Scanned from the collections of The Library of 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 MOTION PICTURE Alert. tion Picture Industry 56. NO. 64 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1944 TEN CENTS Gov't Plan for Demobilizing Aids Studios Studios Drafting Plans For Returning Workers Hollywood, Oct. 1. — The War Department's plans for demobiliz- ing servicemen by a point-system of selection largely relieved Hol- lywood studios of the major prob- lem involved in restoring their old jobs or equivalent employment to the more than 6,000 now in service. The point-system, together with related standards of selec- tion adopted by the military, provides for a trickle of return- ing workers, instead of the stream that had been contem- plated, and thereby simplifies the task of returning workers to their places in production. The point-system also appears to (Continued on page 6) Clark Named WB Canadian Head The appointment of Ralph H. Clark as Warners' general manager for Can- ada, succeeding Wolfe Cohen, who has been promoted to a foreign de- partment sales post with headquar- ters at the home office, was announced at the weekend by Ben Kalmenson. Warners' general sales manager. Clark joined First National shortly after the company was organized in 1917, coming to New York from San Francisco to handle the Eastern sales territory. He was named manager (Continued on page 6) Theatre to Show War Art for U.S. An exhibition of 100 paintings of "The Army at War" will be exhibited by theatres in 28 cities, beginning with a three-week show at the Roxy here on Oct. 11, according to an announce- ment -made here over the weekend by Charles P. Skouras, chairman of an executive committee of film and Army heads sponsoring the event on behalf of the War and Treasury Depart- ( Continued on page 7) 1,502 Hollywood Players at War Hollywood, Oct. 1. — More than 6,000 peacetime employes of production were in the Armed Forces at the last count, taken this month by the Association of Motion Picture Producers. There were 1,502 players, 143 direc- tors and 230 writers. The studio-by-studio count of all personnel in service follows: Columbia, 289; 20th- Fox, 755; M-G-M, 1,090; Mon- ogram, 129; Paramount, 525; Republic, 134; RKO, 224; Uni- versal, 418; Warners, 720. Travis Fears Film Attacks 30 to 45 GB Houses Hit From ten to 15 per cent — between 30 and 45 — of the more than 300 Gau- mont-British theatres in England were destroyed by German air raids up to the period of robot bombing, Larry Kent, recent appointee to the GB board of directors, representing Spy- ros Skouras and 20th Century-Fox, disclosed at the weekend. Subsequent reports, Kent said, indicate that an unknown number have since been de- molished by the robot bombs. Kent, who together with Mark Os- trer, in London, compose a GB po'st- war planning and theatre operating committee, said that as soon as build- ding restrictions are lifted in England, the circuit will inaugurate a large- scale rebuilding program of all houses destroyed or damaged, and will re- habilitate those properties that have (Continued on page 6) Merwin Travis, general manager of the Motion Picture Society for the Americas, here from Hollywood to confer with ClAA officials, called for combating at the peace table such discriminatory legislation as Latin- American countries might seek to im- pose against the American industry to foster their own film industries. "The war has made all countries cognizant of the power of films and there will be a tendency to promote their own film industries by the enactment of legislation affecting the importation of pictures made here," Travis said. Mayer Made Griffis Aide in Red Cross Arthur L. Mayer, independent ex- hibitor, War Activities Committee executive and civilian film consultant to the Secretary of War, has been named deputy commissioner of the Red Cross for the Pacific Islands area, according to an announcement made here at the weekend jointly by (Continued on page 6) Upwards of Year to Make Structural Theatre Changes Theatres forced to make structural alterations under New York State's proposed building code revisions will be given a year in which to comply with the law, and longer in the case of major changes, if the legislature adopts recommendations passed here Friday by the State Labor Depart- ment's advisory committee on places of public assembly. A move to fix an absolute mini- mum of one year, made by Patrick J. Geracci, Northwestern representa- tive of the American Guild of Vari- ety Artists, was opposed by Henry Anderson of Paramount, who sug- gested that various time limits be set for different types of occupancy. John Coggeshall, industrial code referee, shared this view, noting that, for ex- ample, a house required to build a (Continued on page 6) Schine Trial Faces New Postponement Buffalo, Oct. 1. — It was re- ported during a recess in the Schine anti-trust trial here today that proceedings here will be adjourned Oct. 16 for an indefinite period to permit the appearance of Justice De- partment and other attorneys in court in connection with the long dormant Crescent case. Meanwhile today saw the return to the defense counsel staff of Saul E. Rog- ers of New York, following an illness. First witnesses are sched- uled to be called when the trial opens tomorrow. Jurisdictional Fight Pends For 'Collarites' 7,000 in Film Offices, Plus Salesmen Involved A jurisdictional battle within the AFL, which may eventually affect more than 7,000 film company of- fice workers already organized by the American Federation of Labor, is expected when the newly chartered AFL Office Workers International Union seeks to take jurisdiction over the three principal AFL "white col- lar" groups in the industry. Also seen involved are many recently or- ganized film salesmen who have been seeking an IATSE charter. The new office workers internation- al was chartered by the AFL execu- tive council at a recent meeting in Chicago. Although several AFL in- ternational unions, including the teamsters and hotel and restaurant workers have received exemptions for (Continued on page 7) RKO M'grs' Union Wins in SLRB Vote Managers and assistant managers of the 41 RKO theatres in the Metro- politan New York area designated the Motion Picture Theatre Operating Managers and Assistant Managers Guild as their collective bargaining representatives in a State Labor Re- lations Board election' held here at the weekend. The vote was 51 for the union and 44 voting for no union, with four votes challenged. George Dunn, manager of RKO 81st Street Theatre, is chairman of the union. The SLRB's original ordering of (Continued on page 6) Contest to Spur Theatre Bond Job National fan magazines, cooperating with the industry's Sixth War Loan committee, will conduct an exploita- tion contest with $5,000 in prizes going to exhibitors, as an incentive to encourage showmen to stimulate the development of ingenious promotional methods by which they can sell more bonds, John Hertz, Jr., publicity di- ( Continued on page 6) Motion Picture Daily H V2 X Ce Monday, October 2, 1944 Personal Mention CLIFF WORK, vice-president and general manager in charge of production for Universal, is due here from the Coast. • Hal Horne, director of advertis- ing - publicity - exploitation of 20th Century-Fox, and Charles Schlatt- er, assistant director of the three de- partments, left for the Coast on Fri- day. Louis Shanfield, of 20th- Fox's art department, and W. J. Mc- Hale of the advertising department also left for the Coast at the week- end. Murray Silverstone, 20th Cen- tury-Fox foreign sales vice-president, left Mexico City at the weekend for Hollywood. He is expected to arrive here about Oct. 10. • Irving Ludwig, film buyer for Ru- goff & Becker, and Mrs. Ludwig an- nounce the birth of Jacqueline Sue, born Friday, at the Kew Gardens General Hospital. • Jay Emanuel, administrative of- ficial of the 6th War Loan Drive, will arrive from Philadelphia today and set up headquarters at the WAC office. Jack Cohn, N. B. Spingold, A. Montague and A. Schneider left over the weekend on a business trip to Columbia's Coast studios. • Carl P. York, general manager in Scandinavia for Paramount Interna- tional Films, has arrived in New York from Stockholm. • Robert S. Wolff, managing direc- tor for RKO in London, left the Coast for New York at the weekend on the Superchief. • Maurice Bergman, head of Uni- versal advertising-publicity in the East, is expected back from the Coast today. • Rube Jackter, Columbia assistant general sales manager, left here yes- terday for a week's visit to Oklahoma City. • Rodney Bush, exploitation man- ager of 20th Century-Fox, left over the weekend for Chicago and Omaha. • Harry Gold, United Artists East- ern division manager, was a White House visitor late last week. • Herbert White, 20th Century-Fox manager in Cuba, has arrived here for home office conferences. • W. J. Haney, operator of the Mi- lan Theatre, Milan, Ind., is vacation- ing in New York. • George Dembow of National Screen is scheduled to fly East from here on Tuesday. Tradewise . . . By SHERWIN KANE TT is not the purpose of this discourse to dispute the wisdom of Allied States and the PCCITO in approving the De- partment of Justice's proposals for an amended consent decree. Presumably they have weighed program and alternatives to their own satisfaction and have cast their vote accordingly. However, it would seem that there is considerable merit and authority to the questions and objections to the Department's proposed amendments to the decree raised during the past week by the Southeastern Thea- tre Owners Association and MPTOA. It may be assumed that, having approved the pro- posed decree amendments, Al- lied and PCCITO have asked whatever questions concerning the proposals they believed to be pertinent to the best interests of their members, and received acceptable replies. Presumably, from here on in, no further questions need be asked by Allied and PCCITO members. What those questions and an- swers may have been, and whether they covered the con- siderations raised by STOA and MPTOA last week, are not matters of record. Therefore, the fact that they have been raised — -publicly — by the latter two organizations and, conse- quently, may bring forth a pub- lic reply from the Department of Justice, impresses as being a genuine service not only to the members of STOA and MPTOA, but also to the thou- sands of exhibitors identified with other organizations and additional thousands not identi- fied with any organization. Nothing so controversial and debatable, and yet so universal- ly applicable to exhibition, as the proposed decree amendments should be disposed of in star- chamber sessions attended by a handful of exhibitors and their representatives. The subject warrants, and ought to have, the widest possible discussion and publicity — narrowly, in the best interests of exhibition ; broadly, in the best interests of the industry. As Nat Williams, president of STOA, warned members of that association : "It will be useless, if this decree is adopted and you find it's your house that's on fire, to start hollering at your association. We will be able to offer no help then." Among the questions raised concerning the proposed decree amendments the most pertinent were addressed to those having to do with Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11. STOA and MPTOA point out that their application is not exclusively to the five consent- ing companies nor to their affili- ated theatres, but to all exhibi- tion. The potential dangers to all of the elimination of clear- ance between theatres^ in sub- stantial competition with each other is pointed out. Perhaps Allied and PCCITO have "the answer to that. If so, why hasn't it been given to the re- mainder of exhibition, which re- mains properly concerned? The undesirability of airing the terms of film deals in open arbitration hearings was cited. Perhaps it isn't as bad as it ap- pears to be, but if so, why isn't it? Is it something that a frac- tion of exhibition, but not all of exhibition, is entitled to know ? Further, it was pointed out in connection with the theatre di- vorcement proposal that Attor- ney General Biddle has said that "no discrimination" will be shown in the enforcement of the anti-trust laws and that the Government is on record in the Griffith case as taking the posi- tion that a monopoly in any community, however small, af- fected inter-state trade in motion pictures. Haven't Allied and PCCITO any closed situations represent- ed within tbeir ranks? And if so, do they have the answer to that one ? We ask only because other exhibitors still seek the answer. Pointed up by MPTOA was the likelihood of continuance of "small block selling" because of the proposal to perpetuate trade showings, uniformly ignored by exhibition. Not touched upon was distributors' contention that single picture selling will be the inevitable result of the proposed amendment to Section 5. Do Allied and PCCITO ad- vocate small-block selling with- out cancellations ? Or is it sim- ply that they know the answer to that, too? STOA and MPTOA are to be congratulated for hav- ing raised these questions pub- licly. It is to be hoped that they will be as diligent in obtaining the answers and making them available to all of exhibition. oming Events Today — Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey, South Jersey unit, Fall luncheon-meeting and installa- tion of officers, Walt Whitman Ho- tel, Camden. Oct. 3 — Motion Picture Theatres Association of Ontario meetiif King Edward Hotel, Toronto. Oct. 3-4 — Kansas City Theatre Owners convention, Muehlbach Ho- tel, Kansas City. Oct. 5 — Luncheon and war emer- gency meeting, Allied of Illinois, Chicago. Oct. 6-9 — Theatre equipment deal- ers' and manufacturers' "war meet- ing", Hotel Bismarck, Chicago. ' Oct. 9-11— Allied Theatre Own- ers of Michigan annual meeting, Detroit. Oct. 16-20— Annual business con- ference, Altec Service and Altec Lansing, Hollywood. Oct. 17 — Society of Motion Pic- ture Engineers semi-annual banquet, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York. Oct. 17 — West Virginia Theatre Owners' meeting, Daniel Boone Ho- tel, Charleston. Oct. 17 — Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina annual meeting, Charlotte. Nov. 11 — Motion Picture Associ- ates Sixth War Loan dinner, Hotel Astor, New York. Nov. 14 — 'Night of Stars,' for United Jewish Appeal, Madison Square Garden, New York. Nov. 20-Dec. 16— Sixth War Loan campaign. Nov. 23-25 — National Variety Club meeting, Statler Hotel, Wash- ington. WB Field Ad Men to Meet Here Today Warner Theatres' advertising and publicity zone men will confer here today on Fall product. Joseph Bern- hard, general manager, will address the meeting, with Harry M. Kalmine, assistant general manager, and Harry Goldberg, director of advertising-pub- licity for the circuit. Mort Blumen- stock, Eastern advertising and pub- licity head in the East, will also speak. Field men who will attend include : J. Knox Strachan, Cleveland ; Dan Finn, New Haven ; George Kelly, Newark ; Charles Smakwitz, Albany ; Irving Blumberg, Philadelphia ; Jim Totman, Pittsburgh, Frank LaFalce, Washington. M-G-M M'grs Resume Home Office Visits Home office visits of M-G-M -branch managers will be resumed today. Due here are : Sam Shirley, Midwestern district manager, Chicago ; D. C. Ken- nedy. Des Moines manager, and H. A. Friedel, Denver. Due Oct. 9 are : J. P. Byrne, Cen- tral district manager, Detroit ; J. F. Willinham, St. Louis manager, and C. J. Briant, New Orleans. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday Cable address. "Quigpubco. New York." Tames P. Cunningham. News MOTION PICTURE DAILY. Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief: Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwm Kane. Executive Editor and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company. Inc.. 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York. 20. N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Martin Quigley. President; Colvin Brown. Vice-President; Red Kann. Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary: Sherwin Kane. Executive Editor- Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau. 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Bldg.. William" R. Weaver. Editor; London Bureau. 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Buroup, Manager; Peter Burnup. Editor; cable address. "Quigpubco. London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quiglev Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres. International Motion Pictur*. Almanac. Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at New York. N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year. $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies. 10c. Never before such coverage! Radio, newspapers, posting, exploitation, parades, banquets. Promotion to beat the band— and to beat records. Watch! ' Keep Sel ling Bonds '. 4 Motion Picture Daily Monday, October 2, 1944 Review "None But the Lonely Heart" (RKO-Radio) Hollywood, Oct. 1 ALERT and intelligent audiences who find entertainment in sociology will be the audiences tor which ".None But the Lonely Heart" will carry appeal. Unless the attraction can muster enough of tnem, or draw upon attendance not commonly tound in picture houses, tne box-ofrice water which itiis him version of the book by Richard Llewellyn will draw will be severely limited. Of course, it stars Cary Grant in a part sharply different from "Arsenic and Old Lace." lie is a product of London's East End slums in the period between tne two World Wars. He is a Cockney proceeding under his own philosophical formula, vaguely and irresolutely reaching out tor a finer world. 1 he suggestion is that it will be tound when the common man of good heart and stout courage combines with his brotner to bring this about. Yet how the economically frustrated may be expected to reach toward that better estate is as irresolute and as diffused as the central dramatic character. In point of conclusion, therefore, the picture is incemplete. Grant rebels against his poverty. On several occasions, he declaims against it. Audiences whose attentions may be held will recognize the cry, but are apt to end up in welters of their own indecisions since the attraction resolves practically nothing. There are death and disappointments, and the final im- pression is that "None But the Lonely Heart" emerges as a victory in defeat- ism. Perhaps this was the intention. It true, then tnis enterprise must be set down as experimental and, consequently, dubious by any routine appraisal bearing on its commercial possibilities. Moreover, Clifford Odets, playwright who wrote the screenplay and directed as his first such venture in Hollywood, actually has produced a stage play, not a motion picture. In essence, he has a one-set production — a street in a slum district with rooms and quarters branching off it. He has permitted a great deal of dialogue, almost nothing of movement unless it is a chase between two autos ending in a wreck, and virtually no fluidity. His characters converse unduly, consume too much footage ; and, while performances range from ex- cellent to good, it is the ear, far more than the eye, which is reached. Briefly, the drama, with its veerings toward tragedy, tells of Grant, a wan- derer who ogles a rosier future and does nothing to bring it closer. He deter- mines to stand by his mother who is dying of cancer. His emotional life fluctuates between Jane Wyatt, musician, and June Duprez, amusement-hall cashier. From the former, he gets understanding; from the latter, love. As a quick road to comfort, he aligns himself with George Coulouris, petty gang- ster, and finally reaches the point where he wants to marry Miss Duprez despite Coulouris' warnings to 'lay off.' The girl, once married to the gang- ster, knows his ways and returns to him in order to protect Grant. Thus, Grant loses his love. In order to best their poverty, Ethel Barrymore, who plays Grant's mother, turns 'fence.' The police raid, and remove her to the jail hospital where she dies, off-screen. Thus, whatever better influences she had aroused in her son are lost to him as well. It is on this note of despair and defeatism that the picture closes. Of comedy relief, there is virtually nothing. The drama is unleavened. Its backgrounds are stark and sombre. Grant is as good as the fuzziness his screen character allows. Miss Barrymore, whose first picture this is since "Rasputin," of 1932, of course, is superb; anything less could hardly be brooked. Miss Duprez is a pleasant and a commendable surprise. Ada is not an easy part with its mixture of mental confusions and uncertainities, but she handles a difficult acting role with distinction. Barry Fitzgerald has little to do because of the limitations of his part. Others include Daft Duryea, Roman Bohnen, Konstantin Shayne and Joseph Vitale. David Hempstead produced. Running time, 113 minutes. "A."* Release date not set, in RKO Radio's first 1944-45 block. Red Kann U. S. Reports on Theatre Markets In Pacific, Asia Washington, Oct. 1. — Exhibition conditions in 14 Asiatic and South Pacific areas, having 3,819 theatres with a seating capacity of 2,349,744, are analyzed in detail in a report re- leased tonight by Nathan D. Golden, chief of the motion picture unit of the Department of Commerce. Based on information secured through the consular service of the State Department, the report is a tactual presentation intended to aid American producers and distributors in formulating their postwar plans by having available the latest secur- able data when the time comes for re- entering these markets. Information concerning local con- trols, censorship, number of theatres, attendance and frequency of attend- ance, films shown, audience prefer- ences and other pertinent matters is given in the report for Australia, Ceylon, Free China, Fiji Islands, In- dia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, the Society Islands, Afghanistan, Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. American Films Popular Except for one or two areas under French control, American fims are the most popular, but comment throughout the report indicates that considerable can be done toward im- proving the effectiveness of American films. In many areas, it was shown, there is much complaint that films show undesirable sides of American life which, while automatically put in their proper perspective by American audiences, are not so readily assimi- lated by foreign audiences. It is also suggested in many areas, particularly where there are Arab or Indian audi- ences, it will be necessary to produce films in those languages if full advan- tage is to be secured from native au- dience possibilites. Preference in Sophistication Generally speaking, the report shows that while audiences have much the same preferences as those in this coun- try and England, and in places where the audience is preponderantly white, as in Australia, city people like so- phisticated comedy, musicals and good drama, while in the rural areas out- door, Western and slapstick comedy is preferred. In other areas, where there are closely-knit British commu- nities, as in Aden, the more conserva- tive English films have strong appeal. Throughout the whole area covered by the report, where there is large na- tive attendance it was commented that the preference is for action, with a minimum of talking. The propaganda effect of United Nations films has, on the whole, been good, it was said. However, likes and dislikes vary wide- ly from market to market; native au- diences in Arabia are easily pleased ; Arabians in Aden like violent physical combat, while Indian audiences like love triangles, and in French Oceania the people are likely to feel sorry if the villain is killed. Wakoff Leaves Reade Arthur Wakoff, for 10 years buyer and booker for the Walter Reade cir- cuit in New Jersey, has resigned, ef- fective Oct. 28. *"A" denotes adult classification. Lorentz Heads 20th Midwest District Chicago, Oct. 1. — Jack Lorentz, who was recently transferred by 20th- Fox from Milwaukee to Boston as branch manager, has taken over the Midwest district manager's post here as of the week-end, succeeding Her- man Beiersdorf, who was moved to Pittsburgh to become exchange man- ager, a post vacated by the resigna- tion of C. V. Hake. Lorentz' last positon in Chicago, his home town, was in 1926 as salesman for Fox. Longaker Leaves 20th Marion Longaker, 20th Century- Fox publicity department's fashion and woman's page editor, has resigned to reenter the radio industry after an absence of four years. She joins NBC here today. Newsreel Award Tonight Washington, Oct. 1. — The annual 'Journalism Awards,' presented by the National Headliners Club for achieve- ments in journalism, will be made to- morrow at a special luncheon for the National Headliners Club at the local Variety Club. The 1944 awards will honor men of the Armed Forces for achievements in newsreel, going to representatives of the Army Air Forces, Signal Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. Lawrence to M-G-M Dee Lawrence, formerly with the Vanguard publicity department in Hollywood, will join the M-G-M home office publicity department to- day, to handle magazine and news- paper contacts on special assignments by Herbert Crooker, Eastern publicity manager. Stock Trades Light; Walker, Johnston, And Carr in Deals Philadelphia, Oct. 1. — Activities of film company officers and directors in the securities of their own corpora- tions have been running exceptionally light, it was disclosed at the weekend in the monthly summary of the Secy ities and Exchange Commission. The largest transactions reporteu for August were the sale of 2,000 RKO Corp. warrants for common stock and 100 shares of common by J. Miller Walker, New York, director, representing his entire holdings in those classes. Trem Carr a Seller The only other four-figure transac- tion was the sale of 1,500 shares of Monogram Pictures common by Trem Carr, production head, leaving him with 5,167 shares. In the same com- pany, W. Ray Johnston, president, reported the purchase of three shares of common and the sale of 500 shares, reducing his holdings to 18,690 shares held direct and 900 shares held through Monogram Pictures, Inc. ' The only other deals reported were the purchase of 100 shares of Gen- eral Precision Equipment capital stock by Walter E. Green, increasing his holdings to 220 shares, and the pur- chase of eight shares of Loew's Bos- ton Theatres' common by Loew's, Inc., giving it a total of 121,221 shares. In Columbia Broadcasting, Leon Levy, Philadelphia, disposed, by gift, of 46 shares of Class 'A' and 44 shares of 'B' common, leaving him with 14,200 shares of the former and 40,800 of the latter. Reports on the holdings of persons becoming officers or directors of reg- istered corporations showed that Jos- eph H. Moskowitz, New York, held 500 shares of 20th Century-Fox com- mon and 500 shares of preferred when he became an officer in the company on Aug. 25. Ginsberg, Holman End Studio Talks Hollywood, Oct. 1.— Russell Hol- man, Paramount Eastern production manager, is en route to New York after two weeks of conferences at the Paramount studio, during which Henry Ginsberg, vice-president and general manager in charge of produc- tion, and Holman set plans for carry- ing out a new policy of closer coop- eration between the studio and the Eastern production office through fre- quent interchange of visits of executive personnel to Hollywood and New York. In line with this, Frank But- ler and Joseph Sistrom will visit New York shortly, and Boris Kap- lan, Eastern talent chief under Hol- man, will come to Hollywood. Richard Mealand, newly-appointed studio story and writing head, is ac- companying Holman to New York. Shortly after his return Holman will appoint a successor to Mealand as Eastern story editor. Allied to Talk War Chicago, Oct. 1.— Members of Al- lied of Illinois will attend a general business meeting and luncheon at the Blackstone Hotel here Thursday, to be presided over by President Jack Kirsch, president. A discussion on war emergencies will highlight the business session. A picture of 20 Million People in the past 2 years * ■ uun ; READERS OF THE BEST-SELLING BOOK- OF- TH E- M ONTH, THE SERIAL IN "COSMOPOLITAN," AND THE CONDENSATION IN "READER S DIGEST. \.nd now the screen version's coming from PARAMOUNT 6 Motion Picture Daily Monday, October 2, 1944 Contest to Spur Theatre Bond Job Upwards of Year To Make Structural Theatre Changes Studios Drafting on Plans For Returning Workers (Continued from pacjc 1) proscenium wall should be allowed two years. The committee went on record fa- voring a change in the state labor law to make the proposed state code applicable to all villages, towns and cities except New York. At present, 11 cities having local codes and build- ing commissions are exempt. En- forcement, now scattered between 137 agencies, would be concentrated in the State Labor Department, according to to another recommendation, with the understanding that Edward Corsi, state industrial commissioner, might delegate some of it to the state police, which now conducts inspections in local areas. Safety Yardstick Needed The department's power, if the ad- visors' wishes are carried out, will be lUFther expanded to permit setting up structural stability specifications in- stead of, as at present, merely passing on exits, fire escapes, etc. In this con- nection, William H. Roberts, chair- man of the Board of Standards and Appeals, cited the example of a sag- ging beam holding up a balcony and said there is now no legally estab- lished yardstick for determining whether it is safe. Chances of Amendment Chances of an amended law's pass- ing the legislature were enhanced, in the opinion of state officials present at Friday's meeting when the commit- tee voted against changing the defini- tion of places of public assembly to drop the minimum occupancy from 100 to 75 persons. A further vote, however, provided for bringing in all presently exempt structures except those supervised by the Commissioner of Education, and it was conceded that this change would run the bill into strong opposition. Industry representatives present at Friday's meeting, in addition to An- derson, included Martin J. Tracey of Century Circuit ; Theodore Junge, al- ternate for Harry Moskowitz of Loew's, and Glen H. Humphrey of projectionists' local No. 337, Utica. The committee will meet again Oct. 13. Nazi Raids Smashed 30-45 GB Theatres {Continued from page 1) deteriorated due to restrictions on ma- terials. Kent, who was executive assistant to Skouras, will leave for London as soon as transportation priorities per- mit. He will stay abroad for a year before returning to the U. S. Upon his arrival in England, he will under- take a study of GB operations, he said. Ostrer and Kent will report back to the GB board of directors on their postwar planning studies. J. Arthur Rank and 20th Century-Fox have equal interests in Metropolis and Bradford Trust, which in turn has controlling interest in GB. (Continued from page 1) eliminate the possibility that men of peacetime classification whose return wou.d relieve specific pressures, will be returning more quickly than others. However, the War Departments' plan presents producers with a new, al- though lesser, problem. By and large, unofficially, it is Hol- lywood's intention to give every re- turning serviceman his old job, an equivalent or a better one. There has been tentative talk about working out and implementing an official, cross- studio policy on the matter, but this has not reached finalistic stage, and may not. Factors in Studio Jobs Many factors inherent in the nature of Hollywod studio employment com- plicate the business of implementing any broad pledge to give every man his job back. Some of the jobs, as in the case of companies which have ceased to exist, simply are not there. Additionally, jobs which the men left have been given to and are occupied by persons who have performed them well during the greatest production activity the studios ever experienced. The problem posed by this state of affairs differs in various classifica- tions. It is exemplified in extreme degree by the case of the actor, little known before, who has stepped into war-vacated prominence and become a valuable asset. Because it is hypo- thetically impossible to have too many popular actors, this case is not likely to create a dilemma. The parallel in some other lines of work may. The problem, in large, breaks down into two main classifications : contract workers and non-contract employees. The non-contract classification in- cludes technicians, electricians, car- penters and several similar groups, most of whom are employed by stu- dios irregularly, reporting for work RKO M'grs' Union Wins in SLRB Vote (Continued from page 1) an election on the petition of the man- agers and assistants was viewed as a significant move since RKO had con- tended that managers and assistants were executives and therefore not elig- ible for union membership. It had marked the first time that an organi- zation of theatre managers had been recognized under the Wagner Labor Act and executives of numerous cir- cuits here and elsewhere are under- stood to be interested in the issue. Under SLRB procedure, the union will now be certified as the collective bargaining representative for the RKO managers and assistants and will attempt to negotiate a contract with the company. Should the com- pany refuse to negotiate, the case will eventually go to court. 'Window' Screening Oct. 9' RKO-International's "The Woman in the Window," starring Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett, will be trade serened Oct. 9 in all exchange cities. at one studio or another, in response to calls placed with their respective unions, and leaving the studio when the work is completed. Unless pro- duction were to approach a standstill, comparatively little likelihood of dif- ficulty in keeping this type of worker employed exists. Contract employes, on the other hand, pose a problem which, many believe, will not be entirely clarified until a test case has been brought and tried in court to determine the legal status of contracts which went into what was called 'abeyance' when the contracted employes left for armed service. It was the general understanding, shared by everyone, and apparently in full sincerity, that these contracts were "frozen" at the point of leave- taking, and would be resumed as of that point on the return of the con- tractee. It was not until the Olivia DeHavilland- Warner litigation arose that question as to the legal status of these contracts came to attention. Specific Point in Doubt The specific point in doubt is whether a contract for professional service is, or is not, breached by the stoppage of payment by the contractor to the contractee for any reason. With few exceptions, and in all cases by agreement, payment of studio salaries to men in service did cease during the period of absence on military duty. Pending decision on the point in doubt, there is the double question of whether an employee is obliged to re- turn to his former employee, in case he should prefer to return to some other studio, and whether his former employer can compel him to do so. The intangibles in this problem color the whole problem of fitting demobil- ized professionals into the production picture. Mayer Made Griffis Aide in Red Cross (Continued from page 1) Stanton Griffis, commissioner for that area, and Basil O'Connor, chairman of the American Red Cross. Mayer will work out of Hawaii, in association with Griffis, whose ap- pointment was made recently. They expect to leave shortly for their head- quarters. The acceptance of the new post by Mayer is another in a series of war chores. With the inception of the WAC he volunteered his full-time services. At the WAC, he was named assistant coordinator, doubling as treasurer. Following a request from Secretary of War Patterson, Mayer dropped his WAC efforts in part to head the mo- tion picture branch of the Army's in- dustrial services. This division shows films to war plant workers. Under Mayer's direction a field organization was set up which services films to an estimated 8,500,000 workers each month. (Continued from page 1) rector for the drive, disclosed at the weekend. The contest, organized to triple the interest of 16,000 exhibitors in their effort to go over the top in the Sixth War Loan Drive, will get underway as soon as final details are completed. Prizes will be awarded on the ha/ of ingenuity and effectiveness of t. exhibitor's bond selling ideas and not on the basis of total sale or increase in sales over previous bond drives. The magazines' organizing commit- tee handling details of the contest consists of Stuart Little, chairman, Screen Stars; Ken Joy, Modem Screen; Richard Roffman, Movieland, and AJ Stearn, Fawcett Publications. They will appoint a committee this week to name the contest, select judges, set up rules, regulations and the type of awards to the winning ex- hibitors. Other publications and their repre- sentatives present at the meeting at which the contest idea was conceived were : Dorothea Lee McEvoy, Screen Guide; Bessie Love, Screen Stars; Fred Sammis, Photoplay ; San Nelson and Edward Lauer, Ideal Women's Group ; Eliott Odell, Fawcett Screen Unit; Henry P. Malmgreen, Modern Screen and Screen Romances ; Ray Pearce and John Dungan, Screenland. Also present were Hertz, Ernie Moel- ler and William Dasheff, assistant to Hertz. Metzger, Bershon End Tour for 6th Drive Hollywood, Oct. 1. — Gus Metzger, Southern California exhibitor chair- man for the Sixth War Loan Drive, accompanied by Dave Bershon, retir- ing chairman, have returned from a swing around their territory during which they held pre-campaign huddles with theatre and War Finance staff workers. With the Sixth War Loan drive slated to start on Nov. 20 and run through until Dec. 16, Metzger high- lighted each meeting with plans which will shortly be placed in motion to help top the $14,000,000,000 national goal. Clark Named WB Canadian Head (Continued from page 1) for Australia and New Zealand short- ly after the merger of First National with Warners, and remained in that post until the outbreak of World War II, when he returned to New York to join the home office sales de- partment. Clark will leave for Toronto this week to take up his new post. His son, Ralph Clark, Jr., who was Sydney branch manager for Warners before the war, is now a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy, stationed in the Australian zone. 'Climax' Premiere Oct. 11 World premiere of Universal's "The Climax" will be held Oct. 11, with simultaneous openings at the RKO Keith Memorial Theatre, Bos- ton, and the Orpheum, San Francis- co. A special exploitation crew has been sent to Boston to handle the opening there while San Francisco job will be handled by a studio staff. Monday, October 2, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 S Y WA' Raises Gross ,000 in Boston Boston, Oct. 1. — "Since You Went Away," at the State and Orpheum theatres, is drawing heavy crowds and $32,000. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Sept. 29: "Pearl of Death" (Univ.) BOSTON-(3,200) (50c-$1.10) On stage: |r/, First in /Radio ]N swa Accural* i and Impartial MOTION PICTURE DAILY OL. 56. NO. 65 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1944 TEN CENTS Drive Leaders Set Up 21 Field Meetings Sessions Start Oct. 20, Wind Up Here Nov. 15 The industry's Sixth War Loan Drive1 committee leaders, led by Harry Brandt, national chairman for the industry's participation in this $14,000,000,000 drive, starting Nov. 20, has set a campaign sched- ule for the committee meetings in 21 key cities. The first in this series will get under way in Oklahoma City on Oct. 20 and the last will be held in New York Nov. 15. Among the executives scheduled to attend, in addition to Brandt, are : (Continued on page 7) Cobian Will Build In South America Rafael Ramos Cobian, president of Cobian Theatres, Inc., which operates 22 theatres and is the largest circuit in Puerto Rico, is here conferring with distributors to line up product for a projected theatre expansion in Latin-America. Cobian plans to con- struct theatres in those countries where it is permissible to do so at present. He said that he has suffi- cient resources to take care of "the immediate needs" of his building pro- gram, but, as it expands, he may call upon outside capital. Although recently there has been a slight recession in theatre business (Continued on page 6) Committee of 62 Plan For 'Night of Stars' Plans for the 11th annual "Night of Stars" have been formulated by a producing committee of 62 leaders of the amusement industry under the chairmanship of Robert M. Weitman. The benefit will be held at Madison Square Garden, Tuesday evening, Nov. 14, to raise $100,000 for the United Jewish Appeal for Refugees, Overseas Needs and Palestine. Honorary chairmen of the produc- ing committee for this year's "Night of Stars" are : Barney Balaban, David Bernstein, Nate J. Blumberg, Jack Cohn, N. Peter Rathvon, Marvin Schenck and Albert Warner. Co- chairmen include Louis K. Sidney and Ed Sullivan. Good Grosses at New York Houses; 'Cross' Opens Big Good weekend business is helping downtown New York first runs to better-than-average grosses this week. Of the new arrivals, "The Seventh Cross," combined with a stage bill featuring Horace Heidt and his mu- sical aggregation at the Capitol, is doing outstanding business with $80,- 000 expected on the basis of $50,000 taken in on the first four days, ending Sunday night. "Greenwich Village," a new arrival at the Roxy, combined with a show featuring Veloz and Yolanda and Senor Wences, is headed for $83,000, on the basis of $66,000 for the first five days. The run is limited to two weeks in view of previous commit- ments ; 20th Century-Fox's "Laura" will open Oct. 11. "Arsenic and Old Lace," at the Strand, and "Frenchman's Creek," at (Continued on page 7) 90% of Loew Pension Applications Are In More than 90 per cent of the appli- cations for individuals participating in Loew's, Inc., employee retirement plan in the home office exchanges and the- atres have been returned and are be- ing processed. Studio applications are being handled separately. Some 4,000 employes are expected to be covered by the plan. As reported by Motion Picture Daily on Sept. 7, an initial payment to the trustees of the pension plan of $3,000,000 has been made. When all applications have been turned in and approved by the retirement plan com- (C on tinned on page 6) Backlog Holds Up 'Wilson', 'SYWA' Chicago, Oct. 2. — Shortage of first-run houses in the Loop is holding back impor- tant product, already nation- ally exploited and on view in most key cities. As a result, such films as "Since You Went Away" and "Wilson" are being held up indefinitely. The condition will continue to be true of any raised ad- mission picture booked in through special deals. Balaban and Katz will play both "Away" and "Wilson" but only until after its back- log of earlier pictures is used up. Mooney Says Schine Forced Him Out Buffalo, Oct. 2.— Milton A. Mooney, president and general mana- ger of Cooperative Theatres of Ohio and former branch manager for Vita- graph in Cleveland, testifying here to- day as a Government witness in the anti-trust case against Schine Chain Theatres, Inc., charged that cut-rate competition from Schine and failure to obtain product forced him to lease to the circuit three houses he oper- ated in Bellfontaine, Ohio, from -1924 to 1931. According fo Mooney, Schine opened the New Holland in February, 1931, with a 15-25-cent scale, com- pared with his 35-cent top at the Strand, Opera House and Majestic. Leases on these theatres were finally (Continued on page 7) U. S. Postwar Aim: No Distribution Curbs on United Nations* Films Washington, Oct. 2. — With the end of hostilities in Europe, the United Nations will face problems in the reconversion of industry and the revival of international trade which will try the strength of the agreements reached by the allied governments on interna- tional economic, financial and industrial matters — including those offered by motion pictures. The United States is committed to a policy of unhampered dis- tribution throughout the world of the pictures of all nations, with no censorship on imported films other than that maintaining moral standards; with earnings from films going to whom they are due; with no tariffs imposed with a view to keeping foreign films out, and applied equitably to films from all countries, and with internal taxes on pictures applied alike to domestic and foreign films, with- out discrimination. Agreement to these principles is being pressed upon all nations. Without such an agreement, American pictures may again become 'the whipping boy' of nationalistic governments, subjected to quotas, discriminatory tariffs and taxes, blocked exchange and other arbitrary arrangements designed to keep them out. Lift Booth Accessory Restrictions WPB Also Expands List Of Permissible Items Washington, Oct. 2.— All re- strictions on the manufacture and distribution of booth accessories have been removed by the War Production Board in an amendment of photographic order No. L-325, it was announced here today by Allen G. Smith, chief of the theatre equip- ment section. At the same time, additional items have been added to the list of permissible accessories, including automatic safety de- vices on projectors required by the state laws of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and carbon savers and reel-end alarms. Smith explained that he has been working for some time to have the (Continued on page 6) Meet Tomorrow on Canada Conciliation . Toronto, Oct. 2. — General man- agers of the major Canadian ex- changes have accepted an invitation to attend on Wednesday here a con- ference called by the National Coun- cil of Independent Exhibitors to deal with acceptance of the proposal for establishment of regional conciliation boards for the Canadian film business, E. H. Wells, secretary of the Cana- dian Motion Picture Distributors As- sociation, stated following a general meeting of that group here today. The proposed set-up includes an ap- peal board in Toronto. It is understood that the conference will also decide upon a definition of "independent exhibitor" and the pro- portion of representation to be held on the various boards by distributors, circuits and independents. Southern Owners To Act on Decree Thomasville, Ga., Oct. 2. — Nat Williams, president of the Southeas- tern Theatre Owners Association, with headquarters here, discloses here that he will call a meeting of the members of that organization in the near future to discuss and possibly take action upon the Government's proposals for amendments to the consent decree. 2 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Tuesday, October 3, 1944 Personal Mention CHARLES EINFELD, Warner vice-president in charge of adver- tising-publicity, is due in New York from Hollywood, Octo. 9. • James E. Coston and Nat Wolf, Chicago and Cleveland theatre zone managers, respectively, for Warners, and Alex Halperin and Tony Stern, film buyers and bookers for the same respective territories, are here for home office conferences. L. S. Gran, of the Milwaukee zone also has ar- rived in New York. • Harvey Day, sales manager of Terrytoons, with headquarters at the 20th Century-Fox home office, left yesterday on a two-weeks' sales trip through the Midwest. • Pvt. Mickey Rooney, with the Army in Alabama, was married Sat- urday at Birmingham, to Betty Jane Rase. • Arthur Sachson, Warners' assis- tant general sales manager, will ar- tive today in Charlotte from the home office. • Cliff Work, vice president and general manager of Universal, ar- rived in New York yesterday from Hollywood. • Arthur Schwartz, Warner direc- tor, will leave New York for Holly- wood today. • Steve Broidy, Monogram sales manager, has arrived in Hollywood from New York. • Bob Hickey, RKO Midwest pub- licity head, has left Chicago on a business trip to Texas. • James R. Grainger, president of Republic, will leave for Toronto today on a three-day business trip. • Mitchell Rawson of the M-G-M publicity department left yesterday for Hollywood. • Darryl Zanuck will be given an honorary degree this week by the University of Nebraska at Omaha. McElwaine Leaving MGM, Coming East Hollywood, Oct 2. — Don McEl- waine, for the past 13 years with M- G-M, resigned today as assistant pub- licity director at the studio. McEl- waine plans to go to New York be- fore revealing his new affiliation. McElwaine started as copy boy on the Indiana Daily Times. His first film work was as assistant editor of the Mutual Film's "The Screen Telegram" in Chicago. Subsequently he was exploiteer with First Na- tional, advertising manager of Fox Film, a producer with Buck Jones Corp., and publicity director of Pathe -Studios. To Set Up Academy For Radio Awards Hollywood, Oct. 2. — A radio or- ganization similar to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is expected to materialize in the near future, taking a pattern from responses to questionnaires being mailed tomor- row to all radio and television sta- tions, their staffs, and all talent and technical groups, by Lee and Losh, Hollywood public relations counselors, retained by NBC, CBS and the Blue. A spokesman for Lee and Loch said the plan envisions a nation-wide mem- bership including all chains and inde- dependents, with its province limited to matters of common interest, and presenting inclusive annual awards for outstanding air achievements. Mutual is not yet participating in the preliminary survey but is expected to join. A decision on the name of the organization, location, headquar- ters and other fundamentals, is to fol- low a study of the returned question- naires, probably in two or three months. Awards Nov. 5 for Western Features Hollywood, Oct. 2. — Awards for pre-eminence in the field of Western pictures will be made by the Western Motion Picture Awards Association Nov. 5 in the Hollywood Bowl, ac- cording to Bernie Williams, WMPAA president, who told Motion Picture Daily 367 newspapers will publish ballot-forms on which readers will register preferences for recipients of awards. Williams said Rudy Vallee will be master of ceremonies. The event will be open to the public at $1 to $4 a ticket. He said 10 per cent of the gate will go to the Motion Picture Relief Fund. Appoint H off ay Head Of Film Committee Michael Hoffay, head of RKO Radio's foreign press relations de- partment, was appointed rotating chairman of the International Film Relations Committee, succeeding Al- bert Deane of Paramount, at a meet- ing here yesterday. Present a the meeting were David Blum, Loew's ; Leslie F. Whalen, 20th Fox ; Gerald Keyser, Warners ; Sam Cohen and Leonard Daly, United Art- ists ; Fortunat Baronat and Julian Benedict, Universal ; David O'Malley and C. J. Schneider, Columbia ; Har- old C. Smith, MPPDA, and Hoffay and Deane. Goldhammer Meets Franchise Holders Chicago, Oct. 2. — L. E. Goldham- mer, general sales manager of Film Classics, met with the company's Chicago and Milwaukee franchise holders here today to discuss general sales policies. Goldhammer left New York Friday and visited the Film Classics' St. Louis and Des Moines branches over the weekend. Union Court Fight Enters 2nd Week St. Louis, Oct. 2. — The hearing on the contractual dispute between 16 St. Louis theatres and IATSE Local No. 6, will go into its second week before Jules E. Kohn, Regional War Labor Board arbitrator, here tomorrow. The hearing is expected to be con- cluded this week, but a decision in the case will probably not be handed down for several weeks. Leroy Upton, president of the Lo- cal, has testified that the work of the stagehands has increased because of the amount of vandalism in the- atres. He declared that every one of the 41 theatres now employing stage- hands need their services and charged that theatre managers are seeking to destroy the union. Theatre managers had testified earlier that an unjustifi- able number of stagehands are now employed. The theatres are seeking to reduce the number of men em- ployed and to require the stagehands to work during hours the theatres are closed to do stage maintenance work. In addition to the usual duties, the stagehands, he said, serve in handling crowds during fires and other emer- gencies, are used in fire fighting and perform many other services. Photo- graphs depicting stagehands perform- ing varied maintenance assignments were introduced by the union. W AC Shorts Stress War in Pacific Two of three War Activities Com- mittee releases for October will focus attention of the public on the war in the Pacific. The three, all shorts, will be distributed by the WAC in cooperation with the Office of War Information. "It's Murder," produced by Co- lumbia, scheduled for Oct. 12, is a "don't talk" subject; "Target — Ja- pan," for Oct. 26, "stars" Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal and Ad- miral Ernest J. King; a "film bulle- tin" casts members of the Marine Corps, explaining how Sixth War Loan bond purchases will aid in hast- ening the end of the war. LeRoy Will Make One Or Two Films a Year Mervyn LeRoy will produce only one or two top-budget films annually under the Arrowhead Productions banner, producing at the Warner stu- dios on the Coast, he said here yes- terday. LeRoy is here from California to seek talent for Frank Ross' produc- tion, "The Robe," which he is direct- ing. He will be here for several weeks and does not expect to start production on his first Arrowhead film for several months. He has not lined up a story yet, he said. Wolff Delays Return Robert S. Wolff, RKO Radio man- aging director in Great Britain, who arrived from California yesterday, will spend several weeks at the home office before returning to London. UA Accessories in Charlotte to NSS Harry D. Buckley, United Artists vice-president, yesterday disclosed that National Screen Service will handle accessories for UA in the Charlotte exchange. National has been handling the Dallas accessory distribution for UA for several months. Other than these two ex- changes UA will continue to handle its own accessory business, Buckley stated. / National Screen is presently takirl care of the accessory business of Par- mount, RKO, M-G-M and Universal. NEW YORK THEATRES HELD OVER ! 4th WEEK! "STORM OVER LISBON" A Republic Picture starring VERA HRUBA RALSTON RICHARD ARLEN ERICH VON STROHEIM with Otto Kruger — Eduardo Ciannelli Robert Livingston — Mona Barrie REPUBLIC THEATRE B'way Bet. 51st & 52nd Tel. Co. 5-9647 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GARY COOPER — TERESA WRIGHT in International Pictures' "CASANOVA BROWN" NEW DISNEY CARTOON AND "ROCKEFELLER CENTER" ("THIS IS AMERICA" SERIES) Spectacular Stage Presentation 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600 B'WAY & 47th St. PALACE Alan Marshal • Laraine Day 'BRIDE BY MISTAKE' Marsha Hunt •* Allyn Joslyn EXTRA — Brail/ Today! sfglr ON SCREEN M-G-M 's New Musical 'MAISIEGOES TO RENO' ANN SOTHERN JOHN HODIAK Bwgujgj! TOM PRAKF IN PERSON JIMMIE LUNCEFORD & ORCHESTRA joynIr & FOSTER PARAMOUNT PREStNlS Fred Mac Murray Barbara Stanwyck Edward G. Robinson "DOUBLE INDEMNITY" IN PERSON THE ANDREWS SISTERS MITPHCM Aynrs AND HIS BAND. * PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek* ^ RIV0LI, B'way & 49th St MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Su'livan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham. News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau. 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald. Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. first to the screen with a Super Epic of the West to meet the new cbmor of first runs for DELUXE ACTION ENTERTAINMENT! EXAMPLE 0 Produced by ROBERT FELLOWS Directed by EDWIN L. MARIN; Screen Play by Michael Hogan and Paul P. Fix GEORGE "GABBY HAYES AUDREY LONG ELISABETH RISDON W nny nniininc \ A good outdoor feature is everybody's meat; a GREAT Epic of the West is food for the Box-Office Gods! . . . And here is one of the all-time best! . . ♦ Grand romance combined with heroic drama, terrific thrills, action and sus- pense ... all bulwarked by powerful names and production values on a par with the biggest... A show with limitless possibilities for ANY theatre— anywhere! 6 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Tuesday, October 3, 1944 1 19 Named to Aid B'nai B'rith Here David Weinstock, president of Ray- bond Theatres, who is chairman of the 1944-45 drive of Cinema Lodge, B'nai B'rith to double its membership, has selected a committee which in- cludes representatives from the film companies, local circuits, affiliated imusement industries and theatre service and supply companies. Spearheading Cinema's membership drive in the various units will be the following : Irving H. Greenfield, Loew's ; Miles H. Alben, Warner Bros. ; Edward M. Schnitzer, United Artists ; Leo Jaff e, Columbia ; Harold L. Danson, Paramount ; Adolph Schimel, Universal ; Norman B. Steinberg, 20th Century-Fox ; Harry H. Thomas, Republic, Monogram and PRC ; Leo Abrams, National Screen ; Joseph Hornstein, theatre accessories and supplies ; Harold Rodner, con- cessionaires ; Martin Levine, Joseph Ingber and J. J. Goldberg, indepen- dent theatres ; Henry Randal, film exchanges ; Julius M. Collins, music publishers ; Nat Lefkowitz, artists' agents ; Albert A. Senft, advertising display companies ; Milton Livingston, trade press. Representatives of the Motion Pic- ture Bookers' Club, including Larry Morris, B. S. Moss; George Trilling, Fabian ; Irving Ludwig, Rugoff and Becker ; Harold Klein, Julius Joel- son ; Jack Perley, Paramount ; Alex Arnswalder, Loew's ; Jack Meltzer, Associated Theatres of New Jersey : Oscar Lager, Charles Moses circuit and Max Fried, have pledged sup- port. N. J. Allied Installation Camden, N. J., Oct. 2.— Mrs. Hel- en Hildinger and Si Myers were in- stalled as co-chairmen of Allied Thea- tres of New Jersey at a luncheon in the Walt Whitman Hotel here today. Harry H. Lowenstein, N. J. Allied president, was installing officer. WPB Lifts Restrictions On Booth Accessories {Continued from page 1) restrictions removed. The change will nave no effect on exhibitors, who have at no time been subject to any re- strictions on the acquisition of needed equipment, when available. (On Aug. IS, restrictions were re- moved on the manufacture of projec- tors. The actions subsequently proved to be of but slight significance due to difficulties, which manufacturers ex- perienced in obtaining parts and mate- rials.) Provision is also made for quick ex- pansion of manufacture under the "spot authorization" order, which will go into effect as supply conditions improve. All operations under the amended order will be covered by WPB form 1319, instead of the two forms heretofore used. This is the form which is to be used by all in- dustries, but equipment dealers will be required to fill out the form only to such an extent as is necessary to cover their particular operations. Smith reported that deliveries of automatic enclosed rewinders are run- ning about two months behind because of the difficulty of securing motors, but that supplies of all other acces- sories are moving on reasonably fast and satisfactory schedules. OPA Will Classify Individual Dealers Washington, Oct. 2. — Proposals that the Office of Price Administra- tion classify dealers in used booth equipment as under the ceiling prices of either the used photographic ma- terials order or the used-machinery order have been dropped because of the difficulty of covering the whole industry with one flat interpretation. Instead, it is understood, the OPA will issue individual interpretations on the request of dealers submitting full information regarding the scope of their trade. In general, it is believed, 35-mm equipment will be considered as under the used-machinery order, which is said to carry ceilings more satisfac- tory to the dealers, and 16-mm ma- terial will be under the used-photo- graphic order, on the ground that the 35-mm apparatus comes under the head of industrial machinery. Ackerman to Head Foreign Promotion Preparing for overseas post-war film advertising, exploitation and pub- licity activities, John W. Hicks, Jr., president of Paramount International Films, reports the appointment of Paul E. Ackerman as director of ad- vertising-publicity for the company's foreign distribution subsidiary. Ackerman has been Paramount foreign publicity chief here for the past four years, and has been a mem- ber of the company's overseas adver- tising-publicity department for 10 years. WARNER BROS. TRADE SHOW NEW YORK — NEW JERSEY TERRITORIES ONLY "The DOUGHGIRLS" MONDAY, OCTOBER 9th 2:30 P.M. HOME OFFICE SCREENING ROOM 321 WEST 44th STREET NEW YORK CITY Roosevelt Unit Is Formed on Coast Hollywood, Oct. 2. — Democratic adherents in Hollywood, in answer to the "Hollywood-for-Dewey" organi- zation formed recently, have banded together to work for the reelection of President Roosevelt. Jack Warner, Katharine Hepburn and Samuel Gold- wyn are chairmen of the Roosevelt committee. Members and those in- vited to join will hear Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes at a dinner in the Ambassador Hotel on Oct. 8 and Senator Harry S. Truman, Democratic Vice- Presidential candi- date, in an address at the Shrine Auditorium here on Oct. 16. Among the scores of members of the committee are: Harry M. War- ner, Joseph M. Schenck, Leo Spitz, Kenneth Thomson, James Cagney, Charles Einfeld, George Cukor, Bryan Foy, Harry Brand, Howard Benedict, Sidney Buchman, George Cukor, Henry Hathaway, Jesse L. Lasky, Abe Lastfogel, Mervyn Le Roy, Sol Lesser, Douglas Shearer, William Wilder, Albert Lewin and William Perlberg. 