind in Iowa, was seen in the pur-
chase of the Mississippi Valley Fair-
grounds by eight business men for
$42,500. Court approval on the pur-
chase deal is necessary.
Arthur D. Peirce, representing the
purchasers, said it was planned to
make the grounds a year-around
amusement center.
Butterfield Arranging
For More Army Pictures
(Continued from Page 1)
Department, returns to Washington
fiom Hollywood today after confer-
ring for the past week with major
and Independent producers on War
Department policy and co-operation
affecting motion pictures pertaining
to U. S. Army.
Object of trip was to present to
the industry a number of picture sug-
gestions that would be of genuine
benefit to the Army and convey im-
portant information to the public.
These specific projects embrace two
feature productions and three short
subjects.
The two features were offered to
producers who had previously indi-
cated interest in the subjects in-
volved. Deals were accordingly made
by Butterfield with Warner Bros.
who will immediately develop a
script on an important branch of
the armed forces. Jack Warner has
assigned Hal Wallis to the produc-
tion. Darryl F. Zanuck has ap-
proved the preparation of a script
by 20th-Fox for a feature based on
the military police. Bryan Foy will
handle this production.
Edward J. Mannix of M-G-M has
approved production of a short film
concerning civilian youth participa-
tion in aviation. Warner Bros, is
preparing a short script describing
the measures taken by the Govern-
ment to insure safety in aviation in
the Army Air Forces, based on the
success of Pete Smith's short, "The
Seventh Column." The War Depart-
ment has requested that M-G-M
make a sequel to this vital subject.
Butterfield conferred with Walter
Wanger on his current production,
"Why Ladies Fly." Other industry
leaders contacted by the War De-
partment official were David O. Selz-
nick, Harry M. Warner, Y. Frank
Freeman, Samuel Goldwyn, B. B.
Kahane, Harry Cohn and Col. Jason
Joy.
Butterfield contacted independent
producers at a luncheon tendered him
when problems relating to Army pic-
tures were discussed. Col. Magee,
director of motion picture opera-
tions of the Army Air Forces ar-
ranged with Butterfield while in Hol-
lywood for a close co-operation be-
tween his department and the pro-
ducers.
Butterfield returns to Washington
to report to General A. D. Searles,
director of Public Relations, and Col.
«
REVIEWS*
"Sherlock Holmes
Faces Death"
with Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce
Universal 68 Mins.
WHILE PIC IS FAR FROM BEST OF SE-
RIES, IT SHOULD MANAGE TO SATISFY
THE HOLMES FANS.
Although this one is among the weaker
of the Sherlock Holmes films, it should have
little trouble pleasing the admirers of the
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle brain child. Roy
William Neill's direction keeps the action
moving smoothly and quickly.
This time Sherlock instead of jousting
with enemy agents has the job of solving a
mystery locked within the musty wall of
Musgrave Manor, where Dr. Watson and
his assistant are looking after a group of
convalescent British soldiers. There are
many suspects offered for the audience's
inspection before Sherlock uncovers Dr.
Watson's aide as the guilty party. Some
three murders are committed before justice
is done. The cause of all the violence is an
ancient land grant belonging to the owners
of the manor. The killer hopes that by
eliminating the male members of the Mus-
grave household and marrying their sister
he'll come into possession of the extensive
lands.
Rathbone gives a standard performance
as Sherlock in his latest appearance in the
role. Nigel Bruce's enactment of Watson
makes the film easier to bear. Arthur
Margetson is acceptable as the villain. The
girl he seeks to make his wife is played by
Hillary Brooke. Among the other players
are Milburn Stone, Halliwell Hobbes, Dennis
Hoey, Gavin Muir, Frederic Worlock.
Neill also acted as associate producer.
The screenplay, which is not always to be
taken seriously, is the work of Bertram
Millhauser.
CAST: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Hil-
lary Brooke, Milburn Stone, Arthur Marget-
son, Halliwell Hobbes, Dennis Hoey, Gavin
Muir, Frederic Worlock, Olaf Hytten, Ger-
ald Hamer, Vernon Downing, Minna Phil-
lips, Mary Gordon.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Roy Wil-
liam Neill; Director, Roy William Neill;
Screenplay, Bertram Millhauser; Based on
Story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; Camera-
man, Charles Van Enger; Art Director, John
Goodman; Sound Supervisor, Bernard B.
Brown; Film Editor, Fred Feitchans; Musical
Director, H. J. Salter.
DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Barron for Para. Newsreel
Win Barron, Paramount's Canad-
ian exploitation rep. has been ap-
pointed commentator for the Canad-
ion edition of Paramount News, A.
J. Richard, director of the reel, an-
nounced yesterday. Barron, who for-
merly conducted his own Toronto
radio program for several years,
won out after a series of voice tests
with the names of those competing
not known to the judges.
Curtis Mitchell, chief of pictorial
branch, that he met with unanimous
enthusiasm among producers in ex-
tending their full co-operation.
The chief of the feature film sec-
tion of the War Department will not
open an office at this time in Holly-
wood.
BIG PICTURE
JOE E. BROWN,
famed comedian, says:
"I've been watching West-
erns for twenty years —
and Roy Rogers is the
greatest cowboy star I've
ever seen!"
'" HERE'S ROY'S
GREATEST HIT!
You'll certainly agree with
Joe E. Brown when you
see Roy in this grand,
melody-filled, romantic
action Western!
Hear Roy
Sing:
Springtime in the
Rockies
Tumbling
Tumbleweeds
and 4 other grand hits
It's a
REPUBLIC PICTURE
feui
12
M IP P | J A
2 E3 W 4 A- S T
n y r
I N C
INEi
iftn-
DAILY
Thursday, September 16, 1943
Circuits Line Up Houses for War Bond Premieres
Many Still to be Heard
From; Griffith, Rodgers
Cite Selling Potential
(Continued from Page 1)
cuits to be heard from, these are
among the many who have lined up:
D. J. McNerney, San Francisco,
one downtown premiere set in each
city in the territory, with four sub-
sequent-run houses set for San Fran-
cisco and Oakland; J. L. Cartwright,
from Tampa, Fla., while leporting
that a Jacksonville premiere had
netted $3,814,030, announced that all
circuit houses in the state are stag-
ing a premiere in each town, regard-
less of size.
From Oklahoma, Griffith's "home
grounds," advice comes that "every
city, town and village in the state
is set." Abe Blank in Des Moines
has pledged a premiere in every city
in which his circuit operates, re-
gardless of size. From M. Kennedy,
Birmingham, "Premiere set in each
of our towns." From Warren Irvin,
Columbia, S. C, "One in each town
scheduled by the circuits in this
state."
Rochester Theaters Off
To Big War Loan Start
Rochester — Local houses are off to
a big start in the Third War Loan
Drive.
At a Bond rally at the RKO Pal-
ace, $31,000 in Bonds were sold,
while at the Regent, a rally netted
$12,500. Loew's Rochester rally,
aided by night club entertainers,
raised $8,400 in 15 minutes for the
war effort. At the Temple, $7,300
was raised.
Bonnie Baker and June Preisser,
heading the stage bill at the Temple,
sparked the Bond rally at that house.
$4,000,000 Bond Sale
Registered in Buffalo
Buffalo — Bond Premieres in five
downtown first-runs netted $1,000,-
000 in War Bonds sold. Motion Pic-
ture Day, including the premieres,
made a grand total of $4,000,000
worth of Bonds sold.
V. Spencer Balser of the Basil
Brothers Circuit has been named
chairman of a special committee of
community theater managers. With
the co-operation of small merchants,
guest tickets will be offered with
Holiday Mail Dates
For Jewish Soldiers
Gift parcels sent to Jewish service
men overseas in connection with the
Chanukah holiday 'Dec. 22) should
be mailed between Sept. 15 and Oct.
15 for soldiers, and up to Nov. 1 for
the Navy, the post office has an-
nounced. Packages must conform
to the rules governing Christmas
parcels, and should be marked, "For
Jewish Holiday."
Plug 'Free
Day' Here
WAC to Canvass All N. Y. Theaters
New York's theaters will be per-
sonally convassed by members of the
WAC Distributors Division to enlist
as many exhibs. as possible in the
Third War Loan's "Free Movie
Day," scheduled for Sept. 27, accord-
ing to Leo Brecher, New York State
Bond Chairman.
Under the leadership of Bob Wolf
and Henry Randall, a detail of 10
will make the calls. Group includes
Jack Bowen, Bronx; Myron Sattler,
Manhattan; Phil Hodes, Brooklyn;
Joe Lee, Queens; Dave Burkan, Suf-
folk and Staten Island; Irving Worm-
ser, upstate; Jules Liggett, West-
chester; and Sam Lefkowitz, Nassau.
"Free Movie Day" is expected to
be the policy of all territory theaters,
with admission free to anyone pur-
chasing a Bond at the theater. Regu-
lar admissions will, of course, be
accepted.
A trailer and special poster is be-
ing prepared by National Screen Ser-
vice, which will be available below
cost. An advertisement will be spon-
sored to run in the regular newspa-
pers announcing the special day and
listing theaters which are partici-
pating.
Some theaters will turn over tick-
ets to various department stores, on
condition that the stores advertise
the show.
each Bond purchased during the
Third War Bond Drive.
Committee members are: James
Frangola, Wadsworth Konczakowski,
Mai Schwartz, Harry Goldsmith,
Menno Dykstra, Donald Becker,
Stanley Kozanowski, Henry Delmuth,
George Gammell, Kenneth Cooley,
James Edwards and Dewey Mich-
aels. Fifty-six community theaters
are co-operating.
Port Washington Theater
Rally Sells $700,000
War Bond rally held at the Skou-
ras Beacon Theater at Port Wash-
ington, L. I. Tuesday night sold
$700,000 in Bonds, as part of the
back the attack 3rd War Loan Cam-
paign.
Stars who participated in the
rally included Jimmy Walker as
emcee, Benny Fields and Yvette.
Capital Bond Premiere
Sale Above $1,250,000
Washington Bureau of_ THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A total exceeding
$1,250,000 in War Bonds was in the
bank late yesterday afternoon as ad-
missions to the War Bond Premiere
of Paramount's "For Whom the Bell
Tolls" at Loew's Palace. Indications
were that the total would be consid-
erably increased by curtain-time pur-
chases. House was scaled from $25
to $10,000 in War Bonds per seat.
Milwaukee Sets $3,000,000
Goal for 5-Theater Premiere
Milwaukee— A goal of $3,000,000
in War Bonds has been set for the
five-theater joint Bond premieres,
Sept. 23, A. D. Kvool, chairman of
the event, announced. Shows, fea-
turing pictures not yet nationally re-
leased, will be at the Palace, Warner,
Wisconsin, Riverside and Alhambra
Theaters.
M-G-M 3rd War Loan Purchase
Average $100 for Field Force
War Bonds totaling an average of
$100 for every member of the M-G-M
field force have been sold in a Third
War Loan drive by exchange and
district managers in response to an
appeal by William F. Rodgers, vice-
president. High average was made
possible by an arrangement whereby
M-G-M financed the purchase of em-
ploye Bonds and will make weekly
salary deductions with as long as 52
weeks to complete payment.
Airmada Sells $1,000,000 In
Bonds at Albany Luncheon
Albany — War Veterans Bond Air-
mada made two stops here yesterday
in a WAC committeemen-sponsored
tour. First affair, an Exchange Club
luncheon, sponsored by Jules Curley,
Ritz Theater manager, netted $1,-
000,000 in War Bonds. Last night
the stars and war vets made a p.a.
at the Strand in conjunction with a
preview of "Hers to Hold." Admis-
sion was by tickets in exchange for
Bond sales.
Col. Ad-Publicity Dept.
Pledge Big War Bond Sales
Sixty-seven members of Colum-
bia's advertising, publicity, exploi-
tation and art department staffs yes-
terdey pledged their all-out efforts
to "Back the Attack" with record-
breaking War Bond sales, at a divis-
ional rally held at the Home Office.
Employes pledged personal pur-
chases of extra Bonds and agreed to
sign up friends and relatives outside
the company for additional purchases
to swell the total. Many thousands
of dollars worth of Bonds were sub-
scribed for on the spot. The rally
was addressed by David A. Lipton,
Robert S. Ferguson, and Herbert L.
Smith.
Columbia executives have an-
nounced that prizes of War Bonds
and extra paid vacation time will be
awarded to those employes bringing
in the greatest volume of War Bond
sales in dollars and in number of
individual Bonds sold.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Frank Reller Turns Exhib.
Wentzville, Mo.— Frank X. Reller,
Jr., formerly manager of Loew's
Orpheum, in St. Louis, has taken
over the American, purchased from
L. K. Rockenstein of St. Louis.
Non-Deferrable Job
Definitions on Way
(Continued from Page 1)
yesterday by an official of the WMdSj
These definitions were to have be^j
passed on yesterday, but it is prob-
able now that it will be another week
or two before they are finally settled.
Draft officials will be free to study
the definitions at USES offices and
careful perusal of them may be ex-
pected to result in far fewer in-
stances of misinterpretation such as
those which recently occurred in Con-
necticut, when theater and exchange
employes were told they would be
inducted if they did not get into es-
sential work at once. The defini-
tions are expected to make it plain
that inclusion of theater managers
and exchange bookers among the
non-deferrable jobs is not intended
by Washington. Definitions of the
jobs on the "critical" list announced
last month have already been sent
USES office.
Availability of these definitions,
assumes major importance in view
of the impending national service
legislation. Military officials appear-
ing before the Senate Military Af-
fairs Committee yesterday came out
strongly for a national service act —
or labor draft — and most observers
here see its enactment as a real pos-
sibility for the near future. Theater
personnel will be in far better posi
tion in the event of such legislation
if it is clearly established that they
are not considered to be in non-de
ferrable jobs.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Illness of N. J. Basil
Postpones Arbitration
Buffalo — Illness of Nicholas J. Ba
sil, president of the Basil Bros, cir-
cuit, has forced indefinite postpone'
ment of first hearings in four arbi-
tration cases brought on behalf oi
Basil nabes, three in Buffalo and one
in Niagara Falls. Basil's attornej
said he will be in the hospital foui
or five more weeks and then will neec
a period of recuperation. New date;
will be set upon his recovery.
Metro to "Glorify"
Iowa Dog~Catcher
Council Bluffs, la. — Metro will
build a picture around an Iowa dog-
catcher who was too soft-hearted to
take dogs away from children.
He is Chris Christensen, 51, pound
master at Council Bluffs, who re-
turned to his home after a visit to
Hollywood where he gave M-G-M
script writers his life story for the
film, to star Wallace Beery.
Christensen bought dog licenses so
he wouldn't have to take the animals
to the pound.
Intimate in Character
| International in Scope
' Independent in Thought
Do not REMOVE:
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
3L. 84, NO. 54
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 15, 1943
TEN CENTS
A. J. RANK PLANS OVERSEAS EXPANSION
Report Financial Group to Form Large Circuit
Editorial
Advertising
. . . fact vs. fantasy
= By CHESTER B. BAHN =
IN your favorite motion picture trade
■ newspaper yesterday, you read a news
tory to the effect that industry advertising
was turning towards factual and institutional
ropy, with the move in that direction at-
tributed, in part, to increasing production
imphasis upon so-called "significant sub-
jects"— biographs and sociological themes
imong them.
It being the editor's prerogative to enter
-3 dissent, here goes, for the record.
It is a fact, to be sure, that there has
seen a gain in what has been described as
/factual and institutional copy," but it is
sthis columnar observer's hunch that the
gain is in direct proportion to the increase
jfil the number of pictures which can be
jest clarioned with such copy.
Exactly that, and nothing more.
o
IDY and large, however, the screen is con-
*^ cerned, not with fact, but with fantasy,
and how, pray, can fantasy be factually ad-
vertised, publicized, exploited and promoted?
1 No, any attempt to substitute factual ad-
vertising for the creative, inspirational and
glamorous variety that has so successfully
sold the American picture both at home
and abroad would destroy — and that all
'too quickly — the industrial edifice so skill-
fully constructed over the decades.
There may be other fields in which im-
agination, and the appeal to the imagination,
'is as important, but, surely, there is none in
which imagination and the appeal to it is
'more vital than the motion picture.
Would factual and institutional copy em-
ployed, for example, to herald "Phantom
of the Opera" capture the imagination of
either exhibitor or John Q. Public to the
point that he would buy it?
You know the answer to that one . . . and
so, fortunately, does Universal.
o
/"\R, go outside the simon-pure fantasy
^"^ ranks, and consider Metro's very ex-
cellent "Thousands Cheer." Suppose Leo
the Lion had substituted the factual and
institutional type of copy, best exemplified
by that to be found in the financial news-
papers, for the eye-catching ads used in
the trade press and New York dailies? You
suppose it. . '. . Metro never would, praise
se.
No, it will be a sorry and exceedingly
(Continued oh Page 2)
Interests Associated With
PRC Said to Be Behind The
Proposed Theater Circuit
A large financial group which
is associated with interests
closely connected with PRC is
reported to be considering its en-
trance into the exhibition field on a
large scale.
The group, it is said, has been
making a careful study and analysis
of the theater business, with the
view of acquiring established inde-
pendent circuits and individual inde-
(Continued on Page 7)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Hear UA May Buy
4-6 More Para. Pix
United Artists is reported to be
negotiating with Paramount for the
purchase of four to six additional
pictures on a deal similar to the one
consummated last year when UA
bought 22 features from Paramount.
Three of the pictures in the new
deal are said to be "No Time for
(Continued on Page 12)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Demands Senate Act
On N. Eng. Coal Shortage
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Immediate Senate
action toward improvement of the
grave East Coast coal outlook was
demanded yesterday by Senator
Styles Bridges, New Hampshire Re-
(Continued on Page 10)
'BACK SALERNO'
DAY ON FRIDAY
L. C. Griffith Rallies Showmen
for Special Bond Event
The Treasury's War Finance Com-
mittee late last night, designated
Friday as "Back Salerno Day," in
direct tribute to the Fifth Army,
which is engaging the German forces
at Salerno in one of the most bit-
terly-waged battles of the war.
L. C. Griffith, general chairman
With the announcement of the
special Salerno observance, the
WFC announced the total sale of
Bonds thus far was $2,957,000,000.
A considerable portion of this
came as a result of industry efforts.
of the industry's participation in
the Third War Loan, immediately
wired the WAC state Bond chair-
men, asking for an all-out concentra-
(Continued on Page 10)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Defer Canadian Key
Thealermen 6 Mos.
Ottawa — The Dominion Depart-
ment of Labor has ruled male work-
ers between 16 and 40 years old in
theater and film business are only
temporarily employed, regardless of
any agreement with employers.
Under manpower regulations, key
men of theaters are being granted
(Continued on Page 12)
Cavalcade Sales 703 Millions
Treasury Estimate for Tour Already Passed
NEIC Rally to Pledge
Services Set for Oct. 5
A National Entertainment Indus-
try Council rally at which members
of every branch of the show busi-
ness will pledge to donate their ser-
vices for six weeks, 36 days or 36
performances a year for the enter-
(Continued on Page 7)
Cleveland — First five stops of the
Hollywood Bond Cavalcade — a third
of the schedule — resulted in sales of
$703,000,000 in War Bonds— within
$345,177,000 of the total value of
Bonds bought during the industry-
led campaign of last September.
Greer Garson, of the Cavalcade, an-
nounced this year's total to a cheer-
ing audience during the Hollywood
(Continued on Page 11)
Deals for Theaters in Can-
ada, Africa and Occupied
Lands Reported in Work
London (By Cable) — Arthur
J. Rank, dominant figure in the
British film industry, who in
July gave an undertaking to the
Board of Trade to acquire no addi-
tional British theaters or studios
without the Government's consent,
was reported yesterday to be plan-
ning overseas expansion on a for-
midable scale.
Both The City and Wardour St.
understood that Rank was actively
bidding for control of African the-
ater holdings as well as for a Can-
adian circuit, identified in the re-
(Continued on Page 10)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
OssermanfoSo.Amer,
As RKO Supervisor
Jack Osserman, RKO's Midwestern
district manager, has been named
general supervisor for RKO in Bra-
zil, Uruguay and Argentina. He will
headquarter in Rio de Janeiro and
will leave for his new post shortly
after mid-October. It is a newly-cre-
(Continucd on Page 12)
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Set Construction Authority
May Be Taken from L-41
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A decision on the au-
thority over studio set construction
is expected to result from a meeting
tomorrow morning at WPB in which
continuance of such authority in the
hands of the construction branch is
(Continued on Page 10)
Majors to Send 24
Pix to R. C. in Eng.
Major companies have agreed to
supply the Red Cross in England with
four prints each of 24 features on 16
mm. for use in hospitals. The Red
Cross formerly obtained the pictures
from the Army but the supply was
said to have not been sufficient.
FOR FREEDOM'S SAKE, RACK THE ATTACK! — RUY TRIRD WAR LOAN RONDS TODAY
T»
Wednesday, September 15, 1943
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 53 Wed., Sept. 15, 1943
10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : :
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General
Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber _ should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
; (Tuesday, September 14) ;
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Close
Net
Chg.
High Low
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2%)
Con. Fm. Ind 27/8 2% 2%+ Vs
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd
do pfd
Cen. Prec. 'Eq 19% 19% 19% —
Loew's, Inc 593/8 58'/4 58 'A —
Paramount 25% 25% 253/4 —
RKO 83/„ 83/8 83/8 —
RKO $6 pfd 91 1/4 91 91 —
20th Century-Fox . 223/8 22*4 223/8 —
20th-Fox pfd. (l'/2). 313/8 31'A 31 1/4 +
20th-Fox pfd. (4i/2) 100 100 100 —
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par B'way 3s55
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
2% +
1% —
13l/2 . .
31/2 +
17 +
I71/4 ..
Monogram Picts. . . 2% 2%
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1% 13/8
Technicolor 13V4 13'/2
Trans-Lux 31/2 3%
Universal Pictures .17 17
Universal Picts. vtc. 17% 17
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
WB War Loan Rally Tomorrow
A Bond rally in behalf of the Third
War Loan will be held at the Warner
Bros, home office tomorrow.
S. HACKER 8c CO-
certified PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TAX CONSULTANTS
SPECIALIZING IN THE
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
132 WEST 43rd STREET
NEW YORK 18, N. Y.
CHICKERING 4-1812
Advertising
. . . fact vs. fantasy
(Continued from Page 1)
dull day when film biz turns the preparation
of its advertising copy over to the bankers'
factual and institutional copy writers.
Any dissent to the dissent?
U. K. Negative Costs Said
Higher Than Hollywood's
London (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — British negative costs have
increased recently so that they are
now higher than Hollywood's, Mich-
ael Balcon said at a meeting of the
British Film Producers' Association.
Speaking on staff "stealing," Balcon
commented that the growing prac-
tice can only end in disaster if it goes
on unchecked.
Industry circles are concerned as
many realize that it is next to im-
possible to lower production costs
and they fear a disadvantage in com-
peting with American-made films in
the European markets to be opened
as the Allied armies advance.
Meeting decided to contact all
members of the Association asking
them to reaffirm their adherence to
the agreed practice of telephoning
a company before hiring one of its
employes.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Court Reserves Decision
In Para. vs. Cooper Suit
Federal Judge Murray Halperin
yesterday reserved decision on the
motion of Paramount Pictures, Inc.,
to enjoin Joseph H. Cooper from
transferring securities of J. H. Coo-
per, Inc., Rialto, Inc. and Intei-state
Theaters, Inc. Paramount is suing
Cooper and his three corporations
in an action in which they seek to be
declared owners of one-half the stock
of the corporations, now held by
Cooper.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Smith, Weber to Chicago
For Equip. Dealers Meet
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Allen G. Smith, head
of the Theater Equipment Section
of WPB and Ed. Weber, CMP spe-
cialist attached to the agency's Ser-
vice Equipment Division, left last
night for Chicago, where they will
attend the convention of the The-
ater Equipment Dealers Protective
Association. Both Smith and Weber
will address the group on Saturday,
and probably again on Sunday.
Paramount Week Boosts
Company Biz to Record
Paramount business during the
25th observance of Paramount Week,
which has just ended, topped last
year's figures by 13 per cent and
reached the highest total ever at-
tained in the annual seven-day per-
iod, Neil Agnew, general sales man-
ager, announced yesterday.
New records hung up by "So
Proudly We Hail" were held partly
responsible for the new high mark,
while bookings on "Dixie" contrib-
uted heavily to the final results,
Agnew said.
Agnew declared that on the basis
of an analysis of grosses, "So Proud-
ly We Hail" is one of the top gross-
ers of the industry.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Plan "Army" Premieres
In Latin-American Field
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Karl G. Macdonald,
former Warner foreign department
executive and now on leave for duty
with the Office of Co-ordinator of In-
ter-American Affairs, and G. R. Key-
ser, in charge of the company's for-
eign publicity and advertising, ar-
rived here yesterday from New York
to confer with Inter-American and
U. S. Army officials regarding Latin-
American premieres of "This is the
Army."
Setting a new record for extended
runs, the first 300 engagements of
"This is the Army" have piled up
additional playing time averaging,
to date, 80 per cent more than any
previous Warner release. Every book-
ing thus far has been a holdover.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Hunter, Para.'s Aussie
Manager, on West Coast
Hairy Hunter, managing director
in Australia and New Zealand for
Paramount, has arrived on the West
Coast en route to New York for home
office conferences. He first will visit
his home in Puyallup, Wash., before
coming East. In New York he will
await the return of John Hicks from
London.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Warner Price Boosts
Completed in Chicago
Chicago — Warner theaters, have
completed price adjustments in the
Chicago area. The Metropolitan's
evening admission is now 40 cents,
a five cent advance; the Oakland the-
aters and Frolic have a 33 cent eve-
ning scale, while the juvenile price
has been advanced from 17 cents to
20 cents in several of the houses.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
A. H. MacMillan Recovering
Seattle, Wash.— A. H. MacMillan,
former manager of the Northwest
Film Club, who has been in the hos-
pital with infantile paralysis, has
been moved to his home in Tacoma.
COMinC and GOIRG
HARRY SEEDS, Warners' Chicago district mana
ger is in Detroit, acting as relief manager for
Bobbie Dunbar, who is ill.
JULES LAPIDUS, Eastern division sales mana-
ger for Warners arrived in Pittsburgh yester-
day on the first leg of an extended tour of his
territory. Next stop will be Cleveland.
WILLIAM CELL, PRC British sales chie
en route from the Coast on his way to England.
BUDD ROCERS, Alliance Films Corp., is on
his way back from Hollywood.
HARRY HUNTER, Paramount manager in Aus-
tralia and New Zealand, has arrived on the
West Coast.
FRANK SINATRA leaves the Coast for New
York today. He is scheduled to return to the
RKO Radio studios around Thanksgiving for his
next screen assignment.
VIRGINIA O'BRIEN, Metro contract player,
arrives in town today for an engagement at the
Capitol starting Sept. 23.
S. J. GREGORY, Chicago circuit executive,
is due back next week from a West Coast
business trip.
TED SCHLANGER, Warner Circuit zone mana-
ger in Philadelphia; JOHN TURNER, film buyer
for that territory, LOU DAVIDOFF and LESTER
KRIEGER of Schlanger's staff are in New York
for home office conferences.
Monogram Producer JACK DIETZ is in from
the Coast.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Cocktail Reception for
Stars of New "U" Films
Universal yesterday afternoon
tendered a cocktail reception at the
"21" Club to Louise Allbritton and
Robert Paige, co-stars of the com-
pany's comedy hit, "Fired Wife,"
and to Allan Jones, star of the forth-
coming picture, "Larceny With Mu-
sic."
Among those present were: Wil-
liam A. Scully, Charles Prutzman,
Maurice Bergman, Jack Alicoate,
Henry Linet, E. T. Gomersall, Mar-
ion Orford, Andy Sharick, Lou Smith,
Louis Sobol, Sherwin Kane, Fred
Waters, Zach Freedman, Irene Thi-
rer, B. B. Kreisler, Bob Gillham,
Ernie Emerling, Alton Cook, Jack
McManus, Milton Weiss, Ed Mc-
Evoy, Phil Laufer, Bill Formby, Al
Horowitz, Charles Moss, Kate Came-
ron, Wanda Hale, Dorothy Masters
and many others.
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Wednesday, September 15, 1943
TNI
DAILY
Delay Congress Action
On Drafting Fathers
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Champing at the bit,
a considerable group of Congres-
sional leaders was finally prevailed
upon ysterday to delay action to
■"'^ck the drafting of fathers at least
^^porarily. Led by Senator Burton
AT'wheeler, a number of solons re-
turned to Capitol Hill yesterday as
Congress reconvened after a two-
month recess prepared to vote at
once to exempt all fathers, or at least
defer their induction until January 1.
As it stands now, action will be
delayed until the appearance before
the Senate and House Military Af-
fairs Committees of top Army and
Navy officials. Upon their testimony
depends in large part the future sta-
tus of thousands of industry em-
ployes whose chief claim to defer-
ment thus far has been their family
status.
Swift action on the father draft
seems certain — probably some time
next week, with a number of bills
already entered. One would provide
for deferment of father induction un-
til 1944, another for drafting of sin-
gle and childless men before fathers,
a third for exemption of fathers of
more than one pre-Pearl Harbor
child, another for a moratorium on
all inductions and the discharge of
fathers now in the service.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
No 16 mm. Print Dearth
For Canadian Naval Use
Ottawa — There is no scarcity of
16 mm. prints available to the Royal
Canadian Naval Film Society and
contributions from the men in the
service have made possible the plac-
ing of projectors and 16 mm. fea-
ture programs on even the smallest
ships in the service, according to
Lt. D. S. Rubin, honorary manager
of the Society.
Lt. Rubin, in commenting on a
story published in The Film Daily
Sept. 2, said priorities were made
available to film companies for 16
mm. prints and that he anticipated
that companies not now supplying
the Society will do so shortly.
Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith Jean Renoir
Robert T. Kane Louis Gasnier
Ceorge Brown Penny Singleton
Charles Cohen
T T V
A "Sound Trach" for Filmland:
• • • BEFORE this month has ended, filmland will have clear
and valuable testimony as to what the public and the professional ap-
praisers think of its product, policies and progress This information
will form an important increment of THE FILM DAILY's about-to-be-
published Product Preview And Directors' Number, — the "sound track,"
as it were, to all we as an industry are doing and planning, and have
recently accomplished, in the matter of fashioning attractions for motion
picture theaters Specifically, the portion of the special issue
which will deal with the orchids and brickbats set down by the critical
fraternity serving on the nation's newspapers, and as cinematic com-
mentators in the field of radio, is The 1943 Critics Forum What
they have to say about filmland will be of intense interest to Hollywood,
New York, and all keys and way stations in between
▼ T T
• • • DAY after day, throughout each year, those members of
the Fourth Estate, and their commentating kin on the air waves,
witness, and vocationally purvey their views upon, motion pictures
From their "press box" seats, they are through ability, applica-
tion and authority, in prime position to absorb and appreciate all
that transpires on the motion picture "field" By no means is the
critical eye concerned or impressed only with pictures Industry
practices don't escape them, and they have no axes to grind when
they make suggestions for the industry's betterment, or cut loose
with a "beef" on what they believe sincerely to be trade shortcomings
When they have the annual opportunity, as is provided via
THE FILM DAILY'S Product Preview And Production Number, they
are more than recording their own particular opinions
Additionally, they are definitely reflecting, in many instances, the
opinions of their followers,— the public Hence The 1943 Critics
Forum section will, like its predecessors, contain numerous barometri-
cal readings whereby the producer, distributor, exhibitor, and the
promotional solon, et al, can gauge the reactions of the critics and
their fans to all that they are accomplishing, or trying so to do
• • • AMONG the other enlightening departments in the on-
coming Product Preview And Directors' Number will be insight, practically
and prophetically, into the new season's attractions; the Ten Best Di-
rectors of 1942-43 as voted in the annual FILM DAILY nation-wide poll
by critics, reviewers, columnists and commentators of press and radio;
Directors' Biographies, tabloid sketches of the careers and accomplish-
ments of the "men behind the picture," a helpful, ready reference
work for all associated with the film business; Directors' Work, a
comprehensive report on the directorial record of the. year; Producers'
Work, an authentic listing of producers and their productions for the
12-month span; and Cinematographers' Work, — cameramen and their
official credits for the full season
T T V
• • • FILMLAND will better see itself as others see it through
the medium of the approaching issue And each industry com-
ponent will better know the trade to which it belongs In this,
fundamentally, lies the gilt-edge value of the Product Preview and
Promotion Number The more efficient our industry is in war,
the stronger will be its sinews in the days of peace returned
▼ T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
TO THE COLORS!
* DECORATED *
PFC. NORMAN SHORE. USAAF, formerly of
the Warner home office, awarded the Dis-
tinguished Flying Cross for achievements
in the Pacific war zone. He took part
in more than 50 missions in the combat
territory.
— • —
• COMMISSIONED *
PAUL SHAPERO, USA, formerly, Warner home
office publicity staff, commissioned a
second lieutenant and assigned to the Anti-
Aircraft Replacement Center, Camp Wallace,
Tex.
ANCELO TOMASINO, USAAF, son of Michael
Tomasino, operator of the White Way and
Victory Theaters, New Haven, commis-
sioned a lieutenant, in photography.
— • —
* ARMY *
TOMMIE McCABE, publicity department co-
ordinator, 20th-Fox home office.
Financial Interests
May Acquire Theaters
(Continued from Page 1)
pendent theaters throughout the
country. The survey has been com-
pleted and the next step may be ac-
tual negotiations for the acquisition
of properties.
Whether such a deal, if consum-
mated, will, because of the financial
group's association with PRC inter-
ests, give PRC indirect affiliation
with the contemplated circuit could
not be determined. Formal an-
nouncement of the proposed plan
may be forthcoming shortly.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
NEIC Rally to Pledge
Services Set for Oct. 5
(Continued from Page 1)
tainment of the armed forces has
been set for 11:30 p.m., Oct. 5, with
the Winter Garden as the probable
site. In charge of arrangements for
the rally is a committee consisting of
Kermit Bloomgarden, Florence Mar-
ston, Ralph Bellamy and James Sau-
ter. A service flag in honor of mem-
bers of the show world in the armed
forces will be dedicated at the rally.
Will Route Bands to
Great States3 Houses
Chicago — Bands and stage shows,
forced out of the ace B & K Chi-
cago Theater Sept. 24 for the four-
week run of "This is the Army,"
will be routed over the Great
States circuit, Warney Jones, cir-
cuit bookers, reports.
Bands will play the Palace, Peoria;
Orpheum, Springfield; Rialto, Joliet;
Palace, South Bend, Ind., and the
Paramount, Toledo. Top music teams
to make the tour include the Blue
Barron, Les Brown, Bob Chester,
Louis Armstrong and Jan Garber or-
chestras.
"CLAUDIA" with DOROTHY McGUIRE . ROBERT YOUNG • INA CLAIRE
Reginald Gardiner • Olga Baclanova • Jean Howard • Frank Tweddell • Elsa Jansen
Directed by EDMUND GOULDING • Produced by WILLIAM PERLBERG
WILLIAM GOETZ in Charge of Production • Adapted for the Screen by Morrie Ryskind
From the Play by Rose Franken • As Produced for the Stage by John Golden
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BACK THE AnACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN!
10
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* DAILY
Wednesday, September 15, 194.3
ATS Announces Plan
For Post-War Tele
Norman D. Waters, president of
the American Television Society, in
a statement yesterday, expressed the
keen enthusiams of members of his
organization for the forthcoming
meetings of the Radio Technical
Planning Board, and stated, "There
has long been a need for discussions
by such a comprehensive group to
clarify problems confronting the
television industry."
To facilitate the workings of the
new committees which will be set up
by the RTPB, a Post-War Planning
Committee was instigated by the
ATS, and a report of their recom-
mendations is being forwarded not
only to RTPB, but also to the Fed-
eral Communications Commission
and television equipment manufactu-
rers and operators of stations
throughout the country.
In addition to Norman D. Waters,
the Post-War Planning Committee
of ATS consisted of Kay Reynolds,
J. Raymond Hutchinson, S. S. Lig-
gett, Charles Kleinman and Richard
Hubbell.
Following careful study, a plan
was evolved for immediate consider-
ation. Plan involves the following
subjects: Present need for a wide-
scale tele program development;
Modification of tele regulations by
the FCC; Non-toleration of delays
necessitated by technical changes;
Invitation to allied industries for co-
operation; Urgent need for a com-
mercial information bureau, through
which all knowledge and experience
in television can be exchanged.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive!—
Demands Senate Act
On N. Eng. Coal Shortage
(.Continued from Page 1)
publican. It is the responsibility of
the Senate to see to it that Amer-
icans get sufficient coal to heat their
homes and offices this Winter, he
said, demanding the creation of a
special investigating committee.
Bridges pointed to conditions in
New England which make it appear
that theater owners in that nearby
states face the prospect of unheated
buildings throughout a great part
of the Winter. The Government is es-
pecially bound to provide coal for
those who patriotically converted
their heating equipment from oil to
coal last year, said Bridges. Among
that number are hundreds of the-
aters in the Northeast section.
The anthracite situation is espe-
cially threatening this year, he said,
pointing out that supplies in New
England now amount to only 40 per
cent of last year's consumption, with
greater need expected this year be-
cause of conversions.
Bridges named as the main rea-
sons for the coal shortage strikes in
the industry, transportation difficul-
ties, conversion from oil and in-
creased military needs.
Irish Production Co.
To Resume Activity
Dublin — Irish Photoplays, Ltd., in-
active for several years, goes into
production next year on a £120,000
feature. Outdoor scenes will be shot
in Eire and interiors in England.
Company is reported planning a stu-
dio in Eire later and also hopes to
develop an export market.
rr
rr
Back Salerno Day
Is Set for Friday
(Continued from Page 1)
tion of showmanship artillery for
the day.
"I can think of no more just and
right support to give the American
boys who are giving their lives be-
fore Salerno than to set aside one
day in which all Americans will be
asked to back the specific attack in
which they are involved," said Grif-
fith in his wire. "Many of these boys
are from your own State.
"Here, certainly, is a job for all
showmen. The situation at Salerno
is dangerous, the battle, as this is
written, is comparable to Chateau-
Thierry. It is easy to see what it
would mean if the men could be told
that all America is behind them in
the battle.
"There is no time," Griffith con-
tinued, "for national WAC to pre-
pare posters, trailers and all the ac-
cessories that can properly aid the
campaign. It is squarely up to ex-
hibitors to rush preparations to make
this day one of the most important
in the campaign. If possible, a brief
ceremony beginning with a prayer
and ending with the request — 'Back
the Attack, Buy Bonds to Push Back
the Germans,' — should take place
in every theater in the land.
"There is just barely enough time,"
the General Chairman concluded,
"let's not waste a minute of it."
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Bausch-Lomb's Flood
Dies in Sicily Attack
Rochester— Pvt. Thomas G. Flood,
formerly of the Bausch & Lomb Op-
tical Co., was killed in action
Bis* m the African theater July 10,
\r^ his parents have been inform-
ed. He had been a member of
a Ranger unit.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
IA Discusses Situation
Of Montreal Operators
Montreal — The local situation as
it affects film operators was discus-
sed at today's session of the semi-
annual meeting of the general ex-
ecutive board of the IATSE at the
Mount Royal Hotel here. This will
continue as the main topic for the
next couple of sessions, it was said.
«
REVIEUJS»
"Thousands Cheer'
with all-star cast
M-G-M
126 Mins.
MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA IN TECH-
NICOLOR WIELDS TREMENDOUS DRAW-
ING POWER; ACES IN EVERY DEPART-
MENT.
In "Thousands Cheer" Metro has put
together a whale of a musical — one that
is certain to roll up tremendous grosses
everywhere. The studio has stinted on
nothing to guarantee a resounding public
reception for the production, a Technicolor
treat difficult to duplicate. The film has
everything in its favor. It is a brilliant
stroke of showmanship offering something
for every taste. The jive bugs and the
more conservative alike will find in its
harmonies cause for rejoicing. The enter-
tainment, prodigal in quality and quantity,
covers a wide range in its material and is
dished out at a swift pace throughout.
Metro has mustered its finest talent for
the musical extravaganza, which is a happy
mixture of comedy, music and romance. It
includes some of the biggest star names in
the industry — any one of a number of which
would be sufficient to draw a crowd. Most
of the star talent is paraded in a show
staged at an army camp as the climax of
the film. This portion of the film is en-
riched by the presence of Mickey Rooney,
Judy Garland, Red Skelton, Eleanor Powell,
Ann Sothern, Virginia O'Brien, Frank Mor-
gan, Lena Home, Marsha Hunt, not to say
the Kay Kyser, Bob Crosby and Benny Carter
bands. An added treat is Jose Iturbi, who
makes his initial appearance in a film in
"Thousands Cheer." He provides one of the
chief delights of the picture.
The burden of the story is carried by
Gene Kelly and Kathryn Grayson. The yarn
is the one about the colonel's daughter and
the private. In this instance it has been
prettied up and excellently treated with
some fine touches of comedy. The romance
between Kelly and Miss Grayson is threat-
ened with disaster before a happy ending
is achieved.
The acting leaves nothing to be desired.
Miss Grayson sings beautifully a number of
songs in both popular and classical vein.
Kelly turns in trie finest performance —
easily his best to date. John Boles is good
as the colonel, so is Mary Astor as his wife.
Ben Blue makes a hit with his comedy
antics.
The production numbers are spectacular
and the art work outstanding, especially
the set decorations, which are lavish, rich
and in superb taste.
A host of topnotch song fashioners have
supplied five hit tunes, most of which are
sung by Miss Grayson.
The film has .been produced handsomely
by Joseph Pasternak, and George Sidney
has directed it capitally. Paul Jarrico and
Richard Collins contributed a good screen-
play. George Folsey's camera work is tops.
CAST: Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland,
Red Skelton, Eleanor Powell, Ann Sothern,
Lucille Ball, Virginia O'Brien, Frank Morgan,
Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly, Mary Astor,
John Boles, Ben Blue, Lena Home, Marsha
Hunt, Marilyn Maxwell, Donna Reed, Mar-
garet O'Brien, June Allyson, Gloria DeHaven,
John Conte, Sara Haden, Frances Rafferty,
Mary Elliot, Frank Jenks, Frank Sully, Dick
Simmons, Ben Lessy, Jose Iturbi, Don Loper
and Maxine Barrat, Kay Kyser and or-
t-
A. J. Rank Plans
Overseas Expansion
(Continued from Page 1)
ports circulating as the Dominion':;
Odeon.
(In Toronto, there was no confir
mation forthcoming from the head-
quarters of Odeon. Dominion cir-
cuit was founded in 1941 by Jl
late N. L. Nathanson upon his \(
drawal from Famous Players hsni-
adian. Now headed by his son, Paul
Nathanson, Odeon operates 76 the-
aters).
Negotiations, it was understood,
were well advanced, and some defi-
nite move in the not too distant fu-
ture was anticipated.
The trade gave credence as well to!
reports that Rank was talking deals
for theaters in foreign territories,
now under occupation.
Rank's expansion plans overseas
were designed to secure "show win-
dows" for British films in the Do-
minions and on the Continent, it was
understood.
At the present time, Rank's in-
dustry investment is estimated at
more than $100,000,000. He controls
some 600 theaters and four studios,
is chairman of both Odeon Theaters
of England and of Gaumont-British,
is the controlling factor in General
Film Distributors and is heavily in-
terested in the equipment field.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Set Construction Authority
May Be Taken from L-41
(Continued from Page 1)
expected to be decided definitely.
Allocations for materials for set
construction, preference ratings and
the setting of cost limits for individ-
ual production sets has been in the
hands of the WPB construction
branch, which has made no secret
that many of its top men are Holly-
wood haters until now, under the
terms of order L-41. This order was
originally intended to apply only to
permanent or semi-permanent con-
struction.
WPB Motion Picture Chief Harold
Hopper, has been trying for several
weeks to pull the authority out from
L-41, and his attempts may come to
a head tomorrow. Representatives
of the construction branch spent
some time on the Coast last month
inspecting the construction activities
of all the studios and it is reported
that they have recommended that set
construction be removed from the
authority of L-41.
chestra, Bob Crosby and orchestra, Benny
Carter and orchestra.
CREDITS: Producer, Joseph Pasternak;
Director, George Sidney; Screenplay, Paul
Jarrico, Richard Collins; Based on story by
Paul Jarrico, Richard Collins; Cameraman,
George Folsey; Musical Director, Herbert
Stothart; Recording Director, Douglas Shear-
er; Art Director, Cedric Gibbons; Film
Editor, George Boemler; Songs, Ferde Grofe,
Harold Adamson, Lew Brown, Ralph Freed,
Burton Lane, Walter Jurmann, Paul Francis
Webster, Earl Brent, E. Y. Harburg, Dmitri
Shostakovitch, Harold Rome.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Aces.
Wednesday, September 15, 1943
TME<
11
DAILY
(703,000,000 Cavalcade Bond Sales Reported
Returns Thus Far Ahead
Df Treasury's Estimate
7or the Complete Tour
(Continued from Page 1)
group's performance at the Public
_torium Monday night,
^^ure, she said, exceeds the Treas-
lry Department's estimate for the
mtire trip, which including last
light's show at Detroit, had 10 per-
ormances to go.
Cavalcade was a tremendous suc-
:; ;ess in Cleveland, netting $83,000,-
)00 in Bonds at the Auditorium show
n addition to participating in a lun-
:heon autograph auction, sponsored
n conjunction with the Chamber of
:ommerce, which added $60,000,000
;o the day's total of $143,000,000 in
3onds sold. In addition to the sig-
latures of the stars present, auto-
graphs of General Eisenhower, Gen-
eral MacArthur, General Doolittle,
jovernor Bricker and Senator Bolton
J'yere sold.
Treasury Release Figures
On 3rd War Loan Bond Sales
"Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
J1 Washington — That the industry is
doming through for the Treasury in
;he Third War Loan drive was in-
licated in reports made public this
norning and last night by drive
headquarters here. Raising of ap-
proximately $200,000,000 in a single
mow by the Hollywood Cavalcade, at
Boston, was reported — placing that
;ity in the forefront thus far. Los
Angeles, with $30,000,000 reported
last night, is expected to zoom ahead
today when Hollywood stars will per-
form in a day-long rally. Figures
:or the amount raised by the Caval-
cade in Pittsburgh were not avail-
able, but hte Treasury did refer to
the outstanding success of the show
1 there, where more than half a mil-
lion persons lined the streets to
i,vatch the parade leading to Ebbets
Field, scene of the show.
Drive headquarters also lauded the
work of stars appearing with the
Airmada" made up of military
leroes escorted by prominent Holly-
wood figures. "War heroes and movie
stars — good-will ambassadors of the
air in behalf of the Third War Loan
—backed the attack with War Bond
*ales of $7,675,525 in the first four
days of their tour out of Atlanta,
Sa.." said the Treasury, with other
similar g-roups piling ut> records as
»ood or better. One such group was
credited with $2,000,000 for a single
appearance in Nashville. Their ap-
pearances have also brought numer-
ous additional purchases by large
industrial firms, it was reported.
"Airmada" totals, said the Treas-
ury, are climbing "at an amazing
rate." The following figures were
quoted: Seattle, $2,288,435; Tacoma,
$11,202,435; Austin, Tex., $4,500,000;
Corpus Christi. $1,341,065; Birming-
ham. Ala., $1,200,000; New Haven,
53,500,000; Milwaukee, $5,522,000;
Nashville, $7,000,000; Memphis,
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
SIGNED
CUY LOMBARDO, M-G-M.
ELAINE SHEPARD, termer, RKO.
MIKHAIL RASUMNY, one year, Paramount.
ALLAN KENWARD, writer, M-G-M.
ASSIGNMENTS
LEONIDE MOCUY, director, "International
Zone," RKO
DR. MIKLOS ROZSA, music, "The Cunmaster,"
Harry Sherman-UA.
MAL ST. CLAIR, director, "Rhapsody in A
Flat," Columbia.
•
CASTINGS
CEORCE SANDERS and VIRGINIA BRUCE,
"International Zone," RKO; ALBERT DEK-
KER, "Double Indemnity," Paramount; RICHARD
POWERS (formerly Tom Keene), "The Navy
Way," Pine-Thomas-Paramount; EVELYN KEYES
and EDMUND LOWE, "Nine Girls," Columbia;
BOB EVANS, "Hey, Rookie," Columbia; JANE
FARRAR, "Tender Comrade," RKO; GLORIA
DICKSON, "Crime Doctor," Columbia; JAMES
ELLISON, "Sunday Dinner for a Soldier," 20th-
Fox; CATHERINE CRAIG, "The Story of Dr.
Wassell," Paramount; NINA KOSHETZ, "Our
Hearts Were Young and Cay," Paramount; ROS-
COE KARNS, "The Navy Way," Paramount.
STORY PURCHASES
CLADYS MALVERN'S "Valiant Minstrel,"
M-C-M.
JACQUE DEVAL'S "Fledgling," M-C-M.
ALBERT E. IDELL'S "Centennial Summer,"
20th-Fox.
TITLE SWITCHES
"Days or Glory," formerly "Revenge," RKO.
"Wing and a Prayer," formerly "Torpedo
Squadron 8,'' 20th-Fox.
"Now It Can Be Told," formerly "Ambassador
Dodd's Diary," 20th-Fox.
Barnstorming Airmadas
Sell $50,000,000 in Bonds;
Detroit Rally 50 Millions
Pollock of Loew's Rochester Sept.
28, with "Johnny Come Lately" as
the film feature. Pollock has ar-
ranged to have the Rochester Civic
Orchestra and the Liederkranz Choir
for stage entertainment.
$600,000; 22 counties in West Ten-
nessee $2,085,000; Portland, Ore.,
$2,500,000; Peoria, 111., $4,144,000;
Jacksonville, Fla., $3,814,000.
Record $152,966,625 Scored In
Caravan's Garden Show
A record "take" for a stage pres-
entation was set by the Hollywood
Bond Cavalcade Saturday night at
Madison Square Garden when $152,-
966,625 in War Bonds were sold, Leo
Brecher, chairman of the Metropoli-
tan New York WAC, announced.
Loew's Theaters' Bond Sales
Top $4,000,000 in Four Days
Loew's Theaters sold over $4,000,-
000 in War Bonds in the first four
days of the Back the Attack cam-
paign.
Out of town houses report sales
totaling $2,478,197 and the Metro-
politan group, $1,594,182. Monday
night's Bond premiere of "Thou-
sands Cheer" accounted for over
$500,000 in extra Bond sales.
B'way Houses Combine For
Midnight Bond Show Oct. 1
A $3,000,000 Broadway Midnight
War Bond Show in which the com-
bined stage shows of the Capitol,
Paramount, Music Hall, Roxy, State
and Strand Theaters will participate,
together with other Broadway-Hol-
lywood stars, will be held Oct. 1 at
the Capitol. Show will be advertised
on the screens and in the lobbies of
the six houses and tickets will be
available at their Bond booths. Bob
Weitman and Jesse Kaye head the
talent committee and the show will
be produced by Harry Gourfaine,
Arthur Knorr and Leon Leonidoff,
while Ernest Emerling is general
chairman of the co-op. event. Tick-
ets are scaled from $25 to $5,000 in
War Bonds.
Paramount and Wometco Will
Hold War Bond Premieres
Miami — Paramount and Wometco
have joined hands to promote a dou-
ble War Bond premiere Thursday
night. Paramount will unveil "Let's
Face It" at the Paramount Theater
while Wometco will offer "My King-
dom for a Cook" at the Lincoln,
Miami Beach. Tickets for either
show are on sale at all houses op-
erated by both circuits and are of-
fered to any person buying a Bond,
with the purchaser designating
which premiere he prefers.
RKO Circuit Expects To Sell
Over $3,000,000 Bonds in Sept.
RKO Theaters' sales of War Bonds
in the first four days of the Third
War Loan totaled $654,000, Edward
L. Alperson, general manager, re-
ported yesterday. If the pace is
maintained, circuit expects to sell
more than $3,270,000 before the Sep-
tember drive ends.
Alliance Circuit Schedules
Bond Premieres in 6 Houses
Chicago — Alliance Theaters has
booked Bond premieres for six
houses, Pete Panagos reports.
Houses and attractions are: Roxy,
Frankfort, Ind., "Watch on the
Rhine"; Roxy, Peru and Site, Ko-
komo, "Hit the Ice"; Moon, Vin-
cennes, "Crash Dive"; State, Ander-
son, Ind., "The Sky's the Limit" and
State, Logansport, "Stage Door Can-
teen."
Army Emergency relief will bene-
fit from advanced price openings of
"Stage Door Canteen" at all the cir-
cuit's houses in October.
Theaters Co-operating In
Chicago Night of Stars
Chicago — Theaters are co-operat-
ing with the Herald American Night
of Stars show at Chicago Stadium,
Sept. 24, to raise funds for free cig-
arettes for the armed services over-
seas. Margo will come in from the
RKO studio for the event.
Civic Ork, Male Chorus at
Rochester Bond Premiere
Rochester — A War Bond premiere
will be staged by Manager Lester
'Airmada' In Rochester
Friday for Bond Drive
Rochester — John Garfield, Martha
Scott, Gene Lockhart, Virginia Grey
and Eddie Bracken will be here Fri-
day with the "Airmada" of stars
and War Heroes to help push the sale
of War Bonds in the Third War
Loan Drive.
The stars will join in a parade
through the downtown section, and
will sell Bonds on Main Street dur-
ing the day. They'll also visit war
plants. At night they will attend
the war show "Action Overhead" at
Red Wing Stadium.
$50,000,000 in Bond Sales
Via Barnstorming Airmadas
Winging across the country in
Army and Navy transports carrying
fighting men from the various war
theaters, plus complements of Hol-
lywood "names," the War Veterans
Bond Airmada is rapidly registering
an impressive total War Bond sales.
At the midway mark, with five
more days of serial Bond-storming
yet to go, the Airmada, according
to a communique from Ed. Snider-
man, its chairman, has been respon-
sible for sales of just under $50,-
000,000.
The make-up of the Airmada has
split the country into five routes,
with a transport bearing its fighting
men and stars acting as masters of
ceremonies for each route. Each
transport has at least 10 cities on
its schedule.
Detroit's Bond Rally Sales
Estimated at $50,000,000
Detroit — War Bond rally at Olym-
pia Stadium last night drew SRO
crowd of 15,000. Arrangements were
handled differently here than in other
cities. Objective is to reward Bond
salesmen known as "Gallants" who
sold at least $1,000 each by free ad-
mission rather than to sell seats to
Bond buyers as elsewhere. The De-
troit total for the rally alone there-
fore is expected to be below Eastern
records. Salesmen are restricted to
one ticket each regardless of total
sales volume, with one group of 15
salemen from an industrial plant ac-
counting for half a million alone.