90% of Loew Pension Applications Are In {Continued from page 1) mittee, final costs of the plan will then be ascertainable. Tentative cost for the first year's operation is about $3,500,000. The retirement plan committee con- sists of Eugene W. Leake, chairman ; John T. Madden, Jesse T. Mills, Wil- lard K. Craig, William R. Walsh and Jay M. Eisenberg and Byron J. Ellerbrock, secretaries. Plan trustees are: Leake, William A. Parker and Henry Rogers Winthrop. Walbrook Drops Case Walbrook Amusement Co., opera- tor of the Walbrook Theatre, Bal- timore, Md., has withdrawn its clear- ance complaint against Warners in the Washington arbitration tribunal. Cobian Will Build In South America (.Continued from page 1) in Puerto Rico, due to some U. S. troops and civilian laborers leaving the island, business still is generally 100 per cent better than in 1939, with a rise of 300 per cent registered in some situations, Cobian said. Mex- ican product, however, is being, ac- corded an increasingly favorable ception. Mexican playing time hV^ increased to 40 per cent of the total, Cobian stated, rising from a former level of 10 per cent. Cobian said that Spanish dubbing will not go in Puerto Rico because many people speak both English and Spanish. Onlv films with Spanish superimposed titles are being shown there at present, he said. M-G-M is the only American major distributor that is in exhibition in San Juan, he said. Henry MacRae Dies; Universal Producer Hollywood, Oct. 2. — Henry Mac- Rae, 68, Universal producer, died of a heart attack at his home in Bev- erly Hills today. His wife, Mrs. Mar- garet MacRae, survives. The deceased, who joined the com- pany in 1911, was general studio man- ager from 1912 to 1915 and at other times for briefer periods. After World War I, he was appointed Universal director-general and later named head of the serial department. He recently finished "The Mystery of the River Boat," a serial. Robert Harrington Dies Robert E. Harrington, 54, former actor and theatre manager for B. F. Keith, died at his home in Bayside, Queens, at the weekend. He joined Keith in 1920 and managed houses in Asbury Park and New Brunswick, N. J., and the Regent, Jefferson, Franklin and Broadway theatres in New York. At the time of his passing he was legislative secretary of the local West Side Commerce Associa- tion. Bloom Champion Golfer Toronto, Oct. 2. — Martin Bloom, with 92, won the Famous Players- Canadian trophy for low gross at the first annual Canadian film champion- ship golf tournament here today and al- so figured in a foursome of Columbia employes which won the N. L. Na- thanson team championship trophy. Other members were Herb and Ray- mond Allen and Harvey Harnick. The trophy for low net was captured by Ed Smith of Oscar Hanson Enter- prises. 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 Tuesday, October 3, 1944 Motion Picture daily 7 Good Grosses at New York Houses; 'Cross' Opens Big (Continued from page 1) the Rivoli, continue outstanding. Com- bined with a stage show featuring Charlie Barnet and band, "Arsenic" is headed for a record-breaking fifth tyQk of $55,000, only a little less f——s\ the fourth week's gross. An ex- cellent $62,000 is expected for the second week of "Creek" at the Rivoli ^after an initial week's gross that broke all existing records at the house. "Casanova Brown" is holding up well at Radio City Music Hall, with $102,- 000 expected for the third week on the basis of $66,000 taken in on the first four days. The film will start a fourth week Thursday and will be followed by M-G-M's "Mrs. Park- ington." "Double Indemnity" is ex- pected to bring a profitable $60,000 for its fourth week at the Paramount : it will have a fifth and final week, with "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay" following. "Kismet" is holding up well at the Astor, with $30,000 expected for the sixth week ; it will continue. "The Impatient Years" is expected to gross $27,500 in the second week at the Criterion, which is moderate. Uni- versal's "Gypsy Wildcat" will open there tomorrow. $18,500 for 'Wilson' "Wilson" is expected to give the Victoria an excellent $18,500 for its first week on a moveover from the Roxy and will continue. A modest $18,000 is expected on the third and final week of "Bride by Mistake" at the Palace, and RKO Radio's "Music in Manhattan" will open there Fri- day. "Barbary Coast Gent" is doing well at the Globe, with $23,000 expected for the first week ; it will continue, with 20th Century-Fox's "Sweet and Lowdown" following. "Dangerous Journey" is headed for a moderate $12,000 at the Gotham and it will continue ; United Artists' "Summer Storm" will follow. "Doughgirls" is headed for a quiet $15,000 for a fifth week at the Holly- wood and it will continue. "Storm Over Lisbon" will gross $6,000 in its fourth and final week at the Republic and RKO Radio's "My Pal, Wolf," will open Saturday. "The Big Noise" is expected to bring the Rialto about $6,000 on a second and final week ; Universal's "Dead Man's Eyes" will open Friday. Reagan Sets Next Paramount Block Paramount's second block of five or 1944-45 was announced here yes- erday by Charles M. Reagan, vice- resident in charge of distribution. The block includes : "Frenchman's 3reek," in color, starring Joan Fon- taine and Arturo de Cordova ; "And Mow Tomorrow," co-starring Alan ladd and Loretta Young ; "Ministry )f Fear," starring Ray Milland and ^ariorie Reynolds; "The Man in 3alf Moon Street," with Nils Asther ind Helen Walker; "One Body Too Many," a Pine-Thomas production eaturing Jack Haley, Jean Parker ind Bela Lugosi. "The Sign of the Cross" will be re- eleased simultaneously with the sec- >nd block. AND NOTHING BUT THE NEWS THEY'RE HITTING A NEW MARK I NATIONWIDE SURVEY JUST ANNOUNCED PROVES "STORY OF DR. WASSELL" IS GREATEST DE MILLE GROSSER OF ALL TIME! GARY COOPER TECHNICOLOR HIT IS TOPPING PREVIOUS DE MILLE RE- CORD HOLDER* "REAP THE WILD WIND" ..AND BEATING EVEN"G0 I NG MY WAY" IN NUMEROUS INSTANCES. SURVEY CITES SUCH AMAZING PERFORMANCES AS SECOND WEEK AT NEWARK PARAMOUNT BEATING FIRST WEEK, AND FIRST DAY OF SECOND WEEK AT B'KLYN PARAMOUNT TOPPING OPENING DAY BY 39%. Drive Leaders Set Up 21 Field Meetings (Continued from page \) Francis S. Harmon, WAC coordi- nator ; S. H. Fabian, chairman of the theatres' division ; Ned E. Depinet, head of the distributors' division ; John Hertz, Jr., publicity director, and the following nine co-chairmen : William F. Crockett, Hugh W. Bru- en, Jack Kirsch, John Rugar, Henry Reeve, Al Steffes, Leo Wolcott, Fred Wehrenberg and Nathan Yamins. The national committee at each session will outline an over-all pro- gram and discuss plans to set in mo- tion the machinery necessary in each locality for the industry's efforts in the drive. The Oklahoma City meeting on Oct. 20 will be followed by meetings in Los Angeles, Oct. 23, and San Francisco on Oct. 24. The committee will then divide into two groups with each heading for other key cities, as follows : Portland, Ore., and Salt Lake City, Oct. 25 ; Seattle and Oma- ha, Oct. 26; Kansas City and Des Moines, Oct. 28; Chicago, Oct. 30; Cleveland, Oct. 31 ; Detroit, Nov. 1 ; Buffalo and Louisville, Nov. 2 ; Pittsburgh, Nov. 3; Hartford, Nov. 9; Philadelphia, Nov. 13; Baltimore, Nov. 14; New York City, Nov. 15. In addition to the national commit- tee, this group of nine co-chairmen, and representatives from the theatres' and distributors' WAC divisions, and the Treasury Department, each meet- ing will be attended by local regional directors appointed by co-chairmen. Mooney Says Schine Forced Him Out (Continued from page 1) turned over to the circuit for $2,500 after an earlier $5,000 offer had been refused, he added. The properties, originally obtained from Daniel Gu- tilla, had cost Mooney $15,000, he said. While the witness, under direct ex- amination from Robert L. Wright of the Department of Justice, was tell- ing of discussions he had with Eddie Booth, M-G-M branch manager at Columbus, Edward F. McClennen, Schine counsel, objected that "branch managers have no authority to make statements on the selling policies of their companies." He was overruled by Judge John Knight. McClennen is scheduled to cross-examine Mooney tomorrow. PRCS 'Lights' Opens In Quebec 'V-E' Week Hollywood, Oct. 2. — PRC's "When the Lights Go On Again" will have its world premiere in Quebec during the week of European V-Day and will be dedicated to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Win- ston D. Churchill, it was revealed here today by Leon Fromkess, production chief, and Leo J. McCarthy, general sales manager. McCarthy stated that everything is in readiness for the opening, which can be staged on 24 hours' notice. James Lydon and Barbara Belden, co-starred in the film, and director William K. Howard, will make personal appear- ances. I've got a NEW Mrs. now! That's GREER GARSON being kissed by WALTER PIDGEON and, oh boy, how she rates all our love and kisses for her gorgeous performance in M-G-M's "Mrs. Parkington." It's next at Radio City Music Hall and the next Big One in M-G-M's phenomenal parade or Anniversary Hits! in "fARS. PARWN°; Agnes Edward Ar"°,dCedl Kellaway jAoorehead * > Frances Gladys Cooper . peter Uv^ford. Dan Dory oWs Marlowe- and ^ fay Choristers • dPolly James RobertThoe^nand ^ Basedf M Ducted by Toy Bromf>e\d " d by Le°n Garn6tt * A° M-G-W P',CtUre Gordon • Keep Selling Bonds ! and Impartial .MOTION PICTURE [DAILY Alert. Picture Industry fOL. 56. NO. 66 NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1944 TEN CENTS SMPE Seeks Video Parity For Industry Plea for Experimental Channels Direct to FCC The Society of Motion Picture Engineers will ask. the Federal Communications Commission to place the film industry in the de- velopment of television on an equal basis with other interests, it has been learned here. SMPE's television sub-committee which is seeking the allocation of fre- quencies between the 400 and 2,000 megacycle channels, will present a petition and report directly to the FCC early next week with P. J. Larsen, representing the SMPE, and Earl Sponable of 20th Century-Fox, as al- ternate. The SMPE report does not seek the allocation of frequencies between (Continued on page 7) Canada Will Not Take Over Films Toronto, Oct. 3. — The Canadian government will not take over the film industry in Canada despite all reports to the contrary, John Grierson of the Canadian National Film Board stated here today before the annual meeting of the Motion Picture The- atres Association of Ontario. Grierson also said that the government had no plan for further restrictions for the film industry after the war, and added i that the natural function of the Na- I tional Film Board was to concern it- I self with education, rehabilitation, i farming, medical and technical subj ects. At the meeting J. J. Fitfcgibbons of Famous Players expressed doubts that the theatre business could continue to absorb heavy taxation after the war. Reports read to the convention showed a paid membership of 300 and a $6,000 balance in the treasury. Major Thompson in 6th War Loan Post Major Leslie E. Thompson, vice- president of RKO, will serve as chair- man of the screen, stage and radio section of the Treasury's War Finance Committee here, for the Sixth War Loan drive, it was reported yesterday by William E. Cotter, director of the commerce and industry division. Thompson served in the same capacity in the Fifth War Loan. Rodgers Bids For Non-goers Envisaging a period of general prosperity after the war, William F. Rodgers, M-G-M vice-president in charge of sales, sees no reason why theatre attend- a n c e should drop as a result of "V-E Day," but, on the contrary, sees a good possi- b i 1 i t y that there will be a greater theatre ^s*^B attendance than MEn ' m^Bi ever Def°re BBBk from Hollywood. • Sol Schwartz, head of RKO's out- of-town theatres, left yesterday for Boston and will return tomorrow. • Lillian Hellman will arrive in Hollywood tomorrow from New York. • Oscar A. Morgan, Paramount short subjects sales chief, left yester- day on a visit to Southern exchanges. • Edward L. Walton, Republic's as- sistant general manager, is visiting Atlanta. Insider's Outlook By RED KANN Hollywood, Oct. 3 T^ECISION to rearrange the credit ledger by making as- sociate producers full-rank pro- ducers is part of Henry Gins- berg's overall plan to tighten and to fortify further the manpower equation at Paramount. It does not tie to new contracts, rewrit- ten contracts or more money. It does tie to greater enthusiasm and additional recognition of the men who make the product on that lot. In Hollywood, an associate producer does not occupy the rung of the ladder occupied by a full-scale producer. The f.-r. producer is one notch higher, and notches count mightily here. Part of the accepted sys- tem irrevocably hinges on acknowledged, official credits. That's the obvious why of those mile-like lineups which bore the public as each attraction begins to unfurl. This may not excuse the long titles which weigh down the onlooker. At least, it explains them. ■ ■ To: Sherwin Kane. From: Yours truly. You were writing about trade paper reporters who are detec- tives at heart and that recent UA statement reading, "An early settlement of any and all inter-company differences will be made shortly." If it's sleuthing that counts, here's a contribution : The UA comment was de- signed for trade paper consump- tion strictly. The Selznick- Chaplin situation, also the C h a p 1 i n-Selznick situation, stands without change. What to do about UA's com- ment? File and forget. ■ ■ Why Arrowhead Productions for Mervyn LeRoy's new com- pany? It's like this: About 50 names were submitted for in- corporation. Some had been used earlier, some could not be cleared for various reasons. Then came Arrowhead. That's where LeRoy has his summer home. Outside Lucey's, the director bumped into Fred Allen and Jack Benny. "We're having dinner Thursday, you know. Got enough dough ?", asked Le Roy of Benny. "Sure. The only time I haven't any money is when I'm working," replied Benny. Allusion to the tax situation, of course. Amusement for those who catch it: A scene in "Shadow of Suspi- cion," a new Monogram, has Pierre Watkins, in a tycoon role, hurriedly clearing dicta- tion. Picking up three letters and glancing at each in turn, he tells his secretary: "Tell Dun- lap I can't see him until next week. I'll see Carr tomorrow — pause. Tell Johnston to come in any time." Is it required to observe Scott Dunlap is a producer, Trem Carr is executive producer, but W, Ray Johnston is president of the company ? ■ ■ Good-Old-Hollywood Tale : About an attraction, shooting for the better part of a year and now over the $2,000,000 mark in cost. No one has seen it ex- cept those directly embroiled in its making. Not even the head of the studio. In fact, he hasn't even asked. On his lot, they say he knows better. Meaning by that, excuses not to unreel it would be'rustled up without end. Parallel of this . is about a very expensive f i 1 m , which brought several New York ex- ecutives West some months ago. They came not to criticize, but to see. Did they? They did not. Reasons : Same as above. ■ ■ If the War Labor Board re- laxes the "Little Steel" wage formula, labor costs will ad- vance $12,000,000 annually over present levels in the opinion of a top executive here. To this, he adds grimly : "Production costs will come down, will they? Not a chance until or unless the economic situation contracts to a degree where everyone starts yelling 'Murder' out of the sheer neces- sity of it." ■ ■ In the 52 weeks terminating with August, 1944, M-G-M's domestic gross ran away from the gross of the preceding cal- endar period by almost $7,000,- 000. Gross for the 52 weeks ending August, 1943, ran away from the like period of the pre- vious year by about $5,000,000. At Metro, where they're not easily staggered, they are. ■ ■ Many are the stories any wanderer around Hollywood may pick up. They are not al- ways true, but they generally, amuse. Here is one, about an in- dividual, which is also factual. Filjns Help Swedish! To Americanize American films are rapidly creating an English speaking country out of Sweden, Carl York, Paramount man- ager in Sweden, stated here yester- day. The Paramount representative who had not been in the United States for a decade, has arrived for home office conferences. _ So marked is this desire to learn English, York pointed out, that dubbed films cannot be played in Sweden. Paramount's last experi- ment with a dubbed picture was "An American Tragedy." There are about 2,000 theatres in Sweden, but the seating capacity is only a little over 500,000. There is no double featuring in Sweden. Sweden this year will make 55 pictures of its own at an average cost of $80,000 each. These pictures, however, oc- cupy 50 per cent of the running time of Sweden's theatres as each release will average 35-40 prints, as against four-five prints on each of the 200 films released by American compa- nies. York will be in America for at least a month. Deane in Charge of Dubbing for Para. Albert Deane, for 16 years head of Paramount's foreign publicity at the home office, was appointed yester- day to the post of manager of the de- partment of censorship and editing of company films for foreign markets. He will also have charge of dubbing. Deane also continues as editor of the Paramounteer and Paramount Inter- national News, house publication. As reported yesterday in Motion Pic- utE Daily, Deane's successor is Paul E. Ackerman, who for the past four years has been Paramount's foreign publicity manager. RKO Will Make 2 in London This Year RKO will make two films in Lon- don for 1944-45, the first to start at Denham studios, London, in Decem- ber, Robert S. Wolff, managing direc- tor in Great Britain disclosed here yesterday. Wolff returned from California Monday after viewing new RKO, Goldwyn, Disney and International product and discussing British pro- duction and distribution plans. He will return to London in about three weeks. Extortion Appeal Today Hearing on an appeal by the Chi- cago mobsters from 10-year jail sen- tences in the $1,000,000 film industry extortion case, will be held here to- day before the United States Circuit Court of Appeals. Shouted he, in the approxi- mate dead center of an impor- tant conference : "You are always interrupting' . me in the middle of a mistake." MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief ; Colvln Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday .ind holidays by Quigley Publ.shing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." — . — ~— — - "V T » — :'„„„ „ -, . . . jjiuiiun in-iuic nuiuiiat, rame. .cnierea as second class i post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. rtw -J Lfill TTl m Y"Y A TT WJnoc^r Oo + ^kor 4 1 Q4-4 J JAMES CRAIG * EDWARD ARNOLD * hugh Herbert - joy mi ni;i ■ ]hiiu\i:i bates » habrv bavewpobt w^iSeW ™$rmm 1 IflV / \\/ [111 II 1* / 111 m THE GREATEST ASTOR ATTRACTION Every record in its history smashed " KEEP SELLING WAR BONDS " MOTION PICTURE DAILY OCT. 4, 19441 UIHOUSA Wednesday, October 4, 1944 MOTION PICTURE DAILY 7 Mooney Completes Schine Theatres Trial Testimony SMPE Seeks Video Parity For Industry (Continued from page 1) the 50 and 300 megacycle bands of the spectrum since these channels are be- ing sought for the immediate commer- cialization of television in the postwar period by television broadcasters. The SMPE is seeking experimental channels in the frequencies being sought by the communications groups. Channels within the frequencies sought would be available for direct pickups of television programs from the film studios and elsewhere, for transmitting programs to theatres within a city, and to relay programs from city to city. The channels would be used for television broad- casting direct to theatres without mak- ing the programs available for the general public. Defend Smith • The SMPE representatives dis- count the report that David Smith, chairman of the television panel of the Radio Technical Planning Board, had failed to recognize the film indus- try's television requirements in mak- ing recommendations of his panel to the FCC at the opening session of the committee's hearings on postwad allocations last week. It is pointed out that SMPE's at- tempt to secure the necessary chan- nels to put theatre television on a par- ity with the broadcasters wiU come up when Panel No. 8 of the RTPB, dealing with communications, makes its report. Members of SMPE's television sub-committee, besides Larsen and Sponable, are: Paul Raibourn, Para- mount ; Lester B. Isaac, Loew's, and Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith. Start NBC Screen Ads on Oct. 22 (Continued from page 1) York, Chicago, Denver, Cleveland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washing- ton. An average of 6,700,000 theatre patrons are expected to see the trail- ers weekly. Each trailer will feature about six NBC stars and air shows with 25-30 programs being featured in the series. Trailers are now nearing completion with stock shots, secured from the film companies, showing Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Fibber McGee and Molly, Bob Burns, and others. The total cost to NBC for production, prints and screen time will run to about $200,000. Some 2,000 prints are being made. The key message in the trailers will be : "See these stars at this theatre and hear them over your favorite local NBC station." Theatres will be paid according to seating capacities with each theatre playing all four of the trailers over a period of four weeks. Motion Picture Networks, New York, handled the deal for General Screen Advertising with the J. Walter Thompson agencv acting for Charles P. Hammond, NBC director of ad- vertising and promotion, who devel- oped the promotion in conjunction with the Thompson office. (Continued from page 1) to negotiate any deals for those two towns," said Mooney. This action, he said, came after Schine acquired the Opera House in Kent. With regard to Medina, O., Mooney testified when Schine ac- quired a 25 per cent interest in the Princess Theatre there, in Sept., 1937, WB sold product to that house despite having promised product to the prospective builders of a new theatre. Cross-examined this afternoon by Saul E. Rogers, Schine counsel, Mooney was forced to admit that of his Majestic, Opera House and Strand theatres in Bellefontaine, only the Strand was operating as a going property. He admitted the Majestic was opened for only a week during the "Logan County Fair," once a year ; that it was closed entirely the last two or three years he held its lease ; that it was a small house, had onlv 250 seats, was a converted store and that it never boasted sound equip- ment. Rogers also drew from him testi- Canadian Theatres Deny Rank Buy-in (Continued from page 1) established film product to offer as well as cash there would be an in- clination to entertain proposals to share capital interest with the British film leader. Further, it has been suggested that the link between Famous Players Canadian Corp. and Paramount Pic- tures, New York, could not be dis- turbed through a financial hook-up with Rank. With Canadian Odeon, it has been stated that Paul Nathanson has a money-making circuit _and-he does not need additional capital for postwar expansion. Nathanson's Em- Dire-Universal Films has already ac- quired a selected list of Rank's British films for Canadian distribution, includ- ing bookings into Famous Players and other houses. At the same time, no little interest was aroused in the Canada-wide in- spection tour recently made by Davis when the latter was reported to be studying Canadian theatre conditions. That might mean Rank proposed to build his own theatres in the Dominion following failure to buy into existing circuits. That threat might offset the argument that Rank's cash would be Tiore welcome if he also had plenty of big pictures to offer. It is news to Canadians that Davis plans a return visit to the Dominion. Wilkie's Father Dies Albert L. Wilkie, father of Al Wil- kie, Paramount publicity manager here, died at the age of 87 at Holly- wood Hospital, in Hollywood, on Monday night. He will be buried in West Virginia. Louis Newman Dies Buffalo, Oct. 3. — Louis Newman, 72, former operator of the Masque and Sun theatres here, died recently following a short illness. mony that the Opera House was "an upstairs opera house" ; that the build- ing was about 75 years old; that it had wooden seats and also lacked sound equipment. Rogers sought to show that the $2,500 deal with Schine for the the- atres to which Mooney testified «on Monday pertained only to the sale of equipment in the Strand Theatre, that Mooney had sold some of the equip- ment in the theatres before Schine took them over and that Daniel Gu- tilla renewed the leases with Schine rather than Mooney's having assigned them himself. On the question of admission prices at Schine's New Holland Theatre, and at Mooney's Strand, Rogers drew from Mooney an admission that it was he, and not Schine, who first lowered prices. Perce Essick, Medina, O., exhib- itor, took the stand just before ad- journment and testified he was prom- ised WB product while building a new theatre, but, that upon comple- tion of the house he could not obtain product. Rodgers Bids for Theatre Non-goers (Continued from page 1) numbers who do not attend films at all, estimated to be 10,000,000 by George Gallup's Audience Research, and the even larger total who attend infrequently, from three to four times a year. Rodgers said that M-G-M is "ag- gressively soliciting" this business. Supporting its product in M-G-M's bid for this new patronage, he said, is its expanded advertising program, ex- pansion of its exhibitor relations de- partment, its continuing policy of seeking to help exhibitors increase their own patronage, its exploitation program and the tailoring of a new pressbook to suit the needs of small- town exhibitors. In Rodgers' opinion any shortage of product that may have existed has been eased by suburban runs playing more extended runs because there are so many good films. Exhibitors, gen- erally are playing pictures longer than a year ago, Rodgers said. M-G-M pictures now average some 14,000 contracts. Richev, Brooks to Exhibitor Meets H. M. Richey, M-G-M exhibitor relations head, will leave on Friday on a ten-day trip during which he will attend the Allied Theatre Owners of Michigan annual meeting- in Detroit. Oct. 9-11, and the Allied Theatre Owners of Western Pennsylvania convention, Oct. 16-17, in Pittsburgh. Walter Brooks, his assistant, will ac- company him part of the way. Sam Fox's Mother Dies Mrs. Simon Fox, mother of Sam and Harry Fox of the Sam Fox Music Publishing Co., died at her home in Cleveland on Monday at the age of 82. Funeral services will be held tomorrow in Cleveland. Rank Affirms Odeon's Plans For Expansion (Continued from page 1) present entertainment tax, par- ticularly when it is borne in mind that the approximate per- centage of Odeon's prewar revenue which went for enter- tainment tax alone was 13 and now is 39 per cent." Odeon's net profit for the past fiscal year, shareholders will be informed was $11,200,000, compared with net profit of $8,400,000 for the previous year. Odeon is capitalized at $10,- 000,000. Taxes for the past fiscal year amounted to $2,876,000. Reserve for future taxation, war damage con- tribution and related charges now ex- ceeds $16,000,000. Odeon theatres are valued at $63,- 200,000, but the amount is regarded here as extremely conservative in the light of current market conditions. Attendance at Odeon theatres in- creased 25,000,000 during the past year to more than 180,000,000. Explains Davis Trip Rank's statement on Odeon expan- sion plans is viewed here as the first official public hint of the purpose of the projected second visit of John Davis to Canada, which he is sched- uled to begin in about two weeks. It was reported by Motion Picture Daily on Sept. 28 that Davis would endeavor to close a deal for the acqui- sition by Rank of an interest in one of several Canadian circuits. Rank will say of Odeon's expansion plans "We propose to expand our activities to other countries, includ- ing the British Dominions, but only following careful research, ensuring that such investments as we make will show a reasonable return on capital. We do not intend to commence op- erating in any country until we are reasonably assured that political dif- ferences in such countries have been satisfactorily settled." 77V 44-45 Product Near Set: Work (Continued from page 1) president, and William A. Scully, vice- president and general sales manager, on potentialities for the 1945-46 pro- gram, in which emphasis will be on postwar subjects, comedies and mys- teries, Work added. Work said the new Deanna Durbin film now nearing completion will be released around Christmas. "Queen of the Nile," another in color, featuring Lola Montez and Jon Hall, is being readied for release next Spring, he said. Work said that production costs are still rising due to increased costs of labor and supplies. He expects that once the European War is over, the situation will become more settled. Work expects to return to California Friday. C. P. Washichek Dies Milwaukee, Oct. 3. — Charles P. Washichek, 67, theatre operator, died here recently. Washichek, with his family, was at one time a performer with circuses. Surviving are his widow, a son and daughter. —Just because RKO'S newest group of five pictures contains THREE of the season's T0PS-"N0NE BUT THE LONELY HEART' - "THE MASTER RACE - TALL IN THE SADDLE —we post this friendly warning to exhibitors not to overlook the high-grossing possibilities of the sleeper on the list— "MY PAL, WOLF" Take your money tip from the Trade Press on "My Pal, Wolf": "Set this one apart as a sleeper and give it running room at a time when entertainment counts," from Motion Picture Daily.. ."A sleeper... excellent and sustained entertainment, and focusing attention on a new child, Sharyn Moffett" from Variety, and "Has definite sleeper possibilities... Good in any situation," from Showmen's Trade Review. 10 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, October 4, 1944 Reviews "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th Century-Fox) r^AMON RUNYON has produced a rowdy, dazzling musical in color as a semi-biographical tribute to Ernest R. Ball, who wrote "Mother Machree," "Boy o' Mine" and "Let the Rest of the World Go By," as well as the film's title song and other sentimental tunes that brought him fame before the last war. Headlined by a couple of pleasant new stars and backed by some old marquee favorites, it should do well at the box office, especially since the script writers, Earl Baldwin and John Tucker Battle, balance the nostalgia of the lyrics with a story about as tender as a good catfight. Dick Haymes, fairly new to the screen, has made Ball a fascinating char- acter : soft-hearted when seated at th piano and flightily hot-blooded in the presence of his eternal Irish inspiration, June Haver, burlesque chorine, who, for her own part, specializes in quick lefts to the jaw. He meets and loses her in Cleveland when they're both obscure and broke ; then, after he hits the jackpot, he finds her checking hats at Churchill's in New York. Here develops the real plot complication, a slender but neat trick whereby the musician's mentor, Monty Woolley, sneaks a famous actress, Beverly Whitney, into the ladies' room and bets his gambling rival, Anthony Quinn, that he can make a star of the first woman who comes out. Of course it's the hat-check girl, pushed and sprawling after a scuffle and mad as a hornet at the boy friend because she doesn't know what's going on. Nor does she get wise until after Quinn, to collect his wager, has railroaded her almost to Cuba. Then, naturally, stardom and love. Gregory Ratoff's direction keeps the action broad and noisy, and the many song-and-dance numbers staged by Alfred Newman and Charles Henderson follow much the same course, except when Leonard Warren and Blanche Thebom of the Metropolitan Opera have the spotlight. For good measure, Maxie Rosenbloom is on hand, to knock out the composer once when his lady isn't slugging at him herself. Running time, 90 mins. "G"*. Release in block No. 3. Tom Loy "Shadow of Suspicion" (Monogram) Hollywood, Oct. 3 SHOWMEN can rate this A. W. Hackel production right up with the toppers in the field of button-button-who's-got-the-jewels thrillers. With a few bigger names to exploit and perhaps a touch of polish here and there in the interests of comedy, it could take care of itself in top spots. It's way above par for its category. Marjorie Weaver and Peter Cookson are the leads, the former portraying a jewel dealer's secretary and the latter a young man who acts like a jewel thief, but isn't really. And a nice job they turn in, with Tim Ryan, Pierre Watkin, Clara Blandick and the other supporting players going along as nicely. The script, by Albert DeMond and Earle Snell, is intricately contrived but fast-flowing and preserves suspense until the last possible moment. It con- cerns a plot to steal jewels from a Chicago dealer and it manages to put everybody but the audience under suspicion at one time or another. Direc- tion, by William Beaudine, is one of his best recent jobs. Running time, 68 minutes. "G."* Release date, Sept. 23. William R. Weaver Hollywood Has 50 Pictures In Production Hollywood, Oct. 3. — Two pictures were completed and others started in a week which closed with 50 fea- tures before cameras. The production scene follows : Columbia Finished: "Song of Tahiti." Shooting : "Eaaie Was a Lady," "Counterattack," "Together Again." M-G-M Shooting : "Hold High the Torch," "Women's Army," "Thrill of a Ro- mance," "The Clock," "Anchors Aweigh," "Son of Lassie," "Valley of Decision." Monogram Finished: "Gun bmoke" (formerly "Saddle Smoke"). Shooting : "G. I. Honeymoon," "Saddle Pals." Paramount Started: "Duffy's Tavern," with Ed Gardner, Eddie Green, Charley Cantor, Marjorie Reynolds, Barry Sullivan, Victor Moore, and guest stars ; "High Man," with Robert Lowery, Roger Pryor, Phyllis Brooks, Mary Treen, Ed Gargan, Joe Sawyer. Shooting : "Salty O'Rourke,'" "Miss Susie Slagle's. PRC Shooting : "Strange Illusion." RKO Radio Shooting : "Come Share My Love," "China Sky," "Experiment Perilous," "Zombie on Broadway," "Isle of the Dead" (suspended), "It's a Pleasure" (International), "Wonder Man" (Goldwyn), "Tarzan and the Ama- zons" (Lesser). Republic Started: "Chicago Kid," with Don- ald Barry, Lynne Roberts, Otto Cre- han, Henry Daniels ; "Topeka Ter- ror," with Allan Lane, Linda Stirl- ing, 'Twinkle' Watts. Shooting: "Lake Placid Serenade," "Hitchhike to Happiness," "Great Flamarion" (William Wilder). 20th-Fox Shooting: "Czarina," "Where Do We Go From Here," "Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe," "Hangover Square," "Nob Hill." United Artists Shooting : "The Tuckers of Texas (PCA), "Delightfully Dangerous" (Rogers), "Brewster's Millions" (Small), "It's in the Bag" (Skirball). Universal Shooting : "Fairy Tale Murder," "Suspect," "Salome — Where She Danced," "Frisco Sal." Warners Shooting : "God Is My Co-Pilot," "Pillar to Post," "Of Human Bond- age," "Nobody Lives Forever," "San Antonio." Independent Started: "Wildfire" (Action Pic- tures), with Bob Steele, Eddie Dean, Sterling Holloway, Virginia Mapes. Shooting : "A Boy, a Girl and a Dog" (W. R. Frank). *"G" denotes general classification. Zukor Hails Griffis' Post in Red Cross (Continued from page 1) to the Paramount organization and reported that the Red Cross work in the Pacific would not be so much of a "doughnuts -and-coffee" nature but would deal, rather, with "greater morale values," such as maintaining contact between the men at the front and their families. Carl York, Paramount managing director for Sweden and the Scandi- navian countries, introduced by Claude Lee, expressed pleasure on visiting the United States after a lapse of ten years. At a business session, the Pep Club elected new officers for 1944-45, as follows : J. L. Brown of the comp- troller's office, president; Richard O'Connell of the foreign department, vice-president ; Richard Bennett of the accounting department, treasurer, and Rose Mirell, secretary. New members of the board of governors are : G. Knox Haddow, outgoing president ; George Weltner, David Cassidy, Harriet Miller and Al Si- cignano. Local 306 to Take Over Harlem MPPA The IATSE New York projection- ists' Local No. 306 will absorb one of the last two remaining projection- ists' unions in New York at a meet- ing at Manhattan Center here today when it will take over the Motion Picture Projectionists Association, em- bracing Negro projectionists employ- ed in theatres in Harlem. The only union standing in the way of Local 306's campaign to have com- plete jurisdiction over all projection- ists in this area is the Independent Motion Picture Projectionists, which has about 100 members. Local 306 has about 2,375 members in about 500 theatres in the Metropolitan area. Legion Classifies Seven New Films The Legion of Decency has classi- fied the following : A-l, The Great Mike," and "When the Lights Go On Again," PRC, and "Trigger Law," Monogram ; A-2, "Carolina Blues," Columbia ; "The Climax," Universal ; "Enemy of Women," Monogram ; class B, "The Merry Monahans," Uni- versal. Brandt Plans Meet on Mayor's 'V-E' Idea Harry Brandt, who represented the managers of Broadway film houses at Mayor LaGuardia's meeting on "V-E Day" plans last week, will call a session of the heads of other local theatres to implement the Mayor's re- quest that show "breaking" hours be staggered on the night of victory in Europe, provided the necessity for such action becomes apparent as the late approaches and the likely temper of the public is determined. The Mayor's suggestion is designed to keep streets from becoming clogged with people during show-closing hours. STATEMENT OF THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, CIRCULATION, ETC., REQUIRED BY THE ACTS OF CONGRESS OF AUGUST 24, 1912, AND MARCH 3, 1933 Of Motion Picture Daily, published daily (except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), at New York, New York, for October 1, 1944. State of New York 1 ss . County of New York) Before me, a Notary Public, in and for the State and county aforesaid, personally appeared Theo. J. Sullivan, who, having been duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is the Business Manager of the Motion Picture Daily and that the following is, to the best of his knowl- edge and belief, a true statement of the ownership, management (and if a daily paper, the circulation), etc., of the aforesaid publication for the date shown in the above caption, required by the Act of August 24, 1912, as amended by the Act of March 3, 1933, embodied in section 537, Postal" Laws and Regulations, printed on the reverse of this form, to wit: 1. That the names and addresses of the publisher, editor, managing editor, and busi- ness managers are: Publisher, and Editor- in-Chief, Martin Quigley, 1270 Sixth Ave- nue, New York City; Editor, Sherwin Kane, 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York City; Man- aging Editor, Sherwin Kane, 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York City; Business Manager, Theo. J. Sullivan, 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York City. 2. That the owner is: (if owned by a corporation, its name and address must be stated and also immediately thereunder the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding one per cent or more of total amount of stock. If not owned by a corpora- tion, the names and addresses of the individual owners must be given. If owned by a firm, company, or other unincorporated concern, its name and address, as. well as those of each individual member, must be given.): Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York City; Martin J. Quigley, 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York City; Gertrude S. Quigley, 1270 Sixth Ave- nue, New York City; Martin S. Quigley, 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York City; Colvin W. Brown, 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York City. 3. That the known bondholders, mort- gagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 per cent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other se- curities are: (If there are none, so state.) None. 4. That the two paragraphs next above, giving the names of the owners, -stock- holders, and security holders, if any, con- tain not only the list of stockholders and security holders as they appear upon the books of the company but also, in case* where the stockholder or security holder ap- pears upon the books of the company as trustee or in any other fiduciary relation, the name of the person or corporation for whom such trustee is acting, is given; also that the said two paragraphs con- tain statements embracing affiant's full knowledge and belief as to the circum- stances and conditions under which stock- holders and security holders who do not appear upon the books of the company as trustees, hold stock and securities in a capacity other than that of a bona fide owner; and this affiant has no reason to believe that any other person, association, or corporation has any interest direct or indirect in the said stock, bonds, or other securities than as so stated by him. 5. That the average number of copies of each issue of this publication sold or dis- tributed through the mails or otherwise, to paid subscribers during the twelve months preceding the date shown above is 4810. (This information is required from daily publications only.) Theo. J. Sullivan, Business Manager. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of September, 1944. (seal) Dorothy S. Kavanagh, (My commission expires March 30, 1946.) Wednesday, October 4, 1944 motion Picture daily Philadelphia Key Runs Prosper; $35,000 for 'Kitty' Philadelphia,, Oct. 3. — The week got off on an excellent start with the return of vaudeville to the Earle, the appearance of Lena Home on the stage, and "Kansas City Kitty" on screen accounting for $35,000 for a six-day week. Of the new openings, "Kismet" got off to a big start at the Stanley, pointing to $32,000 in addi- tion to $4,200 for a Sunday dual show- | ing at the Earle. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 4-6: "Wilson" (20th-Fox) ALDINE — (900) (40c-SSc-60c-8Sc-$1.20) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $16,800. (Average: $14,600). "Mrs. Skeffington" (WB) ARCADIA — (600) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $6,900. (Average: $4,000). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) BOYD — (3,000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $22,500. (Average: $18,000). "Kansas City Kitty" (Col.) (6 days) "Kismat" (M-G-M) (1 day) EARLE — (3,000) (45c-50c-85c-95c) 6 days of vaudeville, including Lene Home, Geor- gie Auld's Orchestra, The Three Sailors. Larry and Lynn, Patti Powers. Gross: $39,200. (Average: $27,600). "Mr. Winkle Goes to War" (Col.) FOX — (3.000) (40c-45c-c0'--6,:c-75c-8Sc) 7 days. 2nd run. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $20,500). "In Society" (Univ.) KARLTON — (1,000) (40cl45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $6,000. (Aver- age: $6,600). "Marine Raiders" (RKO) KEITH'S— (2,200) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c^ 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,800). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) MASTBAUM— (4,700) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days 3rd week. Gross: $19,500. (Av- erage: $22,500). "Kismet" (M-G-M) STANLEY; — (3.000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c 85c) 7 days. Gross: $32,000. (Average: $20,000. "Maisie Goes to Reno" (M-G-M) STANTON — (1,700) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $9,400). Hellman Here on Production Deal Forty Will Attend Equipment Meeting Chicago, Oct. 3. — Forty members of the Theatre Equipment Dealers Protective Association are expected to attend the convention at the Bis- marck Hotel here . Oct. 6-8. Ray Colvin of Exhibitors Supply, St. Louis, secretary of the TEDPA, is due here to handle last-minute ar- rangements. Speakers will include : Allen G. Smith, WPB theatre head, and Nathan D. Golden of the Department of Com- merce, both of whom will come from Washington. Exhibits will include DeVry and RCA which will display equipment being used by the Armed Forces. Testimonial for Garcia Ramon Garcia, Universal's general manager in Cuba, was recently given a testimonial dinner in Havana in recognition of his 25 years in the in- dustry in that country, 'U's' home of- fice reported here yesterday. Among those present were : Dr. R. Garcia Ordonez, Universal's attorney in Cuba ; Pedro Saenz, RKO manager ; William Heagney, Bank of Boston ; Charles Kirbv, Universal Internation- al ; Ernesto P. Smith, Columbia man- ager and head of the Smith Circuit : Vicente and Alberto Blanco, Cuban distributors ; Henry Weiner, United Artists ; Dr. Jorge Casuso, Film Board of Cuba, and others. Marcel Hellman, managing director and producer of Excelsior Films, Ltd., London, is here to discuss a joint production deal with some American company with a view to making films for the world market in England. Hellman will remain here for eight weeks, during which he will visit Hollywood to engage players and other talent. More studio space is expected to be made available soon to British producers, Hellman said, with the British Board of Trade assisting in this direction. Possibility exists, he said, that by the beginning of year several large studios may be turned back to British producers by the Gov- ernment for commercial production. Up until this year Hellman was a member of J. Arthur Rank's Inde- pendent Producers, Ltd., during which he produced "Secret Mission" and "They Met in the Dark," which are being distributed here by English Films and in England by General Films, a Rank company. Hellman is also here to arrange for production of the play, "This Was a Woman," current in London, and is also looking at American plays to take back for presentation in London. 'Wilson's' $20,000 Best in Cleveland Cleveland, Oct. 3. — "Wilson," with $20,000 in its third week at the RKO Palace, was tops in one of the poorest weeks of the season, due in part to rain. "Wing and a Prayer" opened fairly well at Warners' Hip- podrome, with the week's take there estimated at $18,000, which is under average. Estimated receipts for the week ended Oct. 4: "Address* Unknown" (Col.) ALLEN— (3,000) (45c-55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $8,500). "A Wing and a Prayer" (ZOth-Fox) WARNERS' HIPPODROME - (3,500-> M5c-55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Av- erage: $22,100). "Mr. Winkle Goes to War" (Col.) WARNERS' LAKE— (7141 r45c-55c-65c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $3,000. (Average: S3.2C0). "Sensations of 1945" (UA) LOEW'S OHIO — (1.268) (45c-65c) 7 dav= 2nd week. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $5,000). "Wilson" (ZOth-Fox) RKO PALACE— (3,300) (75c-$1.10) 2nd week. Stage: Bob Chester orchestra and Belita. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $25,400). 'Waterloo Bridge" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (3,300) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Average: $19,000) "Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STILLMAN— (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 -lays. 3rd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $10,000). Launching Lesser Film Louis Hyman, general manager for Sol Lesser Productions, is here from Hollywood to launch an advertising- publicity campaign on Lesser's "Three's a Family," to be released by United Artists. He will be here for several weeks. Carole Landis Cited Carole Landis, 20th Century-Fox star, was presented with a Treasury Department award by Quentin Rey- nolds at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, this week during a "Bond Bowl Game" between the Brooklyn Tigers and a servicemen's eleven. $19,000 for 'Lace'; $13,500 is Average Cincinnati, Oct. 3. — RKO's Palace is leading here with an expected $19,000 for "Arsenic and Old Lace, exceeding the house average by $5,500. A $16,000 gross is indicated for "Bride by Mistake" at RKO's Albee. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 4-7: "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) RKO ALBEE— (3,300) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 clays, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $13,500). "Since You Went Away" (UA) RKO CAPITOL— (2,000) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show, 2nd week on a moveover from the Albee and Grand. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $10,000). "Black Magic" (Mono.) "The Utah Kid" (Mono.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (30c-40c) 4 days. Gross: $1,500. (Average: $1,400). "Block Busters" (Mono.) "Machine Gun Mama" (PRC) RKO FAMILY — (1,000) (30c-40c) 3 days. Gross: $850. (Average: $800). "Maisie Goes to Reno" (M-G-M) KEITH'S— (1,500) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $5,000). "Sweet and Lowdown" (2Cth-Fox) "Shadows in the Night" (Col.) RKO LYRIC— (1,400) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) RKO PALACE — (2,700) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $19,000. (Average: $13,500). "Waterloo Bridge" (M-G-M, reissue) RKO SHUBERT— (1,500) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,000). Trigger Hosts Press, Republic Executives Trigger, Roy Rogers' palomino, was host at a reception here yester- day in the Hotel Astor for trade paper, newspaper, magazine and radio representatives. Invited from Republic's home office were: Walter L. Titus, Jr., Steve Edwards, Charles Reed Jones, Albert Schiller, Edward Seifert, E. L. Beck- er, Seymour Borus, Evelyn Koleman Jim Conniff and Beatrice Ross, anc1 Maxwell Gillis, Eastern district salec manager, Grover C. Schaefer, New York branch manager, and H. J Yates, Jr., M. H. Lavenstein, R. V Altschuler, Ralph Poucher and Mil- ton C. Green. Rank Hits British Monopoly Report (Continued from page 1) enterprise receives commensurate re- wards. "I do not believe that industry can be run efficiently by a bureaucracy. I do not think it is possible for any government to be as bold in under- taking new developments as the en- terprising individuals who built up the British industry. By the very nature of its development our industry relies on strong organizations and, while I welcome competition, I strongly dep- recate the suggestion that this indus- try be controlled along the lines sug- gested in the monopoly report. I do not believe such control to be in the best interests of the film industry." Kennedy with M-G-M Marvin Schenck announced here vesterday that Bob Kennedy, former- ly of Lyons and Lyons agency, has ioined the talent staff of M-G-M in New York. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 3. BARBARA BRITTON has been chosen to play the feminine lead in Paramount's "The Virginian." This will be a dramatization in color of the Owen Wister novel. . . . Sidney Toler, who stars in the title role of Mono- gram's "Charlie Chan" series, has turned to writing, recently completing a script which will be used for one of his future pictures. . . . 20th Century- Fox has borrowed Carlos Ramirez from M-G-M for a featured singing and dramatic role in "Where Do We Go From Here?". . . . Walter Slezak has signed a one-picture deal with Uni- versal and will appear in "Salome — Where She Danced." . . . Howard Bretherton will direct "The Topeka Terror," Allan Lane's next Western for Republic. • Bing Crosby's jour sons, who range in age from six to 11, w'M appear in a comedy sketch with William Bendix in Paramount's musical, "Duffy's Tavern." . . . In line with his stated policy of employing veterans of World War II, Charles R. Rogers states he has cast 50 ex-servicemen in "High Among the Stars." . . . Angela Greene, soon to be Seen in "Holly- wood Canteen," has had her Warner contract renewed. . . . Frank Mac- Donald's first assignment under his new multiple-pictwre deal with Re- public will be "Chicago Kid." . . . Peter Cookson will have the lead op- posite Gale Storm in the Monogram comedy, "G. I. Honeymoon." . . . I une Ally son, recently named a win- ner in the Motion Picture Herald- Fame "Stars of Tomorrow" poll, has been given an important role in "Her Highness and the Bellboy" which Richard Thorpe will direct and loSeph Pasternak produce for M-G-M. 20,000 Launch Fund Drive at Studios Hollywood, Oct. 3. — An estimated 20,000 workers, attending a mass meeting at all studios this noon, heard a special broadcast over Station KFWB keynoting the start of the Hollywood War Chest campaign, which seeks a record total dona- tion from the production commu- nity. Campaign chairman Charles W. Koerner was the chief speaker on the broadcast, which included ad- dresses by Edward Arnold, George Murphy, Jane Murfin, John Cromwell, and other guild and union leaders. $69,741 Rodeo Record Philadelphia, Oct. 3. — Roy Rog- ers, Republic star, set a new rodeo box-office record at the Philadelphia Arena, where he grossed $69,741 for seven evening performances and one matinee ending Saturday night. Rog- ers made his first rodeo appearance here three years ago, when he grossed $13,000, according to Peter Tyrell, manager of the arena. Monogram Contest On Monogram has launched a 13-week competitive sales and collections drive under the name of the "Monogram Victory Parade" with prizes of $14,350. Company exchanges have been divided into three sections. VERA HRUBA RALSTON • RICHARD ARlf ^lllCH VON STROHEIM «^ OTTO KRUGER • EDUARDO CIANNELLI • ROBERT LIVINGSTON • MONA BARRIE GEORGE SHERMAN, Director - Original Story by ELIZABETH MEEHAN • Adoption by DANE IUSSIER • Screenplay by DORIS GILBERT A REPUBLIC PICTURE MOTION PICTURE )L. 56. NO. 67 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1944 TEN CENTS Grosses Still r Far Ahead Of Last Year September Included 2nd Highest Week in 1944 Although the opening of schools resulted in the usual annual drop in September box office receipts, the month's grosses at some 150 key first-run spots bettered those regis- tered during August, and weekly averages per theatre continued to out- strip last year by about $2,000, ac- cording to Motion Picture Daily field correspondents' reports. The week ending Sept. 8-9 resulted in an average of $18,775, second high- est of the year and the best since early January. Then, as schools got under way, the figure dropped to September's lowest, $16,697, but even this was more than the average taken in during two of August's four weeks. For the seven days ending Sept. 22-23, the figure climbed back to $17,164 and (Continued on page 7) 'i 4 Admits Attempt to Control' Situation Buffalo, Oct. 4— Trial of the Government anti-trust suit against the Schine Circuit in Federal District court here today was highlighted by an admission by a Government wit- ness, Perce E. Essick, who with Myer S. Fine operates theatres in metro- politan Cleveland, that while he was building a theatre in Medina, O., he first endeavored to get that town's two theatres "together" so it would be easier to "control the situation." Essick's admission was elicited by Edward F. McClennen, Schine coun- sel, during cross examination of the (Continued on page 6) OWI Confirms Post For Armour Abroad Robert Riskin, director of the Of- fice of War Information overseas film bureau, confirmed here yesterday the appointment of Reginald Armour, former RKO European manager, by the OWI to handle, an overseas film distribution assignment. Motion Pic- ture Daily on Sept. 28 reported that Armour was slated for the post. Ar- mour has not as yet been assigned a (Continued on page 7) Can File Orders Now for Postwar Washington, Oct. 4.— The War Production Board today flashed the green light for the placing and acceptance of orders for postwar delivery of materials and products now subject to priority re- strictions or other controls. It was made clear that a manufacturer may not sched- ule such postwar orders for actual production, or usage, until after the applicable re- striction is removed. Postwar orders, however, will require no priority or other ratings. British Aid Rebuilding London, Oct. 4. — The British Film Producers Association and the Na- tional Association of Theatrical and Kinematograph Employes have agreed with the request of the Ministry of Labor, to immediately release a first batch of studio carpenters, plas- terers and painters to help repair devastation in London wrought by bombing. The men will start the job Oct. 16, with the Ministry giving assur- ance that the men will return to the studios as soon as repairs are suf- ficiently advanced, with producers undertaking to keep their jobs open. Motion Picture Daily reported on Aug. 17, in a cable from London, that the Labor Ministry had con- fronted the BFPA with a demand (Continued on page 6) Divorcement Won't Help Independents, Kuykendall Asserts Kansas City, Oct. 4. — Divorce- ment of affiliated theatres is a prac- tically worthless aim insofar as in- dependent interests are concerned, Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA pres- ident, told a convention o f the Kansas- Missouri Thea- tres Ass'n here today. He reviewed recent MPT OA state- ments, pub- lished earlier, on the Govern- ment's pro- posed new amen dments to the decree. Kuykendall expressed the opinion (Continued on page 7) Ed Kuykendall Film Extortionists' Appeal on Here Arguments in the appeals by six Chicagoans and Louis Kaufman, former business agent of Local 244, projectionists union of Newark, from convictions under the Federal Anti- Racketeering Act conspiracy indict- ment which charged them with ex- torting more than $1,000,000 from the industry, began before the U. S. Cir- cuit Court of Appeals here yesterday. The arguments will be concluded (Continued on page 6) Fabian, Skouras, Griffith, O'Donnell in 6th Drive Starting a move to tap the fullest resources of the entire industry for war-bond-selling experience for the forthcoming drive, Harry Brandt, na- tional chairman, yesterday announced the appointment of S. H. Fabian, L. C. Griffith, Charles Skouras, R. J. O'Donnell, all previous industry bond drive chairmen, to serve as honorary chairmen in the industry's participa- tion in the drive, Nov. 20 to Dec. 16. The group will work with all of the various committees now nearing mobilization for the industry's cam- paign. Following discussions with the hon- orary chairmen, the drive committee revealed that plans are now in motion for the awarding of 'Medals of Hon- os' to all exhibitors active in the ap- proaching $14,000,000,000 drive. The five newsreels will again par- ticipate in the drive by maintaining steady coverage of national events focusing attention on the sixth cam- paign, and by running special bulle- tins playing up stars and war heroes appealing for the purchase of addi- tional bonds. First in the series of special news- reel subjects, for release Oct. 19, will consist of a bulletin on the occasion (Continued on page 7) Canada Trade Establishes Conciliation Clearance, Premiums to Be Treated First Toronto, Oct. 4. — After an all- day session behind closed doors an industry conference resulted today in the announcement that a con- ciliation code has been adopted for Canada but the intimation was forth- coming that further meetings are nec- essary to iron out many final details. According to an unofficial, yet re- liable, source it was stated that a con- ciliation procedure has been agreed upon for clearance disputes and the question of premiums distributed by theatres, but one has not yet been adopted for rental prices, contract groupings or release priorities. It is also understood that a proposal for a trade appeal board in Toronto was not accepted, while the regional con- ciliation boards will function inde- (Continued on page 6) RKO Theatre Union Bargaining Deferred N. Peter Rathvon, RKO president, said yesterday, "There will be a revi- sion in the supervisory system for RKO theatres which will radically affect the responsibilities previously exercised by theatre managers." Rathvon's statement followed a meeting yesterday between company officials and representatives of Motion Picture Theatre Operating Managers and Assistant Managers Guild at (Continued on page 7) GriMs to Leave for Hawaii Tomorrow Stanton Griffis, chairman of Para- mount's executive committee on leave of absence, will leave New York to- morrow for Hawaii. He will take over as commissioner of the Red Cross in the Pacific Islands. Griffis announced yesterday the ap- pointment of A. Conger Goodyear and (Continued on page 7) Reviewed Today Review of "I'm From Ar- kansas," PRC, will be found on, page six. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, October 5, 1944 New 'Gift-Films' in Nazi Prison Camps American war prisoners in Ger- many are now seeing new American films in prison camps, it was disclosed here yesterday by Dr. Tracy Strong, general secretary of the World YMCA, who has just returned from Stockholm after a tour of European film distribution centers established by YMCA War Prisoners' Aid. Recent shipments, he revealed, include "Step Lively," "Casanova Brown," "High- er and Higher," "In Society," "Ar- senic and Old Lace," plus three that have not yet been released in this country, "Saratoga Trunk," "Devo- tion" and "Crime by Night." The films, part of the industry's War Activities Committee world-wide gift film program to the Armed Forces, are turned over to the YMCA by the U. S. Army Pictorial Service. Prints travel via Red Cross boat to Marseilles, thence to Geneva, and from Geneva into Germany for dis- tribution to the. camps. YMCA work- ers who visit the camps regularly re- port the reception of pictures by the American prisoners as "enthusiastic and grateful." Dr. Strong reported that pictures for U. S. war prisoners are subjected to heavy censorship by authorities in this country before they are allowed to leave here, and by the German cen- sors before they are permitted to be shown in the camps. An average of 25 programs monthly, of features and short subjects, are now passing the required tests. Alperson Will Start First in 2 Months Edward . L. Alperson will start production in about two months on "Black Beauty," his first production, to be released" by 20th Century-Fox under a recently concluded six-film distribution deal covering a period of two years. Alperson will leave for California next Monday. The script for "Black Beauty" has been completed by Lillian Hayward, who did the screenplay of "My Friend Flicka." His second film will be based on Somerset Maugham's "Sheppy," the play. Para, Workers9 Bond Buy is 10 Millions Hollywood, Oct. 4. — Purchase of war bonds by employes of the Para- mount studio total $10,000,000 to date, it has been reported by Ralph Green, manager of the Paramount Studio Employes Federal Union, is- suing agency for the securities. Gail Russell, company player, pur- chased a $100 bond which made the total an even $10,000,000. 'It s Murder F to Talkers The War Activities Committee will screen a new OWT short, titled "It's Murder !", made to help cut down loose talk about troop movements, at RKO's home office tomorrow. It was produced by Columbia, released through the Office of War Informa- tion and distributed through the in- dustry's War Activities Committee. Personal SPYROS SKOURAS, president of 20th Century-Fox, left by plane for the Coast yesterday. • Lieut, (j.g.) Robert L. Estill, USN. formerly Paramount head book- er in Seattle, has returned after two years in the Aleutians and this week visited George A. Smith, Western division sales manager, and other home office executives. • H. Bob Engel, sales manager for the DeVry Corp. of Chicago, has re- turned to that city following a' three- week's business trip on the West coast. • John R. Wood, Jr., March of Time sales manager, is visiting the Buffalo 20th Century-Fox exchange and will go to the Cleveland and Detroit offices before returning to New York. P/O Thomas Dowbiggin, RCAF, son of Tom Dowbiggin, veteran Para- mount exchange manager in Toronto, is a prisoner after a raid over Ger- many. • Lieut. Jack Braunagel, formerly with Intermountain Theatres in Lo- gan, Utah, and Mrs. Braunagel are vacationing in New York. • Henley Smith owner of the Im- perial Theatre, Pocohontas, Ark., and Mrs. Smith are in New York on vacation. • Egon Klein, representative of Cal- deron Productions, Mexico City, will return there next week after visiting here for several months. • Wtilma Freeman, United Artists promotion manager, will leave for the Coast tomorrow. • Irving Rapper, Warner director, will leave here Monday for Holly- wood. • Philip Keenan, general manager of Hillman Periodicals, has left for Toledo. • Budd Rogers and Mrs. Rogers will leave for Hollywood tomorrow. • Mary Pickford will leave for the Coast by train today. 20th Gets B. and K. House for 'Wilson' Chicago, Oct. 4. — "Wilson" will finally get a Chicago release through 20th Century-Fox's leasing of Bala- ban and Katz's Apollo in the Loop for 10 weeks, starting Oct. 18. "Wilson," "Since You Went Away" and other important current pictures have been held up in this area because of a lack of Loop first-run outlets due to hold- overs and subsequent product jams, as reported yesterday in Motion Picture Daily. Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox presi- dent, in town to address the Greek War Relief Association, is mapping promotion plans for "Wilson" with Jack Lorentz, district manager. Mention N ICHOLAS M. SCHENCK, pres- ident of M-G-M, will arrive from the Coast on Monday. • Florence Gordon of Warner dis- trict manager Charles Rich's staff at Cleveland, is resigning to marry 1st. Lieut. Philip Aster when he re- turns after two years in Alaska about Oct. 15. • J. B. Underwood, Southwestern division manager for Columbia with headquarters in Dallas, is meeting with Rube Jackter, assistant general sales manager, in Oklahoma City. • William Marchese of M-G-M's sales department, and Mrs. Mar- chese, former M-G-M employe, are celebrating their fifth wedding anni- versary. • Lt. Leonard Spinrad, now of the Army Overseas Motion Picture Ser- vice and formerly with Warners East- ern publicity department, will marry Thelma Zipkin in November. • Joseph Friedman, Columbia's man- aging director in England, is await- ing a transportation priority to per- mit his early return to London. • Ralph Stitt of 20th-Fox's home office publicity department is in Hart- ford from New York. • Jacob Segal, Columbia's assistant foreign sales manager will return Monday from a vacation. • Moe Sherman, Monogram sales- man in Philadelphia, is resting at home following an illness. • Norman Elson, vice president of Trans Lux Theatres, will leave for Washington today. N • Roger Ferri, editor of Dynamo, 20th Century-Fox house organ, is en route to Hollywood. • Don Mili, Warner director, will arrive in New York tomorrow from the coast. • I. F. Dolid, supervisor of Warner exchanges, left yesterday for Boston. He will return at the weekend. Testimonial for Irving Wormser Exhibitors, distributors, press and representatives of allied fields paid tribute yesterday to Irving Wormser at a luncheon at the Hotel Astor here. Wormser has resigned as assist- ant to Nat Cohn, Columbia's district manager here, to become a sales ex- ecutive of Film Classics. Some 300 were present at the testi- monial, with the following on the dais : Louis Nizer, Fred Schwartz, Si Fabian, Harry Brandt, Sam Rinzler, Joseph Seider, Harold Mirish, Max Cohen, E. L. Goldhammer, Leo Brech- er, William White, Louis Frisch, Louis Weinberg, Eugene Picker, Edward Alperson. Balaban Sees Marine Son in Para. News Barney Balaban, Paramount president, recognized his son, Sgt. Burt Balaban, with the Marines in the South Pacific, in the current Paramount newsreel. The films were among the last taken by Da- mien Parer, Paramount ca- meraman who was last week reported killed in the Peleliu Islands. Young Balaban is a combat photographer and has also written syndicated articles while photographing jungle battles from bombers. He has been with the Marine Corps for two years and has seen service on Truk, Wake, the Marianas and Guam. Klarsf eld Safe in Paris, Reports Hicks Henry Klarsfeld, Paramount's pre- war general manager of distribution in Paris, has turned up there in good health and ready to rejoin the com- pany, according to a cable received in New York yesterday by John W. Hicks, Jr., president of Paramount International. No word had been re- ceived from Klarsfeld for the past 27 months. Klarsfeld joined the com- pany in January, 1921, as a salesman. MacMurray, Fenton Organize Mutual Hollwood, Oct. 4. — Fred MacMur- ray and Leslie Fenton have organized their own unit, to be known as Mu- tual Productions with one picture al- ready set, "Pardon My Past," in which MacMurray will star and Fenton produce and direct. MacMur- ray's 20th Century-Fox contract al- lows him to appear in outside pro- ductions. No release channel for the picture has been set. Hal Chester Forms Production Unit Hal E. Chester, formerly associated with "The Little Tough Guys" and "The East Side Kids," will produce two films a year, through his own new independent unit. Chester, who has acquired film rights to Ham Fisher's cartoon char- acter, "Joe Palooka," will base his first film on an original Fisher story, as yet untitled. Negotiations are now under way for a releasing channel and a director. 18th for Century Century Circuit, operating 17 thea- tres in Brooklyn, will open the Linden Theatre there on Oct. 12. Receipts of the opening day will go to the Red Cross. 'Woman' Tradeshow The New York trade-showing of International's "The Woman in the Window," distributed by RKO, pre- viously set for the RKO exchange here, Monday, will be screened in- stead at the Normandie Theatre. MOTION PICTURE DAILY Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, . Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor- Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau^ 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver^ Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co. Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. AS THE COMPANY FOR WHICH TRIUMPHS WE ARE ALllF i HE! Arrowhead Prc FOR DISTRIBUTION B t After completing 'The Robe'. HH E CREATED HIS EARLIEST PARTICULARLY PROUD THAT |:eforth will direct his AUCTIONS EXCLUSIVELY JACK L. WARNER, Executive Producer - 6 motion Picture daily Thursday, October 5, 1944 Review "I'm from Arkansas" (PRC) Hollywood, Oct. 4 {~)N a par with most hill-billy pictures in most particulars, although a little above par in point of music and a little below as to story, this E. H. Kleinert-Irving Vershel production is designed strictly for that public which listens to that type of entertainment on the radio and goes for it on the screen. Principals in the large cast are Slim Summerville, in a role patterned after the hill-billy pictures in Esquire, El Brendel, Iris Adrian, Bruce Bennett, Cliff Nazarro, Al St. John and Jimmy Wakely, whose singing is an asset. Direction by Lew Landers concentrates on movement. The script, by Marcy Klauber and Joseph Carole, from a story by Klauber, concerns a pig in Pitch- fork, Ark., which gives birth to 18 piglets, an event which becomes a national news sensation and brings show people, legislators and a couple of packing- plant slickers to the town. By the time they are through doing what they do, the town is on the verge of becoming a famous spa and everybody who wanted to marry anybody is on the point of doing so. Two of the 10 songs wrapped up in the proceedings, played and sung by various combinations of talent, have shown promise of popularity. They are : "If You Can't Go Right, Don't Go Wrong" and "You're, the Hit of the Season." Running time, 68 minutes. "G."* Release date not set. William R. Weaver Film Extortionists' Appeal Arguments Are Started Here (.Continued from page 1) today when Boris Kostelanetz, Assist- ant U. S. Attorney General, replies for the Government. The defendants, Louis Campagna, Paul De Lucia, Philip D'Andrea, Francis Maritote, Charles Gioe and John Rosselli, all of Chicago, and Kaufman, were found guilty by a Federal jury and sentenced on Dec. 22, last. Kaufman received a seven- vear term, the others 10 years each. Also, all seven were fined $10,000 each. William Scott Stewart, of Chicago ; Congressman Vito Marcantonio, and J. Bertram Wegman, defense attor- neys, claiming more than 100 trial errors, urged the Circuit Court to reverse the jury's verdict and order a new trial. "The Court allowed the Govern- ment to prove the state of mind of the victims," argued Stewart, refer- ring to the- testimony of film produc- ing company executives, who testified that they feared the "closing of every film theatre in the United States" unless the extortion demands of the convicted were met. "That clearly was error," he charged. Allege Conspiracy During the trial, testimony was ad- duced to the effect that the seven, gangsters, together with William Bi- off, former personal representative of George E. Browne, former IATSE president, and the latter, conspired to effect Browne's election to the IATSE presidency. There was evidence at the time with respect to the $1,000,000 pay- ments that the money collected was to go to "the Boys in Chicago." Bioff and Browne, convicted of the same charges, are now serving 10 and eight years, respectively. Nick Cir- cella, alias Nick Dean, former Chi- cago night club racketeer, who plead- ed guilty to participating in the con- spiracy, was sentenced to serve 10 years in a Federal prison. Testimony during the recent trial was that the defendants hired Circella to "keep tabs" on the activities of Browne and Bioff, to make certain that the gang would receive its proper share of whatever money was collected. Daly, Others in Latin 'SYWA' Promotion A three-man team of American pub- licists will spearhead an exploitation drive for "Since You Went Away" in Latin- American capitals, it was joint- ly announced here yesterday by Neil Agnew, vice-president of Vanguard Films, and Walter Gould, foreign manager of United Artists. The three include Len Daly of U. A.'s home of- fice foreign publicity department, Ed- ward Ugast and- Alfred Katz. They will work with local U. A. managers in Central and South America, under supervision of Sam Seidelman, Latin- American supervisor. Indict Transit Strikers Philadelphia, Oct. 4. — A Federal grand jury today indicted 30 employes of the Philadelphia Transportation Company on charges of violating the Smith-Connally Anti-Strike Act in connection with the six-day transpor- tation tie-up here in August. *"G" denotes general classification. Roosevelt Urges Ban On Records Lifted Washington, Oct. 4. — President Roosevelt today urged James C. Petrillo to lift his two-year ban on the making of records by members of his American Federation of Musicians. The President sent a wire to Petrillo declaring that the ban should be lifted "in the interest of orderly govern- ment." It was recalled in Washington that in 1942, when he appeared before a Congressional committee investigating to determine whether the ban was a strike, Petrillo declared he would call it off only if asked by the President. Last month the AFM head defied a War Labor Board order, and the mat- ter was before Stabilization Director Fred Vinson when the President acted. Roosevelt told Petrillo in his tele- gram that his refusal to comply with the order "may encourage other in- stances of non-compliance which will impede the war effort." He admitted, however, that, since the union ban had not created a war emergency, the Government cannot force the musi- cians to make records. RCA Hopes for Early End of v Long Dispute Hope that James Petrillo will com- ply with the President's request to end the AFM's ban on records, and that "the dispute can be quickly settled to the satisfaction of all concerned" was expressed here yesterday by Frank M. Folsom, RCA vice-presi- dent in charge of RCA Victor. First British Studio Workers AreReleased (Continued from page 1) that members of the association sur- render ten per cent of their studio workers for the reconditioning of London. Producers were understood to be reluctant to hand over their workers, in view of a shortage of studio labor, and felt that production would be considerably handicapped. Workers likewise looked askance at the demand because they felt that they might not get their jobs back when the war ends. Admits Attempt to 'Control' Situation {Continued from page 1) witness. It was viewed by court ob- servers as a definite Schine victory. Fine also was on the stand today, but only briefly. The bulk of the day's testimony was given by Charles E. Dickinson, Jr., of Shepherdstown, W. Va., a Government witness. Dickinson at one time was booker for the 1,800-seat Palace in Lockport, N. Y., where, he said, Schine operat- ed the 1,500-seat Rialto in 1932-'33, a house converted from a skating rink, and also held the lease on the Hi- Art there, a 1,100-seat house which had been closed for seven years. Schine had been a lessor of the Pal- ace and was succeeded by the Reli- ance Theatre Corp., formed by Niki- tas Dipson as president, and Dickin- son, vice-president. Peter Grafiados, identified as Dipson's nephew, succeed- ed the latter as president, Dickinson said. He testified to difficulties en- countered in obtaining product for the Palace from Universal, M-G-M and Paramount, allegedly because of commitments with Schine. Dickinson said he was told by Wil- liam F. Rodgers of M-G-M: "A con- tract with the Palace, in comparison with the Schine chain, would amount to peanuts." Dickinson also testified that an offer to purchase the lease on the Palace had been made by John May of the Schine Circuit, and had been refused. He said the Hi-Art then was reopened by Schine in Oc- tober, 1933. The Palace finally was sold at auction and was acquired by Schine in October, 1936, Dickinson said. Conciliation Code Is Adopted by Canada (Continued from page 1) pendently with local representation of distributors, circuits and independent exhibitors. The latter was not de- fined and apparently can continue to be a single or multiple theatre owner or circuit partner. The meeting was attended by independents from both Eastern and Western Canada and by circuits and distributors. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 4 LEON FROMKESS has assigned Pierre Gendron to write the screenplay of "Mother Cabrini," which PRC will produce with Martin Mooney as associate producer . . . M-G-M has added Lucille Ball to the cast of principals for "Without Love," Spencer Tracy-Katharine Hepburn starrer . . . Producer Jack Skirball has added John Carradine, Ed Gargan and Sarah Padden to the cast of "It's in the Bag," the Fred Allen feature he is producing for United Artists . . . Paulette Goddard will star in "Dis- honored Lady" for Hunt Stromberg. • C olumbia has acquired White House approval for the use of President Roosevelt's voice, in imitation, and his dog Falla, in portrayal, in the company's forthcoming "A Guy, a Gal and a Pal." T . . Universal has as- signed Charles David to direct "Lady on a Train," Deanna Durbin's next ■ . . William Rowland has signed Shirley Ross, Barton Hepburn, Elisa- beth Risdon, Roger Clark and Peter Gar ay for "A Song for Miss Julie," which he is to produce for Republic distribution. Indication of continuing produc- tion: W. R. Frank, now producing "A Girl, a Boy and a Dog," has en- gaged Harry Davenport and Jerry Hunter to appear in his next film after that, as yet untitled . . . Uni- versal has commissioned Warren Wilson to develop and produce "On Stage, Everybody," from the radio program of the same name . . . Oolumbia is to make a musical en- titled "Dear Departed," which has to do with a bandleader and his professional associates. Michel Kraike will produce. Renublic has signed Edward Ever- ett Horton to play the male lead in "A Daring Holiday," a comedy drama about a conservative judge who plays crook and gets into complications, with Joseph Bercholz producing . . . Gary Cooper has signed William Demurest to ride alongside him in the first picture, an untitled enter- prise described as a Western epic, which the actor-producer will turn out for International Pictures. Warners to Show Two "The Very Thought of You," Warner production, will be nationally tradeshown on Oct. 30, with general release set for Nov. 11. Warners' "To Have and Have Not" will have its world premiere next Wed., Oct. 11, at the Hollywood Theatre here, with general release not set before January. Well, Aren't They? Monty Salmon, managing director of the Rivoli here, and Svd Gross, publicity manager, are collaborating on the writing of a book to be called : "It's a Wonder Movie Managers Aren't Nuts!" It will deal with managers' experiences on their jobs. Gross will devote a vacation, starting Friday, to work on the tome. Thursday, October 5, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 RKO Theatre Union Bargaining Deferred Following Meeting {Continued from page 1) which the union presented its demands for a contract. Rathvon said that RKO had re- ceived the demands of the union and /Xpihat a "detailed discussion of the de- },j|uiL,Jiands was deferred." Following the meeting, union offi- cials said that steps have been taken by the union's negotiating committee to ask for immediate intervention of the New York State Board of Media- tion. The Demands Demands presented to RKO by the Guild which won a SLRB election by a vote of 51-44 last Friday and was certified collective bargaining agent for managers and assistants of the 41 RKO theatres in New York and Westchester, included the following: a general 20 per cent wage increase; establishment of a minimum wage scale of $115 a week for managers and $75 a week for assistant man- agers ; institution of a plan of auto- matic wage increases for merit and length of service ; a 40-hour week ; sick leave with pay; vacations of two weeks a year for managers and as- sistants with five years of service with the company and three-week va- cations for those with more than five years of service; severance pay of four weeks after one year and two additional weeks for each additional year of service ; protection for men who have gone into the Armed Forces; a maintenance of membership provision also requiring all new managers and assistants to join; and recognition of the Guild as the representative for all managers and assistant managers in the 41 theatres. The Guild is seeking a two-year contract with provisions for reopening the contract at the end of a year for wage discussions. Contest Eligibility Before the election was ordered by the SLRB, RKO had contended that managers were supervisory employes and therefore not eligible for union membership. Yesterdays' meeting was held in Rathvon's office with Monroe Goldwater, attorney, representing the company, and Hyman Glickstein rep- resenting the Guild. GriMs Will Leave for Hawaii Tomorrow (Continued from page 1) Douglas Poteat as deputy assistants, with Poteat doubling as general coun- sel. Appointment of Arthur L. May- er, exhibitor and executive of the in- dustry's War Activities Committee, was announced last week. Goodyear is a member of the board, chairman of the board of Gaylord Con- tainer Corp. and Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad. He also a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art, of which he formerly was president. Poteat, now in England, will leave for the U. S. shortly, en route to Ha- waii; He has served as assistant gen- eral counsel to the Bureau of Eco- nomic Warfare-Federal Economic Ad- ministration in Washington, deputy to the Minister of the Economic War- fare Division, rendering special as- sistance to thet American ambassador in London. Theatre Grosses Still Run Far Ahead of Last Year (Continued from page 1) came close to maintaining that pace last week with $16,927. The gain of September averages over last September's was practically progressive throughout the month. The first week ran $1,358 ahead of the corresponding one in 1943 ; second week, $1,809; third week, $2,374, and fourth week, $2,025. "Wilson appeared as the leading grosser in 13 of the month's reports, barely nosing out "Going My Way," which, after setting the pace for some time, continued tops on 12 occasions. "Casanova Brown," crashing through to set the pace five times, stood in 1944 Average Week No. of Total Her Ending Theatres Gross Theatre Dec. 31-Jan. 1.... 135 $2,213,500 $16,396 Jan. 7-8 117 2,417,700 -20,664 jan. 14-15 134 2,040,700 15,229 Jan. 21-22 149 2,311,400 13,513 Jan. 28-29 147 2,365,200 16,090 Feb. 4-5 153 2,512,200 16,419 Feb. 11-12 137 2,220,900 16,211 Feb. 18-19 155 2,459,800 15,870 Feb. 25-26 161 2,760,100 17,144 March 3-4 147 2,397,100 16,307 March 10-11 147 2,463,400 16,758 March 17-18 153 2,661,100 18,761 March 24-25 150 2,487,700 16,585 Mar. 31-Apr. 1.. 152 3,025,000 13,329 April 7-8 153 2,340,600 15,298 April 14-15 143 2,506,800 17,530 April 21-22 148 2,564,200 17,326 April 28-29 130 2,090,900 16,084 May 5-6 143 2,238,700 15,655 May 12-13 146 2,338,700 16,018 May 19-20 162 2,417,000 14,926 May 26-27 155 2,349,400 15,157 June 2-3 143 2,242,500 15,683 June 9-10 141 1,938,000 13,752 June 16-17 135 1,934,400 14,322 June 23-24 136 2,002,800 14,726 June 30-July 1.... 126 2,178,300 17,288 July 7-8 145 2,490,900 17,178 July 14-15 144 2,228,500 15,476 July 21-22 148 2,321,400 15,685 July 28-29 135 2,245,400 16,632 Aug. 4-5 141 2,324,500 15,777 Aug. 11-12 148 2,355,200 15,913 Aug. 18-19 153 2,514,100 16,433 Aug. 25-26 141 2,516,800 17,850 Sept. 1-2 127 2,313,600 18,217 Sept. 8-9 144 2,703,600 18,775 Sept. 15-16 158 2,638,200 16,697 Sept. 22-23 146 2,505,900 17,164 Sept. 29-30 156 2,640,700 16,927 (Copyright, 1944 Qu third position. Strong competition was furnished by "Since You Went Away," "Janie," "The Impatient Years," "Dragon Seed," "In Society," "Heavenly Days," "Bathing Beauty" and "Greenwich Village." Other leaders at box offices in- cluded : "Christmas Holiday," "Gas- light," "The Seventh Cross," "Hail the Conquering Hero," "I Love a Soldier," "Summer Storm," "Henry Aldrich's Little Secret," "And the Angels Sing," "Sensations of 1945" and "Three Men in White." Composite key first-run box office reports, compared with the same week last year, follow : 1943 Week Ending No. of Theatres Jan. 1-2 151 Jan. 8-9 154 Jan. 15-16 149 Jan. 21-22 127 Jan. 29-30 127 Feb. 5-6 126 Feb. 12-13 132 Feb. 19-20 139 Feb. 26-27 149 March 5-6 142 March 12-13 151 March 19-20 143 March 26-27 147 April 2-3 123 April 9-10 147 April 16-17 147 April 23-24 158 Apr. 30-May 1... 154 May 7-8 161 May 14-15 161 May 21-22 158 May 28-29 155 June 4-5 169 June 11-12 166 June 18-19 163 June 25-26 168 July 2-3 164 July 9-10 153 July 16-17 151 Tuly 23-24 155 July 30-31 164 Aug. 6-7 138 Aug. 13-14 166 Aug. 20-21 153 Aug. 27-28 175 Sept. 3-4 163 Sept. 10-11 168 Sept, 17-18 165 Sept. 24-25 175 Oct. 1-2 166 igley Publishing Co.) Total Gross $2,813,506 2,424,300 1,830,500 1,648,600 1,789,500 1,743,000 1,919,000 1,885,900 2,005,200 1,933,400 1,944,600 1,968,300 1,938,200 1,785,800 2,029,100 1,868,500 2,006,200 2,284,200 2,168,400 2,053,700 2,096,200 2,036,600- 2,289,700 1,865,873 L961.600 2,125,300 2,133,800 2,433,700 2,109,400 ,2185,100 2,347,900 2,032,400 2,302,200 2,341,600 2,681,500 2,559,900 2,926,000 2,456,300 2,588,200 2,473,800 Average Per Theatre $18,632 15,742 12,285 12,981 14,091 13,040 14,588 13,568 13,458 13,615 12,878 13,764 13,185 14,519 13,803 12,711 12,634 14,184 13,468 18,967 13,267 13,139 13,548 11.240 12,034 12,650 13,010 15,906 13,970 14,097 14,316 14,727 13,869 15,304 15,322 15,705 17,417 14,887 14,790 14,902 Previous Chairmen in 6th War Loan Drive (Continued from page 1) of the Marine Corps' 169th annivers- ary; the second, ready on Nov. 9 will feature Lt. Tyrone Power, USM ; the third, for Nov. 23 release, will feature Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. In addition, exhibitors will shortly have available special war bond trail- ers as part of the industry's efforts in the drive. Jennifer Jones is now be- fore cameras in Hollywood for the first trailer, which will be available free to all exhibitors from their local National Screen exchange. Skouras Lends Dave Bader To 6th War Loan Drive Dave Bader, 20th Century-Fox pub- licist, has been loaned by Spyros Skouras to the national committee for the industry's participation in the Sixth War Loan Drive. Bader will be advanceman for the committee's 21 regional meetings which will start on Oct. 20. He will leave New York on October 10, head- ing for the first meetings, set for Cal- ifornia, and then work East, winding up in New York in advance of the meeting scheduled here for Nov. 15. OWI Confirms Post For Armour Abroad (Continued from page 1) definite theatre of operations and OWI officials were uncertain as to when Armour would leave for the Continent to take up his new duties. It is un- derstood that Armour's appointment is in line with the OWI's expansion, as more liberated countries are opened to Allied films. The military situation is expected to determine the theatre in which Ar- mour will be located, said the OWI. Also uncertain at present is whether Armour will be under the aegis of the Allied Armies' Psychological Warfare Division, which is a military activity, or whether he will be work- ing under OWI's auspices. Again, the determinant for which agency Armour will work will be largely a question as to whether PWD controls the area or relinquishes such control to the OWI, whereby it will become a civilian activity, with OWI dis- tributing. If PWD should relinquish control, it is possible that the U. S. com- panies may resume private operation of film distribution, with France men- tioned as the most likely country in which this transformation is expected to come about. Divorcement Won't Help Independents, Kuykendall Asserts (Continued from page 1) that producer-distributor interests ex- ercise too much dominance over War Activities Committee affairs and that the same interests have too much to say about representing the whole in- dustry. He neither condemned nor endorsed postwar continuance of the WAC, either as a high-pressure agency or as a public relations agency, saying this should be left to regional organizations. The MPTOA president stressed the gravity of the tax outlook for ex- hibition and urged his listeners to organize their opposition immediately. He predicted a big increase in compe- tition after the war and said that new competition in small towns would have certain film buying advantages over established theatres, whether in- dependent or affiliated. He expressed the belief that there never can be a standard priced product for all ex- hibitors. Kuykendall welcomed evi- dences of branch managers being granted greater authority within their territories but urged exhibitors to make the right deals first instead of seeking adjustments, due to negli- gence, later. Silent on WAC The convention itself decided to take no action concerning an expres- sion on continuance of the WAC af- ter the war, being of the view that the time is not ripe for such a move. All KMTA directors were reelect- ed with the exception of George Harttmann, now residing in Holly- wood, who was replaced by Earl Jameston, partner with Harttmann and Sam Abend in Friendly Theatres. Other directors are : H. J. Griffith, J. E. Pennington, R. R. Beichele, C. E. Cook, Stank-" Schwartz and C. A. Schultz, together with the reelected officers : Tom Edwards, president ; Homer Strowing, vice-president ; George S. Baker, secretary, and Fred Meyn, treasurer. Beichele was again designated public relations officer, his field including legislative matters. 1st Long 16mm Under Relaxed Restrictions Hollywood, Oct. 4. — Major 16mm Productions, Inc., is the first to cross the finish line with a feature-length 16mm entertainment picture produced for the school and church field under the Government's recently relaxed provisions. "Sundown Riders," made in Koda- chrome, was written, directed and acted by Hollywood professionals. It runs 55 minutes, the story patterning standard Westerns. A major spokesman told Motion Picture Daily that "although the film is aimed at the existing 16mm market, it is unrestricted and could be obtained by any exhibitor." Para. Club Aids Services The Paramount Pep Club of home office employes is emphasizing its Fall season aiding its own 450 home office and exchange employes in the services. Christmas boxes are being packed, and, Paramount girls are vol- unteering for a "duration" blood donor plan instituted for the American Red Cross. (A panics *H\aiT TWari s wot NvrWS * X-f Keep Selling Bonds J 1 the, alljr ' fen- '•OS? awnr oces§ ■iig the last seenY tde rote of jduction of; >e Spirit,'' is. the leading role.' ^nitial production, i&uchman comedy,' Abbott has just en- ;h Eric to play the, Jinine role. Miss. Eric absent from Broadway ing In "Margin for Er- ror. No» in rehearsal/ "Snafu" will open at the Hudson Theater fliii Hi OAD King of Beggars Fights ■% against a thousand of k thf Caliph's guards ONE OF THE THOUSAND THRILLS IN M-G-M'8 TECHNIGOLOSSAL HIT! ASTOR 8, 45ft Popular Price* • Conttnuoui Doors Oo*ft 10 A. M. Midmt* Show Ever y Nit* WAY ndi- W:J. NfOR »d- iters iOrs, ^ »L shoes, ;„ .uy husband could use. ^ears 40 and I take 44, shoes / .i* ultlc tu help ^othiiiK t>r lurui- ' use, let Bie place • . «aniiiles. Do not In- ^ - . 'V with "packas:e» unless "are sent by first-class mall, sanies and addresses of applicants' tor aid provided. Send full name and address to Sully Jot Brown. The Vn», 220 E. 42d St.. Ken York, it, n. y. THEY MET AND CLINCHED IN RENO.. . great place for it, tool FIRST NEW YORK SHOWING OF M-G-M's BIG NEW HIT! - ; GEORGE HAtGHT. JOHN HODIAK /V TOM DRAKE MARTA LINDEN • P*UL CAVANAGH • AVA GARDNER m if THE ONE AND ONLY I 1 I 1 1 A P T A R It jimmie LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA "The School of Jdzznochracy" FOUR STEP BROTHERS 5&s?rs£5 TINA DIXON Bombshell of th< Blues LEON COLLINS Gangs ol Dancing EXTRA ADOED ATTRACTION JOYNER & FOSTER "They're in the Army Now" Terrific/ M-G*M gives you Beery at his riotous best as a con-roan and *gun-rnan in the rousing, roister- ing boom-days of the .West \ It tops "Salute to the Marines"! A METRO-GOIDWYN-MAY6R PICTURE. FIRST N. V. SHOWING GLOBE Doors Open 8:30 A. M. 46th's«. Midnight Show Every Night r«oy & jOne night of love . . . tender, warm reckless . ., bittersweet with parting but unforgettable forever 1 IN PERSON KNIGHTS factoring FRED LOWERY America's Fort most Whistling Virtuoso SHORTY SHEROCK America's Sensational Trumpet Star BOB MATTHEWS Ths Gl Singing Star . 7 SWEETSWI N G STERS Harmony in Rhythm DORESE MIOGELY Sensational Dancing De-lovely VIRGINIA, BETTY, DOROTHY 4 LORRAINE Beauty, Charm & Pep 10 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, October 5, 1944 $21,000 Gross For 'Casanova' Is Over Double Chicago, Oct. 4. — Top box-office grosser of the week is "Casanova Brown," at the Woods, hitting $21,000 for the first stanza of an extended run. The figure is more than double the house average. "Dragon Seed" continues strong at the State Lake, gathering a fine $34,000 in its second week. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 5 : "Gaslight" (M-G-M) APOLLO— (1,200) (55c-65c-95c) 2nd week. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $11,400). "Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) CHICAGO— (3,850) (55c-85c-95c). Stage: Perry Corao and Revue. Gross: $45,000. (Average: $51,500). "The Last Ride" (WB) DOWNTOWN— (1,600) (44c-55c-85c-95c). Stage : Duke Ellington and band. Gross : $26,000. "Mr. Winkle Goes to War" (Col.) "Secret Command" (Col.) GARRICK— (1,000) (55c-65c-95c), 2nd week. Gross: $9,500. (Average: $9,100). "They Made Me a Criminal" (WB reissue) "Tiger Shark" (WB reissue) GRAND— (1,250) (5Oc-60c-85c-95c). Gross: $7,000. (Average: $9,100). "Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep.) ORIENTAL — (3,200) (44c-55c-85c-95c). Stage: Peter Lorre and Revue. Gross: $31,000. (Average: $24,000). "Christmas Holiday" (Univ.) "Moonlight and Cactus" (Univ.) 6 days, 2nd week "Heavenly Days" (RKO) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) 1 day . PALACE— (2,500) (55c-65c-95c) 7 days. Gross: $24,000. (Average: $24,000). "Wing and a Prayer" (20th-Fox) 5 days, 3rd week "Janie" (WB) 2 days ROOSEVELT — (1,500) (55c-65c-95c) 7 days. Gross: $21,000. (Average: $20,000). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) STATE LAKE — (2,700) (35c-65c-95c). Gross: $34,000. (Average: $29,000). "Two Girls and a Sailor" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (50c-65c- 95c) 2nd week. Gross: $23,000. (Average: $20,000). "Casanova Brown" (RKO- Intel-national) WOODS— (1,200) (55c-65c-95c). Gross: $21,000. (Average: $10,000). Boston Tribunal in Clearance Award A clearance complaint filed against the five consenting companies by Na- tional Theatre Co., operator of the National Theatre, Boston, has been dismissed with reference to Para- mount, Loew's and Warner Bros., by George E. Gordon, arbitrator in the Boston tribunal, the American Arbi- tration Association has reported here. At the same time, Gordon ruled that the clearance of the Rivoli The- atre, Roxbury, over the National with reference to RKO and 20th Century- Fox product shall be 30 days. Exist- ing clearance accorded the Rivoli by Warners is 21 days ; by Loew's, 30 days. On 20th-Fox product, the Riv- oli previously held clearance of 60 days over the National. New Republic Unit Starts in Mexico Republic's new subsidiary, Republic Pictures de Mexico, Inc., will begin operations in Mexico City next Mon- day. As recently announced, Carl Pone- del, formerly manager of the" com- pany's branch in Puerto Rico, will manage the Mexican office. WPB No Barrier to Equipment Repairs . Hollywood, Oct. 4. — Although con- siderable buying of technological equipment is expected to follow the eventual relaxation of WPB controls, there is no dammed up backlog of or- ders based on crying needs of studios, according to W. F. Kelley, manager of the Research Council of the Acad- emy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Broadly speaking, he said, WPB regulations have been no bar- rier to keeping needed equipment in good working order throughout the war to date, with necessary replace- ments obtainable when warranted. On the other hand, routine turnover in mechanisms has been slowed some- what. The probable outcome is some companies will be disposed to replace them with new and possibly improved models when these become available, although the buying will be selective and motivated rather by the normal wish to modernize than by pressure of necessity. Kelley said it was not practical to estimate in advance the amount of this kind of buying that will be done. $22,000 for 'SYWA', $20,000 for 'Lace9 Baltimore, Oct. 4. — Business is better here this week. New openings were strong, and weekends at capacity for the newcomers. In the lead are "Since You Went Away" $22,000 at the Century and "Arsenic and Old Lace" $20,000 at the Stanley. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 5 : "Since You Went Away" (UA) CENTURY— (3,000) (3Sc-44c-55c) and 60c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $22,000. (Aver- age: $15,000).. "Going My Way" (Para.) KEITH'S— (2,406) (3Sc-40c-50c-60c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross : $11,500. (Average : $15,000). "Wilson" (2»th-Fox) NEW — (1,581) (76c-$1.70) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $18,000. (Average at regular prices: $9,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) STANLEY — (3,280) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $18,000). "Heavenly Days" (RKO) HIPPODROME — (2,205) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days. Stage show: Coley Worth, Olive White, Jerry Lewis, Robert Sisters & White, Carleton Emmy and his Pets. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $18,500). "Louisiana Hayride" (Col.) MAYFAIR — (1,000) (35c-54c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $7,000). Australia Thanks WAC The industry was accorded praise by the Australian Red Cross this week through Capt. Alfred Brown, secretary general of the organization, who presented his country's thanks for the industry's help in raising funds for the Australian Red Cross, to Francis S. Harmon, executive vice chairman of the War Activities Com- mittee. At WAC headquarters when Capt. Brown visited were Jack Haney of 20th Century-Fox ; Albert Deane of the WAC foreign division, and Dorothy Stewart, American represen- tative for J. C. Williamson Theatres in Australia. WAC Is Honored The theatres' division of the War Activities Committee of Alabama has been awarded the Office of Civil- ian Defense service award for mobil- izing the civilian population for the war effort. Gov. Chauncey M. Sparks, chairman of the Alabama state defense council, and Haygood Paterson made the award. 20th Set Through Dec. for 1st Time For the first time in sev- eral years the 20th Century- Fox sales force is enabled at this time to negotiate play- ing time through the holidays and into January. Set for October are: "Big Noise", "In the Meantime, Darling" and "Irish Eyes Are Smiling"; for November : "Laur a", "Something for the Boys" and "The Way Ahead"; for December: "Keys to the Kingdom", "Winged Victory" and "San Demetrio — London" ; for January: "Sunday Dinner for a Soldier" and "Thunder- head— Son of Flicka." "Wilson" and "The Song of Bernadette" are available as specials. 'Pine* Reissue Tops With 'My Rhythm' Omaha, Oct. 4.— "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" and "Pardon My Rhythm," the former the first reissue ever tried by the Orpheum Theatre, easily swept box office laurels here with an $11,300 gross. Estimated receipts for the' week ending Oct. 4-5: "Heavenly Days" (RKO) "Secrets of Scotland Yard" (Rep.) BRANDEIS— (1,200) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $6,200. (Average: $6,500). ■ "Janie" (WB) "Twilight on the Prairie" (Univ.) OMAHA— (2,000) (44c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Paramount for "Janie." Gross: $8,400. (Average: $8,400). "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" (Para.) "Pardon My Rhythm" (Univ.) ORPHEUM— (3,000) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $11,300. (Average: $9,800). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT-(2,900) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,100. (Average: $11,700). Richey, Crook er to 'Romance' Premiere Two more M-G-M home office ex- ecutives will attend the preview of "An American Romance" in Cincin- nati on Oct. 12. Herbert Crooker, publicity manager, will leave Oct. 10 with Howard Dietz, Si Seadler, Wil- liam R. Ferguson, E. C. Carrier and William Danziger, while H. M. Richey, exhibitor relations director, will leave over the weekend for De- troit, where he will attend an exhibi- tor meeting before going to Cincin- nati. The premiere will be held at the Albee Theatre, in cooperation with station WLW. A premiere banquet will be held at the Netherlands Plaza Hotel. Ned Depinet Lauds Dembow of NSS Ned E. Depinet, president of RKO, in a personal letter to all RKO ac- counts, has called their attention to the current National Screen Service "George Dembow Tribute" drive, ask- ing for cooperation to insure success of the drive for National's sales man- ager, and paying tribute to him. Depinet asked RKO's accounts to help the drive by ordering additional advertising matter from NSS which, "in these lush times will produce pro- portionately more business." Dembow is not in New York, but Herman Robbins, president of NSS, declared the tribute unheard of in the industry. Films 1st to Resume As Allied War Aid The motion picture industry was the only American industry permit- ted to resume private operation in French North Africa because of its "value to the war effort," it was learned from the New York Office of War Information overseas film bureau. Priority was given to the film industry, it was said, because th~ people need entertainment and, al / by selecting the right type of film\- is hoped to counteract the distorted view of America that those people got from the Nazis. The OWI overseas film bureau is keeping complete records detailing the operation of all OWI and its psycho- logical warfare branches in exhibit- ing films in the liberated areas. Play- ing time, rentals, and expenses in- curred in operation are but some of the subjects contained in periodic re- ports given to the film companies here, it is understood. Lissim* s Parents Lost in France Vladimir Lissim, division manager in RKO's foreign distribution depart- ment, has received word that his father and motlTer died 'somewhere in France' during the last days of the German occupation. No details ac- companied the notification from the Red Cross. Lissim had made repeated efforts to locate his parents but with- out result. Prior to the invasion, he was RKO's assistant European man- ager with headquarters in Paris. Pur- sued by the Gestapo, he eluded them as Paris fell and made his way to New York via Portugal, joining the home office staff upon arriving here. Services Today for Henry MacRae Hollywood, Oct. 4. — Funeral serv- ices for Henry MacRae, Universal producer, who died Monday, will be held at the Church of the Recessional, Forrest Lawn, Glendale, tomorrow afternoon at 2 P.M. Among the 50 honorary pallbearers will be : Ben Pivar, David Garber, Ford Beebe, Jack Gross, Carl Laem- mle, Jr., John Mack Brown, Jerry Ascher, Lewis Collins, Norman Lacey, William Desmond, Maurice Pivar, Frank Lloyd, Robert Z. Leon- ard, John Ford, Frank Borzage, Al- fred E. Green, Allan Dwan, King Vi- dor, William Seiter, Eddie Sedgwick, Walter Lantz and B. Reeves Eason. Joel, Oldest Owner In South, Dies Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 4. — L. D. Joel, reputedly the oldest exhibitor in the South, and owner and manager of the Casino Theatre here, died sudden- ly at his home yesterday. He had been operating theatres in the South for 30 years. Harry Beresford Dies iiollywood, Oct. 4. — Harry tferes- ford, 77, who played major roles in "The Sign of the Cross," "The Fleet's In" and other films, died today of a heart attack at his home in the To- luca Lake district. Surviving are his wife, the former Edith Wyle, and aj daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Brewer. Thursday, October 5, 1944 Motion Picture daily 11 I $14,300 for Fifth Week of 'Way' Toronto, Oct. 4— "Dragon Seed" points to a $14,700 gross at Loew's, "Going My Way" is heading for $14,300 in its fifth week at Shea's and "Step Lively" at the Imperial* is promising $13,800. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 5 : "Between Two Worlds" (WB) ! EGLINTON — (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $4,000). "Step Lively" (RKO) IMPERIAL — (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $13,800. (Average: $12,800). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) LOEW'S — (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days. Gross: $14,700. (Average: $11,200). "Going My Way" (Para.) SHEA'S — (2,480) (18c -30c -42c -60c -90c) 6 days, 5th week. Gross: $14,300. (Average: $12 800) "Between Two Worlds" (WB) TIVOLI — (1,434) (18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $3,900. (Average: $4,400). "The CanterviUe Ghost" (M-G-M) UPTOWN— (2.761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $9,300. (Average: $9,800). 'SYWA' Hits Record On $26,000 Take Providence, Oct. 4. — Loew's State, set a house record of $26,000 with the first week of "Since You Went Away." Elsewhere business was not too brisk. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 5 : "The Merry Monahans" (Univ.) "Falcon in Mexico" (RKO) RKO - ALBEE — (2,239) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,500. (Average: $12,800). "The Impatient Years" (Col.) "Louisiana Hayride" (Col.) STRAND — (2,200) (44c-5Sc) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,400. (Average: $10,500). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOEW'S STATE— (3,232) (35c-44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $26,000. (Average: $17,700). "In the Meantime, Darling" (20th- Fox) "Dangerous Journey" (20th-Fox) MAJESTIC— (2,250) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $12,100). "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) "The Last Ride" (WB) CARLTON— (1,526) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Majes- tic. Gross: $2,900. (Average: $4,000). "My Friend Flicka" (20th-Fox) FAY'S— (1,800) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days. On stage: Tanit Ikao, Norma Kreiger, Bob Hopkins, Wilfred Dubois, Earl and Joseph- ine Leach, Brian O'Mara. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $6,500). "Swing in the Saddle" (Col.) METROPOLITAN — (3,050) (44c-60c) 3 days. On stage: Shep Fields and Orches- tra, Three Edwards, Criss Cross. Gross: $7,700. (Average: $6,900). 'SYWA's' $24,000 Tops in Buffalo Buffalo, Oct. 4. — "Since You Went Away" looked like top business here, heading for $24,000 at the Great Lakes. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 7 : "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) "The Last Ride" (WB) BUFFALO— (3,489) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $17,400). "Since You Went Away" (UA) GREAT LAKES — (3,000) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $24,000. (Average: $16,200). "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) "Take It or Leave It" (20th-Fox) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover. Gross: $8,900. (Average: $9,700). "Heavenly Days" (RKO) • "Night of Adventure" (RKO) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,000) (40c- 60c) 7 days. Gross: $11,500. (Average: $12,200). "Christmas Holiday" (Univ.) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (40c-60c) 7 days ("Christmas Holiday," 2nd week.) Gross: $17,000. (Average: $12,000). Short Subject Reviews "Inside France" ( United Artists — W orld-in- Action) From Canada's National Film Board comes another of the World-in- Action series. Although not as en- grossing as previous subjects, because of a diffused impression of the French nation, "Inside France," nevertheless, shows the France that represented culture, gracious living and qualities which symbolized culture. The film shows how France was divided, how its conservative generals distrusted the masses ; how the cleav- age went deep into the heart of the nation, until the element that nominally governed France threw in its lot with the Germans, and thus was born the 'Vichy-set' with doddering Marshal Petain as its spokesman. But indom- itable Frenchmen rallied behind Gen- eral de Gaulle and fought through to liberation. Stuart Legg edited and Lome Greene commented. Running time, 19 minutes. "Proudly We Serve" (Warners) The plea for enlistements in the Women's Reserve of the Marine Corps, previously unexploited by films, makes a dramatic entrance into the series of service shorts produced by Warners in "Proudly We Serve." Un- folded in a manner that will appeal especially to the women for which it is intended, the film plays upon the emotions of its potential female audiences. It is an admirable endeavor from every vantage point. The com- pact plot relates the story of a Marine in the South Pacific and the Woman Marine who trained him for his job in air gunnery. He tells the story of his training at the hands of the lady Marine to his foxhole buddie. The subject maintains a high degree of interest throughout. A fitting climax to the story is the fact that the Marine married the lady Marine. Andrea King and Warren Douglas are featured. Crane Wilbur wrote and directed. Running time, 20 minutes. "That Men May Live" (RKO-Pathe) Here is the oft-told and still inspir- ing story of what the American Red Cross is doing for the war effort at home and abroad. In addition to showing blood banks, dormitories, canteens and other institutional trade marks of the organization, the audi- ence is treated to what is called the first camera record of a wounded sol- dier, from the time he is removed from the battle line, through the treatment he receives in the improvised field hospital, his trip to an Army medical center in England, and the final jour- ney— a flight home to the U. S. The latest "This Is America" release has universal appeal. The subject is one which is close to the hearts of Ameri- cans everywhere — the welfare of our boys. Frederic Ullman and Pathe have again come up with a subject to bolster the hopes of the people at home, at the same time giving credit to the gallant men and women of the Red Cross. Larry O'Reilly directed and photographed. Dwight Weist handled the narration from the script by Ardis Smith. Running time 19. minutes. "Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears" (Warners) The three bears are a trio of 'red- hot jivesters, strictly on the beam' and Red Riding Hood is a jitterbug. The bears arrive at grandmother's with Goldilocks and the wolf is led through a wild jitter routine which literally leaves him limp. Meanwhile grand- mother escapes from the cupboard where the wolf has put her and she puts the finishing touches on the wolf with a groovy rendition of the Lindy Hop. Fairy tales haven't lost their appeal. This is a mirthful i cartoon. Running time, 7 minutes. Kalmenson, Others To Clark Meeting Ben Kalmenson, general sales man- ager, will head a group of Warner executives who will leave tonight for Toronto to hold a meeting for the formal installation of Ralph H. Clark as new general manager for Canada, succeeding Wolfe Cohen, who as- sumes an executive post in the foreign department with headquarters at the home office. In addition to Kalmenson, the group attending the meeting will include Mort Blumenstock, in charge of ad- vertising and publicity, Norman H. Moray, short subject sales manager, and Cohen and Clark. All except Clark will return to New York at the end of the week. Dezel Opens 'Classics' Office in Cincinnati Cincinnati, Oct. 4. — Albert Dezel, franchise holder for Film Classics in Detroit and Cleveland, has opened an office for that company here, to be known as Film Classics of Cincinnati. Louis Van Baalen, former office manager for RKO, has been named manager, and Mae Schoole has been appointed head booker and assistant manager. Stern Calls Third M-G-M Field Meet M-G-M's third and final meeting of office managers and field auditors will be held Oct. 21-23 at the Nether- lands Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati. Attending the three-day meeting from the home office will be : Charles K. Stern, assistant treasurer of Loew's ; Alan F. Cummings, in charge of exchange operations ; William Brenner, in charge of branch mainte- nance; Arthur Sterling, assistant to Cummings ; Rose Klein, assistant to Sterling ; A. J. Nelson, head of stat- istics ; Leonard Hirsch, assistant to E. K. (Ted) O'Shea, Eastern sales manager ; Paul Richrath, assistant to John J. Maloney, Central sales mana- ger ; and Mike Simons, editor of the Distributor, company publication. Shapiro to Distribute "We Accuse," documentary dealing with the Kharkov trials and German atrocities in conquered countries, will soon be shown to American film audiences, it has been announced here by Irving Shapiro, independent producer and former Film Classics general manager. The film is basic- ally the same one which has been playing in Britain for the past 16 weeks as "Justice Is Coming." 4Wild' Is 150% Over Average in Denver Denver, Oct. 4. — "Youth Runs Wild", on a dual at the Rialto, ran up a 'wild' box office figure of $17,500, 150 per cent above average. Most moveovers were doing a fair business. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 2-4: "The Impatient Years" (Col.) "Kansas City Kitty" (CoL) ALADDIN— (1,400) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $8,400. (Average: $3,600). "Two Girls and a Sailor" (M-G-M) "Underground Guerrillas" (Col.-Brit.) BROADWAY — (1,040) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $5,850. (Average: $3,900). "Hail the Conquering Hero" (Para.) DENHAM— (1,750) (35c-45c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $9,500. (Average: $9,000). "Gypsy Wildcat" (U.) "The Pearl of Death" (U.) DENVER— (2,600) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $18,750. (Average: $15,000). "Wilson" (20th Fox) ESQUIRE— (740) (76-$1.12) 7 days on a return engagement. Gross: $4,500. (Aver- age: $4,500). "Mr. Winkle Goes to War" (Col.) "Swing in the Saddle" (Col.) PARAMOUNT — (2,200) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $11,525. (Average: $9,300). "Youth Runs Wild" (Col.) "Girts Under 21" (Col.) RIALTO — (900) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $17,500. (Average: $5,000) 'SYWA' and 'Soldier' Are Week's Best Kansas City, Oct. 4. — "Since You Went Away" brought another great week to the Midland with a $26,000 gross. The Newman, with "I Love a Soldier," also in a second week, did well with $13,500. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 3-6: "The Big Noise" (20th-Fox) "Sweet and Lowdown" (20th- Fox) ESQUIRE— (800) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $6,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) MIDLAND— (3,500) (40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $26,000. (Average: $14,000). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) NEWMAN— (1,900) (40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $10,000). "Mask of Dimitrios" (WB) "7 Days Ashore" (RKO) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $10,000). "Jungle Woman" (Univ.) "Call of the Jungle" (Mono.) TOWER— (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $9,400). "The Big Noise" (20th-Fox) "Sweet and Lowdown" (20th-Fox) UPTOWN — (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,600). FAIRWAY — (700) (45c -65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,400. (Average: $1,600). 'Moonlight' Grosses Very Big $18,000 Indianapolis, Oct. 4.— "Moonlight and Cactus" and a stage show at the Circle, expecting $18,000, will top box office receipts here this week. Loew's, with "Seventh Cross" and "Stars on Parade", will do $14,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 3-5 : 'Moonlight and Cactus" (U.) CIRCLE — (2,800) (55c -70c) 7 days. Stage ;how. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $11,800). "Wilson" (2flth-Fox) INDIANA — (3,200) (75c-$1.10) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $11,- 500). "Jimmy Steps Out" KEITH'S— (1,500) (60c) 4 days. Stage show. Gross: $5,400. (Average: $5,000). "Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) "Stars on Parade" (Col.) LOEW'S— (2,800) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $11,500). "Youth Runs Wild" (RKO) "Mademoiselle Fifi" (RKO) LYRIC— (2,000) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $6,800. (Average: $4,900). 00 aw o^-hp^ OjO b: s 1- HI ~- rt B J- Cl rt Z Mp S^ws |'b> Q Ml- i-l 2 «* AS S.as Oto cow •to E -H 1 ;S |5 s ■ w «0 5SS-S SO HE &P 'LS g < P H O OS 89 S ■a 4.(3 »i|S fe"'Ocd P" hq -o-sg3< ""HSt tS ^ . Ms, ■ oi-ia C !» j B m H SOS 5.5 SoPc;cE>SESc«^h 5a .2 t- 2 •a So is ss« » & p ° <£^ « CS M? jj«i , £ aP a" h3 JC 03 0> V B sw §.a b° S3o S^S^. HHSg« t?w°-r an; •K Si. S i- s r- i K .as; Suss§02glg p»gg-H ll»a 3 »>z&f -= 5 JV. 1 5.9' K 1 s & o a.s ca.s PWog «> &« an §1 oo wloj 2 J X uO^t-ic i-ifnSjP 22: HO PQ m > 3c SO" OH I H 2 &8 OO j- a,^ r/l Ld P V m ! «H^ si 2ffi< £po£ op HO' «2 1 E- 2 jE m„ s« l ; ,HW !g.p? ?"|hS ?(2p o< H. 5 as- w° - O a §a -J J=iL2 ffli-r. ' fP.9 a. o H O ;o^: lilts 3§i BlO HZ, PSD' 2^3 ->..S ►J,.«rt-= w « M-5 K OP 3 :hp> S 2^! O !>.•= ^ rt"5 IH HI -g q I S PQ z < ► psps Z 3 o£ I Or;. PS I f5g«sos -JH W O g — . U HJ -O "O I H£i2P ■8 2 S pa ^ 0 c c 7^ =3 5 «»oo3| w> p P<— K j;,* « n I o g38| hp >2 B'= «sw 0«S.B e «p 2cE: > o o to jPP n OjJ •0.2 s- os| .?«id5 „-w«aS A oS«s'§3;ps«csoh52e !o a 3 I > X\ * pso <- — - P5m S£.2C u ( ffigPSfl WP^tE Sa z««a-s Sn. 0«P ^ *" PiJ «oM, uorted for the second quarter of 1943. The bureau's report showed how :he shortage of raw stock which ilarmed the War Production Board ind the industry last quarter arose, disclosing that shipments in the first luarter were 3,000,000 square feet and n the second quarter 1,366,000 square eet greater than production. The re- port stated that 61 per cent of the second quarter output went to com- uercial users as against 69 per cent sn the first quarter and 70 per cent n the fourth quarter of 1943. Appeal Court Hears U. S. Kaufman Pleas The United States Circuit Court of Vppeals in New York yesterday re- erved decision after two days of irgument on the appeals by six Chi- :ago gangsters and Louis Kaufman, orrner business agent of Local 244, Vfotion Picture Operators Union, of (Continued on page 9) Silverstone Says South America to Exceed Continent Hollywood, Oct. 5.- — Murray Sil- verstone, 20th Century-Fox vice- president in charge of foreign distribu- tion, said here today that he will in- vite representatives of all companies to meet with him upon his return to New York to hear a report on his re- cent South American tour after first submitting a report to Spyros Skou- ras, 20th-Fox president, and Joseph M. Schenck, executive production head. Silverstone said the Latin-Ameri- ean market looms more promising than the European in the postwar pe- riod, adding: "I feel that the matter should be put before the entire in- dustry." Silverstone said that the Office of War Information has asked the indus- try to appoint its own representatives (Continued on page 9) Warner Cites Films' Educational Value "Motion pictures have just begun to show the tremendous good they can do in the education of the peoples of the world and the development of in- ternational goodwill," Harry M. Warner, president of Warner Bros., says in a message to the President and Government of Cuba, who re- cently bestowed the country's highest honor, the Order of Carlos Manuel De Cespedes, on the three Warner Bros. The message is being taken to Cuba personally by Peter Colli, gen- (Continued on page 6) Dec. 7 Designated 'Free Movie Day* Pearl Harbor Day, Thurs- day, Dec. 7, has been desig- nated national "Free Movie Day" in the Sixth War Loan Drive, Harry Brandt, national chairman for the industry in the drive, announced here yesterday. Special accessories, such as co-operative ads, posters and one sheets are now being pre- pared and will be available for showmen for their local campaigns in aiding the mo- tion picture industry top its quota in this $14,000,000,000 drive, from Nov. 20 to Dec. 16, it was announced. Schine Testifies at Anti-Trust Trial Buffalo, Oct 5. — Highlight of proceedings in the Schine Circuit anti- trust trial in Federal District court here today was the appearance on the witness stand of J. Myer Schine, one of the defendants, and John A. May, comptroller of Schine Chain Theatres, Inc., Gloversville. Both Schine and May were called by Robert L. Wright of the Justice Department in a futile attempt to es- tablish what connection if any, How- ard Carroll had with the Schine or- ganization in October, 1933. Earlier, Charles E. Dickinson, Jr., formerly of Lockport, told of a con- versation he had with Carroll in con- nection with operation of the Palace Theatre, Lockport, which was ac- (Continued on page 9) A. T. & T. to Explain Video Links at SMPE Meeting The existing and contemplated fa- cilities of the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. for the transmis- sion of television programs to thea- tres will be explained to the members of the Society of Motion Picture En- gineers at their New York meeting at the Hotel Pennsylvania on Oct. 16 by H. S. Osborne, A.T.&T. chief engineer, in a report he has prepared for the meeting on television trans- mission. Existing facilities include the use of specially adapted telephone links with- in a city for the transmission of tele- vision programs from one focal point to a group of theatres within the city. Inter-city links would be provided by the A.T.