Total sales represented by last
night's audience is conservatively
estimated at $50,000,000.
Jose Iturbi joined the Calvalcade
yesterday.
12
W1^ DAILY
Wednesday, September 15, 1943
Hear UA May Buy
4-6 More Para. Pix
{Continued from Page 1)
Love," "The Miracle of Morgan's
Creek" and "Triumph Without Pain."
It is understood that Paramount has
a backlog of product sufficient to
permit the sale of the pictures. It,
was reported here yesterday that
Grad L. Sears and Carl Leserman
of UA we: e discussing the deal in
Hollywood and that Ed Raftery,
president, was due to leave for the
Coast shortly to further discuss the
matter with Frank Freeman.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM L<*°
<#
4
W
*+
W THE RULES
are simple:
No. 1:— This Prize Contest is re-
stricted to only such theatres, theatre
managers, or theatre owners which are
on record as subscribers to THE EXHIBITOR.
The chance of each individual entrant is there-
fore much greater than in any similar nationwide
contest ever conducted in this industry.
No. 2:— All theatres or theatre personnel connected through
ownership or management to the ownership or management of
Jay Emanuel Publications, Inc. are automatically not eligible to com-
pete or win prizes in this Prize Contest.
No. 3:— Because of the inequities of theatre budgets, and because of the un-
fairness of photographic, tear sheet or other evidence of advertising, publicity,
and exploitation campaigns,— no consideration will be given to the sales methods
used; but only to the total number of War Bonds sold in proportion to the total num-
ber of seats of the individual theatre.
No. 4:— As it is the objective of the U. S. Treasury Department to sell the 3rd War Loan Bond issue
to millions of small investors rather than to a few big ones,— the managers or owner managers of
the theatres selling the most Bonds in relation to the theatre's seating capacities, will be the winners.
This places all theatres on an equal footing regardless of their size or the nature of their clientele. AM
claimed Bond sales are subject to final certification by the War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Indus-
try and their figures will be considered final. This contest rule increases the necessity to report all sales promptly to
this industry regulatory body.
No. 5:— In view of early plans for a 1000 or more Bond Premieres throughout the United States, in which numerous theatres
in a given area cooperate in fostering the Bond sales of one theatre on a certain day, receiving special handling from the U. S.
Treasury Department field force and from other organizations; the sales from such Bond Premieres may not be included in a theatre's
final total in this contest. In other words, the totals admissible in this contest must reflect the individual effort of each theatre without
collaboration from other theatres of the same ownership or of the same area.
N0> 6:— In the event that more than one theatre gains the same winning percentage total, duplicate prizes will be awarded.
N0# 7:_AII entry records, itemized to show the sales for each of the 24 days between September 9th and October 2nd inclusive, and in a
manner which can easily be checked by the War Activities Committee, must be submitted prior to Wednesday, October 6th to Jay Emanuel
Publications Inc , 1225 Vine Street, Philadelphia 7, Penna. No entries submitted contrary to this rule will be considered.
FIRST PRIZE:-
For the greatest number of Bond Sales (not dollar volume) in
proportion to the seating capacity of any qualified theatre.
SECOND
D D I r C . _ For the second greatest number of Bond Sales (not dollar volume) in proportion to the
seating capacity of any qualified theatre
*25000 in Bonds
$100.00 in Bonds
I R D P R I Z E : — ' For th* ,nird greatest number of Bond Sales (not dollar volume) in proportion to the S jQ.QO /ff 0 0 it O S
— seating capacity of any qualified theatre ^ _ _ • n I
FOURTH, FIFTH. SIXTH and SEVENTH (Consolation) PRIZES $ 25.00 M BOttdS
Big Theatres . . . Small Theatres . . . Circuit Theatres
...and Independents ...All have an equal chance!
IT'S THE RESULTS THAT COUNT! READ THE RULES. ..AND'GO TO TOWN "
I For any further explanation or correspondence dealing with this contest, write: I
CONTEST EDITOR, Jay Emanuel Publications, Inc., 1225 Vine St., Phila. 7, Pa. J
1W
^ DAILY
Friday, September 17, 1943
Welansky Charges
Many Trial Errors
(Continued from Page 1)
total toll of 487 dead, has started
action designed to set aside his con-
viction and sentence.
The night club impresario, who
also owned three motion picture the-
aters in Boston, has filed one of the
most voluminous assignments of er-
ror ever brought before the courts
here and the record of his case is
being prepared for the Supreme
Court.
His assignments of error cover 57
typewritten pages and many of them
are, multiple in nature with as many
as 18 subdivisions. They deal large-
ly with Judge Joseph Hurley's ad-
mission or exclusion of evidence dur-
ing the trial of Welansky which oc-
cupied three weeks and five days last
Spring.
Welansky was first assigned to the
sewing machine department at the
State Prison in Charlestown, across
the river from Boston but last week
was transferred to the Norfolk
Prison Farm. He has been suffering
from a heart attack at various times
and was, at the time of the fire, in
a hospital with such an attack.
— Back 3rd loan Drive! —
Get War Jobs, Chicago
Managers Are Ordered
(Continued from Page 1)
man, manager of the Terminal and
father of one child.
Joe Stout, short subject booker for
B & K, has been working as Pull-
man conductor on troop trains.
Others are expected to get similar
jobs.
Many local theater managers who
are subject to drafting into essen-
tial jobs are holding off, however,
waiting on Congressional action on
the matter.
Sept. 17
Lewis Milestone Monty Schaff
Esther Ralston Helen Vinson
Ed Paramore, Jr. Herman Ruby
Dolores Costello Barrymore
Sept. 18
C. Gardner Sullivan Creta Carbo
Charles Cribbon Diana Lewis
Sept. 19
Lee Blumberg Ernest Truex
Betty Carde
Exploitation Elite:
• • • OVER at M-G-M this month, the legions of Leo the Lion
are marking the fourth anniversary of The Friendly Company's ex-
ploitation Honor Roll, launched by Billy Ferguson under the super-
vision of Howard Dietz to honor the enterprising exhib. whose cam-
paigns are distinguished by originality and imagination, and result
in making turnstiles turn-up (the ole) r.p.m. (reap plenty money)
In the brief three-year interval, it has become a world-wide fraternity,
with showmen everywhere proudly exhibiting their blue-and-gold insig-
nia,— a lapel button featuring the head of Leo the Lion — , as evidence of
their initiation into the ranks of exploitation experts To date.
586 award buttons have been distributed, including winners in Lima,
Peru; Johannesburg, South Africa; Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo,
Brazil; Bogota, Colombia; Sidney, Australia; North Bay, Canada; Santiago,
Chile; and Dublin, Ireland
T T T
• • • INITIAL showman anywhere to receive Honor Roll recog-
nition was Charles B. Taylor, ad-publicity director for Shea's Buf-
falo Theaters, for his promotion of "Boom Town" And first to
acquire the Honor Roll Plaque (for six outstanding campaigns) was
Ed Fitzpatrick, Loew's Poll, Waterbury, Conn., in March, 1942
At this writing, five other showmen have won this plaque,— George
Peters, Loew's Richmond; Lige Brien, Kenyon, Pittsburgh; Don All-
dritt, Fox Strand, Salina, Kans.; H. J. Arnold, Indiana, Terre Haute,
Ind.; and Dave Murphy, former manager of the State, Altoona, Pa.
Pvt. Murphy received his award in an unusual setting He
had had five Honor Roll acceptances when he enlisted in the U. S.
Army Under the circumstances the Honor Roll Committee agreed
to waive the rules, conceding that Murphy doubtless would have
scored a sixth triumph, and presented the plaque to Murphy on the
stage of the Army Theater at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md.,
where he's stationed Nor have Honor Roll awards been limited
to the industry's male gender May Quirk, Victoria Theater,
Mt. Carmel, Pa., has had three campaigns accepted Mrs. Jessie
Pulcipher, Loew's, Washington, D. C; has just received an Honor
Roll Button for her outstanding campaign for "Bataan" The
single requirement for Honor Roll recognition remains a compre-
hensive, well-planned, effective campaign for an M-G-M production,
zuhether feature or short subject. .... .In evaluating the campaigns,
consideration is given to the size of the theater, as well as to the
nature of the town in which the house is located An alert
showman in a rural community who runs a three-times-a-week house
is on exactly the same plane as the manager of a flourishing metro-
politan theater as far as eligibility is concerned Showmanship is
the prime factor, and imaginative selling is as effective in a whistle
stop as it is in Neiv York's mammoth Radio City Music Hall, whose
managing director, Gus S. Eyssell, has been honored with an award
The slogan on the Co-operative Service Sheet, in which the
campaigns are reproduced, remains: "Credit Where Credit Is Due."
T T T
• • • PLANS are now in progress for presentation of a suitable
award to the showman submitting the second set of six Honor Roll
campaigns Several exhibitors are now well on their way to this
goal, and significant honors await the man or woman who attains it
M-G-M's 1943-44 lineup, as noted in this corner recently, is rich
in first-rate exploitation material and promotional potentials that
should result in an ever-expanding list of M-G-M Honor Roll Awards.
T T T
• • • A VENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Hopper in Charge
Of Set Allocations
(Continued from Page 1)
der the construction order L-41, ac-
tual authority to pass on the various
applications now rests with the sec-
tion headed by Harold V. Hopper.
This decision, reached in meeting
yesterday by top WPB officials, cul-,
minates a lengthy fight by Hopper
to ease set construction out from
under the WPB construction branch,
which has never been over-friendly
to the industry and which has not
always afforded equal treatment to
various producers. Although it was
thought at first that set construc-
tion might be removed entirely from
the authority of L-41, it was decided
yesterday that such action would ac-
tually increase the amount of paper
work to be done both by studios and
by WPB, without making more mate-
rial available. One result of yes-
terday's meeting will be the elimina-
tion of a number of reports and other
red tape details.
The motion picture section will be
given "lump" allocations of the new
materials for sets which are under
allocation, processing the applica-
tions from the industry in order to
stretch these as far as possible. When
Hopper has completed his handling
of the applications, they go to the
construction branch for the neces-
sary signatures, and assurance was
given yesterday that these will be
automatic.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Zanuck Arranging Radio
Transcription of "Wilson"
(Continued from Page 1)
will be used, as well as film's cast
members.
The transcription, Zanuck ex-
plained, will be used as a measuring
rod, and if the experiment is suc-
cessful, it will be used in other pic-
tures at 20th-Fox.
— Back 3rd loan Drive! —
Bryan Aides Returning
With S. A. Documentaries
William James and Harry Tom-
linson, of Julien Bryan's organiza-
tion, return this week from South
America, where they have been en-
gaged in the making of new docu-
mentary films. During the past two
months they have been in the Beni,
or upper reaches of the Amazon
River in Bolivia, studying the opera-
tions of the rubber development pro-
gram. Since last October, Bryan
and three of his staff units have
obtained new film material in Chile,
Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia,
Brazil and the Argentine.
And Is It Red!
A print of Walt Disney's satirical
short subject "Der Fuehrer's Face"
is now en route to Russia.
Friday, September 17, 1943
!{<
DAILY
Job Protection in
Shift to War Work
(Continued from Page 1)
sential for one on the essential list,
or those who switch from a job which
does not rate deferred draft status
for a war job, have no claim on their
old berth should they desire to re-
turn, unless of course some agree-
ment is reached between employer
and employe.
WMC Officials "Stumped"
Officials of the WMC have been
trying for months — and USES of-
ficials even before WMC was formed
— to work out some method where-
by the worker who gives up his
peacetime job for war work might
be assured of the right to return to
that job when the war production
boom slackens off. Thus far they
have not arrived at the solution, and
are quite frank to admit that they're
"licked" by the problem. And they
admit this is a problem of huge pro-
portions not only because of the wel-
fare of the nation's workers but also
because it has held up the transfer
of workers to war jobs materially.
WMC has. stated as a general policy that
the rights of workers to their pre-war em-
ployment shall be respected, but no one in
the agency seriously believes that that state-
ment is anything more than mere words.
They admit that such a policy would be im-
possible to effectuate.
In a number of cases — particularly the
automobile industry (which has its peace-
time industry in the same shops as its war
work, and is using, for the most part, the
same men) union-management agreements
have been worked out to protect seniority
rights for workers shifted to war jobs. In
some cases this has been done in smaller
factories and businesses, but on the whole
it is not widespread. In some cases, indi-
viduals have been able to work this out
with their employes.
In some cases local labor stabilization
programs provide that transfers to war
work "Shall not jeopardize any existing
seniority status," or that the worker shall
"have established his right to seniority."
There again, WMC officials here believe, the
words sound good, but mean little.
They point not only to the anticipated
post-war competition for jobs, but also to
the fact that a great many pre-war posi-
tions will have lost their identity when the
war is over. Changes in organizations and
methods will eliminate thousands of jobs
as now constituted, creating others to be
sure. A further difficulty is that many jobs
vacated by men going to war plants have
been filled by others who left under simi-
lar circumstances. Not all, naturally, can be
promised the one job when the war is over.
Job Identity, Big Puzzle
Management members of the WMC Man-
agement Labor Council are eager to co-oper-
ate, labor members admit, but are "stumped"
as to how any solution to the problem might
be worked out. They do not see how job
identity can be retained in a good many
eases.
One of the few cases where job identity
ca.i be retained, said Nelson Cruikshank,
labar rep. on the Council, is that of motion
picture projectionists. There is a job which
will be essentially the same no matter what
reorganization a theater goes through.
As to servicemen returning from the war,
the same problem of job identity prevails
fiiere, WMC execs, say, although the Selec-
tive Service Act provides guarantees that
servicemen will find their jobs waiting for
them.
This is one of the major points leading
top WMC officialdom toward the view that a
national service act is the only answer so
that workers may be transferred in far
greater numbers than is being accomplished
today in order to shorten the war.
reviews of new mms
"Flesh and Fantasy"
with Charles Boyer, Edward G. Robinson,
Barbara Stanwyck
Universal 93 Mins.
A DEPARTURE FROM THE ORDINARY,
THIS ONE SHOULD PULL WELL.
Universal has departed from the norm
in making "Flesh and Fantasy," thereby
bringing pleasure to those seeking some-
thing different in film entertainment. In-
vading the province of the mind, this is
a strange film that wields a peculiar fas-
cination and arouses a variety of emotions.
The picture deals with a subject that
will strongly attract the maturer minds.
For those who will find the thought-pro-
voking aspects of the story and the mystic
and psychic implication a bit above their
tastes and their thinking there is a high-
powered cast to draw them and sustain
their interest. With the film offering
something to lure both intelligent persons
and mental laggards, Universal has little
cause for worry about the box office per-
formance of "Flesh and Fantasy," which has
been told of a strong sense of irony and a
touch of the macabre.
The film is divided into three unrelated
episodes, all devised to show, that man
is the master of his own destiny despite
fortune-tellers and dreams. The episodes
are intended to point up a discussion be-
tween two men in a prologue.
The first episode, in which Betty Field
and Robert Cummings are the main per-
formers, tells of an ugly girl who finds
beauty through faith, thereby winning the
love of a youth with whom she has long
had a secret passion. The meaning here
is at times confused.
Edward G. Robinson and Thomas Mitchell
are the principal players in the second
episode, which relates the tragedy of a
man of standing (Robinson) driven to
murder by a palm-reader's prognostication.
The twist here is that the fortune-teller
(Mitchell) becomes Robinson's victim.
Romance has an important place in the
final episode, with the leading roles
handled by Charles Boyer and Barbara
Stanwyck. This portion of the footage
should appeal heavily to the women. The
plot relates how a high-wire performer
(Boyer) regains his confidence in himself
after being badly shaken by a dream of his
falling during a performance. Miss Stan-
wyck is a fugitive from justice who is re-
moved from his life by the police at the
end.
The picture has been well produced by
Boyer and Julien Duvivier. This is Boyer's
first venture as a producer. Duvivier has
supplied intelligent direction. The screen-
play was fashioned by Ernest Pascal, Samuel
Hoffenstein and Ellis St. Joseph from
stories by Oscar Wilde, Laslo Vadnay and
Ellis St. Joseph. The last-named is respon-
sible for the story of the first episode;
Wilde, of the second; Vadnay, of the
third. The Wilde story is "Lord Arthur
Savile's Crime."
The acting is generally of a high order.
Other players beside those mentioned in-
clude Robert Benchley, Anna Lee, Dame
May Whitty and Charles Winninger, all
of whom are good. The camera work and
art direction are tops.
CAST: Charles Boyer, Edward G. Robin-
son, Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Benchley,
* SHORTS *
"Flicker Flashbacks"
RKO 8 mins.
Funny and Interesting
Here is the first of a new series
produced by Fredric Ullman, Jr.,
The idea is to present assorted scenes
from old newsreels and comedies
with a humorous commentary. This
lead-off reel not only gets laughs
but will produce a feeling of nostal-
gia in older folks. One scene from a
Pathe newsreel goes back to 1908.
Included are fragments showing
Fatty Arbuckle, Max Swain, D. W.
Griffith and other old-timers in ac-
tion.
Jack and Albert Warner
Sell WB Common Stock
(Continued from Page 1)
of the same stock by Jack L. Warner,
was reported yesterday in the semi-
monthly SEC summary. Major War-
ner retained 228,550 shares of that
stock, and Jack an even 200,000.
Correction of the June reports re-
vealed that Paul G. Brown of Phil-
adelphia has disposed of his entire
block of 1,000 shares of Universal
Pictures old common. Daniel Sheaf-
fer, of Philadelphia, added 200 shares
of common Vte during the same per-
iod, and last month added another
200, raising his personal holdings to
20,000. He also holds 26,500 through
the Standard Capital Co. Through
Standard Capital, Sheaffer also holds
111,283 warrant on the common Vtc.
Another correction to the June re-
port teveals that Benjamin B. Ka-
hane of Los Angeles has disposed of
his 800 shares of common no par
value in Columbia Pictures.
An up-to-date report on Keith-Al-
bee-Orpheum shows the sale of 120
shares of seven per cent convertible
preferred by Mrs. Elizabeth H. Mee-
han of New York, who retains 1,880
shares of the same stock.
The current report also shows the
sale of 100 shares of common no par
value in Eastman Kodak by George
H. Clark of Rochester. Clark re-
tained 15,500 shares of that stock,
along with 2,000 shares of the six
per cent cumulative preferred.
Betty Field, Robert Cummings, Thomas
Mitchell, Charles Winninger, Edgar Bar-
rier, C. Aubrey Smith, Anna Lee, Dame
May Whitty, Marjorie Lord, Clarence Muse,
June Lang, Grace McDonald, Mary Ann
Hyde.
CREDITS: Producers, Charles Boyer,
Julien Duvivier; Director, Julien Du-
vivier; Screenplay, Ernest Pascal,
Samuel Hoffenstein, Ellis St. Joseph; Based
on stories by Oscar Wilde, Laslo Vadnay,
Ellis St. Joseph; Cameramen, Paul Ivano,
Stanley Cortez; Art Directors, John B.
Goodman, Richard Riedel, Robert Boyle;
Sound Director, Bernard B. Brown; Set
Decorators, R. A. Gausman, E. R. Robinson;
Musical Director, Charles Previn; Film
Airmada Sales May
Reach $200,000,000
(Continued from Page 1)
drive must be sustained until the
goal is reached."
Theater sales, on the heels of the
widespread publicity given the cam-
paign, plus aggressive, patriotic
showmanship, have risen, Griffith
stated. He cited the RKO theater
figures. The average week's sales
for the entire RKO circuit total
$350,000. In the first week of the
Third War Loan, this figure jumped
to $1,006,000.
"We know that the Cavalcade is
exceeding all expectations, as is the
Airmada," added Griffith. "The
Rangers under George Schaefer are
burning the wires and making im-
pressive inroads on the $15,000,000,-
000."
Treasury Department Reports
On "Airmada" War Bond Sales
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The War Bond to-
tals credited to the Hollywood stars
travelling with the "Airmadas" con-
tinue to pile up, according to Treas-
ury figures released last night.
The Salt Lake "Airmada" visit
resulted in the sale of $2,045,550 in
Bonds in addition to $1,250,000 in
Denver, where the group had a busy
day— seven performances, five high
school rallies and a mass interview
granted 90 journalism students.
As a testimonial to "Airmade"
war heroes and movie stars, Okla-
homa City sold $12,500,000 in War
Bonds during a big parade, dinner
and War Bond rally, according to the
Treasury.
Indianapolis came through with
sales of $8,594,500 during the visit
of the "Airmada." The heroes and
stars were guests at a dinner in the
Columbia Club where "admission"
ranged from $1,000 to $500,000 in
Bonds.
Peoria "Airmada" Bond sales to-
taled $400,000 — and a similar amount
was sold in Fort Wayne. "Airmada"
sales were boosted $11,015,850 in
Charlotte, N. C, and another $4,000,-
000 was added to the total in visits
to Providence and Pawtucket, R. I.
Over $30,000 in War Bonds
Sold at 20th-Fox Rally
Sponsored by a joint Labor-Man-
agement Committee, the offices of
20th Century-Fox, De Luxe Labora-
tory and Fox Movietone News were
closed yesterday from 11 a.m. until
noon to enable nearly 1,600 employes
of the three companies to attend a
"Back The Attack" Third War Loan
Bond rally. The gathering took place
at 55th Street and 10th Avenue and
was attended by motion picture stars,
torpedoed merchant seamen, speak-
ers and entertainers. Over $30,000
in pledges and cash were obtained
from the rally.
Editor, Arthur Hilton; Musical Score, Alex-
ander Tansman.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
TM*T«|
DAILY
Friday, September 17, 1943 j
s
New England Indies
Sales Plan to Gov't
(Continued from Page 1)
"while we are firmly convinced that
only the absolute divorcement of ex-
hibition from distribution will re-
store any measure of free competi-
tion within the industry," the mem-
bers believe that some sort of tem-
porary agreement will be necessary
between the defendant producers
and distributors and the Government.
The letter asserted that the associa-
tion members were of the opinion
that the offered sales plan would cor-
rect "current abuses in motion pic-
ture distribution and satisfy the
needs and requests of the greatest
number of independent exhibitors."
The New Englanders recommend
the retention of tradeshows, no dif-
ferential in price for buying in small
groups and a fair and equitable form
of contract. Selling plans submitted
by other organizations embodying
proposals that would permit partial-
ly identified blocks to be sold were
criticized by the New Englanders.
The plan, as submitted to Tom
Clark, is as follows:
Pictures "Tradeshown" — A. All feature
motion pictures must be tradeshown before
being' offered for license.
Large Blocks. — B. No limitations shall be
placed upon the number of such pictures
offered for license at any one time.
Complete Selectivity — C. Exhibitor may se-
lect from those pictures offered whatever
pictures and whatever number of pictures he
may desire, without limitation or restriction
of any sort.
Wholesale and Retail Buying — D. No dif-
ferential in price fon buying in small quan-
tity shall be imposed which shall defeat or
tend to defeat the purpose of the foregoing
provision (C).
Pictures Individually Priced When Licensed
— I. The price and/or terms of each picture
shall be definitely designated at the time1 of
signing the application for license. II. No
change in such price and/or terms shall be
made thereafter, except by mutual consent
of exhibitor and distributor.
Preferential Run to Affiliated Theaters
Prohibited — E. No picture shall be exhibited
in any theater, affiliated, unaffiliated, or
owned by the producer-distributor of the
picture in quesiion, until — I. After trade-
showing, and II. After an opportunity has
been given to all exhibitors enjoying the
same run to license and play the picture at
the same time.
No Forcing of Shorts, Etc. — F. No dis-
tributor shall require an exhibitor to license
short subjects, newsreels, trailers, or serials,
as a condition of licensing features. No
distributor shall require an exhibitor to li-
cense re-issues, westerns, or foreigns, as a
condition of licensing other features.
No Tying in of Blocks — -G. The distributor
-hall not condition the sale of any block or
portion thereof upon the purchase of any
previously offered picture or pictures.
No Contract "Hold-ups" — H. Acceptance
and confirmation of a date for any picture
at any theater shall constitute an approval
of th<- entire contract containing that picture
at that theater.
Remedy for I'nreasonable. Delay to Subse-
quent-run Theaters — I. If the distributor fails
WEDDING BELLS
West Coast Bureau of THE V1LM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Whitney Bolton and
Nancy Coleman were married yester-
day in the Presbyterian Church cha-
pel.
Ash Consent Decree Changes
11 Sections Cited in IENE Recommendations
(Continued from Page 1)
under the decree and pointed out , f eated by the limitations contained
what, in their opinions, are the de-
fects of the provisions.
The New Englanders, while not
asking changes in Section III, relat-
ing to tradeshows, recommend, in
fact, that the section remain in
force, contending that it has elimi-
nated blind-selling.
Would Fine Distributors
As to Section IV, Clark was told
that the distributors frame their
blocks so that the exhibitor is forced
to buy inferior pictures in order to
buy one or two desirable pictures.
The unit recommended that the forc-
ing of an unwanted block with a de-
sired one should be subject to a sub-
stantial fine imposed on the offend-
ing distributor.
Section V, dealing with licensing
of features to theaters in different
exchange districts is not practical,
the unit asserts.
The selling plan, it is said, would
obviate the necessity of Section VII,
dealing with pictures offensive to a
community.
As to Section VIII, it is the opin-
ion of the unit that the section should
permit the arbitrator to eliminate
completely clearance or protection
where no material competition can
be demonstrated.
The purpose of Section X (arbitra-
tion of requested runs) is, accord-
ing to the document, completely de-
in it.
Would Tighten Section XI
Section XI, acquisition of theaters
by circuits, should be strengthened
to permit no further acquisitions un-
til the final determination of di-
vorcement, the letter stated.
There should be no escape from
any of the clauses of any temporary
agreements, the unit asserts in com-
menting on Section XII.
Section XV, stating that the decree
provisions should not apply to any
franchise signed prior to June 6,
1940, appears, in the opinions of the
writers, to have no practical im-
portance at this date.
Commenting on Section XVII, the
letter declared:
"Protection or clearance custom-
arily granted to a prior run theater
should not be increased merely be-
cause the picture being exhibited
happens to be owned by the com-
pany that owns or controls the the-
ater in question. The availability
belonging to the subsequent-run the-
ater and the light of its patrons to
see pictures within the customary
length of time after first showing,
should not be abrogated or affected
by the mere accident of co-owner-
ship of the prior-run theaters and
the particular picture."
On other sections not listed here,
the association made no comment.
Warners Asks Apology Cooper Seeks Dismissal
For Fidler's 'Army' Remark Of Para.'s Stock Action
(Continued from Page 1)
lin's 'This is the Army'. Because
of the controversial nature of his
remarks, we now request time to
answer Mr. Fidler on your network
at an hour equally as good as that
given Mr. Fidler."
Warner Bros., also declare that
unless a "suitable apology or re-
traction is given promptly by Mr.
Fidler," also by the network to the
Army Emergency Relief Fund, to
the members of the United States
Army that appeared in the picture
and to Warner Bros., the company
will not extend co-operation to Fid-
ler or the network.
to deliver or make available a picture or
pictures to a subsequent-run exhibitor within
four weeks of said exhibitor's usual avail-
ability, either after national release date or
after first-run in the particular territory —
whichever is a suitable determinant, because
of the distributor's delay, or inability or
failure to sell and play the picture in a
prior-run theater, said subsequent-run exhibi-
tor may at his option cancel the contract.
Standard Exhibition Contract — -J. A fair
and equitable form of contract shall be agreed
upon by the Department of Justice, exhibi-
tors, and distributors, and no changes shall
be made by any party in said contract with-
out the knowledge and approval of the other
two parties.
Theaters to be Treated Independently— K.
No distributor shall condition the sale of any
picture or pictures to any theater upon the
sale of the same or other picture or pictures
to any other theater.
(Continued from Page 1)
all Paramount allegations, and as a
separate defense stated that the ac-
tion was outlawed by the statute of
limitations.
Paramount seeks to be declared
owner of the Class B stock in Rialto
and J. H. Cooper Enterprises and its
interest in Class A stock in Inter-
state. The company also seeks an
injunction to restrain Cooper from
transferring the securities held in his
name to someone else. Federal Judge
Murray Hulbert has reserved decis-
ion on the injunction motion.
Notice to take the deposition of
Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount vice-
president in charge of production on
Sept. 28 was filed by Cooper's coun-
sel. The examination will take place
at the offices of Wright & Millikan,
Los Angeles law firm. Defense also
moved to take the depositions of 10
Paramount executives — Barney Bal-
aban, Roger C. Clement, Austin C.
Keough, E. Paul Philips, H. B. Laza-
rus, Fred Mohrhardt, Montague F.
Gowthorpe, Harry Wright, Henry
Anderson, Sam Dembow, Jr.
The proposed examination of Coo-
per and Joseph A. Philipson, his
manager, scheduled for yesterday,
was postponed by Judge Hulbert
pending his decision on Paramount's
motion for an-^injunction.
Writers' Congress
Set for Od. 1-3
(Continued from Page 1)
some 2,000 writers will meet to
unite and mobilize the profession
for winning the war.
Event is jointly sponsored by the
University and Hollywood Writers
Mobilization with Marc Connelly.
playwright and screen writer, anf
Ralph Freud, of the University, serv-
ing as co-chairmen.
The congress will concern itself
with the writer in war time and his
relation to three great media for
rapid dissemination of facts to the
greatest number of people — the
press, motion pictures and radio.
For that reason this year's conclave,
unlike the first one held two years
ago, will concentrate on practical
problems as well as those of a cul-
tural nature.
Importance of the gathering is
emphasized by the interest of United
Nations' leaders, including Presi-
dent Roosevelt who will address a
special message to be read to the
congress at the opening session.
Delegates sent by their govern-
ments from England, Russia, China,
France, South America, Mexico and
Spain will discuss the work being
done in other lands.
Among distinguished delegates
will be Col. Carlos, Romulo, John
Collier, Commissioner of Indian Af-
fairs; Lieut. Col. Evans Carlson,
Walter White, Y. Frank Freeman,
Walter Wanger, Jack L. Warner,
Darryl F. Zanuck, Lion Feuchtwan-
ger, Michael Kalatozov, Thomas
Baird and Phyllis Bentley of the
British Ministry of Information;
Jose A. Ramos, Enrique de Lozado.
Hernane Tovarse, Vladimir Pos-
ner, as well as hundreds of lead-
ing writers from all parts of the
world.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Young Funeral Today
Final rites for J. Arthur Young,
63, stage and screen actor who died
on Tuesday after an illness of sev-
eral months, will be held this after-
noon at the Dupont Funeral Home.
Kew Gardens, L. I. Cremation will
follow at Fresh Pond Crematory.
— Back 3rd Loan Drive! —
Wm. Groover Dies in Peoria
Peoria — William F. Groover, 64,
veteran theater manager and former
president of the Peoria Musicians
Union, is dead.
STORKS
There's a new daughter in the fam-
ily of David Rothfeld of Leland
Hayward, Inc. Young lady bowed
in at Jewish Memorial Hospital, tip-
ping the scales at seven pounds,
three ounces.
Philadelphia — Vincent O'Donnell,
RKO office manager announced the
birth of a daughter, Maureen.
DAN
1JIZ L S. +7V MHZ
i s i ci ci cm d d *n
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
DO
^cn*
T*w*
^™
The Daily Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
-1FDAILY'
I
=fOL. 84. NO. 56
NEW YORK, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER, 20. 1943
TEN CENTS
DISTRIBUTORS COOL^O INDIES SALES PLAN
First Call on Theater Equipment to Army, Navy
Editorial
A Suggestion
. . . via White Falcon
By CHESTER B. BAHN
I F there's a cardinal rule in
" that which affirms "the
film biz, it
is that which attirms "the customer is
I always right," even if he happens to see the
picture "for free."
Such being the case, it might be well
to turn the columnar spotlight this Wednes-
day morn on what the boys in uni-
form are saying about some of the pictures
going overseas for their entertainment.
Typical of the particular viewpoint is the
following editorial, "Movies and the Flag,"
appearing in the White Falcon, soldier paper
of the AEF in Iceland:
rfnL. lOLLYWOOD'S unstinting support to
■ ' the war effort — offering its movies
I to Servicemen overseas without cost and
ii its artists to bases both in the States and
on foreign shores — has done much to al-
leviate boredom and maintain high morale.
Long after the United Nations stamp out
the Axis, the Flicker City's unselfish con-
: tribution will be remembered and praised
by Servicemen.
"In its quest to go all-out for Service-
- men, Hollywood has overlooked only one
Ii angle, and that, no doubt, is another of the
we-know-but-can't-help-it dilemmas. It
would be ungrateful to ridicule a gift-horse,
but gushy sentiment and patriotic fervor
that induces sobbing or grim determination
in theaters at home, invariably is met with
groans and guffaws by squirming AEF
1 audiences.
"It isn't fair to expect Servicemen to ap-
1 preciate movies that show a cocky screen
hero in OD's tell off his 1/Sgt., steal the
CO'S lovely daughter, then lead a chorus in
the grand finale from the guardhouse. Nor
will anybody overseas understand how Hol-
lywood was able to send its leading man
through the Port of Embarkation assisted by
a band and several hundred admirers.
"Perhaps it would be wise to separate
unadulterated entertainment from flag-
waving pictures, then send the comedies,
musicals, lovely girls, etc., overseas and keep
the others in the Stetes. Servicemen know
why they are away from home, but telling
them about it in Hollywood's make-believe
manner is something else. When the men
enter a theater, they want to relax, not be
(Continued on Page 2)
WPB's Smith Tells TEDPA
Convention Equipment
"Pool" Will be Continued
Chicago — That the Army and the
Navy still have "first call" on mo-
tion picture theater equipment, and
will have for the duration, was em-
phasized by Allan G. Smith, chief of
WPB's theater equipment section,
service equipment division, in an ad-
d. ess before more than 100 dele-
gates attending the three-day con-
vention and war conference of the-
ater equipment dealers and manufac-
(Continued on Page 7)
Jersey City Cameo
In Restraint Action
Major as well as indie film produc-
ers and distributors, plus a number
of theater circuits operating houses
in Hudson County, N. J., were named
as defendants in a restraint of trade
suit filed on Friday in New Yo:k
Federal Court by the Rosyl Amuse-
ment Corp., operators of the Cameo
Theater, Jersey City. The defen-
dants are charged with conspiracy
(Continued on Page 6)
Isaacs Among 4 Being
Considered for ORC Post
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Four men are still
under consideration for the post of
operating theater man in the office
of civilian requirements, Donald R.
(Continued on Page 6)
Tax and Bond Drive
Cut Philly "Tafces"
Philadelphia — Theater grosses have
reached a definite level in the area,
with even houses which have been
benefitted from war industries pay-
rolls noting a dip in receipts. In-
come tax payments plus the War
Bond drive are said to be factors
cutting down the intake.
Cavalcade's Sales
Near Billion Mark
Brand Several Provisions
Of New England Proposal
To Gov't as Unworkable
With the final Chicago War Bond
sales total expected to approximate
$250,000,000, the highest registered
thus far by the Hollywood Bond Cav-
alcade, the cumulative total to date
is just under the billion dollar mark,
the WAC headquarters reported over
the week-end.
Thus, with a number of cities still
to be visited by the touring celebs,
they already have nearly doubled the
amount anticipated by the Treasury
(Continued on Page 6)
Worst of Manpower
Squeeze on Coast Over?
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — That Hollywood has
heard the worst already regarding
the West Coast manpower squeeze
as it affects the industry is con-
ceded here by informed sources.
Studios are certain to find the hiring
of technicians where skills are
(Continued on Page 6)
Courtesy Still Theater Rule
War Brings No Drop in Operating Standard
Eastern Pa. Independents
Meet in Philly Tomorrow
Philadelphia — Called for the pur-
pose of discussing "vital and press-
ing business affecting each and
everyone of us," a meeting of all in-
dependent exhibitors and Caravan
subscribers will be held tomorrow at
(Continued on Page 3)
While the public appears to be get-
ting indifferent treatment from ho-
tels, restaurants and sto: es due to
boom times in those fields, the the-
ater apparently is the one place
where courteous treatment remains
as an institution.
This observation was made by Gor-
don White, MPPDA representative,
who in the last few months has made
(Continued on Page 7)
Certain provisions of the proposed
sales plan (Film Daily, Sept. 17)
submitted by Independent Exhibi-
tors of New England, Inc., were
regarded in distribution circles as
being unworkable over the week-end.
Especially criticized was that pro-
vision which lead in part: "No pic-
ture shall be exhibited in any the-
ater, affiliated, unaffiliated or owned
by the producer-distributor of the
picture in question until . . . after an
opportunity has been) given to all
(Continued on Page 3) '
Film Classics Going
Info Own Production
Film Classics, Inc., formed orig-
inally for the distribution of past
successes, will branch out into the
production field and produce pic-
tures for its own exchanges, it was
reported at the week-end.
Bert Mayer, atto- ney for the com-
pany, said that Film Classics was
(Continued on Page 3)
Clark's Meeting With
Distribs. Postponed a Week
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Tom C. Clark's re-
turn meeting with the major dis-
tributors, originally scheduled for
this week, has been put off until
next Monday, Clark said Friday.
The meeting has been postponed un-
til next Monday, at 2 p.m., in the
healing room of the New York mo-
(Continued on> Page 6)
Projectionist Drafted,
Pa. Theater Closes
Greensboro, Pa. — Because its pro-
jectionist was drafted into the Army
and the exhibitor was unable to get
another to replace him, the Vox
Theater in this town has been forced
to close.
YOUR WAR BOND DOLLARS WILL HELP WIN THE PEACE AS WELL AS THE WAR— BUY NOW ^
1W
DAILY
Monday, September 20, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 56 Mon., Sept. 20, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1S01 Broadway. New York 18. N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. \V.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph VVilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASH I NflTON— Andrew II.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Waller P. Schuck.
Casillo Ue Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marcc-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
(September 17)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Cose Chg.
16 153/4 157/s — Vs
Am. Seat.
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd. .
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd..
East. Kodak 1
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RKO $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . .
20-h-Fox pfd. (iy2)
20th-Fcx pfd. <4i/2) .1
Warner flros.
NEW YORK
Par. B'way 3s55
NEW YORK
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs. . . .
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor
Universal Pictures . . .
Universal Picts. vtc. .
3
163/4
58'/2 1
2% 3 + i/4
157/s 16% + 1
58 1581/z + 1/2
20
6OV4
271/a
91/8
921/2
231/2
313/4
00 1/4 1
133/4
BOND
193/4 193/4
593/4 6OV4 + %
26i/4 27i/8 + 3/4
8% 9
90i/2 921/2 + 2
23 231/2 + %
3H/2 313/4 + i/4
ooy4 IOOV4 + 1/4
133/8 133/4 + 3/8
MARKET
CURB MARKET
31/2
13/8
31/2
l'/2 + Vs
31/2
181/2
18i/2
181/2 181/2 + I1/2
18 18!/2 + 1/2
"United Front" Rally
In Toronto Tomorrow
Toronto — -With the rally's slogan,
"A united front for the industry,"
the Motion Picture Theaters Associa-
tion will hold a luncheon meeting to-
morrow at the King Edward Hotel.
To Fete Formato, Beilan
Philadelphia — Lou Formato, local
Metro sales chief, and Charles Bei-
lan, local Warners sales manager,
will be feted by the local Motion Pic-
ture Associates at a luncheon to be
held on Oct. 11 at the Warwick Ho-
tel. This will be the first function
on the MPA program in the new sea-
son. Both men were recently ele-
vated,
® The Broadway Parade H
This is the Army (Warner Bros. Pictures)— 9th week Hollywood
DuBarry Wjs a Lady (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures)— 5th week Capitol
Salute to the Marines (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayir Pictures) — 5th week Globe
Watch on the Rhine (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 3rd week Strand
The Sky's the Limit (RKO Radio Pitcures)— 3rd week Palace
Destroyer (Columbia Pictures) — 3rd week Criterion
So Troudly We Hail (Paramount Pictures)— 2nd week Music Hall
Thousands Cheer (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 2nd week Astor
(eannie (English Films)— 2nd week Little Carnegie
The Creat Mr. Handel (Midfilm)— 2nd week 55th St. Playhouse
A Lady Takes a Chance (RKO Radio Pictures) Paramount
Holy Matrimcny (Twentieth Century-Fox) Roxy
Seventh Victim (RKO Radio Pictures) Rialto
Avenging Rider (RKO Radio Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
Bar 20 (United Artists) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
♦ TWO-A-DAY RUT\ ♦
For Whom the 'Bell Tolls (Paramount Pictures) — 11th week Rivoli
♦ FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURES ♦
Seeds of Freedom (Artkino Pictures) — 4th week Stanley
The City That Stopped Hitler-Heroic Stalingrad (Soviet documentary) -3rd week. Victoria
I Danced With Don Portfiro (CLASA-Mohme) Belmont
♦ FUTURE OPENINGS ♦
Johnny Come Lately (United A-tists-Cagney) — Sept. 23 Capitol
Behind the Rising Sun (RKO Radio Tictures) — Sept. 23 Palace
Thank Your Lucky Stars (Warner Bros. Pictures) — Oct. 1 Strand
Hit the Ice (Universal Pictures) — Seot. 22 Criterion
Lassie Come Home (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c) Music Hall
True to Life (Paramount Pictures) — Oct. 13 Paramount
The Man from Down Under (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c) Clobe
Wintertime (Twentieth Century-Fox) (c) Rcxy
A Swedish Rhapsody (Scandinavian Films) — Oct. 2 48th St. Theater
(a) Dual bill, (c) Follows current bill.
"U" Ad Staff Discusses
Campaigns on New Films
Plans for advertising and exploita-
tion of current Universal product
and those to be released during the
next few months were outlined by
Maurice Bergman, Eastern advertis-
ing and publicity chief, at a meeting
of his department personnel at the
Hotel Astor Friday. All Universal
field men were called in to attend
the sessions.
Among the campaigns discussed
were those for "Corvette K-225,"
'Flesh and Fantasy," "Fired Wife,"
"Crazy House," "Top Man," "Cobra
Woman" and "The Strange Death of
Adolf Hitler." Newspaper and
magazine page ads will highlight
several of the campaigns.
It was announced at the meeting
that Milton Silver, former advertis-
ing manager of National Screen
Service and more recently doing spe-
cial work for Columbia, had joined
Universale advertising department.
Kloepper, UA's Oregon
Rep., Buys Star Exchange
Portland, Ore. — Jack Kloepper,
Oregon rep. for United Artists, has
purchased the Star Film Exchange,
for many years the scene of a ma-
jority of the trade screenings for
Oregon exhibitors. Kloepper will
continue to represent United Ar-
tists in Oregon. He has appointed
Mrs. Dorothy Therion to the post of
manager of the Star Film Exchange.
Thornton Leaving Roach
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Resignation of C. W.
Thornton as executive vice-president
of Hal Roach Studios is effective.
Detroit Film Drivers
Seeking $5 Weekly Tilt
Detroit — Raise of $5 a week for
drivers for film carriers is sought by
the powerful Teamsters' Union in ne-
gotiations started here. The union
contracts expired last May, but op-
erations have gone along under the
status quo since, with active negotia-
tions just starting now. It is as-
sumed here that the raise is sought
as retroactive to May.
Pittsburgh — Hearing on a contract
dispute involving wages, vacation
and overtime pay between the Local
211, Film Delivery Drivers, and the
Exhibitors Service Co., opened in the
Federal Building before a special
disputes panel of the Regional War
Labor Board. The panel consists of
Dr. Joseph A. Crane, dean of the
University of Pittsburgh, represent-
ing the public; G. A. Palmer, per-
sonnel director of Home's Depart-
ment Store, representing industry,
and David Glavin, of AFL-Building
Service Employes, representing la-
bor.
141 Schine Theaters Set
For Full Republic Lineup
Gloversville — Schine circuit's 141
theaters in New York, Ohio and Ken-
tucky will play Republic's 1943-44
lineup under a deal just closed here
by J. R. Grainger, Maxwell Gillis,
Arthur Newman, Jack Bellman, Sam
Gorrel and George Kirby, acting for
Rep., and J. Meyer Schine, Louis W.
Schine and George Lynch of the cir-
cuit.
A Suggestion
. . . via White Falcon
(Continued from Page 1)
reminded that tomorrow and the next day
will be the same as yesterday.
"This isn't a rebuke, Hollywood, merely
a suggestion."
o
D IGHT or wron
' * is shared by
men in uniform,
service papers as
arriving on the
theaters of war.
that is how you
nothing is to be
keeping it under
g, that viewpoint evidently
a considerable number of
for it is found in othe>i
well as in personal letters'1 .
editorial desk from all
A ticklish matter? Well
look at it, but certainly
gained by ignoring it, or
wraps.
UA's "Hi Diddle Diddle'
Gets Palace First-Run
United Artists' "Hi Diddle Diddle"
has been set for a Broadway first-
run at the RKO Palace, and will bow
in on Thursday.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Claudette Pauletto Veronica
COLBERT • GODDARD • LAKE
"SO PROUDLY WE HAIL"
Produced and Directed by Mark Sandrleh
A Paramount Plctura
Gala Stags Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
JEAN JOHN
Arthur • Wayne
In
"A Lady Takes
A Chance"
IN PERSON
VAUCHN
MONROE
SOB EVANS
BActktacTke PARAMOUNT J!?!?,
SQUARE
MonTq facie
must'tims
Another Big One from 20lh .Century-Fox! "
PLUS A BIG D eO V V 7th *"••
STAGE SHOW HvA 1 * I
50th St.
p WAY &
47th St.
BROADWAY'S NEW 1st RUN THEATRE
FRED ASTAIRE
JOAN LESLIE
"THE SKY'S THE LIMIT"
P
loTw% STATE
ON SCREEN
"BEST FOOT
FORWARD-
LUCILLE BALL
HARRY JAMES
I
IN PERSON
ED. SULLIVAN
HARVEST
MOON DANCE
WINNERS
PLUS ALL
NEW SHOW
Monday, September 20, 1943
Distributors Cool
To Indies' Sales Plan
(Continued from Page 1)
exhibitors enjoying the same run to
license and play the picture at the
same time."
Such an arrangement, it was
[^pointed out, would prevent a dis-
I tributor from showing one of its
own pictures first-run, in its own
theater until all other first-runs
had seen it, bid for it and accepted
or refused it, according to the in-
terpretations. It also would permit
a number of day and date first-iuns
in the same community.
Another provision of the plan
which was described as being im-
practical was the one which read:
"If the distributor fails to de-
liver or make available a picture or
pictures to a subsequent-run exhibi-
tor within four weeks of said ex-
hibitor's usual availability, either af-
ter national release date or after
first-run in the particular territory —
whichever is a suitable determinant,
because of the distributor's delay,
or inability or failure to sell and
play the picture in a prior-run the-
ater, said subsequent-run exhibitor
may at his option cancel the con-
tracts."
Loopholes that would permit ex-
hibitors to cancel pictures under any
number of reasons exist in the pro-
vision, it was said.
Other provisions of the plan were
said to be re-writes of previously
submitted proposals.
Eastern Pa. Independents
Meet in Philly Tomorrow
(.Continued from Page 1)
the headquarters of Allied Indepen-
dent Theater Owners of Eastern
Penna., Inc. Session is slated to
start at 2 o'clock and is to be ad-
journed in time to permit out-of-
towners to catch their trains.
Canadian Gov't Films
In 7,000 U. S. Houses
Ottawa— A total of 7,000 U. S.
theaters are now exhibiting Can-
adian government films produced by
the National Film Board.
X. F. Sutton
John W. Hicks Norman Z. McLeod
Florence Ryerson Elliot Nugent
THE
PhiPUDt
"Combined Operations"
—CHICAGO
• • • FOR the first time in four days, Chicago this morning can
settle back to normal after being the vortex of fi'mland activity
since Thursday, when glamour came to State Street via the Bond-
Selling Hollywood star cavalcade which set the city virtually as aflame
as did Mrs. O'Leary's careless cow Other segments of the trade
went into vital conferences to find ways and means of keeping our some
18.000 theaters in operation Throughout Friday, Saturday and yes-
terday, the gold-embossed ribbons of the convention and war conference
of the theater equipment dealers and manufacturers flashed in the Bis-
mark Hotel from lapels of scores of delegates attending the confabs
under aegis of the Theater Equipment Dealers Protective Association.
• • • THE star cavalcade had only just embarked when the
delegates began pouring into the windy city by train and plane
reflecting admirable official efficiency. The first ones to register at
convention headquarters were Allen G. Smith, Chief of WPB's
theater equipment section, service equipment division, and Ed Weber,
of the controlled materials division Then, in order, came Ray
' Suler and Edna Worth, United Theater Suppy Corp., Tampa, Fla.;
Phil Wicker and Worth Stewart, Standard Theater Supply, Greens-
boro, N. C; John Elzey, Delta Theater Supply, New Orleans, and
Mrs. Elzey; E. Bruce and George Mead, General Register Corp., New
York; Ray Smith, Malwaukee; Roy Boomer, Motiograph, Chicago; J. H.
Elderkin, Forest Mfg., Newark, N. J.; Joe Hornstein, Joe Hornstein, Inc.,
New ■York; Clarence Ashcraft and Mary G. Ashcrafl, Ashcraft Mfg.
Co.; W. E. Carroll, Falls City Theater Equipment, Louisville, Ky.;
Harry M. Paul, Wil-kin Theater Supply, Atlanta; A. H. Sternberg,
Pittsburgh; Ernest H. Forbes, Forbes Theater Supply, Detroit, and
Mrs. Forbes; Leroy Longford, Oliver Theater Supply, Cleveland;
O. J. Hotell and Paul King, Capitol City Supply, Atlanta; Irving
Samuels, Automatic Devices, Allentown, Pa.; C. H. Roloff and
H. B. Engle, DeVry Corp.; William A. Gedris, Ideal Seating Co.,
Grand Rapids, Mich.; Rudy Wetter, Joe Cifre, Inc., Boston; Vivian
Harwell, Queen Theater Service, Birmingham; H. F. Wendt, Wendt
Advertising , Toledo; Sam Kaplan, and L. W. Davee, Century Projec-
tor, New York; Harry Graham, Denver; Charles Cohen, Pennsylvania
Theater Equipment, Philadelphia; Oscar Neu, Neumade Products
Corp., New York; Jake Mitchell, Laveyzi Machine Works, Chicago;
Fred C. Matthews, Motiograph, Chicago; Homer B. Snook and W. H.
Fitzgerald, RCA, Camden; T. M. Fisher, G. H. Breneman, RCA.
Chicago; Joe Goldberg, Chicago; H. C. Dusman, J. F. Dusman, Chi-
cago; Edward H. Wolk, Chicago; B. B. Buchanan, Kroehler Mfg. Co.,
Chicago; J. Harry Toler, The Modem Theater, Chicago; V. H. May-
Ion, Droll Theater Supply, Chicago; E. R. Budd, Ger-bar, Inc., Chicago,
and many others
T ▼ T
• • • ONLY a few weeks ago, W. C. DeVry. solon of the DeVry
Corp. asserted that a national conclave of equipment interests was a
pressing need in the scheme of victory, and this meeting richly met
that condition What happened in Chicago this week-end will
smooth the path of theater operation. Yes, and of industry co-operation.
T ▼ T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
COMinG and GOInG
HOWARD LEVINSON, of Warners legal staff,
returns tomorrow from a brief vacation.
SOPHIE ROSENSTfcl'N, test director for
Warners is on her way back to the Coasr.
MARTIN JUROW, head of Warners talent
bureau in the East, spent the week-end in
Boston.
RUBE JACKTER, Columbia's assistant general
sales manager, left over the week-end on business
for Oklahoma City and Dallas. He expects to be
gone a week or 10 days.
ROY ROGERS, Republic's King of the Cow-
boys, will arrive in New York a few days prior
to the opening of the World's Championship
Rodeo at Madison Square Carden, where he
will appear as guest-star from Oct. 6-31.
CHARLES SKOURAS, head of National Thea-
ters, leaves the Coast fcr New York today.
CARL LESERMAN, United Artists sales chief,
is en route from Hollywood.
ROBERT MOCHRIE and WALTER E. BRANSON,
RKO executives, left the Coast for New York
Saturday.
KARL HERZOC, secretary-treasurer of PRC, is
en route from the Coast after a series of studio
conferences.
MAX MILDER, Warners' British head, has re-
turned to New York from the Coast.
ARTHUR S. ABELES, JR., Warners' managing
director in Uruguay, is here for home office
conferences.
RAY MILLAND arrives from Hollywood to-
monow.
Film Classics Going
Into Own Production
(Continued from Page 1)
preparing to produce 12 exploitation
pictures for the 1943-44 season and
for every season thereafter. Each
production will cost between $150,-
000 and $250,000. It is planned to
put the first picture before the cam-
eras in about th: ee months on the
Coast. Players, directors and other
production personnel are now being
lined up, Mayer said.
Meanwhile, Film Classics has
closed a deal for the distribution of
11 Hal Roach features and 350
Roach shorts, all of which originally
were released by M-G-M.
Robert Weitntan in
Night of Stars Post
Robert Weitman, managing di-
rector of the Paramount, has been
appointed chairman of the produc-
ing committee for the forthcoming
tenth annual Night of Stars, at the
Madison Square Garden, Nov. 16,
it is announced by Nathan Straus,
chairman of the affair. Proceeds will
go to the United Jewish Appeal for
Refugees, Overseas Needs and Pales-
tine.
Heading the group of Honorary
chairmen of the producing commit-
tee are seven of the industry leaders.
Barney Balaban, David Bernstein,
Nate J. Blumberg, Jack Cohn, N.
Peter Rathvon, Marvin H. Schenck
and Albert Warner.
Co-chairmen are Louis K. Sid-
ney and Ed Sullivan; Ben Boyar will
act as associate chairman.
#?&&$§l&
HIT!
20th told you how big
"WINTERTIME" would
be! World Premiere
run in Wichita is phe-
nomenal! 160% over
20th's biggest record-
breakers! Doubling the
business of "Iceland"!
c
■
4.
to
?s
~*J
^
SONJA HENIE • JACK OAKIE • CESAR
ROMERO • CAROLE LANDIS in
•WINTERTIME" with S. Z. Sakall
Cornel Wilde • WOODY HERMAN
AND HIS ORCHESTRA • Directed by
JOHN BRAHM • Produced by WILLIAM
LE BARON • Screen Ploy by E. Edwin
Moron and Jack Jevne and Lynn Starling
Story by Arthur Kober • Lyrics and
Music by Leo Robin and Nacio Herb
Brown • Musical Sequences: Supervised
by Fanchon • Staged by Kenny Williams
MONTY WOOLLEY • GRACIE FIELDS
in "HOLY MATRIMONY" with Laird
Cregar • Una O'Connor • Alan
Mowbray • Melville Cooper • Franklin
Pang born • Ethel Griffies • Eric Blore
George Zucco • Fritz Feld • Directed by
JOHN STAHL • Produced and Written
for the Screen by NUNNALLY JOHNSON
From the Novel by Arnold Bennett
"CLAUDIA" with DOROTHY McGUIRE
ROBERT YOUNG • INA CLAIRE and
Reginald Gardiner • Olga Boclanova
Jeon Howard • Frank Tweddell • 'Elsa
Jonssen • Directed by EDMUND
GOULDING • Produced by WILUAM
PERLBERG • WILLIAM GOETZ in Charge
of Production ■ Adapted for the Screen
by Morrie Ryskind • From the Ploy by
Rose Fronken • As Produced for the
Stage by John Golden
''-■0mi
«!?*
~m
IT ALL ADS
Do
WHAT'S
HIT!
20th told you what to
expect from "CLAUDIA"!
Key city engagements
show "Coney Island"
records smashed! 111%
of "Hello, Frisco, Hello"!
122% of "Springtime In
The Rockies"! Holdovers
everywhere !
HIT!
20th told you what a
smash you had in "HOLY
MATRIMONY"! National
"take" averages 168%
over normal grosses!
New York's Roxy reports
an absolutely "tremen-
dous" opening!
BACK THE ATTACK.'
BUY WAR BONDS!
THIRD WAR LOAN!
o
NTURY- F
i
f
■■ " y mi—
■ntf
Monday, September 20, 194!
DAILY
Cavalcade's Sales
Near Billion Mark
(.Continued from Page 1)
for the entire cross-country swing.
In Chicago, a luncheon with Greer
Garson, the attraction accounted for
$41,000,000 of the local total. There
Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Washington — War Bond sales of
$750,000 daily for the first six days
of the present drive were credited
to the 139 Loew's theaters, as is*
suing agents. They actually dis-
posed of over $4,500,000 in Bonds
during the first six days. Loew's,
Inc., and subsidiaries have sub-
scribed $17,000,000.
were two individual million dollar
purchases at the affair.
Jose Iturbi and James Cagney, who
were to leave the tour, were able to
switch their other commitments and
will now continue through to the
final performance in San .Francisco.
Kathryn Grayson, because of a slight
indisposition, was unable to appear
in St. Louis Saturday, but will pick
up the group in New Orleans for the
rest of the loute. Paul Henried, fol-
lowing the St. Louis show, returned
to the Coast.
In order to join the Cavalcade in San An-
tonio, L. C. Griffith, general chairman, planed
out of New York Friday, where he has been
for the past six weeks. Griffith will per-
sonally supervise the Third War Loan op-
erations of his own organizations and will
return to WAC headquarters shortly.
Griffith left behind him C. B. Akers, cam-
paign director, who will be acting chairman,
working with Ray Beall, head of the pub-
licity committee for the campaign. Beall
and Akers will be in constant communication
with Griffith during his absence.
Before departing Griffith was tendered a
luncheon at the Hotel Astor by WAC asso-
ciates and co-workers. Those attending in-
cluded H. M. Richey, Sam Rinzler, Dan
Michalove, Joseph Bernhard, Leo Brecher,
Arthur Mayer, S. H. Fabian, Francis S. Har-
mon, C. B. Akers, Ray Beall, Leonard Golden-
son, Gordon White, David Lipton, Barney
Balaban, Joseph Hazen, Jack Alieoate, Wil-
liam Michel, Edward Schreiber.
$4J13,975 In Bonds Sold
Via Philadelphia Premiere
Philadelphia — Metro's "Best Foot
Forward" leceived a Bond premiere
at the S-W Fox here to the tune of
IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS
ROBERT C. CRIFFIN, manager, Park, Marathon,
N. Y.
C. S. Movie, manager, Times and Grand, Clinton-
viile, Wis.
DOROTHY DAY, M-G-M home office publicity
staff.
WILLIAM INGE, film reviews, Star-Times, St.
Louis.
JACK BALCH, film reviews, Post-Dispatch, St.
Louis.
A. I. CRIFFITH, manager, Diana Theater,
Medina, N. Y.
JAMES DALEY, manager, USO-Variety Canteen,
Albany.
NATHAN HERN, assistant manager, RKO
Chester, Bronx.
LEW LLWIS, relief assistant manager, RKO
Brooklyn and Queens division.
BERNARD WECHSLER, assistant manager, RKO
Pe.ham, Peiham, N. Y.
E. A. PAYNE, assistant manager, RKO Palace,
Cleveland.
MARVIN JOHN, assistant manager, RKO Or-
pheum, Des Moines.
C. T. KRAMER, acting manager, Harding, Chi-
cago.
IRA CRANE, manager, Capitol, Sioux City, la.
WILLIAM EGAN, manager, Princess, Sioux
City, la.
FONTAS CEORCIADES,, manager and super-
viser, Fcx W.sconsin Theaters, Houghton,
Mich.
JEAN LOUIS, in charge of fashion designing,
Columbia, Hollywood.
EINO HEMMILA, general manager, George A.
Hunt Theaters, Medford, Ore.
GENE CHILDERS, vice-president, George A.
Hunt Theaters, Medford, Ore.
WALTER A. LEVERETT, secretary, Ceorge A.
Hunt Theaters, Madford, Ore.
JOHN LEROY JOHNSTON, public relations di-
rector, Frank Rcss Productions, Hollywood.
MURPHY McHENRY, editor of publicity, RKO
Studio, Hollywood.
P. WIRTH, ad-salesman, Warners, Albany.
ERIC ANDERSON, ad-salesman, Warners, Salt
Lake City.
THEODORE KRAFT, manager, Oshkosh, Oshkosh,
Wis.
FRED MYERS, national executive director, Rus-
sian War Relief, Inc.
MILT SILVER, Universal home office ad dept.
Canadian Circuits Call
Conferences in Toronto
Toronto — Two important circuit
meetings are slated for this city
this week. Managers of the 45
houses operated by Nat Taylor's
20th Century Theaters will meet
Wednesday and Thursday at the
King Edward Hotel.
Famous Players Canadian part-
ners and district managers will as-
semble Friday to deal with new sea-
son film contracts in relation to
partnerships and affiliated circuits.
$4,113,975. House was given to the
Golden Slipper Club, Masonic or-
ganization, with $2,000,000 of the
Bonds representing a "buy" by the
Board of Education in return for the
assistance given the B of E by the
GS's Milk Fund for school children.
WEDDING BELLS
Engagement of Martha Groomes
Hughes of Portland, Ore., and New
York City, to Lt. Nixon Griffis, Sig-
nal Corps, was announced yesterday.
Miss Hughes is an artist in metal
sculpture and display under the pro-
fessional name of Toni Hughes. Grif-
fis is the son of Stanton Griffis,
chairman of Paramount's executive
committee.
Pittsburgh — The marriage of Lor-
raine McLaughlin, of the 20th Cen-
tury-Fox accounting department, to
Ensign John Conte, will take place
today at her home here. Ensign
Conte is stationed at Norfolk, Va.,
where the newlyweds will make their
home.
Harrisburg, Pa. — Local Bond pre-
miere pic will be "Johnny Come Late-
ly" at the Regent, Loew's house,
Wednesday. All theatermen are co-
opei ating.
Cavalcade's Pittsburgh
Total Above $100,000,000
Pittsburgh — Recap on the War
Bond sales here through the appear-
ance of the Hollywood Bond Caval-
cade at the week-end showed that the
total, at first fixed at obout $80,000,-
000, instead was more than $100,000,-
000, it was announced by M. A. Silver
and Sen. Frank J. Harris, co-chair-
men. Stage show accounted for $90,-
000,000 and a "five million dollar"
dinner for exactly $10,000,000.
Treasury Recording
Sent Issuing Agents
The new War Bond song, "Back
The Attack" which was recorded by
the Treasury Department, has been
sent to all theater issuing agents.
The song is ideal for exhibitor use
since it contains several plugs for
the purchase of War Bonds and can
be used on no-sync, equipment. The
record ig 78 r.p.m.
Clark's Meeting With
Distribs. Postponed a Week
{Continued from Page 1)
tion picture arbitration tribunal.
Clark said he plans to discuss
the various suggestions for New
York consent decree changes receiv-
ed from exhibitors, but does not plan
to present the demands of the De-
partment of Justice, even if they
should be formulated by that time.
Any Government demands he said,
will be presented only before a meet-
ing which includes producers, dis-
tributors and exhibitors.
Clark was not willing to discuss
the brief filed last week by the inde-
pendent producers of New England
before conferring with his assistant
on motion picture matters, Robert
L. Wright. He had not conferred
with Wright at a late hour Friday.
Worst of Manpower
Squeeze on Coast Over?
(Continued from Page 1)
needed in war industries extremely
difficult, since approval from USES
is demanded. Aside from that, how-
ever, it is unlikely that there will
be any drive to remove studio man-
power to shift it to other works.
The industry's advantage is not
so much that it is considered essen-
tial by WMC as that it actually uses
a small quantity of workers al-
though there is no denying that pro-
duction is essential and that it would
not be practicable to attempt to
shift production away from the Hol-
lywood area. It is probable that
there would be a move to transfer
workers out of pix if the industry
employed a really large number of
workers in the Hollywood sector.
It appears that because there is a
comparatively small labor waste in
Hollywood and because total em-
ployment by the studios does not top
about 20,000, that they will not suf-
fer greatly as a result of the West
Coast squeeze.
Jersey City Cameo
In Restraint Action
(Continued from Page 1)
to restrain trade in the distribute
of films in Jersey City, Bayonnt
Hoboken, North Bergen and Unio
City, all in Hudson County. T|*s
are being sued for treble damaged
The plaintiff also seeks to enjoi
the defendants from continuing th
alleged illegal acts in restraint c
trade, to have all contracts entere
into between the distributors an
the theater chains declared invalic
and to have clearance clauses i
contracts ruled unreasonable.
The defendants are 20th-Fo>
Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros
Circuit Management Corp., Warne
Bros. Theaters, Inc., Stanley Co. o
America, Paramount Pictures, Para
mount Distributing Co., Loew's, Inc
M-G-M, RKO-Radio Pictures, Unite
Artists Corp., Universal Film Ex
changes, Universal Corp., Univers
Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Repufc
lie Pictures Corp., Monogram Pic
tures Corp., Big "U" Film Ex
change, and the MPPDA, Skoura
Theaters Corp., Metropolitan Play
houses Corp., Rosewelt Realty Cc
and Leon Rosenblatt, official of th
last-named.
Isaacs Among 4 Being
Considered for ORC Post
(Continued from Page 1)
Longman, chief of the Servic_
Trades Division, said Friday. Long
man admitted that one of the me
is Lester Isaacs, Loew's equipmen
specialist, but reported that thre
other men are being considered. H
is not certain, he said, for whic
of the four approval will be sough
:
Extra Time for RKO "Limit'
RKO's "The Sky's the Limit," noi
in its third week at the Palac<
Broadway, is getting extra playin
time in key situations throughou
the country, it was reported Fridaj
Second week holdovers and move
overs have been the rule on nearl
all engagements, it was said.
n
STORKS
Sharon, Pa. — An eight-pound so
was born to Master Sergeant an ^
Mrs. Morton Stahl in the Buhl Hos I
pital here. Before entering the sei I
vice Stahl assisted his father, th j
pioneer exhibitor, Herman Stahl, ii
operating theaters in this town an
Oil City.
Pittsburgh — A baby girl, their fir^ j
child, was born to Mr. and Mr:
Norman Huhn, of the Grandviei ^
Theater here, at the Mercy Hospita
:
Monday, September 20, 1943
DAILY
tony, Navy Have 1st
[all on Equipment
(Continued from Page 1)
urers held in the local Bismark Ho-
el under the sponsorship of the The-
Vssociation.
Smith pointed out that the equip-
^jt "pool" which has just been
t .iblished in the third quarter of
.943 to aid in keeping film houses
n reasonably efficient operation un-
il victory has been attained will be
:ontinued through the fourth quar-
ter of this year.
Reserve of Equipment
The "pool," whose primary aim is
:ontinuance of projection effective-
less, will, during October. Novem-
)er and December, constitute the
same reserve of equipment as now
revails, namely 100 projectors, 100
amps, 100 rectifiers and 50 sound
systems.
None of the pooled material can
r>e used in new theaters inasmuch as
:xpansion of theater holdings dur-
ng the war does not meet with Gov-
ernment favor, he said. The purpose
)f the quarterly reserve is to make
available to important outlets such
projection and sound equipment as
will keep them on the front "fighting
line" for the preservation of public
Morale. Several classes of film equip-
ment are gradually being shifted
iver to WPB-'s theater equipment
section, Smith said. Those now trans^
ferred are stage hardware and cur-
tain controls and tracks. This WPB
ection has already rounded-up
ticket-selling machines.
As matters now stand in the equip-
ment field, the major portion of al-
leviation to exhibitors is being ex-
tended through an effective system
Df furnishing repair parts. In this
.task, excellent co-operation is being
3?iven by the various service organi-
zations, and dealers are aiding great-
I.
Consider Theater's Importance
The relative importance of a the-
ater. Smith indicated, will have much
cto do with allocation of "pooled"
materials. Every effort is being
i -made to give such theaters which
have undergone loss by fire new pro-
Mjection and sound equipment as is
needed for their continued operation.
'A.s a hypothetical case, should a
theater's projection or sourd be dam-
aged and new equipment be needed,
the latter would be forthcoming
However, the insured units, if thev
:an be repaired, will be rebuilt, and
these units made available to small
"{"houses without effective equipment.
_ Ed Webe-, head of the C and P sec-
tion of WPB's service equipment di-
1 vision, played an important role at
f the conclave explaining to the trade
-all angles on the sale and distribu-
tion as well as availability of equip-
ment. Friday's sessions of the three-
day meet in the Hotel Bismark were
?iven over to TEDPA business, but
3n Saturday all manufacturer's dele-
j ?ates and representatives of supply
™ dealers met jointly. The convention
Sign o' the Times „ _
Raleigh, N. C— With the excep-
tion of two male operators, the Caro-
lina Theater down in Rocky Mount
is completely- staffed with women.
Mrs. Estelle Dardert is manager and
Hazel Joyner is assistant manager.
The ticket taker, ushers, and jani-
tors all are women.
Finds Courtesy Still
The Theater Rule
(Continued from Page 1)
an extensive tour of the Southern
states. White, like other travelers,
has almost become accustomed to
the "brush-off" in shops, eating
places and hotels, but he has found
that the patron today can get the
same quality product, for almost the
same amount of money and with the
same courtesies that prevailed be-
fore the war.
In countless Southern cities and
towns, White said he was impressed
by the attention given to patrons
by theater managers. He advanced
as the reason for this condition the
fact that formerly the manager
would spend much more time in his
office, preparing advertising or be-
\ng otherwise engaged. Now, be-
cause of staff shortages and bigger
crowds, the manager is on the floor
almost 100 per cent of the time that
he is on duty. One large circuit op-
e: ator who employs special field rep-
resentatives said that reports on his
managers were more favorable now
than ever before and that they were
getting better.
White said he believed the public
as a whole was impressed by the
maintenance of managerial and staff
courtesies, despite the same pressure
that is being applied to other indus-
t'ies and business enterprises due to
the war, and that the reaction of the
public was a tribute to the industry.
wound up with a gala banquet last
night.
New Photo Equipment
To Be Made Available
Washington Bureau, of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A small quantity of
new photo equipment and accessories
may soon be made available for in-
dustry use as a result of the issuance
by WPB last week of a new order
L-267 to cover most types of photo
equipment exclusive of 35 mm. booth
items. The order will be admin-
istered by the WPB motion picture
section under Harold V. Hopper.
Late last week it was learned that
the issuance of the order will make
possible the manufacture of some
new film cans, of which there is a
serious shortage. Manufacturers of
a few cameras and a small quantity
of lighting equipment is also anti-
cipated.
The order frees photo equipment manufac-
turers from the complete ban on production
for civilian use provided by the materials
orders on steel, aluminum, copper, zinc and
«
REVIEUJS»
"The Man From Music
Mountain"
with Roy Rogers
Republic 71 Mins.
ABOVE-AVERAGE PHOTOGRAPHY, PRO-
DUCTION, ACTING AND MUSICAL CON-
TENT ASSURE SUCCESS OF THIS WEST-
ERN.
While the latest of the Roy Rogers
westerns is a bit below the level of the
two or three preceding ones, "The Man
From Music Mountain" still has mere than
plenty on the trigger to arouse the sad-
dle star's followers. The main fault with
the film is that it offers a somewhat rou-
tine and familiar western plot told without
too much imagination. It so happens,
however, that the production values, the
photography and the acting are so above
the average as to justify one's overlooking
the story weakness. The genercus musi-
cal content will further help one to forget
this one important fault.
In this picture Rogers comes to the
aid of Ruth Terry, owner of a sheep ranch
which a gang of crcoked cattlemen led
by Paul Kelly is trying to grab by creating
incidents that will force the government
to deprive the girl of her grazing privileges
Rogers, helped by Bob Nolan and the
Sons of the Pioneers, not to say Miss Terry
and her sister, Ann Gillis, puts en a cork-
ing show for his fans as he goes after the
villa ns. Our hero has a hard time con-
vincing Miss Terry that Kelly, head of the
cattlemen's association, is at the bottom
of the trouble and falls under suspicion
himself as a result of his over-zealousness
in coralling the baddies.
Produced by Harry Grey, the film has
tremendous pictorial appeal, having been
filmed on high terrain at locations rarely
used in making the ordinary western product.
William Bradford's camera work is top-
flight.
Joseph Kane has directed at an exciting
pace and with a firm hand. Bradford Ropes
and J. Benton Cheney did the screenplay.
Rogers, the Misses Terry and Gillis and
Paul Kelly give swell performances in the
leading roles. Also good in minor roles
are George Cleveland, Pat Brady, Renie
Riano, Paul Harvey and one or two others.
The picture is equipped with nine tunes
nicely sung by Rogers and Bob Nolan and
the Sons of the Pioneers.
CAST: Roy Rogers, Ruth Terry, Paul
Kelly, Ann Gillis, George Cleveland, Pat
Brady, Renie Riano, Paul Harvey, Hank Bell,
Jay Ncvello, Hal Tailaferro, Bob Nolan
and Sons of the Pioneers, Trigger.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Harry
Grey; Director, Joseph Kane; Screenplay,
Bradford Ropes, J. Benton Cheney; Camera-
man, William Bradford; Film Editor, Tony
Martinelli; Sound, Earl Crain, Sr.; Art
Director, Russell Kimball; Set Decorator,
Charles Thompson; Musical Director, Morton
Scott.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
others from which appeals were rarely up-
held. Use of these materials to the extent
of three per cent per quarter of the 1941
consumption of such materials is permitted
— or 12 per cent per year. If a manufac-
turer who built a number of types of photo
equipment in 1941 takes his materials al-
lowance and uses it for one type material
now, WPB officials estimate that he can
produce a considerable number of such
units.
TO THE COLORS!
* DECORATED *
PFC. WILLARD W. ROBERTS, USA, son of James
W. Roberts, general auditor and accountant.
Western Electric Co., posthumous award
cf the O'der of the Purple Heart. He
died on Guadalcanal.
* COMMENDATIONS *
LT. ARTHUR C. KROHN, USNR, nephew of
David Bernstein, vice-president of Loew's.
has received a letter of commendation from
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox for his
services with a gun crew in a foreign port.
Crew was called to general quarters 52
times, destroyed one enemy plane and hit
another while ship was being unloaded.
* ARMY *
CHARLES SIMPSON, manager. Central Ship-
Ding Service. Detroit.
MANNY CREENWALD, manager, Barry Theaters,
Pittsburgh.
JACK SIDNEY, manager, Loew's Valencia, Bal-
timore, Md.
STUART H. AARONS, Warner home office at-
torney.
RAYMOND ). CHENEY, )R., ad-salesman, War-
ners, A bany.
FLOYD JOHNSON, ad-salesman, Warners, Salt
Lake City.
* NAVY *
BERNIE BOZZONE, manager, 20th-Fox home
office service department.
Golding with Mobile Press
Unit Covering Fifth Army
Master Sergt. Dave Golding', for-
mer Film Daily staff writer, is be-
lieved to be one of seven Stars and
Stripes' correspondents now with the
Fifth Army on the Salerno front.
A mobile unit of the service news-
paper, complete with radio receiving
equipment, type-setting and printing
equipment is on the Italian battle
front and has been publishing since
Sept. 6. Unit is self contained and
can publish an edition anywhere, Col.
Egbert White, publications officer in
charge of the paper, revealed in New
York. The unit has full armament,
including machine guns and ack-ack,
and the men carry Garand rifles and
pistols.
Lt. Col. Kenneth W. Clark, former
MPPDA public relations director, is
also believed in the thick of the di-
vision. He is attached to the head-
quarters of the Fifth Army.
20th to Back Max Gordon Show
Twentieth-Fox will finance Max
Gordon's production of the Ruth
Gordon play, "Over 21," on Broad-
way.
Well, Here's One Way
To Save Red Coupons
Chicago — E. Wagner, president of
Wagner Sign Service, Inc., left here
at the week-end for a hunting trip in
the Rockies with Henry Gallert,
prominent Chicago sportsman, and
Jack Shipman. Party will be guests
of J. C. Nichols at his ranch near
Crdy, Wyoming, and from there
will journey via pack train into the
mountains for elk, antelope, moun-
tain sheep, et al. This is an an-
nual jaunt for these gentlemen, but
this year it's for MEAT.
Horr would lOU
9
answer these questions
Iln your opinion, should the entertainment screen deal with
■ issues of the day, social or political, which are controversial
c
in character?
J
L
z
zz >-
in 1/1
A Looking to the post-war period, do you believe that Hollywood
n_ _ |_
should develop the so-called documentary film field?
2 n i/i *£ |-|as there been a noticeable trend from double and triple fea
i-
*■
4,
^ - 2 u ■§■> to the war programs?
j_ ' ® A. What specific criticism, if any, would you make of today's
5 motion picture publicity, advertising and promotion?
■ B. What specific suggestions for the improvement of motion
picture publicity, advertising and promotion would you offer?
6 In your opinion, are current local motion picture theater admis-
■ sions scales below what they should be?
7 Do you believe that the criticism from some quarters that too
■ many war stories are reaching the screen is justified?
Just wait until you see how the legion of critics and commentators
for press, magazines and radio have answered them
in the forthcoming FILM DAILY
PRODUCT PREVIEW AND DIRECTORS' NUMBER
A Typical FILM DAILY Production
DO NOT REMOVE
-lPDAILY'
R \ 84. NO. 57
NEW YORK, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1943
TEN CENTS
SEE SALES PLAN FLOODMRECTED TOCLARK
Cavalcade Bond Sales Average $3,100 a Person
Reeling 'Round--
WASHINGTON
= By ANDREW H. OLDER =
WASHINGTON
VA/E stopped for a few days outside of
™" Asheville, N. C, a mile or so from
a rest camp recently opened for the Third
Air Corps. It's a beautiful place on a
beautiful lake. One night we strolled
over to the camp and, invited to "go to the
movies," certainly got a first-hand im-
pression of how much movies do mean
to servicemen w h e t h e r abroad or
here. . . . We doubt that a single man was
missing — although the picture was nothing
to write home about. The camp is not
part of the AMPS; projection is out-
doors, with 16 mm. prints supplied by the
Red Cross. Pix are shown twice weekly,
and movie night is the night when more
of the men can be found in camp than any
other. (It is required only that they re-
port once daily at the rest camp — other-
wise their time is their own). ... In-
cidentally these are the only movies within
an 18-mile radius.
TALKING about the servicemen and
■ films, it's now Lt. James Faichney.
Jim has been newsreel editor for the
Army's Bureau of Public Relations for over
a year as a civilian. He was commissioned
this month, and will continue in the same
job. ... • And still on the same sub-
ject— a paragraph from a letter received
by Washington Post critic Nelson B. Bell
from a serviceman Somewhere in French
Morocco: "In the entertainment field some-
thing has been lacking, and that is, I
believe, because some of the men and
women who are devoting all their time to
this effort back in the states do not al-
together realize the desire of the soldier in
regard to entertainment. First of all, he
would like to see good movies, musicals
especially and then comedies, and not
tragedies or propaganda exposes. Pictures
like 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' 'Dubarry Was
a Lady,' 'Coney Island' and 'Hello, Frisco,
Hello,' or Abbot and Costello and Hope and
Skelton shows — not some of the tear-
jerkers and old stories they are showing
....Secondly, the equipment used for
motion pictures over here is very poor.
We need better machines and recordings
and sound equipment. In recent weeks we
have had two musicals; one the old 'Lady
(.Continued on Page 2)
312,800 See Star-Studded
Show in First 10 Cities;
$35,000,000 Sale in Dallas
War Bond sales registered by the
touring Hollywood Cavalcade, on the
basis of the first 10 cities visited,
represent an average purchase of
$3,100 per person, the WAC head-
quarters estimated yesterday.
Approximately 312,800 people have
seen the star-studded Bond Show
presented by the Cavalcade, which,
following a performance in New
Orleans last night, tonight, appears
in Fort Worth and Dallas today,
(Continued on Page 6)
Power Cut, Slow Coal
Deliveries Worrying
Cleveland, O. — Local exhibitors are
worried over the proposed cut in
electric power as a conservation pro-
gram. Although no concerted action
has been taken so far, many are
planning to cut their marquee lights
in half. The coal situation is also
(Continued on Page 4)
Name Senate Sub-Corn, on
Kilgore Divorcement Bill
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — A five-man sub-com-
committee of the Senate Judiciary
Committee has been named to de-
liberate on the Kilgore bill for the-
ater divorcement pending before that
(Continued on Page 5)
Cleveland to Start
Slow Time on Sunday
Cleveland, O. — This city goes on
slow time starting Sunday and stays
on slow until next April. Local
theaters were opposed to the in-
troduction of Eastern War time as
a round-the-year policy, claiming
that the long light evenings were
detrimental to their business. Slow
time for the Winter was brought
about by the urgency of parents
who claimed it is dangerously dark
when children go to school in the
morning.
Malcolm Kingsberg
Names RKO Treasurer
Promotion of Malcolm Kingsberg,
vice-president of Keith-Albee-Orph-
eum, to the post of vice-president
and treasurer of RKO Corp., the
parent company, was announced yes-
terday by N. Peter Rathvon, RKO
president, following a meeting of
the board of directors.
Kingsberg has been the principal
(Continued on Page 5)
OWI Awaits Titles of Pix
Shown in Italy From Army
American films with Italian sub-
titles turned over to the OWI by
the major distributors have been
showing in Sicily for some time, al-
(Continued on Page 6)
Equip, Cos. To Get Materials
No Cut-back on Availability in Prospect
2,500 Feet of War Film
Received Over Week-End
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — About 2,500 feet of
news pix shot by both Army and
newsreel cameramen was received
over the week-end, it was reported
here yesterday, but this footage is
believed to be only a small part of
(Continued on Page 5)
By GEORGE H. MORRIS
Equipment Editor, THE FILM DAILY
Chicago — Barring contingencies,
there will probably be no cut-back
on materials' availability to equip-
ment manufacturers from now on,
it was indicated by Ed Weber of
WPB's Controlled Materials Division
at the concluding sessions of the
three-day Convention and War Con-
ference of Theater Equipment Deal-
(Continued on Page 5)
Exhib. Organizations
Expected to Follow in
Wake of N. E. Action
A flood of so-called sales plans is
expected to descend on Tom C. Clark,
Assistant Attorney General, in the
wake of the proposed formula sub-
mitted by Independent Exhibitors of
New England early this month.
It is anticipated that national Al-
lied shortly will present its sales
plan based on the UMPI formula.
Plan, which was to have been sub-
mitted a few weeks ago, was side-
(Continued on Page 6)
rr
rr
Blanket Curfew
For Jersey's Essex
Orange, N. J. — On the heels of a
recent announcement by S. K. Mc-
Kee, FBI chief for New Jersey, that
a series of nine police conferences to
study the juvenile delinquency prob-
lem, would be held in as many cities
(Continued on Page 4)
Clearance Case Docketed
By Freeport, 111., House
Chicago — Charging unreasonable
clearance, Steve Bennis, operating
the Freeport Theater, Freeport, 111.,
has filed a demand for arbitration in
the local tribunal. Named in the
complaint is Great States' Coronado
Theater, Rockford, 111.
CI AA Amusement
Short Nearly Ready
The first CIAA production, using
well - known Latin - American per-
sonalities, in a purely entertainment
subject is now being completed in
New York. It's a two-reel musi-
cal subject entitled "Command Per-
formance" with Carmen Miranda,
Mapy Cortes, Tito Guizar and Ar-
mida. It is planned for the Co-
ordinator's 16 mm. program in the
Latin-American republics. The film
is now being cut and is expected to
be ready for distribution soon.
^ K YOUR WAR RONDS ASSURE "ENOUGH AND ON TIME" — RACK THE ATTACK! — RUY TODAY! ^
thi
Tuesday, September 21, 194;
DAILY
Vol. 84, No. 57 Tues., Sept. 21, 1943 lOCents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
{Monday, September 20)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 16% 16 16% + %
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%) 163/4 16i/2 16% + Vi
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 3 2% 3
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 17i/4 16% 17
East. Kodak 162 162 162 + lVi
do pfd 175 1743A 174% + %
Cen. Prec. Eq 21l/8 20% 20%+ %
Loew's, lnc 61 % 61 61i/8+ 3/8
Paramount 27% 27Vz 27'/2
RKO 91/g 83,4 87/8 — %
RKO $6 pfd 933/8 93 93 -f %
20th Century-Fox . . 23% 23 Vg 23l/2 + V2
20th-Fox pfd. (1%). 32% 31% 32% + %
20th-Fox pfd. (4%). 100% 100% 100% + %
Warner Bros 143/g 14% 14% + %
do pfd
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1% 1% 1%
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3%
Technicolor 14% 14% 14%— %
Trans-Lux
Universal Picts. vtc. 183/4 181/2 18% + %
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 78% 81%
Correction
SEC report dispatch appearing un-
der a Philadelphia dateline in Fri-
day's Film Daily to the effect that
Jack and Albert Warner had dis-
posed of 6,800 and 14,000 shares of
WB $5 par common was erroneous.
The transactions were on the pur-
chase, not selling side.
IA Board Ends Parley
Montreal — Announcement of decis-
ions made at the semi-annual meet-
ing of the general executive board
of the IATSE was being awaited in
union circles here following the close
of the get-together.
Reeling 'Round '- -
WASHINGTON
5 Regional Premieres
For FWTBT Second Phase
{Continued from Page 1)
be Good' and 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' —
both good shows, but the film continually
cut off and the recording was bad on the
latter."
• •
QOME day somebody could work up a
** study of the movie tastes of our lead-
ing governmental figures. They'd be
mighty interesting, we've often thought, as
we noticed Congressman so-and-so play-
ing hooky from the House to see Betty
Grable, and Senator Whoosis standing in
line to see "Mission to Moscow." Ex-
Senator Josh Lee, for instance, now a mem-
ber of the Civil Aeronautics Board, is one
of the best customers of these Ninth
Street houses which feature triple-feature
westerns. In the House, Josh used to
play hooky frequently to take in a good
western. Probably reminds him of Okla-
homa. . . It'd be difficult to type House
Majority Leader John McCormick, although
he ought to be a good friend of the in-
dustry if called upon. He and Mrs. M. can
be seen at the movies three or four nights
of the week, and are known generally as
the most avid screen fans among the Con-
gressional group.
Weshner Winds Up Disney
"Air Power" Deal Oct. 1
Having completed his special as-
signment with Walt Disney as pub-
licity and exploitation consultant on
"Victory Through Air Power," Da-
vid E. "Skip" Weshner leaves the
Disney organization on on Oct. 1.
Weshner's original contract called
for 20 weeks of his exclusive ser-
vices in behalf of the picture, but
was extended for an additional 10
weeks at Disney's request.
"Victory Through Air Power" has
completed successfully many key
city dates and is now well launched
on its way to national distribution.
Weshner, formerly advertising and
publicity chief for United Artists,
is considering several important
propositions but will announce no
plans until after he takes a brief
vacation.
RKO Declares Dividend
Of $3 on 6% Preferred
A dividend of $3 per share on the
6 per cent preferred stock of RKO
was declared yesterday by the board
of directors, the dividend being pay-
able Nov. 1 to stockholders of record
on Oct. 20.
The $3 dividend consists of 50 cents
to complete the payment of accruals
for the quarter ended Oct. 31, 1940;
$1.50 for the quarter ended Jan. 31,
1941, and $1 for the quarter ended
April 30, 1941.
Payment will leave accrued and
unpaid preferred dividends as of
Nov. 1, 1943, in the amount of $15.50
per share.
Robert Schmidt Stricken
St. Louis— Robert Schmidt, 65, the-
atrical costumer, died of a heart at-
tack.
Following five regional premieres
in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago,
San Francisco and Washington, Par-
amount will open "For Whom the
Bell Tolls" for extended runs in ap-
proximately 35 especially selected
cities beginning Sept. 23 and extend-
ing through October, according to
Charles M. Reagan, assistant gen-
eral sales manager.
The key city openings scheduled
through October constitute the sec-
ond phase of the release plan. The
entire field advertising force under
Alec Moss, exploitation manager, is
concentrating full time on the forth-
coming engagements. The success-
ful promotion used for the regional
premieres will serve as a blueprint
from now on and has been embodied
in an 84-page manual which includes
the campaigns promoted under the
supervision of R. M. Gillham.
Majors, Circuits Named
In Chi. Anti-Trust Case
Chicago — Charging violation of
the Clayton anti-trust act, H. Schoen-
stadt & Sons, circuit operator, has
filed a case against the eight major
companies, B & K, Federal The-
aters Co. and Warner Bros. Circuit
Management Corp.
Monopoly of pictures in the pre-
release period following the Loop
first-runs gives five theaters the ad-
vantage over Schoenstadt's ace
house, the Piccadilly.
Plaintiffs ask for free and open
competition, especially on the South
Side where the Piccadilly is located.
They further ask for pre-release en-
gagements on "A" pictures and that
the exchanges be required to enter
into separate contracts for the pre-
release dates for the South Side.
Local 244 Told to Halt
Salaries of Two Officers
Newark, N. J.— In an edict arising
out of a suit filed October, 1941, by
six members, Vice-Chancellor Bige-
low has ordered Local 244, operators,
to cease paying salaries or other
monies to Louis Kaufman and Harry
S. Hoppenheimer, business agent and
secretary, respectively, until the pair
meet a judgment debt of $13,000
levied against them in 1939.
The suit sought appointment of a
receiver, ousting of Kaufman as
business agent, and an accounting
of union funds.
Selznick International
Files to Operate in N. Y.
Albany — Selznick International
Productions Corp., chartered under
Delaware laws with capital of 100
shares non par value stock, to en-
gage in the motion picture produc-
tion business, has filed a certificate
of statement and designation in the
office of the Secretary of State to en-
able it to do business in New York
State.
C0MMG and G0IHG
=f
v
ROBERT MOCHRIE and WALTER SRANSON
returned yesterday from RKO production anc
distribution conferences at the RKO studios.
ARTHUR KELLY left yesterday for the Coast
ED RAFTERY heads for Hollywood tomorrow.
ED PESKAY returns to the Coast tomorrow
BOB GILLHAM is back from Clevelar *
Detroit.
CEORCE MORRIS of THE FILM DAILY stafl
returned yesterday from Chicago.
MARCO, star of "Behind the Rising Sun'
and JAMES YOUNG, author, visit Harrisburg
Pa. Sept. 29 for p.a.'s at the Senate Theater.
JACK SCHLAIFER, 20th-Fox district sales
manager and ). J. GRADY, district manager, spent
the past week in Cleveland in consultation
with local branch manager I. ). Schmertz.
FRANCIS ALSTOCK, director of the CIAA
film division, is in Hollywood for a week.
BERTRAM BLOCK, 20th-Fox story editor, is
back from vacation spent up-state.
WILLIAM P. RAOUL, assistant president;
LOUIS KROUSE, general secretary-treasurer;
|AMES J. BRENNAN, fourth vice-president, and
FELIX D. SNOW, sixth vice-president of the
IATSE, yesterday were back in town from Mon-
treal, where they attended the semi-annual
meeting of the general executive board of the
alliance.
RICHARD F. WALSH, president of the IATSE,
is in Springfield, III., for the Illinois State
IATSE meeting. He is expected back in town
on Thursday.
LEON LEON1DOFF, senior producer of the
Music Hall, has retunred from a month's visit
to the Coast studios.
S. SYLVAN SIMON, Hollywood director, has
arrived from the Coast on business connected
with his latest directorial assignment, "The
Song of the Open Road."
HUNT STROMBERG, will arrive in New York
from Hollywood about the first week in October
on a six-week's talent search.
VIRGINIA O'BRIEN, M-G-M featured player,
has arrived in New York to appear in the
Capitol stage show starting Thursday.
LT. JOE GOULD, former head of the Screen
Publicists Guild of New York, is in town on fur-
lough from Fort Jackson, S. C.
Three Covington Houses
Ask Clearance Reduction
Charging unfair clearances grant-
ed to competition houses, the Rich-
ard P. Ernst Realty Co., operating
the Liberty, Madison and Broadway
Theaters, Covington, Ky., has filed
a demand for arbitration in the Cin-
cinnati tribunal.
Complainants claim that the Fam-
ily and Shirley Theaters in Coving-
ton hold unjust clearances over their
three houses and ask for equal avail-
ability or clearances reduced to one
day. Defendants are Loew's, RKO
and 20th Century-Fox.
Paul Muni
Victor Seastrom
H. M. Richey
Gus W. Lampe
Isaac Weinberg
Frank Strayer
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Tuesday, September 21, 194
DAILY
If
Blanket Curfew"
For Jersey's Essex
(Continued from Page 1)
in the State within the next two
months, the police heads of approxi-
mately 20 separate municipalities
comprising the whole of Essex Coun-
ty, have publicly announced that they
are considering a "blanket curfew"
which would take all unescorted chil-
Cleveland, O. — Greater Cleve-
land Motion Picture Council,
opening its new season Friday,
will tackle the juvenile vandal-
ism problem with a panel dis-
cussion on "Behavior in the The-
ater Today." George W. Erd-
mann, secretary of the Cleveland
MP Exhibitors Association, will
participate.
dren under 16 off the streets after
10 p.m. in all 20 communnities simul-
taneously.
Recommended to the police heads
by Police Commissioner Ballentine of
Irvington, at a special meeting of
the Essex County Public Safety
Directors' Council, Police Commis-
sioner Frank L. Kramer of East
Orange, council chairman, assured
the assemblage that actual adoption
of the country-wide curfew would be
delayed only long enough to permit
council representatives to confer
with juvenile court and probation
authorities, for a compilation of
juvenile delinquency data. Believed
to be the first of its kind to cover so
much territory simultaneously, the
"blanket curfew" idea has the whole-
hearted support of theater men
throughout the area.
Canadian Interests Talk
Alcan Highway Circuit
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory —
Possibility of a string of motion
picture theaters along the Alcan
Highway, reportedly is being dis-
cussed by Canadian interests here
for the debut of the new Tita The-
ater tonight with the Dominion pre-
miere of "This is the Army."
The Tita is the second 500-seat
house built for soldiers and civilian
workers in this area, the first being
the Cree Theater, Dawson Creek,
opened five months ago. Famous
Players will continue to make the
latest releases available to the Tita
Theater simultaneous with, or prior
to, general release in key cities. Daw-
son Creek has been receiving such
service since April 21.
WEDDING BELLS
Cleveland — Natalie Lefton, daugh-
ter of Nat L. Lefton, PRC franchise
owner, was married Sunday to Lt.
Ernest Perlmutter. A reception fol-
lowed the wedding ceremony which
took place at the Lefton home.
"Wings Over America" etc,
• • • WHAT Major Alexander P. de Seversky's "Victory Through
Air Power" (so brilliantly brought to the screen in animated form
by Walt Disney) is to the military side of aviation in our quest ior
complete triumph in the present war, Harry Bruno's "Wings Over
America" is to the progess of aviation generally This latter book,
— whose introduction, incidentally, is penned by Major Seversky — ,
merits attention from filmland's story-property sleuths, because the
volume has all the essential elements for the fashioning of a great
full-length documentary feature, and one which would have a huge.
ready-made audience That audience would comprise the scores
of millions in the U. S., and scores of millions in other countries, to
whom aviation is the most dramatic of all the new fields of human en-
deavor
T T T
• • • PRODUCERS, who are progressively more coin-conscious
as the result of having to cleave closely to the economics imposed
by the war, have access to a considerable amount of film footage
whose compilation would go far toward bringing the meat of
"Wings Over America" to the screen And there's the author
and his typewriter for the harnessing of such a film's commentary
Harry Bruno and Showmanship via Atlas Corp., et al, are
close kin
T T T
• • • WHOEVER Will Hays' hatter is, he can rightly claim that
he looks after the sartorial brilliance of our industry's "head"
But Jerry Cruz can just as correctly claim that he looks after the
sartorial brilliance of our industry's "feet" Jerry is the migrant
shoe-shining boy in the towering Paramount Building He gives
lustre to the boots of Paramount Pictures' rank and file, the legions
of PRC, the Fabian gentry, the Skouras personnel, the. War Activities
Committee, staffs of THE FILM DAILY, Showmen's Trade Review, the
Fawcett Publications, etc., etc A Puerto Rican, Jerry speaks with
a slight accent, probably due to daily communion with brogues
T T T
• • • SPEAKING of fact vs. fantasy in film advertising, here's
a further word or two The medium well might influence the
type F'rinstance, the same style hardly would do for say, Fortune
and the New York Daily News And then there's the definition
of "factual" advertising itself It could mean several things
And so, too, could "institutional" As a matter of fact,
that copy turned out by Hal Home and Charlie Schlaifer for
"Claudia" and "Heaven Can Wait" while qualifying as institutional
was breezy, friendly, sincere— and aglow with box office pulling
power Factual and institutional copy needn't necessarily be dull,
stodgy and box office "poison"
T ▼ ▼
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! AND BACK THE ATTACK
Staff Sergt. Daniels Missing
Miami, Fla. — Staff Sergt. James
K. Daniels, former usher of the
Olympia Theater, is reported missing
in action over the European war
theater.
IN NEW POSTS
Legion Rates Two as "B"
Paramount's "Riding High" and
Filmex's "Alejandra" have been
given Class B rating by the Legion
of Decency.
Tribute to Applegate
Philadelphia — Local "U" office has
set aside October, the last month of
the Nate Blumberg drive, as a spe-
cial tribute to Salem E. Applegate,
new "U" district manager.
WOLFE KAUFMAN, former fttWr cfffic, Chicag
Sun, as Billy Rose p.a.
ELMO SCHAUSTEN, manager, the State, Cleve
land, O.
LESTER COLE, assistant, Paramount Theater
New Haven.
WALTER COETZ, associate producer, Republic'
Hollywood.
RAY SCHROCK, story department head, PRC
Hollywood. vy^
KENNETH LAIRD, salesman, Universal, lj
lotte.
PETE STA1NBACK, assistant manager, Loew
Theater, Harrisburg, Pa.
EMIL R. FRANKE, manager, Warner Theater
Los Angeles.
WALTER AHRENS, manager, RKO-Orpheum, De
Moines.
JOHN CLIFFORD, assistant manager, RKO-Or
pheum, Des Moines.
MARVIN JOHNSON, assistant manager, RKO
Orpheum, Champaign.
Power Cut, Slow Coal
Deliveries Worrying
(Continued from Page 1)
adding to their worries. Deliveries
are far behind the orders and theatei
owners fear they may face a perma-
nent coal shortage.
To add to their worries a new law
permitting Bingo, if played without
profit to the operator, goes into ef-
fect this week. It is feared that the
letter of the law may be circum-
vented and that Bingo games will
spiing up everywhere, as well as in
the churches. Previous to the enact-
ment of the state anti-Bingo law, the
games was played extensively in
churches, and proved heavy compe-
tition to the theaters.
Kroehler Executive Stricken
Chicago — William McLaren Mc-
Kau, 55, executive of the Kroehler
Mfg. Co.. died from a heart attack.
20th Century-Fox
Sells 35,000 Shares
Special offering of 35,000 shares
of 20th-Fox common was sold yes-
terday by E. F. Hutton & Co. and
Shields & Co. at 23, with commission
45c.
Vergesslich Back on Job
Joe Vergesslich, of the Warners
sales staff in the New York ex-
change, returned to work yesterday
after a two-week absence during
which he undei'went a minor opera-
tion.
STORKS
Chicago — Russ Morgan, orchestra
leader, is father of baby daughter,!
Judith Mary, born in Chicago while
he was playing at the Oriental The-
ater.
Chicago — A baby girl born to Torn
Kettering, RKO publicity man for
the Buffalo tei'ritory, and his wife,
the former Shirley Dean, film actress.
here.
Charlotte — Lynn Dunn, RKO
salesman, has a new daughter.
Malcolm Kingsberg
Names RKO Treasurer
'r,l,
(Continued from Page 1)
inancial officer of the parent and
subsidiary companies and later will
i|.De elected a member of the board of
lirectors of RKO, Rathvon said. As
treasurer of the parent company,
//', ^\.s been named studio manager.
KL-,^7beig succeeds Leon Goldberg
The post of vice-president in charge
3f finances is a new one created yes-
terday afternoon.
New treasurers for the principal
'subsidiaries will be announced later.
,They will all be under the supervis-
ion of Kingsberg.
Tuesday, September 21, 1943
DAILY
Name Senate Sub-Com. on
Kilgore Divorcement Bill
(Continued from Page 1)
committee. Senator Harley M. Kil-
gore, West Virginia Democrat who
introduced the bill — a re-write of
the old Neely bill — last Spring, is
chairman. Named to serve with him
were Democrats Joseph O'Mahoney
;and A. B. Chandler, of Wyoming and
Kentucky respectively, and Repub-
licans John R. Danaher of Connec-
ticut and Homer Ferguson of Mich-
igan.
Naming of the sub-committee was
of no particular significance. It is
routine procedure, and does not in-
dicate any intention on the part of
anyone to call for early action on
the bill. Senator Kilgore has made
it plain that he has no immediate
plans. His sponsorship of the bill,
he told The Film Daily some time
ago, was merely pursuant to an
agreement with the Department of
Justice that such a bill should be
kept before the Senate. Kilgore had
served as sub-committee chairman
for the studies on the Neely bill two
years ago.
2,500 Feet of War Film
Received Over Week-End
(Continued from Page 1)
what is on its way. Most of the ac-
tual battle footage included was
taken from landing boats, with
closer scenes expected to arrive
soon.
TO THE COLORS!
* DECORATED *
CAPT. WILLIAM FIELDS, Canadian Army, for-
merly press representative, The Playwright's
Co., awarded the Purple Heart for service
with the U. S. Army in World War I.
* COMMISSIONED *
ii.LT. SIDNEY S. KINCSLEY, USA, dramatist, upon
discharge as sergeant.
LT., j.g. HENRY FONDA, USN, actor, following
naval service.
* PROMOTED *
CLIFFORD H. RUFFNER, JR., USA, formerly
Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, to major.
TARZAN! TARZAN!— IT'S GOLDING!!
The Sun's Gault MacGowan Meets Up With THE
FILM DAILY'S Staff Writer in Algiers
JUST before I left Algiers I went
•/ swimming with Master Sergt. Da-
vid Golding of 1547 41st Street,
Brooklyn. He was sports editor of
the Daily Cardinal at the University
of Wisconsin before he was inducted.
He had left Brooklyn to go West for
his education, but the Army sent
him back East. He found himself in
the aviation engineers and then was
pulled out of that to be a fighting re-
porter for the Stars and Stripes.
He was in Tunis and Bizerte and
was the first fighting reporter into
Mateur. Now he is managing editor
of the Algiers edition of the Stars
and Stripes. His ambition is to be-
come a foreign correspondent after
the war. This he may well achieve,
for as he sat on the rocks beside me
and told me his adventures I was
conscious of a raft of admiring
French boys gazing spellbound at
him and whispering to each other:
"Tarzan! Tarzan!"
I believe Sergt. Golding used to
eat his spinach regularly — either
that or the University of Wisconsin
gave him the furriest torso in the
North African bathing world today,
where even hairy chests are rare.
Well, now we are in Cairo. Garri
Talahena! Saida! The boys will be
talking to you like this when they
come home, so you'd better brush up
your arabic. — From a Cairo special
dispatch to the New York Sun by Gault
MacGowan, war correspondent. (Copy-
right, 1943, by the New York Sun;
reprinted by special permission ) .
Personal note to Dave Golding
from the Editor: So you want to be
a foreign correspondent? Okay,
The Film Daily's Berlin Bureau
has been closed since Nov. 21, 1938.
How soon can you reopen?
Equip. Cos. To Get Materials
No Cut-back on Availability in Prospect
(Continued from Page 1)
ers and Manufacturers, held at the
local Bismark Hotel under the spon-
sorship of the Theater Equipment
Dealers Protective Association.
Weber, in his exposition of the
genesis and development of the Con-
trolled Materials Plan before more
than 100 film industry delegates,
declared that steel, copper and alu-
minum control is the basis whereby
all other materials are channeled to
plants. He outlined the nine CMP
regulations and pointed out that,
through these and prior regulations
imposed since Pearl Harbor, manu-
facturers of motion picture equip-
ment have been forced into knowing
exactly what goes into manufactured
products to the pound and even the
ounce of metals required.
Facilitation Is Forecast
Currently, materials' allocation is
predicated upon what manufacturers
have used two quarters back, during
the present quarter, and are set to
use two quarters ahead. Within a
year the method of getting allo-
cated materials will be facilitated,
he stated, and stressed to the dele-
gates that, in the instance of MRO,
service repair shops must use their
customers' ratings.
It was also indicated that in the
first quarter of 1944, manufacturers
may get a full year's allocation of
materials, and, if adjustments are
required, they can at various times
throughout the span ask for such
adjustments.
Allen G. Smith, chief of WPB's
Theater Equipment Section, Service
Equipment Division, explained the
minimum stock pile established for
emergency purposes to take care of
projection needs, so that outlets
needing projectors or sound units,
or both, can be kept open.
He said that dealers who have
taken advantage of the aid which
WPB has been able to give them
have been getting along reasonably
well. At present the Government is
allowing dealers 90-day inventories.
Motor generators are not undei
Smith's department, but rectifiers
are. Latter can be obtained in new
condition if exhibitor need is shown,
and the old rectifier's copper content
is within one pound of the new one,
it was said.
Ray G. Colvin, secretary of the
Theater Equipment Dealers Protec-
tive Association, was re-elected for
another two-year term. At the con-
vention, Colvin, at the association's
direction, emphatically stated that
TEDPA is not controlled by any
manufacturer or group of manufac-
turers, and extended an invitation
to any properly qualified equipment
dealer in the United States to be-
come a member.
Smalley's Mother Dead
Announcement is made of the
death on Aug. 7 last at Danbury,
Conn., of Mrs. Fannie B. Smalley,
mother of William C. Smalley, pres-
ident and general manager of Smal-
ley Theaters, Cooperstown, N. Y.,
circuit.
Testimonial for Bobys
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Plans for the testi-
monial dinner to Phil Bobys, Metro
salesman, to be held on Oct. 4 at the
Variety Club are progressing. It
will mark his 30th year in the busi-
ness.
«REVIEUJS»
"Princess O'Rourke"
with Olivia de Haviltiand, Robert Cummings
Warner 94 Mins.
ROMANTIC COMEDY IS DELICIOUS FUN
MARKED FOR GOOD BOX OFFICE SHOW-
ING; FILM BOASTS STRONG CAST.
This "Princess O'Rourke" spreads a royal
feast of entertainment. As a romantic com-
edy, the production should carry special
weight with the femme patrons. The
film is delightful fun from first to last,
having been treated in tongue-in-cheek
fashion by Norman Krasna, who wrote the
show as well as directed it. The services
of a strong cast help clinch the film's suc-
cess.
The picture is a delicious variation of
the story about the princess and the com-
moner. The princess in this instance is
Olivia de Havilland and the commoner
Robert Cummings. Miss de Havilland is
a visitor in the States with her uncle
(Charles Coburn), who has given up hope
of finding a royal suitor for her. The prin-
cess experiences love for the first time when
she meets Cummings, a transport pilot,
while she is travelling incognito to San
Francisco. The fun gets into full swing
when the plane turns back because of
bad weather and the princess, dosed with
sleeping tablets, is left in Cummings'
care. The two lose no time in whipping
up a hot romance, with Miss de Havilland
leading Cummings to believe that she is
a poor refugee. When Cummings learns
the truth he is bowled over. The romance
gets the blessing of Coburn upon the
latter's discovery that the dominance of
boys in the Cummings family history marks
the lad as an ideal husband for a princess.
Cummings revolts when he is told he must
give up his American citizenship to be-
come prince consort, but all is ironed out
satisfactorily via an elopement.
Miss de Havilland and Cummings are
swell as the lovers. Coburn, Jack Carson
and Jane Wyman lend them fine support in
other principal roles. Standing out in
minor roles are Gladys Cooper, Harry
Davenport, Minor Watson and Ray Walker,
among others.
Krasna's direction matches the quality
of his script, which was produced by Hal
B. Wallis in the manner it deserved. Max
Parker's art direction, the camera work of
Ernie Haller and the musical score of Fred-
erick Hollander are other first-rate contri-
butions to the enjoyment of the films.
CAST: Olivia de Havilland, Robert Cum-
mings, Charles Coburn, Jack Carson, Jane
Wyman, Harry Davenport, Gladys Cooper,
Minor Watson, Nan Wynn, Curt Bois, Ray
Walker, David Clyde, Nana Bryant, Nydia
Westman, Ruth Ford, Julie Bishop, Frank
Puglia, Rosina Galli, Ferike Boros, Dave
Willock, John Dilson, Edward Gargan.
CREDITS: Producer, Hal B. Wallis; Di-
rector, Norman Krasna; Screenplay, Norman
Krasna; Cameraman, Ernie Haller; Film
Editor, Warren Low; Art Director, Max
Parker; Sound, Stanley Jones; Set Decorator,
George James Hopkins; Musical Score,
Frederick Hollander; Musical Director, Leo
F. Forbstein; Song, Ira Gershwin, E. Y.
Harburg, Arthur Schwartz.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
MP A Meeting Sept 23
The first Fall luncheon meeting of
the Motion Picture Associates will
be held at the Hotel Astor Thursday.