&T.'s contemplated construc- tion of over 6,000 miles of coaxial cable linking the principal cities of the United States by 1950. Inter-city links might also be provided by the contemplated construction of radio re- lay links, the first of which is ex- pected to be set between New York (Continued on page 9) Reviewed Today Review of "The Mark of the Whistler," Columbia, will be found on page 3. MGM Studio Decorators Out on Strike Deadlock Threatens All Hollywood Production Hollywood, Oct. 5. — In protest against the refusal of the producers last night to recognize the Studio Set Decorators union, decorators on the M-G-M set failed to report for work this morning, and painters and machinists allied with them in the Conference of Studio Unions walked out at noon. Although production was riot stopped by the walkouts, spread of the same procedure to other studios and to other unions looms as a potential threat to continued studio operation. The producers are still in special session tonight discussing the situa- (Continued on page 11) Dies Group Quizzes Nelson Poynter ? Washington, Oct. 5. — Nelson Poyn- ter, formerly Hollywood deputy of the OWI, has been quizzed by the Dies Committee in connection with a political pamphlet issued by "Press Re- search, Inc.," which he now heads. Poynter asserts that "Press Re- search Inc.," is a research organiza- tion serving newspapers and magi- azines. He denied that his agency is financed by the Hillman Political Ac- tion Committee but admitted member^ ship in that movement His managT ing editor, David Loth, in response to a question said he did not know how his name came to be listed on the New York election books in 1936 as a Communist. Poynter while in Hollywood created an impression in many quarters that he was seeking to influence the con- tent of motion pictures in ways that bore no relation to the war effort. Illinois Allied to Pool Buying of Equipment Chicago, Oct. 5. — Extension of their buying pool, which now covers films only, to include also equipment and accessories was planned here to- day by the Allied Theatre Owners of Illinois, who viewed the step as a means of achieving savings, which they believe will be paramount in the (Continued on page 9) 2 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Friday, October 6, 1944 Personal Mention Extend Rains' Visa To Finish 'Caesar' London, Oct 5. — J. Arthur Rank, financial backer of Gabriel Pascal's "Caesar and Cleopatra," has avoided a threatened suspension of shooting on {hat film by obtaining permission from the government for Claude Rains, the star, to remain in England beyond the Oct. 1 date originally set for his departure. The prestige of the picture and the difficulties the pro- duction faced during the robot bomb- ings this summer are said to have been factors influencing the official decision. Warners, to whom Rains is under contract, had previously agreed to al- low him to stay here long enough to finish his role, but Pascal is said to face a considerable monetary penalty for keeping him past the Oct. 1 dead- line. . Incidentally, workers at the Den- ham studios are high in praise of the manner in which the American actor stood up under the bombings and other unexpected difficulties that arose. His release is now expected in about six weeks. MGM Branch Heads Leave and Arrive Two M-G-M branch managers and one district manager will leave here today after a week at the home office visiting departmental heads and sales personnel. The branch managers are D. C. Kennedy, Des Moines, and H. A Friedel, Denver, while the district manager is Sam A. Shirley. On Monday, John P. Byrne, Detroit dis- trict manager ; J. F. Willingham, St. Louis manager, and C. J. Briant, New Orleans head, will arrive for a similar visit. On Oct. 16, Maurice Goldstein, manager of the New Haven exchange, and Benn Rosenwald, Charlotte man- ager, are due. A week later, Frank J. Downey, Detroit branch manager, and Harry J. Shumow, Milwaukee manager, will arrive. Last in the Oc- tober visits will be Saal Gottlieb, Pittsburg manager, and J. G. Kempt- gen, Omaha head, who will arrive Oct. 30. Hal Hall to Publicize Western Film Award Hollywood, Oct. 5. — The Hal Hall publicity office, which has publicized the awards of the Academy of Mo- tion Picture Arts and Sciences of the past 13 years, has been engaged to perform the same service for the new- ly organized Western Motion Picture Awards Association, which will hold its first prize ceremony in the form of a rodeo in Hollywood Bowl Nov. 5. Hall's assignment has been approved by the Association of Motion Picture Producers. Party for Fifi ITOrsay PRC will be host at a cocktail party at the Rome office today for Fifi D'Or- say, who arrived here yesterday after recently completing work in "Dixie Jamboree" for the company. PAT SCOLLARD, Paramount ex- change operations head, left New York for Durham, N. C, last night to visit his son who is in the Navy V-12 training school there. He will return next Tuesday. • Sallie Shepherd, wife of Lt. Sonny Shepherd, former Wometco Circuit manager in Miami, is the mother of a girl, Sarah Jean, born Wednesday in the Naval Hospital, Key West • Paula Seligman has concluded her assignment with Republic Pic- tures as Eastern story idea woman, and will remain in the East to com- plete a musical screen story. • Leo J. McCarthy, PRC general sales manager, will leave Hollywood Sunday for San Francisco, Denver, Kansas City and St. Louis, arriving in New York Oct. 22. • James Murphy, Jr., assistant ex- ecutive director of the motion picture arbitration system, reports briefly to his office despite a broken ankle. • Arthur L. Pratchett, Paramount manager for Central America, arrived here yesterday for conferences with home office executives. • Hilda Lesser, secretary to E. M. Saunders, M-G-M assistant general sales manager, celebrates a birthday on Monday. • Alfred Zinneman, M-G-M direc- tor, is in Mexico City from Holly- wood. Treasury Approval Holds Up SPG Pay Payment of retroactive wage in- creases to some 280 members of the Screen Publicists Guild of New York by the film companies, which was sup- posed to have been made today, has been delayed because the companies are seeking official approval of the Treasury Department in cases where publicists are earning over $100 a week in addition to War Labor Board approval which has already been secured. The retroactive increases go back to May, 1943, in the case of most of the publicists, providing an amount es- timated to be about $130,000 for the year and one-half period. Screen Goldwyn Film Trade screenings of Samuel Gold- wyn's "The Princess and the Pirate" will be held by RKO Radio on Tues- day, Oct. 10. The New York trade showing will be held at 10 :30 a.m. at the Normandie Theatre. Laufer Quits UA Phil Laufer, United Artists local newspaper contact, has resigned, ef- fective Oct 13, the company reported yesterday. EDWIN W. AARON, circuit sales head for M-G-M, will return from a seven-week trip to the Coast today. G. L. Carrington, Bert Sanford and H. S. Morris, president, New York District manager, purchasing agent and merchandising manager of Altec Service Corporation, respec- tively, will arrive in Chicago today to attend the Theatre Equipment Deal- ers Protective Association convention there. Roy Haines, Western and South- ern division sales manager for War- ner Bros., will leave over the week- end for Milwaukee, Kansas City and other Midwestern exchanges. • Captain Walter Lloyd, USA, former manager of the M&P Allyn Theatre, Hartford, Conn., is back home for a 21 -day furlough after 18 months in North Africa. • Mrs. Beatrice (Weiss) Schwartz, secretary to Stanley Shuford, Para- mount advertising manager, will leave the company today to take up domes- tic duties. • David Coplan, United Artists act- ing British managing director, is ex- pected here from Hollywood early next week before proceeding to Lon- don. • Charles Repass, manager of the Crown, Hartford, Conn., is at Sara- toga, N. Y., for a week with his family. 6th Loan Group In Atlantic City Meet Harry Brandt, national chairman for the industry's participation in the Sixth War Loan Drive, accompanied by William F. Crockett, Max Young- stein, Ted Lloyd, Herman Schleier and Herb Berg, will leave tomorrow for Atlantic City to confer with Sec- retary of the Treasury Henry Mor- genthau, Ted Gamble, national direc- tor of the War Finance Division, and other executives of the War Finance Committee. Lloyd, director of radio for 20th Century-Fox, has been loaned by Spyros Skouras, president of the com- pany, to the national committee for the industry's efforts in the drive. He will supervise all radio tie-ups and handle both local and coast-to-coast network programs. Hellman Talks with RKO on Joint Deal Marcel Hellman, managing director and producer of Excelsior Films, Ltd., London, now visiting here, has opened negotiations with RKO on a joint production deal under which RKO would make films for the world market in England. Hellman is also looking over Amer- ican plays for possible London pre- sentation. UA Adopting New Publicity Setup United Artists will institute a new system of publicity supervision where- by the studio unit publicity director will continue to handle publicity on a film even when shooting is over in- stead of relinquishing the job to the home office staff, Louis Pollock, pub- licity and advertising director for UA, announced here yesterday. j The unit man will go to New Y6\ to handle the pre-opening drive and the first key-city engagements. A tightening up of co-ordination of stu- dio and home office publicity functions is seen resufting. The company will recruit men of high calibre to fill these new key posts, the announcement said, and John Harkins and Walter Compton of UA's West Coast publicity depart- ment will cooperate. Meet on Exchange Workers' Filings Film company exchange operations heads and representatives of the IA TSE will meet here Tuesday in an attempt to complete preparation of applications which are being submit- ted to the regional War Labor Boards for approval of job classifications and wage increases for office workers in the New York and Philadelphia ex- changes. Applications for 28 other exchange cities have already been submitted to the regional boards in those areas and approval has beeen secured in Albany and Buffalo. The IATSE and the company rep- resentatives also will set additional applications for exchange service workers' IATSE locals. The ex- change service workers' local in At- lanta is the latest to indicate an in- tention to file for a 10 per cent wage increase, bringing to 19 the number of locals to take such action. Mary Pickford Gets 'Venus' Film Rights Mary Pickford yesterday closed ne- gotiations for purchase of the film rights to "One Touch of Venus," which will be released through United Artists. Gradwell L. Sears, vice president, in charge of U. A. distribution, re- vealed that the ultimate return for the screen eights may be in the neigh- borhood of $750,000. Miss Pickford's tentative plans call for a budget of $2,500,000. The film will be in Tech- nicolor. Miss Pickford left for Holly- wood last night. New Production Unit Starts 'Miss Julie' Hollywood, Oct. 5. — With William Rowland as president and Carley Harriman as executive producer, the recently formed Pre-Em Pictures, Inc., has' begun production of "A Song for Miss Julie" in Hollywood. The film will be distributed by Re- public. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden So,., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Otber Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Friday, October (r, 1944 MOTION PICTURE DAILY 3 Wage Boosts for WB Help in Services Warner Bros, home office "white collar" workers who have gone into the Armed Force will benefit substan- tially by increased wages when they return to their old jobs, according to provisions agreed upon between the com- pany and Motion Picture Of- fice Employes Union, Local J 23169, AFL. For example, an employe re- ceiving $40 a week when he left before Aug. 10, 1942, the effective date of the first con- tract between the company and MPOE, will return at a salary of approximately $53 or an increase of some 32l/z per cent. Two additional eight per cent increases will be forthcoming Aug. 10, 1945, and Aug. 10. 1946, under a new MPOE-Warner contract; Review "The Mark of the Whistler" . {Columbia) Hollywood, Oct. 5 DERIVED from the radio program called "The Whistler," this melodrama preserves in all essential ways the style and format of the airshow. With Richard Dix as the man who tries crime and finds it doesn't pay, and Paul Guilfoyle alongside in one of his best performances, the picture gives good account of itself throughout its hour on the screen. George Bricker's screenplay rates praise on two counts. It is an achievement in that it retains the spell of the radio original but does not contain a murder. And it approaches its criminality, as "Double Indemnity" did, from the point of view of the criminal, a device inducive of audience interest. In this case the criminal sets out to obtain money contained in a bank's dormant account, by impersonating the rightful claimant, and succeeds in doing so, only to discover that the rightful claimant is a target for assassination and to have the would-be assassins catch up with him. The rest of the plot is a thing to be seen, not told. Rudolph C. Flothow produced, with full appreciation of his subject matter, and William Castle's direction makes every story point count. Janis Carter, Porter Hall, John Calvert and Matt Willis supply support. Running time, 60 minutes. "G"* Release date, Nov. 2. William R. Weaver * "G" denotes general classification. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GARY COOPER —TERESA WRIGHT in International Pictures' "CASANOVA BROWN" NEW DISNEY CARTOON AND "ROCKEFELLER CENTER" ("THIS IS AMERICA" SERIES) Spectacular Stage Presentation 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600 RKO Short Features now at RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL mm The Season's Surprise Hit 1 "MY PAL, WOLF" with SHARYN MOFFETT Jill Esmond Una O'Connor George Cleveland Charles Arnt Claire Carleton An RKO Radio Picture BRANDT'S REPUBLIC B'way between 51st and 52nd Streets Phone CO-5-9647 PARAMOUNT PRESENTS ^ Fred Mao Murray Barbara Stanwyck Edward G. Robinson "DOUBLE INDEMNITY" IN PERSON THE ANDREWS SISTERS MITCHELL AYRES AND HIS BAND. ^Sw^r ON SCREEN •HAIL THE - CONQUERING HERO' EDDIE BRACKEN ELLA RAINES IN PERSON Willie HOWARD America's Great Character Comic ADDED ATTRACTION PHIL BRITO Radio's Newest Singing Sensation ^ PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek' ^ RIV0LI, B'way & 49th St ^ MIRANDA DON AMECHE WILLIAM BENDIX BLAINE TECHNICOLOR! [xtra! NEW "MARCH OF TIME PLUS A BIG"' STAGE SHOW plus a big |^ q yr^ y i7th ' 50th St. B'WAY & 47th St. PALACE "MUSIC IN MANHATTAN" ANNE SHIRLEY DENNIS DAY PHILIP TERRY ★ */ VICTORIA Broadway & 46th Sr. JT Doors Open 9:45 A. M. • Continuous Iarryl f. zanuc^s Krellberg to Coast To Set "Cassidy s" Sherman S. Krellberg, president of Adventure Pictures, will leave for the coast Friday, Oct. 13, to complete ar- rangements for the first of a new group of six pictures in the Hopalong Cassidy series. Krellberg acquired the rights from Western Pictures Corp., and, according to Krellberg, these rights include both re-make rights and unused Hopalong stories. A young Marine, presently await- ing discharge, will play the Hopalong role, originated by Bill Boyd. Harry Sherman, who has produced the Cas- sidy series to date, also has the right to make any Cassidy films he wants, Krellberg said. (Sherman, in Holly- wood, had questioned Krellberg' s right to make any but six reissues of the original series). Krellberg also will negotiate for a major release while on the coast, and hopes to have his first in production by Jan. 15. 20th Pays $400,000 For 'Junior Miss' Film rights to "Junior Miss" have been bought by 20th Century-Fox for $400,000, according to reports of a transaction confirmed here yesterday by an official of the company. The deal is said to follow the collapse of one tentatively entered into last May 25 by Warners, which was to have paid $425,000. previously Mary Pick- ford gave up efforts to buy the play for $410,000. _ "Junior Miss," dramatized by Je- rome Chodorov and Joseph Fields from Sally Benson's New Yorker sketches, was produced by Max Gor- don and ended a run of 710 perform- ances on Juh' 24. Jerome Winsberg Elected Chicago, Oct. 3. — Jerome Winsberg, manager of the Senate Theatre here, has been reelected president of the Balaban and Katz Employes Club. Other officers include : George H. Romine, ff'rst vice-president ; Charles Cottle, second vice-president ; George R. Greer, 3rd vice-president ; S. E. Stott, treasurer ; Dorothv Delre, sec- retary. The board of directors also includes : Harold F. Williams, Stanley Hartwell, William L, Evers, Norval E- Packwood, Thomas Duckworth. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 5 THERE is no veracity in the some- what fascinating report going the rounds that the Production Code Ad- ministration (colloquially referred to as 'the Hays office') limits the num- ber of killings per picture to seven. The canard originated with a pro- ducer who had submitted to the PCA a script containing nine killings and had been talked out of two of them as unnecessary. There is a PCA con- tention that killing can be overdone on the screen and should not be indulged in just by way of thinning out the cast or substituting violence for missing story value, but there's no over-all numerical limitation. The report was born, like so many others involving numbers, on a tablecloth at Mike Ly- man's cafe. • Columbia has acquired "The Road to Carmichael's," a Saturday Evening Post story by Richard Wormser, as a vehicle for Chester Morris, and an un- produced play by Hardie Albright and Eddie Emerson, titled "Lola and the Wolves," which Sam Bischoff will produce. . . . Samuel Goldwyn has added Otto Kruger to the cast of "Wonder Man". . . . M-G-M has signed Agnes Moorehead to portray Margaret O'Brien's mother in "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes". . . . Martha O'Driscoll is to have the fem- inine lead with Abbott and Costello in their Universal picture, "Here Come tlie Co-Eds". Eight writers are on new assign- ments at the Warners, for produc- tions scheduled to go before the cameras in the next six months. Whitman Chambers is scripting "One Man's Secret"; Lawrence Hazard is at work on "The Fron- tiersman"; Charles Hoffman and Leo Townsend are preparing "Night and Day," the story of Cole Porter; Alan LeMay is doing "Calamity Jane," based on the life of that early American character; Leo C. Rosten is writing "Land I Have Chosen," from the best-seller by Ellin Berlin, and James Bloodworth is at work on "The Wallflower." • Monogram has six features sched- uled to start shooting this month, in- clusive of such contrasting items as "Divorce," Kay Francis' first for the studio, and "John Dillinger," the King Brothers' next. . . . George Pal has signed Webb Smith, former Disney sketch-story man (to use the trade title), for an important assignment in the story department. . . . M-G-M has added Robert Benchley to the cast of its all-star undertaking, "Weekend at the Waldorf." ... "No Life for a Lady," an original by Gladys Shelly, has been added to the production agenda of Universal's associate pro- ducer-director, Charles Barton. . . . Samuel Goldwyn has engaged Grant Mitchell for an important role in "The Wonder Man." "London Town", a musical in color, has been set as Wesley Ruggles' first production for J. Arthur Rank. Film- ing is expected to start in London May 1. 7 / HENRY WNG * Scores of extende.nce receipt .-records att^oX.of nee proof and acclaim give ^ tnat tlaxs i on event in 50 o ^tertainment . picture enter FROM Til HOW WILL HITLER DIE m A sensational Short Subject has been made by M-G-M. It shows that 400 years ago the amazing prophet Nostradamus predicted the rise of Hitler and how he will meet his end. This is the timeliest, ticket -selling short you can put on your screen! Put this 1-sheet in front of your theatre. It sells tickets! Rise of Hitler CYRIL ENDFIUD PAUL CAREY WILSON DOES IT! (Reprint from Newsweek) Carey Wilson . . . has won screen credits on some 70 feature pictures . . . (such grea'ts as "Ben-Hur," "Lilac Time," "Mutiny on the Bounty;" now he pro- duces the "Andy Hardy" and "Dr. Kildare" gold mines for M-G-M) . . . but his specialty — and his distinctive success — has been in the short subject. Most famous are his Nostradamus shorts! NEWSWEEK As necessary as your telephone, and just as handy! ORDER YOUR COPY NOW! The 1944-45 International Motion Picture Almanac will be out next week . . . the book of facts about the motion picture industry ... a summary of the "picture year" of 1943-44 . . . full information about the season of 1 944-45. INTERNATIONAL MOTION PICTURE ALMANAC Edited by TERRY RAMSAYE Q U I C L E Y PUBLICATIONS ROCKEFELLER CENTER NEW YORK (20) Friday, October 6, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 9 Will Explain Video Links at SMPE Meet (Continued from page I) and Boston by A.T.&T. for experi- mental purposes. Although the SMPE television sub-committee is seeking the _ alloca- tion by the Federal Communications Commission of experimental televi- . sion channels in the higher frequen- cies to the film industry for the pick- ing up of television programs from i the studios and elsewhere and for transmitting these programs to thea- tres within a city and also for trans- mitting from city-to-city, it is possible that the facilities offered by the tele- phone company can also "Be used in their plans to make television pro- grams available to theatres. Both methods would provide the theatres with television programs which would not be available to the general television audiences on their home television receivers in the postwar period. A. T. & T. offered the use of its contemplated facilities to the film in- dustry through MPPDA earlier this year. Although several film com- panies are understood to have evinced interest, no definite commitments have been made by any of the film com- panies to discuss the facilities offered or to exchange information with A.T. & T. as the phone company sug- gested. In presenting his report to SMPE, Osborne will apparently be going direct to the engineers of the motion picture industry. Appeal Court Hears U. S. Kaufman Pleas (Continued from page 1) Newark, N. J., from their conviction under an indictment alleging a con- spiracy to extort more than $1,000,000 from the film industry. The six gangsters, all held by a Federal Court jury on Dec. 22, 1943, to have been members of the Al Ca- pone gang, were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and fined $10,000 each, while Kaufman was sentenced to sev- en years and fined $10,000. The Gov- ernment case was argued by United States Assistant Attorney General Boris Kostelanetz, who outlined the alleged conspiracy for the court and urged that the convictions be upheld. Presiding Justice Learned Hand in- timated that, if the court finds after examining the record of the trial, that the evidence does not link Kaufman's alleged activities to George E. Browne, former IATSE president, and William Bioff, labor racketeer, who were the dominating figures of the alleged conspiracy, Kaufman's conviction would not stand. No de- cision is expected for at least five weeks. Illinois Allied to Pool Buying of Equipment (Continued from page 1) postwar period, when prices are ex- pected to continue high. President Jack Kirsch presided over the meeting of 50 members who attended a closed war emergency meeting at the Blackstone Hotel. Dur- ing luncheon, a National War Fund appeal was made by Arthur Schoen- stadt, chairman of the amusement and recreation division. A plaque listing 268 local Allied employes in the ser- vice was dedicated. NEWS AND NOTHING BUT THE NEWS JOAN FONTAINE AND ARTUR0 DE CORDOVA HAVE PLENTY TO CELEBRATE AS MORE NEW BROADWAY HISTORY IS MADE BY "FRENCHMAN'S CREEK".1 GREAT- EST FIRST WEEK IN 27-YEAR LIFE OF N.Y. RIV0LI HAS JUST BEEN FOLLOWED BY GREATEST SECOND WEEK, BEATING THE FIRST-WEEK GROSS OF ANOTHER IMPORTANT ATTRACTION THAT PLAYED THE HOUSE AT HIGHER AD- MISSION SCALE! AND FIRST DAY OF SECOND WEEK TOPPED OPENING DAY OF PRODUCER-DIRECTOR MITCHELL LEISEN'S TECHNICOLOR ROMANCE ! Schine Testifies in Anti- Trust Suit Against His Circuit (Continued from page 1 ) quired by Schine three years later. Dickinson was cross-examined by Saul E. Rogers for Schine. Rogers brought out that Schine had the Rialto in Lockport before Dickinson became affiliated with the Palace and that the Rialto was a regular customer of the major distributors. Further, Rogers confronted Dickin- son with contracts showing that the Palace had a two-year franchise with Columbia and that the house also ob- tained first-run product from United Artists and some from Paramount and Universal. Closed by Paramount Rogers also showed that the Hi-Art was not originally closed by Schine, but instead by Paramount and that both the Rialto and the Hi Art were operated by a Schine-Paramount Corp. Dickinson's testimony was that he had talked with Carroll in Schine's Rialto Theatre, Lockport, and that Carroll told him he had three days to sell the Palace to Schine, otherwise Schine would reopen the long-closed Hi-Art Theatre, on which the circuit held a lease. The offer, according to Dick- inson, was for $16,000 "plus a per- centage." "He gave us a few days to decide whether to accept the proposal, other- wise they would reopen the Hi-Art," testified Dickinson. "I told him I wasn't interested." Dickinson said that at this time he was vice-president of Reliance The- tres Corp., which operated the Pal- ace. Neither Schine nor May said they could remember particulars of Car- roll being in their employ in 1933, but admitted that he later became the Schine manager in the Rochester dis- trict. May Produce Records Wright asked Schine if he could produce records from Gloversville to show Carroll's title in 1933. Schine said he might be able to, but that it would take several days. Wright asked him to do so. Brought to the stand during the afternoon session was Max H. Rose of Brooklyn, an attorney emploved by Schwartz & Frohlich, counsel to Columbia Pictures. Rose was desig- nated by Columbia to compile inter- office memos, contracts and recom- mendations in answer to Government subpoenas, some served recentlv and some on May 19, 1944. He testified as to their authenticitv. Silver stone Sees S. A. Topping Continent (Continued from page 1) to take over the responsibility of de- termining what pictures should go into a pool for distribution in the liberat- ed countries. Although a local spokesman for the OWI said he had no information as to this effect. Mo- tion Picture Daily of Sept. 20 re- ported that a plan had been projected for an industry representative to han- dle distribution abroad in the interim period from the time when the OWI relinquishes control to distributors and the time when they were ready to take over operation on an individual basis. 10 Motion Picture Daily Friday, October 6, 1944 Equipment Dealers Open Annual Convention Today Chicago, Oct. 5. — The annual convention of the Theatre Equipment Dealers Protective Association will open here today at the Bismarck Hotel with a record attendance of 150 to 200 and the largest membership in its history. The meeting will be swelled by official speakers from Washington as well as by scores of industry leaders during the three-day sessions. The problems facing the 41 company members are manifold, and of the ut- most importance at the present mo- ment with the possibility of V-E Day coming before the first of the year, posing the question of reconversion which would permit construction of new theatres, re-conditioning and equipping of others. The opening session will be devoted to a closed business meeting for members of the Association as well as the equipment manufacturers and rep- resentatives of allied interests. Also today, the first of a series of discus- sions will be held covering the mutual problems of dealers and manufactur- ers, as well as charting of courses for the trade, not only for the two remaining months of this year, but also for 1945, and taking both the possibility of continuing war or sud- den peace into consideration. Smith to Speak Allen G. Smith, WPB Theatre head in Washington, will address the con- vention, as will Nathan D. Golden, head of the film division of the De- partment of Commerce. Both men came to the convention from Wash- ington, and Smith will give the mem- bers his views on the material situa- tion on Saturday, while Golden will discuss the outlook for film trade in the foreign market on Sunday. Smith's speech will be a prepared one, but he is also ready to answer questions of dealers and manufactur- ers on changing orders of the WPB regarding the release of theatre equip- ment materials following V-E Day. On Sunday, last day of the conven- tion, the morning will be devoted to an open forum between dealers and manufacturers in which they will air their problems and discuss post war demands in the equipment field. The convention will close Sunday night with the address by Golden who will also talk about the increasing de- mands of equipment for export after the fall of Germany. No officers will be elected, Ray G. Colvin of the Ex- hibitors Supply of St. Louis continu- ing as president and secretary. Chicago Representatives Among the Chicago representatives at the convention will be the DeVry Corporation, with William C. DeVry having made the arrangements for the Hotel Bismarck ; Bell and How- ell, represented by James Booth, vice president ; Motiograph, whose delega- tion will be represented by the Matthews brothers ; Roy Boomer and Ray Sherman. M. H. and E. W. Goldberg as well as B. Pearlman will represent Golde Manufacturing Co., Samuel Levinson the Chicago Used Chair Co., and C. G. Anders and V. H. Naylon, the Doll Theatre Supply Co. E. R. Fensin represents Fensin Seating Co., and Ed Wolk and Ira Autok, the Ed Wolk company. The Continental Electric Company will be represented by H. A. Mcllvaine, pres- ident and R. E. Smiley, sales promo- tion manager. RCA, National Carbon, U. S. Air Conditioning, Altec, National-Sim- plex-Bludworth, Century Projector and many others have sent delegates. Our Sincere Good Wishes for a Successful Convention CAPITOL STAGE LIGHTING CO. Complete stage fighting equip- ment — Electrical Effects of All Descriptions. 527-29 W. 45th St. New York 19, N. Y. E. ALTMAN We Specialize in Theatre Chairs only. Your old chairs can Be Rebuilt — Like New. We are servicing LOEWS, SHUBERT and CENTURY CIRCUITS and many other Independent Theatres. Write for «L Information. f|§ Also serving War Dept., Theatres throughout the Country. Some chairs in stock as illustrated. EASTERN SEATING CO. 58 Dobbin Street Brooklyn, N. Y. ACE REEL END ALARM $15.00 EasTto'install. BALL BEARING FEATURES ASSURES No Film Damage. One year guarantee. Sold by Your Independent Dealer Manufactured by ACE ELECTRIC MFG. CO. Distributed by JOE HORNSTEIN, INC. 630 Ninth Avenue New York 18, N. Y. (Pat. Pend.) DeVRY CORPORATION 1111 ARMITAGE AVENUE, CHICAGO World's Largest Line of Motion Picture Sound Equipment THE GOLDEN VOICE OF THE SILVER SCREEN LICENSED UNDER U. S. PATENTS OF WESTERN ELECTRIC CO., INCORPORATED SOUND HEADS AMPLIFIERS TWO-WAY HORN SYSTEMS The BALLANTYNE CO. 222 North 16th Street Omaha 2, Nebraska, U. S. A. AMES METAL MOLDING CO., Inc. 362 Fifth Avenue New York City 1 Is the outstanding supplier of displays : metal mouldings, frames of any kind, easels, trimmings for linoleum, stair nosings, angles, channels, wallboard, snap-on mouldings, accessories, etc. Submit your problems and take advantage of our Engi- neering Service. Use our channels of supply for materials hard to get. Greetings From ASK YOUR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR DETAi. Dlitribvltd ExcluMivtly by NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY Dl.iit.. .1 H.li,»«l « Sb.pl.> . ll«Jw..lk.l.<. Equipment and Supplies for Every THEATRE NEED Be Sure and See OSCAR He's Looking for You. 427 West 42nd Street New York, N. Y. ■ Fabrics for the Theatre FOR Stage Curtains Theatre Draperies Wall Coverings Lobbies, Etc. 130 W. 46 St., New York Chicago Los Angeles 6 E. Lake St. 819 Santee St. RAYTONE SCREEN COMPANY 165 Clermont Avenue Brooklyn, New York Manufacturers of Sound Screens, Aisle Lights, Cleaner Stands, Etc. Friday, October 6, 1944 Motion Picture daily To Independent Dealers Everywhere Being independent ourselves we cooperate 100% with you. Our shelves and warehouses are chock full of hard to get items, such as: Chairs, Brandt Coin Changers, Leatherette Curtain Cable, Simplex Heads, Etc. If you need it and don't have it, try S.O.S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP. 4 4 9 WEST 42nd ST. NEW YORK 18, N. Y. Chair- Vast (Trade Mark) CHAIR-FAST Securely FASTENS LOOSE CHAIRS TO FLOOR $2.50 Package JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc. 630 Ninth Avenue New York City Or your supply dealer Short Subject Reviews "Flicker Flashbacks" (RKO-Pathe) The new series of 'Flashbacks' gets off to a fine start with "The Doctor's Bride" (or "An Evil Thought Thwarted"). It is a real old 'meller' with all of the swoons that used to leave audiences of the 90's limp. The fair lady, tempted to leave her hus- band dreams she is left in the lurch and becomes frightened enough to re- turn to him. Charlie Chaplin sparks the second Flicker, a 'pie-in-the-eye' Keystone comedy which should re- call many memories to oldtimers and also- provide some good laughs for the youngsters. Richard O. Fleischer produced. Running time, 10 minutes. "Plane Daffy" (Warners) Daffy Duck, a woman-hater and a flier with the Army Pigeon Com- mand, sets out to find a lest bird who has been influenced by Hata Mari, an enemy agent, in a pigeon-coop be- tween the Pigeon Base and the enemy lines. The infamous Hata, however, has methods for brave Daffy, too. This cartoon is one of the cleverest in the new Warner series. The idea is new and is executed in a fashion which will bring many laughs. Frank Tashlin supervised. Running time, 7 minutes. "Rhythm on Wheels" (Paramount) This first release in the new Grant- land Rice Sportlight series is devoted to roller skating and includes demon- strations of plain and fancy skating by leading exponents of the sport. Skate fans especially should enjoy it thoroughly, although it is satisfactory fare for everyone. Running time, 9]/2 minutes. "Unusual Occupations" (Paramount) The new series of "Unusual Occu- pations" is off to a fine start with this release. It is a well balanced and in- teresting subject done in subdued yet attractive color. Featured are repre- sentatives of several sections of this country and of South America. Run- ning time, 10 minutes. "I'm Just Curious" (Paramount) "Little Lulu" explains to the audi- ence that all the pranks for which she has been punished were only the result of her curiosity, in a highly original and catchy song theme en- titled "I'm Just Curious." Running time, 7 minutes. "Two Gun Rusty" (Paramount) George Pal's Puppetoon treatment of the familiar "hoss-opry" theme, with 'Rusty' as the two-fisted hero, riding a hobby horse and strumming a toy guitar, is a delight. It is lovely fantasy throughout and should have appeal for adults as well as children. Rusty rides his 'pony' into a prairie bar where he drinks strawberry sodas with the rest of the 'boys' and engages in a "fight-to-the-finish' with Pistol Packin' Pete. Coloring is beautiful, and the story is clever and well ex- ecuted. Running time ll/2 minutes. "Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys" (Warners) Bob Wills and his Prairie-land band have soared to tremendous popularity within the past few years. The story of Wills' rise to fame is shown, ac- companied by his own music. Featur- ing tunes which are best loved in the middle and far West, this one is a sure-fire winner in those territories as well as wholesome piece of diverting and entertaining film fare for any section. Running time, 10 minutes. "Monkey Business" (Paramount) The "Speaking of Animals" series reaches a high in entertainment with this latest Fairbanks-Carlisle release, a rollicking short chock full of laughs. The film was made with the coopera- tion of the St. Louis Zoo and the chimps behave like prima donnas all the way, highlighting a neat little vaudeville routine leading up to a monkey band's rendition of "Down in Jungle Town" which is downright hilarious. Running time, 9 minutes. "It's Nifty To Be Thrifty" (Paramount) The story of this cartoon is the familiar fable of the thrifty ant and the spend-thrifty-grasshopper. It is amusing. The music score of this "Little Lulu" is especially good. Run- ning time, 8 minutes. "Buckaroo Bugs" (Warners) Bugs Bunny, always good for a laugh, mixes with Red Hot Ryder, a two-fisted cowboy from Brooklyn. Many hilarious sequences ensue. Bugs is always a good drawing card, al- though this cartoon is not up to usual standards. Running time, 7 minutes. Mrs. Anna Blanke Dies Hollywood, Oct. 5. — Mrs. Anna Blanke, 65, died here yesterday at the home of her son, Henry Blanke, War- ner producer. Services will be held Saturday morning at the' Jones and Myer mor- tuary at Van Nuys. Beresford Rites Today Hollywood, Oct. 5. — Services for Harry Beresford, 80, screen and stage veteran who died here yesterday of a heart attack, will be held at Forest Lawn tomorrow. Two Incorporate Albany, N. Y., Oct. 5.— H. K. W. Productions, Inc., and Film Rights, Inc., have been in-corporated here. Both will operate in New York. H. K. W. directors : Harold L. Lipton, Irv- ing Fagenson, Hallam K. Williams. Film Rights directors are : Irving Shapiro, Martin Mermelstein and Etta Z. Sealove. Rodgers Meets Press William F. Rodgers, M-G-M vice- president and sales head, will meet with trade press representatives at a luncheon at the Astor Hotel, Tuesday, Oct. 10. M-G-M Decorators Go Out on Strike (Continued from page 1 ) tion. They based their refusal to recognize SSD on the contention that the union has not been certified by the National Labor Relations Board and that jurisdiction over the group is claimed by both CSU and IATSE. In a statement issued this after- noon, Herbert Sorrel 1, CSU president, said the decorators have been wait- ing for the producers to deal with them and that waiting for NLRB ac- tion would require three or four months, whereas the union feels its members have waited long enough. A special meeting of the set deco- rators has been called for tomorrow night, and the painters have set Sun- day for a meeting. Sorrell's state- ment said a strike vote might be taken at either session. The producers' association tonight issued a statement declaring : "The producers are squarely in the middle of an inter-union fight which already is crippling production at M-G-M and threatens to halt entirely the making of pictures by all studios." The statement went on to declare that producers "cannot, in view of this dis- pute, recognize one or the other as the bargaining agent without certifi- cation by the NLRB." 12 Yearly from New Pincus, Osso Unit Mexico City, Oct. 5. — Filmos, S. A., Mexico's newest producing com- pany, backed by Alexander Gregory Pincus and Adolphe Osso, here from the United States, will produce 12 pictures annually, the first to be "Sinfonia de Una Vida," to start in October. The first is a biography of: the late Miguel Lerdo de Tejeda, Mexico's well-known composer and. conductor of the Typical Orchestra, which has appeared in several mo- tion pictures here. "Ninos Perdinos'" will follow "Sinfonia de Una Vida.'" Several prominent players have al- ready been signed, including Mapy and Fernando Cortes, Emilio Tuero and Rosita Diaz. Osso and Pincus formerly operated in Hollywood and Pb.ris. Osso was associated with Paramount in France from 1920 to 1930 and headed Films Osso in Paris until 1940. Burger Will Leave Oct. 18 for S. A. Sam Burger, M-G-M home office foreign representative, will leave here Oct. 18 for a four-month sales trip in Latin-America. Burger will inspect theatres oper- ated there by M-G-M and will also conduct sales meetings. His first stop will be Havana, from where he will proceed down the West Coast of South America. Grant, Quinn to HVC Hollywood, Oct. 5. — Morton Grant of the Screen Writers Guild and Don Quinn, representing the Radio Writ- ers Guild, have been appointed to the executive board of the Hollywood Victory Committee, expanding the membership of the board to 43. Don Searle, representing the Blue Net- work, has replaced Don Gilman. ings of SAMUEL GOLDWYN'S presentation of BOB BOPE VIRGINIA MAYO and Walter slezak WALTER BRENNAN • VICTOR McLAGLEN DIRECTED BY DAVID BUTLER Screenplay by Don Hartman, Melville Shavelson and Everett Freeman A]VD THE BRANCH Albany Atlanta Boston Buffalo Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Dallas Denver Des Moines Detroit Indianapolis Kansas City Los Angeles Memphis Milwaukee Minneapolis New Haven New Orleans New York Oklahoma City Omaha Philadelphia Pittsburgh Portland St. Louis Salt Lake City San Francisco Seattle Sioux Falls Washington PLACE OF SHOWING Fox Projection Room RKO Projection Room RKO Projection Room Fox Projection Room Fox Projection Room RKO Projection Room RKO Projection Room Fox Projection Room Paramount Projection Room ParamountProjectionRoom Fox Projection Room Blumental Projection Room Paramount Projection Room Edison Hall Ambassador Theatre Fox Projection Room Warner Projection Room Fox Projection Room Fox Projection Room Fox Projection Room Normandie Theatre Fox Projection Room Fox Projection Room RKO Projection Room Fox Projection Room Star Pre-view Room S'Renco Projection Room Fox Projection Room RKO Projection Room Jewel Box Projection Roc Hollywood Theatre Fox Projection Room I ADDRESS > v Day & Date TIME 1052 Broadway i Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 191 Walton St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 122 Arlington St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 290 Franklin St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 308 So. Church St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 1 300 So. Wabash Ave. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 12 E. 6th St. Tues. 10/10 8:15 P. M. 2219 Payne Ave. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 412 So. Harwood St. Tues. 10/10* 2:30 P.M. 2100 Stout St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 1300 High St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 2310 Cass Ave. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 116 W. Michigan St.^ Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 1330 Baltimore Ave. Tues. 10/10 8:30 P.M. Ambassador Hotel Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 151 Vance Ave. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 1015 Currie Ave. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 40 Whiting St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 200 So. Liberty St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. E. 53rd St. & Park Ave. Tues. 10/10 10:30 A.M. 10 No. Lee St. e Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 1502 Davenport St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 250 No. 13th St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 1715 Blvd. of Allies Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 925 N.W. 19th St. \ Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 3143 Olive St. \ Tues. 10/10 4:15 P.M. 216 E. First South St. * Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 251 Hyde St. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 2318 -2nd Ave. Tues. 10/10 2:30 P.M. 212 No. Philips Ave. Tues. 10/10 10:30 A. M 932 New Jersey Ave. ^ Tues. 10/10 - 2:30 P.M. MOTION PICTURE DAILY V(jOL. 56. NO. 69 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1944 TEN CENTS Decorators to Ask U.S. to Allow Strike Walkouts Spread to 3 More Coast Studios Hollywood, Oct. 8. — While the producers reiterated the statement that they are without power to recognize the Studio Set Decora- tors Union as a bargaining agency without National Labor Relations Board certification, the union's busi- ness manager, Ed Mussa, told the membership at a special meeting Fri- day night at the Hollywood Roose- velt Hotel that the NLRB has said the producers have right to require certification but do not have the obli- gation to do so. Reviewing the history of negotia- tions which ended Wednesday night and was followed Thursday by non- reporting of set designers at M-G-M, with the result that painters and ma- chinists walked out at noon, Mussa {Continued on page 5) Canadian Theatres Appeal to Gov't Toronto, Oct. 8. — Representatives of independent theatre organizations from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan, disturbed by their failure to obtain a conciliation code for the theatre in- dustry during their conference with distributors and chain executives here last week, paid a visit on Friday to J. R. Croft, administrator of services for the federal Wartime Prices and Trade Board, and placed their griev- ances before him. This move, it was stated, was made in an effort to renew claims for gov- {Continued on page 5) Strike Bulletin Hollywood, Oct. 8.— Para- mount workers walked out Saturday. Last night the painters, 500 strong, met, voted against striking and placed confidence in Herbert Sorrell, Conference of Studio Unions president, who will meet tomorrow with pro- pucers' representatives and Earl Ruddy, U. S. Depart- ment of Labor conciliator. Whether IATSE president Richard F. Walsh will attend is in doubt. Appoint 18 State Chairmen to 6th War Loan Campaign Malcolm Kingsberg With independent exhibitors spear- heading the industry's Sixth War Loan campaign, Harry Brandt, indus- try national chairman, announced at the weekend the appoint- in e n t of 18 state chairmen, covering the entire North- eastern area from Maine to North Carolina and a Mid- west appointee in Wisconsin. Malcolm K i n g s b erg, RKO vice president, has been appointed metropol- New York area chairman. Fol- (Continued on page 11) Report Para, Talks On Cobian Circuit Ramos Cobian, Puerto Rican ex- hibitor, is now negotiating with Para- mount and 20th Century-Fox on a participation deal in his recently ac- quired circuits in Cuba, it was learned at the weekend. Cobian is also talking with the two distributors with a view to interesting them in the erection of four or five additional houses in Cuba. He recently acquired the eight theatres of the Smith circuit, Havana, and four houses of the Fernandez circuit in Camaguey, Cuba. The Puerto Rican exhibitor, who itan {Continued on page 5) Street Lines Outside Paris Theatres London, Oct. 8. — Round- the-block waiting lines at Paris theatres, particularly those featuring newsreels, are a daily occurrence. The Paramount Gaumont Palace, with newsreels and the Liberation of France Chroni- cle, is an outstanding exam- ple. Admission prices are uniformly at 15 francs. There is no communal electricity availible and power is being supplied by English-made mobile generators operated by U. S. Army technicians. Study Theatre Ads At Schine Trial Buffalo, Oct. 8. — Judging from newspaper advertisements regarding theatre operation in Lockport during the fall of 1933 which were read into the record during the Schine anti-trust trial on Friday, by both Robert L. Wright of the Department of Justice and Edward F. McClennen, Schine counsel, that city was a paradise of theatre give-aways and unusual ex- ploitation. Witnesses included Seth Raisler, of Laurelton, O., for seven years assistant to the general sales manager of Columbia, who testified as to the identity of certain Columbia officials whose names already have been mentioned during trial or will be brought up in the future. James A. White, Lockport mechani- cal engineer who was executor of the estate of Charles Dickinson, who died {Continued on page S) Wendell Willkie, 20th-Fox Chairman, Dies at 52 Wendell L. Willkie, chairman of the board of 20th Century-Fox and 1940 Republican presidential candi- date, died early yesterday morning at Lenox Hill Hospital here of an acute cardiac condition following a strep- tococcic infection. He was 52. Willkie's first association with the industry was as its chief counsel in a Senate committee's "war-mongering" investigation of films in 1941. Screen rights to his book "One World" are owned by 20th-Fox. The body will lie in state from 2 P. M. today at Fifth Avenue Pres- byterian Church. Services will be held tomorrow at 3 P. M., with the Rev. Dr. John Sutherland Bonnell officiat- ing, followed by burial at Rushville, Ind. Survivors include Mrs. Willkie, who was at her husband's bedside ; a son, Lieut. Phillip Willkie, U.S.N., on convoy duty in the Atlantic, and a brother, Edward. Upon receiving the news, Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox president, said: "He was a constant stumulus and in- spiration to all of us who were privi- leged to be associated with him. Our company and industry shall miss him more than words can express, and I shall miss a very dear, close, personal friend." V-E Day May Free Theatre Supplies: Smith Golden Sees Vast Need For Equipment in Europe Chicago, Oct. 8. — Members of the Theatre Equipment Dealers Protective Association, which end- ed its three-day convention tonight at the Bismarck Hotel here, were told that the lid is still clamped tight on the release or the manufacture of equipment for commercial use, but were offered hope for relief after the collapse of Germany. Allen G. Smith, War Production Board theatre equipment chief, who came in from Washington, was fea- tured in yesterday's and today's open forums and repeatedly reminded the group that there is still a war to be won, and until victory is ours, re- sumption of normal trade is out of the question. Smith did away with a {Continued on page 5) Three Named to New Para. Foreign Posts Strategic revision of Paramount foreign department posts, made with a view to readjustment to the post- war situation, was announced at the weekend by John W. Hicks, Jr., presi- lent of Paramount International Films, Inc., with the shifting of assignments and adding of additional territories to three members of the department. The men affected are James E. Per- kins, A. L. Pratchett and Robert L. Graham. Hicks has named Perkins division {Continued on page 5) Will Set Rehiring Of Returning Vets Hollywood, Oct. 8. — A conference between production employers and em- ployes to plan the re-employment of returning veterans was agreed upon at the weekend when the Association of Motion Picture Producers accepted the invitation from the Hollywood Council of Guilds and Unions, to name a committee to meet with a HCGU group and compare proposals. The basic HCGU plan is expected to make more jobs to take care of the re-employment of veterans and is not expected to result in unemployment for workers now holding jobs. A HCGU spokesman said the meeting will prob- ably take place during November. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, October 9, 1944 Personal Mention HY DAAB, Vanguard Coast pub- licist, who has been in New York for the past week following the Atlanta opening of "Since You Went Away," will leave for Hollywood Wednesday. Jack Cohn and Abe Schneider of Columbia left Hollywood for New York Friday on the Superchief. A. Montague and Nate Spingold are continuing their visit on the Coast. • C. J. Latta, Albany zone manager for Warner Theatres, and Max Friedman, buyer and booker for that territory, were weekend visitors in New York. • H. J. Yates, Sr., Republic board chairman, is expected in New York today from Hollywood. James R. Grainger, president, arrived at the weekend from Toronto. • R. J. O'Donnell will arrive in New York this morning from Dallas. He is accompanied by Ray Beall of Interstate Circuit. • John Balaban, head of Balaban and Katz Theatres, is due back in Chicago today following a three-day fishing trip. • Walter Branson, RKO Western division sales manager, returned to New York from Chicago at the week- end. • Mike Fish, art editor of Warners studio publicity department, arrived in Chicago late last week on a tour of key cities. • Carl Leserman, United Artists general sales manager, is scheduled to arrive today from Hollywood. • Charles Schwartz, film attorney, will take the Superchief out of Hol- lywood for New York tomorrow. MGM 'Romance' Plug Ready for Pay-Off M-G-M is going all out on its na- tional magazine advertising campaign for "An American Romance," which will have a 132-city world premiere in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Ken- tucky and West Virginia on Columbus Day. This premiere will be supple- mented Oct. 26-27 by the 48 state capitals and Washington, D. C, show- ings. Advertising on the Technicolor pic- ture during October, November and December will appear in 22 magazines with a combined circulation of approxi- mately 30,000,000. The event will be climaxed by a special banquet to be held Oct. 11 at the Netherlands Plaza Hotel, Cincin- nati, when King Vidor and a number of stars, home office executives, local dignitaries and officials of WLW will attend. Tradewise . . . By SHERWIN KANE C INCE having pointed out in ^ this space last week that Al- lied States and PCCITO must have the answers that other ex- hibitors are still seeking to sev- eral obvious questions concern- ing the Government's proposed amendments to the consent de- cree, a number of which appear to be undesirable, if not danger- ous, to all exhibition, there has been brought to our attention a bulletin recently issued to mem- bers of the I. T. O. of Ohio. That organization is affiliated with Allied and several of its officers were present at the Bret- ton Woods, N. H., meeting last month which endorsed the Gov- ernment's decree proposals after a question-and-answer period with Assistant U. S. Attorney General Robert L. Wright, which trade press representa- tives were not permitted to at- tend. That, presumably, was the time, place and source of whatever answers Allied and PCCITO may have obtained to silence their qualms about the new decree proposals, leaving them free to approve the Gov- ernment's action. • One of the questions concern- ing the new decree proposals raised by the Southeastern Theatre Owners Association, as reported here last week, was the extent to which independent cir- cuits might be affected by the Government's avowed policy of making little ones out of big ones. Addressing itself to this question (which, incidentally, it refers to as a "propaganda ru- mor circulated by affiliated in- terests"), the I. T, O. of Ohio bulletin declares : there "is no power anywhere to dissolve a circuit or to compel an exhibi- tor to dispose of theatres, ex- cept for violation of the Sher- man Act. ... It is no violation of that Act for an exhibitor to have more than one theatre, or even all the theatres in a town of any size." The bulletin goes on to say the "abuse of great buying pow- er .. . determines whether the law has been violated and, con- sequently, whether a circuit should be dissolved." It con- cludes : "If you have not violat- ed the law, nothing can harm you." If that is the best Wright has to offer independents who ques- tion his new decree proposals, it should be pointed out that there is no statement quoted herewith or contained in the I.T.O. of Ohio bulletin which does not apply equally to affli- ated circuits. . Every whit of consolation that an independent exhibitor, particularly a circuit operator, can skim from those pronouncements is available therein to the affiliated circuits also. Certainly, it cannot be said that "if you (the independent) have not violated the law, nothing can harm you," but on the other hand "if you (the af- filiated) have not violated the law, you can be harmed." And how much assurance for either independent or affiliated exhibitor is there in those words? Is it safe for any inde- pendent exhibitor to assume that his operations are legal, per se, but that the same or simi- lar operations of an affiliated are illegal, or vice versa? Whether or not some of the fundamental practices within exhibition and distribution con- stitute violations of the anti- trust laws is not known. That is true for the independent as well as for the affiliated com- pany. The courts have not fully examined nor ruled upon many basic practices common to all in the industry. The situation is reminiscent of the observation, common a few years back, that the Constitution is not what it appears to be but what the Su- preme Court says it is. That is equally true of the anti-trust laws in their application to in- dustry practices, with the addi- tional uncertainty at this time that what one Attorney General may charge is a violation of the anti-trust laws may not be so regarded by his successor. • • An independent exhibitor who regards the proposed de- cree amendments as something applicable only to large dis- tributors and their affiliated theatres is not using his noodle. An independent exhibitor who consoles himself by saying "I am 'not violating the law. Nothing can harm me," is lean- ing on a reed. He, no more than the affiliated exhibitor, knows whether what he is doing or may be accused of doing is in violation of the anti-trust laws. Attorney General Biddle has proclaimed his policy for this industry. It is: "No discrimina- tion will be shown." As point- ed out before, the Government Coast * Flashes Hollywood, Oct. 8 NICHOLAS M. S C H E N C K, president of Loew's, Inc., post- poned his scheduled departure for the East because of the studio strike situ- John W. Considine, Jr., resigned at the weekend from M-G-M, where he has been a producer for a number of years. Clark Is Welcomed To Toronto Post Toronto, Oct. 8.— Ralph H. Clark, newly appointed general manager for Warners in the Dominion, received a formal welcome to Canada Friday night in a reception attended by many industry executives at the King Ed- ward Hotel here. Among Warners' home office repre- sentatives were Ben Kalmenson, gen- eral sales manager ; Norman H. Moray, short subjects sales manager; Mort Blumenstock, publicity director, and Wolfe Cohen, who was promoted to the home office foreign distribution department after serving for many years as head of Warners in Canada. Kuykendall Draws St. L. Series Pass St. Louis, Oct. 8. — World Series competition proved too strong for a scheduled weekend meeting of local theatre owners with Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA president. After conferring with Fred Wehrenberg, MPTOA chairman, Kuykendall left for his home in Mississippi and plans to return to St. Louis at a time to be set later. is on record in the Griffith case as taking the position that a monopoly in any community, however small, affects inter- state trade in motion pictures. No consenting distributor and no affiliated theatre operator concedes or believes that his op- erations are in violation of the anti-trust laws. The companies made their disavowal of any violation of the law in the open- ing section of the consent de- cree of Nov. 20, 1940, a docu- ment to which the Government was a party. But observe what the Government is asking of them, four years later. "If you are not violating the law" is an empty phrase while much of the law remains un- written, uncharted and undecid- ed, for the independent as well as the affiliated. The wise ex- hibitor will examine the Gov- ernment's decree proposals min- utely and in this light before giving them his endorsement. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing. Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at N?w York, N. Y., under the apt of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. for. THE SCREEN'S SUPREME ADVENTURE IN SUSPENSE! -The second big show from INTERNATIONAL PICTURES, producers of that box-office champion, "Casanova Brown" . . he story of an evening of flirtation that changed into a nightmare of GOOD ENTERTAINMENT IS INTERNATIONAL' International Pictures, Inc. P r 6 s 6 n t s EDWARD G. ROBINSON and JOAN BENNETT with and Edmond Breon • Dan Duryea Directed by FRITZ LANG A NUNNALLY JOHNSON Production Released bv RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc. Monday, October 9, 1944 Motion Picture daily 5 European V-Day May Free Theatre Supplies: Smith Frisco Pace Fast; Week's Takes Are Big San Francisco, Oct. 8. — New bills proved good box office while hold- overs slackened off at all major ^.houses. No end is in sight as yet for V^Since You Went Away," now in its ---iixtn week at the United Artists, i Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 3 to 5 : "The Merry Monahans" (Univ.) "The Pearl of Death" (Univ.) ORPHEUM— (2,440) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,300. (Average: $15,- 000). "Since You Went Away" (U.A.) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (74c-$1.20) 7 days, 6th week. Gross: $16,700. (Average: $11,000). "Youth Runs Wild" (RKO) GOLDEN GATE— (2,850) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $27,000. (Average: $27,000). "Sweet and Low-down" (ZOth-Fox) WARFIELD — (2,680) (45c-65c-85c ) 7 days. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $23,500. (Average: $25,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) FOX — (5,000) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $33,500. (Average: $28,000). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT — (2,740) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $26,000. (Average: $20,000). "Janie" (WB) "The Last Ride" (WB) STATE— (2,308) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Moveover from Fox. Gross: $16,000. (Av- erage: $13,000). "Double Indemnity" (Para.) "Port of 40 Thieves" (Rep.) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Moveover from Fox. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $11,000). Study Theatre Ads At S chine Trial (.Continued from page 1) in 1933, testified as to the disposal of Dickinsons' assets including the Palace Theatre in Lockport. He told of meeting with Myer Schine and Willard McKay with regard to the theatres being for sale. Wright then called McKay to the stand presenting the unusual picture of a defense coun- sel being placed on the stand as a Government witness. During the day, Thomas F. Murray of Universal and Stephen W. McGrath of United Artists, were recalled for the purpose of identifying company records subpoenaed by the Govern- ment. $443,328 Net for Greater Union Lt ^r\cft- *< ■ ^V o<" V° I I t^1C £reatest a^"star cast *n screcn History! u era joseph mi mm J OLBERT - JONES - COHEN - TEMPLE - WOOLLEY - DIRECTED BY JOHN CROMWELL • Released 8 Motion Picture Daily Monday, October 9, 1944 By THALIA BELL Hollywood, -Oct. 8 THE Warner studio plans to con- tinue its present heavy production schedule throughout October. Five pictures are already in work, and a sixth, "Stolen Life," which stars Bette Davis, is scheduled to go Oct. 23. Those at present before cameras in- clude "Nobody Lives Forever," which stars John Garfield and Geraldine Fitzgerald ; "Pillar to Post," a comedy with Ida Lupino and Sydney Green- street ; "Of Human Bondage" ; "God Is My Co-Pilot" ; and "San Antonio," Technicolor feature starring Errol Flynn. Jack H. Skirball and Bruce Man- ning have signed Claudette Colbert to star in "Guest Wife," probably for United Artists release. • Ralph Lewis, Monogram contract player, has been signed for "John Dil- linger," a gangster drama which the King Brothers will produce. . . . John Calvert has been assigned to play the heazy in "Lawless Empire," latest of Columbia's "Durango Kid" series of Westerns. . . . IV. R. Frank is setting up a national promotional campaign for his picture, "A Boy, a Girl and a Dog." • George Cox, detective story writ- er, has completed work on the M-G-M picture tentatively titled "The Last Express," which Robert Sisk will produce, and in which Ed- ward Arnold will be starred. . . . Martha CDriscoll is set for the feminine lead in the new Abbott and Costello comedy, "Here Come the Co-Eds," which Jean Yarbrough will direct for Universal. How to make a Western without women is to be demonstrated by pro- ducer Sigmund Neufeld in "His Brother's Ghost," starring Buster Crabbe, for PRC. How to make one without horses awaits demonstration by some other pioneer. . . . Paramount Musical Parades producer Lou Harris is six months ahead of his production schedule, with four in the can and two — -"Boogie Woogie" and "Naughty Alouette" — to go. . . . "All officers of the West Coast Studio Warner Club, who successfully have served the or- ganization for several years, recently were unanimously re-elected at a gov- ernors' meeting," according to a dis- patch from the Warner publicity head- quarters, none of them, evidently, be- ing tired old clubmen. Columbia has signed Warner Bax- ter for another group of "Crime Doc- tor" pictures. . . . M-G-M has signed Edward G. Robinson for a principal role in "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes." . . . Harry A. Gourfam, Nezv York stage producer, is to make "Murder in Spades," described as a mystery melodrama with music, for PRC. . . . Kathleen O'Malley. daugh- ter of Pat, the star of silent 'films, has been given a term contract by Uni- rersal and started in "Salome — Where She Danced." Rep. Signs FP-C Toronto, Oct. 8. — Republic has closed with Famous Players-Canadian for its 1944-45 product. 'Years' Stands Out in L. A. With $49,000 Los Angeles, Oct. 8. — "Impatient Years" stood out among the openers in a week of fair weather, getting §49,000 in the Pantages-Hill Street tandem which averages §36,400. "Sev- enth Cross" was strong in FWC's Chinese-Fox, Wilshire-Loew's, State- Uptown setting, collecting $71,900 against a $61,850 average. "Wilson" moved from the Carthay Circle and United Artists to continuous run at the Four Star after seven weeks and six days. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 4: "Wilson" (20th-Fox) CARTHAY CIRCLE— (1,516) (85c-$1.10- S1.50) 7 days. 8th week. Gross: S11.250. (Average: $11,200). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) CHINESE — (2.500) (50c-60c-85c-Sl,00) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $15,000). "Kismet" (M-G-M) EGYPTIAN — (1.000) (50c-60c-85c -51.00) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $9,500). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) FOX - WILSHIRE — (2,300) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average: $11,750). "The Invisible Man's Revenge" (UniV.) "Dead Man's Eyes" (Univ.) HAW AH — (1,000) (50c-60c-S0c-$l.O0) 7 davs, 3rd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $6,200). "The Impatient Years" (Col.) "Shadows in the Night" (Col.) HILLSTREET — (2,700) (50c-60c-80c) 7 days. Gross: $25,000. (Average: $19,700). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) LOEWS STATE — (2,500) $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $32,500. $34,100). "Kismet" (M-G-M) LOS ANGELES — (2.096) (50c-60c-85c- (Average: (50c-60c-S5c- $1.00) 7 davs. 2nd week. Gross: $25,000. (Average: $14,900). "The Impatient Years" (Col.) "Shadows in the Night" (Col.) PANTAGES— (2.000) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $24,000. (Average: $16,700). "Going My Way" (Para.) PARAMOUNT (HOLLYWOOD) — (1,407) (50C-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 7th week. Gross: $H.5C0. (Average: $11,000). "Going My Way" (Para.) PARAMOUNT (DOWNTOWN) — (3,595) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 davs, 7th week. Gross: S17.000. (Average: $20,300). "Kismet" (M-G-M) RITZ— (1,376) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,500. (Average: S8.700). "Wilson" (ZOth-Fox) UNITED ARTISTS— (2,100) (85c-$1.10- 31.50) 7 days. 8th week. Gross: S19.500. (Average: S16.6O0). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) UPTOWN — (1,716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $12,800. (Average: $10,500). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) WARNER BROS. (HOLLYWOOD) — (3.000) (50c-6Cc-80c-$1.00) 7 davs, 2nd week. Gross: $17,812. (Average: $17,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) WARNER BROS. (DOWNTOWN) — (3,400) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 davs. 2nd week Gross: $18,560. (Average: $18,700) "Arsenic and Old Lace (WB) WARNER BROS. (WILTERN) (2.200) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $16,594. (Average: $15,200). Goldstein to Monogram Boston, Oct. 8.— Harry Goldstein, for the past 20 years associated with M. and P. and Paramount-Publix in this_ territory, has been named pro- motion and public relations head for Monogram here, to handle New England. McDonnell Branch Head Grover McDonnell, former sales- man with Republic in Dallas, has been named manager of the Monogram branch in Oklahoma City. OF THE CINEMA'S FASTEST SELLING MAGAZINE SELLS UP TO 36% FASTER* THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE IN THE FIELD Yes, until every single copy is sold out, Photoplay sells at a faster rate than any other magazine in the field! That's because Photoplay has not sacrificed quality for quantity, character and position for extra sales. First ambassador of a great industry to its public, Photoplay keeps on giving the public more text, more color, more top-flight writers and illustrators than any other magazine in the field. ''Established by a recenl survey involving 4 consecutive issues covering sales of more than 20,000 newsstands. PHOTOPLAY FAVORITE OF AMERICA'S FIRST MILLION MOVIE-GOERS GEORGE SANDERS — Photoplay's digest of the first mystery novel by the cinema's top detective. JENNIFER JONES from the man FRANK SINATRA — "The Voice" wh0 knows her best,in a scoop-exclusive lakes to printer's ink to make a point Dy Louella. with Photoplay's important million. / Bob Walker Talks about Jennifer Jones Louella O. Parsons i If My Daughter Were Seventeen- Frank Sinatra i Crime on My Hands -George Sanders ; Visit from Van Johnson Elsie Janis ; That's Hollywood for You! Sidney Sfeolsky < What Kind of Woman Will Your Man Come Home to? Ann Sothern < Cowboy in the Velvet — Roy Rogers Thornton Delehanty < Impressions, Pearl S. Buck <■. If You Were Alan Ladd's House Guest Eleanor Harris I Growing Pains "Fearless" 52 Glorious De Haven Ruth Waterbury 54 "Why I'm Still Single" 56 Measure of a Man — John Wayne Rosemary West 58 Photoplay's Command Performance 60 The Tired Admiral — Richard Jaeckel Fredda Dudley 62 What Should I Do? 64 Your problems answered by Claudette Colbert ROY ROGERS — another Delehanty gem for Roy's fabulous fans. June Allyson 37 Van Johnson 39 Laraine Day 42 Jeanne Crain 42 Beauty 134 Brief Reviews 26 Casts of Current Pictures 131 Gloria De Haven 43 Joyce Reynolds 43 Roy Rogers 46 Katharine Hepburn 48 Inside Stuff — Cal York 6 Photoplay's First Run Fashions 75 Speak for Yourself 4 The Shadow Stage 21 PAUL HESSE's cover portrait of Judy Garland that almost breathesl Fred R. Sammis, Editorial Director Elaine Osterman, Western Manager Marian H. Quinn, Associate Editor Edmund Davenport, Art Director Helen Gilmore, Editor Adele Whiteley Fletcher, Associate Editor Sara Hamilton, Associate Editor Ruth Waterbury, Contributing Editor ANN SOTHERN pens pro\J lines for the wives of millions of no1, coming fighters. PEARL S. BUCK — a Photoplay exclusive in her first for any motion picture magazine. Hymie Fink, Staff Photographer Cover: Judy Garland, Natural Color Photograph by Paul Hesse Costume designed by Irene, Executive Designer of M-G-M Studios GLORIA DE HAVEN — inimitable acter portrait by inimitable Waterbury. -PHOTOPLAY y^L^u y^Qjpu^ca^ OLDEST 7^^c^tcca^ Monday, October 9, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 11 Studios Have 52 Shooting; Six New Ones Hollywood, Oct. 8. — Production remained steady last week, as work was started on six features and four —others were completed. At the week's VCnd the production index stood at 52. The production scene follows : Columbia Started: "Lawless Empire," with Charles Starrett, Mildred Law, John Calvert, Bob Wills & Band; "Let's Go Steady," with Pat Parrish, Jackie Moran, June Preisser, Arnold Stang, Skinnay Ennis & Band. Shooting: "Eadie Was a Lady," 'Counterattack," 'Together Again." M-G-M Shooting: "Hold High the Torch," "Women's Army, "Thrill of a Ro- mance," "The Clock," "Son of Las- sie," "Valley of Decision." Monogram Finished: "Saddle Pals." Shooting: "G. L Honeymoon." Paramount Shooting: "Duffy's Tavern," "High Man," 'Salty O'Rourke," 'Miss Susie Slagle's." PRC Started : "You Can't Stop Romance," with Kay Aldridge, Dave O'Brien, Smith Ballew, Isobel Randolph ; "His Brother's Ghost," with Buster Crabbe and Al St. John. • Shooting: "Strange Illusion." RKO Radio Shooting: "Come Share My Love," "China Sky," "Experiment Perilous," "Zombies on Broadway," "Isle of the Dead" (suspended), "It's a Pleasure" (International), "Wonder Man" (Goldwyn), "Tarzan 'and the Ama- zons" (Lesser). Republic Finished: "Lake Placid Serenade." Started: "The Vampire's Ghost," with John Abbott, Peggy Stewart, Grant Withers, Charles Gordon, Adele Mara. Shooting: "Chicago Kid," "Topeka Terror," "Hitchhike to Happiness,'' "The Great Flamarion" (William Wilder). 20th-Fox Started: "Bon Voyage," with Jeanne Crain, Aubrey Smith, Joan Blondell, Lynn Bari. Shooting: "Czarina," "Where Do We Go From Here?" "Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe," "Hangover Square," "Nob Hill." United Artists Finished: "Brewster's Millions" (Small). Shooting: "Hold Autumn in Your Hand," (PAC), "Delightfully Dan gerous" (Rogers) (formerly "High Among the Stars) ; "It's in the Bag' (Skirball). Universal Shooting: "Fairy Tale Murder,' "The Suspect," "Salome — Where She Danced," "Frisco Sal." Warner Started: "The Big Sleep," with Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bachall. Shooting: "God Is My Co-Pilot," "Pillar to Post," "Of Human Bond- Mexican Business Up 50%: Pratchett Arthur L. Pratchett, Paramount manager for Central America, who arrived here recently for home office conferences, said in an interview at the weekend that theatre business in Mexico today is approximately 50 per cent above what it was three years ago. Mexico now has 79 theatres with an average seating capacity of 2,500 and an average admission charge of 60 cents to $1. Mexican films, to- gether with the Spanish pictures made in the Argentine, occupy 50 to 70 per cent of the playing time, while the 375 films of the United States take the balance of the time, Pratchett said. Mexico is now producing 65-70 fea tures annually at a cost of $70,000 each. No dubbed films have as yet been shown in Mexico, he said. Other business in Central America is up some 10 to 20 per cent over pre-war years, but has been most noticeable in places such as Panama, Puerto Rico and Trinidad, where Army bases have been built, he reported. Here the av- erage pay before the U. S. entered was $1 a day and has since been raised to $4 daily. English, as a lan- guage, is being spoken more and more by the better class in all countries south of the border. Pratchett will be in New York for 10 days before returning to Mexico City, his home base. Among other things he will discuss post-war plans with Paramount home office execu- tives. Appoint 18 State Chairmen to 6th War Loan Campaign (Continued from paye 1) lowing his acceptance, Kingsberg said he will soon announce his committee which will operate in this area cover- ing the 14 down-state counties of New York. Among the other state chairmen ap- pointed were the following : from Maine, Connie Russell, of Bangor ; Vermont, Frank Vennett, Rutland ; New Hampshire, Ed Fahey, Manches- ter; Massachusetts, Sam Pinanski, Boston ; Connecticut, Harry Shaw, New Haven ; Upstate New York, C. J. Latta. Albany ; Northern New Jersey, Harry Lowenstein and Frank Damis, Newark ; Southern New Jer- sey and Eastern Pennsylvania, Ben Fertel, Philadelphia ; W estern Penn- sylvania, M. A. Silver, Pittsburgh. Also, from Delaware, A. Joseph Defiore, Wilmington ; Maryland, Frank Durkee, Baltimore ; Washing- ton, D. C, Hardie Meaken ; Virginia, Morton G. Thalheimer, Richmond ; West Virginia, Sol Hyman, Hunting- ton ; North Carolina, George T. Car- penter, Valdese, and Wisconsin, Har- old Fitzgerald, Milwaukee. All state chairmen have already signified their acceptance and are now planning for local meetings with their various committees. SO PEG Contests I. A. on Rep. Help The Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild, Local 109, CIO, has contested the IATSE representation of the office employes of the Republic New York film exchange. At a hear- ing before the State Labor Relations Board at the weekend, Local 109 and Local F-51 of the IATSE agreed to a collective bargaining election to be held sometime in December. Local F-51's contract covering these Republic employes expires Nov. 30. SOPEG has contracts with Loew's, 20th Century-Fox, United Artists and Columbia, covering their New York exchanges, while Local F-51 of the IATSE has contracts with the other film companies including Republic. Three in 20th-Fox 8th Block in Nov. Twentieth Century-Fox's eighth block for 1944-45 will be released in November and will include "Laura," "Something for the Boys" and a Brit- ish production, "The Way Ahead." Trade Show 'St. Louis' M-G-M will hold tradeshowings of "Meet Me In St. Louis" in all ex- change centers on Oct. 31. The pic- ture will be included in the company's 10th block and released generally about New Year's. A world premiere is planned for St. Louis sometime in November, at Loew's Theatre. Fitzgerald Sets Wisconsin Meeting for Today Milwaukee, Oct. 8. — Following his acceptance as Wisconsin state chairman, Harold J. Fitzgerald wired national chairman Harry Brandt, "We are arranging to have a 'kick-off' meeting on the Sixth War Loan cam- paign with members of the War Ac- tivities Committee of Wisconsin Oct. 9." "As a keynote of the meeting," Fitzgerald said, "we are honoring the oldest independent exhibitor in this territory by inviting as special guests a list of 25 exhibitors who knew him 'when'. We are then going to appoint him honorary chairman and are put- ting his name on our special station ery. Tom Baily Will Be Liaison With Treasury on Drive Tom Baily, executive director of the California Theatre Council and as sociate co-ordinator with John Flinn of the War Activities Committee Hollywood Division, will arrive in New York from Hollywood today to act as liaison for the industry with the War Finance Committee during the Sixth War Loan Drive, and later will make his headquarters in Wash ington -"-ith Ted R. Gamble, National War Finance Director. age," "Nobody Lives Forever," "San Antonio." Independent Shooting: "A Bov, a Girl and a Dog"_(W. R. Frank"). Finished: "Wildfire" (Action Pic- tures) . RKO-Loew'sto Shift Films in Shortage Shortage of available product has led RKO to book M-G-M's "Maisie Goes to Reno" and United Artists' "The Hairy Ape" into its Albee Theatre in Brooklyn, two films which would ordinarily go to the Loew's circuit in the customary product split- up between the two circuits in the New York area. Loew's officials are understood to have cooperated in releasing the films for the Albee. They will play the re- mainder of the Loew circuit in the metropolitan area, however. Timely as Today's Headlines! SECRET MISSION A MARCEL HELLMAN PRODUCTION booked by LOEW'S RKO and other major circuits throughout the country! A Stunning Thriller of the French Underground starring JAMES MASON (Of "Thunder Rock" Fame) and CARLA LEHMANN (Of "Candlelight in Algeria") with HUGH MICHAEL WILLIAMS WILDING Flash Reviews: "Exciting and entertaining with thrilling situations!" —FILM DAILY "The psychological time is now to show this film .. . . superb sequence and good comedy!" —MOTION PICTURE DAILY "Has a valuable topical quality . . . exciting cumula- tive effect . . . suspenseful!" —BOX OFFICE • "Good entertainment!" —SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW Distributed By ENGLISH FILMS, Inc. 1560 BROADWAY, New York City ERyant 9-6073 KEEP SELLING WAR BONDS! FIGHT BY THE SIDE OF THE TROOPS THAT NEVER STOP! Yes, our product is Scotch . . . when it comes to demanding the last dime the traffic will bear ...and at any box-office in the land... Hoot Mon!...EIse why would we unleash such an all-out array of posters, trailers, heralds, cut-outs and banners ... if we expected half of the local amusement dollar ... to stay sweatin' in the laddies' and lassies' hands? . . . Why indeedy? . . . For though the weather be darrk and dismal and dirrty . . . whenever we hear th' shillin's bounce on the ticket ledge ... it is always a braw, bricht, moonlicht nicht, th' nicht . . . Aye laddie! . . . For then we know that theatre ... is usin' advertisin' that's verra guid . . . Ours! MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert. tion Picture Industry jl VOL. 56. NO. 70 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1944 TEN CENTS Rsks NWLB Studio Strike Intervention Ruddy Acts as Attempt At Conciliation Fails Hollywood, Oct. 9. — Commis- sioner Earl Ruddy, through the Federal Labor Conciliation Serv- ice, today moved to carry the union jurisdictional fight involving the Con- ference of Studio Unions and the American Federation of Labor to the National War Labor Board for in- tervention. This decision followed the failure of the dissident groups to arrive at any conclusion this morning in a meeting at Rud- dy's quarters in the Federal (Continued on page 10) 24 Million Feet of Raw Stock Lost Washington, Oct. 9. — Vacations and the annual clean-up of raw film stock manufacturing machinery cost the photographic industry about 24,- 000,000 square feet of film in the third quarter, it was disclosed today by the War Production Board. Reaching a new all-time record pro- duction of almost 160,000,000 square feet in the second quarter, output dropped to 136,000,000 square feet in the suceeding three months, the Board reported. Board officials estimated that 85 per (.Continued on page 11) U. S. Supreme Court Upholds Theatre Law Washington, D. C, Oct. 9.— Re- fusing to review a decision of the New York Supreme Courts, under ' which damages were assessed against the 46th Street Theatre for refusing to honor a purchased ticket, the Su- preme Court today in effect affirmed the validity of the New York State Civil Rights Law. The suit was of indirect interest to exhibitors in New York because of the challenge of the law by the theatre on the ground that it was discriminatory in that it applied to legitimate theatres, but not to mo- tion picure houses and certain other types of amusements. The Court today began the hearing of arguments on cases before it and is expected to reach the Crescent Amusement Company appeals in about 10 days. Treasury Says U. S. Theatre Tax Not as High as England's Washington, Oct. 9. — The Treas- ury Department today issued a com- parative analysis of English and American admission taxes, showing that the former range as high as five times as much as is imposed on tickets in this country. The English taxes start at 1-half penny on a three-cent admission, translated by the Depart- ment to one cent on a five-cent ticket, and in two instances, at the 50-cent and 83^-cent levels, reach 100 per cent. "Entertainments chargeable at the full rates, except the very cheapest, are subject to a duty in the United Kingdom two to five times as high as in the United States," the Department (Continued on page 4) Cowdin Heads Films In N. Y. Fund Drive J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the board of directors of Universal, is heading the motion picture industry section of the commerce and industry division of the New York War Fund's unified appeal for 31 member agen- cies, including the USO, United Sea- men's Service and War Prisoners' Aid. The commerce and industry di- vision's quota of $12,130,000 is a 10 per cent increase over last year in the city-wide campaign to raise $17,- 200,000. Richard W. Lawrence, president of Bankers Commercial Corp., who is chairman of this year's drive, has ap- (Continued on page 11) Court May Approve Schine Sale Oct. 16 Buffalo, Oct. 9.— Sale of the State and Appalachia the- atres, Appalachia, Virginia ; the Viv Theatre, Corbin, Ken- tucky, and the Liberty The- atre, Pikesville, Kentucky, by the Schine Circuit to A. C. Hayman under the temporary order of the Federal Court will be confirmed by Federal Judge John C. Knight here on Oct. 16, unless prior to that time sufficient reasons appear to the court why confirmation should be refused, according to an order made by Judge Knight today, following a hearing in chambers. Business is Dull Along Broadway; Set 5 New Films Business on Broadway is generally dull this week with few houses re- porting outstanding grosses compar- able to those of the past few months. However, with the arrival of five new films this week, the situation is ex- pected to be improved. The new arrivals are consigned to Radio City Music Hall, Roxy, Holly- wood, Paramount and Criterion. "Ca- sanova Brown" will wind up a four- week run at the Music Hall tomorrow night with about $96,000 for the fourth and final week, based on the $64,000 taken in the first four days through Sunday night. M-G-M's "Mrs. Park- (Continued on page 11) 20th-Fox Executives to Attend Willkie Rites Today; Offices to Close at 1 P. M. Twentieth Century-Fox's offices here will close at 1 P. M. today in deference to Wendell L. Willkie, former board chairman, who died etfrly Sunday morning of . a heart condition induced by a streptococcic infection, with many executives expected to attend funeral services at 3 P. M. at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Company exchanges will close between three and four o'clock today throughout the country. National Theatres' offices will observe two-minutes of silence today in tribute to Willkie. Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox president, and Tom Connors, vice- president, are scheduled to arrive by plane from the Coast in time to attend services. Murray Silverstone, vice-president in charge of foreign sales, in a wire from Hollywood, said: "The passing of Wendell Willkie will be mourned all over the world by all those who cherish freedom and liberty." Other company executives who paid tributes to Willkie included, besides Skouras and Silverstone, Connors, Joseph M. Schenck, Darryl F. Zanuck, and Charles Skouras. On the Coast, all studios will cease activities for five minutes at 11:45 a.m. today. See Theatre Equipment Innovations New Carbon, Improved Projector Forthcoming By SAM HONIGBERG Chicago, Oct. 9. — Manufactur- ers of theatre equipment promised new and revolutionary items, for theatres after the war at the annual convention of the Theatre Equipment Dealers Protective Association which Closed its three-day meet at the Bis- marck Hotel here yesterday. During a three-hour "exchange of postwar ideas" conference yesterday between manufacturers and dealers, E. Allen Williford, manager of the Carbon Sales Division, National Carbon Co., revealed the firm will have a new and (Continued on page 10) Depinet Sets 41 on 6th War Loan Drive Ned E. Depinet, chairman of the distribution division in the Sixth War Loan Drive, yesterday announced the line-up of his committee of 41 mem- bers in 31 key cities. Distribution chairmen in the following districts Metropolitan : Jack Bowen, district chairman, with Ralph for New York and B. Abner f Jersey. Northeastern : A. M Paramount, district chairman following Paramount men in h New Haven, John Moore ; (Continued on page.H) Loew's, Pielow or New . Kane, and the is area ; Albany. Businessmen Seek Visas for Europe I Washington, Oct. 9 ton, president of the -Eric Johns- Chamber oi" Commerce of the United States, has proposed to Secretary of State Cor- dell Hull that American businessmen be permitted as rapidly as possible to go to liberated areas of Europe which are no longer combat zones. Hull's reply, some advisers say, (Continued on page 4) Reviewed Today Reviews of "The Woman in the Window," RKO, and "They Live in Fear," Columbia, will be found on page 5; and "Bluebeard," PRC, on page 11. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, October 10, 1944 Settle E. Orange Anti-Trust Case The long pending anti-trust action brought by the East Orange Amuse- ment Co. against Warner Bros, and other distributors, has been amicably settled and the action has been dis- continued with releases being ex- changed. The defendants had at all times denied liability and it is pointed out tnat trie settlement is in no way an admission of any liability or wrong- doing. 'ihe action differed from the usual anti-trust action in that the East Orange Amusement Co. brought the suit in its capacity as the owner ot the real estate, as distinguished from an exhibitor. The distributors had moved to dismiss the complaint upon the ground that the realty owner, as such, had no standing to bring an ac- tion under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, but the court sustained the East Orange Amusement's complaint. Conspiracy Charged East Orange Amusement had charged the distributors with a con- spiracy whereby the various lessees of the theatre were unable to obtain product with the result that the own- er of the theatre was unable to main- tain it profitably and had lost the property under foreclosure. The de- fendants against whom the action was brought were the eight major compa- nies ; and Moe, Joe and Myron Kridell, who had owned and operated a competing theatre and who had at one time been the lessees of the East Orange Amusement's theatre. Their action was settled and East Orange Amusement alleged that under the terms of the settlement the Kridells had been able to make an arrange- ment under which they received prod- uct in their own competing theatre and the East Orange Amusement's theatre was left without product. Alvin T. Sapinsley, attorney, ar- ranged the settlement for East Orange Amusement. Personal Mention No Boost in Scales For 'Creek': Reagan "Frenchman's Creek," will be ex- hibited at regular admission scales, Charles M. Reagan, Paramount vice- president in charge of distribution, announced today. It is planned to give the production day-and-day openings as a Christmas holiday attraction in key cities, with pre-release engage- ments in several centers. Reagan said the response on the part of the public and exhibitors to the regular price policy of "Going My Way" has demonstrated the sound- ness of this policy. Award for WB 'Boats' St. Louis, Oct. 9. — The command- ant of the local Naval District, for the U. S. Navy will present a scroll to Warners for its two-reel film. "Devil Boats," story of P-T boats, at an invitation premiere of the picture at the St. Louis Theatre late this month. EDWARD C. RAFTERY, United Artists president, returned to his office yesterday from Narragansett, R. I. Howard Burkhaedt, manager of Loew's State, Cleveland, visited last week in Baltimore with his son, Daniel, recently inducted into the U. S. Marine Corps. • Wilson Turner, brother of John- ny Turner, film booker and buyer for the Warner circuit in Philadel- phia, has joined the Universal ex- change there. • Rufus Blair of the Paramount publicity office is in Cleveland visiting film editors of metropolitan news- papers there. ... • Frank J. A. McCarthy, Universal Southern and Canadian sales manager, is in Atlanta conferring with R. B. Wilby and W. K. Jenkins. • Robert Paige, Universal script writer, arrived in New York yester- day for a few days' visit. He is ac- companied by his wife. • David Coplan, United Artists act- ing managing director in Great Brit- ain, is back from Hollywood. • Rodney Bush, '20th Century-Fox exploitation manager, returned here yesterday from Omaha and Chicago. • Phil Reisman, RKO vice-president in charge of foreign distribution, has arrived in Rio de Janeiro. • A. W. Smith, Jr., 20th-Fox East- ern division manager, is expected to return here from Dallas on Friday. • Harry Weiss has been named to handle 20th Century-Fox exploitation in the Cleveland territory. • Lester B. Isaac, Loew's projection and sound head, is visiting Loew the- atres in Ohio this week. • Benedict Bogeaus, United Artists producer, has arrived in New York irom the Coast. JACK L. WARNER and Charles Einfeld are expected in New York from the Coast on Friday. • Arthur W. Kelly, president of Eagle-Lion, will leave tomorrow for Detroit to attend the Silver Anniver- sary banquet of Allied Theatres of Michigan. • Marilyn Landers, 14 - year - old daughter of George Landers, city manager for E. M. Loew's Theatres in Hartford, is a patient at the New Britain General hospital. • William A. Johnston, former pub- lisher of Motion Picture News, is re- cuperating from - -injuries sustained when he was struck by an automobile in Los Angeles. • Walter Brooks, assistant to H. M. Richey, M-G-M's exhibitor relations head, left New York over the week- end to attend the Allied of Michigan convention in Detroit. • Ted Tod, Warners' publicity chief in Chicago, is a patient at St. Luke's hospital in that city where he is recov- ering from a back injury. • Joseph Quittner, co-owner of the Quittner and Perakos circuit in Con- necticut, was an East Hartford visitor recently. • Joseph Feldman, assistant zone manager for Warner Theatres in the Pittsburgh territory, has returned to that city from New York. • E. H. Kleinert and Irving Ve- shel, PRC producers, are en route to New York from the Coast. • Margaret Ettinger, Hollywood publicist, arrived in New York yes- terday frorn the Coast. • Lester Cowan arrived in New York from Washington yesterday and left for the Coast last night. Irving Rapper, Warner director, will leave here for Hollywood this week. Col. Asks Dismissal Of 35 Million Suit Boston, Oct. 9. — Louis Froblich, Columbia attorney, has arrived here from New York to argue for the dis- missal of an alleged plagiarism action against the company by Edwin N. Brody, author of the unproduced play, "Against the Law." Brody contends that Columbia infringed portions of his play in no less than 24 pictures, and is seeking damages computed to be be- tween $35,000,000 and $50,000,000. Frohlich will ask Judge George C. Sweeny of the District Court to dis- miss the action, claiming the plaintiff has not shown that Columbia ever had any access to his work. Harry Ball Sues on First-Run Rights Pittsburgh, Oct. 9. — Trial of the suit brought by Harry Norman Ball, Philadelphia trustee, involving the Penn Theatre, Amb ridge, has opened here. The question of whether or not the Penn Theatre 6hall continue as a first run is to be determined in a non- jury trial which will be presided over by Federal Judge F. P. Scoonmaker. Balls claims that following the ex- piration of his contract with distribu- tors, the Penn was offered second or third run pictures. First run was sold to the State Theatre nearby. The ac- tion, he charged, was in violation of the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust acts. The Season's Surprise Hit I "MY PAL, WOLF" with SHARYN MOFFETT Jill Esmond Una O'Connor George Cleveland Charles Arnt Claire Carleton An RKO Radio Picture BRANT'S REPUBLIC B'way between 51st and 52nd Streets Phone CO-5-9647 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL • Showplace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GARY COOPER — TERESA WRIGHT in International Pictures' "CASANOVA BROWN" NEW DISNEY CARTOON AND "ROCKEFELLER CENTER" ("THIS IS AMERICA" SERIES) Spectacular Stage Presentation 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600 RKO Short Features now at RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 8§ Visiters Donald Duacj r^^"™7ATA7I7uNT™PRESEN^^™1^^ Fred Mao Murray Barbara Stanwyck Edward G. Robinson "DOUBLE INDEMNITY" IN PERSON THE ANDREWS SISTERS MITCH FLL AYRFS AND HIS BAND. PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek* ^ RIV0LI, B'way & 49th St ^ B'WAY & 47th St. PALACE "MUSIC IN MANHATTAN" ANNE SHIRLEY DENNIS DAY PHILIP TERRY ON SCREEN 'HAIL THE ' CONQUERING HERO' EDDIE BRACKEN ELLA RAINES IN PERSON Willie HOWARD America's Great Character Comic ADDED ATTRACTION PHIL BRITO Radio's Newest Singing Sensation MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York; 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Barnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." AH contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. - Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. WENDELL L. WILLKIE Chairman of the Board TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX FILM CORPORATION 3n IHemortam ©rtnbpr Bit?, 1344 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, October 10, 1944 Hollywood Hold on Latin Market Insecure: Golden $50,000 Raised at Roosevelt Dinner U. S. Raw Stock To Canada Troops American distributors have agreed to make available enough 16 mm. raw stock to supply the film wants of Can- adian troops stationed in Great Britain, it has been learned here. The Canadi- ans were previously supplied from England, and when the British War Ministry disclos- ed that it could not allocate any more stock, a supply was sought from New York. Jos- eph Friedman, chairman of the War Activities Committee in London and Columbia's manager in Great Britain, participated in the discus- sions here. To Discuss Theatre Video at SMPE Meet Ralph B. Austrian, RKO television head, will discuss the economic aspects of theatre television at the 56th semi- annual technical conference of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers which will get underway at the Hotel Pennsylvania here next Monday and continue until Wednesday. Technical developments and economic considera- tions relating to theatre television will occupy a prominent place as subjects of discussion at the conference. Also due for thoroughgoing consid- eration, according to a tentative list of papers scheduled by Barton Kreuzer, chairman of the papers committee, are the production and expanding use of 16mm. motion pictures, and the latest advances in sound recording, film processing, lighting , and equipment. Highlights of the conference will be the announcement of winners of the society's Journal Award and its Prog- ress Medal for 1944 and the presenta- tion of these awards at an informal dinner-dance, Tuesday evening, Oct. 17. Newly-elected officers for 1945 also will be announced at that time. The tentative program announced by William C. Kunzmann includes morning and afternoon technical ses- sions. Says U. S. Tax Not As High as England's (Continued from page 1) reported. "For instance, the average admission charge to a motion picture theatre in the United States is about 32 cents, upon which the federal tax is six cents, but in the United King- dom a comparable admission charge would be taxed at 2V/2 cents." How- ever, information available in other quarters in Washington indicates that the average admission charge in En- gland is in the lOjX-pence to one- shilling bracket, or from 17^ to 21 cents, on which the tax is 14 cents, or 67 to 80 per cent. No analysis was made of the impact of the Canadian admission tax, which is 20 per cent, the same as in this country. Ed Kuykendall, MPTO president, warned exhibitors recently that the Treasury still is endeavoring to have a 30 per cent Federal admissions tax enacted. Washington, Oct. 9. — Technical weaknesses in American feature pic- tures and failure to furnish films in the native languages or with backgrounds or themes of Latin American interest are the major drawbacks to whole- hearted acceptance of Hollwyood's product in Central and South America, it is indicated in a report on those markets by Nathan D. Golden, chief of the motion picture unit of the De- partment Commerce. The report, second of a series which will cover the world with the exception of the Axis countries, deals with con- ditions in 25 countries south of the United States, having a total of 6,848 theatres with a .seating capacity for 4,085,172 persons, in which American pictures constitute 80 per cent of all features shown. Door Left Open That the industry's failure to cater more definitely to the more than 130,- 000,000 people in those countries has left the door open to competition which in postwar years may become an im- portant factor is demonstrated by the 121 pictures produced in Latin Amer- ica in 1942, which were highly popular. Sixty of the pictures were produced in Mexico and 56 in Argentina ; both countries have large spheres of in- fluence, important with respect to Argentina, whose sympathies for years have been anti-democratic and whose films may reflect Nazi influences. "American films are preferred by Latin American audiences because of the strong appeal exerted by our American film stars, our technical pro- ficiency and the lavishness of our productions," it was declared by Amos E. Taylor, director of the Bu- reau of Foreign and Domestic Com- merce, in a foreword to the 201 -page report. "The survey here presented discloses that films purchased in the studios of Mexico and Argentina are coming to constitute, today, rather potent competition. Films from these countries are produced in Spanish with native casts and are therefore" more readily understood by motion-picture patrons in the rural centers who can- not easily follow the Spanish super- imposed titles at the base of our English-dialog films. "The importance to the American Harman to Produce Full-Length Films Hollywood, Oct. 9. — Hugh Har- man, cartoon producer, intends con- centrating future production on full- length features, using cartoon and live action combinations. "King Arthur," "Hollywood Merry-Go-Round" and "The Little Prince" are on his pro- gram. For the latter, he may have Orson Welles as co-producer. Cur- rent plan provides for 10 per cent car- toon technique and the remainder live action on "King Arthur." Branton Raises $225,000 Des Moines, Oct. 9.— G. Ralph Branton, general manager of Tri- States Theatre Corp.. here, has raised a total of $225,000 as chairman of a voluntary committee to provide funds for a new nurses' home at Mercy Hospital. industry of maintaining this Latin American market as an outlet for its production cannot be over-emphasized, especially when one notes that 80 per cent of the films shown in that great area are of American make," the re- port says. "A continuance of this high percentage is obviously vital to the economics of the American motion- picture industry in the postwar era." The report showed that American war pictures have not been too popular and there is much criticism of scenes in which American civil, military or navy personnel ridicule their own mili- tary and naval institutions, and on the whole "it is believed that the most effective propaganda • influence that American films can exercise lies not in war pictures or 'good neighbor' pic- tures, but in providing high grade en- tertainment that at the same time in- terprets authentic American life and ideals." Dubbing Foremost "The consensus among the local dis- tributors of American films is that the duplication of selected films in Spanish dialog with Spanish-speaking actors or, alternatively, dubbing would do more to increase the popularity of American films than any other fac- tor," it was stated in a discussion of possible improvements. "Duplication would, of course, eliminate the ad- vantage of already-popular stars', but it is believed that language is a consider- ably more important element. Some distributors feel that dubbing would not be well received by first-run audi- ences who would prefer the actors speak in their own tongue, but the re- ported relative success of previously shown dubbed pictures would indicate that such films would have a greater over-all popularity than 'titled' pic- tures." Although either of these two prac- tices would not pay if only one mar- ket were involved, it is pointed out that the usefulness of such films in the greater part of Latin America, partic- ularly in the face of increasing Mex- ican and Argentine competition, would be a favorable factor, and the desir- ability of such a practice would be en- hanced by the resultant increased ef- fectiveness of propaganda, according to the report. RKO to Send 140 Christmas Boxes RKO will send about 140 Christ- mas packages to former employes now serving in the armed forces. The project is financed by a joint fund to which present employes and the com- pany contribute voluntarily. Each box this year will include two cartons of cigarettes, fruit cake, candy, cookies, tooth paste, shaving utensils for the men and cosmetics for the women. This year marks the third Christmas service mailing for the com- pany. Shedding His Worries? Des Moines, Oct. 9, — After 20 years consecutive service with RKO here, Bob Leach, booker, will leave Oct. 14 to take over operation of the Moulton Theatre, Moulton, la., which he recently purchased. Hollywood, Oct. 9. — Although the final tally is not yet available, the Hollywood Democratic Committee to- day anticipated that campaign con- tributions raised at the dinner in the Ambassador Hotel here on Sunday under the auspices of the "Hollywood Is for Roosevelt" committee will reach $50,000. Approximately $17,500 goes to the Columbia Broadcasting System for radio time divded over 19 station from Denver west. Over 1,000 per- sons attended, including many promi- nent figures aligned with the Roose- velt candidacy. Contributing $1,000 each were Sam- uel Goldwyn, Walter Wanger, Charles Einfeld, Joan Crawford, Mervyn Le- Roy, Al Jolson, William Morris and Mrs. William Goetz. Jack Warner contributed $2,000, while Claudette Colbert, Otto Preminger, Allen Riv- kin, Arthur Lyons, Arthur Schwartz, Harry Tugend and Sol Lesser pledged smaller sums. A star-studded show followed the broadcast by Secretary of the Inter- ior Harold L. Ickes. Stagehands Hit on Theatre Practice St. Louis, Oct. 9.— The St. Louis Star-Times has commented editorially on the demand of the AF of L Inter- national Association of Stagehands that St. Louis motion picture theatres employ more stagehands than they need. The union dispute is being heard here by Jules Kohn of Kansas City, a Regional Labor Board arbitrator. The Star -^Times said in part : "At a War Labor Board hearing here the other day the director of a theatre company repeated the old charge that he is forced to employ more stage- hands than he needs. "No union can afford to ignore the difference between an honest job at the best possible wages to be secured through collec- tive bargaining and the employment of coercion to collect a pay check for a man who has not earned it One policy commands public respect and support. The other arouses public in- dignation." Boston Officers Are Elected by WB Club Boston, Oct. 9. — At a meeting held by the local Warner Club new officers of the organization were elected. They are : Helen Dwer, president ; Nellie McLaughlin, vice-president in charge of entertainment ; Harold Kritzman, vice-president in charge of welfare ; Warren Gates, vice-president in charge of membership ; Virginia Hal- pin, secretary, and Lester Miller, treasurer. Businessmen Seek Visas for Europe (Continued from page 1) may stress the need for admitting American, British and other Allied business representatives on a basis of equal opportunity, and also may note that the immediate decision on when any businessman may go to Europe is up to Allied military authorities. As soon as the military has given the word, State Department officials say there will be no barriers in the way of issuing passports. Tuesday, October 10, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 'Old Lace' Doubles Cincinnati Par Cincinnati, Oct. 9. — "Arsenic and Old Lace" is heading for double av- erage with a $13,000 gross on a move- over week at RKO's Grand, and "Marriage Is a Private Affair" will do an approximate $14,000 at RKO's Palace. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 11-14: "Barbary Coast Gent" if4 ! AM IT STARTS AT THE THE DATE IS HUM WW El ADAPTED FROM WALTER BRENNAN • LAUREN BACALL- DOLORES MORAN • HOAGY with rxFp cjti / i\ir: finwftS/ V* iYWOOD OCTOBER HtA BOGART f 1ICHAEL- A HOWARD HAWKS PRODUCTION Jules Furthman and V&liam Faulkner JACK L. WARNER Executive Producer) so**20' SAMUEL GOLDWYN presents BOB HOPE WALTER SLEZAK • WALTER BRENNAN • VICTOR McLAGLEN VIRGINIA MAYO Directed by DAVID BUTLER ♦ Associate Producer DON HARTMAN Screen flay by Den Hortmon, MeivUle Sfcavelson and Everett freeman ReLoiod Through RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc. Ufa St*. 29 so f*°» *p ^d to 3, e; 'THE 4*, sua la is is vezy ^a- ecf £5* "its'3 * 4i 2S» o>?£ Kill nAl 7 ^0;^teri?? Wet,?* SCJ-, over ^xveti beLPic^ at ev0^ctUre Pin et 10 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, October 10, 1944 Hollywood Asks NWLB Intervention In Studio Union Deadlock By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 9. IT looks like a busy winter for Armand Schaefer, executive pro- ducer at Republic. He is in charge of no less than 28 features, representing almost half the company's total product for the 1944-45 season. Three are cur- rently in work; "Hitchhike to Hap- piness," a musical, and two melodram- as "The Chicago Kid," and "The Vampire's Ghost." . . . Hillary .Brooke has been signed by RKO for a major role in the Harriet Parsons produc- tion of "The Enchanted Cottage," which John Cromwell will direct. . . . Edmund L. Hartmann will write and produce "The Naughty Nineties," an Abbott and Costello comedy for Uni- versal. . . . Regina Wallace has been signed for a role in "Pillar to Post," a comedy which is in work at Warners. • Lawrence Tierney, a cross-coun- try runner turned actor, is to im- personate the late John Dillinger in the King Brothers' Monogram biography of that brigand. • Jack Benny and Rudy Vallee have been added to the cast of Jack Skir- ball's "It's in the Bag." . . . Options lifted: Dick Erdman's by Warner, Emory Parnell's by RKO Radio, and Adele Mara's by Republic. . . . John Calvert has been assigned to play the heavy in "Lawless Empire," latest of Columbia's "Durango Kid" series of Westerns. . . . Laurel and Hardy, perennially popular below the border, have received the "Good Neighbor" scroll aii'arded annually by the Rod- riguez family of exhibitors. . . . June Home has been signed by Paramount for "The Golden Years." . . . James Bell will have an important role in William Cagney's "Blood on the Sun." . . . Charles Barton will be the asso- ciate producer-director on "Men in Her Diary" at Universal. • Door Schary, Vanguard producer, is back from New York where he conferred with J. P. Marquard on the film version of "So Little Time." . . . Joseph Cotton is another re- turned traveler. . . . Leon From- kees has acquired "King of Proxy Street" by Stanley Kauffmann for PRC Capt. Malcolm Brown, for- mer M-G-M art director, has been retired from the Army and resumes his old duties Oct. 15. . . . Pandro S. Berman is vacationing in Oregon. Later, he goes East for the Broad- way premiere of "Marriage Is a Private Affair." West Virginia Exhibitors — Managers — Guests ATTEND THE 10th ANNUAL CONVENTION DANIEL BOONE HOTEL CHARLESTON, W. VA. Oct. 17th No Reg. fee and free Banquet Plate to paid up members W. VA. MANAGERS ASSOCIATION J. C. Shanklin, Convention Chairman (Continued from page 1) building. The meeting was held behind closed doors, punctuat- ed by shouting audible to re- porters in an outside room. At the morning meeting Walsh flat- ly charged the walkout was an "il- legal strike," adding that the IATSE "always lived up to the rules." Casey repeated that the producers continue to be willing to fit into any legal procedure evolved. Decorators failed to report at Warners this morning. Painters and machinists were pulled out this afternoon. If the NWLB determines upon in- tervention under the law it can order the set decorators, machinists and painters, whose spokesmen maintain they have walked off their jobs but have not struck, to return to their posts pending an election to determine where the jurisdiction lies. Herbert Sorrell, CSU president, and Richard F. Walsh, IATSE presi- dent, both state that they are willing to hold an election "if it can be done auickly." Those familiar with NWLB procedure and its docket, however, were disinclined to credit possibility that speedy action can be forthcoming. Ruddy, therefore, de- termined to wire his headquarters in San Francisco, presenting the facts of the impasse and asking advice on calling the NWLB into the fracas. Others Present Present at the unsuccessful confer- ence were Pat Casey, labor represen- tative for the studios ; D. T. Wayne, nresident of the Machinists' Union ; Ed Mussa. secretary of the Set De- corators Union ; Carl Cooper, Inter- national vice-president of IATSE ; "Cappy" Duval, business agent of the Property Craftsmen's Union, Local 44, and Frank C. Mauritzen and John Lyon, representing the WLB, but who insisted they attended only as "observers." It is believed, however, that they will play an increasingly significant role in the dispute and final settlement. Henry Ginsberg stated that the walkout thus far is not affecting cur- rent Paramount production but con- ceded that shooting will be impaired soon if the condition continues unre- solved. Columbia's production is likewise unimpaired, but the pinch will be felt by the middle of the week if the walk- out continues, a spokesman for that studio said today. At M-G-M, production is likewise so far unaffected, but a studio spokes- man said continuation of the strike Boston Exchanges in Tribute to Willkie Boston, Oct. 9. — Local distributors will unite in tribute to Wendell Will- kie at 20th Century-Fox by observing a one-minute period of silence, and will display the flag over the local of- fices at half-mast during the entire period preceding and during the fune- ral services today for Willkie. Paramount, Universal, Monogram, Warner Brothers, Republic and M-G-M will participate in the tribute and U. S. Senator Sinclair Weeks, a close personal friend of Willkie, said : "The world, the United States, the in- dustry and the people of the world have lost a great friend, a great man." ! would delay the start of new pictures that have been planned. Universal anticipates a walkout tomorrow. Tomorrow, also, Ruddy expects word on NWLB action. None had been received up until a late hour to- night. 3 Washington Agencies Watching Developments Washington, Oct. 9. — Officials of three agencies were closely watching developments in the Hollywood strike situation today, but so far Washing- ton has not been asked to assist in the settlement of the jurisdictional dispute which has affected the M-G-M, Columbia and Paramount studios. So far, the officials said, neither of National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor nor the War Labor Board has been asked to inter- vene, and none of those agencies showed any disposition to move in on the situation at the present time. A spokesman for the WLB, how- ever, said the regional office of the Labor Department's conciliation ser- vice had reported it was working to settle the dispute and that, if it failed the case might be referred to the WLB. Only in the case of emergen- cies affecting the war does the board intervene on its own initiative, and then only after consultation with the Labor Department, it was explained. At the Department of Labor, offi- cials said the regional office would at- tempt to bring the warring unions together and that, if conciliation failed, the matter would be referred to Wash- ington. Until then, they said, the Washington office will not attempt to do anything. The NLRB does not take up labor disputes except upon petition of an in- terested party for an election. No such petition has been received from the unions or the studios, it was said. SPG-Producers Pact Expires; No Walkout Hollywood, Oct. 9. — The five-year contract between the Screen Pub- licists Guild and the producers ex- pired today but has been extended in- definitely pending negotiations for a new pact The guild, according to an SPG spokesman, has been endeav- oring without success for the past 14 months to arrange new terms. Although affiliated with the Con- ference of Studio Unions, SPG has taken no walkout action, and indica- tions are that none is planned. Off Today for MGM 'Romance* Opening A group of M-G-M home office executives will leave today for Cin- cinnati to attend the banquet and spe- cial preview of "An American Ro- mance," to be held at the Netherlands Plaza Hotel and RKO Albee, respec- tively, tomorrow night in advance of the 132-city world premiere. In the group are : Howard Dietz, Silas F. Seadler, William R. Ferguson, Her- bert Crooker, Oscar Doob, William Danziger, and Carl Rigrod of the Donahue & Coe advertising agency. See Theatre Equipment Innovations (Continued from page 1) improved carbon, but assured the trade that no new equipment will be necessary to use it. He urged the dealers and exhibitors to use up sur- plus stocks of victory carbons to be ready for the new product as soon 2s it is ready after the war. He cau tioned not to expect the new product immediately after the war, due to manpower and raw material problems which will take time to iron out. Projector manufacturers promised new and improved models, but ex- plained that due to military secrets and as yet incomplete plans, details cannot be revealed. Among projector representatives to promise new prod- ucts were : H. Bob Engle, sales man- ager of DeVry; L. W. Davee, Cen- tury Projector Corp. executive; Fred J. Wenzel of the Wenzel Pro- jector Co., and Carl M. Weber of the Weber Machine Corp. Predicts High Prices A paper written by Fred Matthews of Motiograph was read by Ray G. Colvin, TEDPA's president and sec- retary. Matthews predicted high prices for equipment after the war, but an excellent demand from the ex- hibitors who are now trained to ap- preciate new and good equipment and are in a better financial shape to buy it. He attributed his high price pre- diction to high costs of operation and raw material, which will continue in the post war period. He, too, pre- dicted new models of projectors and sound reproducers. Chester C. Cooley of Da-Lite Screen, revealed that the beaded screen, because of its no-glare qual- ity and brightness, will be the screen of the future. He added that his company is still experimenting with glass fibre cloth screens, despite their prohibitive costs at this time, but that it has abandoned the thought of man- ufacturing concave screens. Some of the projector manufactur- ers predicted a future in the smaller theatres for the 16 mm projectors be- cause of its economy. DeVry and Wenzel, among others, will make a model using an arc lamp unit. Revolutionize Seating W. A. Gedris of the Ideal Seating Co. claimed that the postwar chair now on the drawing board will revolu- tionize the seating field. Carl M. Weber of the Weber Machine Corp. saw a similarly radical change in the postwar sound reproducer which will come as a complete unit. Colvin said that TEDPA will hold a national trade show in the near future in conjunction with a national exhibitors' group, but did not reveal the name of the association. He urged the manufacturers to revive their dor-, mant organization and was under- stood to have had a discussion on this matter with Williford of National Carbon. Allen G. Smith, theatre equipment chief of WPB in Washington, attend- ed all 'sesstions to answer dealers' questions on equipment regulations. He felt that order L-32S, which regu- lates the flow of theatre equipment, will be "dead and buried" by the time TEDPA meets in convention next year. Tuesday, October 10, 1944 Motion Picture daily ii Business is Dull Along Broadway; Set 5 New Films (.Continued from page 1) ington" will follow it into the Hall. "Greenwich Village" will bring the Roxy a moderate $68,000 for its sec- ond and final week, on the basis of $52,000 taken in on the first five days ending Sunday night. Twentieth P'entury-Fox's "Laura" combined with stage bill featuring Hazel Scott and Jackie Miles, will take over at the Roxy tomorrow. The fifth and final week of "Double Indemnity" will bring the Paramount a modest $50,000. "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay," combined with a stage bill featuring Frank Sinatra and Raymond Paige and his band, will open at the theatre tomorrow. "Doughgirls" will finish a six-week run at the Hollywood to- night with a light $12,000 taken in on the sixth and final week. "To Have and Have Not" will open at the house tomorrow. Universal's "The Merry Monahans" will replace "Gypsy Wild- cat" at the Criterion on Thursday with the latter film bringing $20,000 on its eight days at the theatre. 'Cross' Excellent "The Seventh Cross" is continuing to excellent business at the Capitol, com- bined with a Horace Heidt stage bill, and $/'0,000 is expected on the second week. "Marriage Is a Private Affair" is slated to follow "Cross" into the Capitol. Another film which is doing excellent business is "Frenchman's Creek" at the Rivoli where $54,000 is expected on the third week. "Arsenic and Old Lace" will bring a neat $48,- 000 on its sixth week at the Strand combined with a stage show featuring Charlie Barnet and his band. This film will remain a seventh and final week at the Strand before making way for "The Conspirators." A profitable $27,000 is expected on the seventh week of "Kismet" at the Astor and the film will continue. "Music in Manhattan" is expected to get about $20,000 on its initial week at the Palace on the basis of $9,400 taken in on the first three days ending Sunday night and the film will hold over. "Heavenly Days" follows. "My Pal, Wolf" at the Republic is expected to bring a mild $8,500 on its first week on the basis of $3,000 taken in on the first two days. "Dead Man's Eyes" will be held over for a second week at the Rialto with a fair $9,000 expected on the first week. The Globe will hold "Barbary Coast Gent" for a third and final week with $16,000 expected on the second week ending tonight. "Sweet and Lowdown" will open at the Globe Oct. 18 and will be followed by "Abroad With Two Yanks." "Dangerous Journey" will hold for a third week at the Gotham with $9,000 expected on the second week. "Wilson" will continue its moveover run at the Victoria with a satisfactory second week of $16,000 ending tonight expected. FILM DUBBING SCRIPT ADAPTATION GHOST VOICE SPANISH -PORTUGESE-FRENCH Spanish Sound Studios 41 E. 42 St. N. Y. 17 MU 2-5358 Review "Bluebeard" (PRC) Hollywood, Oct. 9 IF the cast names suggest this is a film above the PRC par, that is correct. The players include John Carradine, Jean Parker, Nils Asther, Ludwig Stossel, George Pembroke, Henry Kolker, Emmett Lynn, Patti McCarty and Iris Adrian. And all these and others turn in concise, clean-cut portrayals of the characters in the unmodernized story of the Bluebeard who terrorized Paris in the last century, Edgar Ulmer netting a neat credit for measured and potent direction. The film's a departure from the standard flow of melodrama and a smartly wrapped package of thrill. Produced by Leon Fromkess, with Martin Mooney as associate, the script by Pierre Gendron, based on the story by Arnold Phillips and Werner H. Furst, concerns an artist who, disappointed in love during his youth, has found himself emotionally impelled thereafter to kill the girls whose portraits he paints. He takes up puppeteering, to keep away from painting, but an art dealer who knOws his past compels him to paint portraits which he sells at highest prices. Disposal of the victims' bodies in the Seine leads, indirectly and through fascinating shifts of circumstances, to detection and ultimate death of the artist. Carradine as the psychiatric painter surpasses any performance he's given lately, or ever, topping a picture that's tops for its company. Runing time, 70 min. Release date, October 15. "G."