10
Tuesday, September 21, 194;
DAILY
Cavalcade Bond Sales
$3,100 Per Person
(.Continued from Page 1)
with San Antonio, Frisco and Los
Angeles to follow.
Total sales up to and including
the St. Louis visit on Saturday were
$971;000,000, with New Orleans'
"takes" last night putting the aggre-
gate above the billion mark. The
St. Louis "gate" was about $33,-
000,000.
Although the figure for the New
Orleans show last night is as yet
unrecorded, a wire from R. J. O'Don-
nell, WAC Texas State chairman,
states that the Cottonbowl Stadium
at Dallas in which the stars will per-
form tonight has been sold out for
the past four days, scoring Bond
sales over $35,000,000.
$5,980,000 Bond Premiere
In Omaha as Airmada Aids
Omaha — War Bond Premiere in
connection with an appearance of the
Airmada netted $5,980,000 in Bond
sales at the 2,900-seat Paramount.
State Exhibitor Chairman William
Miskell predicted that the showing
would be second to none in the coun-
try, considering the size of the city.
Zone 2 Airmada Rolls Up
$60,000,000 in Bond Sales
Des Moines, la. — The Zone 2 War
Bond Airmada ended its 3,000-mile
tour in Des Moines with 60 million
dollars worth of War Bonds sold
during the 10-day trip. Here the
group sold over $2,000,000 with a
two-hour Back Salerno rally at the
downtown War Bond platform.
A. H. Blank, chairman of the WAC
in Iowa, reported the theater group
had sold $1,317,589 prior to the
rally.
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
SIGNED
ZACHARY SCOTT, termer, Warners.
MICHAEL ST. ANGEL, termer, RKO.
JOHN MESCAL, cameraman, "The Bridge of San
Luis Rey," Benedict Bogeaus-UA.
JAMES BROWN, one year, Paramount.
CRECORY RATOFF, producer-director, 20th-Fox.
BETTY WALKER, termer, Paramount.
FREDERICK DeCORDOVA, dialogue director,
Warners.
IIMMY DURANTE, M-C-M.
LUDWIC BEMELMANS, writer, M-C-M.
ALLEN BORTEZ, writer, M-G-M.
HARRIET FRANK, writer, M-G-M.
CAL HOWARD, writer, M-C-M.
BARBARA BENTLEY, writer, M-C-M.
FRANCO BRUNO AVERARDI, writer, M-C-M.
DODIE SMITH, screenplay, "To 'Each His Own,"
Paramount.
LOUIS D. LICHTON, producer, 20th-Fox.
HELEN TALBOT, termer, Republic.
JOHN CARRADINE, two pictures, Monogram.
GEORGE ZUCCO, two pictures, Monogram.
FRIEDA INESCOURT, two pictures, Monogram.
ANDY RICE, writer, termer, Harry Sherman.
LEONIDE MOGUY, director, "International
Zone," RKO.
MICHAEL ST. ANCEL, termer, RKO.
FRANCIS LEDERER, male lead, "Bridge of San
Luis Rey," B. E. Bogeaus.
ASSIGNMENTS
MAREK LIBKOV, technical adviser, "The Day
Will Come," Columbia.
HAROLD SCHUSTER, director, "China Sky,"
RKO.
FRANK BORZACE, director, "And Now To-
morrow," Paramount.
LEW LANDERS, director, "Cowboy Canteen,"
Columbia.
LOUIS D. LICHTON, producer, "A Tree Crows in
'Brooklyn," 20th-Fox.
CARL SANBURC, story, "American Cavalcade,"
M-C-M.
GEORGE BARNES, cameraman, "Since You
Went Away," Vanguard.
CAPT. A. C. WILVERS, technical adviser, "The
Hairy Ape," Jules Levey-UA.
Exhib. Interests to Back
Film Classics' Exchanges
$50,000,000 in War Bonds
Sold by Zone 3's Airmada
Toledo, O.— Albert Dekker, at a
War Bond banquet here on the last
day of a tour of 14 cities by the
Zone 3 Airmada, reported that the
film stars and war hero group was
responsible for the sale of more than
$50,000,000 worth of Bonds during
that period. Total of $1,031,227 of
Bond purchases was chalked up in
Toledo that day.
$4,324,467 In Bond Sales
At Two Miami Premieres
Miami — Hundreds of potential
patrons were turned away at the
Buzzell on Crutches
Stays In Cavalcade
Minneapolis — The show must go
on!
And so Eddie Buzzell, who tore
a tendon in his right leg while run-
ning back stage at the Cavalcade
show here Friday night, is con-
tinuing on tour with the aid of
crutches and a wheel chair.
Exhibitor interest in each terri-
tory will be the backers of the Film
Classics' franchised exchanges, un-
der a plan formulated by the com-
pany. It is the plan of the company
to establish well known distribution
men from major companies in the
managerial chair of each branch.
Franchises for each exchange will
be owned by leading territorial the-
ater owners and circuit operators.
Johnny Jones of Chicago is among
the first to head a Film Classics
office. Several other deals are pend-
ing with other exhibition leaders in
other parts of the country.
Marx Men In Stromberg Deal?
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Hunt Stromberg is
negotiating with the Marx Brothers
to star in a farce.
Doubt Basic Agreement
Will be Held in Oct.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Studio labor represen-
tatives express doubt that the basic
agreement conference would get un-
der way in the East in- October and
said also no word had been received
from Richard Walsh, international
president of IATSE, asking for a
date for meetings with his crafts.
Also, referring to the question
whether union heads would ask for
guarantee of a fixed number of hours
of work annually they declared this
problem has been discussed for sev-
eral years, but as yet no concrete
demands have been formulated.
Last basic agreement conference
was held in Newark in September,
1941, at which time the pact was
extended for five years and six
months and was retroactive to March
14, 1941 when the earlier agreement
had expired.
The . . .
FEMME
TOUCH
two-theater War Bond Premiere at
the Paramount and Lincoln and $4,-
324,467 in Bonds were sold in the
Third War Loan drive. The Para-
mount took in $2,256,017 and the
Lincoln, Miami Beach, $2,068,450.
"Minute Men" Sell Bonds
In Harrisburg Theaters
Harrisburg — Harrisburg business
and professional men have been en-
listed for one-minute War Bond
speeches in film theaters, reminding
of the "minute men" of the Lib-
erty Loan era.
Springfield, III., Show
Sells $91,250 in Bonds
Springfield, 111. — More than $91,-
250 in War Bonds were sold last
night at the premiere of "We've
Never Been Licked," held at the
Roxy Theater and sponsored by the
Springfield Theaters Association.
A second Bond premiere will be
held at the Fox-Lincoln theater to-
morrow. Picture will be "Winter-
time."
Queens Theaters Co-op.
In Alden Bond Premiere
All Queens County circuit and in-
dependent houses are co-operating
in the War Bond Premiere at the
Alden Theater, Jamaica, tomorrow
night. Tickets will be given with
Bond purchases. Program includes
the Queens premiere of RKO's "The
Sky's the Limit," plus a big stage
show under sponsorship of The
Queens Chamber of Commerce and
the WAC. Show will be nationally
broadcast over CBS.
N. Y. MP Bookers Club
Discusses Loan Drive Co-op.
Co-operation of the New York
Motion Picture Bookers' Club in the
Third War Loan drive was discussed
last night at the first Fall meeting
of the organization at the Hotel Lin-
coln. The membership also discussed
provisions for extending financial
assistance to dependents of members
in the event the draft of fathers
should go into effect. Plans for sup-
plying Christmas gifts for members
in the armed forces were mapped at
the meeting, over which Bernard
Brooks, the club's head, presided.
Tacoma Capitol Sold
Tacoma, Wash. — Nick Allen has
sold the Capitol here to Clifford Cott-
ier.
MRS. EDITH R. HUNT, president, George A
Hunt Theaters, Medford, Ore.
MRS. DORIS SPURANZI, assistant manage
Newsreel, Baltimore, Md.
MRS. RUTH HAPBURC, manager, Hazelwooj
and Grand Theaters, Pittsburgh.
SHIRLEY 6IERMACHER, Universal, Detroit.
MRS. LORRAINE OLESHANSKY, Univerf %V
troit. ^ | '
MRS. L. WILLIAMS, Universal, Detroit.
THERESA DANIELS, switchboard operator, Buf
falo Theater.
GERRY DEARDORFF, assistant story editor, Van
guard Films, Hollywood.
MRS. BERNICE SWEET, manager, Shea']
Geneva, O.
MRS. BURNEICE SWEET, manager, the Geneva'
Geneva, O.
See Flood of Sales
Plans by Exhibitors
(Continued from Page 1)
tracked until the experiences of in
dependent exhibitors under the Nev
York consent decree could be ex
plored via a questionnaire. Results
of the questionnaires are now being
tabulated.
It is reported . that a number o:
regional exhibitor associations an
preparing, and have prepared, a ba-
sic sales formula which will be sub-
mitted to Clark along with thei;
members' own personal views on th<
decree. The New England plan, ex-
cept in a few points, follows the pat
tern of previously discussed for-
mulae by exhibitor groups.
OWI Awaits Titles of Pix
Shown in Italy From Army
(Continued from Page 1)
though it has not been possible as
yet for the Army to relay the spe
cific titles selected from the 40 fea-
tures available for Sicilian exhibi
tion, it was learned yesterday in th(
wake of a report that the Italian-
titled pix were still in North Africa
At OWI Overseas Branch head
quarters here yesterday, it was
pointed out that the films were be
ing employed by the Army in Sicilj
for military purposes, and that th(
Army logically was not interested ir
the commercial aspect, nor in giv
ing precedence on its limited anc
badly-crowded communications sys-
tem to what might be dubbed, "box-
office reports." Titles, however
are expected to be transmitter
shortly.
As to the implication in the re-
port that the Italian-titled pix were
not being fully utilized, the OWI
spokesman called attention to its re
quest for additional prints and mort
subjects. "Does anyone think w|
want those merely for the North
African market?" he countered.
Rosseau in NCAC Pact
Louise Rosseau, story editor foi
PRC has signed a management con
tract with the National Concert i
Artists Corp.
_
Overconfidence shrinks the War effort!
DON'T LET IT
HAPPEN!
Our job in the 3d War Loan is bigger than ever now !
Fight complacency in the^ public mind with
Hard - hitting Red -White - and - Blue showmanship !
The war is not in the bag for the boys who die today!
The road to Berlin and Tokio is long and bloody!
Our theatres must rally patriots to the nation's call!
Our parades and ballyhoo must never let down!
Your enthusiasm will inspire your patrons to
Back the attack!
War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, 1501 Broadway, New York City.
With time-saving, life-saving movies. . . . outgrowth
of IE!® felk9§> pioneer Teaching Films. .... the Army
and Navy are giving millions the know how of war
historical note — Back in 1923, having per-
fected "safety" film — making classroom
projection practical — Kodak made available
16-mm. movie cameras and projectors . . .
and shortly afterwards pioneered a pro-
gram of teaching films for schools.
Put yourself in the boots of one of
these young men. You've been ac-
cepted for the Army or Navy. What do
you know about this war of 2,000-
horsepower aircraft motors . . . Ba-
zookas . . . submarine detectors?
Our Army and Navy Commands
realize this lack of experience. They
know that you may go up against bat-
tle-wise troops or ship crews or flyers.
They have done the worryingfor you.
They will turn you out a better man —
more competent in the use of your
weapons, abler to take care of yourself
— than any "trainee" who ever went
before you.
Training Films are a great and
growing part of their system. The
Army and Navy have made thousands.
Don't get the idea that you're just
"going to the movies," though. These
movies are different. Each teaches you
to do a part of your job in the Service
— do it exactly right.
Maybe it's how to dig a foxhole. Or
inflate a rubber life raft. Or take down
and reassemble a 50-calibre machine
gun. Or — bake a batch of bread . . .
In an Army and Navy made up
largely of "specialists," thousands of
films are not too many. (Kodak is a
major supplier of film for these pic-
tures— one big reason civilians are
not getting all the film they want.)
You'll see battle, in these training
movies. You'll hear it — to make your
new life and work "second nature"
under all conditions. You'll be hardened
. . . ready to "dish it out and take it" . . .
up to 40% sooner because of Training Films.
After this war is won, you — and mil-
lions like you who have learned so
much, so easily, through training films
— will want your children to learn the
Arts of Peace this way.
Teaching through motion pictures
and slide film — steadily growing in
importance during the twenty years
since Kodak made its first teaching
films available — will really come into
its own . . . Eastman Kodak Co.,
Rochester, N. Y.
Serving human progress through Photography
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
The Daily Newspaper
Oi Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
*, (^, 84. NO. 5fcs
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 22, 1943
TEN CENTS
CLASH OVER DIVORCEMENT SEEN ATPARLEYS
$11,763,790 Bond Subscription by Paramount
Includes Theater Partner-
ship Purchases, But Not
Studio, Theater Personnel
War Bond subscriptions in the
Third War Loan by Paramount Pic-
tures, Inc., and theater partnerships
now total $11,763,790, it was an-
nounced last night by Claude Lee,
chairman of the company's central
committee for the loan campaign.
Of this amount, $401,790 was sub-
scribed by home office and distribu-
tion exchange personnel. The figure
does not include subscriptions by
Hollywood studio or theater person-
nel.
The total reported represents pur-
(Continued on Page 9)
Form Women's Div.
For Night of Stars
Mrs. Leo Spitz will serve as chair-
man of the newly formed women's
division for the 10th anniversary of
the Night of Stais at Madison
Square Garden Nov. 16, it was an-
nounced yesterday by Nathan Straus,
general chairman. Proceeds of the
affair are for the United Jewish
Appeal (UJA) for Refugees, Over-
(Continued on Page 9)
Wash'n MPTO Re-elects
Julian Brylawski President
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The Washington
MPTO met yesterday for a discus-
sion of local problems and re-elected
for the next year: President, A. Jul-
(Continued on Page 7)
"V" Detroit Branch
Manager Inducted
Detroit — Ted Mendelssohn, mana-
ger for Universal here, became the
first branch manager from the ter-
ritory, and perhaps in the country,
to be inducted into the Army through
Selective Service. One other local
manager, John Howard of Paramount,
was commissioned in the Navy.
Loew Theater Issuing Agents Roll Up Sale
of $5,720,957 in Bonds in 11-day Period
Loew's Theaters, official issuing agents for War Bonds, last night reported
sales aggregating $5,720,957 for the 11 -day period through Sept. 20. Of this
amount, Loew's New York houses accounted for $3,027,926. The total figure
for the 3rd War Loan drive will be boosted by an anticipated $1,500,000 sales
for two midnight War Bond shows Friday night at Loew's Pitkin, in Brooklyn,
and Loew's Paradise, in the Bronx.
Big Screen Tele By Talk 48-Hour Week
Scophony's Patents For All Exchanges
As a result of basic patents is-
sued yesterday by the U. S. Patent
Office to Scophony Corp. of Amer-
ica, perfected large screen televis-
ion for motion picture theaters,
homes, schools and churches, both
in black-and-white and natural color,
will be available commercially
shortly after the war ends, accord-
ing to Arthur Levey, president of
SCA. The company is associated
(.Continued on Page 10)
Monogram Reports Annual
Net Profit of $99,144
Monogiam's net profit for the
year ended June 26, 1943, was $99,-
144 after provision of $64,605 for
Federal income taxes and reserve of
$26,000 for employes' bonuses, ac-
cording to the company's annual re-
port. This compares with a net
profit of $157,103 after taxes and
bonus reserves for the previous year.
W. Ray Johnston, in his annual
(Continued on Page 7)
Detroit — At the hearing yesterday
afternoon on extension of the 48-
hour week to all exchanges befoie
Regional War Manpower Commis-
sioner Frederick Pallier, representa-
tives of the exchanges were the lo-
cal branch or office managers and,
from the home offices, C. J. Scollard
of Paramount, Sidney Biaumberg of
M-G-M, A. A. Schubart of RKO, and
L. Schwalberg of Warner Bros. The
(Continued on Page 7)
Lusty and Phillips Head
New Universal Depts.
Creation of a special events and
promotion depaitment at Univer-
sal's home office and another depart-
ment to create saleable titles for
pictures was disclosed yesterday by
Maurice Bergman, Eastern advertis-
ing director.
The special events and promotion
unit will be under the direction of
Lou Lusty, fo:mer studio executive
(Continued on Page 8)
"Exhibitor Brief,
JJ
Allied
600 Theaters Reply to Decree Questionnaire
Expect 10,000 Bookings
For Warner WAC Subject
Tied in with the coming nation-
wide 10-week drive to recruit 150,000
new members of the WAC, War-
ners' short, "Women at War," pro-
duced at Fort Des Moines, la., where
the WAC is trained, is expected to
(Continued on Page 9)
Allied's move to obtain exhibitor
experiences under the New York con-
sent decree through questionnaires
has resulted in leplies covering ap-
proximately 600 theaters, it was re-
ported yesterday by Abram F. Myers,
general counsel, in an association
bulletin.
Myers pointed out that summary
not only will give the statistics as to
(Continued on Page 10)
Opposing Factions May
Be Drawn into Re-Vamp
Issue of Consent Decree
A clash between the "pro-divorce-
ment" elements of the industry and
those who are opposed to theater
divorcement may reach a climax dur-
ing the forthcoming discussions on
the re-vamping of the New York
consent, decree.
It is reported that the D of J, un-
officially, has not looked with too
much favor on the MPTOA's propos-
als for decree levisions because of
its desire to exclude theater divorce-
(Continued on Page 7)
Onl. MPTA Favors
Dominion-wide Fed'n
Toronto— The Motion Picture The-
aters Association of Ontario conven-
tion yesterday decided to support the
formation of a Dominion-wide fede-
ration embracing both independent
and circuit houses to meet the grow-
ing problems in legislation and Gov-
ernment controls. It also adopted
a plan for coal conservation with
guarantee to save 30 per cent of the
(Continued on Page 10)
Metro Coin Will Back
Wilson's Stage Plays
M-G-M and John C. Wilson, the
Broadway producer, have completed
an agreement under which the latter
will select and put on legit, shows
with the financial backing of the film
(Continued on Page 8)
PCA "Knicherboeher
Holiday" Goes to UA
United Artists has completed ne-
gotiations with Producers Corpora-
tion of America for the release of
"Knickerbocker Holiday," a musical
version of the Maxwell Anderson
stage play now in production with
Harry Joe Brown, as producer-direc-
tor, Edward C. Raftery, announced
yesterday.
OUR MEN ARE ON THE ATTACK! — BACK THEM UP WITH YOUR WAR BOND PURCHASES NOW!
TW
DAILY
Wednesday, September 22, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 28 Wed., Sept. 22, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE : :
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmilay, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marcc-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
; (Tuesday, September 21) ;
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Low
16%
16%
2%
163/4
Close
16%
163/4
2% -
163/4
High
Am. Seat 163/8
Col. Piers, vtc. (2Vi%) 163,4
Con. Fm. Ind 2%
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 163/)
East. Kodak 162l/2 '
do pfd: 175
Cen. Prec. Eq 2C^
Loew's, Inc 61 Vs
Paramount 273,4
20th Century-Fox . . 23 1/2
20th-Fox pfd. (li/2). 32i/4
20th-Fox pfd. ( 4!/2). 100 1/2
Warner Bros 143/8
NEW YORK BOND
Par. B'way 3s55
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... 3 23/n
Radio-Keith cvs 1% 1%
Sonotone Corp 31/2 31/2
Technicolor 14l/4 14
Trans-Lux 31/2 3'/2
Universal Pictures . 173^ 173/4
Universal Pitcs. vtc. . I8V2 18
Net
Chg.
Vs
1/4
1/2
1/4
%
60 — 1 %
27% — Vs
231/4 — 1/4
. 32 - 1/4
OOI/2 IOOV2
14 141/4 — %
MARKET
613/4 1621/2
75 175
20 20
60
27%
231/4
31%
23/4 + %
1%
31/2
14 - 1/4
31/2
173/4 — 3/4
18 1/2 — Vs
Kalmenson Appoints
Al Herman in Buffalo
Appointment of Al Herman as
branch manager for Warners in Buf-
falo, effective immediately, was an-
nounced yesterday by Ben Kalmen-
son, general sales manager. Her-
man, who recently joined the War-
ner sales organization in New Haven,
succeeds Max Roth, resigned.
iowest
MOO
•we.*** \ \*7 / ■"£??£**
BtU.HT .t.V.Cf V^y Oku ».00il.J.3-«
STOtA0C> C AfKUKftONIOOMAMOKHAMGt OrtUOVIION SUVKI
Para. vs. Cooper Action
Motion Decision Reserved
Federal Judge Murray Hulbert re-
served decision in New York Fed-
eral Court yesterday on a motion to
vacate an alleged service of process
in connection with the Paramount
Pictures action against Joseph H.
Cooper, Rialto, Inc., Interstate The-
aters, Inc., and J. H. Cooper Enter-
prises, Inc., all doing business in
Colorado. Paramount seeks to be de-
clared owner of the stocks in the
three corporations held in Cooper's
name. The motion to vacate service
was brought by the three corpora-
tions because they do not do busi-
ness in New York State. All notices
of examination have been stayed by
the court.
Paramount Pictures consented to
being a party plaintiff in the stock
suit brought by Montague F. Gow-
tborpe and Sam Dembow, Jr., direc-
tors of the Lincoln Theater Corp.
which seeks to compel Cooper, as
president of the Lincoln, Neb., com-
pany, to account to the corporation
for his actions.
Amuse. Organizations,
Unions Plan Big Pageant
More than 100 outstanding repre-
sentatives of stage, radio and the
screen together with leading repre-
sentatives of all theatrical unions
will meet at noon today in the Col-
lege Room at the Astor Hotel to for-
mulate plans for a spectacular pag-
eant of the New York entertainment
business. Title of the pageant will
be "We're on Our Way — to Victory."
Present at the luncheon will be
James J. Walker. Matthew Woll,
Bert Lytell, Erno Rapee, Ed Sullivan,
Major Leslie E. Thompson, William
Morris, Jr., and scores of outstand-
ing Broadway, Radio City and Hol-
lywood personalities. The proposed
pageant is not a benefit but an ex-
pression by New York entertainment
unions of the part which organized
labor has played in the war.
Lining Up Speakers for
Writers' Congress Sessions
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Outstanding speakers
have been lined up for panel discus-
sions at the United Nations Writers'
Congress Oct. 1, 2 and 3 at the Los
Angeles campus of the University.
John Wexley is chairman of the Na-
ture of the Enemy Panel and will
have as speakers Col. Carlos Ro-
mulo, Philippine hero; Lion Feucht-
wanger, famous exiled writer; Mi-
hail Kalatozov. in charge of Soviet
documentary films; Dudley Nichols,
Virginia Wright, drama editor, and
Lieut. Col. Evans Carlson, USMC.
Capt. Bernard Vorhaus heads the
Indoctrination and Training Film
Panel, with Thomas Baird, British
Ministry of Information; Lt. Col.
Evans Carlson. Lt. Col. Owen Crump,
Maj. Harrison Jacobs and Lt. Col.
J. C. Hutchinson as speakers.
Equity Council Okays
Merger on 'One Card' Basis
Actors Equity council yesterday
went on record as approving a mer-
ger or amalgamation with the Amer-
ican Federation of Radio Artists
provided the principal advantage
would be to secure the Equity mem-
bership and the membership of other
branches of the Associated Actors
and Artistes of America, the parent
body of all entertainment unions,
one card which would permit the
Equity members to be active in any
field and at the same time add to
their bargaining power.
The suggestion that AFRA and
Equity amalgamate was made at
the recent convention of the former
in Chicago.
Raymond Massey, John Lorenz,
Dudley Digges and Augustin Dun-
can yesterday were added to the
Equity committee which is consider-
ing the matter.
"Port Royal" Set as Next
William Cagney Feature
Having completed plans for the
national exploitation campaign for
"Johnny Come Lately," William Cag-
ney and Charles Daggett, advertis-
ing and publicity director of Wil-
liam Cagney Productions, return to
the Coast Saturday afternoon after
three weeks of conferences in New
York. Parleys were held with James
Mulvey, sales representative, and
Joseph Shea, Eastern publicity direc-
tor and story editor.
While here Cagney did research
work for the company's next picture
"Port Royal," which will be made
ahead of "The Stray Lamb," prev-
iously announced as the next produc-
tion.
Directors' Meet Precedes
Mich. Allied Conference
Detroit— Allied Theaters of Mich-
igan will hold a two-day War Con-
ference on Tuesday and Wednesday,
Oct. 5 and 6, in place of the annual
convention this year. Event will take
place at the Hotel Statler, Detroit,
and will be preceded by a session of
Allied's Board of Directors. Ban-
quet has been scheduled for the night
of Oct. 6.
"U" New Short Policy
Universal, adopting a new policy
for its Person-Oddities shorts, will
present a prominent figure in the
fields of industry, sports or the arts
to lead off future issues and will use
a different "name" radio anonouncer
as commentator on each subject, Ber-
nie Kreisler, short sales chief, said
yesterday.
WANTED:
Draft deferred manager or assistant manager
capable of running small town theatre in
Northern New Jersey. Write stating age
and experience giving references and full
details. State minimum salary. Box 169,
THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New
York 18, N. Y.
COMIDG and GO I IN]
SPYROS SKOURAS, accompanied by SAM
SHAIN, planed to the Coast from New York
last night for an indefinite stay.
EDWARD C. RAFTERY, United Artists presi-
dent, is scheduled to leave for Hollywood tonight
to present the company's 1942 fiscal audit to the
owners.
O. HENRY BRICCS Is expected in New
Monday from Hollywood. / V
M. A. SILVER, Pittsburgh zone manager for
Warner Theaters, and HARRY FEINSTEIN, chief
buyer and booker for that territory, arrived in
New York yesterday for a stay of several days.
JULES LAPIDUS, Eastern division sales mana-
ger for Warners is back from a 10-day tour of
his territory.
A. W. SCHWALBERC, supervisor of Warners'
exchanges, is in Detroit, returning to New York
on Friday.
ED H1NCHY, head of Warners' playdate
department, left yesterday for New Haven and
Boston.
JOE HORNSTEIN, head of Joe Hornstein,
Inc., returns to New York today from Chicago.
SAM HACKER has gone to Pittsburgh.
LOU SMITH, M-C-M, Eastern publicity mana-
ger under Howard Dietz, left yesterday for
Culver City for studio conferences and to see
new product.
CARL LESERMAN is en route to New York
from the Coast.
ARTHUR GREENBLATT, PRC vice-president
in charge of sales, leaves Cleveland today with
NAT L. LEFTON, district manager for a tour
of district exchanges.
CLIFFORD C. FISCHER, the stage producer,
has gone to the Coast.
BENJAMIN CLAZER, Warners producer, is in
New York from the Coast.
FREDRIC MARCH has arrived in the Near
East as a volunteer with the motion picture
division of USO-Camp Shows.
WILLIAM CACNEY and CHARLES DAGGETT
return to the Coast Saturday.
JAMES MULVEY goes to the Coast Friday.
LEE MARCUS, associate producer of Ed-
ward Small Productions, is en route to New York
on Small business.
CHARLES KOERNER, ROBERT FELLOWS and
PAT O'BRIEN leave the Coast today for Boston
to attend the opening on the 26th of "The
Iron Majro."
Frank H. Richardson
Rites in Centerville, la.
Centerville, la. — Funeral services
were held here yesterday for Frank
H. Richardson, 76, former technical
editor of the Motion Picture World
and Motion Picture Herald, and au-
thor of Blue Book of Projection. He
tiaveled widely, lecturing to IA loc-
als and securing recognition of pro-
jection's importance to motion pic-
ture exhibition. Through his efforts
much was accomplished in the mat-
ter of raising and maintaining high
projection standards.
Richardson died this past Thurs-
day at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where
he was ill for some two years.
fe-:fi*S
F
*m-
Donald O'Connor does
it again in lively musi-
cal that is swell fun.
It establishes
O'Connor
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mine.
FILM DAILY
#tf, Awrfw; Vop MAW" is the stuff
that keeps show business alive
£cree# tf ttnmeafiafe/v/
mmmmmmm
mmmmmmmmmmmm
"Universal opened its purse strings to deal
pot-pourri of music, songs and dances."
an' a lavish
—Da/// Variety
"Donald O'Connor continues his rapid advance as a film enter-
tainer of true star calibre. Susanna Foster is charming as the girl
of his dreams." —Hollywood Reporter
Ml I
Top Man' is top entertainment for any exhibitor's customers,
and top honors go to Donald O'Connor. Charles Lamont's excel-
lent direction doesn't permit a single dull moment in the film."
m —Motion Picture Daily
u
'Top Man' is excellent entertainment . , • and profitable B. O."
HH — Variety
UNIVERSAL PICTURFS
nnim ■« **. r"--'UKES presents
DmZ\ J CONNOR .. SUSANNA FOSTER
LILLIAN GISH • RICHARD DIX
on, PEGGY RYAN ,„
TOP MAN
ANNE GWYNNE . NOAH BFFPV ",? »„»-
BOBBY BROOKS olISKffi. CMNT BAsT^™ »**
— -, «., oM M™™™ ««, », 0rc(iestri
^ Greeted by Charles LQmonr Go,d>"»*
• A$S°C,a,e Produ^ Bernard W.Burron
■
"BACK THE ATTACK! BUY WAR BONDS! THIRD WAR LOAN."
Wednesday, September 22, 1943
DAILY
Divorcement (lash
Is Seen on Decree
(.Continued from Page 1)
ment from its arguments. The
MPTOA has advanced the theory
that theater divorcement would not
be f material benefit to the inde-
p'j=frit theater owner and it is to
thai opinion that the D of J is giving
some serious thought before tak-
ing any definite stand.
Several Allied units, as well as the
national organization, itself, have
gone on record as being in favor
of the distributors divesting them-
selves of their theater properties
before the other problems of exhibi-
tion-distribution can be solved.
As it now stands the opposing fac-
tors on divorcement are MPTOA as
the "anti" element and Allied among
the "pro" factions, with the D of J
more or less in the middle, but lean-
ing slightly toward the Allied side,
only insofar as the divorcement is-
sue exists.
Monogram Reports Annual
Net Profit of $99,144
{Continued from Page 1)
statement to stockholders, reported
that the income for the first two
months of the present fiscal year
was running well ahead of the first
eight weeks of the year covered by
the annual report. He added that the
company had increased substantially
its budget on feature pictures during
the last year and that he believed
that the upward trend of business
would continue in view of the im-
provement in the quality of Mono-
gram pictures. He asserted that the
general increase in theater attend-
ance should reflect itself in future
financial statements of the corpora-
tion.
Monogram, Johnston said, had
completed 13 of the 42 pictures an-
nounced for the 1943-44 season.
"Sahara" Reaction Cheers Col.
Reports coming into Columbia's
home office from the first week's
Coast-to-Coast trade screenings
mark "Sahara" as a seasonal top
money-maker, it was declared yes-
terday. The first territories to see
the film in its first week of exhibitor
screenings were Cincinnati, Cleve-
land, Denver, Kansas City, Pitts-
burgh and Seattle.
Eric von Stroheim Carlyle R. Robinson
The Fascinating Feature:
• • • SINCE our industry's early days has gone up a common
cry for the uncommon It has come from the producer in his hunger
for unique material to iilm And it has come from the distributor and
the salesman seeking attractions of true originality for vending to out-
lets And it has come from the public in its demand for entertain-
ment off-the-beaten-path Thus unanimity has prevailed in quest
for the "new" But withal, our real (and reel) trail-blazers are
fewer in practice than in intention If you take a look at the record.
you'll find that the film-makers who have had courage to do the undone.
and try the untried, have made the milestone features The apothegm.
"Fortune favors the Bold." has run true to form throughout our industry
annals
T T T
% % # WITHOUT much if any doubt, 1943\s most unusual
feature film is the soon-to-be-released "Flesh and Fantasy," fashioned
by Universal Here is an attraction of vast originality and power,
and it demonstrates once again the scope and potentialities of motion
pictures as an entertainment and informative medium In structure,
it is three films in one,— each recounting a distinct but yet related
theme Fundamentally , "Flesh and Fantasy" can best be described
as a psychological film In case this rather academic adjective may
frighten John Q_. Exhibitor, this corner hastens to add that it is all
very much down to earth, and capable of digestion by the fans of the
nation as readily as junket or whey The footage points out the
enormous influence of the power of suggestion upon the minds of
us mortals And the accent is upon the consequences of fortune-
telling, dreams, et al Since one of mankind's favorite pastimes is
to divine the future, every theatergoer will have natural curiosity
anent the film's content
• • • MORE than that are the alluring qualities of "Flesh and
Fantasy" Few motion pictures of this or any other year can boast
of such star names in its cast, and of such directorial and other technical
talent The prologue, epilogue and interim spots have Robert Benchley
cavorting in them First of the trio of main divisions which the over-
all story comprises has Betty Field and Robert Cummings, along with
Edgar Barrier, as the top names The second section unleashes Ed-
ward G. Robinson, supported by Thomas Mitchell, C. Aubrey Smith,
Anna Lee and Dame May Whitty Concluding portion flashes Charles
Boyer and Barabara Stanwyck, plus Charles Winninger Box office
magnetism of vast force is there for enrichment of the exhibitor "till."
and for the delight of the theatergoer The director of the opus is
lulien Duvivier, and the list of technicians is a long and brilliant one,
thus lending excellence throughout
• • • IN "Flesh and Fantasy" are two particularly memorable
sequences which will have patrons everywhere agog One is the
series of murder scenes presenting Edward G. Robinson, and the
other is as suspenseful a group of happenings as movies have dis-
pensed, namely, the harrowing tightrope stint of Charles Boyer in the
circus tent, as fears, springing from a dream, fill him with the con-
viction that he will hurtle to his death "Flesh and Fantasy" is a
credit to Universal and its participants,— and cash for America's show-
men
T T T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!
Talk 48-Hour Week
For All Exchanges
(Continued from Page 1)
case was presented in a closed ses-
sion.
The nature of the film industry re-
quires special consideration, it was
pointed out, and it cannot efficiently
make a contribution to the war effort
by 48 hours. The 40-hour week for-
merly a subject of dispute here now
is considered academic, it was said.
The case was taken under advise-
ment by Pallier and no definite date
for a decision is anticipated.
Wash'n MPTO Re-elects
Julian Brylawski President
(Continued from Page 1)
ian Brylawski of Warner Bros.; Vice-
president, Sidney Lust of the Lust
Circuit; Secretary, Nat J. Brown of
Warner Bros. Another meeting will
be held shortly with one of the points
on the agenda election of a represen-
tative on the national board of
MPTOA.
PRC Acquires Fine Art
Studio for $305,000
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood— With a bid of $305,-
000 in cash, exclusive of taxes, PRC
formally acquired the Fine Art Stu-
dio outbidding Columbia, which of-
fered $300,000 plus $33,000 for back
taxes, at a court sale Tuesday. The
company will take possession Oct. 1.
President O. Henry Briggs an-
nounced the formation of PRC Stu-
dios Corp., a Delaware corporation,
to operate the plant. Officers are J.
E. Briggs, president; Leon From-
kess, vice-president; Karl Herzog,
secretary and treasurer; Arthur
Johnson, assistant secretary and as-
sistant treasurer. B:iggs, Fromkess.
Herzog, Kenneth M. Young, Sigmund
Neufeld and J. Stinson Young are
the directors.
TO THE COLORS!
* DECORATED *
SERCT. BILLIE S. BROWN, AAF, formerly as-
sistant manager Warners' Hollywood Thea-
ter, Hollywood, DFC, and Air Medal with
3 Oak Leaf Clusters.
* PROMOTED *
LT. HARRY LAWRENSON, Signal Corps, for-
mer Movietone News makeup editor, to
Captain.
* ARMY *
MORTON THOMPSON, 20th-Fox publicist, Hol-
lywood.
EUGENE MIKELER, skater in Monogram's "Lady,
Let's Dance," Hollywood.
BILL McCUNE, Monogram casting director, Hol-
lywood.
TED MENDELSSOHN, manager, Universal ex-
change, Detroit.
JOHN CECKS, Warner home office elevator
starter.
* N AVY *
DELNO A. RITTER, manager, Rivola Theater,
Detroit, and son of James C. Ritter, former
Allied States' president.
3W
Wednesday, September 22, 1943
DAILY
;<■ .V R€VI€UIS OF THE DCUJ FILfllS t* -V
"The Black Hills
Express"
with Don Barry, Wally Vernon
Republic 55 Mins.
PLENTY OF FURIOUS DOINGS IN THIS
WESTERN TO PLEASE KIDS; VERNON
STEALS SHOW.
The comedy in "The Black Hills Express"
takes precedence over the action. For this
the credit goes to Wally Vernon, who
emerges as a swell comedian in this latest
Don Barry western. Vernon proves a tre-
mendous asset to the film. In fact he takes
the play away from the hero without once
resorting to slapstick to get his laughs. Re-
public should do more with him, for the
fellow has a fine comedy vein.
This western is constructed along standard
lines. With no stint of action and with loads
of excitement it tells the story of Barry's
effort to halt a wave of robberies
that threatens to put a stage line out of
business. Barry is spurred by the fact that
he has been accused of pulling the jobs.
Hired by the stage line because he is a
terror with a gun, the fellow comes through
with a bang. The mayor and a marshal are
exposed as the heads of the gang. Their
idea was to drive the line out of business
so they could take it over for peanuts.
Barry works hard in the films to please
his fans. He stages a couple of fights
that are honies. Vernon's role is that of
a timid deputy who proves in the pinches
he's made of the right stuff. The villains
are played by George Lewis, William Hal-
ligan and Hooper Atchley. There's one
gal in the cast — Ariel Heath. It's the
murder of her father that is at the bottom
of Barry's decision to lend himself to the
destruction of the villains.
John English directed well from a screen-
play by Norman Hall and Fred Myton based
on a yarn by the latter. Eddy White is
listed as associate producer.
CAST: Don Barry, Wallv Vernon, Ariel
Heath, George Lewis, William Halligan,
Hooper Atchley, Charles Miller, Pierce
Lyden, Jack Rockwell, Bob Kortman, Al
Taylor.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Eddy
White; Director, John English; Screenplay,
Norman Hall, Fred Myton; Based on story
by Fred Myton; Art Director, Russell Kim-
ball; Sound, Ed Borschell; Film Editor, Harry
Keller; Cameraman, Ernest Miller; Set
Decorator, Charles Thompson.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Metro Coin Will Back
Wilson's Stage Plays
I Continued from Page 1)
company. No scripts have been
lined up yet for production by Wil-
son, it was said yesterday.
Wilson recently returned from the
Coast after a Summer spent at the
M-G-M studios, where details of the
agreement were worked out.
"Whistling" Tradeshows Set
M-G-M will tradeshow "Whistling
in Brooklyn," starting Sept. 28 in
Albany, Boston, New Haven, New
York and Philadelphia. On Sept. 30
it will be shown in Detroit, and in
all other exchange centers on Oct. 1.
"The Great Mr.
Handel"
with Wilfrid Lawson, Elizabeth Allan
Midfilm 89 Mins.
BRITISH FILM WILL HAVE TO GET BY
ON STRENGTH OF SETTINGS, COLOR
AND MUSICAL CONTENT.
Only those with a serious approach to
films will respond more than half-heartedly
to what "The Great Mr. Handel" places on
display. The picture, British-made, hasn't
much to offer the general public in this
country beyond color treatment, settings
and musical content so notable as to arouse
pity that matching contributions were not
forthcoming from other departments. The
film is the sort of thing on which arty
theaters thrive.
The story of Handel should have in-
spired a finer effort than this. While the
picture is set down as a biography of the
great composer, it actually covers only a few
years in the man's life. It picks up Handel
in England when his fortunes were at a low
ebb because of his having lost favor with
court and public. In slow, deliberate and
heavy-handed manner the picture depicts the
composer's battle with his enemies and his
subsequent return to grace following the
composition of his oratorio, "The Messiah,"
a stirring rendition of which brings the film
to a close.
The picture, based on a screenplay by
L. Du Garde Peach, is peculiarly undra-
matic, while the reasons for the bitter
animosity toward Handel aren't made any
too convincing. To make matters worse,
some of the dialogue is unintelligible. Faulty
recording deserves some of the blame for
this.
Technicolor was never put to finer use
than in "The Great Mr. Handel.1' It has
made the film a visual delight. Atmospheri-
cally, too, the film excels. Working from
I8th-Century prints, Sidney Gausden has
supplied settings impressive in their authen-
ticity.
The film should prove a treat for lovers
of fine music, being crowded with Handel
compositions played superbly by the London
Philharmonic Orchestra. Novelty is provided
by a group of I8th-Century London street
songs. Ernest Irving's musical direction is
a distinct achievement.
Wilfrid Lawson plays Handel in some-
what stodgy manner and very much in one
key. Second in billing is Elizabeth Allan,
who is quite decorative as an actress friend
of Handel's. Hay Petrie lends a touch of
comedy to the film as Handel's servant.
Norman Walker's direction is static.
CAST: Wilfrid Lawson, Elizabeth Allan,
Malcolm Keen, Michael Shepley, Max Kirby,
Hay Petrie, Morris Harvey, A. E. Matthews,
Frederick Cooper.
CREDITS: Production Chief, James B.
Sloan; Director, Norman Walker; Scenario,
Gerald Elliott; Screenplay, L. Du Garde Peach;
Cameramen, Claude Friese Greene, Jack
Cardiff; Settings, Sidney Gausden; Musical
Director, Ernest Irving; Film Editor, Sam
Simmons.
DIRECTION, Fair. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
Allen House to Cottier
Tacoma, Wash. — Clifford Cottier
has taken over Nick Allen's Capitol.
"Frontier Fury"
with Charles Starrett
I Columbia 55 Mins.
WESTERN HAS ENOUGH VIOLENT AC-
TION TO GET BY WITH THE KIDS;
MUSICAL INTERLUDES A HELP.
"Frontier Fury" is a fair western with
enough noise and physical set-tos to go
over with the kids. The picture profits
from a group of western tunes dished out
by Jimmie Davis and His Singing Buckaroos.
The yarn has Charles Starrett as an In-
dian agent who is relieved of his duties for
preventing the theft of a shipment of gold.
Starrett has to find the vidians in order to
be restored to the service. He isn't fooled
by the fact that the vidians disguise them-
selves as Indians. Starrett is doubly sure
the villainy isn't an Indian job when he
spots a star tattooed on the arm of one
of the baddies. Thereafter he is guided by
that star. As matters turn out the identify-
ing mark proves to be his lucky star indeed.
Starrett at the end has redeemed himself
and again has his job of Indian agent.
Starrett acquits himself well as the hero.
Appearing with him are Arthur Hunnicutt,
Roma Aldrich, Clancy Cooper, I. Stanford
Jolley, Edmund Cobb, Bruce Bennett, Ted
Mapes and others. Hunnicutt is good for
a number of laughs.
The screenplay was banged out by Betty
Burbridge. William Berke has directed
with lots of biff-bang. Jack Fier is down
as producer.
CAST: Charles Starrett, Arthur Hunnicutt,
Roma Aldrich, Clancy Cooper, I. Stanford
Jolley, Edmund Cobb, Bruce Bennett, Ted
Mapes, Bill Wilkerson, Stanley Brown, Joel
Friedkin, Jimmie Davis and His Singing
Buckaroos.
CREDITS: Producer, Jack Fier; Director,
Betty Burbridge; Screenplay, Betty Bur-
bridge; Film Editor, Jerome Thorns; Art
Director, Lionel Banks; Cameraman, Ben-
jamin Kline.
DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRA-
PHY, Good.
Lusty and Phillips Head
New Universal Depts.
{Continued from Page l)
for Columbia and RKO Radio, who
recently was honorably discharged
from the U. S. Marines. He also was
an advertising' and publicity ex-
ecutive for Publix theaters.
Phil Phillips, for 17 years adver-
tising manager for Fox West Coast
theaters in the Northern California
area, will head the new department
for the creation of picture titles,
working under the direction of John
Joseph.
Since the beginning of President
Nate Blumberg's regime, Universal
has emphasized the importance of
titles and Phillips will contact pro-
ducers, sales department and even
exhibitors in the development of fu-
ture Universal titles.
'Jeannie'
Reopen Syracuse Brighton?
Syracuse— Brighton, South Side de
luxe nabe, is expected to reopen
shortly with "Effie" Bettigole oper-
ating on a four-day basis.
with Barbara Mullen, Michael Redgrave
English Films, Inc. 85 Mins.
MODEST LITTLE FILM FROM ENGLAND
IS ATTRACTIVE CINDERELLA STORY;
NAME ROLE SUPERBLY PLAYED. f~
The British have turned to the d. v-
ella theme for this romantic little item,
which was produced entertainingly by Mar-
cel Hellman at the D & P Studios, Ltd.,
at Denham, England.
There is much to be said for this modest
and simple film, as perfect an escape from
the harsh realities of the moment as one
could hope for. The picture has its touch-
j ing moments as well as its laughs. The
I story is believable despite all its Cin-
derella trappings and has been told earnestly
and expertly. And, last but by no means
least, the picture offers in the leading
role a young woman named Barbara Mul-
len, who is a revelation.
The women should get considerable en-
joyment out of the picture, which tells the
story of a wee Scottish slavey who has
her dream of seeing the Danube come true
when her father dies leaving her some
300 pounds. You see, in her mind the
Danube is a symbol of gayety and romance.
In Vienna two men come into her life,
a thoroughly decent fellow from Yorkshire
and a fortune-hunting Count. The York-
shireman is left without competition when
the Count withdraws upon the discovery
that the girl isn't the heiress he thought.
Miss Mullen gives a charming and sen-
sitive performance as the Scottish miss.
The girl is like a breath of fresh air,
possessing an elfin quality that captures
your heart. What she lacks in glamor she
makes up in inner loveliness. Michael Red-
grave and Albert Lieven are capital as
the Yorkshireman and the Count, respec-
tively. Among the other prominent players
are Wilfred Lawson and Kay Hammond.
Anatole de Grunwald and Roland Pertwee
derived their fine screenplay from a play
by Aimee Stuart. Harold French has
directed with understanding. The film
has a score performed by the London Sym-
phony Orchestra.
CAST: Barbara Mullen, Michael Red-
grave, Albert Lieven, Wilfred Lawson, Kay
Hammond, Joan Kemp-Welch, Rachel Kemp-
son, Percy Walsh, Philip Godfrey, Edward
Chapman, Helen Bayley, Katie Johnson,
Marjorie Fielding, Googie Withers, Wally
Patch, Frank Cellier, Joss Ambler, Mein-
hart Maur, Lynn Evans, Ann Shelton, Esme
Percy, Ian Fleming.
CREDITS: Producer, Marcel Hellman;
Director, Harold French; Screenplay, Ana-
tole de Grunwald, Roland Pertwee; Based
on play by Aimee Stuart; Cameraman,
Bernard Knowles; Musical Score, Mischa
Spoliansky; Musical Director, Percy McKay;
Film Editor, Edward B. Jarvis.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Okay.
RKO Closes Calif. Circuit Deal
The McNeill-Naiffy circuit of
Northern California has closed a deal
for RKO's current season product.
Deal was set during the recent trip
of Robert Mochrie, general sales
manager, to the Coast and was par-
ticipated in by Walter Branson, J.
H. Maclntyre and N. P. Jacobs,
the latter San Francisco branch man-
ager.
Wednesday, September 22, 1943
THE
DAILY
Para.'s War Bond
Buy $11,763,790
(Continued from Page 1)
chases of extra Bonds. Many of the
departments in the home office sub-
scribed 100 per cent on the basis of
„ -Universal Pictures yesterday an-
*CTounced that it has purchased one
million dollars worth of Third
War Loan Bonds. $500,000 of
this purchase is being credited to
the Universal Studios, and the re-
maining $500,000 is being cred-
ited to the Branches. Company
has been buying Government ob-
ligations regularly during the past
year to the extent that its cash
position warranted. The last pur-
chase prior to this million-dollar
subscription was made about six
weeks ago, also in the sum of one
million dollars.
a Bond per employe. The percentage
of subscriptions in the other depart-
ments was very high, Lee said.
Hollywood Cavalcade Bond
Sales Pass Billion Mark
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The Hollywood Cav-
alcade, biggest single selling medium
of the Third War Loan has sold more
than $1,000,000,000 in Bonds, accord-
ing to the latest Treasury figures.
Playing its thirteenth city, Dallas,
the Cavalcade performed before a
45,000-capacity crowd in the Cotton
Bowl to raise its gross sales to $1,-
046,000,000. The show in Dallas
netted $35,000,000. Earlier, in New
Orleans, 80,000 saw the show in the
Sugar Bowl after purchasing $39,-
015,000 in Bonds at the turnstiles.
Three cities still remain on the
Cavalcade's schedule, San Antonio
tonight, San Francisco Saturday and
Los Angeles Monday.
WAC Announces "Over Top"
Week and "Free Movie Day"
Following a statement from the
Treasury Department-War Finance
Committee which stated that the
week beginning Sept. 24 and extend-
ing to the close of the Third War
Loan Drive would be known as "Over
the Top" week, L. C. Griffith, chair-
man of the industry's participation
in this campaign, has requested that
the industry extend every effort to
make the total of this seven-day
Tenn. Film Theaters
Curtail Power Use
Nashville, Tenn. — Officials of
Tennessee Valley Authority, through
local power organization, report the
voluntary co-operation of movie the-
ater owners and operators in the
campaign to cut the volume of
commercially used electric power.
Most theaters are cutting out all
daytime front lighting and other
lighting not effecting the safety of
patrons.
IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS
JACK LEFTON, branch manager, PRC's Cleve-
land exchange.
TOM SMYTHE, manager, Ace Theater, Detroit.
DON REDON, assistant manager, Eastown Thea-
ter, Detroit.
CARMAN MITCHELL, manager, Palmer Park
Theater, Highland Park, Mich.
HARLAN T. HALL, manager, Rivola Theater,
Detroit.
KAL BRUSS, assistant manager, Downtown Tele-
news Theater, Detroit.
FRED SWEET, manager, Willow Run Theater,
Ypsilanti, Mich.
JOHN MULLALLY, office staff, National Screen
Service, Seattle.
WALLACE KEMP, Tri-States' city manager,
Grand Island, Neb.
CLETA BOWMAN, manager, Crand, Grand Island,
Neb.
CHARLES COLLINS, manager, Allen Theater,
Allen Park, Mich.
HARRY NOTT, manager, Midway Theater, Dear-
born, Mich.
AL HERMAN, Warner branch manager, Buf-
falo.
Exeter, N. H., Theater
Wins Clearance Relief
Clearance relief has been granted
to the Ioka Theater, Exeter, N. H.,
which had protested against the ex-
isting 14-day clearance granted to
the Colonial and Olympia Theaters,
Portsmouth. While the five consent-
ing companies had been named de-
fendants, Paramount was dismissed
from the proceedings because of its
interest in the involved competitive
theaters.
In the case of the Colonial, the 14-
day clearance stands, but product
can not be held back from the Ioka
later than 35 days after the Colon-
ial's availability date. As to the
Olympia, pictures shall be available
to the Ioka one day after the end
of the run at the Olympia but not
later than 21 days after that house's j
availability.
Expect 10,000 Bookings
For Warner WAC Subject
(Continued from Page 1)
play no less than 10,000 theaters
before the campaign terminates,
Norman Moray, Warners shorts
sales chief, said yesterday at a press
luncheon at the home office.
Short is being released on Oct. 1
and will break in 147 spots, Moray
disclosed. Before the end of the
drive, it was said the pic will play
every town of 10,000 or more popu-
lation in the country.
In addition to Moray, speakers at
the luncheon included Maj. Cora
Webb Bass, WAC; Maj. Robert
Brown, technical information divis-
ion, WAC; Herbert Lenz, Young &
Rubicam exec; Mort Blumenstock,
Warners Eastern ad-publicity chief,
and Charles Bailey, Moray's assis-
tant.
observance actually "over the top."
In order to bring- home to exhibitors the
necessity for doubling their War Bond ef-
forts during- this final week, the War Activi-
ties Committee is sponsoring- a new Third
War Loan advertisement which was prepared
by Si Seadler of M-G-M and which will ap-
pear in all trade journals through the co-
operation of the WAC's Trade Press Division.
The ad also will announce that Sept. 27
will be nation-wide "Free Movie Day'' where-
by anyone buying a Bond of any denomina-
tion on theater premises will be admitted
without charge. It is hoped by campaign
officials that the WAC Theater Division will,
by participation in "Free Movie Day," pre-
sent a united front in an attempt to aid in
achieving the $15,000,000,000 goal.
Airmada Concludes with
$250,000,000 in Bond Sales
The War Veteran's Bond Airmada
which concluded its 10-day Bondsell-
ing tour on Saturday, accrued a to-
tal of $250,000,000, it was announced
yesterday by Edward Sniderman,
WAC supervisor of the Airmada.
This unexpectedly high figure rep-
resents a cumulative total of Bond
sales by all five crews of wounded
war veterans, all of whom have re-
ceived honorary awards and the Hol-
lywood personalities who accompa-
nied them during their nation-wide
tour for the Treasury Department.
It was further announced that the crews
had visited 48 cities and had travelled a
distance of over 20,000 air miles in their
Ave flights by Army and Navy transport
planes.
With tour managers reporting the tremen-
dous ovations accorded the groups, local
members of the War Finance Committee were
highly enthusiastic about the lasting effect
which the moving appeals of the fighting
men has had on Bond sales.
From Louisville, Kentucky, the War Ac
tivities Committee received a report stating
that Bond sales during the appearance of
Tour Three of the Airmada, which included
Elyse Knox, Helen Walker, Albert Dekker,
and Lon Chaney. Jr., as well as five veterans
of numerous foreign engagements, reached
$9,695,291 but the impression wrought by
the group had been so great that Bond sales
for the following day had soared to $29,-
616,353.
From Oklahoma City where Tour Two
sold $12,500,000 in Bonds, from Charlotte,
N. C. where Tour Four sold $11,031,900.
from Seattle, Wash., where Tour One sold
$11,202,975, all reports have had the same
high praise for the men and1 the inspiration
which they were so able to pass along.
"While this $250,000,000 is important in
itself," Sniderman stated, "the permanent
boost in Bond sales which the Airmada is
directly responsible for, cannot be measured
now or at any time."
Form Women's Div.
For Night of Stars
(Continued from Page 1)
seas Needs and Palestine. Outstand-
ing personalities of Broadway, Hol-
lywood and the radio will extend
their talents to make this year's
presentation the greatest in its 10-
year history.
Co-chairmen with Mrs. Spitz are
Mrs. Ted Lewis, Mrs. Harry Donen-
feld. Mrs. Hal Home, Mrs. Irving
Lewine and Mrs. Louis Grossman,
while actively participating as asso-
ciate chairmen are: Mrs. Max Ab-
rams, Mrs. Michael Addison, Miss
Fanny Brice, Mrs. Harry Dansky,
Mrs. Edgar Gould, Mrs. Julius Lip-
man, Mrs. Damon Runyon, and Mrs.
A. Loeb Salkin.
Included in the group of vice-chairmen
are: Mrs. Nathan Agar, Mrs. Max Bailer.
Mrs. Sol Boneparth, Mrs. Mendel Haber,
Mrs. Fred F. Hirsch. Mrs. Harry Holland.
Mrs. Ludwig Isaak. Mrs. Harry Lerner, Mrs.
Frank S. Levi, Mrs. Charles Lipschitz. Mrs.
Irving Sarnoff, Mrs. Marcy A. Schaap, Miss
Venie Sinsheimer, Mrs. Herbert L. Stern, and
Mrs. Aaron Sverdlik.
Honorary chairmen are: Mrs. Eddie Can-
tor, Mrs. H. A. Guinzburg, Mrs. Herbert H.
Lehman. Mrs. Louis B. Mayer, Mrs. Roger
W. Straus, Mrs. Joseph Stroock and Miss
Sophie Tucker.
Mrs. Albert S. Liebers continues as direc-
tor, in which capacity she has served since
the inception of "Night of Stars" in 1933.
Mrs. Theodore Prince is the assistant direc-
tor.
A cocktail meeting will be held at the
Hotel Astor tomorrow afternoon for all
"Night of Stars" committee heads and work-
ers. Led by Nathan Straus, who will dis-
cuss plans for the forthcoming event. Mrs.
Spitz will report on what is the greatest
advance sale of tickets in a decade of "Night
of Stars" presentations. Robert M. Weitman,
managing director of the Paramount, and
chairman of the producing committee, will
talk about the attractions on the program
for the anniversary show. Rabbi Jonah B.
Wise, national chairman of the United Jew-
ish Appeal will also participate.
FWC to Convert Three L.A.
Theaters to First-Runs
Capitol's Show and Staff
Ask Week's Pay in Bonds
Manager Herman Landwehr of
Broadway's Capitol gave the WAC
a thrill yesterday by reporting that
his new "Stars in Person" show
starting tomorrow sent him a request
that their entire salary for the first
week, be paid them in War Bonds.
This includes Allan Jones, Virginia
O'Brien, Henny Youngman and the
Morton Gould Orchestra. Not to be
outdone, Union stagehands, projec-
tionists and musicians made the
same request. Ushers and others in
lower salary brackets who regularly
buy an average of 18 per cent of
their salaries in Bonds, requested
the amount be doubled but spread
out over a two-month period, in or-
der to assure the Capitol Theater of
its coveted "Highest Possible" rec-
ord during the current campaign.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood— Effective Oct. 1, Fox
West Coast will convert the Los An-
geles, Egyptian and Uptown The-
aters to first-run houses, opening
with "Hi Diddle Diddle." These new
first-runs will be open to worth-while
product from all companies, but will
not be involved in any pooling ar-
rangements.
At one time it was believed the
Los Angeles and Egyptian houses
would share RKO, Universal and Co-
lumbia first-run franchises with Pan-
tages and RKO-Hillstreet, but this
did not develop.
Mich. Catholic Paper
Raps Horror Films
Detroit — An attack on horror films,
which have aroused considerable pro-
test in letter box columns and pub-
lic discussions in this territory, was
made in an editorial in the Michigan
Catholic, organ of the Detroit arch-
diocese, this week.
10
nw
Wednesday, September 22, 1943
DAILY
Big Screen Tele By
Scophony's Patents
(.Continued from Page 1)
with Television Productions, Inc., a
subsidiaiy of Paramount Pictures,
and General Precision Equipment
Corp., which is associated with 20th
Century-Fox.
The basic patents were issued as
part of the group of patents cover-
ing the Skiatron system, a new tele-
vision projection apparatus expand-
ing Scophony's basic television meth-
ods. It was described by Levey as
having characteristic features in
common with cinematography by
which for the first time it will be
possible to project a large-screen
television picture up to full-sized
theater screens, 20 feet in width or
more, with brilliance equal to motion
picture standards.
Levey asserted that the new and
revolutionaiy invention, which is the
work of SCA's director of research
and development, Dr. A. H. Rosen-
thal, will answer the need of the en-
tertainment world for high defini-
tion television pictures in any de-
sired size. He explained that the
Skiatron has the same basic sig-
nificance to television as the stand-
ard motion picture projector has to
cinematography. Because television
audiences will no longer have to
strain their eyes to see the pictures,
the observer now may relax and have
a ringside seat, Levey said, adding
that Scophony's original basic large
screen methods, supersonic and Ski-
atron, would undoubtedly influence
the future of television. Develop-
ment and existence of an alternate
system "dissipates the menace of
monopoly in the television field," he
said. He thanked Chairman James
L. Fly of the FCC for his encourage-
ment to Scophony in the develop-
ment of the alternate system.
Levey said that the SCA engineers
were now working on three-dimen-
sional television.
Some leaders of the radio indus-
try, he said, have expressed a be-
lief that television broadcasting may
develop on a subscriber basis as a
means toward solving certain finan-
cial problems. The company already
has patented a "secret television"
method whereby transmitted pictures
which are scrambled at the source
may be reproduced on television re-
ceiver screens of subscribers in full
clarity.
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
'Passport to
SIGNED
ELLEN DREW, femme role in
Dakar," Universal.
DOROTHY KINGSLEY, writer, Metro.
FRED FINKLEHOFFE, writer, Metro.
JANIS CARTER, termer. Columbia.
HOWARD FREEMAN, termer, Columbia.
VICCI STYLES, termer, Selznick.
RAY SCHROCK, story dept. head, PRC.
MAC MAURADA and FRANZ STEININCER,
lyrics, "Dr. Paul Joseph Coebbels," W. R.
LESLEY SELANDER, director, "Timber," Harry
Sherman-UA.
CLENN COOK, assistant director, "Timber,"
Harry Sherman-UA.
LOUIS DE ROCHEMONT, assistant to Darryl
F. Zanuck on "Wilson" and "One World,"
20th-Fox.
REYNALDO LUZA, technical advisor, "The
Bridge of San Luis Rey," Benedict Bogeaus-
UA.
ELLIOT PAUL, screenplay, "Green Mansions,"
James B. Cassidy.
JERRY GENDRON, dialogue director, "Jive
Junction," PRC.
IRA MORGAN, cameraman, "Jive Junction,"
P'RC.
HOUSTON BRANCH, screenplay, "The Belle of
the Yukon," International.
RUTH NELSON, for "The Day Will Come,"
Columbia.
ASSIGNMENTS
DICK POWELL, co-star in "True to the Navy,"
Paramount.
ROBERT BASSIER, producer, "The Son of
Flicka," 20th-Fox.
ARCHIE MAYO, director, "The Son of Flicka."
20th-Fox.
BRUCE BENNETT, male lead, "Klondike Kate,"
Columbia.
CASTINGS
GALE SONDERGAARD, "Gypsy Girl," Uni-
versal; THOMAS GOMEZ, "Phantom Lady,"
Universal; JOY PAGE, "Kismet," Metro; ANN
SAVAGE, "Ten Percent Woman," Columbia;
EVELYN KEYES, EDMUND LOWE, "Nine Girls,"
Columbia; SHELLEY WINTER, "There's Some-
thing About a Soldier," Columbia; HOWARD
FREEMAN, "My Client Curley," Columbia; ED-
MUND BREON, "The Man of Half Moon
Street," Paramount; SARA ALGOOD, "Outward
Bound," Warners; GEORGE BRENT, "Tomorrow
is Forever," International (Goetz).
STORY PURCHASES
'Tall in the Saddle," by Gordon Ray Young,
RKO.
'Tower of Steel," by Josephine Lawrence, 20th-
Fox.
Next Crescent Suit i Onl. MPTA Favors
Move Up to D of J Dominion-wide Fed'n
Jerry Kahn in London
Pvt. Jerry Kahn, former Movie-
tonews leg-man, is now a full-fledged
cameraman in the U. S. Signal Corps.
He is attached to the Army Pictorial
Service, stationed in London.
They're 'In the Can9
Harrisburg — John F. Rogers,
State Theater manager, not only
ran one of the best Victory gardens
in Harrisburg; he personally canned
the crop — tomatoes, peas, beans, etc.
Nashville, Tenn. — The writing of
a court order, based on the amended
findings of fact and conclusions of
law of Federal Judge Davies, is the
next move to be expected in the Gov-
ernment's anti-trust suit against
Crescent Amusement Co. and its af-
filiates. Order must originate with
Robert L. Wright or some other
member of the D of J legal staff.
Such an order would first be sub-
mitted to the Federal Attorney for
the Nashville district for approval
and then to defense counsel for Cres-
cent. Any changes proposed by de-
fense counsel would, of course, be
accepted or rejected when the order
comes to Judge Davies for his ap-
proval and signature.
Although Government counsel
have, as yet, failed to get into the
Crescent decision the provision that
all future acquisition of theaters in
competitive situations be under di-
rect supervision of the court, the
provision of the order with respect
to the breaking up of the alleged
Crescent monopoly and the termina-
tion of franchises for film licensing
would be calculated to help in anti-
trust actions against other exhibi-
tors.
Judge Davies is due back in Nash-
ville from his vacation by Oct. 1 and
the 60-day extension of time for
transferring records in the Crescent
case for the Supreme Court hearing
in Washington, D. C, ends on Oct. 25.
ATS to Hear Levey, Hubbell
Arthur Levey, president of Sco-
phony Corp. of America, and Richard
Hubbell, of N. W. Ayer & Co., will
address a general meeting of the
American Television Society tonight
at the Hotel Capitol. An open forum
will follow the scheduled talks.
(.Continued from Page 1)
winter supply of coal and protested
to film distributors on encroachment
of 16 mm. film shows on territory
of commercial theaters.
The reports showed many co-op-
erative activities but the complaint
was that theaters had not brought
their work to the attention of the
public and legislators in an attitude
of false modesty.
S. B. Taube reported an increase
of 57 in exhibitor memberships dur-
ing the past year.
A new board was elected comprised
of Harry Alexander, Herb Allen, Joe
Garbarimo, H. N. Masters, Morris
Stein, N. A. Taylor of Toronto; H.
Friedman of St. Catharines; Garry
Hogarth of Kingsville; M. A. Mil-
ligan of Hamilton; William Oregan
of Ottawa; F. Floyd Rumford of For-
est, and Ed Warren of Aurora who is
past president.
$5,000,000 Commercial Ad
Tie-ups for Para. "Hail"
Paramount's unprecedented com-
mercial advertising tie-ups campaign
for "So Proudly We Hail," which
started four months in advance of
release date, is reaching peak cov-
erage with a September circulation
figure approximating 197,000,000.
Biggest single unit is the Chester-
field ciggie tieup personally set by
Bob Gillham, Para, ad chief.
Para, estimates the value of all
coverage — magazine and newspaper
ads, radio plugs, window and car
cards, etc. — at $5,000,000.
The details and follow-through of
the pre-selling campaign were han-
dled for Paramount by Sam Vor-
zimer at the studio, and Bill Schnei-
der at the home office.
Allied Will File
"Exhibitor Brief
(.Continued from Page 1)
how many favor or how many oppose
a particular proposal, but will quote
verbatim typical comments of the ex-
hibitors as entered on the ques' ,
naires.
"Thus," Myers said, "while numer-
ous exhibitor organizations have filed
with the Department of Justice so-
called briefs representing the views
of their leaders, Allied now proposes
to file a brief written by the exhibi-
tors, themselves."
Coupled with the questionnaires
gathered and summarized by the
PCCITO, the summary will consti-
tute the first attempt to be made at
widespread sampling of exhibitor
opinion, Myers said.
Soviet Gov't to Receive
"Heroic Stalingrad" Net
Entire film rental earned by "The
City That Stopped Hitler — Heroic
Stalingrad," currently being released
by Paramount, will be turned over
to the Russian Government, with the
exception of Paramount's distribu-
tion charge, it was announced yes-
terday by Charles M. Reagan, Para-
mount assistant general sales man-
ager.
Picture is being sold on separate
contract showings to start about Oct.
1. The Paramount distribution de-
partment aims at maximum distribu-
tion. In its American premiere en-
gagement at the 700-seat Victoria on
Broadway, now in a third week, the
pic, week by week, has established
an all-time gross record for Rus-
sian pix in the U. S.
PRC New York Exchange
Moves Into New Quarters
PRC's New York exchange moved
into its new headquarters on the
seventh floor of the Film Center
Bldg. and celebrated the event yes-
terday with a buffet luncheon and
cocktail party. More than 200 ex-
hibitors and distributors paid their
respects to the exchange's new home
during the afternoon. Office closed
down at noon.
A 'Licking Good Job'?
Rochester — Mrs. J. Stewart Zah-
niser reports that a man came up
to the War Savings booth at the
RKO Palace and asked for $18.75
worth of 10-cent War Stamps. The
lady in the booth told him he might
just as well buy a War Bond. "No,"
he said, "my wife loves to lick the
stamps. It gives her something to
do evenings."
fcj-
Honor
Our
American
Heroes!
Fight!
CARRY ON! 3d WAR LOAN!
Sure, we've all worked hard! But we're still alive ! God rest our boys who died for the flag of
freedom! Carry on showmen, there's work still to be done!
"OVER THE TOP WEEK" STARTS FRIDAY, SEPT. 24th
Bring up your reserves ! Plan new Red-White-and-Blue campaigns to revitalize the bond-selling
in your town ! Check your community's quota, your theatre's quota and dedicate this week to
the sacred job of fulfilling your part on the home- front! With all your heart remember Friday,
September 24th ! Gentlemen of film business, all together, let's go "Over The Top !"
NATIONWIDE "FREE MOVIE DAY" MONDAY, SEPT. 27th
It's one of the high-lights of "Over The Top Week!" Through cooperation of exhibitors and
distributors. On "Free Movie Day" every person buying a bond of any denomination on the
theatre premises or through the theatre will be admitted FREE ! An opportunity to thank your
patrons for their cooperation in buying bonds at your theatre! Back the Attack!
War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, 1501 Broadway, New York City
;• • • • *to, ^
*"<' «P and ,
•
Jl
L.
2: 4
5 N
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i:
'■iv
WW 7"//£ ATTACK!
BUY WAR BONDS!
THIRD WAR LOAN!
In Today's Issue,
The Equipment News Section
(See Pages 6-8)
1MCJ J
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
-1? DAILY
■ E#*
—4 84, NO. 60
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1943
TEN CENTS
AP DOLLAR PUBLICITY CONTROLJLANS
Industry Bond Sales Will Exceed Two Billion
"Incomplete" Report Sets
Total at $336,703,852
Plus Cavalcade's Billion
Bond sales credited to the motion
picture industry thus far in the
Third War Loan total $336,703,-
852.25, exclusive of any receipts tal-
lied by the Aiimada on the Holly-
wood Bond Cavalcade, the WAC an-
nounced yesterday. The total was
described as being "incomplete" on
the basis of figures available, but
represents communiques from 43 of
(Continued on Page 5)
Theater Operation
Ruled Hazardous Biz
Des Moines, la. — Operating a mo-
tion picture house was classified as
a hazardous business by the Iowa
Supreme Court in a damage suit.
Court ruled that because it was, it
must assume the burdens that go
with it.
The high Iowa court reversed a
(Continued on Page 4)
Depinet, Rodgers and Montague Among Execs.
To Address Mich. Allied's War Conference
Detroit — Exceptionally strong lineup of speakers has been scheduled for
the Allied Theaters of Michigan Convention and War Conference, Oct. 4-5-6
at the Hotel Statler here.
Distributor representatives already scheduled include W. F. Rodgers and
Henderson M. Richey, M-G-M; Claude Lee, Paramount; Abe Montague, Colum-
bia; Ned Depinet, RKO. David Palfreyman MPPDA; and George Dembow,
National Screen Service also are listed.
Abram F. Myers, M. A. Rosenberg, Pete Wood, and Sidney Samuelson will be
speakers from the exhibition field, according to acceptances already received.
Order Maj. Wolf son to
Military Gov't School
Miami Beach, Fla. — Mayor Mitch-
ell Wolfson, Wometco circuit co-
owner, who was recently commis-
sioned a major in the Army's Spe-
(Continued on Page 5)
Circuit, First-Runs
Rook 'Oklahoma Kid9
Setting what is believed by War-
ners to be a record in number of
class first-runs booked to play a re-
issue, "The Oklahoma Kid," has
been set into more than 100 prin-
cipal theaters including Paramount,
Loew and other circuit and inde-
pendent houses in addition to Warner
circuit stands.
Returns on "Oklahoma Kid" to
date show that it is drawing equiva-
lent to a new "A" release, with a
large percentage of holdovers and ad-
ditional time according to Warners'
execs.
RKO Ups Gold hammer,
Nolan, Williamson
Promotion of L. E. (Nicky) Gold-
hammer from the post of RKO's
Prairie dist:ict manager to manager
of the Midwest-
ern district was
announced yes-
terday by Robert
Mochrie, general
sales manager,
along with two
other elevations.
G o 1 d h ammer
succeeds J. C. Os-
serman who has
been named to an
important South
American posi-
tion by Phil Reis-
man. R. V. No-
lan, St. Louis
"NICKY" coldhammer branch manager,
will succeed Gold-
hammer as head of the Prairie dis-
trict. Tom Williamson, salesman in
(Continued on Page 4)
Griffis Reported to
Accept Post in 0WI
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Appearance here
yesterday of Stanton Griffis, Para-
mount executive, revived rumors of
his eventual appointment to the OWI
motion picture post. Although a
high official of the OWI domestic
branch said last week that Griffis
was "definitely out" as far as that
job is concerned, a partial lifting
of the veil of secrecy surrounding
(Continued on Page 4)
Para. Feature and Short
As FPC "Package" Show
Will Minimize Adv. Ex-
penditures, Picture Costs,
Annual Production Budgets
Discouragement of dollar public-
ity, long a subject of industry delib-
eration, will be concentrated along
three specific lines as a result of
plans taking shape via the Eastern
Industry Service Bureau, it was
learned authoritatively last night.
Dollar publicity, seen by industry
legislative contacts and top execs,
as high-powered ammunition for
solons on the prowl for new taxes,
will be minimized in three spheres
under the ISB program: Advertising
expenditures, picture costs and sales
(Continued on Page 5)
RKO's 26^Week Net
Rises to $3,220,583
By locking in each of Paramount's
six two-reel Musical Parade Techni-
color shorts with a Paramount fea-
ture and booking the combination as
a complete unit show, John Fitzgib-
bons, general manage:' of Famous
Players Canadian theaters, will give
(Continued on Page 5)
Va. MPTO For Divorcement
Files Proposed Consent Decree Changes
Funeral Services Today
For Nicholas J. Basil
Buffalo — Funeral services will be
held today at the Hellenic Culture
Center for Nicholas J. Basil, 43,
general manager of Basil Bros. The-
aters, who died after an illness of
several weeks. Survivors include his
(Continued on Page 4)
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Differing somewhat
from its national leadership, the
Virginia MPTO in a b ief filed early
this month with the Department of
Justice declared that "it wishes to
go on record as supporting the De-
partment's stand (the original peti-
tion for divorcement) and as recom-
mending to the Department that it
(Continued on Page 4)
A net profit of $3,220,583 for the
26 weeks ended June 30, 1943, was
reported yesterday by RKO Corp.
and subsidiary companies. For the
same 26-week period in 19.42, the
(Continued on Page 5)
SPG to Meet Execs.
Wed. on Salary Rate
Representatives of management
and the Screen Publicists Guild of
New York who are trying to work
out a new contract coveiing adver-
(Continued on Page 5)
"Voice in Wind"
Acquired hg VA
West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — United Artists has ac-
quired, through successful bidding,
distribution rights to the Ripley-
Menter production "Voice in the
Wind," starring Francis Lederer.
Described as a "sleeper," the picture
was srught reportedly by two other
major companies, with UA topping
the other bids. Arthur Ripley and
Rudolph Menter produced it specu-
latively on a high budget, gambling
on their ability to turn out a hit,
which UA execs, believe they have.
THEY ATTACK FOR YOU — f WEST I IV THIRD WAR LOAN ROWDS FOR THEM TODAY!
* DAIiV
Friday, September 24, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 30 Fri., Sept. 24, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN
Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N.
Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W.
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months,
$3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117,
9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif-
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H.
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck,
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
^(Thursday, September 23)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
Hight Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat 16% 16i/4 16'A — Vis
Col. Picts. vtc. <2'/2%)
Columbia Ficts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. 16'/2 1614 I6V2 — 14
East. Kodak
do pfd
Cen. Prec. Eq 205/8 20l/4 20% + %
Loew's, Inc 6O14 60 6014
Paramount 27% 26% 26% — %
RKO 8% 8'/2 8Vi — %
RKO $6 pf d 92 91 5/8 91 % — 3/8
20th Century-Fox . . 233/8 22% 23 — 14
20rh-Fox pfd. (iy2>. 31 V4 31 14 31 1/4— %
Warner Bros 14 13% 13%— 1/4
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. ... 2% 2% 2% — 14
Radio-Keith cvs. .. 1 1/2 ' Vl IVi
Sonotone Corp 3% 3'/2 3V2
Technicolor 133/4
Trans-Lux 3%
Universal Pictures . 18
Universal Picts. vtc. 1814 173,4
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 79 81%
1334 133/4 + y2
31/4 33/8 — 1/4
is + y8
173/4 — s/8
13
Levey Eastbound to Find
Second Story for Bendix
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Jules Levey leaves
Hollywood Tuesday for New York to
line up a second story to star Wil-
liam Bendix after he stars in Levey's
"The Hairy Ape," both for United
Artists release.
In New York Levey will confer
with his Eastern representative,
Arche Mayers, transact other busi-
ness, and line up talent for "The
Hairy Ape," which goes into pro-
duction in about three weeks.
Continue Consent Decree,
Urges Ellis Before MPA
Continuance of the New York con-
sent decree on the ground that it
has promoted harmony between ex-
hibitor and distributor was favored
by Emil K. Ellis, film attorney, at
the first Fall luncheon meeting of
the Motion Picture Associates at the
Hotel Astor yesterday. The speaker
expressed the hope that the exhibi-
tion and distribution branches of
the industry would no longer find it
necessary to take legal recourse to
solve their problems.
That the industry continue its relief ac-
tivities to meet the heavier demands that
will be made upon it for financial assist-
ance after the war was urged by Jack Ellis,
president of the MPA, who presided. Ellis
announced that he would oppose any move
to re-elect him because his recently-acquired
duties as United Artists New York branch
manager made full demands upon his time
and because he felt someone else ought to
have a crack at the presidency.
Sam Rinzler impressed upon the industry
the need of aiding the WAC drive in behalf
of the National War Fund campaign to
raise $125,000,000 which opens in October.
He called upon the production and distribu-
tion branches to share the relief burden
of the MPA.
Other speakers were Malcolm Kingsberg,
Lionel Atwill, H. M. Riehey, Harry Bux-
baum and Joe Lee.
Bid $600,000 for
"Life With Father"
West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Highest price offered
for a property of any kind in the
history of Hollywood was bid yester-
day by David L. Loew and Arthur
S. Lyons, heads of Producing Ar-
tists, Inc., when they wired Oscar
S e r I i n their willingness to pay
$600,000 for "Life With Father."
Loew-Lyons guaranteed $600,000
against 50 per cent of the picture's
profits and made a further offer
that Serlin be associate producer.
They also asked that Howard Lindsay
and Russel Crouse, authors of
"Life" come to Hollywood with
Serlin, who produced the stage suc-
cess, to write the screenplay.
M. P. Research Bureau
Dissolved for Duration
Bankers' Depositions
Sought in Chaplin Suit
Counsel for Charles S. Chaplin
moved in New York Supreme Court
yesterday for an order to appoint a
referee to take depositions of Alex
Ardrey, vice-president of the Bank-
ers Trust Co., and Harry Watkins,
his assistant, in the comedian's $2,-
000,000 accounting action against
David O. Selznick, Selznick Produc-
tions, Vanguard Films, 20th Cen-
tury-Pox and United Artists. Also
sought was an order directing that
the motion of Selznick Productions
and Vanguard Films to vacate ser-
vice of process be deferred until fil-
ing of the depositions. The motions
will be heard today.
Republic Files Denial
In Capano Libel Suit
Republic Pictures Corp. and Re-
public Productions, Inc., named as
defendants in a $50,000 libel action
by Frank Capano, music publisher,
filed answer yesterday in New York
Federal Court. A general denial of
all charges was made by the film
company, which at the same time
sought a bill of particulars. Capano
charges that a character in "Hit Pa-
rade of 1943" was based on himself.
He further charges that defamatory
material appeared in a press book
released by the company.
Manager With a Family
Faces Draft Induction
Hammond, Ind. — Harry Mintz,
manager of the Partheon Theater,
has been classified 1-A by his draft
board. He is the first theater mana-
ger with a family to receive such
classification in this district.
Motion Picture Research Bureau,
which has been serving exclusively
for M-G-M, has been dissolved for
the duration. Bureau formerly work-
ed independently as an organization
for polling public and industry opin-
ion on trade matters and was headed
by Dr. Leo Handel who now is in the
armed forces.
It is the intention of M-G-M to
resume the operation of the organi-
zation after the war.
Bronston to Produce
"Peepshow" on Broadway
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Samuel Bronston will
branch out into stage production.
He will produce "Peepshow" on
Broadway in association with Er-
nest Pascal, author of the play.
Starring are John Emery and Ta-
mara Geva. David Burton will stage
it, Rehearsals start Dec. 6 in New
York.
Capt. Clark Gable Due
Back With Training Pic
Capt. Clark Gable, whose partici-
pation in yesterday's AAF raid on
Nantes, France, as a combination
gunner and cameraman in Flying
Fortress qualified him for the Air
Medal, is returning shortly with a
gunnery training film he has directed,
the AP reported yesterday.
RKO Theaters Leases
L. A/s Carthay Circle
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — A leasing deal has
been completed whereby RKO thea-
ters will take over operation of Car-
thay Circle as a first-run house,
operating day and date with Holly-
wood Pantages and RKO Hillstreet.
The deal is to become effective at
the conclusion of the run of "For
Whom the Bell Tolls" which is ex-
pected in about three weeks.
COMinG and GOIHG
is making radio appear
HAL B. WALLIS,, Warners' producer, is ir
Washington today.
JOHN GARFIELD, returns to the Coast earl
next week to start work in "Outward Bound. "
JULES CIRDEN of Warner Theaters returned
yesterday from an upstate trip.
JULES LAPIDUS, Warners' Eastern divij
sales manager and ED HINCHY, head ft
company's playdate department, are in w
phia for a couple of days.
MARTIN LEWIS, radio exploitation head to
•Paramount, left for the Coast yesterday.
HARRY BRANDT is due back from Hollywood
on Monday.
LEONARD PICKER, B. B. Kahane's assistan
on the Columbia lot, returns to the Coas
today after three weeks in town.
LEE MARCUS, Edward Small Productions, is
scheduled to leave for the Coast tomorrow.
EDWARD L. ALPERSON and HAROLD
MIRISCH, RKO theaters general manager and
film buyer are en route from the Coast.
WALTER PIDGEON
ances in the East.
O. HENRY iBRIGGS, president of PRC, and!
KARL HERZOG, secretary-treasurer, are en
,oute from the Coast.
SIDNEY LANFIELD, will arrive in New York
on Monday from Hollywood on a two-week
visit to look over the current crop of plays.
C. J. LATTA, Warner Bros, zone manager in
Albany, is in town.
LIEUT. JOE GOULD, former head of the
Screen Publicists Guild of New York, returns
to fort Jackson, S. C, over the week-end.
F. J. A. MCCARTHY, Eastern and Canadian I
sales manager of Universal, returns from Toron- 1
to today after a three-week tour of his ter- 1
ritory.
RAY MILLAND gets in from Hollywood on
Tuesday to appear as guest star at the debut I
of the Gertrude Lawrence air show over the
3lue Network on Thursday.
DR. CARLOS ROCHA, publicity manager for
20th-Fox in Cuba, is in town on business and
pleasure.
RICHARD WALSH, IATSE prexy, has returned i
from the Springfield convention.
"Mohicans" for Harrison-Den
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Pete Harrison and E.
B. Derr have announced plans for
producing "Last of the Mohicans."
The picture will probably be made
for Republic which is releasing
"Deerslayer," which was produced by
Harrison and Derr. The combination
also wrote the screenplay of "Deer-
slayer."
Sept. 24
Ben Blake Julia Faye
Winfield R. Sheehan A. L. Rockett
Sept. 25
Robert Wyler Paul Culick
Fay Wray Albert Kaufman
Arthur James Al Cooke
Sept. 26
Edmund Gwenn Antonio Moreno
"I
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ROGERS TRIGGER
KING OF THE COWBOYS SMARTEST HORSE IN THE MOVIES
and
SMILEY BURNETTE
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&&
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SONS
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JOHN CARRADINE
PHYLLIS BROOKS
JEROME COWAN
JOYCE COMPTON
JOSEPH KANE
Director
' Original screen play by
J. BENTON CHENEY
JOHN K. BUTLER
A REPUBLIC PICTURE • BUY U.
~3fe
Friday, September 24, 1943
Theater Operation
Ruled Hazardous Biz
(.Continued from Page 1)
trial court decision and ordered the
$10,000 damage suit of Mrs. Jennie
LaSell, 64, of Des Moines, against
Tri-States Theater Corp. of Des
Moines, for retrial. The lower court
had returned a verdict for the thea-
ter corporation.
In a lengthy decision, citing many
theater damage suits, the Iowa court
stated:
"When one goes into a hazardous
business — and operating a darkened
theater is a hazaidous business— he
must take that into consideration and
assume the burdens."
Mrs. LaSell's claim was based on
a fall in the Des Moines theater June
8, 1941, contending she suffered a
brain concussion, a partial paralysis
of the left leg, a broken nose and
other injuries. She claimed she had
fallen after stumbling over a slight
raise in the floor. One of the a.gu-
ments in the case centered over the
fact the theater had been remodeled
and the step-up left remaining.
The high court held that the lower
court judge had erred in giving in-
structions to the jury, contending the
instructions were mo: e favorable to
the theater than to the testimony of
the plaintiff.
RKOUpsGoldhammer,
Nolan, Williamson
(.Continued from Page 1)
the St. Louis branch, will succeed
Nolan as branch manager.
Goldhammer will move his head-
quarters from Minneapolis to Chi-
cago, his district having been re-
aligned to include the Chicago, Mil-
waukee, Minneapolis and Sioux Falls
branches. A veteran of the film in-
dustry for mo: e than 25 years, Gold-
hammer joined RKO as a salesman
in 1932.
Nolan will headquarter in St.
Louis. His district has been realigned
to include the St. Louis, Kansas
City, Des Moines and Omaha ex-
changes. Nolan joined RKO in 1932,
prior to which he was with Pathe for
12 years.
/Miami Usher, Aerial
Gunner, Dies in Action
Miami, Fla. — Sgt. James K. Daniels,
25, who left for duty in England
about a month ago, has been re-
£_ pcrted killed in action. He
pE$ was an aerial gunner on a
\i** Flying Fortress, and had pre-
viously been reported missing. He
was an usher in the Olympia Thea-
ter at the time of his enlistment.
Va. MPTO For Divorcement
Files Proposed Consent Decree Changes
(Continued from Page 1)
prosecute its petition to a conclusion
at such time as, in its judgment, will
be most propitious,"
The group feels that "absolute di-
vorcement and accompanying restric-
tions will go a long way toward ef-
fecting the desired remedies — unless
a new or an amended consent decree
which really affords relief and has
teeth in it, is obtained — there would
seem to be no alternative other than
immediate prosecution for divorce-
ment."
Going into more detail than the
letter sent Assistant Attorney Gen-
eral Tom C. Clark at about the same
time by IENE, the Virginia group
submits a complete rewriting of sev-
eral sections of the decree, including
those on tradeshowing, clearance,
theater acquisition and several other
points suggesting that the Depart-
ment rew:ite the arbitration proced-
u: e, that Section III, on tredeshowing,
be reworded to afford the exhibitor
"a much greater degree of selectivity
and assure him of a continuous prod-
uct flow."
In addition. Section IV, dealing: with Ik
censing' is replaced by a new section, pro-
hibiting the forcing' of shorts, westerns, fea-
tures or groups of features, •licensing' of any
features before tradeshowing- of features in
the group marked for tradeshowing and in-
sisting' upon complete identification in the
license agreement.
In addition, two new sub-sections are
added to Section IV, the first reading- as
follows: "IV — A price allocation under a
license agreement authorizing- a distributor
defendant to allocate features to particular
price brackets, or granting- a distributor de-
fendant the rig-ht to reallocate the distribu-
tor defendant, either on giving' notice of
the availability of each feature or upon the
booking of a feature at the time it is avail-
able to the exhibitor's theater, whichever is
earlier, shall notify the exhibitor of the price
allocation or reallocation, as the case may be.
After the notice of price allocation or re-
allocation of a feature for a particular the-
ater has been given by the distributor de-
fendant to an exhibitor, such price alloca-
tion or reallocation shall not be changed for
such theater except by mutual agreement
between the distributor defendant and the
exhibitor." The second new section bans the
use of small type on contracts.
Contractual Cancellations
tic:
Another addition would be Section VII — A,
dealing with contractual cancellations, and
scaling cancellation privileges according to
the average price an exhibitor pays for his
features. This is to protect the small ex-
nibitors.
Eight points were outlined as the principles
to govern the setting of clearance, including
"the development of clearance in the par-
ticular area, where the theaters involved are
located"; admission prices, character and lo-
cation of theaters, operators' policies (double
features, gift nights, etc.), rentals and li-
cense fees, extent of competition between
theaters involved, present transportation dif-
ficulties and all other business considera-
tions.
It was suggested also that clearance shall
date from the beginning of the first-run in
the first theater in which the feature is
shown. This latter is designed to eliminate
the use of "moveovers" and "extended runs"
to ho.d up clearance.
The Virginia group suggests elimination
of the entire section on booking, substitut-
ing the brief phraseology suggested by Abram
F. Myers, of national Allied, banning the
withholding of "prints available in the ex-
change from one exhibitor in order to give
another exhibitor a playing date or clear-
ance not provided for in its exhibition con-
tract, outlining the arbitration procedure in
eases of refusal to license.
The Virginians stipulate that there shall
be no award against the distributor unless
his theater was in existence at the time of
the decree or prior to the circuit theater
specified, unless the refusal to license for
requested runs continued for not less than
three successive months while during the
same period the requested runs were granted
a competing circuit house which was part
of a circuit three times the number of the-
aters operated by the complaining indepen-
dent. Also unless the complainant has en-
joyed equal or superior clearance in the
past and has run many of the features of
the defendant. The arbitrator in such cases
is called upon to consider the terms offered
by the two theaters, their seating capacities,
their suitability for the pix in question, the
chaarcter of their operators, their policies,
financial responsibility and prior relations
with the defendant.
Section XI, dealing with theater acquisi-
tion should be "one of the strongest", in the
decree but is "probably the weakest" the
Department was told. The suggested revision
was only slightly weaker than the ' sugges-
tion of IENE that no further acquisition be
permitted pending disposition of the suit.
The revision provided for court permission
for theater acquisition for the defendants.
Section VX, dealing with prior fran-
chises rewritten because "we see no valid
reason why 'clearance' shoul dnot apply to
iroducer-distributor owned theaters as well
as to others." The revised section would
read thus: "The provisions of this decree,
with the exception of those of Section VIII,
shall not apply to any franchise which was
signed prior to June 6. 1940 or to any
icense entered into pursuant to any such
franchise."
Trial Period
There shall be no further trial period, the
brief states, if the decree is revised. It
should remain in force until vacated or
modified by the court or after hearing.
No detailed suggestions for change in the
arbitration methods are outlined, but the
brief does stipulate that many changes are
needed. The Department of Justice is the
nroper party to suggest these changes, the
brief says, calling for simplification, the ad-
mittance of testimony by deposition, the per-
mitting of the complainant to amend his
complaint, the granting of the arbitrator
authority "to summarily dispose of all tech-
nical and delaying defense tactics."
The fifth point here provides for the limi-
tation to one of counsel for defendants- —
whether intervenors or otherwise and irre-
spective of the number of defendants. The
sixth suggestion that arbitrators will be
siven power to enforce their awards "either
by contempt proceedings or by the further
award of compensatory or punitive damages
or both for failure to comply."
The next suggestion is that arbitrators
not be restricted in their awards, and is fol-
lowed by this note: "It will be observed,
in this connection, that in practically every
instance, we have omitted from our draft
of each of the proposed new sections all
reference to the method of the arbitration
of the provisions of that section and the
award to be made. We hope thereby to ob-
viate, to some extent at least, the present
hamstringing of the arbitrators."
Modification of Awards
The brief suggests that appeal board be
authorized to modify awards under review
and hand down final awards, and that "hear-
ings de novo should be permitted before the
appeal board upon the request of the com-
plaining exhibitor."
The final suggestion is that arbitrators be
empowered to reopen any closed case on re-
quest of the complainant if it appears that
forthcoming possible changes in the decree
might indicate an award different from that
entered under the current decree.
IN NEW POSTS
TONY GOODMAN, assistant booker, 20th-Fox
Omaha.
SIDNEY STOCKTON, office manager, M-C-M New
York exchange.
IRVING COLDER, press book department, 20th-
Fox home office.
CURB'S HOMNICK, manager, Strand, Carlisle
Pa.
McN l L SMITH, manager, Gateway,^*
cago.
M. (J. rICER, manager, Will Rogers Theater
Chicago.
R. CARSKY, manager, Paradise, Chicago.
DEAN JONES, manager, State, Chicago.
THEO DARIOTAS, assistant manager, Chicagc
Theater, Chicago.
MIKE WEISS, exploitation dept., 20th-Fox ex
change, Chicago.
JAMES W. PAD.ItLD, business agent, Loca
B-179, IATSE (Theater Employes), Chica
go.
!(>'.'
:=
Sc
til.
lot
Grifffis Reported to
Accept Post in OWI
(Continued from Page 1)
the negotiations indicates that Grif-
fis may be the man to fill the job
formerly held by Lowell Mellett,
which has been vacant for more
than two months now.
Griffis himself declared that he has
has nothing to say ' at this moment."
It is believed here, however that
agreement has been just about
reached between Griffis and OWI,
and that the appointment will be an-
nounced soon by Palmer Hoyt, OWI
domestic director.
B
Funeral Services Today
For Nicholas J. Basil
(Continued from Page 1)
brothers Basil J., Theophilis and Con-
stantine J., his wife Barbara and
a daughter, Mrs. Helen N. Dell.
Eleanor Glyn Dies in London
London (By Cable) — Elinor Glyn,
author of "Three Weeks" and other
books made into films, died Wed-
nesday. She was 78.
Lift Dubuque Polio Ban
Dubuque, la. — The polio ban at Du-
buque has been lifted with the open-
ing of schools and churches follow-
ing 17 cases of infantile paralysis
reported during the scare. One of
the Dubuque theaters, the Variety,
was temporarily closed during the
ban.
Screen Blood Donor
Plea Test Gets 68
Cleveland — Anticipating a new in-
tensive drive for blood plasma, M.
B. Horwitz, general manager of
the Washington Circuit, persuaded
the local Red Cross Chapter to let
see what results could be obtained
by a plea for blocd donors via the
screen. The experiment was con-
fined to the Plaza.
Following the showing of a spe-
cially prepared trailer made by Fil-
mack for Horwitz, the Red Cross
official in attendance registered
68 blood donor applicants, which
is a record for a mass appeal. On
the basis of this result, it is ex-
pected that the screens will be more
fully utilized for blood contributors.
151 f-'riday, September 24, 1943
New York. N. Y. Phone IlKynnt 9-7117.
9-7118. 9 7119. -1-7120. 9-7121. Cable address
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD. 28. Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd.. Phone
Granite hn<)7. WASHINGTON— Andrew II
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardotir St.. W. I.
PARIS— P. A. llarle. Le Film. 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco.
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien
BUENOS AIRES-Dr. Walter P. Schuck.
Casillo de Co> reo 1929. MEXICO CITY-
Marco-Aurelic Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex
ieo, D. F.
Copyright 1943 by Wid's Films and Film Folk,
Inc.
FINANCIAL
(September 24)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat
Col. Pic's, vtc. (2'/2%
Columbia Picts. pfd.
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.'. .
East. Kodak
do pfd
Csn. Prec. Eq
Loew's, Inc
Paramount
RKO
RK0 $6 pfd
20th Century-Fox . .
20th Century-Fox pfd
Warner B:os
) ....
'2>8
16%
163
175
20%
60y4
27
9
93 y4
:3%
. 31 y4
14
27s
16%
163
175
20Vi
59
26%
83,4
91%
23 Vi
31V8
13%
2%
16% + V4
163 + %
175
20% — Vs
59 — i y4
27 + %
8% + %
93% + 2%
23y4 + %
3iy8— %
H + %
N"W YORK BONDL MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55... 7834 783^ 783/4
N'W YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs. .. 1% 1 Vi 1% + %
Sonctone Corp 3% 3% 3% + Vr
Technicolor 13% 13% 13%+ V»
Trans-Lux 33/8 3% 3% — l/8
Universal Picts. vtc. .. 18 18 18
Farrington Named Prexy
Of St. Louis Amusement Co.
® The llronilway Parade E
Picture and Distributor Theater
This is the Army (Warner Bros. Pictures)— 10:h week Hollywood
Wutch on the Rhine (Warner B.os. Pictures)— 4th week ....Strand
So Proudly Wa Hjil (Paramount Pictures)— 3. d week Music Hall
Thousands Cheer ( Metro-Co. dwyn-Mayer Pictures)— 3rd week Astor
Jeannie (Engish film)— 3rd week Little Carnegie
The Great Mr. Handei (Midfilm)— 3rd week 55th St. Playhouse
A Lady Takes a Chance (RKO Radio Pietu es)— 2nd week Paramount
Seventh Victim (RKO Radio I ictures)— 2nd week Rialto
Holy Mat.i.uony (twentieth Century-Fcx)— 2nd week Roxy
Johnny Came Late.y (United Artists-Cagney) Capitol
Hit the Ice (Unive;sal Pictures) Criterion
Hi D.ddle Diddle (United Art.sts-Stone) Palace
The Man from Down Under (Metio-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) Giobe
Tartu (Metro-Co.dwyn-Mayer Pictures)* Loew's State
Border Town Gun Fighter Uepub.ic Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
You A.e Not So Tough (Universal Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York
♦ TWO-A-DAY Rl/iV ♦
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Paramount Pictures) — 12th week Rivoli
♦ tOREIGi* LAMiUAHE MATURES ♦
Seeds of Freedom (Artkino Pictures)— 5th week Stanley
The City That Stopped Hitler (r'aia. -Soviet Documentary) — 4th week Victoria
I Danced With Don Porfiro (CLASA-Mohme)— 2nd week Belmont
♦ M II it*, or l\l\4.S ♦
Wintertime (Twentieth Century-Fox) (c) — Sept. 29 Roxy
Thank Your Lucky Stars (Warner Bros. Pictures) — Oct. 1 Strand
The Kansan ( United Artists)— Oct. 1 Rialto
Swedish Rhapsody (Scandinavian Films) — Oct. 2 48th St. Theater
True to Life (Paramount Pictures) — Oct. 13 Paramount
Lassie Come Home (Metro-Go, dwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c> Music Hall
Coivette K-225 (Univeisal I ictures) (c) Criterion
Hostages ( Pa, amount Pictures) (c) Globe
Phantom of the Opera (Universal Pictures) (c) Capitol
Behind the Rising Sun (RKO Radio Pictures) Oct. 14 Palace
The Story of a Great Love (Spanish film)— Oct. 1 Belmont
(a) Dual bill, (c) Follows current bill. * Also playing nine other Loew New York
Theaters.
40 More Schine Theaters
Set for "Army" Premieres
Gloversville, N. Y. — More than 4
Schine Circuit, Inc. houses will hoi
Army Emergency Relief premiere!
of "This is the Army," within th
next 30 days, in addition to the 1
Schine engagements already con
eluded, J. Mye: Schine, presiden
reports. Film has been booked intjs
every available town with a j>p~>
miere showing arranged for ■ •]
night preceding regular opening A
each case. Entire proceeds of pre »'
mieres go to Army Eme:gency Re 1
lief.
Circuit also announced that 13 ad
ditional towns will hold War Bon.
Premieres this week and that aif
Schine houses will participate i:
Free Movie Day today. Day is beinlb
backed up with special campaign ^
and extra newspaper advertising.
"r
Drop Motion for Referee
In Chaplin-Selznick Suit
Charles S. Chaplin's counsel on
Friday in N. Y. Supreme Court with-
drew a motion for the appointment
of a referee to take the depositions
of two banke: s in the $2,000,000 ac-
counting suit brought by the com-
edian on behalf of himself and other
stockholders of United Artists Corp.
against David O. Selznick, David O.
Selznick Productions, Vanguard
Films, 20th Century-Fox and United
Artists Corp. The court was told
that an affidavit had been submitted
by Alex Ardrey, vice-president, and
Ha ry Watkins, assistant vice-presi-
dent of the Bankers Trust Co., con-
cerning negotiations for a loan by
Ernest L. Scanlon, treasurer and di-
rector of Vanguard Films.
Chaplin attorneys had sought the
depositions, claiming they were nec-
essary in connection with the motion
of David O. Selznick P:oductions
and Vanguard Films to vacate ser-
vice of process on the grounds that
both were California corporations
and were not doing business in New
York State.
St. Louis — Thomas L. Farrington,
vice-p esident of Lawton-Byrne-Rru-
ner Insurance Agency Co. has been
elected president of St. Louis Amuse-
ment Co., succeeding the late Thomas
N. Dysart, whose place on the board
of directors is filled by Rhodes E.
Cave of Bryan, Williams, Cave and
McPheeters. Company is affiliated
with Fanchon & Marco.
Willkie in Coast Confabs
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Spy: os Skouras, 20th-
Fox prexy left the Coast Saturday
by plane for New York. Wendell L.
Willkie, board chairman, is remain-
ing here for a few days for confer-
ence with Joseph M. Schenck and
Darryl F. Zanuck.
Clifford Campbell Missing
Chicago — Clifford Campbell, for-
mer Tivoli Theater employe, is miss-
ing in action, the Navy Department
has informed his parents.
Cornwell Jackson New
OWI Deputy on W. Coast
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Cornwell Jackson,
who has served as assistant to Nat
Wolff in the Hollywood office of the
OWI as deputy director of the Radio
Bureau, has been named as Wolff's
successor as director of the bureau.
Wolff left last week to head M-
G-M's new television department.
"Army" in Brooklyn Oct. 7
Irving Be lin's "This is the Army"
ffoes into the Brooklyn Strand on
Oct. 7 for an indefinite run, day-
and-date with a continuation of the
Broadway engagement at the Holly-
wood, where the Warner musical
goes into its ninth week on Thursday.
TO: Lt. G. L. Freeman, 400 W. 118th
Street, New York City; Citizens Broad-
casting Company, Station WWNC,
Asheville, North Carol na; Football
Training Machine Co., Inc., Sheffield
Hotel Building, Sheffield, Alabama;
Mr. J. H. Harlow, 5041 Kenmore
Avenue, Chxago, lllino-s; and Mr. Ray
Miller, Mr. Charles Oberg, Mr. R. M.
Bryden, General Pictures & Supplies,
Inc., F'lm Advertising Cora.. Mr.
S'dney Stern, Mr. Irving Siegal, Mr.
W. C. Carlson, Mr. William Thurmond,
National Republic — addresses un-
known.
Certain films belonging to each of yau
were left with the undersgned for
storage, and have not been called for,
and letters addressed to you have not
been answered or have been returned
not found. Unless you will com-
municate with us or call for said films
in 20 days, the same will be destroyed.
BURTON HOLMES FILMS, INC.
7510 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago 26, II!
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Claudett* Paulette Verenlea
COLBERT • GODDARD • LAKE
"SO PROUDLY WE HAIL"
Produced and Directed by Mark Sandrleh
A Paramount Picture
Gala Stags Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
JEAN
Arthur
JOHN
Wayne
'A Lady Takes
A Chance"
IN PERSON
VAUGHN
MONROE
BOB EVANS
Back The
Attack
PARAMOUNT squaw
Monti} facie
WOOW'fMS
Aiudu. AT/, fhu (mi. TOlh f**Atiin»-Rnv I
Another Big One from 20lh .Century-Fox I
PLUS A BIC O O If V 7tn **f •-
STAGE SHOW 1% \af ^V ■ * I
50th St,
PALACES^*
ADOLPHE MARTHA
MENJOU • SCOTT
'HI, DIDDLE, DIDDLE'
icTw.STBTE
ON SCREEN
ROBERT DONAT
'THE ADVENTURES
OF TARTU"
Valerie Hobson
Monday, September 27, 1943
TW
3
DAILY
Baltimore Patronage
DH10%in1iMos.
Baltimore — An approximate 10
Der cent drop from the all-time high
established record of 1942 is shown
ynotion picture theater attendance
J.e during the past 11 months, ac-
:ording to figures made public by
;he State Comptroller at Annapolis.
The figures are listed in admission
;axes and give a clear conception of
ittendance throughout Baltimore.
The decline is said to have come
ibout during the ban on pleasure
iriving and also at times when indi-
vidual films were setting box-office
■ecords.
From Oct. 1, 1941 to Aug. 31,
L942, local film houses collected $79,-
144.11 for the State. From Oct. 1,
1942 to Aug. 31, 1943, the returns
vere $67,504.81, a decline of, approxi-
mately, 15 per cent.
The percentage is reduced how-
ver, by the fact that a year ago the
'State decreed that servicemen were
o be admitted tax-free.
j Oddly enough, the pleasure-d: iving
jan benefited theaters in the down-
;own sections rather than neighbor-
lood houses close to the homes of
jatrons, according to statistics. Most
labe exhibitors attributed that situ-
ition to the fact that moviegoers, in
" Preference to walking half a dozen
blocks to the nearby theaters, took
:he st eet car and, having paid their
'are, decided to ride all the way
lowntown to see the newer pictures.
On the other hand, some outlying theaters
lear war p. ants, found themselves to be in
■.he middle of a gold rush which continues up
o the present time.
In commenting upon the general drop in
4-)atronage, the consensus among manag-
of first-run houses is to effect that
'.wo years ago they began to feel the benefits
jf increased population due to influx of war :
workers and the impact of p easure-seeking I
f| workers with wartime wages to spend. Local i
exhibitors shared in the nation wide boom ]
which carried film business to amazing j
aeights.
This year, new factors have become in-
volved. Income-tax-conscious citizens began
seeping more careful budgets. Longer en-
ragements became more frequent in first-run
.heaters. More film fans went into the
irmed forces and the women's auxiliaries.
Baltimore theater owners and managers
-f-selieve the current level of business wi 1 be
naintained steadily for the duration. The
rrosses, although lower than last year's,
still are above any other year except 1912.
Mickey Mouse
Gaston Wyler
Edmund Burns
Directors9 Diversity:
• • • ACCOMPANYING today's regular section, you will find
THE FILM DAILY'S 1943 Product Preview and Directors' Number, and
as an important part thereof the Ten Best Directors oi 1942-43 as se-
lected by the nation's motion picture critics for newspapers, magazines
and wire services, and radio station Him commentators As one
analyzes the various facets of the poll's results, many conclusions
and much evidence of various kinds loom up But perhaps none
more so than the patent testimony that, given a solid story property
and the player and technical clay, any of the really adept directors
can sculpture an outstanding attraction, regardless of the particular
TYPE of story provided True, each director will impart to the story
interpretive 'touches" and manifestations of his unique skill. — but
it's dollars to doughnuts that the finished film will be quality stuif.
▼ T T
• • • WE mention this reasonable conviction because over a
period of years a rather quaint notion has been built-up in Holly-
wood, namely, that if a certain director has won recognition through
fashioning a certain class of film,— such a musical, a meller, a roman-
tic comedy, and ad infinitum—, his forte is assumed to be that sort
of film In other words, directors undergo "typing" at the
hands of Hollywood in a manner, which if not so obvious as in the
instances of stars and players, is nevertheless clearly noticeable
Probably the notion can be traced to studios' and producers' quite
human and understandable desire to apply every safety-factor which
can guard the production until it goes into release But there's
not a great deal of the practical about the assumption that Director
Jones, because of his demonstrated flair in making a biographical
film, cannot strut his stuff just as well on other cinematic story
forms With this thought in mind, turn to the Ten Bent Directors
and the pix that won for them their 1942-43 honors
T ▼ T
• • • EVERY one of these directors, and each on the Honor
Roll, proves, not only via recently-credited pix, but those of former
spans, that he possesses superb versatility M'.chael Curt'z turned
up wi'.h "Casab!anca," "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Mission to
Moscow," — a war drama, a musical-biography with war flavor, and
a biographical war drama Howard Hawks "Sergeant York" and
"Air Force" are likewise in high contrast to one another, — a World
War I biographical and a World War II spsctacle drama
Irving Pichel's comedy drama, "Life Beg'ns at 8:30," has no more
in common as to type with "The Pied Piper" than the latter has with
"The Moon Is Down" John Farrow's pix, "Wake Island," "Com-
mandos Strike at Dawn" and "China," while of type, are far cries
from previous story forms And if you can find any more than
distinct relationship between "The Ta'k of the Town" and "The More
the Merr'er" which Mai. George Stevens fabricated, it'll be hair-splitting
Mervyn LeRoy's "Random Harvest," Clarence Brown's The Human
Comedy," Noel Coward's "In Which We Serve." Alfred Hitchcock's
"Shadow of a Doubt." and Sam Wood's "Pride of the Yankees." to
mention intermediate winners in the Ten Best directorial efforts, were
more or less fresh adventures in their careers How well directors
fitted their talents into pattern with timeliness is evidenced by the fact
that 14 of the 18 pix megaphoned by the Ten Best were war pix or
war-flavored Natural adaptation to screen forms and fashions is
part and parcel of director clan So away with "typing" practice
which fetters and retards
T ▼ T
• • • BACK THE ATTACK! FORWARD V-DAY! BUY
BONDS
COMIflG and GOIflG
NED E. DEPINET, president of RKO Radio, is
scheduled to leave Hol.ywood for New York on
Oct. 1.