* William R. Weaver $"G" denotes general classification. Only One Witness For S chine Trial Buffalo, Oct. 9. — Robert L. Wright of the Justice Department called only one witness today, Morris Kronick of the Naval Supply Depot at Scotia, N. Y., former operator of the Or- pheum Theatre at New Amsterdam, as the Schine anti-trust trial resumed here today. Kronick testified he operated the Orpheum from July, 1931, to May 1341, selling the equipment of the house to Schine on the latter date. He admitted he held no lease, but was the tenant. Under direct examination by Wright, Kronick said there was a clause in the contract for purchase and sale that "I would not engage in the same type of business in New Amsterdam for a period of 5 or 10 years, I don't remember which." He said the sale price was $7,000. Schine opened the Regent in New Amsterdam in 1937. He testified under direct examination that he was unable to obtain Warner and 20th- Fox product thereafter but under cross examination by Saul E. Rogers for Schine admitted he obtained other product from major distributors. 24 Million Feet of Raw Stock Lost ( Contin tied from page 1 ) cent of the present output of raw stock is being used for war purposes. How military demands have cut in on available supplies was indicated by comparisons which showed that six times as much gun camera film was needed by the armed services in the third quarter as compared with the first quarter this year ; in terms of screen time more 16-mm film is used to make training pictures than is used by all the Hollywood producers : third- quarter requirements for aero films tripled as compared with first and second quarter requirements and mili- tary demand for X-ray film has more than tripled since Pearl Harbor. Holdovers Slowing Washington Pace Washington, D. C, Oct. 10. — "Arsenic and Old Lace" at Warner's Earle, and Sammy Kaye and his orchestra, with "The Hairy Ape" on the screen at Loew's Capital will do above-average business this week. Other grosses are fair in a somewhat slow week, due to the prevalence of hold-overs at most downtown houses. Estimated receipts for the week ending October 12 are : "The Hairy Ape" (UA) LOEW'S CAPITOL — (3,434) (35c-43c- 55c-72c) 7 days. On stage: Sammy Kaye Orchestra. Gross: $25,000. (Average: $22,- UCO). "Song of the Open Road" (UA) LOEW'S COLUMBIA— (1,234) (43c-55c- 65c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $8,- 200). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) WARNER'S EARLE — (2,210) (44c-55c- 85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd downtown week. On stage: Joey Rardin. Gross: $22,500. (Av- erage: $19,700). "Christmas Holiday" (Univ.) RKO KEITH'S— (1,800) (35c-44c-65c-74c) 7 days, 2nd downtown week. Gross: $11,- 000. Average: $13,600). "Secret Command" (Col.) WARNER'S METROPOLITAN— (1,600) (35c -55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $7,200). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOEW'S PALACE— (2,242) (43c-55c-65c) 7 days, 3rd downtown week. Gross: $14,- 000. (Average: $19,000). Cowdin Heads Films In N. Y. Fund Drive (.Continued from page 1) pointed Harold W. McGraw, vice president of the McGraw Hill Pub lishing Co., chairman of the commerce and industry division of the campaign which will carry the War Fund ap- peal directly into 60,000 corporations and firms as well as professions throughout the city. James A. Farley, who was last year's chairman of this division, will continue in an active capacity as hon- orary chairman of the commerce and industry groups. Actress' Father Dies Hollywood, Oct. 9. — Eugene Falk- enberg, father of Jinx Falkenburg, film actress, died today in Mexico City of a heart attack. Depinet Sets 41 on 6th War Loan Drive (Continued from page 1) C. G. Eastman ; Buffalo, M. A. Brown ; Boston, A. M. Kane and Ed W. Ruff. Eastern : R. J. Folliard, RKO, district chairman, with Sam Gross, 20th Cen- tury-Fox in Philadelphia; M. E. Lefko, RKO, in Pittsburgh and J. B. Brecheen, RKO, in Washington. East- ern Central : Jack D. Goldhar, United Artists, district chairman, with the following U. S. representatives ; Cin- cinnati, Harris Dudelson ; Cleveland, Maury Orr and in Detroit, M. Dudel- son. Southeastern: Paul Wilson, 20th Century-Fox, district chairman, with the following 20th Century-Fox co- workers ; Atlanta, Fred Dodson ; Char- lotte, John E. Holston; New Orleans, E. V. Landaiche. Southwestern : J. B. Underwood, Columbia, district chair- man in Dallas, with the following Co- lumbia men ; Memphis, J. J. Rogers ; Oklahoma City, C. A. Gibbs. Midwestern : Sam Shirley, Loew's, district chairman in Chicago, with the following: Minneapolis, W. H. Work- man, Loew's ; Chicago, W. E. Ban- ford, Loew's Milwaukee, Don Woods, Vitagraph. Indiana-Kentucky : Claude McKean, Vitagraph, in Indianapolis. Other Areas Prarie : J. E. Garrison, Universal, district chairman in Kansas City, with the following Universal men: St. Louis, Harry Hynes ; Kansas City, Jack Langan ; Des Moines, Lou Levy ; Omaha, H. B. Johnson. Rocky Moun- tain : J. Herbert Maclntyre, RKO, district chairman in Los Angeles with Tom Bailey, RKO, in Denver and G. Davison, RKO, in Salt Lake City. West Coast : Henry Herbel, Vita- graph, district chairman, and the fol- lowing Vitagraph men : Seattle, Vete Stewart ; Portland, Oregon, Al Ox- toby ; San Francisco, Al Shmitken and Los Angeles, Fred Greenberg. Harry Brandt, National Chairman for the Drive, has been advised by Spyros Skouras that the latter will conduct a special meeting with his company's advertising, publicity and exploitation executives in New York today to help the drive. Coast Exhibitors Meet on 6th Loan Hollywood, Oct. 9. — Leading cir- cuit and independent exhibitors today met at the Ambassador Hotel to dis- cuss the 6th War Loan. Speakers in- cluded Dave Bershon and Gus Metz- ger, former and new chairman ; Rob- ert Moulton, William Srere, Spence Leve, Fred Greenberg, Selmour Pei- ser, Ben H. Wallerstein, Sherrill Cor- win, Charles Skouras, Robert Poole. MacFarlane Dies Chicago, Oct. 9.— W. E. MacFar- lane, chairman of the Mutual Broad- casting System's executive committee and business manager of the Chicago Tribune, died at his suburban Lake Forest home today at the age of 60. REEVES SOUND STUDIOS, INC. I60D BROADWAY. N. Y. 19 Circle 6-6686 Complete Film and Disc Recording Facilities as a femwg rained klde art of ivitngoe/ 4 BIG WEEKS VERA HRUBA RALSTON • RICHARD ARIEN • ERICH VON STROHEIM wit*. OTTO KRUGER • EDUARDO CIANNELLI • ROBERT LIVINGSTON • MONA BARBIE GEORGE SHERMAN, Director • Original Sfory by ELIZABETH MEEHAN » Adaptation by DANE LUSSJER . Screenplay by DORIS GILBERT A REPUBLIC PICTURE MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert, Picture Industry 56. NO. 71 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1944 TEN CENTS Rodgers Seeks Stimuli for Trade Shows Screening for 8 Theatre Owners Costs $1,200 Disclosing that trade showings have cost M-G-M between $125,- 000 and $150,000 during the past three years, for a uniformly negli- gible exhibitor attendance at the screenings, William F. Rodgers, M-G-M vice-president and general sales manager, said yesterday that the imposition of the practice illustrated how little those responsible for the consent decree know about the ac- tualities of the industry. Rodgers said, however, that he is working on a plan to increase exhibitor attendance at trade showings, regardless, and hopes to be able to announce it with- in the next few weeks. The average national exhibitor at- tendance at a trade showing is 250, {Continued on page 12) Willkie Services Here and on Coast Spyros Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, led directors, officers and scores of the home office staff of that company to funeral services here yesterday for Wendell Lewis Willkie, national figure, Republic Presidential nominee in 1940, counsel for the motion picture industry be- fore the Senate Interstate Commerce sub-committee investigating screen {Continued on page 12) Selective Process For Europe Market Distributors' foreign department heads here are turning closer to the many problems of how best to imple- ment distribution in those liberated European countries that have _ not shown American films commercially for a number of years. The vast backlog of product accumu {Continued on page 9) No Paper Tomorrow Motion Picture Daily will not be published tomorrow, October 12, a legal holiday in New York State. Four - Year - Olders Ease Chicago Jam Chicago, Oct. 10. — Indepen- dents in the neighborhoods here are finding relief from the current product shortage and first-run prosperity wave in the booking of two to four-year-old pictures. With an 'ncreased percentage of regu'ar neighborhood trade spending increased earnings in the more luxurious down- town theatres, neighborhood exhibitors find that many of the new pictures are prac- tically 'milked dry' when they reach their screens. 'Surprise' bookings of pictures of sea- sons back give exhibitors product not currently played out and renewed interest from neighborhood patrons. 63 Leaders Give 6th War Drive Full US Exhibitor Coverage State Dept. Ready to Set Trade Pacts By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington, Oct. 10. — State Department officials are now ready at any time to enter into discus- sions with representatives of other governments regarding agreements for postwar international trade in mo- tion pictures, it was learned here to- day. A number of studies initiat- ed by Francis C. De Wolfe, chief of the telecommunica- tions division, have been com- pleted and the Department is prepared to make its sugges- tions known to any other coun- try which may be interested, it was said. So far, no foreign government has been invited to discuss the matter of postwar film trade and there is no in- (Continued on page 9) Shutdown at Five Major Studios Seen The industry's Sixth War Loan drive committee now has exhibitor ■ state chairman in all principal cities, Harry Brandt, national industry chairman, announced here yesterday. This coverage has been made pos- sible by the appointment of 45 addi- tional state chairmen, supplementing the 18 reported in Motion Picture Daily on Monday. Many of those named have been active in previous bond campaigns. The new group of appointees in- cudes : Alabama, R. M. Kennedy, Birmingham ; Arizona, Harry Nace, Phoenix ; Arkansas, Claude Mundo, {Continued on page 12) Petrillo Refuses FDR Record Bid Strike May Hit Shooting Schedules in 72 Hours Hollywood, Oct. 10. — A produc- tion shutdown at five major studios where set decorators, painters and machinists have ceased work im- pends. Today a "no work" edict issued by Herbert Sorrell, president, Conference of Studio Unions, hit 20th Century-Fox. The other four are M-G-M, Columbia, Paramount and Warners. One additional studio per day is Sorrell's plan, thus far main- tained without a break in the line. Wherever possible, the stu- dios are shooting around sets {Continued on page 12) Chicago, Oct. 10. — James C. Pe- trillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians, and the AFM's international executive board, today refused President Roosevelt's request to end the AFM ban on records. Petrillo, in a nine-page state- ment, issued following a two-day con- ference with the board, admitted to the President that he had promised him that he would lift the ban at Roosevelt's request but that that (Continued on page 9) ' The Princess and the Pirate ' {Samuel Goldwyn-RKO Radio] STARRING Bob Hope in another of his hilarious rib-tickling com- edy roles, surrounded by another stunning and lavish Samuel Gold- wyn color production and featuring a story of high adventure and appealing romance which audiences are not expected to take seriously, "The Princess and the Pirate" is easily one of the outstanding comedies of the year. It offers everything possible in the way of excellent escap- ist entertainment and it should command top grosses at the nation's box offices. To provide a background for Hope's delightful and droll comedy antics, Goldwyn has had his scripters delve into swashbuckling pirate lore. In this film, Hope emerges as "Sylvester the Great," a cowardly vaudeville actor, or whatever it is they called "hams" in those days, who rescues a real honest-to-goodness princess from the clutches of as dastardly a band of cut-throats as ever sailed the seven seas in search (Continued on page 10) Complete Exchange Workers' WLB Pleas Film company exchange operational heads and representatives of the IATSE yesterday signed applications of the New York and Philadelphia exchange "white collar" workers' unions for War. Labor Board approval of a system of job classifications with minimum and maximum wage scales and 10 per cent wage increases. The New York . applications were sub- {Continued on page 12) Richie Warns Allied Of Over-Expansion Detroit, Oct. 10. — The annual ses- sion of Allied Theatres of Michigan got down to business today at the hotel Book-Cadillac with registrations for the silver anniversary meeting nearing the 300 mark. An afternoon business session found the speakers stressing the need for cooperation in (Continued on page 9) Also Reviewed Today In addition to the review of "The Princess and the Pi- rate," RKO-Goldwyn, appear- ing in adjoining columns, re- views of "To Have and Have Not," Warners, and "Laura," 20th Century-Fox, appear on pages nine and 10, respec- tively. 2 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Wednesday, October 11, 1944 Personal Mention JOSEPH R. VOGEL, vice presi- dent of Loew's and operator of the Capitol and Astor here and Loew's out-of-town theatres, celebrated his 35th anniversary with the company yesterday. Judith Ann Finkelstein was born last weekend at Woman's Hos- pital, New York, to Mrs. Gertrude Finkelstein and Pfc Mark Finkel- stein, former Circuit Cinema Corp. executive. • Irving Lesser, managing director of the Roxy. Theatre here, reports receipt of word of citations awarded to ex-Roxyites Sgt. Fred Vestal, Air Forces, and Capt. Dan Morgan. • Walter Cowan, Paramount Inter- national representative in the Near East, has arrived at the Paramount office in Cairo where he will make temporary headquarters. • Carl Leserman, United Artists general sales manager, and producer Benedict E. Bogeaus Jeft Hollywood on the Superchief last night for New York. • L. J. Patton and A. J. Rademach- er, Altec Service New York branch managers, will leave for the Coast this week for Altec's annual confer- Max Hoffman and Bert Jacocks, film buyers for Warner Theatres in the New England- territory, are in New York from New Haven on busi- Jules Lapidus,„ Eastern division sales manager for Warners, will leave tonight for Cincinnati on a tour of exchanges in the central territory. • Leon Fromkess, PRC president, and Leo J. McCarthy, .general sales manager, are scheduled to arrive from the Coast about Oct. 23. • Charles S. Einfeld, Warners' di- rector of advertising and publicity, left Hollywood yesterday for New York on the Superchief. • A. C. Bromberg, president of Mono- gram Southern Exchanges, Atlanta, is visiting the Memphis branch. • Andre DeLavarre, producer of short subjects for Warners, is enroute to Arizona from Hollywood. • Milton Feldman, Columbia assist- ant director, has arrived in New York from the Coast. • Jacob Segal, Columbia's assistant foreign sales manager, has returned from vacation. • Budd Rogers arrived in Hollywood yesterday from New York. Insider's Outlook By RED KANN Hollywood, Oct. 10 T T AVING been deluged with virtually every conceivable stripe of film bearing on the war in Europe, there is exhibitor in- terest in what may he expected when the curtain rings down on the Continental theatre of hos- tilities/ Enough fact and opinion have found their place in the columns of Motion Picture Daily to support the broad outline of the case : War films, or films about war and its offshoots, will con- tinue. A recent broad sweep of all programs for the new season showed 100 features, finished or planned, reflecting the impacts and the emotions of war, but not necessarily showing scenes of battle. The fortunate difference today- is that studios are exercising greater discrimination in selec- tion of story material. They appear more keenly alive to the sound conclusion that story stature cannot be ignored. Sim- ply enough, this must mean a powerful piece of drama cannot and should not be discarded merely because it deals with some phase of the military scene. Thus, war pictures — to em- ploy a rather sweeping defini- tion— will be in the running. The next logical query is what kind? Are producers figuring a dip, a la wholesale, into yarns about the Pacific theatre, antici- pating the newspaper headlines of an onrushing day? We have asked a few Holly- wood executives their views. The question was this : "Do you foresee a swing toward attrac- tions dealing with the war in the Pacific after V-E Day? Here are the answers : Joseph M. Schenck, execu- tive head of Twentieth Cen- tury-Fox production: "I do not." Y. Frank Freeman, vice- president in charge of the Paramount studio: "There is no reason why there should be. I continue to maintain it is not a matter of geog- raphy at all, but a matter of dramatic and entertain- ment values which will fix determination." Charles W. Koerner, vice- president in charge of RKO production: "The ending of the war in Europe would not necessarily govern the type of pictures that RKO will make in the comvnlg years. The quality of the story, rather than the central theme, would be our deter- mining factor." Herbert J. Yates, presi- dent of Republic Prod.: "I do not see any change in our policy regarding the banning of war themes even though the closing of this global war eventually will be in the Pacific. There might be an exceptional story which would make us change • our mind, but it would not make us change our rule." Samuel Goldwyn: "If an outstanding story comes along with a Pacific back- ground, I'm sure it will be done, but I do not see a trend toward pictures laid in the Pacific." William Goetz, president of International Pictures: "I see no such swing. To date, I think the Pacific war has already been thoroughly covered by such films as 'Wake Island,' 'Guadalcanal Diary,' 'Marine Raiders,' 'Gung Ho,' 'Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo' and many oth- ers. I think the same aver- age will continue, but that there will be many pictures made about the European conflict which couldn't be made during that conflict because of security reasons." W. Ray Johnston, presi- dent of Monogram, a cryp- tic: "Not too much." Sol Lesser: "I feel there is never a 'wrong time' for good product. If one has an unusually powerful story, it doesn't require a cycle to make it successful. Every good picture begins a cycle." Leon Fromkess, president of PRC Prod.: "Naturally, the industry in its effort to help the war will focus on Pacific backgrounds, but in- stead of making pictures dealing with Jap atrocities PRC proposes to glorify the Philippines and China." MutuaTProductions, latest solo venture in these regions, finds Fred MacMurray and Leslie Fenton partners. MacMurray, who recently signed a seven- year deal with Twentieth Cen- tury-Fox, is allowed one otnV side film a year in consonance with what is rather general practice, circa 1944. However, there are no bars against that outsider being turned out for TFC, and that's precisely what may happen. Good old capital gains ! Coming Events Oct. 16-20 — Annual business con- ference, Altec Service and Altec Lansing, Hollywood. Oct. 17 — Society of Motion Pic- ture Engineers semi-annual ban- quet, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York. Oct. 17 — West Virginia Theatre Owners' meeting, Daniel Boone Hotel, Charleston. Oct. 17 — Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina annual meeting, Charlotte. Oct. 20-Nov. 5- — Industry field meetings on Sixth War Loan Cam- paign. Nov. 5 — Western Motion Picture Radio Awards Association meeting, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood. Nov. 11 — Motion Picture Associ- ates' Sixth War Loan dinner, Hotel Astor, New York. Nov. 14 — 'Night of Stars,' for United Jewish Appeal, Madison Square Garden, New York. Nov. 20-Dec. 16— Sixth War Loan campaign. Nov. 23-25 — National Variety Club meeting, Statler Hotel, Wash- ington. Dec. 7 — National 'Free Movie Day' at theatres for Sixth War Loan. Mayer to Be Feted At Farewell Dinner Arthur L. Mayer, recently appoint- ed aide to Stanton Griffis as deputy commissioner for the Red Cross in the Pacific Islands area, will be feted at an all-industry dinner next Wed- nesday night, Oct. 18, at the Waldorf- Astoria. Mayer is scheduled to leave for his headquarters in Hawaii later this month. Harry Brandt, national chairman for the 6th War Loan Drive, assisted by S. H. Fabian, David Weinstock and Edward Schreiber are taking charge of the arrangements for the dinner. Yolen Rejoining WB Following OWI Job Will Yolen, who left Warners last January on leave of absence to join OWI for an overseas assignment, has returned from London following com- pletion of that assignment and will rejoin the Warner publicity depart- ment in two weeks, it was announced here yesterday by Mort Blumenstock, in charge of advertising-publicity in the East. In London, Yolen organized and di- rected the news desk of the American Broadcasting Station in Europe. MOT Promotes Wetzel Robert Wetzel of March of Time's research department, has been promot- ed to the script division and named a member of the MOT editorial board. He was formerly with Mutual, CBS and the Blue networks. MOTION PICTURE DATLY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chtef ; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York. 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President: T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 Sctth Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau. 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Bur*up, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications; Motion Pie'ture Herald. Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. M-G-M's Opening Gun. ..Topped by From Cincinnati across the nation echoes the Super- Showmanship World Premiere in 132 Cities of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia. Never before such coverage. WLW Radio campaign, big newspaper space, posting, exploitation, parades, banquets. v., ,| I, ,K DirTI 1DI, I » V I I V <"* T' II Watch for 32-page brochure to be mailed to M-G-M showmen shortly, reproducing studies of "An American Romance" by 45 famed American artists. Ahav* t* Ralah llliaan's imrjressian. V M-G-M's Opening Gun. ..Topped byI-M's Biggest Barrage! From Cincinnati across the nation echoes the Super- Showmanship World Premiere in 132 Cities of Oh,o^ Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia. Never before such coverage. WLW Radio campaign, big newspaper space, posting, exploitation, parades, banquets. The works! In 48 State Capitals and Washington, D. C. M-G-M showmanship holds the spotlight. Dramatic FULL- PAGE ads in each city: vast billboard campaigns,- American Express Truck posting; spot radio campaigns tied in directly with playdates. A great picture starts its box-office career in high ! KING VIDOR'S Production of M-G-M'S MIGHTY TECHNICOLOR DRAMA' BRIAN $1 DON LEVY LLai it *mc Urn plclllrt <„plllm tbc biglln,, tbt baml,. tbt df.,ma „/ America illelf MMrifcp**,* h wnntty i, lhr ,/„,„„„„„ „f „ „,,„„„.„ iJt ptmitrt in Ibt State Capital, thnuglnul Ibt land! METRO GOLDWYNMAYER pfuenn KING VIDOR'S PRODUCTION IN TECHNICOLOR an American Romance —BRIAN DONLEVY BIG NATIONAL MAGAZINE CAMPAIGN RICHARDS JOHN QUALEN WALTER ABEL HORACE McNALLYl 24-SHEET POSTING CAMPAIGN THEATRE A FULL PAGE AD IN EVERY CITY Watch for 32-page brochure to be mailed to M-G-M showmen shortly, reproducing studies of ''An American Romance" by 45 famed American oooc^oH pvao' Wednesday, October 11, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 9 Most Home Offices To Observe Holiday Varied schedules for home, office operations tomorrow, Columbus Day, were report- ed as follows: Columbia, M-G-M, Universal and War- ners will close at one o'clock. Monogram, RKO and 20th Century-Fox will be closed all day; Paramount and PRC will be open all day; United Artists and Republic were un- decided at a late hour yester- day. The MPPDA will be open until one. State Dept. Ready to Set Trade Pacts {Continued from page 1) dication that the Department is de- sirous of pressing the matter at this time. No efforts are being made at the moment to push any postwar com- mercial agreements, pending a deter- mination next month by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee wheth- er the Anglo-American petroleum agreement, the first of such arrange- ments to be perfected, is a treaty re- quiring ratification by the Senate. The State Department's motion pic- ture program, so far as it has been disclosed, lays down broad principles of equitable and non-discriminatory treatment by all nations for the films of other countries, both as regards import duties and internal taxes and regulations ; censorship on moral grounds only, and no restrictions on the payment of earnings on films to those to whom they are due. Delicate Matter Several of the Department's objec- tives run counter to the pre-war poli- cies of some countries, which set up quota systems ; imposed discrimina- tory taxes and regulations on import- ed films ; and in other ways handi- capped the foreign distribution of American-made films. The negotia- tion of postwar agreements, accord- ingly, is a delicate matter, and it is possible the Department will take no steps to initiate discussions with other countries until after the end of the war in Europe and the establishment of new governments in the liberated countries. Petrillo Refuses FDR Record Bid (Continued from page 1) statement was made two years ago, when the Petrillo order first became effective, at a time when no record or transcription companies had signed the AFM's royalty-per-platter agree- ment. Today, Petrillo said, 105 record and transcription companies have already signed the union's royalty contract and that only two large companies, RCA-Victor and Columbia, have re- fused to sign. Petrillo added that it would be unfair to the companies which are already abiding by the AFM agreement to lift the imposed ban. Petrillo told Motion Picture Daily that artists on contract to Vic- tor and Columbia will not make records for those companies. Review "To Have and Have Not" (Warner Bros.) Hollywood, Oct. 10 \Ji ARTIN1QUE is in the tropics. The tropics are sultry. And so is "To •L'-l Have and To Have Not." Climatically, the temperature hovers around the high digits. Climactically, this attraction flirts in the same area, darts into those same digits and out again, manages to keep matters on the simmering side. Consequence : A film much warmer than the general run of its Hollywood contemporaries. This is accomplished, with design, by throwing away the novel as Ernest Hemingway wrote it, but by retaining the central characters who are sur- rounded with a 1940 political setting. That setting is Martinique where De Gaullists are beginning to make things hum for Admiral Robert and his Vichy administrators. Against this background is Humphrey Bogart, skip- per of a trim and fast cabin cruiser hired out for deep-sea fishing. Very much in the foreground, after a long and not very pointed opening, is Lauren Bacall. She makes quite an entry in this, her maiden picture. She is slinky, sleek and tawny-haired. She is also tawny. Her voice is deep and interesting. Her deportment has a decided "come-hither" look and her brand of acting is purring and tintillating in the slow-cooking manner. She is the bad girl, also a pickpocket, who is ready to slam closed the book on the past and stick with Bogart who likes that kind of sticking. Miss Bacall is a definite personality, stylistically studied in her debut and strongly reminiscent of Veronica Lake in less hilly surroundings. There are far prettier actresses in Hollywood, but not many that leave the Bacall kind of impress. When "To Have and Have Not" gets around the theatres, this young woman will make an impression. She might even develop into a nation- wide vogue. At any rate, this leisurely told yarn concentrates pretty much on the mutual, but never platonic, attraction which springs up between the girl and the always excellent Bogart. He knows she is a "phoney" at the outset, and he's right. But she plays hard in order to get him, and he goes. He goes to the tune of undertaking a dangerous and illegal mission for the Free French so that he can muster enough cash to fly her home. He thinks she flies, but she doesn't. When the Vichy police attempt to close in, Bogart gets rough. He kills one of them, handcuffs the remaining two and beats an inspector to a point where Walter Brennan, rum-soaked derelict member of Bogart's crew, is released. Then the group, plus the French underground agent helped by Bogart for a consideration, takes to the boat and freedom. IT requires much celluloid to bring the film in. In fact, it takes more than is desirable or necessary to cover the ground. The inevitable consequence is diffused dramatics, injured through length, when tightness would have aided considerablv. . But there is Bogart. There is a colorful background. There is Brennan, whose old-soak role is skillfully drawn. By no means to be ignored, also, there is Hoagy Carmichael, who numbers "Stardust" among his songs, who plays the piano with deftness and who acts his small part with finesse enough to indicate more acting jobs will await him in Hollywood. There is nice work by other players who include Walter Molnar, Dan Seymour and Dolores Moran Offering no escape, if any were sought, there are Miss Bacall, those torrid lines in the dialogue and the steam in the boilers of her relationship with Bogart. . , r , These assets, finally, combine into an attraction with many angles of appeal for audiences who like pepper. Theatremen are supposed to know how many do. Hawks produced, as well as directed. ' Running time, 100 minutes. "A."* Release date, Jan. 21, 1943. *"A" denotes adult classification. Red Kann Selective Process for European Market (Continued from page 1) lated in three or four years, none of which has been exhibted on the Con- tinent, necessitates a process of selec- tivity as to which films should be mar- keted, it seems generally agreed in distributor circles. The consensus is that if distributors, confronted by_ a buyer's market, attempt to dump pic- tures wholesale into the European market, they may depress what other- wise would be healthy rentals. A fur- ther complication is injected by the re- entry of the British on the scene. Although the American public is de- scribed as turning away from topical war films, it is understood that these seemingly dated films are expected to be given a good reception by the French, who are said to be particularly interested in films of the Pacific War, information on which filtered through the German censorship only sparsely. Treasury, War Dept. Praise Skouras Aid Henry Morgenthau, Jr., and Henry Stimson, Secretaries of the Treasury and War departments, respectively, have sent congratulatory messages to Charles P. Skouras, chairman of the National Executive Committee of "The Army at War" exhibition of paintings and drawings, which are be- ing exhibited in theatres throughout the country, starting with the Roxy, New York, yesterday. The paintings will be shown in 28 cities through Oct. 31. Morgenthau's telegram told how pleased the Treasury is for "the man- ner in which you launched" the ex- hibit. Stimson's wire stated: "It was our hope that the showing would bring a clearer understanding and closer association with the_ experi- ences and lives of our soldiers; the enthusiasm which greeted the preview would indicate that this program was well on its way to being served." Warne a Witness at Schine Hearing Buffalo, Oct. 10.— Thomas E. Warne, Utica payroll clerk and for- mer operator of the Hippodrome, Little Falls, N. Y., a house acquired by the Schine Circuit in 1936, was placed on the stand by Robert L. Wright, Assistant Attorney General, as a Government witness in the trial of the Federal anti-trust suit against the circuit in U. S. District Court here today. Warne, who formerly managed the Rialto for Schine in Little Falls and was discharged, testified as to the dif- ficulty he encountered with branch managers in Albany in obtaining sec- ond run product for the Hippodrome. Cross-examined by Edward F. Mc- Clennen, Schine counsel, Warne ad- mitted he had a first run at the Hip- podrome and had Paramount, Colum- bia and Universal product second run, in addition to independent product from First Division, Standard and Pyramid. McClennen also sought to show Warne had a bank account of only $43 for the booking of films and that on one occasion a check he gave to a distributor "for product was re- turned marked "insufficient funds." Examine Fennyvessy The rest of the day was spent in cross-examination of H. T. Fenny- vessy of Rochester, also by McClen- nen, who sought to establish that Fennyvessy's father actually desired to sell his theatre interests to Schine. Questions also concerned the types of neighborhoods in which Schine and Fennyvessy houses were located and the size of the houses and their clear- ance provisions. Richie Warns Allied Of Over-Expansion (Continued from page 1) the Sixth War Loan and warning about postwar dangers. President Ray Branch made a strong plea for more cooperation in the next bond drive. He asked par- ticularly for more issuing agencies. In answer to previously expressed pro- tests that some hard-working mem- bers of Allied had not received rec- ognition for those services, he pointed out that such recognition would be forthcoming in the future. Chief of . the postwar dangers stressed at the afternoon session was that of over-expansion of film houses. H. M. Richie, MGM official, dwelt on the harm that might come to all estab- lished houses if there were indiscrimi- nate building of new theatres. He sug- gested that the needs of the public should be fully affirmed before expan- sion was made and that any unneces- sary building should be strongly re- sisted. After the meeting, the delegates were guests of 20th Century-Fox at a "social mixer." RKO presented a special invitation trade showing of "The Princess and the Pirate" at the United Artists theatre. Tomorrow, last day of the three- day meeting, will feature the election of officers and a final closed session. 10 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Wednesday, October 11, 1944 'The Princess and the Pirate 9 [Samuel Goldwyn-RKO Radio] ( Continued from page 1 ) of plunder. Virginia, Mayo, a new Goldwyn discovery, is the lovely princess ; Victor McLaglen is the sinister leader of the pirate band and Walter Slezak is the corrupt governor of a West Indies province in league with the pirates. Walter Brennan provides additional comedy as the half-witted "brains" of the motley pirate crew. Since films must have a story, six writers have labored to bring forth this one. Sy Bartlett provided the original ; Allen Boretz and Curtis Kenyon, the adaptation ; and Don Hartman, Melville Shavelson and Everett Freeman, the screen play. It places Miss Mayo, who is seeking to escape a marriage ar- ranged by her father, the king, aboard a packet bound for Jamaica. Hope is traveling to the new world to escape the reputation he has established for himself as an actor in the old. THE pirates attack the packet to seize Miss Mayo and hold her for ransom but they get more than they bargain for. They get Hope disguised as a gypsy. With Brennan's help, he escapes not only with Miss Mayo but with the precious map of the location of the pirate's treasure. Suffice to say that under David Butler's swifty-paced direction, there isn't a letdown from start to finish, which sees both Miss Mayo and Hope rescued after their hilarious misadventures on the island governed by Slezak. Audiences who have always linked Hope with Bing Crosby will not be disappointed by the bang-up finish of this film. Yes ! Crosby's in there at the finish and he gets the girl. Don Hartman was associate producer with Goldwyn; the results rate plaudits in every department. Jimmy McHugh and Harold Adamson provided a song, "Kiss Me in the Moonlight," which is capably handled by Miss Mayo as part of her capable all-around performance. As for Hope's performance, it is strictly top-drawer, with the gags tossed off at a fast and furious pace de- signed to roll the audiences in the aisles. The early morning audience at the Normandie Theatre, New York, where the film was given an invitational preview yesterday, seemed to enjoy every moment of it, if their laughter is to be used as a barometer. Running time, 94 minutes. "G."* No release date set. Milton Livingston "Laura" (20th Century-Fox) Hollywood, Oct. 10 THERE'S money in "Laura." It's a smart and smartly-paced mystery melodrama with psychiatric impacts which manage to remain comfortably inside the understanding and comprehension of the average man in the aver- age theatre. He'll have no trouble whatsoever in catching on, and remain- ing caught. Producer-director Otto Preminger, at the outset, had a substantial story in the novel by Vera Caspary. Which is as important as ever it was in building an attraction. Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein and Betty Reinhardt delivered a workmanlike script. Gene Turney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price and Judith Anderson indicate a cast combination of consider- able merit, but it's more than an indication. It's a fact. Their parts fit them, and Preminger kept the tailoring neat and never gaudy.' Miss Tierney is an advertising copywriter risen to prominence through the sponsorship and interest of Webb. He is a columnist, a dilettante, an ego- maniac and, as events show, a one-time murderer ready to try again ; Webb gives a beautifully polished and intelligent performance. Price wants to marry the girl. Miss Anderson wants to marry Price. Andrews, police lieutenant, goes for Miss Tierney and ultimately wins. Surrounding these characters is the murder of a woman. Both barrels of a shotgun have been exploded in her face, making recognition impossible. But, since the crime is committed in Miss Tierney's apartment, the assumption is she is the victim. A couple of days later, she reappears, having gone to the country to decide if it is Price she wants to wed. Actually, it is established the murdered woman is a model with whom Price had been romancing. The shuttle of suspicion thus weaves from Price back to Webb with a side glance or so at Miss Tierney and Miss Anderson, all of whom might have com- mitted the killing for reasons of their own. Andrews tussles with sparse facts and juicy suspicions until, finally, the net draws tight when the murder weapon is unearthed in an antique clock Webb had given Miss Tierney. At about this juncture, the svelte killer also appreciates his number is about up. In attempting to kill Miss T., he is blotted out himself. The established motivation for the crime is his love for the girl who does not reciprocate. Since he cannot have her, Webb determines no other man shall. Thus, the actual murder was never intended but grew out of a case of mistaken identity. The frustrated enterprise on Miss Tierney is the one Webb had planned from the outset. This clears paths drawing Miss T. and Andrews together. It's a lightning kind of romance anyway, but put it down to dramatic license. This is what "Laura" is about. It's good going all the way. Running time, 87 minutes. "G."* Released, Nov., 1944. 'SYWAV $30,000 Is Cleveland's High Cleveland, Oct. 10. — "Since You Went Away" was tops for the week, heading for $30,000 at Loew's State, where $19,000 is par. It is slated for a two weeks' stay. Other theatres just got by, hampered by rainy weather. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 11 : •■Wing and a Prayer" (2Jth.-Fox) ALLEN— (3,000) (45c-55c-6Sc) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $8,500). "Casanova Brown" (RKO) WARNERS' HIPPODROME — (3,500) (45c-55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000. (Av- erage: $22,100). "Wilson" (2*th-Fox) WARNERS' LAKE — (714) (75c-$1.10) 4th week. Gross: $3,500. (Average: $3,200 at regular prices). "Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) LOEW'S OHIO— (1,268) (45c-55c) 3rd week. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $5,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOEW'S STATE— (3,300) (45c -65c) 7 days. Gross: $30,000. (Average: $19,000). "Roger Touhy, Gangster" ■ (2fith.-Fox) RKO PALACE— (3,300) (50c-60c-85c-95c) 7 days. Stage: Woody Herman's Band. Gross: $23,000. (Average: $25,400).. "Waterloo Bridge" (M-G-M) LOEW'S ST1LLMAN— (1,900) (45c-6Sc) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $10,000). 500 Stars to Attend 'Night of Stars' Five hundred personalities of the en- tertainment world are expected to as- semble at the 11th annual "Night of Stars," scheduled for Madison Square Garden, Tuesday, Nov. 14, according to Robert M. Weitman, chairman of the producing committee, who has an- nounced that the following will ap- pear : Gertrude Neisen, Bobby Clark, Mil- ton Berle, Zero Mostel, Lou Holtz, Ray Bolger, the DeMarcos, Marion Hutton, Hal LeRoy, Joe E. Lewis, Bert Wheeler ,and Ed Sullivan. Proceeds of the benefit go to the United Jewish Appeal for Refugees, Overseas Needs and Palestine. Amos 'N Andy Plan Television Show Amos N' Andy (Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll) are planning a television program, they disclosed, at a press luncheon given in their honor by National Broadcasting at 21 Club here yesterday. NBC executives present at the luncheon included : Niles Trammell, president ; Frank E. Mullen, vice- president and general manager ; C. L. Menser, vice-president in charge of programs ; Roy Witmer vice-president in charge of sales ; A. L. Ashby, vice- president and general counsel ; Clay Blaney and John McKay. Will Miss Variety Meet Ch'cago, Oct. 10. — Johnny Jones, chief barker of the local Variety Club, will forego the national meeting in Washington Nov. 23-25, due to his scheduled trip to Los Angeles late this month. Doc Banford, past chief barker, probably will attend the con- vention instead. On Job 33 Years Des Moines, Oct. 10. — Dora Mid- dlesworth has just completed 33 years of service with Tri-States Theatre Corp., here. In point of service, she is the company's oldest employe. *"G" denotes general classification. Allied of N. J. Meets Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey held a general meeting on post- war subjects yesterday afternoon at its New York office. Harry H. Low- enstein, president, presided. Red Kann Form Dunlap Company Hollywood, Oct. 10. — Scott Dun- lap Productions has been formed by Monogram to make four pictures an- nually, of which the first two will be "Golden Girl" and "Sunbonnet Sue." Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 10 JAMES A. FITZPATRICK has arranged with the governments of Russia and England to make some of his M-G-M 'Traveltalks' in those countries after the war. . . . Columbia has assigned Al Hall to direct Rosa- A lind Russell in Virginia Van Upp's f production of "Some Call It Love." Richard Wallace goes to that studio, upon completion of "It's In the Bag" for Jack Skirball, to direct "Kiss and Tell," starring Shirley Temple. ...{'( The King Brothers have rounded up George Purvis, nephew of Melvin Purvis, FBI operative who dispatched the late John Dillinger, for a role in their film based on the bandit's career, "John Dillinger." Now if Dillinger had any relatives — • Hal B. Wallis has signed Robert Russell, co-author of "The More the Merrier," to write the script for "Don't Ever Grieve Me." . . . Dick Erdman, who came out of Hollywood High School to play the juvenile lead in "Janie," has had his contract re- newed by Warners. . . . On account of story trouble on "Walts Me Around Again, Willie," which was to be his first since returning from service, John Payne will play the male lead in "The Dolly Sisters," which William he- Baron will produce for 20th Century- Fox. . . . Arthur T. Herman, who re- cently joined Universal as associate producer, is to write and produce an untitled Abbott and Costello comedy as his first undertaking. • Universal will start work on four pictures this month. They are: "She Gets Her Man," which will star Joan Davis, with Warren Wil- son producing; the Abbott and Costello comedy, "Here Come the Co- Eds," which Jean Yarbrough will direct for producer John Grant; "Dracula Vs. Wolf Man," and "Song of the Sarong." Stars Aid 'Romance* And Bond Campaign Cincinnati, Oct. 10. — Among play- ers attending the banquet and preview of M-G-M's "An American Romance" here tomorrow night will be Brian Donlevy, Ann Richards, Walter Abel, Harriet Lee, Horace McNally, Nancy Walker, "Rags" Ragland and Jean Porter, all of whom have visited Army j bases and hospitals in this area dur- ing the past week. The group will j also appear at a $1,000,000 bond rally to be held tomorrow as well as par- ticipate in the Columbus Day parade 1 Thursday. M-G-M executives who entrained at 'New York today to be on hand for the opening include Howard Dietz, Silas F. Seadler, William R. Ferguson, ? Herbert Crooker, Oscar Doob and J William Danziger. Price to New York Toronto, Oct. 10. — Harry Price, who recently retired as general man- j ager of Astor Pictures, Ltd., here, will : leave for New York shortly where he plans to locate permanently in an un- disclosed branch of the film industry. Price has been in the Canadian in- i dustry for 25 years. Wednesday, October 11, 1944 Motion Picture Daily ii 'Wilson's' $35,000, 'SYWAV $30,000 Are Boston Leaders Boston, Oct. 10.— "Wilson" is the leader here this week, with' "Since You Went Away" running a close second, taking, respectively, $35,000 and $30,000. "Greenwich Village" grossed a nice $15,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 8: "Wilson" (ZOth-Fox) BOSTON — (3,200) (76-$1.25). Stage show. Gross: $35,000. (Average: $24,000). "Greenwich Village" (2Bth-Fox) "Roger Touhy" (20th-Fox) FENWAY— (1,373) (40c-74c). Gross: $8,- 000. (Average: $6,000). "Song of Bemadette" (20th-Fox) MAJEST1C-(1,500) ($1.10). Gross: $6,- 000. (Average: $9,000). "Gypsy Wildcat" (Univ.) "Siaiging Sheriff" (Univ.) MEMORIAL— (2,900) (40c-74c). Gross: $18,000. (Average: $16,000). "Wing and a Prayer" (ZOth-Fox) "Big Noise" (20th-Fox) METROPOLITAN — (4,367) (40c-74c). Gross: $23,000. (Average: $24,000). "Since You Went Away" (Selznick-UA) ORFHEUM — (2,900) (35c-74c). Gross: $30,000. (Average: $24,000). "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) "Roger Touhy" (ZOth-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (1,700) (40c-74c). Gross: $15,000. (Average: $12,000). "Since You Went Away" (Selznick-UA) STATE— (3,200) (3Sc-74c). Gross: $22,- 000. (Average: $19,000). "Youth Runs Wild" (RKO) "Three of a Kind" (Mono.) TRANSLUX— (900) (30c-74c). Gross: $6,500. (Average: $6,000). Phila. Fund Drive Industry Group Set Philadelphia, Oct. 10. — The indus- try's committee for the United War Chest has been set with Ben Amster- dam as division chairman. Others include : for the film com- panies : Mrs. Edna R. Carroll and Ted Schlanger, chairmen ; Ellis Shipman, vice-chairman ; for the in- dependent theatres : David Barrist and Jack Beresin, co-chairmen; and Earl W. Sweigert, James P. Clark, Al Boyd, Louis Krouse, Abe Sab- losky, Lou Sablosky, Samuel Gross, Al J. Davis, Jay Emanuel, David Barrist, Harry Fried, Melvin Fox, Sam Shapiro, Morris Wax, Ray Schwartz, Lewen Pizor, Ben Fertel, Norman Lewis, A. M. Ellis, Leo Po- sel and Al Fischer. MacFarlane Services Today in Lake Forest Chicago, Oct. 10. — Funeral services for W. E. MacFarlane, 60, chairman of the executive committee of Mutual Broadcasting, vice president of WGN, Chicago, and business manager of the Chicago Tribune, will be held today at 2:30 P.M. at Rose Hill Cemetery Chapel, Lake Forest, 111. MacFarlane died Monday at his home in Lake Forest. One of the founders of Mutual, he was its first president and served in that capacity for eight years. He is survived by his widow, Alice, and two sons, Bruce, in a Naval school in Rhode Island, and Frederick, with the armed forces in the Pacific. Ruth R. Sipe Dies Indianapolis, Oct. 10. — Ruth Reeves Sipe, cashier at the M-G-M exchange here, died today. She had been with the company for more than 20 years. "HEAVENS- I HAVEN'T ANOTHER THING TO WEAR!" WAILS DOTTY AS SHE PLANS FOR 3RD BIG BROADCAST IN NATIONAL NETWORK SERIES EXPLOIT- I NG TECHN I CQL0RFUL"RAINB0W ISLAND" GUEST APPEARANCES LAST WEEK-END ON LUX AND KENNY BAKER SHOWS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY FEATURED SPOT ON "DUFFY'S TAVERN" PROGRAM OCT. 20. LAM0UR-B RACK EN- LAMB MUSICAL CLICKED SOLIDLY LAST WEEK IN FIRST DATES. $48,000 for 'SYWA' In Phila. Is More Than Double Philadelphia, Oct. 10. — "Since You Went Away" at the Mastbaum virtually monopolized business at downtown houses with an intake pointing to $48,000 and an additional §5,200 already in for the dual Sunday showing at the Earle, causing other new openings to suffer. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 11-13: "Wilson" (2Cth-Fox) ALDINE — (900) (40c-S5c-6Cc-85c-$1.2O) 7 days, 5th week. Gross: $15,500. (Average: $14,600). "Janie" (WB) ARCADIA — (600) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,750. (Average: $4,CO0). "Seventh Cress' BOYD— (3,000) days, 3rd week. $18,000). "Sweet and Lcwdown" (2Cth-Fox) (6 days) "Siiice You Went Away" (UA) (1 day) EARLE— (3.CC0) (45c-50c-85c-95c) 6 days of vaudeville including Tommy Tucker's band, Don Brown, Kerwin Somerville, Bud Kimker, The 3 Two-Timers, Cordyn and Sawyer, Stan and Art Catron. Gross: $21,700. (Average: $27,600). "Bride by Mistake" FOX — (3,C00) (4Oc-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $18,900. (Average: 520,500). "Topper" (M-G-M) KARLTON — (1 .000) (40c -45c - 50c- 65c -75c - 85c) 7 days, re-issue. Gross: $5,400. (Aver- age: $6,600). "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) KEITH'S — (2,200) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $5,000. (Av- erage: $5,800). "Since You Went Away" (UA) MASTBAUM — (4,7C0) (4Cc-45c-50c-65c- 75c-85c) 7 davs. Gross: $48,000. (Average: $22,500). "Kismet" (M-G-M) STANLEY— (3,000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $22,500. (Average: $20,000). "Maisie Goes to Reno" (RKO) STANTON— (1.700) (40c-45c-5Cc-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,600. (Average: $9,400). (M-G-M) (40c-45c-5Oc-65c-75c-85c) 7 Gross $16,300. (Average: Wuerz, Road Show Pioneer, Dies at 63 Charles H. Wuerz, Sr., 63, Broad- way and road manager of two decades ago, died in Los Angeles recently af- ter a year's illness, the Loew home of- fice reported here yesterday. Wuerz was general manager for Charles Blaney and Jos. Gaites. He joined Loew's in 1919, managing "The Four Horsemen" run at the Lyric here, and later managed Loew theatres in Boston, Washington, Dayton, New York and Los Angeles. For years he was city manager for Fox West Coast in San Bernardino, Cal. Wuerz is survived by his widow, Kathryn, one-time musical comedy player, and a son, Pvt. Chas. Wuerz, Jr., now in Officer's Training School at Aberdeen, Md. He was a charter member of The Friar's Club, and a member of Pacific Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 733. A. D. V. Storey Dies A. D. V. Storey, publicity-exploita- tion veteran who had been employed by Universal, Columbia, and the old Fox company died Monday at his Brooklyn home. He was 67. More recently he was secretary of the 16 mm. Board of Trade, here. He had also edited "Screen Snapshots" and had produced here, "Federated Screen Review." His widow and three children survive. 12 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Wednesday, October 11, 1944 63 Leaders Give 6th War Drive Full US Coverage Rodgers Seeks Stimuli for Trade Shows (Continued from page 1) or approximately eight exhibitors at each of the 31 exchange center show- ings, Rodgers said. The average cost of an individual picture screening is fl,200, he estimated. On this cost basis, the five decree companies have spent approximately three-quarters of a million dollars on trade showings in the past three years. Rodgers related that M-G-M is con- sidering reissuing "Test Pilot," with Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy and Lionel Barrymore. Despite numerous requests to do so earlier, the company did not believe it would be in good taste to reissue the picture while Gable remained on active serv- ice. Consideration also is being giv- en to requests for a reissue of "Naughty Marietta," with Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, Rod- gers said. Faith in Future He emphasized the company's faith in the business future, pointing out that it was best demonstrated by the extremely large investments which it is continually putting into new pro- ductions. Observing that production costs are "terrific" now, Rodgers list- ed 11 new productions which he saw in whole or in part during his recent studio visit and which impressed him as offering exceptional entertainment values. They are : "30 Seconds Over Tokyo," "National Velvet," "Ziegfeld Follies," Anchors Aweigh," "The Picture of Dorian Grey," "This Man's Navy," "Meet Me in St. Louis," "The Thin Man Goes Home," "Red Adams," "Music for Millions" and "Blonde Fever." The company's 10th block of pic- tures, which will not be offered until December, has not been decided yet but will be made up of films from among those named. The ninth block is being sold now on the company's new short form contract. Rodgers amplified his views on the advisability of concentrating on win- ning new box office patronage among people who attend the theatre infre- quently, as reported in Motion Pic- ture Daily on Oct. 4. He said there is a possibility that M-G-M will in- crease production next year "if the market is ready to absorb" more pic- tures. He expressed the opinion that only good could come from the con- tinuation of the War Activities Com- mittee after hostilities cease and said he continues to hope for unity within the industry. West Virginia Exhibitors — Managers — Guests ATTEND THE 10th ANNUAL CONVENTION DANIEL BOONE HOTEL CHARLESTON, W. VA. Oet. 17th No Reg. fee and free Banquet Plate to paid up members W. VA. MANAGERS ASSOCIATION J. C. Shanklin, Convention Chairman (Continued from page 1) Little Rock ; California, Gus Metz- ger, Los Angeles, and Rotus Harvey, San Francisco ; Colorado, Wallace Rex, Denver ; Florida, J. L. Cart- wright, Tampa ; Georgia, J. H. Thompson, Hawkinsville ; Idaho, Adam Schubert, Gooding, and Wal- ter E. Casey, Bonners Ferry ; Illi- nois, Ed Zorn, Pontiac, and Ed Sil- verman, Chicago; Indiana, Don Ros- siter, Indianapolis ; Iowa, A. H. Blank, Des Moines. Also : Kansas, Howard Jameyson, Wichita ; Kentucky, Lew Hensler, Lexington; Louisiana, E. V. Rich- ards, New Orleans ; Michigan, Ray Branch, Detroit; Minnesota, E. R. Ruben, Minneapolis; Mississippi, 'Bur- gess Waltmon, Columbus, and Ar- thur Lehmann, Jackson ; Missouri, Rex Barrett, Columbia ; Marty Bur- nett, St. Louis, and Elmer Rhoden, Kansas City ; Montana, J. A. English, Anaconda ; Nebraska, William Mis- kell and Sam Epstein, Omaha ; Neva- da, N. Dow Thompson, Reno ; New Mexico, George Tucker, Albuquerque ; North Dakota, Mike Cooper, Grand Forks, and Ed Krauss, Fargo ; Ohio, Charles Raymond, Cleveland ; Okla- homa, Ralph Talbot, Tulsa ; Oregon, O. J. Miller, Portland. Also : Rhode Island, Martin Too- hey, Pawtucket ; South Carolina, War- ren Irwin, Columbia ; South Dakota, Fred Larkin, Sioux Falls; Tennessee, E. W. Street, Knoxville, and Kermit Stengel, Nashville ; Texas, John Q. Adams and Phil Isley, Dallas ; Utah, Hall Beatz, Salt Lake City; Wash- ington, Frank Newman, Sr., Seattle ; Wyoming, Tom Knight, Riverton. N. Y. Committee Meets With Kingsberg Today Malcolm Kingsberg of RKO, New York area chairman for the War Ac- tivities Committee in the Sixth War Loan Drive, will meet today with members of his executive committee Willkie Services Here and on Coast (Continued from page 1) contents in 1942, and chairman of the 20th-Fox board until his death here Sunday at the age of 52. Rev. John Sutherland Bonnell, pas- tor of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, officiated at the services yes- terday, after which the remains were started by train for Rushville, Ind., near where Willkie was born, for interment. The 20th-Fox home office closed for the day at one p.m., and all stu- dios in Hollywood observed silence at noon yesterday, at Pacific Coast time corresponding with the hour of services in New York. Flags atop all studios were lowered to half-staff. The 20th-Fox studios closed for one hour while memorial services were held, attended by executives, talent and workers down the line. Com- pany exchanges in the field closed for one hour, at three, and at the Los An- geles home office and branch offices .of National Theatres, two minutes of silence were observed at the hour of the New York services. at the Hotel Astor. Attending the luncheon-meeting will be : Harry Brandt, national industry chairman; William F. Crockett, vice-chairman ; co-chairmen Leo Brecher, James M. Brennan, S. H. Fabian, Irving Less- er, Charles C. Moskowitz, Samuel Rinzler, Edward Rugoff, Fred Schwartz, David Weinstock and Wil- liam White ; Major L. E. Thompson, campaign director ; Wilbur B. En- gland, campaign co-ordinator, and Harrv Mandel, local publicitv direc- tor. Wisconsin Drive Opens; Frank Cook Honored Milwaukee, Oct. 10. — Harold J. Fitzgerald, president of Fox Wiscon- sin Theatres and state chairman of the War Activities Committee held a luncheon at the Athletic Club here today with exhibitors and distributors to give a good send off to the 6th War Loan Drive and to honor 80- year-old Frank Cook, Wisconsin's oldest exhibitor, who was named hon- orary chairman of the drive. Fitzgerald suggested continuation of the exhibitor-distributor WAC group in the post-war. He stated that the "War Activities Committee has weld- ed the group together and that con- tiued cooperation would mean peace- time possibilities in legislative and other mutual benefits." Bader to Coast on Bond Field Meeting Mission Dave Bader, 20th Century-Fox publicist, who has been loaned to the national committee for the industry's participation in the Sixth War Loan Drive, left last night via plane for Los Angeles. He will act as advance man for the committee's 19 regional city meetings, which get underway the latter part of this month, opening first on the Coast and swinging East- ward. Complete Exchange Workers' WLB Pleas (Continued from page 1) mitted to the regional WLB here yes- terday and the Philadelphia applica- tions will be submitted there today. With the signing and filing of these applications, the companies and the IATSE have completed applications for "white collarites" in all exchange cities with the exception of Los An- geles where the workers are repre- sented by an AFL union which is not an IATSE affiliate. The WLB has already approved ap- plications covering Albany and Buffalo workers. The Screen Office and Pro- fessional Employes Guild, Local 109, CIO, has contracts covering the of- fice workers in New York exchanges of Loew's, 20th Century-Fox, United Artists and Columbia; IATSE Local No. F-51 representing these workers in other exchanges. Loew's, China Celebrate Management of Loew's State here will hold a reception tomorrow eve- ning, at the theatre, marking the 23rd birthday of the house, the 33rd an- niversary of the Chinese Republic, and the opening of "Dragon Seed." Shutdown at Five Majors Studios Seen (Continued from page 1) or cleaning up schedules on those sets decorated prior to the walkout. Setups completed before the jurisdictional squabble developed are ex- pected to keep the units busy for perhaps 72 more hours. Thereafter, new sets will be re- quired, but there is no one to paint and then decorate them in the five studios affected thus far. Automatic suspension of production, therefore, is ines- capable. No new pictures are being started and future production plans necessarily are blocked until the jurisdictional deadlock is broken. The effect on product on which actual shooting is finished is an uncertain equation also. If laboratory machinery, as a hypo- thetical case, should suffer a break- down, release prints will be affected, since the machinists' walkout blocks repairs. Twentieth-Fox, as the fifth affected studio, brings the total of men not at their jobs to approximately 1,000. In varying degrees, 27 pictures are involved. M-G-M has six, Columbia five, Paramount four, Warners six and 20th-Fox six. U. S. Steps in Commissioner Earl Ruddy of the U. S. Labor Conciliation Service held no meetings today, being on a con- ciliation assignment in another indus- try. The office of Thomas Fair Neblett, chairman of the 10th Regional War Labor Board, headquartering at Los Angeles, discussed the issue with the groups involved, but his office asserts that the conference was unofficial. It seems clearly indicated, however, that Neblett is acting under instructions from Washington thereby indicating that the Government is stepping into the situation. The conference lacked results but will continue. Meanwhile, any possibility that the Screen Publicists Guild will join the walkout in sympathy grows even more remote. The SPG contract with the producers carried a "no strike" clause. Small Studios Safe Sorrell stated last night : "The plan was to pull the workers where it would hurt the most. The walkout will probably not affect the smaller studios, like Goldwyn and Mono- gram." Cinema Lodge Sets Theatre Party Date Cinema Lodge No. 1366, B'nai B'rith will hold an annual theatre party at the Alvin Theatre here on Jan. 17. "Sadie Thompson" presented by A. P. Waxman will be shown. Funds derived from the event will be allocated for Cinema's contributions .to B'nai B'rith activities including the work of the Anti-Defamation League and War Service, as well as other service and charities. WARNERS ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Cary Grant C— 118 mins. (403) (1944-'45) THE LAST RIDE Richard Travis Eleanor Parker D — 56 mins. (404) (1944-'45) THE CONSPIRATORS Hedy Lamarr Paul Henreld D— 101 mins. (405) THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU Dennis Morgan Faye Emerson D— (406) UNIVERSAL MOONLIGHT AND CACTUS Andrews Sisters Leo Carrillo Elyse Knox M— 60 mins. (9022) (1944-'45) THE MERRY MONAHANS Donald O'Connor Peggy Ryan Jack Oakie C — 91 mins. (1944-'4S) PEARL OF DEATH Basil Rathbone Nigel Bruce D— 69 mins. (9019) (1944-'4S) SAN DIEGO, I LOVE YOU Jon Hall Louise AUbritton Edward E. Horton Eric Blore D — 83 mins. (1944-'45) 1 THE SINGING SHERIFF Bob Crosby Fay McKenzie Edward Norris O — 63 mins. (9030) (1944-'45) BABES ON SWING STREET Peggy Ryan Ann Blyth Kirby Grant Freddy Slack orch. M — 70 mins. THE CLIMAX (Color) Susanna Foster Boris Karloff Turhan Bey D — 86 mins. BOWERY TO BROADWAY Donald O'Connor Maria Montez Peggy Ryan Turhan Bey M— 96 mins. (502) DEAD MAN'S EYES Lon Chaney Jean Parker Paul Kelly D — 64 mins. RECKLESS AGE Gloria Jean Judy Clark Jack Gilford Delta Rhythm Boys D — 63 mins. SUSPECT Charles Laughton Ella Raines Dean Harens D £5 .5 9 i e «<*. •c - B » '"* Si P u S 3 5 ' *» i. I* 3 O sob k ts a e o 5 ■« * a 3© *S •"8 -a § -go *1 « .a 1§ §5 ■*» ^ t 2 3* g j?2 m "2-S Cc2 .