C. L. CARRINCTON, president of Altec
Lansing, is in New York from the Coast.
LT. COM. WILLIAM McMANUS, USN, has
arrived at Republic's studio to act as tech-
nical adviser on "The Fighting SeaBees."
MITCH-LL RAWSON, Warners' Eastern pub-
licity manager, returns tcday from a week's
vacation.
JOHN GARFIELD leaves New York for Holly-
wood today.
ARTHUR WILLI, RKO Radio's Eastern talent
scout, is in Chicago tor his annual Fall study
cf new talent.
ANN SHERIDAN, arrives in New York next
Monday for a stay of about a week.
GLORIA WARREN, Warner star'et, arrived
from .he Coast yesterday to take the feminine
lead in the musical comedy, "What's Up?"
HERB MORCAN, M-G-M Eastern shorts repre-
sentative, is due from the Coast today.
JAY EISENSERC, Loew's legal staff, returns
from a vacation at Grossinger's today.
SAM RINZLER and FRED SCHWARTZ are
back from a Lake Placid week-end.
WENDELL L. WILLKIE, chairman of the
20th-Kx board, is in Hol.ywocd for conferences
with Jcse~h M. Schenck, Spyros Skouras and
Darryl F. Zanuck.
WALTER GOULD, foreign manager of United
A tists, leaves today by plane for Mexico on
company business. He will be gone about two
weeks.
JAM.'S MULVEY, sales rep. for William Cag-
ney Productions Inc. returns today frcm Los
Angeles whe e he spent the week in the in-
terest of the producer.
EDWARD SCHNITZER, United Artists West-
ern division manage., left Chicago over the
week-end en route to UA offices in Milwaukee,
Minneapolis and Indianapolis and will later
cover the Southern exchanges.
WILLIAM CA3NEY, and CHARLES DACGETT,
adv.;r islng and publicity chief .or Wi..iam Cag-
ney Productions Inc., returned to the Coast
Saturday night.
TOM KELLY, we'l-known Coast photographer
is spending two weeks he.e cosing dea.s for
seve.al national promotion accounts.
EDWARD McNAMAIJA, has returned to New
Yo;k fo. a weeks vacation frcm his Martha's
Vineyard farm.
CHA LES PERRINE executive of Minnesota
Amusement Co., leturned to Minneapolis over
the week-end.
PECK GOMERSALL returned from Chicago
at the week-end.
MORT SINGER is Csast-bound from Chica-
go-
G. L. CARRINGTON, president cf Altec Lan-
sing, is in New Yor* irom the Coast.
Sher in New Law Firm
Washington Buieau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Robert E. Sher, for-
mer special assistant to the Attor-
ney General in charge of film mat-
ters, and Mon oe Oppenheimer have
opened law offices in the Washington
Bldg.
WEDDING BELL!
Shirley Booth, "Tomorrow Ihe
World" leading lady, and Corp. Wil-
liam H. Baker, Jr., we:e married
Friday.
Rene Rosensheim, M-G-M public-
ity staff, has announced her engage-
ment to Martin Cutler, Army Trans-
port Command, Wilmington, Del.
THE'
WW
DAILY
Monday, September 27, 194;ljMc
ft ft REVICUIS OF TH€ H61U flUM * ft]
"Corvette K-225"
with Randolph Scott, James Brown, Ella
Raines
Universal 99 Mins.
UNUSUALLY STIRRING AND EXCIT-
ING FILM IS SUPERB TRIBUTE TO
CANADIAN CORVETTE; PHOTOGRAPHY
BIG FACTOR.
In telling the story of the corvette,
that little giant of the Royal Canad.an
Navy wnich has played so important a
part in making the convoy lanes of the
North Atlantic safe, Universal has pro-
duced a stirring and moving film that will
quicken the pulse and draw a hearty
response from audiences everywhere. The
picrure is as f.ne and as sincere a tribute
to the men who man the corvettes as
one c.uld imagine. Authenticity has been
assured through the co-operation extended
by the Royal Canadian Navy in the making
or tne production.
The film is built around the exploits of
a corvette commanded by Randoipn S.ott.
It is the dramatic record of a journey from
Canada to England — a journey filled with
slasn.ng and unremitting action that often
lifts you out of your seat. The deeds of
the personnel of the corvette K-225
comprise one long saga of heroism rarely
surpassed on the screen. H.w the crew
prorecrs the sh.ps in its charge has been
aepic.ed with stark reaiism and with an
e.tect.veness difficult to beat. There are
a number of engagements with Nazi sub-
marines and a>rcraft that are sizzlers.
Sometimes the fiim works up terrific sus-
pense.
Worked into the action is a sketchy
romance between Scott and Ella Raines
wnicn, while it will bolster the film's
appeal to the w.men, is of no importance
to tne story. The film belongs strictly
td rne corvette.
Hjward Hawks has turned in a whale of
a job as producer. Under his watchful
eye the fiim has acquired the ring of
rrurh. His assign. ng of Richard Rosson to
direct was a masterful stroke. Rosson has
brought undertanaing and vividness to his
task.
The photography is a triumph. It achieves
stunn.ng effects and makes the action
look like the real thing, time and again
ris.ng to thrilling heights. The ether tech-
nical aspects of the production are of
equally high merit. The screenplay is by
Lieut. John Rhodes Sturdy, RCNVR.
The cast delivers resoundingly, Scott
is beiter than he has been in some time.
James Brown makes a vivid impression as
a rebelli.us subaltern who comes through
in a big way at the climax. Miss Raines,
a newcomer, proves in her brief appearance
that she has plenty of what it takes. Some
of the others who deserve a nod are Barry
Fitzgerald, Andy Devine, Fuzzy Knight,
Noah Barry, Jr., and Thomas Gomez.
CAST: Randolph Scott, James Brown,
Ella Raines, Barry Fitzgerald, Andy Devine,
Walter Sande, Richard Lane, James Flavin,
Fuzzy Knight, Murray Alper, David Bruce,
Thomas Gomez, Noah Beery, Jr., Gene
0 Donneil. John Diggs, Ed Coke, John
Estes, Jack Gardner, Milburn Stone, George
Sherwood, Lester Matthews, M.rton Lowry,
Tommy Brannigan, Edmund MacDonald,
Oscar OS-iea, John Frederick, Stewart Gar-
ner, Neal Young, Joseph Haworth, Tony
Marsh, Michael Kirk, Franklin Parker,
"Adventure in Iraq"
with John Loder, Ruth Ford, Warren
Douglas, Paul Cavanagh
Warner 64 Mins.
REMAKE OF "GREEN GODDESS" IS
ROUTINE MELODRAMA WITH FAIR
AMOUNT OF SUSPENSE AND EXCITE-
MENT.
"Adventure in Iraq" is a rewrite of the
W.lliam Archer play "The Green Goddess"
.n the light of present-day events. It will
be recalled that the studio first con-
certed the play into celluloid entertain-
ment in 1930. In the present version the
locale has been changed from India to
Iraq and the villain from a rajah to a
sne.k in league with the Nazis. The re-
sult is a B melodrama that will require
a strong companion feature to make it tol-
erable. Fortunately, the picture is one
rhat lends itself readily to exploitation.
This is a strictly routine production
redeemed to a certain extent by a mod-
erate amount of suspense and excitement.
The plot is about an American flier, an
Englishman and the latter's wife who fall
"Tiger Fangs"
with Frank Buck, June Duprez, Howard
Banks, Duncan Renaldo, J. Farrell Mac-
Donald
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW)
PRC 52 Mins.
WELL-HANDLED JUNGLE MELODRAMA
WITH TOPICAL THEME SHOULD CLICK
READILY.
"Tiger Fangs" compares quite favorably
with Frank Buck's former efforts before
the cameras insofar as thrills are con-
cerned, but it also shows the big game
trapper to be a more than fair actor. As a
matter of fact, this is probably the first time
a story with any amount of plot has been
woven about the adventures of the hunter in
the jungles.
A very essential part of a picture of this
sort is the cutting, and Producer Jack
Schwarz and director Sam Newfield have
d.ne a fine job of weaving the stock animal
shots and studio shots together to form
the completed film. It's hard to tell them
apart.
The story — which is timely — has to do
'The Girl From
Monterrey"
t
into the clutches of the desert ruler after | with Buck's entrapment of a pair of German
their plane makes a fcrced landing on a
flight to Cairo. The sheik, whose three
brothers are to be shot by the British as
spies, offers to make a deal. He will
spare the woman provided she gives herself
to him. The girl leads him along until a
way is found to escape. In their attempt
to escape the Englishman is killed. The
girl and the American are about to be put
to the torture when bombing planes come
ro their rescue. The fact that the Ameri-
can and the Englishman's wife are in love
adds to the plot value.
The acting is adequate for the purposes
of the story. Paul Cavanagh, playing the
role George AH ss essayed in the 1930
production, enacts the sheik with a suave-
ness and polish masking his sinisterness.
The Englishman is played by John Loder;
his wife, by Ruth Ford; the American, by
vVarren Douglas.
D. Ross Lederman's direction is or-
dinary. George R. Bison and Robert E.
Kent have filled their screenplay with
plenty of old-fashioned melodramatics.
CAST: John Loder, Ruth Ford, Warren
Douglas, Paul Cavanagh, Barry Bernard,
Peggy Carson, Bill Crags, Martin Garralaga,
Jill Edwards, Dick Botiller, Eugene Borden,
Manuel Lopez.
CREDITS: Director, D. Ross Lederman;
Screenplay, George R. Bilson, Robert E.
Kent; Based on play by William Archer;
Cameraman, James Van Trees; Film Editor,
Clarence Kolster; Art D. rector, Stanley
Fleischer; S und, Francis J. Scheid; Set
Decorator, Walter F. Tilford.
DIRECTION, Routine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Okay.
agents who have plotted to terrorize native
rubber workers so they will refuse to go
into the jungle and gather the precious sap.
This they do by inoculating tigers with
a poison which makes them mad and turn-
ing them loose to tear the natives apart.
They also spread rumors among the super-
stitious tribesmen that the Japs have in
some manner taken the form of tigers.
Buck comes into this pretty mess at a
moment when rubber plantation operator,
J. Farrell MacDonald is beside himself with
worry. Calling into play all his knowledge
of the jungle and jungle ways, he proves
who the culprits are — and sees their un-
timely ends.
The cast, composed of June Duprez,
Duncan Renaldo, Howard Banks, and Arno
Frey all give excellent performances.
CAST: Frank Buck, June Duprez, Duncan
Renaldo, Howard Banks, J. Farrell Mac-
Donald, Arno Frey, Dan Seymour, J. Alex
Havier, Pedro Regas.
CREDITS: Producer, Jack Schwarz; As-
sociate producer, Fred McConnell; Director,
Sam Newfield; Author, Arthur St. Claire;
Screenplay, same; Production Manager,
George M. Merrick; Cameraman, Ira Mor-
gan, ASC; Art Director, Paul Palmentola;
Editor, George M. Merrick; Musical Score,
Lee Zahler.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
George O'Hanlon, Oliver Prickett, Addison
Richards, Matt Willis.
CREDITS: Producer, Howard Hawks;
Director, Richard Rosson; Screenplay, Lieut.
John Rhodes Sturdy, RCNVR; Cameramen,
Tony Gaudio, Harry Perry; Art Director,
John Goodman; F.lm Editor, Edward Curtiss;
S und Supervisor, Bernard B. Brown; Spe-
cial Effects, John Fulton; Musical Director,
Charles Previn; Set Decorators, R. A.
Gausman, A. J. Gilmore; Musical Score,
David Buttolph.
DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Fine.
Forms Eallis Art Service
Moe Kallis, who has been with the
Columbia art department for the last
two years, terminated his associa-
tion with the company Friday to go
into business for himself as the Kal-
lis Art Service. Before wo: king for
Columbia he was with Publix The-
aters, Paramount and the Buchanan
Agency.
"Sahara" Shown in 5 More
Columbia's home office at the week-
end reported continuing enthusiastic
exhib. reaction to "Sahara" follow-
ing widely attended exhib. screen-
ings in Minneapolis, Salt Lake City,
Milwaukee, New Haven and Boston
last week.
with Armida and Edgar Kennedy
(HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW
PRC 58 M/"
GOOD CLEAN FUN MAKES THIS TUfc\'j
FUL LITTLE NUMBER GOOD ENTERTAIN
MENT.
Producer Jack Schwarz has come throug
with a cute, tuneful little number wit
this one — and has apparently solved th
problem of how to make an escapist pic
ture with that one little dig of patriot. s'
which all movies should have at this time
The war is forgotten unt.l the last scene.
The clever screenplay, written by Arthu
Hoerl, and ably transferred to celluloid b
director Wallace Fox, tells the tale of tw
prize fighters and two l.vely girls. Maja
footage goes to Armida, the Mexican half
pint who can dance, sing — and do almos
everything.
Anthony Caruso, her brother, is a your
law student in New Haven when he dis
covers that when he hits any.ne on th
chin they "fall down." Logically, he enter
the prize ring — with Edgar Kennedy an
Armida jointly managing him.
Compl. cations arise when the pair com
to New York to crash the big time. Ar
mida falls in love with Terry Frost, als
a fighter, and when the inevitable day ar
rives when the two boys are matched ti
make each other "fall down," she is ton
betwen two loves. Under the snide guid
ance of Jack LaRue, Veda Ann Borg, .
songstress in a night club, plots to maki
Caruso break train. ng so the gamblers cai
win a lot of money on the fight. The;
reckon without our little Mexican singer
dancer-fighter, however, because when Ar
mida beats the tar out of Miss Borg, tha
lady confesses the whole dirty story.
Then comes the fight. The boys an
up — and down. Up— and down, and in th<
end Caruso wins. It develops, however
that Frost didn't know about the frame-
so Armida is happy. Caruso forgives Mis
Borg, and we are led to belive she i
happy, too — although she disappears some
where.
All in all it's good, clean fun. This on
won't break your house records, but — every
one will be happy.
CAST: Armida, Edgar Kennedy, Ved
Ann Borg, Jack La Rue, Terry Frost, An
thony Caruso, Charles Williams, Bryan
Washburn, Guy Zanett, Wheeler Oakman
CREDITS: Producer, Jack Schwarz; As-
sociate Producer, Harry D. Edwards; Director
Wallace Fox; Authors, George Green an.
Robert Gordon; Screenplay, Arthur Hoer
rroductun Manager, Arthur Hammond
Cameraman, Marcel Le Picard; Art Director
Frank Sylos; Editor, Robert Crandall; Musi-
cal director, Mahlon Merrick; Musical Super
visor, David Chudnow.
DIRECTION, Excellent. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Very good.
8
Para. Nurse Resigns
Frieda Josephs, nurse in the med-
ical department at the Paramount
nome olrice for the last 15 years, has
resigned and will leave Oct. 3 for
Berkeley, Calif. F:iends at Para-
mount presented her with gifts, in-
cluding a wrist watch and War Bond.
Monday, September 27, 1943
I3&t
DAILY
{[healers' Loan Drive
Showing "Terrific"
{Continued from Page 1)
Bonds sold to individuals. A spurt
in sales last week, however, brought
a wave of optimism through Tieas-
>cy offices.
JA1 though no accurate figures are
on hand to indicate the proportion
of total "E" Bond sales handled
through theaters, it is known that
the showing is "terrific," to quote
Oscar A. Doob, Loew circuit publicity
chief now serving as an assistant di-
recto: of the War Finance Commit-
tee; From Tuesday through Thurs-
day of last week, "E" Bond sales
reports topped $100,000,000 daily,
and Doob is certain that the job done
by showmen all over the country is
one of the main reasons for this
spurt.
Not only are showmen helping to
swell the total sales in actual money
paid in, but they are also instrumen-
tal in en oiling thousands of Bond
buyers in the small brackets who
might not otherwise participate in
the drive at all. Bond premieres,
local rallies, today's Free Movie Day
(with approximately 10,000 theaters
signed, according to the WAC) as
well as hundreds of "Free Movie
Days" for Bond buye: s offered inde-
pendently by exhibitors since the
diiye got under way have been tre-
mendously important.
Credit Cavalcade, Airmada
Aside from the money raised by
these means, Treasury officials are
especially grateful to the industry
because of the va:ious work it has
done to swell the total number of
Bond buyers. The Hollywood Caval-
cade and the star participation in
the Airmadas are also credited with
doing an excellent job in "spreading
the burden" of the drive.
That showmen are the ones who
know how to accomplish these mir-
acles becomes increasingly evident
right here in Washington, where the
Army has laid out a huge special
"Back the Attack" show to run
through the drive period. Large
quantities of Army materiel, plus
captured enemy munitions and
planes, are on display, with top-
ranking Government officials and
others speaking daily. Attendance
has been somewhat disappointing,
although not small, but the Bond
sales : esulting from the show have
not come close to what was expected.
The motion picture industry, with a
STORKS
HCLLyWCCD DIGEST
SIGNED
DOUGLAS DUM3RlLLt, termer, Harry Sherman.
lD WiNN, one picture, Edward Small.
ROBtRT WILLIAMS, termer, Columbia.
KIM CANNON and WALLY KENT, songwriters,
four pictures, Republic.
rAUL LuKAj, "Adaiess Unknown," Columbia.
ASSIGNMENTS
■>HIL ROSEN, dnector, "The Voodoo Man,"
Monogram.
MICHAEL rANAIEFF, choreographer, "Lady,
Let's Dance," Monogram.
,OSErH .AjTERNAK, producer, "The Pirate,"
M-C-M.
HENRY KOsTER, director, "The Pirate," M-C-M.
LESLEY SELANJER, di.ector, "Timber," Ha.iy
Sherman-UA.
GORDON DOUulAS, director, "Hit the Hay,"
RKO.
^ESLIc FULLER, director, "You Can't Ration
Love" and "Marsei.le," Paramount.
CASTINGS
DOROTHY McCUUE, "So Little Time," Davii
O. Seizn.ck; CHA,J
erson will de-
vote several
days each
week to h i s
new assign
m e n t and
will have his
local office in
the Securi
ties Building.
His duties,
stressed here,
8
!i
li
It
;
.
JOHN EBERSON
it is particularly
will neither interfere with the
architect - engineer service he is
rendering to the Government on
building contracts, nor the work he
is doing for exhibitor interests which
have entrusted to him the prepara
tion of post-war construction plans
for more than seven theaters.
Both before Pearl Harbor and
since, Eberson has rende.ed strenu
ous and valuable service to nationally
defense measures and the war effort
as well as to filmland. From his
firm's drawing boards, for more than
two decades, have come the plans forf*
many of America's finest theaters,
sco: es of which have, through in-
novations in design and appoint-
ments, set precedents for construc-
tion, jht
Fror
111!
50-City Premiere for "Major"
"The Iron Major," RKO Radio's
new Pat O'Brien starrer, based on
the life sto.y of the famous football
coach and first world war soldier,
Frank Cavanaugh, will be given a
fifty-city premiere in the New Eng-
land territory on Oct. 26. O'Brien
will come East for the event and will
be accompanied by Charles W. Koer-
ner, vice-p: esident in charge of pro-
duction, and Robert Fellows, pro-
ducer of "The Iron Major."
TVou* It's Literally
The Exhibition Field
Dartmouth, N. S. — Basement of the
local Dundas is being used to store
vegetables harvested from the frur-
acre co-op garden of the employes
of both the Dundas and Mayfair.
Crop v/as of such large proportions
that some storage space had to
be provided. From the Dundas
basement, the vegetables will be re-
leased to the theater workers who
raised them, and surplus will be
marketed. Included are quantities of
potatoes, turnips, carrots, beets,
cabbage, tomatoes, peas, beans, corn,
lettuce, pumpkins, squash, cucum-
bers, caulifl:wers, parsnips, radishes,
etc.
JL 5 +7V
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Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
FILE COPY
NOT REMOVE
The Dally Newspaper
Of Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
FDAILY-
U. 84,
NO. 61
NEW YORK, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1943
TEN CENTS
THEATER VANDAIISMJHOWS NOJMICLINE
Peg Australian Pix Prices at April, 1942, Level
Reeling 'Round"
WASHINGTON
= By ANDREW H. OLDER =
WASHINGTON
INK BURROUGHS, in Harold Hopper's
" WPB office, is still awaiting his
ailing orders. He's to go to London to
ry to step up the rate of film coating
here, in order that we can ship more film
iase and less coated stock from this coun-
"7-
e •
THE U. S. Office of Education is the first
Government agency to put its film pro-
lucticn activities on a self-sustaining basis.
:rom now on it collects a royalty of $5.75
or every print of its industrial training
;eries sold. That's per Congressional order.
Observers on Capitol Hill wonder what would
lave happened if OWI had been ordered
o do that, not only with its 16 mm. films
jut also its productions for theatrical show-
8 )ng.
• - e
RESIGNATION of Nat Wolf from the
•* Hollywood office of the OWI radio
oureau, in order to assume direction of the
Vl-G-M television department has caused
i lot of speculation here. M-G-M has
to television broadcast facilities, so far as
s known, but it does have an awful lot
if potentially good television talent under
:on tract. It might indicate that the
tudics, foreseeing the emergency of com-
nercial television as strong post-war com-
petitor, are getting set to control the
elevision talent field.
• e
iA/E understand that the newsreels ought
™ * to be getting a mighty fine army
Vir Forces story together. They were given
ibout 2,000 feet last week comprising a
oundup story on the AAF in action on all
ronts, and the word is that it's plenty
;ood stuff. . . . e About 7,500 feet
idditional of "top flight" combat footage
/as included in the film turned over to
he newsreels Saturday for inclusion in to-
day's makeup, for Thursday's release. This
/as the general description of the 13
tories given by an official of the Army's
>ureau of Public Relations. Four of the
tories including footage on the battle of
alerno, came from Universal and Pathe
ameramen, while the other nine from
{Continued on Page Z)
Applies to Both Flat Rent-
als and % Deals; Trade Re-
action to Order Is Divided
Br ALLAN WHITE
FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent
Sydney (By Air Mail) — Film
prices, irrespective of whether they
are on a flat rental or percentage
basis, have been pegged at the level
operating on April 15, 1942, thus es-
tablishing motion pictures as a "ser-
vice" within the scope of Govern-
ment price-fixing regulations. This
measure, adopted by the Government
after months of investigation and
(Continued on Page 4)
Suspend Matinees
To Conserve Fuel
Chicago — First suspension of
matinee shows as a fuel-saving de-
vice this Fall has been recorded
here. Rosewood, Joy and Ray
Theaters have advised the operators
union of the move. Houses are in
residential areas.
Hoyl Urges Complete
Frankness in War Pix
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Complete frankness
concerning the war, giving every-
thing available to the motion pic-
ture, radio and newspaper industries
is the OWI position, Domestic Direc-
tor E. Palmer Hoyt told the South-
ern Newspaper Publishers Associa-
(Continued on. Page 8)
Name Industry Execs, to
Ampa's Honor Roll Group
Invitations have been sent out by
Vincent Trotta, president, to an im-
posing list of industry executives to
serve on the Honor Roll committee
for Ampa's Salute to the Heroes of
(Continued on Page 8)
Grifffis Takes Over
OWI Post on Monday
Stanton Griffis, who at the week-
end was named chief of the OWI's
Motion Picture Bureau, thus ful-
filling Film
Daily's ex-
clusive fore-
cast of last
Friday, will
take over the
post next
Monday in
Was hington.
Paramount
has given
Griffis a leave
of absence
from the
chairmanship
of the com-
pany's executive committee. It is
understood that he will continue to
serve as chairman of the board of
Madison Square Garden and as a
partner in Hemphill, Noyes & Co.
Griffis will give his full time to the
(Continued on Page 8)
STANTON GRIFFIS
"Free Movies" Bond Sale Big
Moviegoers Buy Heavily of 3rd Loan's "E's"
M. P. Academy Elects
New Board of Governors
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — The following have
been elected to the Academy of M. P.
Arts and Sciences board of gover-
nors: Actors branch, Edward Ar-
nold, Fay Bainter, Jean Hersholt;
Writers, Charles Brackett, Mary C.
(Continued on Page 4)
Tens of thousands of dollars
poured into Uncle Sam's strongbox
here and elsewhere yesterday as the
nation's theaters united through
"Free Movie Day" to "give away
what they sell" in return for War
Bond purchases by patrons.
With large newspaper ads herald-
ing the special observance in all
Greater New York theaters, an early
check showed that the metropolis'
(Continued on Page 8)
Reserves of Furnishings
And Equipment Drained
By Increasing Outbreaks
Vandalism, largely of the juvenile
variety but with adults of the hill-
billy type who are getting their first
introduction to the movies in war
production centers also held respon-
sible, shows no signs of diminishing,
according to reports from the field.
In some sections indeed, the out-
breaks of theater vandalism, which
frequently reflect a rising tide in
juvenile delinquency, are described
as on the gain, with the increasing
damage to house furnishings and
equipment seriously draining re-
(Continued on Page 4)
Nab Capone Mobster
As Pix Case Witness
The testimony of Tony Accardo,
former henchman of Al Capone, ar-
rested by Federal authorities in Chi-
cago yesterday, will be of material
aid in the Government's trial of the
six Chicago gangsters, and John
Rosselli, former West Coast agent
(Continued on Page 4)
Paramount Denied Writ
In Cooper Litigation
Judge Murray Hulbert yesterday
in New York Federal Court denied
Paramount Pictures an injunction to
restrain Joseph H. Cooper from dis-
(Continued on Page 8)
Joint Namesake for
Grainger and O'Shea
Gloversville, N. Y. — James R.
Grainger, Republic prexy, and Ed-
ward K. "Ted" O'Shea, Metro's
Eastern division manager, together
share a namesake in the son born
yesterday at Nathan Lattieur Hos-
pital here to George V. Lynch, Schine
circuit head film buyer, and Mrs.
Lynch.
Youngster who weighed in at
8'i pounds was promptly named
Edward James by his proud Dad.
^ ^ YES, THE NEWS IS GOOD BUT WE'VE JUST BEGUN TO FIGHT — BUY BONDS TODAY! ^ {^
1W
DAILY
Tuesday, September 28, 1943
Vol. 84. No. 62 Tues., Sept. 28, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
: : : Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
: General Manager
CHESTER B. BAHN :
: : : : Editor
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18. N.
Y., by Will's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W.
Alicoafe, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the
post-office at New York, N. Y., under the
act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage 'free)
United States outside of Greater New York
$10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months.
$3.00 Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FTl.M DAILY, 1501 Broadway
New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117.
9-7118. 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address:
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif.—
Ralph VVilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H
Older, 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Taylor
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, The
Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I.
PARIS— P. A. Harle, Le Film, 29 Rue Mar-
soulan (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco,
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien.
BUENOS AIRES— Dr. Walter P. Schuck.
Casillo de Correo 1929. MEXICO CITY—
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex-
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
i(Monday, September 27) ^;
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
High Low Close
Am. Seat
Col. Piers, vtc. <2'/2%>
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 16% 16y8 16% -
East. Kodak
do pfd
Gen. Prec. Eq.
Net
Chg.
Va
59 Va
265/8
85/8
93
22y2
59V4 + 1/4
265/8 — lf/4
85/8 — 1/4
93 — 3/4
221/2 — 3/4
Loew's, Inc 59V8
Paramount 26%
RKO 8%
RKO S6 pfd 93
20th-Century-Fox .. 23 Va
Univ. Pict. pfd
Warner B-os 133,4 133/, 13% — i/2
UIW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55
NEW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs. ... l'/2 13/g 13/8 _ l/g
Sonotone Corp
Technicolor 13% 13'/2 I31/2 — %
Trans-Lux
Expect No Immediate
Action on Kilgore Bill
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Senator Harley M.
Kilgore of West Virginia, author of
the theater divorcement bill now
pending before the Senate Judiciary
Sub-committee which he heads, re-
turned to Washington yesterday.
Kilgore himself could not be reached
for comment on his plans regarding
the bill, but his office expects some
announcement from him this week.
The general impression is that
nothing will be done on the bill at
least until a decision has been
reached by the Department of Jus-
tice on its November course, but
Kilgore's office seems to think the
Senator may alreedy have decided to
begin hearings on the bill.
Reeling 'Round' -
WASHINGTON
IM-G-M Makes Promotions
! In H.O. and Field Staff
(Continued from Page 1)
both the European and Asiatic fronts came
from service crews.
• •
FROM all we can gather, the U. S. Army
could take a page from the log of the
Red Army in the matter of aiding camera-
men shooting the war. From varrus re-
ports from Moscow via the Soviet Em-
bassy, newsreel cameramen in that coun-
try are allowed far more freedom in
shorting their pix than are our own lens
aces.... The latest story is of the occu-
pation of Orel, where the very first tanks
which entered the city included among
the'r crews several newsreel cameramen.
Incidentally, we're told of one scene in the
Orel footage which ought to be terrific in
its impact upon the Russians.
As the embassy puts it, "The German
soldier of the Summer of 1943 is seen
sitting beside his big gun, seized by
Red Army men after a daring blow at an
attacking enemy column. Thus the camera-
man found him on the battlefield — hun-
dreds of Nazi dead lying all around, and
amrng them this one live German, with his
head drooping. Yes, he has plenty to think
about."
Melford To Film Young's
"I Worked for Hirohito"
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Frank Melford has
acquired the screen rights to "I
Worked for Hirohito," original story
by James R. Young, correspondent
who covered Tokyo and who wrote
"Behind the Rising Sun." Melford
nlans immediate production, with
Young as associate producer. Mel-
ford is now negotiating for a major
company release for the picture,
which will be made on an elaborate
scale. Melford is arranging with
former Ambassador James C. Grew
*;o appear in a foreword to the pic-
ture.
Under the arrangement with
Young, the newspaperman will do
a series of personal appearances in
key cities along with "I Worked for
Hirohito." Both FBI and OWI have
authenticated material in the Young
story. An important phase of script
deals with the historic Tanaka Me-
morial, devised by Count Tanaka,
which outlined Japan's plans for
world conquest.
Robins is Named Acting
"U" Manager in Detroit
Detroit — Ben J. Robins, city sales-
man for Universal for the last 18
months, has been named acting
branch magager, succeeding Ted
Mendelssohn who leaves for the
Army Oct. 4. Mendelssohn was
feted at a stag dinner at Variety
Club last night. Robins was former-
ly United Artists branch manager
at St. Louis.
Sam Nathanson, formerly with
Universal in Seattle, has been named
city salesman here to take Robins'
post.
Promotions among M-G-M's home
office and field personnel were an-
nounced yesterday. At the home
office, Alex Nelson has been made
head of the contract department,
succeeding I: a Martin who has been
given a special assignment. Nelson
formerly handled special records.
At the Washington exchange, Paul
Wall has been moved up from second
booker to salesman, while Victor
Wallace, third booker, takes Wall's
spot. Henry Ajello, fourth booker,
becomes third booker and Catherine
Murphy, f 0: mer student booker, suc-
ceeds Ajello. Tillie Gosin, a biller,
becomes a student booker.
At Kansas City, Woodrow Walker
succeeds Vernor Smith as first
booker, Smith going into the armed
forces and Walker moving up from
third booker. Roger Leaton, fouith
booker, becomes second booker suc-
ceeding William Schwartz, also in
the armed forces. Mary Ryan, sec-
retary, has been promoted to third
booker and Myrtle Cain, chief con-
tract clerk, becomes fourth booker.
Local B-179 and UDT
To Meet on Wage Appeal
Detroit — A meeting is being sched-
uled for this week between Local
B-179 (IATSE) representatives and
United Detroit Theaters to reach an
agreement on the appeal of the union
for raises for usheis, cashiers, and
other employes. Case was tried be-
fore a WLB conciliator, who ruled
against the union, on the ground that
contract should be observed, and the
union has appealed the case, which
affects most houses in the city in
effect. Raises of $3 to $5 dollars
weekly are sought for cashiers, in
general, with raise of ushers to $.50
hourly rate in downtown houses and
$.45 in suburban.
War Labor Board Hears
Local 109 Pact Dispute
Hearings on the contract dispute
between the Screen Office and Profes-
sional Employes Guild, Local 109,
UOPWA, and Loew's, 20th-Fox and
United Artists, involving office help
at New York exchange of the three
companies, opened yesterday before
a special panel of the Regional War
Labor Board. Another hearing is
scheduled for tomorrow.
Hussey Here for Parley
On Univ.'s "Corvette"
Bob Hussey, head of Universale
radio department, is here from the
Coast for home office conferences
in connection with "Corvette K-225,"
soon to be released. Hussey goes
to Ottawa later this week for con-
ferences with Canadian naval and
government officials and Alf Perry,
general manager of Empire-Univer-
sal.
COMinG and GOIflG
HARRY M. WARNER arrived in New York yes-
terday from the Coast.
SPYROS SKOURAS and SAM SHAIN re-
turned to New York from the Coast over the
week-end.
PHIL REACAN is here from Hollywood.
MARY LIVINCSTONE is a New York arr^
from the Coast. £ . I
SIR ALEXANDER KORDA and LADY KORdJi
(MERLE OBERON) are expected to arrive today
from the Coast.
SIDNEY LANFIELD is here from Hollywood.
AL LICHTMAN is scheduled to arrive in Hol-
lywood today from New York.
SI SEADLER has returned from the Coast.
JOHN K. HILLIARD, chief engineer of the
Radar and motion picture division of Altec
Lansing, has arrived in New York.
HAL B. WALLIS, Warners' producer, returned
to New York from Washington over the week-
end and leaves tomorrow for the Coast after
spending 10 days in the East.
BEN KALMENSON, Warner Bros, general sales
manager, has returned from Detroit and Chica
go.
A. W. SCHWALBERG, supervisor of exchanges
for Warner Bros., is back from a tour of the
Midwest.
LT. COM. EUGENE J. ZUKOR, left last night
for his base in Los Angeles after a seven-day
leave in New York.
LEE MARCUS has returned to Hollywood.
DAVE DIAMOND is here from the Coast.
A. J. O'KEEFE, Universal's Western division
manager, leaves today for Chicago and Min-
neapolis.
CHARLES FRANCIS COE, CORDON WHITE,
ARTHUR DE BRA and MARK LARKIN left
yesterday for Buffalo and Toronto.
Bernhard Honor Guest
At Philly AJA Dinner
Philadelphia — Joseph Bernhard,
Warner exec, Was guest of honor last
night at the fifth annual dinner of
the Allied Jewish Appeal's Theat-
rical and Radio Division.
Bernhard spoke on the "motion
picture contribution to the war,':
describing the work of the WAC
from its beginning to the present
Bond Campaign.
Brody Rites in Cleveland
Cleveland — Dr. I. Brody, former
prominent local indie circuit owner,
who died suddenly in Detroit where
he has been in the finance business
during recent years, was buried here
Brody was purchaser of a group of
Cleveland theaters operated at one
time by Universal Pictures. He is
survived by his wife, a son serving
in the Coast Guard and a daughter.
Sullivan Tom Terriss
Ernest Fegte
Joseph Weisnet
-*ff
Tbey're telling
this kind of
Warner Holdover
story
city after city
Release
after release
0
o
%
And now comes
"Thank Your Lucky Stars;
and then
uprvncess
O'Rourkf
f
'J
THE
ARMY
IN TECHNICOLOR
BENEFIT ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF
LATE
FEATURE
TONIGHT AT 11
Wrick
Jack L.Warner, Executive Producer
Lets All Give to the National War Fund!
T
1W
Tuesday, September 28, 19431
DAILY
Peg Aussie Pix Prices
At April 1942 Level
(Continued from Page 1)
discussions with both exhibitors and
distributors, has been met with di-
vided opinions within the trade.
Exhibitors here are "jubilant" in
that they feel this "protection" has
been necessary to stabilize the over-
tures of distributors. Producer rep-
resentatives, on the other hand, con-
tend that many, if not all, showmen
who have played their pictures since
April of last year have enjoyed much
higher grosses from the wartime
boom and that they should receive a
fair proportion of such inflated in-
takes.
A ray of hope for the distributors
is the special clause provided in the
regulations, where permission can
be granted for increased charges in
specific cases for specific films. It
is believed in trade circles that it
would be practically impossible to
pursue this measure too often, but
it is to be assumed that distribu-
tors will contest contracts with the
more lucrative circuits.
Because of the increasing war tax
formula, the ultimate winner in this
industry "battle" must be the Gov-
ernment, it was pointed out here.
Nab Capone Mobster
As Pix Case Witness
(Continued from Page 1)
of the gang, and Louis Kaufman,
business agent for operators' Local
244 of Newark, all of whom are
charged with conspiring to extort
more than $1,000,000 from film com-
panies, it was announced by Boris
Kostelanetz, special assistant U. S.
attorney geneial, in New York Fed-
eral Court.
Kostelanetz said that removal pro-
ceedings will be instituted in Chicago
so that Accardo will be in New York
in time for the trial.
Stag Dinner Honors Kirsch
Chicago — Allied Buying & Book-
ing Circuit's first anniversary stag
dinner at the Blackstone, Oct. 4
will honor Jack Kirsch, the cir-
cuit's buyer and prexy of Illinois
Allied.
WEDDING BELLS
Miami, Fla. — Wedding bells rang
for Helen Scoville, secretary to Syd-
ney Meyer, v.-p. of Wometco The-
aters, Inc., who became the bride
of Earl Porter.
Detroit— Floyd Chrysler, M-G-M
state salesman for several years,
was married to Waunetta Stout of
Detroit. Event was a society af-
fair, with reception following at the
Detroit Yacht Club.
Candles and Cake:
• • • TO one of iilmdom's ace international stars a glamorous
birthday party was tendered last night in the Museum of Modern
Art It was the 15th natal day of Mickey Mouse, and Walt Disney
and RKO Radio collaborated in celebrating the event There was
a birthday cake. — and no cheese cake, either — , of dazzling dimensions
and tantalizing taste, symbolic of Mickey's great fame and appeal
Thereon flamed a dozen-and-a-quarter festive candles, themselves visible
signs of the diversified "flickers" in which the mighty mouse has
strutted his histrionics And a block of eight of these flickers.
selected to demonstrate as well as to commemorate Mickey's evolu-
tionary march up the ladder of renown as a screen personality, was
shown to the several hundred guests
T T T
• • • FIRST of the block was "Steamboat Willie," wherein
Mickey, under the Columbia banner, made his debut The world
premiere was in the local Colony Theater, on Sept. 27, 1928
A couple of years earlier, B. S. Moss had built the stand as an indie
house, and, when Walt Disney created Mickey on his genius-infested
drawing board and transferred the rodent into celluloid, the Colony
was under Universal operation At least this was the situation
at the time "Steamboat Willie" broke release-ice Actually, Walt
began making "Mickey Mouse" cartoons in sound during May of
1928 There were destined to be marketed, following conclusion
of the Columbia days, by United Artists and then by RKO Radio
By an odd circumstance, an RKO Radio-ite now serving on the
publicity staff of S. Barret McCormick and who aided in the pro-
motion of Mickey's birthday party last night, Arthur Brillant, was
the Colony's managing director for "U." and, gnawed by the mouse's
magnetic humor and potentialities, brought Mickey formally to the
screen Few entertainment world luminaries can boast of a
Broadway bow as initial fling in show biz But that's what
Mickey did, and literally "right off the reel" In the wake of
"Steamboat Willie" yester night were projected for his invited cele-
brity friends, and press and radio solons, "Mickey's Choo-Choo," Colum-
bia, '29 (this should not confuse Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler);
"Mickey's Grand Opera," UA '36; "Brave Little Tailor," RKO-Radio,
'38; "Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip," RKO-Radio, '40; "Symphony Hour"
and "Mickey's Birthday Party," RKO-Radio, '42; plus the brand-new
unreleased "Figaro and Cleo," soon to grace film outlets of the free
world
▼ T ▼
• • • PROMINENTLY 'mong last night's homage-paying person-
ages were Deems Taylor. Eric Blore, W. Randolph Burgess. S. Barret
McCormick, Jack Alicoate. Antoinette "Toni" Spitzer Walter Pidgeon.
Rutgers Neilson, Adrienne Ames, William Levy. Don Mersereau. Leo
Samuels. James Agee Captain W. H. Pashley and Mrs. Pashley.
Bob Wolff. Harry Mandel. Howard Barnes. "Chic" Lewis. John T. Mc-
Manus, Bessie Beatty Harold Blumenfeld. Bosley Crowther. Jane
Corby. Alton Cook. A. O. Dillenbeck, Isobel Heath, Frank Eaton, Harry
Evans Richard Field. John Farmer. Harriet Gould, Emily Grenauer,
Harold Hendee, Edward Alden Jewell. Mel Konecoff Frank Leyen
decker, Julia McCarthy, Billie Friedberg. Harlow Peters, Al Steen. Al
Picault, Jack Harrison, Bill Formby Jerry Jerauld, Fred Stengel Pfc.
Joseph Heppner, Jack Lewis, Lou Pelegrine, Tom Wenning, Mary Jane
Krohl, Floyd Stone and many others
▼ T ▼
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR-Back the Attack-Buy, War
Bonds.
Theater Vandalism
Shows Ho Decline
r i»i
(Continued from Page 1)
serves. Seat destruction, for in-
stance, is now termed a major prob-
lem for exhibs.
Damage resulting from the
called hill-billy patronage is said
be taking various forms. For
stance, one theater operator in i
large industrial city reports that he
found mountain gals calmly scissor-
ing off the Summer slip covers from
orchestra chairs. Questioned, they
said they wanted it to do a bit of
"home sewing." Destruction of fur-
nishings in powder and smoking
rooms is also said to be no small
problem for exhibs. catering to the
new hill-billy audiences.
Meanwhile, enactment of munici-
pal curfew ordinances is reported
across the country as cities and
towns strive to cope with juvenile
delinquency. Generally, exhibitors
are in accord with such moves but
some showmen, looking to the post-
war period when delinquency pre-
sumably will recede, are wondering
if it will be easy to repeal the ordi-
nances restricting juve night film
attendance.
M. P. Academy Elects
New Board of Governors
(Continued from Page 1)
McCall, Jr., Seton I. Miller; Produc-
ers, Walt Disney, Y. Frank Freeman.
Edward J. Mannix; Directors, How-
ard Hawks, Mervyn Leroy, Sam
Wood; Sciences, Farciot Edouart,
Bryon Haskins, Thomas Moulton.
The membership approved the ere-'
ation of three new branches — music,
public relations and short subjects, — '
and elected Nat W. Finston to rep-
resent music, John Leroy Johnston,
public relations, and Pete Smith,
short subjects.
The board will hold an electioi
within 30 days to elect officers.
Special WB Radio Dep't
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Warners has created:
a special department to handle ra-
dio relations at the studio. Sam'
Taylor, long a radio writer and com-
mentator, will serve as specialist in
radio relations under Alex Evelove,
publicity manager. Another member
of the department will be Mickell
Novak. Taylor reported to the stu-
dio yesterday.
STORKS
Miami, Fla. — Gerald Carl Toemmes
made his ar:ival at the home and Mr.
! and Mrs. Ray Toemmes, timing it
| for their seventh anniversary. Ray
is manager of the Tower theater.
Milwaukee — A daughter, Judith
Ellen, was born to S. R. Chapman
Columbia salesman here, and Mrs
Chapman.
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BRUCE BEHNETT • J. CARROL NAtSH LLOYD BRIDGES
Ploy by John Howard lawson ond Zoitan Kor«la • Directed by ZOlTAlN KORfcA
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
Tuesday, September 28, 194:
it
rr
Free Movie Day
War Bond Sales Big
(Continued from Page 1)
moviegoers were keeping typists in
the Bond booths steadily employed.
Loew's, with only 20 in-town houses
reporting, sold 502 Bonds in a few
hours according to Ernest Emerling.
The Capitol on Broadway, with an
early opening date, had 300 sold by
3 o'clock while 90 minutes after it
had opened its doors, Loew's Wood-
side had surrendered 29 free admis-
sions in return for Bonds.
Harry Mandel, submitting- figures lor RKO's
circuit, stated that 10 houses had made sales
of 173 Bonds. The RKO Fordham. which
opened at 11 a.m., showed 85 small-Bond
transactions by 3 p.m., while the Albee
sold 18 In a little more than an hour.
Other Broadway houses at mid-afternoon
reported as follows: Strand, $4,000: Music
Hall, $2,500: Roxy, $1,225: Paramount,
$5,000. These sales were all small Bonds
of the "E" variety.
Several situations around the country,
where no matinee performances were given,
declared that the advertising- and publicity
campaigns around "Free Movie Day" had
awakened considerable response, and that
the expectation was that many additional
sales would be registered.
Bob O'Donnell, Texas state Bond chair-
man, told the WAC by telephone yesterday
afternoon that "there are no figures yet,
but 'Free Movie Day' looks like money in
Uncle Sam's bank."
Paramount Boosts Bond
Subscriptions by $470,000
Third War Loan subscriptions of
Paramount Pictures, Inc., and thea-
ter partnerships were increased yes-
terday by $470,000, bringing the total
to date to $12,233,790, it was an-
nounced by Claude Lee, chairman of
the Paramount central committee
for the Third War Loan. Added
amounts include a $400,000 sub-
scription of the Graybar Electric
Co., a Paramount vendor and an ad-
ditional $70,000 subscribed by the
parent company.
Cavalcade's Bond Total
Stands at $1095,614,000
With the concluding Frisco en-
gagement adding $21,614,000 in War
Bond sales, total rolled up by the
Hollywood Cavalcade in its cross
country tour in behalf of the Third
War Loan drive yesterday stood at
$1,095,614,000.
"Welcome home" ceremony staged
at Glendale for the Cavalcade party
was highlighted by the reading
of telegrams from Secretary of the
Treasury Morgenthau and Ted Gam-
ble, national War Finance director.
Morgenthau's wire declared the Cav-
alcade "undoubtedly made a fine con-
tribution to what now appears to
have been a highly successful effort,"
while Gamble telegraphed, "I hope
everyone is as happy about this en-
terprise as we are here and we feel
that the job they have turned in has
exceeded everyone's expectations."
"Sun" in 50-City Pa. Debut
A full-scale 50-city premiere will
launch RKO Radio's "Behind The
Rising Sun" in the Philadelphia ter-
ritory starting tomorrow.
The ... .
FEMME TOUCH
DOROTHY McQUAY, assistant manager, Varsity,
Raleigh, N. C.
HELEN ALLEN, supervisor, Varsity, Raleigh,
N. C.
CATHERINE MURPHY, booker, M-C-M, Wash-
ington.
TILLIE COSIN, student booker, M-C-M, Wash-
ington.
MARY RYAN, booker, M-C-M, Kansas City.
MYRTLE MILLER CAIN, booker, M-C-M, Kansas
City.
Paramount Denied Writ
In Cooper Litigation
(Continued from Page 1)
posing of stocks in his three cor-
porations, Rialto, Inc., J. H. Cooper
Enterprises, Inc., and Interstate The-
aters, Inc., all doing business in
Colorado. Paramount is suing to re-
cover one-half of the stocks of the
three corporations now held in Coo-
per's name. Under a 1932 agree-
ment Paramount alleges Cooper was
to reorganize his theater interests in
Colorado which were owned by Pub-
lix Theaters Corp. and to form two
holding companies in which Cooper
and Paramount were to be joint
owners.
The Court referred Cooper's mo-
tion to vacate service of process with
respect to the three corporations to
Special Master F. W. H. Adams.
Paramount was granted the right to
take depositions of Cooper and other
witnesses, but the court stipulated
that the examination must proceed
with diligence. The court stayed the
defendants' examination of Para-
mount executives, but stated that
they could vacate the stay if there
was any reasonable delay on the part
of Paramount.
The court also granted Montague
F. Gowthorpe, treasurer and direc-
tor, and Sam Dembow, Jr., director
of the Lincoln Theater Corp. of Lin-
coln, Neb., prior rights for the ex-
amination of Cooper and other wit-
nesses in connection with their ac-
tion for an accounting against Coo-
per and the Lincoln firm.
Rickenbacker to Attend
Picture Pioneers Dinner
Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker will be
guest of honor at the Picture Pio-
neers annual harvest dinner on
Thursday evening, Nov. 18. Jack
Cohn, president of the film veterans'
organization, credits Tom Connors
of 20th Century-Fox, with having
persuaded Capt. Rickenbacker to at-
tend the dinner.
A meeting of the executive com-
mittee will be held at Toots Shor's
restaurant this noon at which
time the details of the harvest din-
ner will be discussed and applica-
ions for membership acted upon.
Mrs. Johnston Leaves MOT
Mrs. Isabel Johnston, receptionist
at March of Time for the past six
years, leaves the company on Friday
to live in Pinehurst, N. C.
Name Industry Execs, to
Ampa's Honor Roll Group
(Continued from Page 1)
the Motion Picture Industry, the af-
fair to be held Oct. 21 at the Hotel
Astor.
Among those receiving invitations
were:
Barney Balaban, Adolph Zukor, Stanton
Griffis, Neil F. Agnew, Leonard Goldenson,
Austin C. Keough, and Robert M. Gillham.
Nicholas M. Schenck, David Bernstein,
William F. Rodgers, Charles C. Moskowitz,
Joseph R. Vogel, Howard Dietz, and Oscar
A. Doob.
Jack Cohn, Nate Spingold, Abe Montague,
Abe Schneider, Dave Lipton.
Herman Robbing, Toby Gruen, George Dem-
bow, William Brenner and Edward McNamee.
Herbert J. Yates, James R. Grainger,
Charles Reed Jones.
Will H. Hays, Charles Francis Coe, Arthur
DeBra, David Palfreyman.
George J. Schaefer, Francis L. Harmon,
Simon H. Fabian, Arthur L. Mayer.
Mai. Albert Warner, Joseph Bernhard,
Ben Kalmenson, Charles Einfeld, Harry Kal-
mine, Harry Goldberg, Mort Blumenstock.
N. Peter Rathvon, Richard W. Patterson,
Jr., Ned E. Depinet, Malcolm Kingsberg,
Edward L. Alperson, Robert Moehrie.
Edward C. Raftery. Gradwell L. Sears,
Carl Leserman, Arthur Kelly, Harry D. Buck-
ley, and Paul N. Lazarus, Jr.
J. Cheever Cowdin, Nate Blumberg, J. J.
O'Connor, Wm. A. Scully, Charles D. Prutz-
man, Maurice Bergman and John Joseph.
Spyros P. Skouras, Charles Skouras, Wen-
dell L. Willkie, Thomas J. Connors, William
C. Michel, Dan Michalove and Hal Home.
W. Ray Johnston, Norton V. Ritchey and
Lou Lifton.
Jules Brulatour and William German.
O. Henry Briggs and Arthur Greenblatt.
Ed Kuykendall, Abram F. Myers and Harry
Brandt.
Jack Alicoate, Chester B. Bahn and Don
Mersereau.
Martin Quigley, Colvin W. Brown, Terry
Ramsaye and Sherwin Kane.
Ben Shlyen, Ray Levy and William Form-
by.
Sid Silverman and Abel Green.
Jay Emanuel and Herbert M. Miller.
Charles Lewis, Mo Wax. Pete Harrison
and Leonard Traube.
William Wilkerson.
Griffis Takes Over His
OWI Post on Monday
(Continued from Page 1)
supervision of the relationships be-
tween the Government and the film
industry. He succeeds Lowell Mel-
lett who resigned when the motion
picture section was curtailed.
In making the announcement of
Griffis' acceptance of the post, Pal-
mer Hoyt, director of domestic rela-
tions of the OWI, said that Griffis
would co-ordinate all Government re-
quests to the industry, channel all
film industry requests for informa-
tion from the Government and han-
dle all requests for motion picture
co-operation in war drives and in
Governmental information programs.
Hoyt gave assurance that the OWI
would not go into film production,
declaring that "effective co-operation
between the Government and the film
industry has made obvious a point I
made some time ago when I said that
there was no more need for the OWI
to produce its own films than there
was for it to publish its own news-
papers."
Sid Bloomfield Dead
Philadelphia— Sid Bloomfield, 31,
manager of the Leno, is dead.
Hoyt Urges Complete
Frankness in War Pix
(Continued from Page 1)
tion at Hot Springs, Ark., yesterday.
"I have often said, and I'd like to
say it again, that I think newsreel
coverage is one of the keys to JL"
log jams that block realistic l*
coverage," Hoyt told the publishers.
"If the newsreel boys get their shots
of actual battle scenes, you may rest
assured that the newspaper business
will get its stories and its stills.
"And by the same token, if you gentle
men get your stills you may be certain that'
the newsreels will also get their shots of
real action."
Hoyt then devoted the major part of his'
address to "the picture front," placing OWI
squarely on record for the starkest, frankest,
most realistic newsreel coverage possible. '
Show Horrors of War
"It is generally conceded," he said, "the
highest home front morale exists in Rus-
sia. If you have seen Russian motion pit
tures of the war as they are shown to their
own people, you will remember that they
take the war as it comes. The dead are1
part of the battle and the maimed and
wounded civilians tortured by the Germans
are shown, too, as well as the punishment
accorded the Nazis for rape and loot and
murder."
Getting the news from the front — in words
or celluloid — means showing men being
killed and wounded, and few such pix hav •
actually been seen here so far, Hoyt con-
tinued.
"While the last war was going on, thei 'a
were no pictures printed of the dead c
seriously wounded — no pictures printed that
would interfere with the pleasant descent of
our morning coffee.
"What was the result?" he asked.
"In the last war no American dead were
shown while the war was on. Then what
happened? Fifteen years after that fateful
November 11, 1918, the country was flooded
with 'war' pictures that had turned from
'war' to 'horror' pictures because they were
no longer news.
"Newspapers both conservative and sen-
sational competed almost hysterically for
the rights to run them and run them they
did. They ran them in whole pages of
fightfulness so that America's millions might
know of the horrors of war.
"But the newspapers of America didn't run
them as news. It was history, history and
propaganda. As a result a wave of revolu-
tion against war swept America and, as you
are here today so well known, this land
of ours was ill-prepared to face its greatest
crisis when war came again.
Run Pictures of Dead
"And we will run the pictures of the
dead of this war again. Make no mistake
about that. They will either run currently
as a part of the greatest story in history —
as news — or they will run years hence in
featured masses in picture books and on
picture pages as they did after the last war.
"And bear this in mind — if they run un-
der those circumstances, these pictures will
not be news; they will be propaganda just
as they were before. And this brings up
another interesting phase of the whole prob-
lem of covering the war. It is not our pur-
pose in OWI to attempt to propagandize
the American public either for or against
war because war furnishes its own indict-
ment. But there is only one way that we can
keep ourselves free of the charge of propa-
ganda— and the only way the newspapers
can keep free from propaganda — and that
is to run the whole story of the war in its
proper perspective day in and day out just
as long as the war lasts. Nor should we
forget that omission can be propaganda as
well as commission.