« Ou|D qJ "8^ SOB 1 'i - - 2 .SaS z5S . n^u "sx 2 w X I H U w£> £■« » g -T3 E~ < jB S^Es £QS 6 X§«, „E CO ti-M c hi ca s.a 30 4 s Sh q Si ° s wZ >. co < E-. < ,c 5^v C j; - 3° ft. (4 wx x< H 22 i B gs » •5 fcS ■ E • X2E-«2f> o M< a 2 2< w["iO . ..Hxi 2 ".S4 «.« Eg 00 a l^3 WPQ_,1-1 c 5« « § c s (j r5 00 M H vo K I taS=cjg-TO oi-.m .s^s - ■ ' s 3"e 9 q co o o> CO ^ H NOW m % \°£ I ra G 3 C to £ ^ O-0 2,0 6 ie > o S R ? ^ S /? "> H<« 22. 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First in Film-ai (Radio V Accural Impartial MOTION PICTURE DAI LY OL. 56. NO. 72 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1944 TEN CENTS Study World Trade Unit For Industry Companies Turn Plan Over to Counsels it: Formation of an industry forr eign trade association, under prof visions of the Webb Act, which would be empowered to represent the industry on trade problems in any part of the world, is under study by the general counsel of the companies which distribute internationally. A meeting to further advance the pro- posal was held at MPPDA headquar- ters on Wednesday. The project already has re- ceived the tentative approval of company presidents, subject to results of the study now being made by the general counsels of the companies. Indications {Continued on page 3) Monogram Rentals Rise to $4,300,626 Hollywood, Oct. 12. — Monogram Pictures reports its share of income from rentals reached $4,300,626 in the year ended July 1, compared with $2,- 567,186 last year, after allowing for commissions to those exchanges which the company does not own, and after deducting salesmen's commissions. Net for the year was $177,822, after all charges, compared with $99,144 in the preceding period. Net before taxes was $546,835 ; last year's net was $163,749. Tax provisions, after de- ducting for postwar refund, were $369,102; last year's tax was $64,605. Stamp Marks Films' 50th Anniversary Washington, Oct. 12. — The Fed- eral Government has joined in the celebration of the motion picture's 50th anniversary with an announce- ment by Postmaster General Frank C. Walker that an appropriate com- memorative postage stamp will be is- sued Oct. 31, with "first day" sales only in Hollywood and New York. The stamp will be of the three-cent denomination, in purple, of the same size and shape as other commemora- tives which have been issued this year (Continued on page 2) Davis to Canada On Deal for Rank London, Oct. 12. — John Davis, joint managing direc- tor of J. Arthur Rank's Ode- on Theatres here, is enroute to Canada to attempt to com- plete arrangements for Rank's acquisition of an interest in a Canadian theatre circuit or a deal on distribution, or both. Negotiations with Famous Players Canadian and Odeon of Canada were discussed by Rank in Toronto last Summer. Back in France InWeek:Riskin U. S. film distribution in France, being handled since "D-Day" by the Allied Psychological Warfare Divi- sion, will be turned back to American distributors in about "a week or ten days," Robert Riskin, chief of the Of- fice of War Information's motion pic- ture bureau, disclosed here yesterday. This move was forecast in Motion Picture Daily of Sept. 20, when Ris- kin said it was only "a matter of weeks." Riskin revealed that PWD has suc- ceeded in locating many former film personnel of U. S. distributors in France, which information has been transmitted to the companies in New (Continued on page 2) Republic's 1944-45 Budget to 17-to-20 Millions: H. J. Yates Hollywood, Oct. 12. — Republic's 1944-45 production budget will run between $17,500,00 to $20,000,000, an increase of between 35 to 50 per cent, according to H. J. Yates, who ret urned to New York this week from a lengthy stay at the com- pany's studio here. For the first time, Republic will use color, planning three for the new season, budget- ed at between $750,000 and $1,500,000 each, group will include J. Yates The season s top (Continued on page 3) Agnew, Ginsberg in Sixth Bond Posts Neil Agnew and Henry Ginsberg have been named co-chairmen for film industry bond sales in the Sixth War Loan $14,000,000,000 campaign, which runs from Nov. 20 through Dec. 16. Agnew, vice president in charge of distribution for Vanguard Films, and (Continued on page 3) Thatcher Decision Cited To Void Arbitration Washington, Oct. 12. — A 14-year- old decision of the United States Su- preme Court may be resuscitated be- fore the New York Federal District Court next month to buttress the charges of Harry Arthur's St. Louis Amusement Co. that the film consent decree arbitration system is unconsti- tutional, it was learned here today. The charges are made in a motion prepared for filing on behalf of Arthur by Russell Hardy, his counsel, to intervene in the pending consent-decree case in the New York court. Hardy declares here that the pres- ent arbitration system, in principle, parallels that followed by the arbi- tration boards provided for under the Uniform Contract employed in the '20's. That system was held to be in violation of the Sherman Act by the Supreme Court on Nov. 24. 1930, in affirming a decision of the New York District Court, rendered by Judge Thomas D. Thatcher. In that case the Department of Jus- tice, which is expected next month to oppose Hardy's motion to intervene in the New York decree suit, alleged that distributor defendants conspired to restrain trade by means of an agreement to impose a uniform con- tract upon all exhibitors, providing for compulsory joint action by the defendants. The contract called for compulsory arbitration, and no distributor was to sell an exhibitor who failed to obey an arbitration order. Actions against the St. Louis arbi- tration board, which has been~sched- uled for a hearing Nov. 13 on a com- plaint of Adolph Rosecan in which Hardy's principals are involved may be filed in that city within the next 10 days, Hardy said. End of Studio Walkout Is Believed Near Dispute Is Certified To War Labor Board Hollywood, Oct. 12. — The set decorators walkout affecting five studios up to today is expected to end with the return of the workers before the weekend providing the Na- tional War Labor Board notification of certification is received promptly, Ed Mussa, union business manager, said. Thomas F. Neblett, regional WLB chairman, on the other hand, said that the men must return to work before the NWLB will proceed. The juris- dictional dispute between the Confer- ence of Studio Unions and IATSE over studio set decorators was certi- fied to the War Labor Board in Washington yesterday by Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins. Pending receipt of the notification of certification, Mussa said, the walk- out will not be spread to other studios. The action met with wide- spread producer approval, the feeling being tha+ studios are "off the spot" and can deal with whatever bargain- ing agency the government finally de- termines. Herbert Sorrell, Studio Union Conference head, said : "W e'll cooperate- with any government agen- cy that will take hold and do something." Treasury Reports '42 Film Salaries Washington, Oct. 12. — The Treas- ury Department today made public a supplemental list of individuals receiv- ing compensation in excess of $75,000 for personal services in 1942, which included reports from Columbia, Loew's and Universal. (Salary figures released rep- resent gross sums and do not reflect the net amount left to individuals after Federal, state and other taxes. On $100,000 an- nual income the Federal tax is (Continued on page 31 Reviewed Today Review of "The Conspira- tors", Warner Bros., will be found on page 3. 2 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Friday, October 13, 1944 Personal Mention HAL HORNE, 20th-Fox's adver- tising-publicity director, is due here Monday from the Coast. • Arthur Sachson, Warners' assist- ant general sales manager, has ar- rived in Oklahoma City, from Mem- phis, and will leave there today for Dallas. • Ed Hinchy, head of Warners' plavdate department, is in Milwaukee today and will return to New York on Monday. • Casey Robinson, M-G-M produc- er, and his wife, Tamara Touman- ova, have arrived in New York from the Coast. • Capt. Bob Williams, Army Air Force, formerly of the Warner Bros, publicity department, is in New York awaiting a discharge. Howard Dietz, Si Seadler and Herbert Crooker of M-G-M have returned to New York from Cincin- nati. • Robert M. Gillham, Paramount advertising, publicity and exploitation head, will leave California Tuesday for Kansas City and St. Louis. Harry Thomas, Monogram's East- ern district manager, was in Chicago this week from New York. Joseph Moskowitz, 20th Century- Fox executive, will leave California tomorrow for New York. • King Vidor and Mrs. Vidor are in New York. • Frank Tuttle, director, is en route to Hollywood from New York. Industry Honor for Sir Alexander King London, Oct. 12. — Over 300 repre- sentatives of all sections of the Brit- ish industry attended a luncheon at Dorchester House yesterday in honor of Sir Alexander Boyne King, thea- tre executive, who has been knighted for his services to the Ministry of Information in Scotland. Speeches extolling Sir Alexander and the industry were made by Bren- dan Bracken, minister of information ; Col. Walter Elliott, ex-secretary of state for Scotland and member of Parliament for King's constituency, and Reginald Baker, president of the Kinematograph Renters Society. Bracken said : "No one possibly can estimate the immensity of the service done by Britain's motion picture in- dustry in bringing victory to the na- tion and her Allies in this war." S. W. Clift, president of the Cinemato- graph Exhibitors Association, pre- sided. Stamp Marks Films' 50th Anniversary T E £>/STf AT E S OF AME RICA POSTAGE 50TH ANHiVSKS-AWY OF MOT SON PiCTUfifcS (.Continued from page I) — the same height and twice the width of the ordinary stamp. Bearing the caption "50th Anniver- sary of Motion Pictures," . the stamp will depict a scene familiar to many in the Armed Forces, a motion pic- ture show in the South Pacific. In the background, beside a native hut, a screen is shown hung between two palm trees, on which may be seen two men and a girl. George J. Schaefer, national chair- man of the War Activities Committee, and Francis Harmon, coordinator, were responsible for bringing the an- niversary before the attention of 4he Postal Department. In a letter to Schaefer, Postmaster General Walker praised the industry's contributions in the war effort. ■ Dales, Berger Leave For Treasury Talks Hollywood, Oct. 12.— John Dales, Jr., and William Berger, Screen Act- ors Guild executive counsel and at- torney, entrained for Washington yesterday to attend a conference called by the Treasury Department for Tuesday to discuss the proposed amendment to wage stabilization regu- lations which would require prior ap- proval of all employment deals involv- ing a $1,000 weekly wage or more. The proposals have been under study since July. Maurice Benjamin and Mendel Silberberg, left Wednes- day to attend as producer's representa- tives. Following the conference Dales and Berger will go to New York to confer with other AAAA affiliates on the proposed merger of all entertain- ment unions. Canadian Industry Honors Cohen, Clark Toronto, Oct. 12. — Canadian film leaders attended a testimonial dinner Tuesday night at the King Edward Hotel in honor of Wolfe Cohen, form- erly general manager for Warners in Canada, and recently promoted to an executive post in the company's for- eign department in New York. Cohen was presented with a wrist watch. Ampere Decision Is Upheld on Appeal Decision by Lionel Popkin, arbitra tor in the New York tribunal, in the clearance complaint by Ampere The atre, East Orange, N. J., against the five consenting companies, has been affirmed by the Arbitration Appeal Board, the American Arbitration As- sociation reported here yesterday. Back in France InWeek:Riskin (Continued from page 1) York for determination as to whether such men are satisfactory for reconsti- tution of branch offices in Paris. The companies have designated, in most cases, temporary representatives to take over distribution from PWD. The OWI will continue to dis- tribute its own war documentaries, Riskin said, but will rely upon facili- ties of U. S. distributors. Shipping of films to France will remain in the hands of OWI temporarily. The Italian situation is still uncer- tain, OWI's overseas film chief said, because transportation there is worse than in France. Film operation in Germany will be a "combined job," Riskin said, probably similar to that in Italy. Although a final plan for Germany has not been determined, it is reasonably certain that all films that have any political content will be seized, he added. Some' Nazi fea- tures have already been taken, he said, and sent to Army Intelligence and OWI for scrutiny on Nazi propagan- da. It is probable that all German theatres will be closed and then grad- ually reopened. French Studios Set Riskin said that reports from France indicated that studios there were in good condition and enough raw stock was available for produc- tion to start almost immediately. Parisian film houses are still reported closed, except for three newsreel thea- tres, because of the power shortage. Elsewhere in France OWI was car- rying out a 40 or 50 per cent rental policy for films. The second edition of the OWI News Review, prepared here, is being made ready for those areas. Rome now has 136 theatres operat- ing, and the OWI is also distributing in Belgium, he said. Officers Elected By Allied of Mich. Detroit, Oct. 1-2. — Final meeting of a three-day session of Allied Theatres of Michigan was held at the Book- Cadillac hotel today with an election of officers. All officers were re-elected, includ- ing Ray Branch, president; W. James Olson, vice-president; Edgar E. Kirchner, secretary-treasurer, and Fred E. Pennell, business manager. A new member was elected to the board, H. S. Gallup of Marquette. Mary Field, Rank Producer, to U. S. London, Oct. 12. — Mary Field, pro- ducer of instructional films, who has been detailed by J. Arthur Rank to make his parable pictures for children's film clubs, is en route to New York for a lecture tour. While in the United States she will be mar- ried to G. T. Hankin, British civil servant, now stationed, at the Inter- Allied Food Commission in Washing- ton. '". .. '. . The Season's Surprise Hit I "MY PAL, WOLF" with SHARYN MOFFETT Jill Esmond Una O'Connor George Cleveland Charles Arnt Claire Carleton An RKO Radio Picture BRANDT'S REPUBLIC B'way between 51st and 52nd Streets Phone CO-5-9647 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GREER GARSON — WALTER PIDGEON in Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer's "MRS. PARKINGT0N" Edward Arnold - Agnes Mooreheacf Cecil Kellaway SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION First Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 PARAMOUNT'S "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay" starring Gail RUSSELL - Diana LYNN with Charlie Ruggles - Dorothy Gish IN PERSON— FRANK SINATRA plus Eileen Barton RAYMOND PAIGE and his orchestra ^ PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek* ^ RIV0LI, B'way & 49th St ^ PALACE B WAY & 47th St. "MUSIC IN MANHATTAN" ANNE SHIRLEY DENNIS DAY PHILIP TERRY 1 ON SCREEN "PEARL BUCK'S WAGON SEED' Katharine HEPBURN Tuthan Bey IN PERSON HENRY ARMETTA HARRIET H0CT0R Gene Tierney ■ Dana Andrews - Clifton Webb LAURA' A 20th Century-Fox Picture Plus on Stage— Hazel SCOTT - Jackie M I LES Jerry WAYNE - HARRISON and FISHER BUY MORE B /% VV 7th Ave. & BONDS RwA I 50th St. *+f VICTORIA .|pSll Broadway & 46th St. II Doors Open 9:45 A. M. • Continuous MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane^ Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday j and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone "Circle -7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive' Editor; James P. Cunningham, "News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, • Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London I Bureau. 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing! Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the J post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Friday, October 13, 1944 MOTION PICTURE DAILY 3 Treasury Reports 1942 Salaries of Stars, Executives (Continued from page 1) approximately 70 per cent. On $500,000 annual income, and over, the Federal tax is ap- |W proximately 90 per cent.) f) Louis B. Mayer, vice-president and studio head of Loew's, was reported *as having received $1,138,992. Others were : Columbia Pictures; year ended June 30, 1943: Brian Aherne, $144,958; Fred Astaire, $75,635; Samuel Bischoff, $91,000; Sidney Buchman, $115,250; Charles Coburn, $91,- 666; Harry Cohn, $130,000 salary and $20,- 788 other compensation; Jack Cohn, $78,000 salary and $10,394 other compensation; A. L. Hall, $108,458; Joel McCrea, $118,750; Abraham Montague, $78,000; Edward G. Robinson, $129,166; Abraham Schneider, $78,000'; William Seiter, $130,000; George Stevens, $101,282; P. J. Wolfson, $87,500; Loretta Young, $85,000. Loew's, Inc., year ended Aug. 31, 1943: Edward Arnold, $99,583; Wallace Beery, $150,000; Busby Berkeley, $109,875; Pandro S. Berman, $156,000; David Bernstein, $93,- 600 salary, $229,430 commission and $10,400 other compensation, total $333,434; Frank Borzage, $79,625; Clarence Brown, $201,933; Edward Buzzell, $78,000; Lenore Coffee, $87,780; T. J. Colin, $118,416; J. W. Con- sidine, Jr., $123,500; Jack Conway, $209,- 118; Joan Crawford, $194,615; George Cukor, $90,850; John S. Cummings, $104,- 000; Roy Del Ruth, $83,375; William Dieterle, $156,000; Howard Dietz, $65,000, salary and $13,000 other compensation; Brian Dbnlevy, $141,250; Tommy Dorsey, $165,817; Irene Dunne, $200,000; Sam Eck- man, Tr., $100,000; Victor Fleming, $212,- 500; Sidney Franklin, $182,000; Arthur Freed, $104,000; Tay Garnett, $90,101; Greer Garson, $159,083; Cedric Gibbons, $91,000; Ben Goetz, $105,145; Frances Gumm, $89,- 666; Katharine Hepburn, $110,333; Arthur Hornblow, Jr., $183,060; Harry James, $128,559; Sam Katz, $156,000, salary and $214,189 commission; Kay Kyser, $99,999; Vincent Lawrence, $100,333; Charles Laugh - ton, $128,562; Robert Z. Leonard, $208,000; Mervyn LeRoy, $182,000; Albert Lewin, $90,- 333; Al Lichtman, $156,000 salary and $160,- 604 commission ; Anita Loos, $86,625 ; James J. McGuinness, $91,000; Norman McLeod, $92,560; Hedwig K. Mandle, $88,250; Jo- seph Mankiewiez, $153,000; E. J. Mannix, $158,600 salary and $214,139 commission; J. G. Mayer, $78,000; Louis B. Mayer, $104,- 500 salary and $1,034,492 commission, total $1,138,992; Frank Morgan, $185,680; George Murphy, $83,666; Joseph Pasternak, $143,- 000; Walter Pidgeon, $99,333; William Pow- -II. $251,250; Harry Rapf, $80,375 salary and $29,472 commission; Samson Raphael - son, $78,750; Gregory Ratofif, $151,388; Ever- ett Riskin, $104,000; Mickey Rooney, $81,- 166 salary and $75,000 bonus, total $156,166; William F. Rodgers, $104,000 salary and $11,400 other compensation; J. Robert Rubin, $88,400 salary, $213,927 commission and $15,- 600 other compensation; Wesley Ruggles. $210,600; Dore Schary, $97,750; Nicholas M. Schenck. $105,300 salary, $382,391 commission and $24,700 other compensation; Louis K. Sidney, $76,750; Ann Sothern, $84,333; Nor- man Taurog, $156,000; Robert Taylor, $176,- 983: Benjamin Thau, $91,000 salary and $107,069 commission; Richard Thorp, $91,000; Spencer Tracy. $219,871; Dalton Trumbo, $76,250; Lana Turner, $87,000; W. S. Van Dyke, $109,083; King Vidor, $208,000; L. Weingarten, $169,000 salary and $53,534 com- mission; Carey Wilson, $107,000; Robert Young, $18,500; Sam Zimbalist, $94,208. Universal Pictures, year ended Oct. 31, 1943: Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, $208,000 salary and $581,628 other compensation; Frank Borzage, $95,833; N. J. Blumberg, $112,666 salary and $126,553 other compensa- tion; Charles Boyer. $80,000; Leo Carrillo, $87,208: J. Cheever Cowdin, $112,671 salary and $126,553 other compensation ; Edna Mae Durbin. $282,250; Julian E. Duvivier, $130.- 000; Henry Koster. $103,000; Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson, $100,000 salary and $51,795 other compensation: Randolph Scott, $132,- 187; Charles D. Prutzman. $73,200 salary and $62 959 other compensation, total $136,- 159: Tosenh Seidelman. $73,200 salary and $62,959 other compensation, total $136,159; Franchot Tone, $101,111; Walter F. Wanger, $77,500 salary and $632,872 other compensa- tion, total $710,372: Cliff Work. $99,666 sal- ary and $62,959 other compensation. Montague Setting Deal Los Angeles, Oct. 12. — A. Mon- tague, Columbia general sales mana- ger, is discussing a distribution deal here with Fox West-Coast Theatres. Review "The Conspirators" {Warner Bros.) Hollywood, Oct. 12 LISBON, the European gateway to America and freedom, is the locale of this spy-and-underground melodrama caparisoned witli the mysterious flourishes and adornments for which the tall tales of the E.' Phillips Open- heim school were known. The principals are about as standard, too, in this film based on a novel by Fredric Prokosch. Paul Henreid, member of the Dutch underground, is the hero. Hedy Lamarr, married to Victor Francen, is the feminine allure — and that's the word for it. Francen, attached to the German Embassy, pre- sumably is an undercover agent enrolled in the cause of the Allies. Sydney Greenstreet is the funnel through whom Allied agents clear. Peter Lorre is one of his aides. The pivot of the narrative swirls around Henreid's escape from Holland through France and Spain to Portugal on his way to London. Miss Lamarr apparently is on the side which does not want Henreid to make the grade. Only she isn't, as the footage unreels in due time. Francen turns out to be a Nazi disciple merely posing as an agent of the democracies. In the end, he gets his from spewing revolvers, Henreid foregoes London for a return trip to Holland while Miss Lamarr, her love now joined with his, awaits his reapparance in faithful resignation to the war and its exactments. THE story line, however, is embroidered and occasionally snarled with knots thrown in for purposes of audience entanglement. Because Miss Lamarr's exact position is not divulged during the early stretches, Henreid is at cross purposes with her. Because Francen is not established for what he is until the finish, another surprise element enters. In fact, the long se- quence leading to his uncovering is the most tense portion of a film of vary- ing intensity. It takes place in a gambling casino. Allied champions know a traitor lurks somewhere about. All hands are suspected, particularly Hen- reid who had been accused of a murder rap ahead of all this. When the traitor places his bets on numbers which combine into the number of the hotel room where the rendezvous is slated to take place, he exposes himself. That's Francen, and for him the end expresses into sight. The attraction is mounted most attractively. The strong cast — a strong advertising angle — also includes Joseph Calleia, Carol Thurston, Edward Ciannelli, Steven Geray, Kurt Katch and Gregory Gay and handles itself with competence. Jean Negulesco's direction meshed representatively with the somewhat outmoded story thereby making the overall result one of satis- faction from the audience point of view. "The Conspirators" ought to do all right. Jack Chertok produced. Running time 103 minutes. "G"*. Release date, Oct. 31. Red Kann *"G" denotes general classification. O'Connor Commends Bernhard, Industry Joseph Bernhard, general manager of Warner Theaters and chairman of the industry's 1944 Red Cross drive, made public yesterday a commenda- tion by Basil O'Connor, chairman of the American Red Cross, for the job done by the industry in the last drive. Bernhard said that the tribute from O'Connor was meant to apply to all in the business who had a hand in the campaign. "The fact it is the largest sum ever collected by the industry for a national charity is ample evidence not only of the generosity of the American people but of the immense effort and careful planning of you and your associates," O'Connor told Bernhard. Hesse Rites Today Funeral services for Joseph Hesse, 68, industry accountant for over 25 years, will be held today in Bogota, N. J., from the home of his sister in that city. Hesse, who was last in the accounting department of Skivo Productions, Inc., died Tuesday after a long illness. He was formerly an auditor with Educational Films and Grand National. Charles Amos, 53, Dies Nashville, Oct. 12. — Charles H. Amos, 53, manager of Crescent's Paramount here for the past 14 years, died Tuesday after an illness of sev- eral weeks. Kingsberg Names N.Y. Bond Group Malcolm Kingsberg, War Activities Committee New York area chairman for the Sixth War Loan drive, met with his executive committee — Leo Brecher, James Brennan, S. H. Fa- bian, Irving Lesser, Charles C. Mos- kowitz, Samuel Rinzler, Edward Ru- goff, Fred Schwartz, David Weinstock and William White — at a luncheon at the Hotel Astor here Wednesday, and announced the following appointments : Major L. E. Thompson, campaign di- rector ; Wilbur B. England, campaign co-ordinator ; Harry Mandel, publicity director ; Edward C. Dowden, special events ; Ernest Emerling, War Finance liason ; Peter Finney, Treas- ury Department liaison ; Irving Lesser, Broadway chairman ; James Sauter, talent coordinator ; Leonard Golden- son, corporate chairman ; W. Stewart McDonald, home office chairman ; Gar- rett Van Wagner, accounting chair- man ; Mike Rosen, labor relations chairman ; John A. Cassidy, press liaison ; Edward Rugoff and David Weinstock, issuing agents and Ralph Pielow, distributor liaison. Also attending the meeting were Harry Brandt, Max Cohen, John Hertz, Jr., William Crockett, Max Youngstein and Herman Schleier who discussed plans of the industry's na- tional committee. Agnew, Ginsberg in Sixth Bond Posts (.Continued from page 1) a member of the board of United Artists, will be in charge sales in the industry in the East. Ginsberg, vice president and general manager in charge of studio operations at Para- mount, has been in charge of industry sales on the Coast in several previous drives. Meanwhile national industry Sixth War Loan headquarters here reports that David O. Selznick, Alfred Hitch- cock, Jennifer Jones and Sydney Longstreet, author, are preparing the first of a series of Sixth War Loan trailers, titled "The Fighting Genera- tion," being produced in Hollywood under the supervision of the War Ac- tivities Committee, Hollywood Divi- sion, of which John Flinn is co-ordina- tor. It will be available free to all exhibitors from local National Screen exchanges. Films9 Foreign Trade Association Studied (Continued from page 1) at this time are that it will be cleared by counsel and formal- ly established before the end of the year. Establishment of an industry for- eign trade association is not related to, nor designed to affect the com- panies' earlier plan to appoint trade representatives to the various leading world capitals. The latter plan was approved by the company presidents last Spring and will proceed, entirely apart from the outcome of the forma- tion of a foreign trade association, it was stated. Under the Webb Act, the new as- sociation, if and when formed, must be registered with the Federal Trade Commission in Washington. It will permit the companies to act in con- cert in any part of the world in which problems affecting one or several of the companies may arise. The proj- ect was considered by the companies about four years ago but was dropped, largely because of world conditions at the time. It is being revived now in the light of the industry's current and probable postwar problems in world markets. Republic's Budget to 17 to 20 Millions (Continued from page 1) "Lake Placid Serenade," "Earl Car- roll's Vanities," "Hit Parade of 1945," "The Fabulous Texan," "The Iron Master," "Mexicana," "Belle of the Gold Coast," "Glory Road," "Storm Over Lisbon," and "Calendar Girl." Yates foresees a "natural slump as being an inevitable development im- mediately following the war's end," but predicted it will be temporary only. "Foreign grosses a year after peace will treble due to the lack of European production facilities in view of the tremendous need for entertain- ment." Yates prophesied that grosses ten years after the end of the war will make today's "small by comparison." ITS... IN BIG CITIES... IN SMALL TOWNS... ;d that everywhere TROTTi IS THE MOST IMPORTANT BOX-OFFICE EVENT IN 50 YEARS OF MOTION PICTURE 6 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Friday, October 13, 1944 Chicago Good, But 'Brown' Is Better:$21,000 Chicago, Oct. 12. — Business is hold- ing up well in the "Loop, with "Casa- nova Brown" on top, building into a long7run at the Woods. It grossed $26,700 in the first week, topping ear- lier estimates, and attracted a heavy $21,000 in its second week. "Janie" opened nicely at the Roosevelt. "Heavenly Days" has been hurt by uniformly bad reviews. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 12: "Gaslight" (M-G-M) • APOLLO — (1.200) (55c-65c-95c) 3rd week. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $11,400). "Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) CHICAGO — (3,850) (55c-85c-95c) Stage: Perry Como and Revue. 2nd week. Gross: $41,000. (Average: $51,500). "The Last Rick" (WB) DOWNTOWN — (1,600) (44c-55c-85c-95c) Stage: Duke Ellington and band. Gross: $20,000. "Mr. Winkle Goes to War" (Col.) "Secret Command" (Col.) 5 days, 3rd week "Summer Storm" (UA) 2 days GARRICK— (1,000) (55c-65c-95c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $9,100). "Christmas Holiday" (Univ.) "Moonlight and Cactus" (Univ.) 3rd Loop week GRAND— (1,250) (50c-60c-85c-95c) Gross: $8,500. (Average: $9,100). "My Buddy" (Rep.) ORIENTA L— (3,200) (44c-55c-85c-95c) Stage: Tony Pastor and band, and Jean Parker. Gross: $34,500. (Average: $24,000). "Heavenly Days" (RKO) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) PALACE — (2,500) (55c-65c-95c) Gross: $23,000. (Average: $24,000). "Janie" (WB) ROOSEVELT— (1,500) (55c-65c-95c) Gross: $21,000. (Average: $20,000). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) STATE LAKE — (2,700) (55c-65c-95c) Gross: $30,000. (Average: $29,000). "Two Girls and a Sailor" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS — (1,700) (50c-65c-95c) 3rd week. Gross: $21,000. (Average: $20,000). Casanova Brown" (RKO-Intemational) WOODS-(1,200) (55c-65c-95c) 2nd week. Gross: $21,000. (Average: $10,000). Legion Classifies Five New Films The National Legion of Decency has classified the following new films : A-l, "Gangsters of the Frontier," PRC, and "Meet Miss Bobby Socks," Columbia; A-2, "The Master Race," RKO, and "The Unwritten Code," Columbia; B, "Thunder Rock," Char- ter Film Productions— English Films. MP AC Names Chadwick Atlanta, Oct. 12— A. E. Chad- wick has been named vice-president of Motion Picture Advertising Co. here. Toronto Is Static But Not 'Climax' Toronto, Oct. 12.— "The Climax" had a local premiere at the Uptown Theatre during the week and, with a midnight show added for Canada's Thanksgiving Day, on Monday, the run pointed to $13,800. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 12 : "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) EGLINTON— (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average: $4,000). "Janie" (WB) IMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $13,800. (Average: $12,- 800). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) LOEW'S— (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,700. (Aver- age: $11,200). "Going My Way" (Para.) SHEA'S— (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 6th week. Gross: $12,800. (Average: $12,800). "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) TIVOLI— (1,434) (18c-30c-48c) 6 Gross: $4,900. (Average: $4,400). "The Climax" (Univ.) UPTOWN— (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $13,800. (Average: $9,800). days. Providence Gives $20,000 to'SYW A' Providence, Oct. 12. — "Since You Went Away," with $20,000 for its sec- ond week at Loew's State, is still lead- ing the local list. Estimated grosses for the week end- ing Oct. 13: "Heavenly Days" (RKO) "Youth Runs WUd" (RKO) RKO - ALBEE — (2,239) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $12,800).. "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOEW'S STATE— (3,232) (35c-44c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $17,700). "Double Indemnity" (Para.) "Gambler's Choice" (Para.) STRAND— (2,200) (44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $10,500). "Wilson" (Z0th-Fox) MAJESTIC-(2,250) (76c-80c-$1.10) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $12,100). "Dangerous Journey" (20th-Fox) "In the Meantime, Darling" (20th-Fox) CARLTON— (1,526) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Majes- tic. Gross: $2,800. (Average: $4,000). "Song of Nevada" (Rep.) FAY'S-(1,800) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days. On stage: Anthony and Rogers, Ed Ricard, Lynn and Larry, Judy and Neyna, Ray Douglas, John Argo. Gross: $7,900. (Av- erage: $6,500). "Waterfront" (PRC) METROPOLITAN — (3,050) (55c-70c) 3 days. On stage: George Paxton's Orches- tra, The Modernaires, Henry Armetta, So- phisticated Ladies. Gross: $7,000. (Aver- age: $6,900). 'Irish Eyes' Premiere Cleveland, Oct. 12 — "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," 20th-Fox, will be giv- en its world premiere in Cleveland at Warners' Hippodrome on Nov. 2, ac- cording to the local 20th-Fox ex- change. Cleveland was the home of Ernest Ball, protagonist of the film. RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc. NEW YORK TRADE SHOWING OF "GIRL RUSH ff Wed., Oct. 18, at II A.M. RKO PROJECTION ROOM, 630 Ninth Ave., New York, N. Y. Disney, Temple Set For N. Y. Forum Walt Disney will describe the use of motion pictures in rehabilitation work and Shir- ley Temple will speak on "The Responsibility of the Motion Picture" at the New York Herald Tribune's an- nual forum on current prob- lems which starts next Mon- day at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel here. Disney's address is set for the opening forum session which has as its theme "Twelve Million Veterans — A New Force." Miss Temple will talk the following day during the forum which has as its theme "Leadership Through Young Minds." Ruth Clifton, originator of the Moline (111.) plan to combat juvenile delin- quency, will describe the work of the Moline Youth Center at the same forum session. RKO Resumes Talks On Managers' Union Monroe Goldwater, attorney for RKO in its negotiations with Motion Picture Theatre Operating Managers and Assistant Managers Guild, repre- senting managers and assistant man- agers in the 41 RKO theatres in the Metropolitan New York and West- chester area and representatives of that union will meet with RKO offi- cials today instead of bringing the New York State Board of Mediation into the controversy immediately, to resolve the impasse that developed when negotiations started last week, RKO officials, when presented with union demands last week, are under- stood to have deferred discussion un- til the duties of managers and assist- ants of RKO theatres involved in the collective bargaining unit are rede- fined. 'SYWA' Bests Storm, Gets Big $18fi00 Baltimore, Oct. 12 — A substantial start for the week's business was up- set when a heavy downpour started just before Saturday night's peak hour. It continued all evening and proved a serious setback. That situ- ation, along with leading attractions holding over kept receipts to no bet- ter than average. "Since You Went Away" continues tops with $18,000 for its second week at the Century. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 12: "Since You Went Away" (UA) CENTURY— (3,000) (35c-44c-55c and 60c weekends) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross : $18,000. (Average: $15,000). "Gypsy Wildcast" (Univ.) KEITH'S — (2,406) (35c-40c-50c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $15,500. (Average: $15,000). "Wilson" (20th-Fox) NEW-(1,581) (76c-$1.10)7days, 4th week. Gross: $11,000. (Average at regular prices: $9,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) STANLEY — (3,280) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,500. (Average: $18,000). "Kansas City Kitty" (Col.) HIPPODROME— (2,205) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days. Stage Show: "Gay 90's Revue," starring Ella Shields. Gross: $17,000. (Av- erage: $18,500). ' Jungle Woman" (Univ.) MAYFAIR — (1,000) (35c-54c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $7,000). "The Soul of a Monster" (Col.) VALENCIA— £1,466) (35c-44c-55c and 60c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $5,000. (Aver- age: $5,000). 'Abroad with 2 Yanks9 on Top In Los Angeles Los Angeles, Oct. 12. — No excite- ment here, box-office wise. "Abroad With Two Yanks" did a fair $63,400 / at the Carthay Circle-Chinese-Loew's V State-Uptown combination whose ag- gregate normal is $61,300. Estimated receipts for the week end- ed Oct. 11: "Abroad with Two Yanks" (UA) "Enemy of Women" (Mono.) CARTHAY CIRCLE (1,516) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $8,700. (Average: $11,200). "Abroad with Two Yanks" (UA) "Enemy of Women" (Mono.) CHINESE — (2,500) (5Oc-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $15,500). "Kismet" (M-G-M) EGYPTIAN— (1,000) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $9,500). "The Invisible Man's Revenge" (Univ.) "Dead Man's Eyes" (Univ.) HAWAII — (1,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $4,700. (Average: $6,200). "The Impatient Years" (Col.) 'Shadows in the Night" (Col.) HILLSTREET — (2,700) (50c-60c-80c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $19,700). Abroad with Two Yanks" (UA) "Enemy of Women" (Mono.) LOEW'S STATE: (2,500) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $29,500. (Average: $24,100). "Kismet" (M-G-M) LOS ANGELES — (2,095) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $16,500. (Average: $14,900). "The Impatient Years" (Col.) "Shadows in the Night" (Col.) PANTAGES— (2,000) (5Oc-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $16,700). "Going My Way" (Para.) PARAMOUNT HOLLYWOOD — (1,407) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 8th week. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $11,000). "Going My Way" (Para.) PARAMOUNT DOWNTOWN — (3,595) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 8th week. Gross: $15,500. (Average: $20,300) "Kismet" (M-G-M) RITZ— (1,376) (5Oc-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $7,400. (Average: $8,700). "Abroad with Two Yanks" (UA) ' Enemy of Women" (Mono.) UPTOWN — (1,716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $10,200. (Average: $10,500). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) WARNER HOLLYWQOD-(3,000) (50c- 6Oc-8Oc-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $16,396. (Average: $17,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) WARNER DOWNTOWN — (3,400) (50c- 6Oc-8Oc-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $17,874. (Average: $18,700). WARNER WILTERN — (2,200) (50c-60c- 80c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $15,098. (Average: $15,200). 'Romance' Premiere Held in Cincinnati Cincinnati, Oct. 12. — Players in the film, M-G-M executives, represen- tatives of the local industry, the press and others from 12 cities attended the M-G-M banquet and preview of "An American Romance" here last night at the Netherlands Plaza Hotel. Home office officials who attended were : Howard Dietz, Silas F. Sead- ler, William R. Ferguson, Herbert Crooker and Oscar Doob. From the New York publicity office were : Wil- liam Ornstein, Bill Danziger, Charles David, Volney Phifer and Roy Olsen. Others who attended included : John J. Maloney, Central sales manager ; Henderson Richey, exhibitor relations director; Foster Gauker, Indianapolis manager ; Jack Sogg, Cleveland man- ager, and Charles Dietz, Detroit ex- ploiteer. LEO BE PRAISED! The record-breaking ASTOR performance of M-G-M's KISMET has been repeated in Los Angeles and Philadelphia ... so now get ready to give your engagement the tops in showmanship for a long and happy run. Another /ftjfSK\ hit from Leo! Keep Selling Bonds ! Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo You have to stick your neck out for "shots" like this COMBAT movie men in our Armed Forces are in the thick of every engagement. They've wallowed ashore at Anzio, Tarawa, and Saipan, para- chuted to earth in France. They're get- ting some of the greatest shots of all time . . . shots that are proving invalu- able in training ... in planning future strategy . . . shots that bring the war home to all of us when they flash on the theater screen. No praise can be too high for the industry-trained cam- eramen who unhesitatingly and con- stantly stick their necks out to make the most complete photographic rec- ord of a war ever attempted. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, Rochester, N. Y. J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors FORT LEE CHICAGO HOLLYWOOD °ne of o series of advertisements by KODAK testifying to the achievements of the movies at war MOTION PICTURE DAILY OL. 56. NO. 73 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1944 TEN CENTS SMPE Aims at Low Theatre Cost on Video Would Mould System on Present Booth Lines The Society of Motion Picture Engineers is understood to be de- termined to at least attempt to have television equipment eventually in- tended for theatres developed as close as possible along the lines of film-sound projection systems. In order to make it possible for theatres to install televi- sion projector systems in the- atres at minimum of cost, the SMPE, it is learned, will place emphasis on the use of as much existing sound and projection booth equipment as possible in developing television for the- atres. The engineers have taken the posi- tion, it is understood, that the possible extensive practical utilization of tele- vision programs in theatres would be (Continued on page 5) S. Dembow Named Aide to War Dept. Sam Dembow, Jr., Paramount thea- tre executive, has been named civilian consultant to the Secretary of War, a'tached to the motion picture branch of the Industrial Services Division, succeeding Arthur L. Mayer, who re- signed to become deputy commissioner of the Red Cross in the Pacific Islands area. The branch, which shares headquar- ters with the War Activities Commit- tee here, is headed by Major Monroe Greenthal. Function of the branch", part of the Army's bureau of public relations, is the supplying of 16mm prints of War Department-produced films to war plants as an industrial incentive. Stanley Hatch Gets Clark Post at WB Ben Kalmenson, general sales man- ager for Warner Bros., announced over the weekend that Stanley Hatch had been promoted to head of the contract sales department, taking over the duties recently handled by Ralph Clark, who was elevated to Canadian division manager, and that Arthur S. Jones has been moved up to head the contract department, filling Hatch's post. Distributors Demand Equality Abroad "The basic intention of American distributors in their current planning of a place in foreign markets when peace comes is to obtain an equality of opportunity among nations," a spokesman for the organized industry declared over the weekend. The executive, importantly connected in the current for- mulation of a postwar pro- gram, declared that "the American industry seeks no special 'breaks' abroad for its films, but does demand equal- ity in markets." Set First 7 Loan Meets The industry's Sixth War Loan drive committee has completed the itinerary and personnel for the first seven of 19 scheduled regional key city campaign meetings which will open in Los Angeles Oct. 23. Each meeting will be attended by exchange- men and exhibitors. Following is the schedule of the first seven meetings and executive members who will attend each : Los Angeles, Ambassador Hotel, Oct. 23, exhibitor state chairmen Gus Metzger, Harry Nace, George Tuck- er ; Harry Brandt, national chairman ; William F. Crockett, assistant chair- man ; Ned E. Depinet, distribution di- vision chairman; S. H. Fabian, thea- tre division chairman ; John Hertz, (Continued on page 10) Lawrence, Miggins, Lange, Hummel In Old Paris Posts The declaration last week by Robert Riskin, chief of the Office of War In- formation's overseas film bureau, that return of French distribution to the film industry is imminent, will, it is understood, start an exodus of form- er European managers back to the Continent, as soon as General Eisen- hower lifts his ban on traveling from London to Europe by business men. Riskin said that he expected this re- striction to be lifted shortly. Several distributors have plans to reinstate their European managers in former posts. Laudy Lawrence, former M-G-M Continental manager now serving with the OWI, is slated (Continued on page 8) Schine Anti-Trust Trial Nears End Buffalo, Oct. 15. — The Schine anti-trust trial, now nearing its close in Federal District court here, was enlivened on Friday by a parade of former exhibitors to the witness stand, most of whom testified that they went out of business as a result of Schine competitive tactics but who, apparent- ly, had their testimony qualified, if not discredited, under cross-examination by defense counsel later. John C. Herzberger, former opera- tor of the Auditorium at Perry, N. Y., said Schine had offered $5,000 for the lease after buying a lot in Perry with the intent of building a 1,000- seat theatre. The witness said the of- (Continued on page 5) 75% of Theatres Plan to Stay Open on 'V-E' Day Motion picture theatres will remain open in 75 per cent of the major cities on 'V-E' Day, a survey by Motion Picture Daily reveals. In New York City, Harry Brandt has been appointed representative of the managers of Broadway film houses, and will call a meeting of op- erators and managers to implement the Mayor's request that show "break- ing" hours be staggered on the night of victory in Europe to help keep street crowds under control during show-closing hours. In Philadelphia, plans are not for- mulated yet for theatres but sirens will sound throughout the city and a celebration of thanksgiving at Inde- pendence Hall will be broadcast from coast to coast. In Illinois-Indiana, Publix-Great States Theatres will remain open un- less audiences get out of control and hoodlums attempt to take over the theatres. In Baltimore announcements will be made from the stage of the theatres and ticket selling will be sus- pended temporarily. The Schine Circuit will remain open on 'V-E' Day and spot announcements will be made from stages of the the- atres. Los Angeles differs from the ma- jority of cities, however, and will close all theatres as soon as the news is flashed. Hundreds Seen Benefiting by New WLB Rule Approval for Raises Up To New Rate Ranges Film companies here and unions in the industry which are seeking to institute systems of job classi- fications with minimum and maxi- mum wage scales and progression plans for workers, are seen benefiting by a new War Labor Board ruling which directs regional WLBs to with- hold approval of voluntary wage-pro- gression schedules only when the in- crease raises an employe to the top of a rate range in less , than 12 months for unskilled, 18 months for semi- skilled and 24 months for skilled jobs. In enunciating such a policy, although described as being (Continued on page 10) Studio Strike Ends; Hearing in 3 Weeks Hollywood, Oct. 15. — Decorators, painters and machinists, totaling about 1,000, returned to their jobs Friday following walkouts that began over a week ago at the M-G-M studios and spread to Columbia, Paramount, War- ners and 20th Century-Fox. As a re- sult, production has been resumed at the pre-strike level. National War Labor Board hear- ings, accepted by Ed Mussa of the Set (Continued on page 10) Cohen Appointed By Silverstone to S. A. Murray Silverstone, vice-president in charge of foreign distribution for 20th Century-Fox, announced at the weekend the appointment of Edward Cohen, as manager in Panama and su- pervisor for Brazil, Argentina, Uru- guay, Chile, Peru and Bolivia. The remainder of the Western Hemisphere below the Rio Grande is under the supervision of Joseph Mullen, with headuarters in Mexico City. Reviewed Today Reviews of "The Very Thought of You," Warner Bros., will be found on page 5; also "Alaska," Monogram, and "Code of the Prairie," Republic, on page 8. 2 Motion Picture daily Monday, October 16, 1944 President to Try To Force Petrillo Personal Mention Tradewise By SHERWIN KANE SPYROS SKOURAS, 20th Cen- tury-Fox president, has arrived in Hollywood to resume studio confer- ences which were interrupted last week by his trip to attend Wendell Willkie's funeral. • Tom J. Connors, 20th Century-Fox vice-president in charge of sales, has returned to New York from Holly- wood. Charles Schlaifer, 20th's advertising manager, also has re- turned. • L. J. Hacking, Altec's New En- gland district manager, of Boston, and C. S. Perkins, manager of Al- tec's electronic division at Lexington, Mass., are in Hollywood. • Jack Kirsch, president of Allied of Illinois and a national co-chair- man of the Sixth War Loan drive, will join the drive committee cara- van in Omaha on Oct. 27. • Herman Kersken, manager of the San Francisco division of Fox West Coast Theatres, has returned to his headquarters after four weeks in New York. • Felix Greenfield of the Warner publicity department and Mrs. Green- field are parents of a girl born Fri- day at Israel Zion Hospital, Brooklyn. • Sergeant Ed Kennedy of RKO's home office foreign department, re- ported missing in action, has been lo- cated in a German prison camp. • Murray Sflverstone, 20th Century- Fox vice-president in charge of for- eign distribution, is due here tomor- row from the Coast. • H. M. Herbel, Warner's Western division manager, with headquarters in Los Angeles, is visiting in Salt Lake City. • Ben Kalmenson, Warner's general sales manager, returned at the week- end from a visit to Midwest branches. • Sidney Bidill, executive producer for Cecil B. DeMille, has returned to Hollywood after four weeks here. • Harry Arthur, head of the St. Louis Amusement Co., arrived in New York at the weekend from St. Louis. • Arthur Jeffrey, International Pic- tures' Eastern publicity representa- tive, has returned from Cincinnati. • Roger Ferri, editor of 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Dynamo" returned from the Coast over the weekend. • Rube Jackter, Columbia's assistant general sales manager, will leave today for Charlotte. • Mike Todd, producer, has returned here from Hollywood. T F American exhibitors need- ed a warning that higher Federal admission taxes con- tinue to be a very live subject in Washington, it was furnished them last week by the Treasury Department itself. Reporting from Quigley Pub- lications Washington Bureau, Bertram F. Linz wrote : "The Treasury Department today is- sued a comparative analysis of English and American admis- sion taxes, showing that the former range as high as five times as much as is imposed on tickets in this country." The Treasury's "statement" went on to cite examples of taxation imposed upon British theatres and made its own com- parison of such taxes with those in effect here. There was nothing in the Treasury Department's state- ment to indicate that, perhaps, the Department believes that British theatres are grossly and unfairly overtaxed by their gov- ernment and that the British ex-chequer would do well to lower the admission tax to the level in effect in the United States. There was no hint in the Treasury Department state- ment that it entertains the be- lief that the British film indus- try would be healthier, stronger and better fitted for competition in the world film markets if its tax burden was less than it is ; nothing to suggest that the Treasury believes that the American industry is economi- cally sound at home and its films the first choice of the world's motion picture audi- ences because our taxes are or have been lower than Britain's. • No, my friends. That Treas- ury statement is nothing more nor less than a "softener-up- per," the "one" of the well known old one-two. There will be more like it between now and the time the next Federal bud- get and revenue bills are pre- pared. The "two" will arrive in the form of a Treasury request for a 30 per cent Federal admis- sion tax, or a recommendation for a 40 per cent tax made in the hope of an "eventual settle- ment at 30 per cent. Current Federal admission taxes are bringing the Treasury more than $30,000,000 per month, which puts the box office high on the list of revenue pro- ducers. An increase of the tax to 30 per cent could will bring the annual collections from the box office into the half-billion dollar revenue stratosphere, the Treasury experts figure. But what, actually, would be the result of a Federal admis- sion tax of 30 per cent? One guide to the answer to that is the experience of cabarets, night clubs, etc., with the 30 per cent tax. Hundreds of them throughout the country closed their doors and went out of business. It is not unreasonable to suppose that a similar experi- ence in excessive taxation awaits the box office. And is exhibition prepared to meet this threat? One segment of exhibition faltered at the strategic moment last Spring when a unified theatres' tax de- fense council was taking shape. Another segment of the indus- try, the MPPDA Washington office, viewed exhibition's tax defense plan as a pre-emption of its own sphere of influence, and dealt the plan its coup de grace. In so doing, that office assumed a responsibility which few, if any, in exhibition feel it can discharge successfully. There is nothing in the pre- tensions of the MPPDA Wash- ington office to exclude or de- flect exhibitor leaders in every section of the country from banding together now to pre- pare the defense of their box offices from the coming tax gouge attempt. If that Wash- ington office has help to offer it should blend its efforts with ex- hibition's, if and when it may be asked to do so. Its stake in the outcome is a vital one, too. But the fight is exhibition's. • • There is nothing to be added to the tributes which have been paid to Wendell Willkie except, perhaps, those which all report- ers who knew him or had occa- sion to go to him for informa- tion in the course of their work are agreed upon. Willkie's con- sideration for reporters was un- failing. He was never "too busy," never too big to make himself accessible to the press. For that, he was liked and re- spected by newspapermen everywhere for, in their experi- ence, all too often it is the little men who are uncommunicative and the "phonies" who do the dodging of newsmen on the trail of facts and verities. Washington, Oct. IS. — President Roosevelt has initiated a legal study to determine whether any further ac- tion is possible to compel James C. Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians, to comply with his request that he call off his ban on records of RCA Victor and Columbia Recording, who have not yet signed agreements with the AFM. In disclosing that the Department of Justice is studying the matter, Roose- velt said there are about 40 laws to be reviewed in the search for a means of forcing settlement of the contro- versy of more than two years stand- ing. Lieut. Jack Bernhard Here for New Job First Lieutenant Jack L. Bernhard, son of Joseph Bernhard, Warner Bros, vice-president and theatre head, is now in New York awaiting reas- signment after completing 133 fighter missions with the RAF and the AAF. With him is his wife, the British film star, Jean Gillie. Lt. Bernhard, 29, a former Univer- sal writer, director and producer, joined the RAF in March 1942. He shot down five German planes and later was commissioned in the AAF. He holds the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster and the Air Medal with three stars. RKO, Manager Union Start Contract Talks Contract negotiations opened here at the weekend between RKO and representatives of Motion Picture Theatre Operating Managers and As- sistant Managers Guild, representing managers and assistant managers of 41 RKO theatres in Metropolitan New York. The Guild is asking for a 20 per cent wage increase, a minimum wage scale of $115 per week for managers and $75 for assistant managers, a 40- hour week and other conditions. Altec Starts 5-Day Coast Meet Today Hollywood, Oct. 15. — Altec Serv- ice Corp. and Altec Lansing will start a five-day conference here tomorrow for the first time in Hollywood with 35 national representatives attending. The meetings will be held at the Hol- lywood Roosevelt Hotel. Postwar electronic advances forth- coming in recording and reproducing will, be discussed. Delegates will in- spect Paramount studio's sound de- partment tomorrow , and will visit M-G-M Tuesday. No Award Participation Hollywood, Oct. 15. — The Produc- ers Association will have no "connec- tion or interest" in the Western Mo- tion Picture Awards Association pre- sentations scheduled for Nov. 5 at the Hollywood Bowl and no association members will participate, the AMMP said at the weekend. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief ; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. "Home In Indiana" sweetheart TV- art The gay tender story of furlough love JEANNE CRAIN in IN THE MEANTIME, Mr. And Mrs. G.L Wf\ on a honeymoon- wM FRAN K LATIMORE EUGENE PALLETTE | MARY NASH ,„.,/ Stanley Prager • Gale Robbins Jane Randolph • Doris Merrick Cara Williams Produced and Directed by OTTO PREMINGER Original Screen Play by Arthur Kober and Michael Uris in a big 4-page feature recently told its 15 million readers about Jeanne Crain's spectacular rise as a star! ne to sell.--1* a swell angle to a sw ell picture CENTURY-FOH KEEP SELLING BONDS* PRINTED IN U. S. A. Monday, October 16, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 5 Review "The Very Thought of You" {Warner Bros.) Hollyivood, Oct. 15 AUDIENCE satisfaction looks like an assured factor in the case of "The Very Thought of You." Here's why : A strong love story, unfolded by Eleanor Parker and Dennis Morgan with tenderness, under assured direction of Delmer Daves. Excellent comedy relief at the hands of Dane Clark who wraps up the pic- ture when he is before the camera. Faye Emerson is his counterfoil. Timeliness in content, for this one deals with wartime marriages proceeding from a keynote sounded by Henry Travers. This is his keynote : People live, love, marry and die through famine, pestilence, revolution, good times and bad times ; therefore, why not through war as well ? This sets the romantic leads on their marital way, despite the briefest of honeymoon interludes eventuating in a wartime child. The approach to a national problem, as treated by Lionel Wiggam in his original story, actually solves not a single thing, but it does brush aside obstacles in the path of the principals and makes "The Very Thought of You" possible. Narrative-wise, there isn't much to it. Incident, which has practically no bearing on progressing the slight plot, therefore, is resorted to in order to cover ground. But this is where Clark and those juicy pieces of business enter. The business is so good and the actor so adept at it that the precision with which the pieces fit turns out to be a matter of minor importance. Shooting off the main line is Miss Parker's sister whose husband has been on carrier duty for two years. She and her situation illustrate the unsuccess- ful war marriage in contrast to the happy Parker-Morgan combination until the sailor-husband unexpectedly returns and the estrangement is eliminated via reunion. In their separate ways and by their individual approaches, both girls find happiness. Performances are uniformly good with the emphasis directed decidedly to- ward Clark and Georgia Lee Settle, who plays the adolescent, but wise, young- er sister. The principals include Travers, Beulah Bondi, William Prince, Andrea King and John Alvin. Daves' direction is knowingly geared to standard audience reactions. With Alvah Bessie, he also wrote the screenplay which is wordier than it need have been. In its length, the attraction runs to more time than is required to con- vey its many good moments. Jerry Wald produced. Running time, 100 mins. "G."