"This country, above all countries, has the
facilities, the equipment and the skill for
doing a brilliant job of reporting the war
If we but want to, we can produce a run-
ning play-by-play story of the war, with pic-
tures, with radio accounts, with newsreels,
that will make each of us an eye-witness.
It isn't being done. The fact that it isn't
being done is a responsibility first of OWI.
second of the military services and third
of the newspapers and radio and films."
"IJCINZZ DAN
J_S Hl.1717 M HZ
Intimate in Character
International in Scope
Independent in Thought
Tcov —
The Daily Newspaper
Oi Motion Pictures
Twenty-Five Years Old
)OL. 84. NO. 63
NEW YORK. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29. 1943
TEN CENTS
i
ARBITRATORS' "BATTING AVERAGER HIGH
Gov't Links George E. Browne to Capone Ring
Editorial
War's Horror
. . . and the screen
= By CHESTER B. BAHN =
/^N the basis of what E. Palmer Hoyt,
^■'OWI domestic director, had to say in
addressing the Southern Newspaper Pub-
lishers Association at Hot Springs, Ark., on
Monday, the war coverage in American news-
reels in the immediate future will qualify
as "the starkest, frankest, most realistic . .
possible," and that, as Hoyt points out,
means showing men being killed and
wounded.
It is no secret that newsreel coverage
of the war thus far has been on the "soft"
side, and that, with some exceptions, the
gr'm toll of battle has been carefully played
down. That, of course, has not been the
fault of the newsreels, who have argued
continuously for footage that does not mini-
mize the horrors of conflict. Instead, it
has reflected, largely, the censorship policy
laid down by the armed forces.
THE about-face now indicated will be
' welcomed generally, with the proviso
that the pendulum is not permitted to swing
too far the other way. Just as a consider-
able number of moviegoers have been criti-
cal of the newsreels' omission of the horrific
side, so will many react adversely if some
balance is not employed in newsreel editing
and makeup.
That goes especially for women whose
sons, husbands or sweethearts are now in
uniform in the far-flung theaters of opera-
tions. By and large, when the average wo-
man sees a maimed soldier or one who has
met death in action starkly pictured on the
screen, she instinctively makes a personal
interpretation. Thus the wounded, or the
dead, at least momentarily, become her own.
The emotional shock in many, many cases is
such as to keep the femin'ne patron away
from the box-office. If you have any doubt
as to that, investigate for yourself.
AS Hoyt told the Southern publishers, it
** may be true that "the highest home
front morale exists in Russia," but not all
will go along with him when he attempts
to draw a parallel between the Russian re-
action to war's horrors on the screen and
what he believes will be that in the United
States. In this connection, said Hoyt:
"If you have seen Russian motion pictures
of the war as they are shown to their own
(Continued on Page Z)
Disclosure Comes as Hoch-
stein Is Accused in Four-
Count Perjury Indictment
Disclosure that George E. Browne,
convicted ex-head of the IATSE,
was connected with the Al Capone
ring in Chicago as early as 1934
was made in New York Federal
Court for the first time yesterday
when a four-count perjury indict-
ment was filed against Harry Hoch-
stein, former Chicago official. The
indictment against Hochstein charges
that he falsely testified before a
special Federal Grand Jury while
being questioned in connection with
(Continued on Page 9)
Allied Carries Col.
Row to Stockholders
"FREE MOVIES"
NET MILLIONS
Record For Broadway Won by
Capitol's $120,000
Columbus, O. — Marking a decided-
ly new departure in trade contro-
versy strategy, Allied's Ohio state
affiliate, the ITO of Ohio, is circulat-
ing Columbia's stockholders with an
"or>en letter" signed by Pete J. Wood,
unit's secretary.
Move is the latest by Allied in its
anti-Columbia campaign stemming
(Continued on Page 5)
Him Ad, Publicity Space
Curtailed in Nashville
Nashville, Tenn. — Paper shortage
has brought severe pruning of space
locally for both film theater adver-
tising and publicity, the former be-
(Continued on Page 8)
War Bond sales via the nationally
observed "Free Movie Day," staged
Monday by exhibitors, will run well
into the millions, on the basis of re-
ports received by the WAC head-
quarters here up to last night.
In New York City alone, the early
returns released by Leo Brecher,
State Bond chairman for the WAC,
indicated Uncle Sam's war chest had
been augmented by more than a mil-
lion.
The record for Broadway theaters,
(Continued on Page 7)
Films' Biggest Role
Still to Come— toe
Buffalo — What is shown on the
screen of tomorrow will dwarf the
role now played by motion pictures,
Charles Francis Coe, vice-president
and general counsel of the MPPDA,
(Continued on Page 8)
NEIC Praises Cavalcade's
Effort for the Bond Drive
At the meeting of the Council
of NEIC last nisrht at the Astor
Hotel, glowing tribute was paid to
the Hollywood Cavalcade of Stars
(Continued on Page 9)
Raw Film Again At Low Level
Mid-August Reserves' Gain Is Wiped Out
Ampa Relief Show is Set
For Paramount Oct. 22
Paramount theater will stage a
special midnight preview on Oct. 22
of "Riding High" (Para.) as a bene-
fit for the Ampa Relief Fund, Bob
Weitman announced last night.
House and the services of its per-
(Continued on Page 9)
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — During the past six
weeks, at the outset of which the
demand for both 35 mm. and 16 mm.
negative and positive raw stock ap-
peared to be declining, there has
again developed a scarcity of such film,
and, authoritative channels here de-
clare, there is no possibility of the
(Continued on Page 9)
Only 20 Awards Reversed
By Appeal Board in 83
Complaints Submitted
Decisions of the arbitration ap-
peal board since the inception of
arbitration under the New York con-
sent decree indicate that the arbi-
trate: s' awards have met with the
approval of the appeal board in a
large majority of the cases. Of 83
appeal board decisions to date, only
20 awards have been reversed in
(Continued on Page 5)
Service Pix to Be
Joint Productions
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Service pix on any
joint campaigns in the future will
be joint productions, Col. Kirk B.
Lawton, Chief of the Army Pictorial
Service, Signal Corps, said yester-
day. If, for instance, British and
(Continued on Page 8)
"Army" Brinas Extended
Runs to Smaller Spots
"This Is the Army" is reported to
have brought the extended run to
(Continued on Page 9)
A Bum "Star" But —
Wotta B. O. Draw!!
Adolf Hitler's newspaper, Voel-
kischer Beobachter, has trld the Ger-
man people that U. S. officials, in-
cluding President Roosevelt, Elmer
Davis, Attorney General Biddle, plus
New York's Mayor LaGuardSa and
Milton Eisenhower, brother of the
General, are among thrse who plot-
ted the extradition of Mussolini to
the United States where he was to
have been publicly exhibited in
Madison Square Garden or the Me-
tropolitan Opera House at $100 a
seat, half the "take" to go to
Roosevelt's War Fund. Further, it
was said that Paramount had offered
$1,000,000 for the screen rights to
the spectacle and parade on Man-
hattan's streets.
ONLY ONE MOBE DAY AFTER TODAY TO "BACK THE ATTACK" WITH WAB BONDS
*k?
DAiur
Wednesday, September 29, 1943
Vol. 84, No. 63 Wed., Sept. 29, 1943 10 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE
DONALD M. MERSEREAU
CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor
Publisher
General Manager
PuMisheil daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N
Y., by Wirt's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W
Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M.
Mersereau. Secretary-Treasurer. Entered as
second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938. at the
post-office at New York. N. Y., under the
act of March 3. 1879. Terms (Postage free)
United Slates outside of Greater New York
$10. 00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months.
$3.00 Foreign, $15.00. Subscriber should
remit with order. Address all communications
to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadwaj
New York. N. Y. Phone HRyant 9-7117.
9-7118, 9 7119. 9-7120. 9-7121. Cable address
Filmday, New York.
Representatives: HOLLYWOOD. 28, Calif.—
Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone
Granite 6607. WASH I WITON— Andrew II
Older. 841 Longfellow St., N.W., Phone Tayloi
0882. LONDON— Ernest W. Fredman, Th<
Film Renter. 127-133 Wardour St.. W. I
PARIS— P. A. Harle. Le Film. 29 Rue Mar
soulau (12). HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco.
Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien
BUENOS AIRES — Dr. Walter P. Schuck
Casillo de Coireo 1929. MEXICO CITY-
Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mex
ico, D. F.
FINANCIAL
; (Tuesday, September 28)
NEW YORK STOCK MARKET
Net
High Low Close Chg.
Am. Seat
Col. Picts. vtc. (2i/2%)
Columbia Picts. pfd
Con. Fm. Ind 3 3 3 + Vs
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. 163,4 163,4 163,4— i/s
East. Kodak 162 1615/8162 -f- i/2
Cen. Prec. Eq 20V8 2fjv, 20% — i/8
Loew's, Inc 59V2 58% 59
Pa-amount 26% 26 26
RKO 8% 8i/2 8i/2— %
RKO $6 pfd 93 92V4 92V4 — 3/4
20th Century-Fox . 22% 22% 225/8 — 3/„
20th-Fox pfd. (li/2). 31% 31 313/8 -f l/4
20th-Fox pfd. (4i/2). 100% 1003/, 1003/8
Warner Bros 13'4 131/2 133,4 + i/4
NEW YORK BOND MARKET
Par. B'way 3s55
NrW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts. . . . 2% 2% 2%
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 1 1/2 13/8 1 1/2
Sonotone Corp 3% 3% 3%
Technicolor 13y2 13V2 13i/2
Trans-Lux 3V4 3% 314 — %
Universal Picts. vtc. 18 17% 17%
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid Asked
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57 78% 803/8
Keeler-Grand to Eepke
Walla Walla, Wash.— Henry Kepke
has acquired the Keeler-Grand, legit,
house, and will open with a picture
policy.
War's Horror
. . . and the screen
(.Continued from Page 1)
people, you will remember that they take
the war as it comes. The dead are part
of the battle and the maimed and wounded
civilians tortured by the Germans are shown,
too, as well as the punishment accorded the
Nazis for rape and loot and murder."
As to that, it might be observed that
Russian and American psychology, among
other things, are not identical, and, further,
that these United States have not felt the
savage impact of brutal Nazi invasion.
Minimum FWTBT Prices
For Men in Uniform
Because of the minimum admis-
sion prices set for "For Whom the
Bell Tolls," Pa: amount feels that
the minimum scale for service men,
50 cents for matinees and 75 cents
for evenings, is fair and reasonable,
it was stated yesterday by Charles
M. Keagan, assistant general sales
manager.
Contrary to reports, Reagan said,
there have been no complaints fiom
the management of Loew's Palace in
Washington to Paramount with re-
spect to the price set for service
men's admissions to the picture.
FWTBT, he said, is a costly produc-
tion and is being handled for the
maximum returns at the box-office.
Paramount feels, he added, that
a picture of the magnitude of
FWTBT calls for higher prices all
along the line, "in fairness to the
distributor and the exhibitor."
The minimum admission price set
for the picture by Paramount is 75
cents for matinees and $1.10 for
evenings and in some situations up
to $1.65 and $2.20.
Duffus May Join Army's
Public Relations Bureau
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Carlton Duffus, head
of motion picture and special events
for the Tieasury's War Finance Di-
vision, may go to the Army's Bu-
reau of Public Relations when he
leaves the Treasury the early part
of next month. Duffus has proposed
to the Army a series of 100-foot re-
leases to be distributed by the In-
dustrial Incentive Division of BPR
featuring b:ief addresses by men at
the fighting fronts.
The idea calls for statements shot
at the front by Army cameramen,
with soldiers from various sections
of the country telling civilians in
their home section just how the in-
dustries in that section, or the food
produced or the metals mined, aid
fighting men to do their job. These
pix would be shown locally, and dis-
tributed along with parts of the
regular 16 mm. service the Industrial
Incentives Division sends war plants
and others. The idea is now under
consideration by BPR.
Await WMC Hr. Decisions
In Three West Coast Cities
^Oth-Fox to Eliminate
Three Production Credits
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Effective forthwith,
"executive producer, associate pro-
duce™ and in charge of production"
credits are to be eliminated from all
20th-Fox pictures under a new setup
approved by Darryl F. Zanuck. All
producers in future will receive full
credit on their individual pictures.
Zanuck henceforth will drop his
contractual credit as vice-president
in charge of production and asso-
ciate his name only with pictures he
personally produces.
Brash, Pressbumer Confer
On Rene Clair Film
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Henry Brash, New
York representative for Arnold
Pressburger, is here for a confer-
ence with studio executives prior to
the production of Rene Clair's "To-
morrow Never Comes," which will
star Jack Oakie and Dick Powell and
will be released by United Artists.
Brash plans to leave Sunday for
New York.
The granting of an exemption
from the 48-hour week for Detroit
exchange workers leaves three ex-
change centers where decisions on in-
dustry applications for exemptions
are still pending. The cities are San
Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.
The War Manpower Commission,
following a meeting of industry rep-
resentatives in Detroit last week,
ruled that the local film exchanges
could remain on a 40-hour week.
Applications for the same exemp-
tions in Los Angeles and San Fran-
cisco were made in June and July
and in Seattle in March. There has
been no indication as to when a rul-
ing will be made by the regional
WMC units.
No WB Complaint at FCC
On Fidler "Army" Remarks
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — No written complaint
has been received at the FCC from
Warner Bros., regarding the Jimmy
Fiddler broadcast of two weeks ago,
nor has there been any word from the
Blue network. The commission, ac-
cording to unofficial opinion, has
no jurisdiction in the dispute. The
only letter received from any of the
principals wes from Fidler himself,
explaining that he had heard a com-
plaint was filed and enclosing a copy
of the script in question.
Spitz-Goetz Deny They
Will Distribute Own Pix
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Representative of the
Leo Spitz-William Goetz combination
denied a published report that the
duo would try to enter the major dis-
t: ibuting field or will make an effort
to distribute their own pictures.
COMinG and GOMG
t
WENDELL L. WILLKIE, will speak in St.
Louis on Oct. 15.
BOB GILLHAM returned yesterday from Bos-
ton.
O. HENRY BRIGGS returned yesterday from
the Coast.
HARRY HUNTER, Paramount's managing di-
rector in Australia, is due in New York ne:
Tuesday.
BERT LAHR is at the Waldorf-Astoria fror,"
the Coast. He expects to remain in town
for two weeks.
WILLIAM CACNEY, president of William
Cagney Productions, and CHARLES DAGGETT,
advertising and publicity diiector, have de-
layed their return to Hollywood for several
days.
NAT DORFMAN arrives from the Coast Fri-
day to handle publicity on the musical "What's
Up?"
ALICE FAYE and PHIL HARRIS will come East
this week for a two-week stopover.
LT. MONROE RUBINGER, who was Midwest
field rep. for Warners before entering the
Army 14 months ago, has been placed on the in-
active list and is now in New York for about
a week's stay.
HARRY M. BESSEY, secretary-treasurer of Altec
Service, has returned to New York from a six-
week trip to the Southwest and the Coast
MONTY SALMON, Rivoli Theater managing
director, returns from Hollywood this week-end.
EDWIN W. AARON, circuit sales manager
for M-C-M, is due back from a visit to Holyoke
today.
LOU WEINBERG, Columbia circuit sales
manager, comes back from 'Buffalo on Monday.
IOE ORNSTEIN. 20th-Fox Pittsburgh booker,
is vacationing in New York.
BERNARD KREISLER, shorts and newsreel
■nanager for Universal, leaves for Detroit to-
morrow.
A. J. O'KEEFE Universal Western division
manager, returned from Chicago and Minnea-
polis yesterday.
MARTIN LEWIS, Paramount's radio depart-
ment head, has returned to the Coast.
BOB HUSSEY is in town from Universal
City.
LANA TURNER, accompanied by her husband,
STEPHEN CRANE, is at the Waldorf-Astoria
from the Coast for several weeks' visit.
ANN SOTHERN is here from Hollywood.
LEO MORRISON, Hollywood agent, is in
Chicago lining up film talent.
Alperson Eastbound
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Edward Alperson,
head of RKO theater division, who
has been here for past two weeks
during which time he concluded dis-
cussions on general renewal of "U"
product for RKO houses, and looked
at new product coming up from RKO
and other studios, left yesterday for
New York.
Greer Carson
Gene Autry
Virginia Bruce
Don Castle
Billy Bevan
Michael G. Kletz
^Sfc,
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5 NO.l MUSICAL
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REGINALD GARDINER • VIRGINIA GREY • PHIL REGAN
Sig Rinnan • Alan Dinehart • Hobart Cavanaugh • Frank Orth • Jonathan Hale
Directed by IRVING CUMMINGS • Pr0H.,rmH h, WILLI AM PERLBERG
Screen Play by Ken England • Based on Storiet by William If. Lipman and Frederick
Stephani and Edward War Every • Lyri<« or\4 Musir b/ MacW Gordon and Harry
Warren • Dances Staged by Hermes Pan, Musical No'mbers'Sopervised by Function.
MO// f/Offc THAN EVES'
V/Af kOML'J
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Wednesday, September 29, 1943
wn to bolster the entertainment.
Also a big help in the comedy deoartment
is Sam Levene as a member of the gang.
Other roles are well taken by Ray Collins
and Henrv O'Neil. The participation of
the Brooklyn Dodgers in the doings should
prrve an added magnet.
S. Sylvan Simon's direction is to be com-
mended, as is George Haight's service as
producer. Warren Newcombe conceived
some remarkable soecial effects.
CAST: Red Skelton, Ann Ruthprford,
Jean Rogers, "Rags" Ragland, Ray Collins,
Henry O'Neill, William Frawley, Sam
Levene, Arthur Soace, Robert Emmet O'-
Connor, Steve Geray, Howard Freeman,
Tom Di'hn, Brooklyn Dodgers.
CREDITS: Producer, George Haisht; Di-
rector, S. Sylvan Simon; Screenolay, Nat
Perrin; Additional Dialogue, Wilkie Ma-
honey; Cameraman, Lester White; Musical
Score, George Bassman; Recording Director,
Douglas Shearer; Art Director, C°dric Gib-
bons; Set Decorator, Edw'n B. Willis; Spe-
cial Effects, Warren Newcombe; Film Editor,
Ben Lewis.
DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
Sells in Talmadge, Neb.
Talmadge, Neb. — Jack McCarty
has sold his theater here to Ernest
Grundman of Cook. Grundman will
operate houses in both towns.
'Sahara'
with Humphrey Bogart, Bruce Bennett,
Lloyd Bridges, Rex Ingram
Columbia 97 Mins.
SWELL MELLER OF ARMORED WAR-
FARE IN NORTH AFRICA; STIRRING
FARE FOR THE ACTION FANS.
Glorifying the hard-bitten courage of the
men in our tank forces, and stressing the
camaraderie of United Nations' soldiery,
"Sahara" is a stirring if not a sensational
saga of the North African campaign. That
it is not sensaticnal makes it all the more
moving and impressive, for in its content
is found only occasional touches of the
Hollywood ccncept of war. Thus an un-
common degree of realism is achieved.
Its all-male cast, headed by Humphrey
Bogart, adds to the credibility of the story,
unpunctuated as it is by feminine charac-
ters whom most Hollywood film-makers
hold to be essential to audience interest,
but whose injection so often detracts
from realism. Action is plentiful from the
time the American tank commanded
by Bogart, operating with the British in
the fight.ng around Tobruk, is cut off by
the German advance toward Alexandria
and finds itself and crew forced to cut
across scores of miles of sandy wastes
to establish contact, if possible, with
Allied units.
To effect this on a low supply
of gas and without adequate water
supply for the crew, considerable drama
is enlisted via the screenplay, based upon
a story by Philip MacDonald derived from
an incident in the Soviet photoplay,
"The Thirteen." To the original crew of
three Americans is added as a conse-
quence of various happenings an Italian
prisoner, his captor, a Nazi airman who
is shot down after strafing the tank from
the air, and several British Empire soldiers.
At some desert ruins the group makes a
stand against several hundred Germans, and
at the climax the latter are routed and
many taken prisoner. When the British
rescue the valiant defending band, fol-
lowing El Alamein, only two are left.
Cast generally does a good job, and
audiences will enjoy theexcitement pro-
vided by the attraction which is solidly di-
rected by Zoltan Korda.
CAST: Humphrey Bogart, Bruce Ben-
nett, Lloyd Bridges, Rex Ingram, J. Car-
rol Naish, Dan Duryea, Richard Nugent,
Patrick 0 Moore, Louis T. Mercier, Carl
Harbord, Guy Kingsford, Kurt Krueger,
John Wengraf, Hans Schumm.
CREDITS: Director, Zoltan Korda;
Author, Philip MacDonald; Screenplay,
John Howard Lawson, Zoltan Korda; Adap-
tation, James O'Hanlon; Musical Score,
Miklos Rczsa; Musical Director, M. W.
Stoloff; Cameraman, Rudolph Mate; Film
Editor, Charles Nelson; Art Director, Lionel
Banks; Set Decorations, William Kiernan;
Sound Engineer, Lodge Cunningham.
DIRECTION, Solid. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
"Always a
Bridesmaid"
with Andrews Sisters, Patric Knowles
Universal 61 Mins.
MUSICAL PROVIDES FAIR ENTERTAIN-
MENT FOR FAMILY TRADE; ANDREWS
SISTERS ARE MAIN ASSET.
"Always a Bridesmaid" is another of the
modest Universal musicals fashioned to
the tastes of the young folks. The pro-
duction, lightweight, will serve its pur-
pose fairly well. Its chief asset from the
point of view of the young people is
rhe presence in the cast of the Andrews
Sisters, who are given ample opportunity
to exercise their vocal cords in the mannei
that brings rej. icing to their fans. Also
very much of a help are the comic antics
of Billy Gilbert and Charles Butterworth.
The romantic burden is carried by Patric
Knowles and Grace McDonald, the one
play.ng an assistant district attorney, the
other a secret operative for the detective
bureau. The two meet when both,
unknown to each other, are assigned to
■nvestigate a lonely-hearts organization
suspected of preying on its members. To
obtain evidence both pin the outfit. Each
suspects the other, and there is no end
of misunderstanding until the police ar-
rive on the scene to arrest Butterworth,
who is using the lonely-hearts club to
dispose of phony stock. The Andrews
Sisters appear as entertainers and hostesses
for the club.
Too much brain sweat wasn't expended
on the screenplay by Mel Ronson, who
worked from a something by Oscar Brod-
ney, and Erie C. Kentcn provided no better
direction than the production deserved,
it must be said for Kenton that he has
kept proceedings lively at ail times. Ken
Goldsmith is down as associate producer.
The acting is adequate, scarcely more.
CAST: Andrews Sisters, Patric Knowles,
Grace McDonald, Billy Gilbert, Charles
Butterworth, Edith Barrett, O'Neil Nolan,
Anne Rooney, Jivin' Jacks and Jills.
CREDITS: Associate Producer, Ken Gold-
smith; D.rector, Erie C. Kenton; Screen-
play, Mel Ronson; Based on story by
Oscar Brodney; Cameraman, John Boyle;
Art Director, John Goodman; Sound Super-
visor, Bernard B. Brown; Film Editor,
Charles Maynard; Set Decorators, R. A
Gausman, A. J. Gillmore; Musical Director,
Vic Schoen.
DIRECTION, Fair. PHOTOGRAPHY,
Good.
* SHORTS *
"In the Garden"
(Speaking of Animals)
Paramount 9 mirt,
Very Funny
While it is not on a par with the
others, the latest of the "Speaking
of Animals" series is very funny
indeed. The scene is a victory garden
and the characters are various
friends and foes of the vegetable
patch, from wo:ms to humming
birds. The Fairbanks-Carlisle sub-
ject has been excellently produced.
Grown-ups and kids alike will get
a kick out of this short.
Dover, O., Theaters
Tilt Prices, Blame Taxes
"Seventh Column"
(Pete Smith Specialty)
M-G-M 9 Mins.
Good
Carelessness that leads to acci-
dents claiming more lives on the
home front than are lost on the bat-
tle ground is the subject of this Pete
Smith short. He selects a number of
classic instances fraught with death
to put over his point. He delivers
his lesson with plenty of comedy.
Pat: ons who care to learn and laugh
will accept this one wholeheartedly.
"Unusual Occupations"
(L2-6)
Paramount 10 mins.
Good
Plenty of interest is packed in
this short, which is in Magnacolor.
Holding first place are scenes of wo-
men making flags at the Philadel-
phia Quartermaster Depot. Of g: eat
pictorial worth is footage dealing
with the operation of the aerial
tram that runs to the top of Rio's
famous Sugar Loaf. A fellow who
restores cigar-store Indians, a sculp-
tor who works with paper and wo-
men ordnance workers at the Erie
Proving Grounds take up the rest
of the footage.
"Stars at Midnight"
D. C. Show on Monday
Defer Geneseo Arbitration Case
Chicago — Marchessi Brothers,
Geneseo (111.) Theater arbitration
case has been postponed to Oct. 12
by attorneys' agreement. Loew's,
Paramount, 20th-Fox and RKO are
defendants, and John S. Lord the ar-
bitrator.
Dover, O. — Bexley and Quaker the-
aters here have upped admissions,
effective immediately. Evenings, all
day Sundays and holidays adult ad-
mission will be 45 cents, children 15
cents, all taxes included. Week-day
matinees, adults 35 cents, children
10 cents, includes all taxes.
Management explaining increase
to the public announced "War taxes
were intended to be passed on to the
customer. In the past we have ab-
sorbed these, but rising costs of op-
eration have now made that impos-
sible."
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — Tickets will be avail-
able at all District of Columbia the-
aters for the- special "Stars at Mid-
night" show to be presented by the
local WAC next Monday night at
Warners' Earle and Loew's Capitol.
Both houses will be scaled for $25,
$50 and $100 War Bonds, and it is
hoped that at least $400,000 will be
raised. The Earle seats 2,100 and
the Capitol 3,400, and plans call for
sell-outs by Sept. 30, end of the
Third War Loan drive.
The show will include both the
Earle and Capitol stage shows, stars
f : om the Army show, "Play by Play"
and Lucky 'Leven Coast Guard band
of California, led by Lt. Rudy Val-
lee and featuring Jimmy Grier and
others.
Wednesday, September 29, 1943
DAILY
Bond Sales on 'Free Movies Day7 Nets Millions
New York City Theaters
Alone Sold Over Million;
Music Hall Second, $94,755
-
(Continued from Page 1)
it appeared, went to the Capitol
\ere the hard-working staff of Her-
man Landwehr accounted for a sale
of about $120,000. Columbia and
United Artists stenographers as vol-
unteer typists aided the Capitol per-
sonnel in handling the Bond rush,
but it was not until 1:30 a.m. yes-
terday that the last Bond had been
delivered and the staff was able to
call it a day. At times, the Bond
purchasers stood 20 deep.
The sale of War Bonds at Radio
City Music Hall also engaged the
attention of Gus Eyssell's organiza-
tion until early yesterday morning.
Like the Capitol, the Hall is a Treas-
ury issuing agent, and it was long
after 1 a.m. before the last Bond
had been filled in and the records
completed to reveal a total sale of
$94,755.
The day's sale at the Music Hall
brought some interesting sidelights.
The majority of Bonds in the larger
denominations were sold to morning
patrons during the period when the
Hall has its lowest price — 44 cents.
Bulk of the sale of $25 Bonds came
at night when the top tariff prevails.
One woman, along in years and not
too well d: essed, surprised by taking
a roll of $1, $5 and $10 bills from
her bag and investing the total —
$750— in Bonds.
The Eyssell-directed show place
found its attraction, Para.'s "So
Proudly We Hail," a potent selling
argument, witness the fact that many
patrons who had bought Bonds to
obtain a ticket increased their pur-
chase when, on leaving, they called
to pick up the securities.
Other Broadway houses showed
the following: Paramount, 614 sales,
$36,700; Roxy, 962 sales, $38,000;
Strand, 520 sales, $25,000; Holly-
wood, 500 sales, $26,500; Astor, 452
sales, $16,275.
Indications of the excellence of
the circuit sales results came from
Loew's in-town theaters reporting
4,439 sales, totaling $405,619. RKO
listed for its in-town theaters 1,542
Bond sales for a total of $87,433.
The Century chain's tabulation
showed $80,864, mainly small Bond
sales. The Fabian Paramount and
Fox in Brooklyn, combined, sold 498
Bonds for $14,000. The Randforce
HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
SIGNED
CARLETON W. ALSOP, associate producer, Re-
public.
JEANNE NEWPORT, termer, Charles R. Rogers.
JUDY CLARK, termer, Columbia.
ASSIGNMENTS
C. W. THRONTON, business manager, "The
Hairy Ape," Jules Levey.
JOE NADEL, production manager, "The Hairy
Ape," Jules Levey.
LESTER COLE, screenplay, "Address Unknown,"
Columbia.
CEORCE SHtRMAN, producer-director, "Dono-
van's Biain," Republic.
JANE MURFIN, screenplay, "And Now Tomor-
row," Paramount.
DAMON RUNYON, producer, "Chica Chico,"
20th-Fcx.
OTTO PREMINGER, producer, "All-Out Arlene,"
2G\h-rox.
ALBERT MANNHEIMER, screenplay, "Chica
Chico," 20th-rox.
SAM COSLOW, story, "South of Dixie," Uni-
versal.
JEAN YARBOROUCH, producer, "South of
Dixie," Universal.
JULES OASSIN, director, "Canterville Ghost."
M-C-M.
LEW LANDERS, director, "Cowboy Canteen,"
Columbia.
CASTINGS
PAUL LUKAS, "Address Unknown," Columbia:
EDWARD C. ROBINSON, "Once Off Guard,"
International Pictures; ERICH von STROHEIM,
"Donovan's Brain," Republic; FRANCHOT TONE
and BARRY SULLIVAN, "And Now Tomorrow,"
Paramount; FARLEY CRANCER, "Purple Heart,"
20th-Fcx; LEO CARRILLO, "Gypsy Wildcat,"
Universal; JEANNE BATES, "Hey, Rookie,"
Columbia; BLANCHE YURKA, "The Bridge of
San Luis Rey," M-G-M; CARLOTTE JELM,
"Since You Went Away," David O. Selznick;
FOREST ORR, "Rainbow Island," Paramount.
JOAN CARROLL, "Meet Me In St. Louis,"
M-G-M; MORRIS CARNOVSKY, "Address Un-
known," Columbia; JOAN FONTAINE, "For-
ever," M-G-M; LUIS ALBERNI, "The Bridge
of San Luis Rey," Benedict 'Bogeaus-UA; MOR-
TON LOWRY, "The Man in Half Moon Stteet,"
Paramount; RASUMNY MIKHAEL, "Tomorrow's
Harvest" and "Incendiary B.onde," Paramount;
WILLIAM DEMA4LST,, "Curley," Columbia
JEANNE NEWPORT, "Song of the Open Road,"
Charles R. Rogers.
houses, with final figures unavail-
able, estimated sales between $75,000
and $100,000, almost entirely in "E"
Bonds. The Pascack Theater, Skou-
ras-owned in Westwood, N. J., "went
to town" and showed a total of $107,-
000 for the day. Bill White states
that Skouras houses in the metropoli-
tan area have exceeded $250,000,
many theaters yet to be heard from.
60 Stars to Boost Bond Sales
At Capitol's Midnight Show
Special midnight stage show to
boost War Bond sales at the Capitol
on Broadway Friday night will have
a cast of some 60 top stage, screen
and radio talent, with Frank Sinatra
among those set for p.a.'s.
House is scaled from $25 to $5,000
in Bond purchases, but only seats
now available, it is said, are those
which call for the buying of a $1,000
or $5,000 Bond. Capitol alone is now
selling "tickets" for the show, sale
elsewhere having been discontinued.
Invitation to attend the special
show has been extended to the Duke
and Duchess of Windsor, now in the
U. S.
Service men are displaying a lively
interest in the show and the com-
mittee is suggesting that inasmuch
as seats at $1,000 and $5,000 are be-
yond their pocketbooks, others may
i elect to make purchases and turn
over the tickets for the use of men
and women in uniform.
BACK IN CIVVIES
Honorably Discharged
TOMMY HARRELL, from the Army, to co-
assistant manager, Ambassador, Raleigh,
N. C.
ROBERT AUSTIN, from the Army, to assistant,
Roger Sherman Theater, New Haven.
JAMES WEST, film row photographer, from the
Army.
JOE GOLDSTEIN, from the Army, to manager.
Victory, St. Louis.
Griffith Calls for War Loan
State Reports on October 4
All state War Bond chairmen yes-
terday were asked by L. C. Griffith,
the industry's general chairman for
the 3rd War Loan campaign, to wire
the New York WAC headquarters
at noon on Oct. 4 total Bond sale fig-
ures then available, including the
results of premieres, Free Movie
Day, etc., but excluding sales tallied
by the Hollywood Cavalcade and the
Airmadas.
Griffith, in a flash bulletin to all
state chairmen, declared: "We must
have a final report promptly at the
close of the campaign, in older that
we may let the War Finance Com-
mittee know of the excellent work
done by each and every one of you.
We of the industry, in all modesty,
are proud of the fine job that has
been done by the members of the
WAC. We want to pass on the facts
of that fine job to the proper people.''
Stars of Western Pix Sell
$33,000,000 Bonds in Texas
Dallas— After completing a whirl-
wind Bond-selling tour of some 200
Texas towns in behalf of the Third
War Loan campaign, 14 of Holly-
wood's western stars have returned
to their respective studio lots. Dur-
ing the tour, held under War Activi-
ties Committee auspices, the rallies
effected the sale of more than $33,-
000,000 in Bonds, or approximately
10 per cent of the State's entire quota.
Stars who gave their time and ef-
fort to the tour were Johnny Mack
Brown and Raymond Hatton, of
Monogram; Dave (Tex) O'Brien, Jim
Newill and Guy Wilkerson, of PRC;
Gale Storm, of Monogram; Betty
Wells and Helen Gilbert, RKO Radio;
Mary Lee and George Byron, Repub-
lic; Elaine Shepard, RKO Radio; and
Wild Bill Elliott, Ann Jeffreys and
Gabby Hayes, of Republic.
Handling the many and intricate
details of the tour were R. J. (Bob)
O'Donnell, WAC's Texas chairman;
Lloyd Rust, Republic; Phil Isley, in-
die theater operator; Claude Ezell,
Chief Barker of the Texas Variety
Club; John Franconi, Monogram; Sol
Sachs, RKO Radio; Henry Reeve,
president of TTOA; John Q. Adams,
co-chairman of Texas; Don Douglass
and Robb and Rowley; Rip Payne,
Griffith Theaters; S. L. Oakley, Jef-
ferson Amusement Co.; and Bob Kel-
ley, State publicity director for the
Third War Loan.
TO THE COLORS!
• ocs*
ALLAN E. FINK, son of D. H. Fink, Ticket
Register Co., Chicago.
* ARMY *
JOHN SUTTON, actor, Hollywood.
WILLIAM McCUNE, Monogram casting director,
Hollywood.
BARRY NELSON, M-C-M player, Hollywood.
CLAUDE PICKARD, Paramount mail room, Hol-
lywood.
JOHN TYERS, M-G-M contract player, Holly-
wood.
THOMAS M. McCABE, 20th-Fox publicity dept.,
home office.
JIM COWHIG, son of Dan Cowhig, RKO
cashier, Cleveland.
HERBERT RUBENSTEIN. assistant manager
Capitol, M.ami, Fla.
KENT SMITH, RKO contract player, Hollywood.
KENT SMITH, RKO Radio star, reports Oct.
8.
MARVIN ROTH, usher, Loew's Pitkin, Brooklyn.
CEORCE SENDREY, shipper, United Artists,
Cleveland.
MAYNAKD NELSON, manager, World, Kearney,
Neb.
BILL GAMMEN, manager, Dakota, Yankton,
S. D.
TOM McCABE, publicity statistical department-
head, 20th-Fox home office.
* NAVY *
MILTON ELELMAN, production department, Na-
tional Screen Service.
WALLACE LEROY HO. PER, Princess, Sioux City,
la.
* USAAF *
RICHARD B. TAYLOR, B. F. Shearer Co.,
Seattle.
— • —
* MERCHANT MARINE *
WALTER HARRIS, shipper, Columbia, Omaha.
— • —
* FIGHTING FRENCH *
ROBERT AINSER, M-G-M author, Hollywood.
Sam Wood Sets Four
Pix for Columbia Release
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — K. T. Stevens has been
set by Producer-Director William
Cameron Menzies for the feminine
lead role of G:iselle in Sam Wood's
production "Address Unknown,"
which Columbia will release and
which is now being prepared for im-
mediate production. Paul Lukas will
have the lead male role.
With the purchase of Irmgard Von
Cube's story, "Tatiana," Wood has
four top-budget productions in prep-
a: ation for Columbia release. "Tati-
ana" has a background of Napoleonic
period.
The three other Sam Wood produc-
tions are "Address Unknown," "Ju-
bal Troop" and "The Land is Bright."
The two latter are being designated
as important productions with top-
name stars.
Kootz on Museum Board
Samuel M. Kootz, of Columbia's
ad department, has been elected to
the Advisory Board of the Museum
of Modern Art. Kootz is a director
of the Municipal Art Society and the
author of "New Frontiers in Amer-
ican Painting." His first mystery
novel, "Puzzle in Paint," will be pub-
lished in November.
&^\ DAILY
Wednesday, September 29, 1943
58 Features Shooting
As Coast Starts 11
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Eleven new pictures
are scheduled to go into production
this week, making a total of 58 in
work. The check-up:
At Columbia: Nine pictures shoot-
ing, including "Cowboy Canteen,"
western musical, with Charles Star-
rett, Jane Fiazee, Tex Ritter, the
Mills Brothers, Vera Vague, Big Boy
Williams, Jimmy Wakely, Max Ter-
hune, "Dub" Taylor and Roy Acuff.
Jack Fier producing and Lew Land-
ers directing; "Klondike Kate," with
Tom Neal, Ann Savage, Sheldon
Leonard and Constance Worth. Wil-
liam Castle directing and Irving
Briskin producing; and, "Swing Out
the Blues," musical, with Bob
Haymes, Lynn Merrick, the Vaga-
bonds, Janie Carter, Tim Ryan, Joyce
Compton and Edith Evanson. Sam
White producing.
At M-G-M: Seven shoe-tin?, including: "Kis-
met," Technicolor production, with Ronald
Colman, Marlene Dietrich, James Craig, Ed-
ward Arnold. Florence Bates, Joy Page, Hugh
Herbert, Hobart Cavanaugh and Harry Dav-
enport. William Dieterle directing for pro-
ducer Everett Riskin.
At Monogram: Three shooting, including
"Her Bachelor Husband," with Johnny Downs,
Wanda McKay, Robert Kent, Etta McDaniel,
Harry Holman, Wheeler Oakman, Lillian
Bronson and Dick Rush. William Beaudine
directing for producer Barney Sarecky.
At Paramount: Seven shooting, including
"Double Indemnity," picturization of the
James M. Cain thriller, co-starring Barbara
Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray and Edward G.
Robinson, with Byron Barr and Mona Free-
man as the juvenile romantic leads. Billy
Wilder directing, with Joseph Sistrom as as-
sociate producer: and. "Rainbow Island."
Technicolor musical, eo-starring Dorothy La-
mour, Eddie Bracken and Gil Lamb, with
Barry Sullivan, Reed Hadley, Forrest Orr,
Anne Revere and Olga San Juan. Frank
Tuttle directing and E. D. Lestiin associate
producer.
At PRC: Two shooting, including Alexan-
der Stern's "Boss of Rawhide." Texas Rang-
ers series, with Dave O'Brien, Jim Newill, Guy
Wilkerson and Nell O'Day. Elmer Clifton
directing.
At RKO-Radio: Five shooting, including
"Show Business," which Eddie Cantor is
producing and starring in. George Murphy.
Constance Moore and Nancy Kelly playing
leading roles. Edwin L. Marin directing.
At Republic: Four shooting, including
"Whispering Footsteps," with John Hubbard,
Rita Quigley, Juanita Quigley. Joan Blair,
Marie Blake, Mary Gordon and Billy Bene-
dict. Howard Bretherton directing and George
Blair producing.
At 20th Century-Fox: Six shooting.
, At United Artists: Four shooting: Selznkk
International Pictures, "Since You Went
Away"; Harry Sherman's "Timber"; Benedict
E. Bogeaus' "The Bridge of San Luis Rey";
and. Producer Corporation of America's
"Knickerbocker Holiday."
At Universal: Six shooting.
At Warner Bros.: Five shooting, including
"Mr. Skeffington," drama, starring Bette
Davis, with Vincent Sherman directing.
Independent: W. R. Frank's "Dr. Paul ,Ios-
f-ph Gocbbels, His Life and Loves."
REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS
Portland, Ore., Price Jump
Fails to Hurt Attendance
Portland, Ore. — Although Ham-
rick-Evergreen theaters have ad-
vanced their night admission prices
to 75c, there is no let-down in at-
tendance. Patrons, in addition to
features and shorts, are given up-to-
the minute news bulletins on the
screen.
"Cavalcade Of The Dance"
(Melody Masters)
Warners 10 mins.
Ace Dance Subject
Dance fans will take to this one
like the proverbial duck to water.
Starring the renowned Veloz and
Yolanda, it takes the onlooker all
the way from the Maxixe, introduced
in 1914 by Vernon and Irene Castle,
down to the present jitterbug convo-
lutions. Along the way the superbly
g.aceful and versatile dance team
demonstrates the one-step, tango,
Charleston, Black Bottom, Mexican
waltz and the rhumba. Musical ac-
companiments purveyed include 'Vic-
tory Waltz," "Darktown Strutter's
Ball," "Dengoso," "Mi Hijo," "Jeep-
ers Creepers" and "Lamento Es-
clavo." With interest of audiences
high in the diversion of dancing, the
present Cavalcade packs potent pos-
sibilities both for the box-ofhee and
promotion to get the customeis in.
"Desert Playground"
(Sports Parade)
Warners 10 mins.
Highly Diverting
Magnificent Palm Springs, Nev.,
is the locale of this new Sports Pa-
rade offering in resplendent Techni-
color. Hostelries and their facilities
are delineated as are the gorgeous
surroundings of the resort. High-
light of the filmed material is the
annual paiade with its eye-filling
costumes, bands, and circus person-
nel. It was fashioned under the di-
rection of Arnold Albert. Exhibs.
who have been chorusing for es-
capist fare have exactly that in
"Desert Playground." Many an on-
looker will wish that he or she could
be transplanted to Palm Springs fo:
physical and esthetic refreshment in
these tough war days.
Films' Biggest Role
Still to Come— Coe
War Pix on Campaigns
Will be Joint Productions
{Continued from Page 1)
American troops are engaged toward
the same objective, e.g., the con-
quest of Italy, each Army will cover
its own activities by camera, but
when it comes to putting the footage
together into a documentary on the
campaign footage from both armies
will be used. There will be one edi-
tor but he will be in constant con-
sultation with representatives of the
other nation or nations involved.
When a feature is made for in-
stance, on the Italian campaign,
there will probably be footage from
our Army, the Canadian, British and
French troops. Representatives of
the four nations will be on hand dur-
ing the making of the film, with one
of them named as chief editor.
This policy is already in effect,
with Col. Frank Capra now in Lon-
don working on a joint British-
American film of the Tunisian cam-
paign. Col. Capra is chief for the
project, but is in constant consulta-
tion with a representative of the
British. Col. Lawton was not cer-
tain whether any French footage is
to be used in this film.
Col. Capra, incidentally, is now
working under the direction of Col.
Lawton. All production activities
of the Special Service Division were
transferred this month to the Signal
Corps, coming under the direction
of Lawton as head of APS. This
would include the "Why We Fight"
series of seven films assigned to Col.
Capra, five of which have already
been completed and all occasional
productions of the division. Special
Service retains its autonomy in the
matter of distribution of entertain-
ment films.
The industrial production unit
headed by Major Richard Maybaum
is also under Lawton's direction,
producing one- and two-reelers as
morale boosters for showing in war
plants working on Army contracts.
Rovner Files Equity Suit
In Philly Theater Deal
Philadelphia — Louis Rovner has
filed a suit in equity in Common
Pleas Court against Abraham M.
Ellis, Martin B. Ellis, Sidney H.
Ellis, Herman M. Ellis, Ruth E.
Fiist, Ruth Silber, Ruth Abel, Sid-
ney A. Leventon, and Gertrude Han-
dle, individually, and trading as
Broad-Rockland Theaters Co.
Rovner claims that he has been
denied a 10 per cent interest in
B:oad-Rockland which was prom-
ised him when the company was
formed to take over the Rockland
and Broad Theaters. He claims he
contributed $2,500 in cash as a de-
posit, along with $5,000 from Ruth
Abel and A. M. Ellis Theaters Co.
and that Ellis agreed to deliver to
him 10 per cent of the interest of
A. M. and M. B. Ellis and Dr. Ab-
raham First in the Broad but that
later A. M. Ellis advised him • he
could not be permitted an interest in
Broad-Rockland on any basis, and
that the partnership was set up
without him. Rovner seeks relief
and the lestoration of his claimed
10 per cent interest.
To Open "Deerslayer"
In Cooperstown, N. Y.
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Pete Harrison will
leave Hollywood over the coming
week-end for New York to confer
with officials of the James Fenimore
Cooper Society on plans for staging
the world premiere of his Republic
picture, "The Deerslayer," at Coop-
erstown, N. Y., where Cooper was
born. The opening is planned for
early winter.
These are distributed by the Indus-
trial Division of the Bureau of Pub-
lic Relations. This program is due
for considerable expansion, said
Lawton yesterday.
{Continued from Page 1)
said yesterday in an address before
a luncheon meeting of the Greater
Buffalo Advertising Club.
"A world-conscious public," bf
said, "released from the strain of {V*!
greatest and bloodiest conflict in nS-'
man history, will yearn for the en-
tertainment that truly re-creates.
That does not mean, however, re-
turn to a make-believe world. It
does not mean retreat from our in-
terest in our fellowmen. The first
commandment which the public gives
to the screen is: Entertain! The
penalty for infraction is death at the
box-office. That, in the end, means
death to the free screen, too. But
the camera which must follow the
drama of the world will focus on an
ever-widening world. Information
and inspiration will be rampant as
well as entertainment."
Coe said he believes a sense of
common responsibility for the solu-
tion of p: oblems that affect the
world at large was being distilled
from the war. American films, he
said, depicting how free men under
free institutions live and love, work
and achieve, will revive human
spirits weakened by long years of
suffering and privation. Entertain-
ment, he added, will thus serve a
great educational function.
Speaking of greater realism of
war films, Coe said that "a realistic
approach to this war will be of the
utmost importance in stopping the
next war." He declared that if such
pictures occur on the war fronts,
the newsreels will see that the record
is perpetuated.
"If the war front is brought to
the home front with the realism
that true morale demands, it will
make us grit our teeth the harder
and clench our fists the tighter. It
will solidify determination that this
holocaust must not happen again,"
Coe concluded.
Film executives attending were:
A. C. Hayman, Robert R. Murphy,
Vincent R. McFaul, Ralph W. Maw,
Charles B. Taylor and George H.
McKenna. Last night Coe was a
guest of the local variety tent at
an informal reception.
Film Ad, Publicity Space
Curtailed in Nashville
(Continued from Page 1)
ing trimmed about 40 per cent and
the latter cut at least half.
Crescent circuit carries daily ads
for four uptown houses and three
suburbans, using its own weekly
"Good News Weekly" to advertise
the offerings of its other suburbans.
Although the "squeeze" on movie
ad and publicity is not yet so ap-
parent, there has been some curtail-
ment in Chattanooga, Enoxville, and
Memphis papers.
Local dailies have eliminated all
free church announcements.
«
Wednesday, September 29, 1943
$
DAILY
Gov't Links Browne
To Capone Ring
i
{Continued from Page 1)
the investigation of racketeering in
the film industry.
According to the Federal authori-
ties, Hochstein testified that Browne
and three Capone gang members
Je not present at a house in Riv-
de, 111., which the defendant had
rented, and maintained in 1934. Boris
Kostelanetz, special assistant U. S.
atto:ney general in charge of the
prosecution of the film extortion
case, stated that the three compan-
ions of Browne, Louis Compagna,
Paul de Lucia and Charles Fischetti,
were not only members of the Ca-
pone mob but that Capone and other
members of his gang used the house
as a meeting place during 1934 and
1935.
At various times, particularly dur-
ing the trial of Browne and William
Bioff on changes of extorting more
than $1,000,000 from major film
companies, it had been intimated that
Browne had associated with Capone
mobsters. No direct charge that he
was linked to the Chicago crime syn-
dicate was made until yesterday.
Hochstein is former Chicago city
sealer and chief morals inspector
who retired in 1932 to become chauf-
feur for Frank Rio, Chicago gang-
ster who died in 1935, Kostelanetz
said. The prosecutor added that in
that same year the defendant became
companion and chauffeur for Frank
Nitti, who succeeded Capone as
leader of the Chicago mob. Nitti in
March of this year committed sui-
cide when he learned that a New
York Federal grand jury had in-
dicted him and eight others on
charges of extorting $2,500,000 from
major film companies. The trial of
the eight co-defendants is scheduled
for Oct. 5 in New York Federal
Court.
Hochstein was taken before Fed-
eral Judge Samuel Mandelbaum soon
after the indictment was handed
down. He pleaded not guilty and
was held in $15,000 bail for trial on
Oct. 18. The defendant was ar-
raigned last Friday before U. S.
Commissioner John W. Cutter on a
perjury complaint. Before his ar-
raignment Hochstein publicly charg-
ed that he had been threatened by
Bioff in the Federal Building office
of the prosecutor where he was being
questioned.
It is likely that Nicholas M.
Schenck, Louis B. Mayer and other
film leaders who testified against
Browne and Bioff at their trial will
be called as Government witnesses
by Kostelanetz at the forthcoming
trial.
IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS
The ....
EEMME TOUCH
ARTHUR GOLDSMITH, manager, Boyd, Philadel-
phia.
HADDON MATTHEWS, manager, Keith's Phila-
de.phia.
JOHN SASSENROTH, manager, Lindy, Philadel-
phia.
ARTHUR KERNS, relief manager, Keith's and
Kailton, Philadelphia.
)AMES FLOYD, manager, Orient, Philadelphia.
JOSEPH MAZER, manager, Richmond, Philadel-
phia.
HARVEY DETWEILER, night manager, Savoy,
Philadelphia.
DAVID SANDERSON, manager, Avon, Philadel-
phia.
BEN BLUMBERC, manager, Uptown, Philadel-
phia.
CHARLES B. SNYDER, manager, Cadet, Philadel-
phia.
ALBERT RUBINO, manager, Northeastern, Phila-
delphia.
BEN GREBER, manager, Aurora, Philadephia.
;OE STERN, manager, Branford, Newark, N. J.
SAMUEL SOLOMON, manager, Roxy, Maple
Shade, N. J.
WILLIAM PATCH, manager, Art, Springfield,
Mass.
LIVINGSTON LANNING, United Artists ex-
ploitation staff, St. Louis.
JACK ROMAINE, manager, Harding, Chicago.
ROY KARSKY, manager, Paradise, Chicago.
MORRIS SACHS, manager, Iris, Chicago.
NORMAN KASSELL, advertising-publicity direc-
tor, Essaness, Chicago.
FRANK CLARKE, general manager, Rialto, Cham-
pagne, III.
CHARLES SHAW, publicity staff, Wometco,
Miami, Fla.
MICHAEL GODSHAW, city salesman, PRC, Chi-
cago.
CHARLES KIRKCONNELL, assistant booker,
Wometco, Miami, Fla.
JOSEPH BATTERSBY, assistant manager, Capitol,
Miami, Fla.
ALEX NELSON, contract department head,
M-C-M home office.
PAUL WALL, salesman, M-C-M, Washington.
MAX BIRNBAUM sales staff, New Haven.
R. C. FRASER, assistant advertising manager,
Tri-S.Lates, Des Moines.
CHARLES MADISON, managerial training, Bran-
deis Theater, Omaha.
RUSSELL JESSON, ad sales manager, Universal,
Omaha.
LOU GOLDBERG, publicity statistical depart-
ment head, 20th-Fox home office.
LEN SIMPSON, publicist, Arnold Froductions.
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
"Army" Brings Extended
Runs to Smaller Spots
(Continued from Page 1)
many of the smaller communities
for the first time.
The Warner film is now in its
third week in Fall River, Mass.; Wa-
tertown, N. Y.; Youngstown, O.;
Omaha; Troy, N. Y.; Worcester,
Mass.; Harrisburg, Pa., and other
cities where the usual run is a sin-
gle week. The picture has gone into
its sixth stanza in Portland, Ore.,
and Long Beach, Cal., and into its
fifth in Denver. The production
went four weeks in Reading, Pa.
"Army" is in its second week in
Newcastle, Pa.; Scranton, Pa.;
Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Sioux City, la.;
Fort Wayne, Ind.; Waterloo, la.;
Wichita, Kan.; New Bedford, Mass.;
Elmira, N. Y. The film also has had
additional time in Asheville, N. C;
Connellsville, Pa., and many other
spots where long runs are a rarity,
according to the company.
Miskell to Enforce
"Brown-Out" in Omaha
VERNA PULSE,
Louis. '
box office staff, Garrick, St.
Omaha — William Miskell, Tri-
States district manager, has been
named to this city's task committee
to enforce "brown-out" regulations
here. Theaters here are using their
electric signs only from 7 to 9 p.m.
each day.
Army School Closing
Seen Affecting B. O.
Grand Rapids, Mich. — With the
close of the Army Weather school
located here since last December,
Butterfield Theaters report an ap-
proximate 5 per cent decline in the-
ater attendance.
NEIC Praises Cavalcade's
Effort for the Bond Drive
(Continued from Page 1)
for its brilliant effort in behalf
of the Third War Loan campaign.
While it had a goal of $500,000,000
in Bonds to sell, it is indicated by
responsible sources, it was said, that
the Cavalcade's total sales will reach
$1,500,000,000. The Council praised
the industry for its participation in
the drive.
The different branches of the en-
tertainment industry were told to
prepare now for its next big job, the
National War Fund drive which they
will be asked to enter upon in the
same spirit.
It was decided to increase the
membership of the Co-ordinating
Committee from the present 25 mem-
bers to 42, so that all branches of
the entertainment world would be
included.
A resolution was proposed re-
buking the columnist, Jimmy Fidler,
for alleged aspersions upon the pic-
ture, "This is the Army," made in
a recent broadcast. The resolution
was stoutly opposed by Walt Dennis,
public relations director for NBC.
The Council decided it was not au-
thorized to pass such a resolution
and it was tabled. It was stated,
however, that the Veterans of For-
eign Wars, now in session here,
would take up the Fidler remarks at
its meeting tonight.
Routine detailed reports concluded
the session.
Lasky Will Produce
"Hollywood Canteen'
We 15% 15% 15%
Co'umbia Picts. prd
Con. Fm. Ind
Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 16% 16% 16%
Csn. Prec. Eq 23 20 20 — %
Loew's, Inc 593/4 59 59%+ %
Pa-amount 26V„ 26 26 v, + V-
PKO 85/g 8i/2 8% + V'
RKO $6 pfd 92!/4 92 92 — V,
20'h Cantury-Fox .. 23 2:'/2 23 + %
20th-Fcx pfd. (IV,). 31 31 31 — V-
20th-Fox pfd. (4l/2>.100'/8 100V8 100V„ — 1/
Warner B-ns 13% 131', 1 3 V2 — '/
N"W YORK BOND MARKET
Far. B'way 3 55
NTW YORK CURB MARKET
Monogram Picts
Radio-Keith cvs. ... 13/8 13/8 13/s
Sonotone Corp. . . . 3% 354 3%
Technicolor 13i/4 13V4 13V4 — V
Trans-Lux
N. Y. OVER-THE-COUNTER SECURITIES
Bid As^e'
Roxy Thea. Bldg. 4s 1st '57.: 79 8iy2
Missing Persons' Photos To
Be Televised by W2XWV
Pictures of missing persons will
be flashed over television station
W2XWV beginning Sunday, through
an arrangement between the N. Y.
police department and Du Mont Lab-
oratories, Inc., Will Baltin, program
director, announced yesterday.
pnunrn
[FILM STORAGE CORPjl
1* i* ■• ■# k is
1600 B'WAY, II.Y.C.- CIRCLE 6-0081-2-3-4
comma mid Gomo
NICHO'AS SCHENCK and J. ROBERT RUBIN
we.e in Washington yesterday.
THOMAS BAIRD, British Ministry of Infor-
mation film division assistant is en route to
Hollywood.
COLUMBIA SILEO, head of the Mexican Press
Service and wife of Photographer Jimmy Sileo,
has arrived from Mexico.
ARCH R5EVE, of the Industry Public Rela-
tions Committee, is on his way East from the
Coast.
HARRY BRANDT is en route from Holly-
wcod.
A'.FRED LUNT and LYNN FONTANNE have
arrived in London to appear in two plays.
JACK BENNY has returned to the S'ates from
the Mediterranean theater of war after a 10-
week tour entertaining the armed f"-ces unde
the auspices o f USO-Camp Shows. WINI SHAW
and JACK SNYDER accompanied him back.
C. J. LATTA, zone manager for Warne-
Theaters in the Albany territory, and MAX
FRIEDMAN, buyer and booker for that area,
"•re in New York for a few days on picture
deals.
A' AN MELTZER and IRVING YERCIN left
-esterday for Chicago to work with Great
States Circuit on Illinois premieres of "This
Is the Army."
TECHNICAL SCT. JOHN DOMBE, operator
cf the Brooklawn, Fairfield, Onn., is home on
furlough from Little Rock, Ark.
ROY ROGERS pu'ls into town on Saturday
'rom the Coast. THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS,
■'ho will appear with him at the rodeo in
Madison Square Garden starting Wednesday,
vill arrive here on Monday.
WILLIAM C. CEHRINC, Western sales mana-
ger of 20'h-Fox, returns tomo-row from In-
'ianapolis, where he wound uo h:s tour cover-
ng s:x exchanges. EDDIE COLLINS, his as-
sistant, will be with him.
LOUIS KDOUSE, general secretary-treasurer
if the lA^E, returned yesterday for a brief
visit in Washington.
Al DAFF, foreign sales supervisor of Uni-
versal, has left by plane for an extended trip
to Latin-A.nerica. His first stop will be in
Mexico, and from there he will continue to
Panama, Peru, Chile, Argentine, Brazil and
Cuba.
WALT LANTZ, leaves today for Washing-
ton.
JOHN W. HICKS, JR., Paramount vice- presi-
dent in charge of foreign activities and DAVID
E. ROSE, Paramount managing director fcr
Great Britain, this week completed a tour of
two and a half weeks of all Paramount
branches in the United Kingdom and Eire.
META REIS, assistant to William Dozier,
Sead of the story and writers' department at
the Paramount Hollywood Studios, is in New
York fcr a three-weeks' stay.
WILLIAM ERBB, N?w Eng'and and Upstate
N3W York district manager for Paramount, has
returned to Boston after a home office visit.
NICHOLAS NAPOLI, head of Artkino Pic-
tures, has left for Toronto. He gets back on
Monday.
MICHAEL RESNICK, Artkino Pictures sa!es
representative for New Ycrk, is on a tour of
several Midwestern territories, including Pitts-
burgh and Cleveland. He is expected back in
town in a week.
NAT PENDLETON is at the Waldorf-Astoria
'-orn New England, where he participated in
War Bond ra'lies. He will start West after
i week in town.
MANUEL ALONSO, editor and owner of the
Noticlario N'cional of Havana, Cuban news-
eel, arrives in New York tomorrow.
R. VERNON CROOP, managing editor of
the Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester, is
a visitor at the home offices of the film
companies.
SALLY FLATFAU, in charge of candy sales
for the RKO-Paramount-Comerford pool in
'•-Chester, is spending her vacation in New
Ycrk.
NED DEPINET returns Monday from the
Coast.
M. P. Academy Admits
Independent Producers
We-t Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAJT.Y
Hollywood — The Academy of Mo-
ion Picture Arts and Sciences has
admitted to membership the follow-
:ng independent producers: Peter R.
Vanduinen, Arthur Riply, A. W.
Hackel, Sam Katzman, Leon From-
kess, Max Alexander, Edward Fin-
ney, I. E. Chadwick, Jack Schwarz,
W. Ray Johnston, Trem Carr, George
Weeks, Scott R. Dunlap, Max King.
Lindsley Parsons and Sigmund Neu-
feld.
Admission of the producers was
sponsored by E. J. Mannix and Mer-
vyn Leroy.
Mochrie and Branson
At Osserman Farewell
Chicago — A testimonial farewell
banquet will be given tomorrow night
at the Blackstone Hotel for Jack
Osserman, RKO's Midwestern dis-
trict manager, who has been trans-
ferred to an important post in Phil
Redman's foreign department.
Bob Mochrie, general sales man-
age-, and Walter Branson will at-
tend from the home office.
"Rising Sun" Will Have
50-City Eastern Debut
A 50-city premiere of RKO's "Be-
hind the Rising Sun" will be launched
in New York State and Northern
New Jersey on Oct. 14. The Eastern
promotion will be on the same large
scale which started the picture off in
other territories.
A partial list of the cities parti-
cipating in the premieres include the
Palace, New York City; Kingston,
N. Y.; Poughkeepsie, N. Y; Newark,
N. J.; Jersey City, N. J.; Asbury
Park, N. J.; New Brunswick, N. J.;
Morristown, N. J.; Perth Amboy, N.
T.; Patteison, N. J., and Princeton,
N. J.
Three Months' Releases
Announced by Connors
Product for release during the
next three months was announced
yesterday by Tom Connors, 20th-
Fox's distribution chief.
Set for October release are "Sweet
Rosie O'Grady," "Paris After Dark,"
and two re-issues, "The Rains Came"
and "Under Two Flags." "Guadal-
canal Diary" and "Dancing Masters"
will be released in November. The
releases fcr December will be "Hap-
py Land" and "The Gang's All Here."
"$ Publicity"
... a problem
(Continued from Page 1)
ning the war. . . . Titled "Advertising and
Its Role in War and Peace," and directed
to "those who shorts'ghtedly" view adver-
tising as an economic waste in wartime,
the booklet informs them that the Govern-
ment "strongly disagrees with this attiti'-' ^ '
The bibliography of the attitude c /fm
Government officials bulwarking the FeuJral
policy heralds advert. sing as "a vital cog
in our free enterprise system."
Those with long memories will recall a
day when the attitude of certain influential
gentlemen in the Department of Justice did
not exactly coincide.
Two Hurt in Auto Crash
Indianapolis — Andy Anderson,
Kentucky Circuit operator, and his
assistant, L. B. Fuqua, were injured
in an automobile accident.
NEW YORK
THEATERS
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Claudette Paulette Veronica
COLBERT • GODDARD • LAKE
"SO PROUDLY WE HAIL"
Produced and Directed by Mark Sandrleh
A Paramount Picture
Gala Stage Revue Symphony Orchestra
First Mezzanine Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600
JEAN
Arthur
JOHN
Wayne
In
"A Lady Takes
A Chance"
IN PERSON
VAUCHN
MONROE
BOB EVANS
Back The
TIMES
A?tackne PARAMOUNT s^
• SONJA HENIE
OAKIE • ROMERO ■ LANDIS
26*
WOODY HERMAN oM;
PLUS A BIG D C\ Y V 7th Ave.
STAGE SHOW IX \J ^V I * 50th St.
p WAY &
47th St.
ROBERT PAIGE
LOUISE ALLBRITTON
"FIRED WIFE"
:;;;; state
ON SCREEN
BOB HOPE
BETTY HUTTON
"LET'S FACE IT"
IN PERSON
Benny Davis
and 'His New
Stars of 1944'
Nan Rae &
Mrs. Waterfall
Cliff Edwards
■
j )
1 '
>
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It's a
honey
of a
hold-over I"
2^~
i^/7
utctue
JAMES
AMP H/S MUSfCMAK£RS
A
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80WFBS • MCK ^fll»fB • J0Nf flu
*— *raas5£2?»r. ■*■? — *.. ,
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WAR
BONDS!
The job
that never
stops!
Thursday, September 30, 1943
DAILY
Coe Says Films (an
Help Preserve Peace
Toronto — While motion pictures
have been of great service as an in-
fo: mative and educational medium,
the drama and entertainment ele-
ments of films are more likely to
r'^w together the peoples of the
j.d into the common task of pre-
s^-ving civilization after the war,
Charles Francis Coe, vice-president
and general counsel of the MPPDA,
said yesterday at a luncheon meet-
ing of the Adveitising and Sales
Club of Toronto.
More than 650 Canadian industrial
heads, prominent educators and trade
people attended the affair.
"In this vital area," Coe said, "I
believe the film is destined to per-
form a supremely useful function in
the peace to come. Motion pictures
reflect in entertainment the common
humanity that moves us all."
Coe said that pictures were a
mighty factor in winning the war
and will soon be mightier in pre-
serving a just and lasting peace
founded upon ever-broadening human
understanding. He said that the in-
dustry has not taken one dollar in
profits from the documentary films
made for the Government.
Eliminate Six Items
In Byrens vs. Zukor Suit
Federal Judge Alfred C. Cox yes-
terday eliminated six out of seven
items demanded by Berny By: ens,
Los Angeles broker, in his suit
against Adolph Zukor to recover
$69,930 for services rendered. Byrens
alleges he was engaged by Zukor to
make a survey of the film executive's
financial problems and to place his
affai s in order for a consideration
of 10 per cent of any savings. Zukor
denies that any agreement was
entered into and asserts that $1,000
paid the insurance broker was ac-
cepted as full payment for all ser-
vices.
Judge Cox ruled that Byrens was
only entitled to examine Zukor on
cor-espondence between them.
Samuel Wertheimer Dead
Cumberland, Md. — Samuel Wert-
heimer, 77, owner of the Capitol and
Victorian Theaters, is dead. He is
survived by his wife, two sons and
a daughter.
Philip Dorn
Ralph Forbes
George Bancroft
Herman Starr
ALONP
"&■'"» V4Gi,
Thinking of "I/":
• • • WITH justifiable pride, rank and file ol the New Universal
aie carrying the company's banners into the season just begun, and
this pride is matched by the confidence of thousands of showmen who
will play the organization's 1943-44 product This season is the
fifth since the amazing metamorphosis of the old company into the
new Between the Universal that was (at 1933's outset) and the Uni-
versal of today is a difference as plain as that 'twixt shadow and sub-
stance All of domestic filmland knows thin, and so does the trade
beyond our borders _ _ _
• • • ANYONE conversant with t'.e motion picture business
recognizes its uniqueness as a form of 'ommerce To those un-
acquainted with its unusual facets, it is understandably assumed to
have close kinship with other businesses On the retail side,
this is relatively true, but only relatively For example, its product
is never bought, but licensed Its price is only a rental fee
. And product-availability is subject to the distributional factor
we call "clearance" Now, without exception, the exhibitor is
interested primarily in three things in relation to the producer- dis-
tributor, namely: Product (of quality and box office power); Price
(license costs of mutual advantage); and Promptness (assured delivery
In accordance with representations and announcements by the pro-
ducer-distributor) Phil M. calls up these basic angles because,
without them as premises, a clear understanding of the New Univer-
sal's remarkable progress and ever-ascending influence cannot be ap-
preciated or evaluated as they deserve
▼ T T
• • • WHEN the New Universal emerged from its cramped co-
coon in !ate '37 and early '38, it was not into calm air or bright sur-
roundings The old predecessor organization was beset with dif-
ficulties ranging from production down through film consumption
To put it realistically, the barometer of company fortunes was low
The exhibitor-customer's attitude, in many instances was dark
His complaints were legion But then came the new regime of
President Nate Blumberg and Board Chairman Cowdin, aptly termed
the "New Universal" It was, in thought, word and deed
It set its sails to make rugged product, market that product at rentals
considerate of the exhibitor, and deliver the product on time and as
hera'ded long before hand Result was resurgence of customer
good-will which has gained almost miracu'ous momentum over the past
four years ...... With it, the New Universal's prestige rocketed
T ▼ ▼
% % % NO more fascinating and inspiring "success story" exists
in filmland annals than U's renaissance, achieved despite obstacles
which at times must have appeared to its guiding executives as almost
insurmountable They certainly appeared that way from the side-
lines Perhaps the most impressive side of said renaissance is
the fact that the new regime had to meet the '38-'39 season from a
standing start, and, at the same time, train sights on its subsequent,
seasons Backlogs of story properties had to be established; players
haled back to the lot with confidence restored; new players developed;
producers and directors brought into the fold; and much of the ex-
hibition field re-tilled. .... .During the past four years the New
Universal has not only enhanced the well-being of the trade, but has
been a potent force for the national weal from its inception
Its contribution to the war effort, through its features, shorts, and _
newsrecl, is incalculable Hail its fifth year!
T ▼ T
• • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! BACK THE ATTACK! BUY
BONDS!
Jersey City Landlord
Enters Trust Action
(Continued from Page 1)
defendants five companies operating
theaters in Hudson County; namely,
Skouras Theaters, Inc., Stanley Co.
of America, Loew's Theater and
Realty Co., Rosewalt Realty Co. and
the Union Hill Corp. It is charged
that the five companies conspired
and combined to create a monopoly
on first-run pictures in Hudson
County theaters which they operate.
Atto:neys in New York yesterday
said that the filing of an anti-trust
action by a landlord of a theater was
unique in the history of motion pic-
ture litigation.
Army Special Service
Div. May be Abolished
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Washington — The Army may an-
nounce soon the abolition of the
Special Service Division in name, it
was learned yesterday, but its morale
functions will continue to be the : e-
sponsibility of Gen Frederick H. Os-
born. Osborn is slated for early
promotion to Major General and
when his promotion is approved, it
is possible that another order, al-
: eady prepared, will place him in G-3
of the Army Service Forces. This
section now has charge of training
activities alone. The new move
would not disturb the organization
so far as training is concerned but
would bring Osborn still in charge of
morale activities, including camp en-
te tainment, camps publications, etc.
Rumors that camp entertainment and
the Army Motion Picture Service
might be transferred to the Signal
Corps brought swift denial from key
men in the Signal Corps.
WB New Haven Bookers
Doubling to War Plants
Angelo Lombardi and Sidney Le-
vine, Wa ner New Haven bookers,
are holding down night War plant
jobs, in addition to their film con-
nections.
Sam Trinz Hospitalized
Chicago— Sam Trinz, veteran thea-
ter owner, is confined to the Wesley
Memorial Hospital with a heart at-
tack.
Lindau Circuit Adds Two
Chicago — The Charles Lindau The-
ater Circuit has added the Kedzie
Theater and the Annex Theater to
its circuit, effective Oct. 1.
IN NEW POSTS
GE07GE DEBER, assistant to Dave Schooler,
USO-Camp Shows booker.
PAUL BINSTO'K Hstrict supervisor, Rugoff
& Becker, Brooklyn.
1MB
DAILY
Thursday, September 30, 1943
20lh-Fox Technicolor
Total Boosted to 14
We*t Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — With plans completed
to produce "Woodrow Wilson" in
color, 20th-Fox will have a total of
at least 14 dye vat products to be
released du: ing 1943-44 season.
With "Heaven Can Wait" already
released, and "Sweet Rosie O'Grady"
recently tradeshown, two films are
already in distribution. ''The Gang's
All Here" has just been completed,
and the studio currently is filming
>'Pin-Up Gi: 1," "Buffalo Bill" and
"Home In Indiana."
Others for the Technicolor cam-
eras are 'State Fair," "Laredo,"
"Where Do We Go From Here,"
"Bowery After Dark," "Greenwich
Village," "Son of Flicka," and ten-
tatively the musical, "Mexico City."
Non-Deferrable Jobs OK'd
But Not Yet Announced
(.Continued from Page 1)
til this clearance is obtained no in-
formation as to the disposition of
the jobs in theaters included on the
list is available. It is believed that
definitions to exclude theater man-
agers and circuit and exchange book-
ers from inclusion as non-def er: able
were submitted, but there is no as-
surance that the committee did not
finally vote to re-write these defini-
tions.
Burroughs to London
On Stock Coating Matter
(Continued from Page 1)
next week for London where he will
spend a month trying to co-ordinate
British film-coating activities in or-
der to cut down the demand for
coated stock there. It is hoped that
as a result of Burroughs' t:ip this
country will be able to send a larger
proportion of uncoated base to Eng-
land and that London can coat the
stock and supply a large portion of
the needs of our military forces in
the Europan theater.
Soviet Guerrilla Pie,
iXeiv Documentary
Wa-hington Bur., THE FILM DAILY
Washingto n — "The People's
Avengers," a feature - length docu-
mentary on the Soviet guerrillas
shot behind the German lines by
16 cameramen under the direction
of Vasili Belyaev, has been re-
leased, it was revealed this week by
the Soviet Embassy. The action
consists mainly cf scenes in the daily
life of the guerrilla bands, show-
ing underground print shops in oc-
cupied territory, the distribution of
underground literature, and many
scenes of actual attacks by the
guerrillas.
REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS
"Oklahoma Outlaws"
(Santa Fe Trail Western)
Warners 20 mins.
Packed With Action
Action which is usually spread
over a full-length western is con-
densed into this two-reeler, with the
result that it roars along at great
pace. No motion is lost in teiling
the story which deals with the open-
ing of the Cherokee St:ip in the final
decade of the past century. In the
race for land, the legitimate stakers
of claims ran afoul of gangsters bent
on preying upon new towns through
establishment therein of dens devoted
to gambling and vice. Climax of this
short is the lynching of the leader of
the townfolk, and tne mob-murdered
man's son avenging the act. The
cast is well-chosen and enacts the
sordid, lapid-fire events with skill.
It includes Robert Shayne, Juanita
Stark, Warner Anderson, Erville Al-
derson, Addison Richards and
Charles Middleton. Direction is swift
and sure. Fans liking unadulte: ated
action will go for this subject in a
big way.
is swift and hot, and many of the
camera angles are off the beaten
path. Ottering should fit well into
the program.
"Cue Wizards"
(World of Sports)
Columbia , 9% mins.
Interesting
Placed on display in this short is
the cue wizardry of Andrew Ponzi
and Charles Paterson. Ponzi offers
amazing evidence of the skill that
made him a billiard champ. Some
of his shots are hard to believe, so
difficult and intricate a:e they. Pat-
erson demonstrates a number of
tiick shots that make one wonder.
Those interested in billiards will be
immensely pleased by this short,
which has a commentary spdken by
Bill Stern. The film suffers badly
from faulty lighting, the sound also
leaving something to be desired.
Hany Foster directed.
"Freddie Fisher And His Band"
Warners 10 mins.
Peppy Band Reel
Two original compositions by Fred-
die Fisher, "Colonel Corn" and "Old
Hank," along with four other mus-
ical numbers, — "She'll Be Comin'
Round the Mountain," 'Listen to the
Mocking Bud," "Latin Quarter" and
"Tiger Rag" — , comprise this peppy
band reel in which novelty in instru-
mentation and arrangement are
stressed. The swing tempo employed
"Dizzy Pilots"
(Three Stooges)
Columbia 17 mins.
More of Same
Here we go again, boys. The Three
Stooges labor hard and furiously to
get laughs, deviating not one iota
from their routine. This time we see
them as inventors defeired from the
draft because they are working on a
new type of plane. Their immunity
from Army service ends when their
plane proves a flop. The short was
produced ' and directed by Jules
White from a script by Clyde Bruck-
mai), who wo:ked up no perspiration
in discharging his task.
"Cartoons Ain't Human"
(Popeye)
Paramount 7 mins.
Mild
Popeye turns animated cartoonist
in his latest adventure. He makes
himself the hero of his creation, les-
cuing Olive from the villain, who has
the gal tied to the railroad tracks
at the end. The laughs are few.
Even the kids will have a tough time
being entertained by this one.
"Yours Truly"
(Heaahner;
Paramount 10 mins.
Okay for Young Folk
Johnny Long and his orchestra
are featured in this musical short,
which should please the young peo-
ple. The Long aggregation is heard
in five numbers, "Une O'Clock Jump,"
"Don't Worry," "If You Please,"
' One Dozen Roses" and Chopin's
"Minute Waltz." The vocalists are
Marilyn Day and Gene Williams.
"Room and Bored"
Columbia lx/z mins.
Okay
This Technicolor short offers an-
other battle between the Crow and
the Fox. The fuss starts when the
former, a jive nut, rents an apart-
ment from the latter and proceeds
to make a nuisance of himself. The
Crow's behavior finally forces the
Fox to order him out, but the villain
manages to stay on by trickery. The
Dave Fleischer cartoon has a number
,of rather funny moments.
SPG and Companies Meet , Donlevy in Hospital
Representatives of the majors and Chicago — Brian Donlevy collapsed
the negotiating committee of the | at the Ghanute Field Army show
SPG met yesterday to discuss the j Tuesday night and is confined to St.
salary plan proposed by the union. I Luke's Hospital with a lung condi-
No statement was issued following I tion. His wife flew here from Holly'
the meeting. ' wood
Ray Stumbo Stricken
Portland, Ore.— Ray Stumbo, 51,
operator of the Swan Island here and
owner of the Hollywood, Salem, is
dead from a stroke. His widow and
a son survive.
Borne Takes Over Grand
West Lafayette, O.— The Grand
Theater changed hands when R.
Bame took over the house from Mrs.
Florence Mayo and Mrs. R. McMur-
ray. Bame plans to open a theater
in Freeport, 0.
Pix Shown To Troops
Old Product-Benny
The criticism that most of the film
entertainment offered at the Army
posts in the areas in which he ap-
peared consisted of well-aged prod-
uct was voiced by Jack Benny at a
press interview at the headquar^"
of USO-Camp Shows yesterday(/«
on his retu.n from a 10-week tour of
Africa, the Middle East and the
Mediterranean theater of war.
'Some places the pictures were so
old that Shirley Temple wasn't born
yet," said the comedian.
Asserting that in Central Africa
our soldie: s were provided with vir-
tually no entertainment at all, Benny
said that our fighting men were in
need of more diversion to sustain
their morale. He disclosed that his
troupe had appeared in many places
which had known no entertainment
before.
Benny said that our doctors and
nu: ses overseas deserved more pub-
licity for the work they were doing.
"They are doing one of the greatest
things I have seen in my life," he
asserted.
The Benny troupe averaged two
shows a day throughout the tour,
which covered more than 30,000
miles. It spent one day on the
Italian mainland, making it the first
USO-Camp Shows company to per-
fo:m in Italy proper.
The troupe was "never in great
danger" throughout the tour, ac-
cording to Benny. "It was a great
trip. It was the greatest vacation I
have ever had in my life," said the
comedian, offering as proof the fact
he had put on 15 pounds during his
absence f:om the States.
Benny will remain in town for his
first two broadcasts of the new sea-
son. He is due to report at the War-
ner Bros, studios on Nov. 1 for "The
Horns Blow at Midnight."
Sharing the interview with Benny
was Wini Shaw, the songster, who ac-
companied him on the tour. An-
other member of the troupe who re-
turned with Benny yesterday was
Jack Snyder, pianist. Anna Lee was
left behind in Algiers to join Adolphe
Menjou: Larry Adler, who com-
pleted the troupe, was another whc
did not retu:n with Benny.
Miss Shaw announced she was all
set to start out on another USO-
Camp Shows tour.
Iowa Theaters Sold
Des Moines, la. — W. E. Hess has
sold the Royal at Spirit Lake to the
March Brothers, operating theaters
in Orange city and other northwest-
ern Iowa towns.
Bob Malek, who is now serving in
the Army, has sold his interests in
the Gladbrook and Independent the-
aters.
Services Want Scrap Film
Sydney (By Air Mail)— Both the
Army and RAAF have requested !
the Australian industry to arrange
for the collection of scrap film for
important war purposes.
Thursday, September 30, 1943
3fe:
Exhibs. Press Drive to Sell Bond for Each Seat
Sales Made by Theaters
Up to and Including Oct. 2
Will Be Credited to Trade
(Continued from Page 1)
more small sales would be needed to
"oplement the enormous corporate
)chases. With an estimated 11,-
uuO,000 seats, the WAC Theaters Di-
vision is in a unique position to cap-
ture the thus-far elusive "dangerous
money" which these small sales rep-
resent.
Although the campaign is sched-
uled to terminate today, it was wi-
de, stood by the WAC that any sales
made by exhibitors up to and in-
cluding Oct. 2 would be credited to
the industry.
A spot-check of several situations
was made by the WAC, which showed
that literally hundreds of theaters
would reacn the mark set, while
others had al; eady exceeded it. Bond
premieres, which almost invariably
played to SRO, will make it almost
automatic for 1,400 theaters to have
sold a Bond for each seat.
It is the non-premiere theaters,
whose Free Movie Day and other
ext. a-promotional activities have
brought them close to the mark, who
will redouble their efforts in the few
days remaining. These showmen,
heeding the Treasury's call for as-
sistance to snare the inflationary
money, are expected to call on their
final showmanship resources to make
possible the $15,000,000,000 national
goal.
WA83,449 War Bond
Sales by Loew Houses
Loew's Theaters report total sales
of $10,483,449 in War Bonds in the
period, Sept. 9-27, inclusive. Houses
in Greater New York lead with sales
of $5,335,184, with out-of-town situ-
ations reporting $5,148,265. The to-
tal is more than 25 pe. cent greater
than for the first 27 days of Septem-
ber, 1942.
4,439 Bond buyers were the guests
of Loew's New York Theaters on
Monday's Free Movie Day, sales for
the day amounting to $405,619.
Loew houses leading in number of
Bond tickets issued on Monday are:
Capitol, 820; Astor, 4o2; Paradise,
310; Pitkin, 244; State, 194; Valen-
cia, 135; American, 124; Metropoli-
ton, 119; 83rd St., 118.
Treasury Thanks NEW
For War Loan Drive Co-op.
"Sincere appreciation" for the
"generous co-operation" extended
the Gove.nment in the Third War
Loan drive by the members of the
National Entertainment Industry
Council was voiced in a message re-
ceived yesterday from the Treasury
Department by James E. Sauter, na-
tional co-ordinator of the NEIC. The
message was signed by Ted R. Gam-
ble, national director of the War
Finance Division of the Treasury.
"The USO-Camp Shows making
available their talent, the special
More Than $4,000,000 in War Bond Sales
Assured by FWTBT's Premiere in Detroit
Detroit — Tonight's War B nd premiere of Paramount's "For Whom the Bell
Tolls" will total over $4,000,000 in Bond sales, Earl J. Hudson, . president of
United Detroit Theaters, announced last night. Hudson also reported an ad-
vance sale of $16,000 for the regular two-a-day run at the Wilson Theater,
which will play- the films simultaneously with the United Artists.
Ampa's Bulletin to be
Monthly Publication
Ampa's own monthly publication
will be dubbed New Ampa Bulletin,
it was decided at a board of directors
meeting held yesterday with Presi-
qent Vincent Trotta presiding. Pa-
per will be a four-page tabloid
printed in color. Yesterday's board
session otherwise was devoted to dis-
cussion of arrangements for the
forthcoming relief fund benefit at the
New York Paramount and the first
Ampa Fall meeting which will take
^he form of a salute to the industry's
men and women in the armed ser-
vices.
Broadway Cast Members
Volunteer ior USO Shows
Reception for Roy Rogers
Republic will host a reception for
Roy Roge. s and Trigger in the Hotel
Astor's East Ballroom on Tuesday.
The casts of 13 Broadway attrac-
tions have volunteered their services
to USO-Camps Shows on their nights
off to entertain the armed forces in
the Eastern military area during the
coming winter. The player s are irom
"Life vVith Father," "Something for
the Boys," "Three's a Family,"
"Early to Bed," "Harriet," "Blithe
Spirit," "Janie," "Doughgirls," ''Ro-
salinda," "Oklahoma," "Star and
Garter," "Kiss and Tell" and "My
Dear Public."
The steps is being taken as a lesult
of confeieaces between USO-Camp
Shows, Actors Equity, IATSE ana
American Federation of Musicians
representatives and spokesmen for
tne performers.
broadcasts and the numerous re-
quests that you have taken care of
in the New York area have been of
indispensable help to us," said the
wire.
Rochester Bond Premiere
Rolls Up $257,000 Sale
Rochester — Mo;e than 3,400 per-
sons bought about $257,000 worth of
War Bonds to attend the Bond pre-
miere of 'Johnny Come Lately" at
Loew's Rochester. The Rochester
Philharmonic Orchestra appeared on
the program.
dio co-operated in the attraction
which was sponsored by the WAC
with the house donated for the night
by S. H. Fabian, WAC national
chairman. Film attraction was "Du
Barry Was a Lady," backed up by
a stage show featuring name stage
and radio talent. Program was
broadcast over WABC.
J167,425 War Bond Sale
Via St. Louis Free Pix Day
St. Louis — With reports in from
96 of 110 St. Louis and St. Louis
County theaters, committeemen re-
port that Free Movie Day resulted
in sales of War Bonds to 2,172 per-
sons for a total of $167,425. Unre-
ported theaters are all small and will
add little to the grand total.
Bond Pledges and Sales
Exceed Columbia's Quota
Signed pledges and sales of $1,-
562,400 in War Bonds a:e reported
by Columbia, exceeding the com-
pany's quota by $62,400. Officials
ind employes expect to increase this
figure considerably before the end
of the drive.
$1,216,250 War Bond Sales
At St. George Theater Show
Bond sales totaling $1,216,250
were rung up at the War Bond show
at the Fabian St. George Theater,
Staten Island. Screen, stage and ra-
"United Nations" Day Bond
Rally at Victory Square
Indications that a turnaway crowd
will greet the "United Nation's Day"
War Bond rally at Victory Square,
tonight, and that the New York ra-
dio industry's efforts will gross more
than $3,000,000 in Bond sales were
the highlights of a statement issued
late yesterday by James E. Sauter,
chairman of the Ente- tainment Com-
mittee of the Treasury's War Fin-
ance division.
Emcees will be Ed Sullivan, Bert
Lytell, and Lt. Rudy Vallee.
Stars of the show drawn from
films as well as radio include Frank
Sinatra, Perry Como, Walter Pid-
geon, Lana Turner, Allan Jones, Vir-
ginia O'Brien, Glenda Farrell, the
Double Daters, Bea Wain, Walter
O'Keefe, Nan Rae and Davis, Barry
Wood, Kay Lorraine, Phil Baker,
Johnny Morgan, Billie Burke, Jerry
Lester, Henny Youngman, Rose
Blaine, Joan Brooks, the cast of
"Can You Top This?" with Harry
Hershfield, Joe Laurie, Jr., Senator
Ford, and the Ink Spots.
Tickets of admission go to persons
buying Bonds ranging from $100 to
$1,000,000. The advance sale has al-
ready passed the $2,000,000 mark
with scores of tickets going for $1,-
000 Bond purchases.
Carrier Will Test
. S. "Freeze" Order
(Continued from Page 1)
committee of the New York Film
Boa:d of Trade.
Meanwhile it was learned that a
test of the Government order under
which motor equipment was frozen
on Dec. 17, 1941, will be made on be-
half of a New York film carrier by
Ira Meinhardt, counsel for Film De-
liveries, Inc. Meinha: dt said that
he was preparing to file an applica-
tion for one new light truck (one
ton or less) with the ODT here.
Eberson Starts Duties
As Chief of OCR's Unit
6 & K Raising Prices
Of Three Theaters to 85c
Chicago — B & K is raising the
Apollo and Garrick Theater evening
prices 10 cents to 85 cents with the
opening of "I Dood It." It will raise
the United Artists Theater prices
tomorrow to the same amount, with
the premiere of "Heaven Can Wait."
Previously the Chicago and Roose-
velt Theater p.ices were raised.
Other circuits are planning Loop ad-
mission price raises, but the details
are not settled yet.
(Continued from Page 1)
head of the theater equipment unit
for the Amusements Section of the
Office of Civilian Requirements. He
has already scheduled conferences
with Maj. Jack Cahill, assistant to
Col. Kirk B. Lawton in the Army
Picture Service and his son, Lt. Col.
Drew Ebe: son, of the Army engi-
neers, to discuss with them the equip-
ment needs of the military.
"My job as I understand it," said
Eberson, "is to keep existing theaters
going and aid in any way I can to
see to it that motion pictures be
made available to our people, but
war needs must come first."
The new OCR exec, said that it
appears to him now that theaters are
not suffering seiiously from lack of
equipment. "Allen Smith seems to
have done an excellent job in their
behalf" and there are no serious
complaints, Eberson stated. He is
still studying the outlook, he added,
and has already satisfied himself
that new equipment will be released
from the manufacturers' stockpile
ment is scheduled for replacement
soon. Thus far, however, this equip-
ment is scheduled for replacement
of burnt out or obsolete equipment,
but Eberson is hopeful that some of
it may be made available to needed
new theaters.
Several applications for new the-
aters in war areas are now before
OCR.
CIO Yanks Charier
Of Managers Local
(Continued from Page 1)
iate institution of full democratic
practices in the local as provided
in our constitution have been con-
sistently flaunted," was announced
last night by Lewis Merrill, presi-
dent of the UOPWA, CIO.
The text of the letter sent to the
local under Merrill's signatu: e, and
released by the UOPWA, follows:
"The Administrative Committee of the
United Office and Professional Workers of
America, at its meeting on Sept. 24, 1943,
reviewed in detail our experience with your
local since May. 1943, when a provisional
charter was granted to you pending further
investigation. In this connection, we have
given full consideration to a letter dated
Sept. 14, 1943, over the signature of D. F.
Barrecca as president, as well as other in-
formation with respect to the conduct of your
affairs, including our own experience.
"We are not satisfied that your organiza-
tion as presently constituted provides a satis-
factory vehicle for the correction of the con-
dition of the workers that would fall within
your jurisdiction. We are not satisfied that
satisfactory guarantees can be given to those
eligible for membership that honesty, so-
briety and practically will govern the atti-
tudes ri those called upon to administer
their affaire.
'The advice, counsel and suggestions of
the National Union have been ignored. Our
instructions for immediate institution of full
democratic practices in the local as provided
in our Constitution have been consistently
flaunted. We cannot, therefore, continue to
permit, under these circumstances the fur-
ther exploitation of the name of this or-
ganization by persons for whose character or
intentions we can take no responsibility, or
to continue to extend the protection of its
prestige and influence and that of the Con-
gress of Industrial Organizations.
"Pursuant, therefore, to the authority
vested in me by the Constitution of the
UOPWA, the provisional charter granted to
Local 152 is hereby withdrawn. All mem-
bers of the UOPWA presently attached to
Local 152 are hereby transferred to mem-
bership-at-large of the UOPWA. As soon as
possible a meeting will be held of all such
members to make orderly disposition of their
affairs. All contracts presently entered into
by Local 152 are hereby transferred for their
administration to the officers of the National
Union. Pending further action. Acting Sec-
retary-Treasurer Richard Lewis is hereby
appointed Administrator. All money, books
and other property of Local 152 shall be
immediately turned over to him as Trustee
in accordance with the Constitution.
"The entire matter is hereby referred to
the next meeting of the General Executive
Board for final action.
"The officers of the UOPWA are deter-
mined that no concurrence will be made with
actions and procedures which blemish the
reputation of the UOPWA or which tend
to compromise the enviable record of accom-
plishment made possible by the sincerity and
devotion of its tens of thousands of mem-
bers.
"Having neither trust nor confidence in
thr- present direction of the officers of Local
152. we cannot sanction their continuance.
This, however, does not represent abandon-
ment of the problem. It does require those
involved in the situation to devise a solution
more appropriate to the facts and which can
be offered to the workers in the industry as
unquestionably in their interest. Such a
solution must be in harmony with the in-
terests of the present membership of the
1,'OPWA in the movie industry and buttress
and support the collective bargaining ad-
vances that they have made."
Kassler Completes Course
Greeley, Colo. — Pfc. F;ank Kassler,
formerly engaged in film biz in New
York, has completed a course in air
force clerical duties at the AAFTTC
Training Detachment at Colorado
State College of Education here.
TO TIME CO LOUS!
* DECORATED *
LT. JAMES F. DUFrY, USAAF, formerly with
Lloyds Film S.orage Corp., awa.dsd the
Distinguished r.ym° Cross, in India.
* A*MY *
EARL MASSEY, associate publicist, Paramount
home otiice foreign dept.
ROBERT SILVERBEivC, broadway, Norwich,
Conn.
CORSON JACOBSON, Broadway, Norwich, Ccnn.
* NAVY *
MICHAEL PAGANO, 20th-Fox home office
maintenance man.
— • —
NAVAL AVIATION
CHARLES MASON, JR., appienhce stage hand,
Rochester, N. Y.
Para, to Examine Cooper
In Its Suit on Oct. 5
Notices for the examination of
Joseph H. Cooper were filed yester-
day in New York Federal Court in
the suit brought by Pa: amount Pic-
tures against him and three of his
corporations, Rialto, Inc., J. H. Coo-
per Enterprises, Inc., and Interstate
Theaters, Inc., all doing business in
Colorado. The examination date is
Oct. 5. The action involves owner-
ship of stocks of the three corpoia-
tions held in Cooper's name.
At the same time notice was filed
by Paramount, Montague F. Gow-
thorpe and Sam Dembow, Jr., to ex-
amine Cooper in connection with
their suit against him and the Lin-
coln Theater Corp., of Lincoln, Neb.
In addition to an accounting of as-
sets the plaintiffs seek to have Coo-
per assign to the Lincoln Theater
Corp. leases and equipment of two
theaters in Lincoln, the Nebraska
and Stuart.
In answer to Cooper's suit against
Paramount Pictures for $2J0,000 for
alleged breach of contract the com-
pany entered a general denial of all
charges and requested a dismissal
on the g: ounds the action is out-
lawed under the statute of limita-
tions.
Grierson as CCNY Lecturer
_ Lecturers for its Fall semester be-
ginning Oct. 6 have been announced
by the Institute of Film Techniques
at City College. The list includes
John Grierson, film commissioner of
Canada; Robert Flaherty, Theodore
Strauss of the New York Times;
Stuart Legg, editor of "The World
in Action" series of shorts; John
Ferno, I: ving Lerner, Willard Van
Dyke, Richard Ford, Joris Ivens,
Kurt London, Julien Bryan, Philip
Dunne, Ralph Steiner and Irving
Jacoby, founder of the institute.
Set "Scorched Earth" Distribs.
Regional distributo: s for "Scorched
Earth" have been appointed by Mel-
vin Hirsch of Crystal Pictures, Inc.,
New Yo:k, and Joseph Levine of
Embassy Pictures Co., Boston, na-
tional distributors of the film. Ap-
pointments include: Ben Harris,
American Film Co., Philadelphia-
Max Shulgold, Crown Film, Pitts-
burgh; Clarence Hicks, Denver and
Midwest; Max Jacobs, Imperial Pic-
tures, Cleveland and Toddy Pictures,
Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte and New
Orleans.
Rubin, Schenck Brief
Callers at D of J Offices
(Continued pom Page 1)
eral Tom C. Clark, was visited brief-
ly yesterday by J. Robert Rubin and
Nicholas M. Schenck, Loew officials.
Clark had no knowledge of the visit,
but Wright did confirm it. Wright
would not say the reason for it,
however.
Rubin and Schenck arrived here
on the train due at 3:00 from New
York, stopped b.iefly in Wright's
office, and were on their way back
to New York by 5:00.
Clark did confirm next Monday as
the date for his New York meeting
with production heads. He and
Wright will be on hand for the Gov-
ernment. Wright was not certain he
could stay for all the sessions should
the confe. ence run longer than a day
or two, since he must try a case on
Wednesday. Wright stated also that
tnere nas been no change in the De-
partment's decision to delay action
on the Griffith, Schine, Crescent and
other cases pending until the course
in the New York equity case is final-
ly decided. He insists that no decis-
ion has yet been reached by Clark.
Lantz to Make Navy
Training Film Series
Walter Lantz, Universal cartoon
producer, has closed a deal with the
J. S. Navy whereby Lantz will pro-
duce a series of training films. Lantz,
who has been in New York for sev-
eral days, leaves for Washington
today to confer with Naval officials
before returning to the Coast.
Lt. Jack C. Boyd Missing
Indianapolis — Lt. Jack C. Boyd,
former employe at the RCA-Victor
division, is reported missing in ac-
tion. A pilot of a Flying Fortress,
he participated in air raids over Ger-
many and France and had been dec-
orated. He has been missing since
Sept 3, but no details were con-
tained in the telegram from the War
Department.
Japs Holding Vernon Hobbs
Cleveland — Vernon Hobbs, former-
ly with the local National Theatre
Supply Co., listed as missing in the
Pacific area for the past year and
a half, has finally been located by
the Red Cross as a prisoner of the
Japs in a Philippine prison camp.
A card received by his parents of
Richmond, Ind., stated that he is well.
LETTERS
Editor, The Film Daily:
Now that foreign versions of pic-
tures a: e coming into the spotlight
again, there appears to be cropping
up in print a common error of ter-
minology. The various versic
which are being made in this co(
try for foreign language countr
a: e being referred to as "dubbed
versions."
Actually very few real dubbed ver-
sions a: e being made in this country,
because dubbing refers to the syn-
chronizing of a foreign language
soundtrack with the lip movements
of the actors' on the screen. I be-
lieve that Warner Bros, have done
a little dubbing, but no other com-
pany has done any so far.
The actual versions referred to in
the stories that I have seen lately
are those which have superimposed
sub-titles in various foreign lang-
uages.
I hope I make this point clear, and
I hope that it is of interest to you.
Sincerely you:s,
ALBERT DEANE,
Depew and Syracuse
Houses Change Owners
Buffalo — New owners will take
over two up-state nabe houses. Joe
Warda, operator of the Lancaster,
will take over the Colonial, Depew,
from Mrs. George Shaner, Oct. 1.
Jacob Karp, owner of the Cameo,
will assume control of the Brighton,
Syracuse, also.
Matthew Konczakowski is sched-
uled to re-open the Grand, Buffalo.
Wayne Heads Legion Post
Cleveland — Aaron Wayne, Mono-
gram salesman, has been elected
commander of local Variety Post 313.
Howard Roth, Paramount office man-
ager was named finance officer and
Jack Greenbaum, former independent
distributor, was elected 1st se: geant-
at-arms. Other officers elected are
not members of the film industry.
Installation will be held Oct. 15.
Zwick Theater Leased
Finleyville, Pa. — Leon Reichblum,
who operates theaters in Charleroi,
Pa., has leased the Olympic Theater
here fiom John Zwick, who is re-
tiring.
"Law and Order"
Rally for Newarh
Newark, N. J. — A "Law and
Order" rally will be held Saturday
at the Mosque Theater, when the
children attending will be asked
to pledge themselves to obey the
10 p.m. curfew law by arranging to
catch earlier movie programs. If
first few days of the curfew pro-
vide any criterion ordinance is
sharply reducing juve vandalism.
The
1944
FILM YEAR
BOOK
IS
NOW
IN
INTENSIVE
PREPARATION
K)
0*\ DAILY :
Thursday, September 30, 1943
"Buying Clinic" at
Allied's Regional!
(Continued from Page 1)
he planned to hold Eastern regional
meetings every 90 days.
(Dollinger said in New York yes-
terday that a "buying clinic" may be
held with the New Haven sessions
although it had not been determined
definitely).
Attending the meetings here will
be Dollinger, Sidney Samuelson,
Harry Lowenstein and Meyer Leven-
thal, rep: esen ting national Allied.
Dr. J. B. Fishman, president, and
Maxwell Alderman, executive secre-
tary, will officiate for Connecticut
Allied. Sales policies and product
will be discussed on Monday while
Tuesday will be devoted to the Al-
lied caravan plan and a meeting of
the Eastern directors.
Suit to Force Sale of
Newark Houses Lost
Newark, N. J. — Vice Chancellor
Bigelow, in an opinion handed down
here, disn. !ssed a suit to compel Sam-
uel Schechner, relator and the R.L.S.
Corp. to sell the Palace and Colonial
Theaters in Orange, N. J., to the
Ledirk Amusement Company, Inc.
Ledirk has been lessee and operator
of the two theaters since 1930, and
its lease according to counsel has 17
years to run. The principal stock-
holders, officers and directors of the
company, are Moe Kridel, president
and his two sons, Jerome and Myron.
Three years ago the theaters were
sold to the R.L.S. Corp. by the Mu-
tual Theater Company. Schechner
owns one-third of the stock of the
company while the rest is held by
Rudolph Weiss of New York, a War-
ner Bros, employe, and Louis Levin
of the Elwood Theater here, who has
a pooling arrangement with Warner
Bros.
Reopen Champagne Theater
Champagne, 111. — Ted Anthony has
reopened the Rex Theater (formerly
Varsity) after remodelling and re-
furnishing the house, closed for
some months.
WAR SERVICE
. . . on the Film Front
Detroit — Variety Club of Michigan re-
sumes its second season cf the Canteen for
Servicemen, with 50 men in uniform in-
vited to the club every Sunday night.
Acts from local night clubs, 50 hostesses
from the exchanges and theaters, and re-
freshments are provided.
Act'vity is headed by: Arvid Kantor,
National Screen Service, general chairman;
Frank Wetsman, W Gr W Theaters, co-
chairman; Irving Belinsky, Film Drug Store,
frod chairman; and Asher Shaw, United
Detroit Theaters, entertainment chairman.
HCLLyWCCD CIGEST
SIGNED
(ANIS CARTER, termer, Columbia.
HOWARD FREEMAN, termer, Columbia.
ASSIGNMENTS
ROBERT SIODMAK, director, "Christmas Holi-
day," Univesal.
ROY WILIIAM N'ILL, director, "Gypsy Wild-
cat," Universal.
•
CASTINGS
K. T. STEVENS, "Address Unknown," Colum-
bia; BLANCHE YURKA, "The Bridge of San
Luis Rey," Benedict Bogeaus-UA.
TOM POWERS, "Doub.e Indemnity," Para-
mount; JOAN CARROLL, "Meet Me in St.
Louis," M-G-M; CARMiN MIRANDA, "Chica
Chico," 20th - Fox; KATHARINE HEPBURN,
"D.agon Seed," M-G-M; SPENCER TRACY, "The
Seventh Cross," M-G-M' ACNES MOREHEAD,
"Since You Went Away," David O. Se.znick;
REINHOLD SCHUNZEL, "The Hitler Cang,"
Paramount; HARRY HOLMAN, WHEELER OAK-
MAN, LILLIAN BRONSON, DICK RUSH, JOHN
INCE, CHARLIE MURRAY, JR., BETTY SIN-
CLAIR, JACK GARDNER and ROBERT THOMS,
"Hir Bachelor Husband," Monogram; NANCY
KELLY, "Show Business," RKO; L E N O R E
AUBERT, "International Zone," RKO; CLENDA
FARRELL and LESTER ALLEN, "Klondike Kate,"
Columbia." . . ...
ELEANOR PARKER, "Outward Bound," War-
ners; RICHARD WAR1NC, "Mr. Skeffington,"
Wjrners; ROBERT BICE, "Dragon Seed,"
M-G-M.
EDGAR BERGEN, "It's Great to Be Young,"
Charles R. Rogers-UA; JANIS CARTER, "Swing
Out the Blues," Columbia.
•
STORY PURCHASES
ROBERT D. ANDREW'S "The Fighting Heart,"
M-C-M.
CORDON KAHN'S "The Last Salvo," M-C-M.
STUART CLOETES "Curacao," Paramount.
•
TITLE SWITCHES
"Woman of the Tcwn," formerly "Gum Master,"
Harry Sherman-UA.
"Mystery Man," formerly "Thundering Hoofs,"
Harry Sherman-UA.
"Swing Out the Blues," formerly, "Rhapsody
in A Flat," Columbia.
"Strolling Down the Avenue," formerly "The
Cay Nineties" and "The Cay Blades,"
Warners.
U. S. Pix to North Africa
As Regularly as Food
Algiers (By Air Mail — Passed by
Censor) — American motion pictures
are being imported to French North
Africa as regularly as food and
drugs and the industry is said to be
one of the most prosperous in the
area. Arriving in convoyed mer-
chant ships, films are shipped with
the co-operation of the War Depart-
ment as normal commercial rela-
tions have not been re-established.
At present there are 317 film the-
aters in French North Africa — 189
in Algeria, 80 in Morocco and 48 in
Tunisia. Algiers has 32 houses.
Films are being distributed by M-
G-M, Paramount, Warners, Univer-
sal, 20th-Fox, United Artists, RKO
and Columbia, with the last three
handling French language product in
addition to U. S. pictures.
Vance King Heads PRC
Studio Exploitation Dept.
Wert Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Leon Fromkess, vice-
president in charge of production of
PRC, has appointed Vance King to
a newly-created studio exploitation
department. King for the last seven
years worked on motion picture trade
papers and handled publicity for
three awards events of the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Name Palace, Gary. Arbitrator
Chicago — The American Arbitra-
tion Association has selected George
E. Frazer, attorney for the Palace
Theater, Gary, Ind., arbitration cas«>
set for Oct. 26. The E. L. Tover The-
ater Company and the Woodstock
A.musement Company filed interven-
tion yesterday in the Miller Theater
aibitraion case.
Simek Sells in Tripp, S. D.
Omaha — Frank Simek. exhibitor at
Ashton. this state, and Tripp, S. D.,
has announced sale of his house, the
Idle Hour, at Tripp to J. P. Schmidt,
who lives at Scotland, S. D.
Monday Night Shopping
Clicks in Central 111.
Springfield, 111. — The prevailing
wartime custom of Central Illinois
merchants to remain open on Mon-
day evenings and to close at 5 p.m.
on Saturdays is apparently to be-
come permanent practice.
A check of theater operators in
the same area however, indicates
that Monday night business has
shown but slight increase, in spite
of additional crowds of shoppers on
the streets at that time. On the
other hand, the move has brought
a slight increase in Saturday night
attendance over the regular week*
end crowds.
Corcoran Heads Convention Com.
Pittsburgh — Annual convention of
the _ AMPTO of Western Pennsyl-
vania, Inc., has been scheduled for
Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 18-19, at
the Roosevelt Hotel here, according
to announcement made by President
M. A. Rosenberg. George Corcoran,
of the Anton Theater, Monongahela,
has been selected general chairman
of the convention committee. Other
committees for this affair are ex-
pected to be appointed at the next
business session.
Samuels in Coast Survey
Motion Picture magazine has com-
missioned Charles Samuels, novel-
ist, screen and magazine writer, to
do a special three-months-long sur-
vey and investigetion in Hollywood.
Purpose is to ferret out every factor
that contributes to and is necessary
for screen success. First inter-
views are set with Darryl F. Zanuck
and Sam Goldwvn.
Arch Reeve to New York
We-t Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY
Hollywood — Arch Reeve, secretary
of the industry's Public Relations
Committee, Western division, is on a
two-week business trip to New York,
in behalf of the committee. Lance
Heath will be in charge of the office
during: his absence.
See Changes in Four
Decree Provisions
(Continued from Page 1)
aters, may be eliminated altogether.
It is reported that the distributors
have indicated a willingness to have
it dropped, although no formal move
has been made. ^Sk)
The other sections named, deajjjf
with clearance, some-run and desig-'
nated-run, are expected to be given
a thorough going over when the hud-
dies between the Department of Jus-
tice representatives and the distribu- j
tors get under way next week.
It is reported that decree parleys
among the five consenting distribu-
tors have been of a general nature I
with no specific proposals for changes |
advanced.
Engel Back in Hollywood
With Brazilian Footage
West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY
Hollywood — Lt. Samuel Engel of
the Office of Strategic Services, who
has spent the past six months in
Brazil with Lt. Com. Greg Toland
of Com. John Ford's unit, photogra-
phing the joint war effort of Brazil
and the U. S., on behalf of the CIAA
has arrived in Hollywood with con-
side: able footage, which will be cut
and edited into various subjects to!
be released theatrically and on 16
mm. film by CIAA.
Tri-States to Use Plays
To Keep the Omaha Open
Omaha — This will be Omaha's big
gest roadshow season in a decade,
according to a decision reached by
Tri-States Theaters corporation
When not playing pictures, the
Omaha theater will be used as thi
roadshow house.
Warner Club to Elect
Annual election of the Board of
Governors and officers of the War
ner Club, Inc., embracing the Warner
Clubs throughout the country, will
be held in New York on Oct. 16. Elec
tion of the Home Office delegates
will take place next Monday. Cur-
rent president of the Club is Martin
F. Bennett.
Ban "After Midnight" Shows
Johnson City, Tenn. — An ordinance
prohibiting movie shows between
midnight and 7 a.m. is going through
the City Council without opposition,
at the recommendation of juvenile
court authorities.
But No Points!
New Haven — Elwood Russell,
formerly of the Loew Poli division
office staff, now in action in Sicily,
reports paying $10.00 for two cans
of pineapple juice after two weeks
of thirst on an African desert.
DAN
J_ 5 *7*7 MUZ
D N I V CI < I c I kM