* Release date, Nov. 1. Red Kann Schine Anti-Trust Trial Nears End {Continued from page 1) fer was refused but the theatre sub- sequently was sold to "Osborne and Dipson," who later disposed of it to Schine. Cross-examined by Edward F. Mc- Clennen of defense counsel, Herzberg- er admitted that the Auditorium had been improved by its new owners at a cost of several thousand dollars, and its seating capacity increased, thereby eliminating the occasion for construction of a new theatre in the town. Walter A. Smith, another witness, testified that student tickets sold by a Schine theatre at Corning, N. Y., at reduced rates captured the juvenile trade in nearby Addison and that dis- tributors refused him permission to play their films at 10 cents in an ef- fort to win back the trade. Charles Martina, former operator of the Empire, Syracuse, described his difficulties in obtaining product for the house, because of commitments to Schine, and said he lasted "only three weeks and six days," the Empire later being taken over by Schine. Poor Credit Rating On cross examination, Saul Rogers of defense counsel, succeeded in dis- crediting Martina throughout on the basis of his having gone through bankruptcy and having had a poor credit rating not only with distribu- tors, but with stage show personnel he had employed. Earlier, Hubert Wallace, operator of the Capitol, Auburn, N. Y., for 14 years, told of having been unable to get product because distributors pre- ferred to sell to the Schine circuit, in some instances against the wishes of their local representatives, he said. Federal Judge John C. Knight is scheduled to rule tomorrow on ap- proval of the recent sale of four Schine theatres under the government disposal agreement with the circuit. The government has opposed the sale, contending it does not fully comply with the agreement. Paramount 's 'Dance* Has Radio Premiere Chicago, Oct. IS. — Paramount's "National Barn Dance" had its world premiere Saturday night via the air waves in what is reported to be "the first radio premiere of a motion pic- ture." The picture was shown to a regular radio audience attending the "National Barn Dance" show broad- cast from the WLS Playhouse here. The entire radio troupe participat- ed in the affair as the highlight of the national promotional campaign for the picture. Robert Benchley, fea- tured in the film, appeared on the show, which was broadcast over 61 NBC stations. R. M. Gillham, Para- mount advertising and publicity di- rector, with Walter Wade of the Wade agency and George Cook of WLS were in charge of arrangements. Another Clean Slate Chicago, Oct. IS— For the second consecutive month the local censor board has not rejected any pictures viewed. The report for September in- dicates that the board reviewed 85 pictures and classified in the adult group M-G-M's reissue of "Waterloo Bridge." *"G" denotes general classification. Sees Video Hitting 16mm Film Makers Washington, Oct. IS— "The great- est impact of television upon the film industry" was seen at the weekend by Paul Raibourn, Paramount Pictures economist and engineer, as falling up- on 16mm pictures in homes or schools. Addressing a meeting of Govern- ment officials interested in 16mm ac- tivities, Raibourn said: "Television may supplement motion picture the- atre programs, and motion picture companies may make films for televi- sion, so that the two media are more likely to help rather than hurt each other, but the use of television in the home and school may destroy the hope of the film industry' for an ever-ex- panding market." "At present," he said, "television visually is imperfect as compared to theatre pictures, although this may be overcome in time, but is probably bet- ter even now than 16mm films under ordinary conditions." Central Casting Hit Record in August Hollywood, Oct. 15. — Central Cast- ing Corp., through which studios hire extras, had its busiest month in Aug- ust when dollar value on placements was $523,165. This is approximately $115,000 more than July and compares with September, 1943, the previous high, when expenditures were $436,500. Average daily placements of extras in August was 1,399 at an average daily wage of $12.46. Aims at Low Cost Of Theatre Video (Continued from page 1) extremely difficult if theatres must expend between $25,000 and $35,000 for a complete new installation. The SMPE's projection practice committee intends to go direct to the potential manufacturers of theatre tele- vision equipment in their campaign and will seek to enlist the support of the entire film industry in working out the potential problems faced by ex- hibitors in the postwar development of theatre television. The belief is that the development of television equipment for theatres is still in the experimental stage despite the avail- able equipment developed by Scophony, Baird and other companies which was used in the pre-war period. RCA is one of the companies known to be interested in the development of post- war theatre television ; General Elec- tric is another. The engineers are understood to be determined to pre- vent a recurrence of the costly situa- tion that hit exhibitors when sound equipment was first made available. "Of vital importance to exhibitors installing television equipment in the- atres in the postwar will be the con- templated work of the Society's televi- sion projection practice committee," according to Dr. Alfred N. Gold- smith, chairman of SMPE's theatre engineering committee and Don Hynd- man, engineering vice-president. Plans of this committee, of which Lester Isaac, Loew's projection-sound head, is chairman, will go before the SMPE's conference at Hotel Penn- sylvania here today. Video Highlighted At SMPE Meeting Opening Here Today Theatre television will be high- lighted at today's opening session of the Society of Motion Picture Engi- neers' 56th semi-annual technical con- ference at the Hotel Pennsylvania here. Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith of the Institute of Radio Engineers will be chairman of the session. Among papers to be read on theatre television are those by Ralph B. Aus- trian, executive vice-president of RKO Television Corp., who will discuss economic aspects of theatre television ; one by H. S. Borne, chief engineer of the American Telephone and Tele- graph Co., who will report on coaxial cable and other facilities for television networks; and another jointly by Dr. D. W. Epstein and Dr. I. G. Maloff. both of RCA, on television projection. Don Hyndman of Eastman Kodak, SMPE engineering vice-president, will report on the organization of commit- tees on engineering. 300 Attending More than 300 in the technical branches of the industry are expected to attend the conferences which will run through Wednesday. Film proc- essing will be the subject of most of the papers programmed for tomorrow morning; the afternoon session will be devoted to discussions of develop- ments in photography and sound re- cording, and the development and out- look of the 16mm branch of the indus- try. Officers elected to fill the places of officers whose terms will expire Dec. 31 next will be announced at a dinner- dance tomorrow night. Officers whose terms will expire include : Herbert Griffin, president ; L. L. Ryder, execu- tive vice-president ; William C. Kunz- mann, convention vice-president ; A. C. Downes, editorial vice-president ; M. R. Boyer, treasurer ; and E. A. Willi- ford, secretary. The annual awards will also be made at the dinner-dance. The conference will close on Wed- nesday with a morning session featur- ing papers on developments in Army Air Force training films ; the produc- tion of foreiga version films, and special uses of high speed photography. An afternoon session will be devoted exclusively to papers by U. S. Navy officers on advances in production, filming and processing of training and combat films. Rochester's Theatre Advertisements Run Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 15.— Roch- ester theatre advertisements are back in local papers following settlement of a dispute between the management of the Gannett Newspapers and print- ers of Local 15, International Typo- graphical Union, which left the city without a paper last week for the first time in 26 years. The Rochester Times-Union ap- peared without display advertising as did The Democrat and Chronicle, but advertising was resumed later in the Times-Union. Local theatre man- agers reported little box office effect, stepping up radio advertising and tele- phone service to meet demands for show information. A CRIME DOCTOR picture NINA FOCH • GEORGE ZUCCO • JEANNE BATES Based on the popular CBS Radio Program "Crime Doctor" by Max Marcin • Story and Screen Play by Eric Taylor Produced by RUDOLPH C. FLOTHOW • Directed by EUGENE J. FORDE ft RADIO'S FAMOUS CRIME DOCTOR Thrilling on the air! Twice as thrilling on the screen ! 8 Motion Picture Daily Monday, October 16, 1944 Short Subject Review "Ifs Murder" {Columbia) Bearing a vital message to the pub- lic, "It's Murder" is a powerful short which exhibitors will feel almost obliged to book. It is well handled from every angle and succeeds in the job it sets out to do. Following one soldier from his home town to a point of embarkation and finally to the fighting front, the film shows how idle bits of seemingly innocent gossip are dropped in conversations and picked up by professional spies. Those pieces of information are put together to form a pattern to show the enemy where or how or what the troops are moving and when. So the wife, mother, son and friend of that soldier are the ultimate cause of his death in action. The enemy knew where to strike from what he heard in tele- phone conversations, neighborly gos- sip sessions and other sources. The film will be released through the OWI and distributed through the War Ac- tivities Committee. Running time, 10 minutes. H. McN. Sheridan and Brown Answer Army Critics Hollywood, Oct. IS. — Ann Sheri- dan and Joe E. Brown, who were among a number of film stars charged by the Army Newspaper CBI Roundup with quitting entertaining soldiers in the China-Burma-India area because it was too tough, struck back at their critics at the weekend. Miss Sheridan said she was willing to "fight boy-fashion, no holds barred, anybody who thinks I dogged it in the overseas theatre." Brown retort- ed that he "did all any 53-year-old man could do" and played "every spot humanly possible." Reviews Seek 'Hymn' for Drive The Treasury Department is re- ported negotiating with the War Ac- tivities Committee for showing Arturo Toscanini's film recording of Verdi's "Hymn of the Nations" in theatres during the Sixth War Loan Drive. Majestic Lists Stock Philadelphia, Oct. IS. — The Ma- jestic Radio and Television Corp., Chicago, registered Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission 297,500 shares of one cent par value common stock. Edgar Licho Dies Los Angeles, Oct. 15. — Edgar Adolph Licho, 68, veteran character actor, died here late last week. A native of Russia, Licho appeared in M-G-M's "The White Cliffs of Dov- er" and "The Seventh Cross," and many others. Surviving are his wid- ow, Martha, and a son, Mario. To Honor Ted Schlanger Philadelhia, Oct. 15. ■ — Ted Schlanger, zone manager for Warner Theatres here, will be honored in February with a testimonial dinner to be given him by the local industry on the occasion of his 10th anniversary with the company. "Alaska" {Monogram) Hollywood, October 15 TO the standard ingredients of the successful Western, Producer Lindsley Parsons and his associate, Vernon Keays, have added songs, scenery and sophisticated story angles. The result is a spectacular and swift-moving picture which should delight those who revel in shootings, fist fights, and burning buildings. The screenplay is by George Wallace Sayre, Harrison Orkow and Malcolm Stuart Boylan, with additional dialogue by William Shakespeare, as rendered by John Carradine. The whole is based on a novel by Jack London and a rip-roaring tale about a gang of claim jumpers in the days of the Alaska gold rush. The hero, Kent Taylor, is accused of murder by the villains, and only some fast work by the heroine, Margaret Lindsay, and a self-sacrificial gesture by her no-good husband, save Taylor successively from being shot, lynched, and burned alive. George Archainbaud directed with his usual emphasis on action, and the cast appeared to be enjoying itself tremendously. Carradine contributes an acute portrait of an alcoholic and Miss Lindsay sings in a sweet voice and with serenity. Running time, 76 min. Release date, Nov. 18. "G."* Thalia Beli "Code of the Prairie" {Republic) THE power of the press is pitted against pistols in this drama of the Okla- homa Panhandle. Tom Chatterton, a newspaper editor out to reform Canyon City, is killed off early in the story by elements interested in pre- serving the status quo. Subsequently, Smiley Burnette and Sunset Carson, determined to avenge the newspaperman's death, set and spring a neat trap for the villians. The original story, a more-than-usually absorbing one, is by Albert Des- mond, who also collaborated with Anthony Coldeway on the screenplay. Spen- cer Bennet directed with a nice sense of timing and careful attention to de- tail was expended by associate producer Lou Gray and executive producer William J. O'Sullivan. Peggy Stewart handles the feminine interest pleas- antly, and Tom Chatterton deserves special mention. Others in the cast in- clude Roy Barcroft, Weldon Heyburn, Bud Geary, Tom London and Jack Kirk. Running time, 56 minutes. "G."* Release date, Oct. 9. T.B. *"G" denotes general classification. European Managers Will Resume Posts (.Continued from page 1) to resume his post upon his release" from the Government agency; Para- mount's Fred Lange will return as European manager as soon as trans- portation can be arranged. He is now attached to the home office. Major Ben Miggins, recently dis- charged from the U. S. Army, will return to Europe as Continental man- ager for 20th Century-Fox. Vladimir Lissim, former assistant European manager for RKO, and now Euro- pean sales division manager, will re- turn to Paris as soon as feasible. Marcel Genteel, the company's French manager, has been located through RKO Pathe News, and is scheduled to resume his former duties. Joseph Hummel, recently named by Warners in charge of Continental Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Pales- tine and Syria, will go to Paris as soon as he can procure a visa. Lacy Kastner, former Columbia European manager, now with the Psychological Warfare Division, is scheduled to re- sume his post as soon as he terminates with the PWD. Columbia has tem- porarily designated M. Alderink as its Paris manager. The post of Conti- nental manager is at present unoccu- pied at Universal. The territory was formerly divided between Ernest Koenig, who was in charge of France and adjacent territory, and Louis Fol- des, who handled Eastern Europe for the company. Theatres Blanketed By MGM Promotion Cincinnati, Oct. 15. — "Every the- atre in the country will be blanketed by M-G-M's promotional service under a plan being immediately put into ef- fect in order to secure closer coopera- tion between film salesmen, exploit- eers and theatres," William R. Fer- guson, M-G-M director of exploita- tion, stated here yesterday at the end of two dajrs of discussion by M-G-M field representatives. The plan will embrace M-G-M cus- tomers and non-customers. Ferguson also told the gathering that, "We must look ahead and direct more at- tention to the youth of today who rep- resent the potential customer of to- morrow. Also, we should not over- look the woman's angle in developing campaigns." Others attending the session were : Bill Coleman, Dallas supervisor ; E. C. Carrier and Volney Phifer, home office ; William Bishop, Chicago ; J. E. Watson, Cincinnati ; Norman Linz, Indianapolis; Charles Baron, Pitts- burg ; Irving Waterstreet, St. Louis ; Charles Dietz, Detroit; Jack Gilmore, Buffalo ; and Al Burks, Charlotte. Returning to New York with Fer- guson were Carrier, Burks and Phifer. Charles Deardourf, Cleveland ex- ploiteer, was given a $100 bond in recognition by his associates of 24 years with M-G-M. Ferguson also announced 20 plaque winners for the best campaigns during the recent 20- year anniversary week. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, October 15 DAVID BROOKS, star of the Broadway hit play, "Bloomer Girl," has been signed by Paramount to a term contract and will report when the play ends its run. , . . . Charles Dingle will have a feature ( ;t role in Abbott and Costello's next ™ comedy for Universal, "Here Come the Co-eds." . . . Sol Lesser has pur- chased Virginia Perdue's "Alarum and Excursion" and will produce it for RKO release. . . . Milton Berle is set for an important part in "The Dolly Sisters" at 20th Century-Fox. . . . Edmund Lowe will have a lead- ing role in "John Dillinger," gangster drama which the King Brothers are producing for Monogram. Marshall Thompson, currently working in M-G-M's "The Valley of Decision," has been given a long- term contract by that studio. . . . James A. Fitzpatrick has left for Mexico to make preliminary ar- rangements for Republic's bi-lingual production, "Song of Mexico," in which Edgar Barrier and Tony Garcia will have important roles. . . . 20th Century-Fox has purchased an original by Frances Marion titled "Molly, Bless Her," based upon the life of Marie Dressier. Robert Bassler will produce the film; Gracie Fields and Monty Woolley will have the leading roles. • . Com Sue Collins has been sinned to play the lead in Columbians "Our Wandering Daughters" . . . Universal has assigned "Romance, Inc." to Bernard Burton to produce Sam- uel Bronston has signed Dudley Nichols to do the screenplay for "Ten Little Indians." . . . James Craig will have the romantic lead opposite Frances Gifford in M-G-M's "Our Fines Have Tender Grapes," which will star Margaret O'Brien and Ed- ward G. Robinson. Roy Rowland will direct for producer Robert Sisk. . . . Columbia has exercised its option on Adele Jergens and assigned her a role in "A Thousand and One Nights." . . . Xavier Cugat who, zvith his orches- tra, has been playing at the Waldorf for 12 years, has been set to appear in M-G-M's "Weekend at the Wal- dorf." • Delmar Daves, who made his di- •rectorial debut less than a year ago on "Destination Tokyo," has been as- signed to direct "This Love of Ours," the story of Marine Sergeant Al Schmid. • , Initial assignments have been made on "Hotel Berlin," which zvill be the first picture on Lou Edelman's pro- duction schedule at Warn-ers. Peter Godfrey will direct, and Raymond Massey and Helmut Dantine will have important roles. . . . Charles R. Rogers has signed Frank Cavett to write the original story and screenplay for "My Wild Irish Rose," color musical based on the life of Chauncey Alcott and featuring that composer's songs. . . . Sonny Tufts, winner of the Motion Picture Herald-Fame "Stars of To- morrow" poll, will be co-starred with Betty Hutton in Paramount' s "Too Good to Be True." Monday, October 16, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 'Barbary Coast' and Show Take $30,000 Pittsburgh, Oct. 15. — "Barbary Coast Gent" took the lead in Pitts- burgh this week with an estimated $30,000. Stage show, starring Lena Home, helped the Stanley to set the week's record. Estimated receipts for the week end- . ed Oct. 9-13: I1^\"The Big Noise" (2Cth-Fox) 111) FULTON — (1,700) (35c-44c-6Sc) 7 days. J^Gross: $6,500. (Average: $8,500). I1 "The Impatient Years" (Col.) J. P. HARRIS — (2,200) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $10,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) PENN— (3,400) (40c-55c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $23,000. (Average: $21,700). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) RITZ — (1,100) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 4th week, on a moveover from the Warner. Gross: $3,000. (Average: $3,000). "The Ghost Catchers" (Univ.) "U-Boat Prisoner" (Col.) SENATOR — (1,750) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $3,200. (Average: $3,400). "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) STANLEY— (3,800) (40c-55c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $30,000. (Average: $22,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) WARNER — (2,000) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 3rd week, on a moveover from the Stanley. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $9,350.) Indianapolis Is Off, Except 'Prayer' Indianapolis, Oct. 15. — Christmas shopping for service men overseas is the probable reason for box office re- ceipts skidding to a low here this week, with nearly all houses falling below average. The Indiana, with "Wing and a Prayer" and "Take It Or Leave it," was high. Estimated receipts for the week end- ed Oct. 10-12: "The Merry Monahaus" (Univ.) "Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep.) CIRCLE— (2,800) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $11,800). "Wing and a Prayer" (20th-Fox) "Take It or Leave It" (ZOth-Fox) INDIANA — (3,200) (32c-55c) 7 days Gross: $11,500. (Average: $11,600). "Friendly Neighbors" (Rep.) KEITH'S — (1,500) (60c) 4 days. Stage show. Gross: $5,500. (Average: $5,000). "Slimmer Storm" (UA) "The Whistler (Col.) LOEWS— (2,800) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $H,000. (Average: $11,500). "Ghost Catchers" (Univ.) "Twilight On the Prairie" (Univ.) LYRIC— (2,000) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average: $4,900). IWilson's9 $30,000 Vs. $12,000 Par Buffalo, Oct. 15. — "Wilson" was headed for $30,000 at the Twentieth Century to lead here. Estimated receipts for the week end- ed Oct. 14: "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) "Two-Man Submarine" (Col.) BUFFALO — (3,489) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $14,800. (Average: $17,400). "Since You Went Away" (UA) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $21,800. (Average: $16,200). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) "The Last Ride" (WB) HIPPODROME — (2,100) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $9,700). "Wilson" (ZOth-Fox) TWENTIETH CENTURY — (3,000) (76- $1.10) 7 days. Gross: $30,000. (Average at 40c-60c: $12,200). "Carolina Blues" (Col.) "Louisiana Hayride" (Col.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $12,400). Signs Buchanan Agency International Pictures has appoint- ed Buchanan & Co. to handle its ad- vertising, this including newspapers, magazines, radio and outdoor adver- tising. AND NOTHING BUT THE NEWS ALL-TIME RECORD THRONGS BRING 200 POLICE, 20 SQUAD CARS TO N. Y . PARAMOUNT AS QUARTER-MILE LINE, FOUR ABREAST, STORMS PREMIERE RUN OF "OUR HEARTS WERE YOUNG AND GAY" WITH SINATRA ON STAGE. ENTHUSIASM OF CROWD OF 20,000 I S MATCHED BY CRITICS, WHO HAIL PICTURE AS "CAPTIVATING," "DE- LIRIOUS," "DELIGHTFUL," "LOV- ABLE," "CHARMING," "A HONEY." 'Janie' on a Denver Dual Gets $18,750 Denver, Oct. 15. — Downtown thea- tres here had a lull this week with first runs and moveovers doing only average or a little better than aver- age business. Leading was the Den- ver with "Janie," on a dual, bringing $18,750. Estimated receipts for the week ended Oct. 9-12: "Gypsy Wildcat" (Univ.) "Sherlock Holmes and the Pearl of Death (Univ.) ALADDIN— (1,400) (35c-4Sc-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $5,600. (Average: $5,600). "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) "The Maltese Falcon" (WB) BROADWAY— (1,040) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $4,875. (Av- erage: $3,900). "Hail the Conquering Hero" (Para.) "Take It Big" (Para.) DENHAM— (1,750) (35c-45c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $9,- C00). "Janie" (WB) "Crime by Night" (WB) DENVER — (2,600) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $18,750. (Average: $15,000). "Janie" (WB) "Crime by Night" (WB) ESQUIRE— (740) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average: $4,500). "In the Meantime'. Darling" (ZOth-Fox) "Big Noise" (ZOth-Fox) PARAMOUNT — (2,200) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $9,300. (Average: $9,300). "The Impatient Years" (Cok) "Kansas City Kitty" (Col.) RIALTO— (900) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $7,500. (Average: $5,- COO). 'SYWA' Nets $23,000 In Kansas City Run Kansas City, Oct. 15. — "Since You Went Away" in its third week at the Midland continued big with $23,000. "Janie" at the Newman grossed a fine $13,000. Estimated receipts for the week ended Oct. 10-13: "Heavenly Days" (RKO) ESQUIRE— (800) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average: $6,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) MIDLAND— (3,500) (40c-60c) 3rd week. Gross: $23,000. (Average: $14,000). "Janie" (WB) NEWMAN— (1,900) (46c-65c) 7 Gross: $13,000. (Average: $10,000). "Double Indemnity" (Para.) "The Hitler Gang" (Para.) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 Gross: $13,000. (Average: $10,000). "Allergic to Lover" (Univ.) "Three Little Sisters" (Rep.) TOWER— (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. 90's Stage Revue. Gross: $12,000. age: $9,400). "Heavenly Days" (RKO) UPTOWN— (2,000) (45c -65c) 7 Gross: $6,100. (Average: $5,600). FAIRWAY— (700) (45c-65c) 7 Gross: $1,900. (Average: $1,600). days. days. Gay (Aver- days. days. 'Island' Captures $11,100 in Omaha Omaha, Oct. 15. — "Rainbow Island" was good for $11,100 at the Para- mount Theatre here, while the Bran- deis, with "Bride by Mistake" and "The . Falcon in Mexico," surprised with $8,100. Indian Summer weather prevailed. Estimated receipts for the week end- ed Oct. 11-12: "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) "The Falcon in Mexico" (RKO) BRANDEIS— (1,200) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $8,100. (Average: $6,500). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) "She's a Soldier, Too" (Col.) OMAHA— (2,000) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $8,400. (Average: $8,400). "Sweet and Lowdown" (ZOth-Fox) "Jungle Woman" (Univ.) ORPHEUM — (3,000) <44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,100. (Average: $9,800). "Rainbow Island" PARAMOUNT — (2,900) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $11,100. (Average: $11,700). 10 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Monday, October 16, 1944 Hundreds Seen U. S. Films Face Greater Competition in Africa Set Itinerary of First 7 Sixth War Loan Meetings Benefiting by New WLB Rule (Continued from page 1) from a negative approach, the regional boards are understood to have taken the position that they can approve such wage- progression plans at least up to the limitations set forth in the directive. Ordinarily, the rate ranges in classifications are sufficiently broad to permit a sizeable wage progression in- crease when agreed upon between the companies and the unions entering in- to the petition for the increase. In many cases, employes receive wages below minimums of wage ranges established for their classifi- cations originally set up. MPOE First One of the first industry unions ex- pected to benefit by the new WLB ruling is Motion Picture Office Em- ployes Union, Local 23169. The MPOE had worked out a system of job classifications with Universal ex- ecutives covering the company's home office "white collar" workers. An eight per cent wage increase was provided for but the regional board in New York approved only a four per cent increase. It now appears that approval of the original eight per cent is in order and might be forthcoming. It is also indicated that two proposed eight per cent wage increases, the first to be paid starting Aug. 10, 1945, and the second on Aug. 10, 1946, re- cently negotiated by the MPOE for Warner Bros.' home office "white- collarites," would also meet with the board's approval. SOPEG Afifected Another office worker group seen probably affected is Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild. Local 109, CIO, representing 3,000. SOPEG is currently negotiating a system of job classifications with automatic pro- gression increases for "white-collar" workers of Paramount, RKO, Loew's, 20th Century-Fox, Columbia, United Artists and others in New York. The new policy is also seen as aid- ing those film companies desiring to join with unions in establishing a defi- nite policy of wage increases to pre- vent deflection of workers to otbe<- jobs. SPG to Receive Back Pay Week of Oct 28 Film companies and Screen Pub- licists Guild of New York have settled all questions in connection with put- ting the SPG arbitration award for some 280 home office publicists into effect. It is now planned to pay the retroactive wage increases around Oct. 28, contingent upon the necessary approval from the Treasury Depart- ment on increases for those earning $5,000 a year or more. This approval is expected. The War Labor Board has already approved the award for publicists earning less than $5,000 a year. The increases are retroactive to May, 1943, with the overall amount which the companies will pay esti- mated to be in excess of $130,000. Washington, Oct. 15. — American films are easily the most popular shown in Africa but in some sections of the Dark Continent they may face increased competition after the war, it was disclosed tonight by Nathan D. Golden, chief of the motion picture unit of the Department of Commerce, in a report on African film markets. Third of a series covering world film markets other than enemy countries, the report, based on surveys by consular officials of the State Depart- ment, deals with 15 African markets having a total of 991 theatres with 559,382 seats. Since the various African areas, with the exception of Liberia and the Union of South Africa, are colonies owned by Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Italy, they have been subject since the outbreak of the war to various forms of film control, ranging from strict super- vision by the British in Eritrea, for- merly Italian, to the showing of Nazi pictures without hindrance in Spanish Morocco. Object to Old Films Major criticism of pictures avail- able, more or less general through- out Africa, is age, war conditions having prevented the distribution of late productions, and there is also in- dicated a desire on the part of various nationalities to have pictures dubbed in their own languages. The survey of Africa was attended by difficulties because of the fact that several areas, Algeria and Eritrea among them, are occupied by the Al- lied armies and conditions are abnor- mal. In Algeria, for instance, imports of films are under the control of the Armjy's Psychological Warfare Branch and a number of theatres have been requisitioned temporarily by the mili- tary. The report showed that Egypt is the only country in which native produc- tion offers any competition to im- ported pictures, although the Union UA-Rank Releases Hit by Raw Stock A shortage of Technicolor raw stock has caused United Artists to alter its releasing plans for J. Ar- thur Rank's pictures in this country. The black-and-white "Mr. Em- manuel" will be the first release. Noel Coward's "This Happy Breed," in color, is understood to have been the first choice of Barrington C. Gain and Dr. Alexander Galperson, Rank's dis- tribution representatives here, while United Artists is said to have favored "Colonel Blimp," also in color. The color raw stock situation might delay UA's first release of a Rank color film for months. Columbia Dividend Columbia's board has declared a quarterly dividend of 68^4 cents per share on the $2.75 convertible pre- ferred stock of the company, payable Nov. 15 to stockholders of record on Nov. 1. Party for Montez Universal will be host to Maria Montez at a cocktail party at 21 Club this afternoon. of South Africa has been considering the establishment of a producing in- dustry. In Egypt, the competition from domestically produced films has increased very rapidly and they are now being shown in first-run houses in Cairo and Alexandria and have taken over all the second-run houses in the big cities and practically all of the provincial theatres, it was said. The exhibition market in Africa is limited, the report showed, since little effort is made to develop native audi- ences and, as a matter of fact, in the Belgian Congo the 14,000,000 natives are not permitted to attend theatres. Because of war conditions and sparse populations which make for the in- frequent showing of pictures in cafes and other places which constitute the only theatre facilities, the gathering of statistics on African exhibition was difficult. The report found, however, that nearly half of all the theatres were located in the Union of South Africa, where 450 houses reported an annual attendance of 30,000,000 per- sons. 196 Algerian Theatres Algeria was reported to have 196 theatres with a capacity of 114,187 and an annual attendance of 19,376,- 000 ; Angola, 10 theatres seating 4,870 persons and an annual attendance of 220,000; Belgian Congo, six theatres, 1,955 seats and an annual attendance of 125,000; Egypt, 121 theatres with 109,840 seats; Eritrea, 23 theatres; French Equatorial Africa, two thea- tres ; French Morocco, 70 theatres, 39,875 seats and a yearly attendance of 165,000; Gold Coast, 13 theatres; Kenya, 17 theatres, 10,500 seats, and an annual attendance of 1,750,000 ; Libera, one theatre with 300 seats and 37,000 admissions a year ; Madagas- car, 19 theatres, 8,550 seats, annual attendance, 1,700,000; Mozambique, 4 theatres, 3,200 seats; Nigeria, 13 thea- tres, 8,200 seats, 625,000 admissions, and Spanish North Africa, 28 thea- tres, 18,645 seats, and 3,000,000 admis- sions. Studio Strike Ends; Hearing in 3 Weeks (Continued from page 1) Decorators Union, D. T. Wayne of the Machinists Union and Herbert Sor- rell, president of the Conference of Studio Unions as a means of settling the jurisdictional dispute, are not ex- pected to begin for two or three weeks following the appointment of a trial panel, which is expected within one week. The schedule of hearings will depend upon the mutual convenience of the panel members. The panel will be composed of one representative each from labor, indus- try and the public, but no member may be identified with the film industry in any manner. It will be named by Frank Mauritsen, director of disputes of the Los Angeles WLB from a standing list available for this pur- pose. After all testimony and allega- tions are heard, the panel will report its findings to the local regional board, which will make the final decision and forward it to the San Francisco NWLB, which will make the ruling available. (Continued from page 1) Jr., national publicity director; co- chairmen Hugh Bruen and Leo Wol- cott, Capt. Ray Wild, U. S. Treasury Department. San Francisco, St. Francis Hotel Oct. 24, state chairmen Rotus Harvej( and N. Dow Thompson ; Henry Her- bel, district chairman from Los An- geles ; Brandt, Crockett, Fabian, De- pinet, Hertz, Capt. Wild, Bruen and Wolcott. Following the San Francisco meet- ing members of the national commit- tee will divide into two groups, each attending various meetings in differ- ent key cities, as follows : Portland Ore., Oct. 25, Benson Ho- j tel, state chairmen O. J. Miller and Walter Casey ; Crockett, Bruen, Har- vey, Lt. Largley of the Treasury De- partment ; Fay Reeder, publicity chair- man, and Henry Herbel of the dis- tribution division. Salt Lake City, Oct. 26, Utah Ho- tel, state chairmen Hall Baetz, Tom Knight and Walter Casey ; Tom Bailey of Denver, Brandt, Fabian, De- p(inet, Hertz, Capt. Wild; Wolcott and John Rugar. Other Dates Seattle, Oct. 26, Olympic Hotel, state chairmen Frank Newman, Sr., J. A. English and Tom Knight; Crockett, Bruen, Harvey, Herbel, Lt. Largley and Reeder. Omaha, Oct. 27, Fontanelle Hotel, state chairmen Sam Epstein, William Miskell, A. H. Blank, Mike Cooper, Ed Krauss, Fred Larkin and E. R. \ Rubin ; district *and branch managers and salesmen from Omaha, Des Moines and Minneapolis, S. W. Fitch of Sioux Falls ; Ted Gamble, national director of the War Finance Division ; Brandt, Fabian, Depinet, Hertz, Capt. Wild, Wolcott, Rugar and Al Steffes. Kansas Cily, Oct. 28, Muehlebach Hotel, state chairmen Elmer Rhoden and Howard Jameyson, district and branch managers and salesmen from Kansas City and St. Louis ; J. B. Un- derwood, Dallas; C. A. Gibbs, Okla- | homa City ; Gamble, Brandt, Fabian, Depinet, Hertz, Capt. Wild, Jack I Kirsch, Rugar and Fred Wehrenberg. i Meetings will also be held in Chi- I ! cago, Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, A Louisville, Pittsburgh, Hartford, Bos- 1 1 ton, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Balti- II more and New York. Kingsberg Announces More Area Chairmen Malcolm Kingsberg, New York j j area chairman for the Sixth War M loan drive, announces borough and i 1 , county chairmen as follows : Charles I B. McDonald, George Ritch, Manhat- i tan ; Julius Joelson and Eugene Mey- \ I ers, Bronx ; Erwin Gold and Paul I Binstock, Brooklyn; H. Russell Emde ;. j and James Grady, Westchester ; Fred jl Brunelle, Jack Harris, Queens; Irv-ifl ing Liner, Jack Harris, Emanuel j ^ Friedman, Nassau, and Walter F. H Higgins, Suffolk. The chairmen will appoint captains j ' to assist in organizing their terri-BI tories. Silleg Joins Condon Gail Silleg Goldstein, who resigned last week from Warner Bros., has joined the Richard Condon public re- lations office here to do publicity work. VOL. 56. NO. 74 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1944 TEN CENTS Distributors Agree on Films For 6th Drive Hertz Names 49 State Aides on Publicity Ned E. Depinet, chairman of the distributors' division of the indus- try's campaign for the Sixth War Loan drive, yesterday announced the agreement of all distributors on films for exhibitor bond premieres during the campaign, opening Nov. 20 and running through Dec. 16. At the same time, John Hertz, Jr., national industry publicity director for the drive, announced that 49 field pub- licists had consented to serve, to co- ordinate local war bond advertising, publicity and exploitation campaigns of exhibitors. Agreement of the distributors in furnishing pictures for bond premieres follows : Between Nov. 20 and Dec. 16, the distributors will furnish for one per- (Continued on page 11) $130,000 for 'Parkington' "Mrs. Parkington," garnering $80,- 000 on its first four days at the Radio City Music Hall, is headed for a $130,000 week, ending Wednesday, to lead Broadway's current box-office parade and bid for a place among all- time high grossers at the house, ac- cording to the management. Chief public, press and police atten- tion in the Times Square district was (Continued on page 11) Balaban Pledges 20 Millions to 6th Barney Balaban, president of Paramount, yesterday pledged a $20,000,000 bond purchase for his company in the Sixth War Loan cam- paign, it was reported here by Neil Agnew, chairman of Eastern division bond sales for the War Activities Com- mittee. This is the first film company commitment for the sixth drive. Paramount pledged $15,000,- 000 in the Fifth War Loan drive. Films Will Be in Strongest Position In Postwar: Cowdin The film business will emerge from the war with greater stature as an- in- dustry than ever before, in the strong- est financial condition in its history, and with an in- creased number of "film fans" in both this co u n t r y and abroad, J . Cheever Cow- din, chairman of the board of Universal Pic- tures, Inc., de- clared in a let- ter to stock- holders re- leased here yesterday dis- cussing post- war prospects of the industry. Pointing out that the industry has an outstanding record of service to pur Armed Forces, Cowdin declared (Continued on page 10) J. Cheever Cowdin Altec Shows 2-Way Theatre Speaker Hollywood, Oct. 16. — A 'Duplex' speaker, for which a frequency range of from 38 to 15,000 cycles is claimed, was demonstrated today for delegates attending Altec's annual meeting here. It was part of a display of electronic equipment developed in wartime for the war but not available until the (Continued on page 7) Court Fails to RuleonSIMPP Crescent Move Box Offices Will Decide Video Future Washington, Oct. 16. — The U. S. Supreme Court here today failed to act on the motion of Mor- ris L. Ernst, attorney for the Soci- ety of Independent Motion Picture Producers, Hollywood, for leave to intervene in the Crescent Amusement Co. case. The motion was filed late last week after Ernst had attempted unsuccess- fully to secure the consent of both sides to the submission of a brief, a circumstance which, in the great ma- jority of cases, leads to rejection of such motions by the Court. In his petition for leave to allow the SIMPP to intervene, Ernst told the Court that the Government, at the trial of the case, placed emphasis upon (Continued on page 7) WPB Urges Making Projector Parts Manufacturers who have the ma- terial, equipment and manpower to make urgently needed projection equip- ment parts may now secure authoriz- ation to make such parts under the War Production Board's 'spot author- ization' order PR-25, Allen G. Smith, head of the theatre equipment section (Continued on page 10) Films Getting More Space In Nation 9s Newspapers! Curtailment of less than 10 per cent in the amount of newspaper space de- voted to films and film theatres, com- pared with 18 months ago is observed in newspapers of 125 large cities in a survey by Motion Picture Daily field correspondents, and this despite the continuing overall shortage of available newsprint. This is considered more unusual in view of the fact that in many cases advertising space available to films had been cut by 25 per cent or more. The consensus in the report attrib- utes this milder overall curtailment to the recognition of the high news value placed on film news in general and upon Hollywood personalities in par- ticular. The chief curtailment has been in Saturday and Sunday editions of the papers, which show an average reduction of about 25 per cent in film space. In recent months, theatres and film companies have been allowed to place advertisements in general news sec- tions when they were not able to ob- tain large enough space accommoda- tion in amusement pages. Although film companies' and theatres' adver- tising space is allocated in newspapers in many cities, extended film hold- overs have enabled them to accumu- late a space backlog to provide a new film opening with a good spread in advertising columns. Widespread participation of Holly- wood personalities in USO domestic and overseas entertainment tours for members of the Armed Forces has also enabled the industry to obtain more space in news sections. Austrian Tells SMPE Exhibitor Has Answer "Television is too big, too all- encompassing, too international in scope to be controlled by group in- terests and must not be thought of as the exclusive instrument of the broadcasting industry, or, as a matter of record, of any other industry," Ralph B. Austrian, executive vice- president of RKO Television Corp., told 250 members of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers at yester- day afternoon's session of their three- day 56th semi-annual technical confer- ence at the Hotel Pennsylvania here. "Film exhibitors," Austrian said, "are not going to let (Continued on page 10) Schine Sale Is Confirmed Buffalo, Oct. 16. — Following con- firmation of sale of four of its the- atres in Virginia and Kentucky to A. Charles Hayman of Niagara Falls, Schine Chain Theatres today has only five more houses to sell in order to have completely complied with a court order of May, 1942, requiring the cir- cuit to divest itself of 15 properties it acquired since filing of the Govern- ment's anti-trust charges in 1939. Hayman has purchased the State (Continued on page 11) Shanklin Warns of New US Tax Threat Charleston, W. Va., Oct. 16. — The 10th annual convention of the West Virginia Managers Association will open here tomorrow at the Daniel Boone Hotel, with Ed Kuykendall. president of the MPTOA, addressing (Continued on page 11) Reviewed Today Review of "And Now To- morrow," Paramount, will be found on page- 7; also "The Man in Halfmoon Street," Paramount, and "Law of the Valley," Monogram, on page 14. 2 Motion Picture daily Tuesday, October 17, 1944 Petersen To Speak At Mayer Dinner Howard C. Petersen, executive as- sistant ;to Under Secretary of War Patterson, will be a guest speaker at the farewell dinner to be given to Arthur Mayer by the industry tomor- row at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here. Petersen will represent the Secre- tary of War whom Mayer has been serving as civilian film consultant for the past several months until his ap- pointment as aide to Stanton Griffis as deputy commissioner for the Red Cross in the Pacific Islands area. Goetz Pulls 'Window' After Censors' Cut Hollywood, Oct. 16. — World pre- miere of "Woman in the Window" at the RKO Palace, Cincinnati, Thurs- day, has been cancelled because the William Goetz-Leo Spitz Internation- al Pictures, producers of the film, re- fuse to make eliminations ordered by the Ohio censor board at Columbus. Goetz said he sees the picture ruined on the basis of the censor board's demands, adding International intends to fight the issue, through RKO, distributor of the film. Hickey, Rosenwald, Goldstein Arrive Three M-G-M field executives ar- rived here yesterday to spend a week at the home office visiting departmen- tal heads. They are: George A. Hickey, Western district manager, in Los Angeles ; Benn Rosenwald, Char- lotte manager ; Maurice Goldstein. New Haven manager. Next Monday, Frank Downey, De- troit manager, and Harry Shumow, Milwaukee manager, will arrive for similar visits. Willkie Burial Service In Rushville Today Funeral services for Wendell L. Willkie will be held at the Wyatt Memorial Home, Rushville, Indiana, today, following the return of his son, Lt. (j.g.) Philip Willkie to the United States after overseas duty. Willkie, in addition to his political career, was also chairman of the board of 20th Century-Fox. Preliminary services were held a week ago at the Fifth Avenue Pres- byterian Church, New York. Intern- ment will be in Rushville Cemetery. Winchell as Birdwell Leon Fromkess, president of PRC, began, at the weekend, overtures to secure Walter Winchell to enact the starring role in "I Ring Doorbells," film biography of Russell Birdwell, at a proffered salary of $25,000 per week, according to the Birdwell office here. U. S. Seizes 'Tabif Washington, Oct. 16. — The Alien Property Custodian reports the seizure of the German film, "Tabu," held by Paramount as trustee for the heirs-at- law of F. W. Murnau, deceased. Personal Mention JOHN BALABAN and Dave Wal- lerstein of B. and K. Theatres, Chicago, are visiting in New York. Sol A. Schwartz, general mana- ger of RKO out-of-town theatres, and his assistant, William Howard, left yesterday for a Midwest tour and will return at the weekend. • W. C. Gehring, 20th Century-Fox Western sales manager, has returned from St. Louis, where he was a pa- tient at Barnes Hospital for several weeks. He will rest at his home be- fore returning to work. • Marietta V. Barrett of the staff of Quigley Publications has resigned to join Radio-Keith-Orpheum in the office of J. Miller Walker, secretary of the corporation. • Louis Shanfield, head of the 20th Century-Fox art department, and W. J. McHale of the advertisng depart- ment, returned from the Coast yester- day. • J. H. Feldhans, operator of the Iowa Theatre, Omaha, has been ap- pointed Justice of the Peace in that city. • H. A. Ross, president of Ross Fed- eral Service, has left New York for company meetings in Chicago, Mem- phis and Los Angeles. • Lt. Col. Hal Roach of the Army Air Corps, who recently returned from overseas, is now in New York with Mrs. Roach. • Norman Elson, general manager of Trans-Lux Theatres here, will return to New York tomorrow from Wash- ington. • Gus King and his partner, Oscar Howell, of Capitol City Supply Co., have returned to Atlanta from Chi- cago. • Beatrice Rappaport, secretary to Phil Reisman, RKO vice-president in charge of foreign sales, is on a two-week vacation. • A. Montague, Columbia general sales manager, will leave Hollywood on the Superchief for New York to- day. • Mitchell Rawson of the M-G-M home office publicity department re- turned from the Coast yesterday. • Spyros Skouras, 20th Century-Fox president, left Hollywood yesterday for New York. • Harold Bernstein, formerly of the Plaza, Cincinnati, has moved to Cali- fornia. • Russell Birdwell arrived in New York yesterday from the Coast. • Alfred Hitchcock arrived in New York yesterday from Hollywood. • Leon Gordon, M-G-M writer, will leave for the Coast Oct. 26. NICHOLAS M. SCHENCK, presi- dent of Loews, Inc., arrived in New York yesterday from the Coast. • Capt. Walter Lloyd, former man- ager of the M. and P. Allyn Theatre, Hartford, Conn., has returned after after 18 months with the Army in North Africa and has left with Mrs. Lloyd to spend 10 days at an Army rest camp in Tampa, Fla., before re- assignment. • Lane Patton and A. J. Rade- macher, Altec Service New York branch managers, arrived in Holly- wood yesterday. Warren Conner, district manager, and M. G. Thomas, Cincinnati branch manager, are en route to the Coast. Lieut, (j. g.) Julius Gordon, USN, president of the Jefferson Amusement Co., Beaumont, Tex., is here on leave from Boston, accompa- nied by Victor Pelisek of the same company. • James A. Rudulph, copywriter of the Newell-Emmett agency, son of Gerry Rudulph, former advertising manager of Fox Films and RCA Pho- tophone, was married Sept. 10 to Florence Barrett. • Peter Shayne, former president of the Chicago projectionists union, has recovered from illness and is now em- ployed at the Downtown Theatre, Chicago. • Irene Dunne, arrived in New York yesterday from the Coast. She will go to Canada this week for a War Bond Rally and then return to Cali- fornia. • Fred McLendon of the McLendon circuit, Union Springs, Ala., has re- turned from Washington, D. C, ac- companied by U. S. Senator George Andrews. • Jack Kirby, Paramount Atlanta district manager, and Bill Finney, division manager of Loew's Theatres there, are on the sick list. • Henry Willson, executive assis- tant to Daniel O'Shea, president of Vanguard Films, Inc., arrived in New York yesterday. » Joel Levy, out of town Loews's booker, returned to New York yester- day after a 10-day trip upstate and to Canada. • Charles E. Kessnich, M-G-M dis- trict manager, returned to Atlanta yesterday after a week in ew York. • Darryl F. Zanuck will attend the opening of "Wilson" at the Apollo, Chicago, Friday. • R. J. Ingram, Columbia Southern district manager, has left Atlanta on a tour of his territory. • Harold Hopper, M-G-M studio ex- ecutive, arrived in New York from the Coast yesterday. Nevin and Hochstein Hearings Nov, 20 Isadore Nevin, former bookkeeper ■for George E. Browne, ex-president of the IATSE, and Harry Hochstein, former morals inspector in Chicago, both indicted by a Federal Grand Jury for perjury in the Bioff-Browne union case, had their hearings in the U. S. District Court here postponed yester- day until Nov. 20 by Judge Samuel Mandelbaum. NEW YORK THEATRES The Season's Surprise Hit 1 "MY PAL, WOLF" with SHARYN MOFFETT Jill Esmond Una O'Connor George Cleveland Charles Arnt Claire Carleton An RKO Radio Picture BRANT'S REPUBLIC B'way between 51st and 52nd Streets Phone CO-5-9647 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GREER GARSON — WALTER PIDGEON in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "MRS. PARKINGT0N" Edward Arnold - Agnes Moorehead Cecil Kellaway SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION First Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4606 PARAMOUNT'S "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay" starring Gail RUSSELL - Diana LYNN with Charlie Ruggles - Dorothy Gish IN PERSON— FRANK SINATRA plus Eileen Barton RAYMOND PAIGE and his orchestra ^ PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek* ^ R IV0 LI, B'way & 49th St ^ PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. "MUSIC IN MANHATTAN" ANNE SHIRLEY DENNIS DAY PHILIP TERRY ft ON SCREEN IN PERSON^ rPEARL BUCK'S HENRY WAGON ARMETTA \ SEED' HARRIET 1 Katharine HEPBURN ^ Turhan Bey H0CT0R, MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News tditor; Herbert V. Pecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London ureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. IN s u$ PENS [> Jaymond Massey and Edmond Breon • Dan Duryea a NUNNALLY JOHNSON PRODUCTION GOOD ENTERTAINMENT IS INTERNATIONAL" ° M EDWARD G. ROBINSON AND JOAN BENNETT The Woman in the Window with RAYMOND MASSEY and Edmond Breon • Dan Duryea Directed by FRITZ LANG A NUNNALLY JOHNSON Production Released by RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc. Tuesday, October 17, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 Review "And Now Tomorrow" (Paramount) Hollywood, Oct. 16 ACCORDING to Dr. Gallup's Audience Research Institute, a story about a doctor will always make money, and there's additional assurance here in the fact that Alan Ladd is the doctor. It must be admitted, however, that he is more at ease with a gun in his hand than with a scalpel. Loretta Young gives a fine, sensitive performance as a young woman of wealth whose snob- bishness, as well as her deafness, isolate her from the rest of the world. Susan Hayward, Cecil Kellaway and Grant Mitchell contribute competently to smaller roles. The screenplay, by Frank Partos and Raymond Chandler, is based on a novel by Rachel Field. It is a strong, emotional story about a young woman — beautiful, rich, and engaged to an eligible young man — who becomes stone deaf as the result of an attack of meningitis. She refuses to marry the man of her choice until such time as her affliction is cured. Her fiance, a young man of mixed ideals, feels duty-bound to marry her, and yet sees no great harm in playing around with her sister. The triangle is transferred into a square when Alan Ladd appears. He has developed a new technique for the treatment of deafness and applies it successfully to Miss Young. At the same time he cures her of other things as well : notably her snobbishness, and her delusion that she loves her fiance. So it all ends happily, with a double wed- ding in the background. Associate producer Fred Kohlmar has lavished thoughtfulness and care upon the film. Irving Pichel's direction extracts the utmost from both play- ers and story. All in all, "And Now Tomorrow" is a fine piece of work. Running time, 84 minutes. "G."* Released in block No. 2. Thalia Bell. Coast Filming Dropped 11 as Strike Result Hollywood, Oct. 16. — That walk- out of set decorators, painters and machinists slowed down- production at five studios during the week. The total number of pictures in work dropped: from 52 to 41 ; 18 features were completed, and seven others were started on lots which the walkout had not affected. The production scene follows : Columbia Finished: "Eadie Was a Lady," "Together Again." Started: "Our Wandering Daugh- ters," with Cora Sue Collins, Eric Sinclair, Ralph Hoops, John Calvert. Shooting: "Lawless Empire," "Let's Go Steadv," "Counter-attack." M-G-M ■.Finished : "Thrill of a Romance," "The Clock." Shooting: "Hold High the Torch," "Women's Army," "Son of Lassie," "Valley of Decision." Monogram Finished: "G. I. Honeymoon." Started: "Texas Terror" (tentative title) with Johnny Mack Brown, Ray- mond Hatton, Jennifer Holt ; "John Dillinger," with Lawrence Tierney, Ann Jeffreys, Edmund Lowe. Paramount Finished: "High Man." Shooting: "Duffy's Tavern," "Salty O'Rourke," "The Golden Years" (for- merly "Miss Susie Slagle's"). PRC Finished: "His Brother's Ghost." Shooting: "You Can't Stop Ro- mance," "Strange Illusion." RKO Radio Finished : "Come Share My Love," "China Sky," "Experiment Perilous," "Zombies on Broadway," "It's a Pleasure" (International). Started: "The Enchanted Cottage," with Dorothy McGuire, Robert Young. Mildred Natwick; "West of the Pecos," with Robert Mitchum, Barbara Hale, Rita Corday. Richard Martin. Shooting: "Isle of the Dead" (tem- porarily suspended) ; "Wonder Man" (Goldwyn) ; "Tarzan and the Ama- zons" (Lesser). Republic Finished: "Topeka Terror," "Hitch- hike to Happiness," "The Great Fla- marion" (William Wilder). Started: "A Daring Holiday," with Edward Everett Horton, Gladys George, Ruth Terry, Robert Living- ston; "A Song for Miss Julie" (Row- land) with Shirley Ross, Barton Hep- burn, Jane Farrar, and Cheryl Walker. Shooting: "The Vampire's Ghost," "Chicago Kid." 20th Century-Fox Finished: "Nob Hill." Shooting: Bon Voyage," "Czarina." ^ Where Do We Go From Here?" "Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe," "Hangover Square." United Artists Shootinq: "Hold Autumn in Your Hand" (PAC) ; "Delightfully Dan- gerous" (Rogers) : "It's in the Baa;" (Skirball). Universal Finished: "Fairy Tale Murder." Shooting: "The Suspect." "Salome — Where She Danced," "Frisco Sal." Warners Shooting: 'The Bis: Sleep." "God Is My Co-Pilot." "Pillar to Post," *"G" denotes general classification. No Ruling on SIMPP Crescent Case Move {Continued from page 1) the effect of the defendants' (Cres- cent's) practices on independent ex- hibitor competition. "But the SIMPP believes that the defendants' practices are equally fraught with peril to independent pro- ducers such as those who comprise the membership of the Society," he asserted. "Furthermore," he said, "the Soci- ety believes that the defendants' ac- tivities represent a grave menace to the motion picture industry as a whole, and that they impinge upon rights of the movie-going public which are protected by the first amendment." Hearing of argument in the Cres- cent case, tentatively scheduled for this week, has been deferred until af- ter Nov. 6 because of the crowded condition of the Court calendar. The Court will recess for two weeks be- ginning next Monday. Theatres Aid Soviet Des Moines, Oct. 16. — Early re- ports show that the Clothing for Rus- sia drive sponsored in Iowa by the state War Activities Committee, will probably exceed the two million- pound goal set by A. H. Blank, WAC head. Clothing was collected in more than 200 Iowa theatres through the co-operation of both independent and affiliated exhibtors. Blumenthol Gets Post Maurice M. Blumenthol, formerly field supervisor for Warner Bros. Theatres, and more recently a public accountant, has joined the Willmark Service System as assistant comp- troller. "Of Human Bondage," "Nobody Lives Forever," "San Antonio." Independent Finished: "A Boy, a Girl and a Dog" (W. R. Frank). JJ. S. Gives Major Aid to Mexicans Merwin Travis, general manager of the Motion Picture Society for the Americas, during a recent visit here from Hollywood, stated that our Gov- ernment, through the agencies of the MPSA and the Coordinator of Inter- American Affairs office, has largely counteracted the influence of England and Germany previously exerted in the Latin- American film markets, espe- cially Argentina, through their aid in technical advice and equipment. Mex- ico has now become the outstanding South American producer, and will make from 60-70 features in 1944, he said, principally 'through our grants of raw stock and equipment to that coun- try. Some 35,000,000 feet go to Mexico annually, he said, and our Government was recently forced to deny a further request for an additional" 10,000.000 feet in order to meet expanded de- mand, because of our own critical raw stock situation. New Studio Indicating a desire to see a greater interchange of Latin-American prod- uct than previously, Travis said that Hollywood producers were gradually, with encouragement and advice of the MPSA_ and CIAA, extending their production activities to Mexico. RKO is building a studio in Mexico City in conjunction with Mexican in- dustry and government interests and plans to produce three or four sub- iects in English and Spanish versions between there and Hollywood, he said. Republic, 20th Century-Fox and United Artists are other pro- ducers making; pictures in that coun- try, Travis said. 'Stars' Hosts Services The 11th annual "Night of Stars," set for Madison Square Garden. Nov. 14. will have 2,000 members of the Armed Forces as guests. The com- mittee in charge has reserved tickets to be distributed through the Defense Recreation Committee here. Altec Shows 2 -Way Theatre Speaker (Continued from page 1) postwar. Also demonstrated was a two-way loud speaker system for theatres. G. L. Carrington, president of Altec Service Corp., called to order the con- ference of district managers at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. He de- clared that the Altec men represent the largest group of sound technicians in the United States, responsible for maintaining sound and service in 6,000 theatres and rendering technical guid- ance for equipment overseas. Carrington said, "This year's con- ference, necessitated the attendance of the entire Altec district manager per- sonnel to meet at Hollywood with the industry's sound technicians for dis- cussions and demonstration of post- war technique in the design, manufac- ture and service of electronic appa- ratus associated with the theatre busi- ness. HVC Performances Now Total 34,151 Hollywood, Oct. 16. — As Septem- ber closed, Hollywood Victory Com- mittee statistics on performances for the armed services rose to a total of 3,433 individuals making 34,151 ap- pearances since the committee was or-, ganized three days after Pearl Harbor. In September alone, the committee as- signed 396 performers who made 1,511 performances, its report issued today revealed. Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, Spike Jones and Dinah Shore led groups in France. Judith Anderson, Jack Benny, Bob Hope and Spencer Tracy worked in the Pa- cific areas, while Ann Sheridan and Ben Blue performed in the China- Burma-India theatre. Restrict Hours for Children Admissions San Fraxcisco, Oct. 16. — Barring of school children of classroom age on a voluntary basis as a means of helping solve what is becoming- a seri- ous situation in juvenile delinquency has been agreed to here following a meeting of the California Theatres Association. Acting on requests of the district attorney's office and the Board of Ed- ucation, all theatres affiliated with the association have agreed to refuse ad- mission to children of grammar school age before two p.m. on school days and after eight p.m. unless accom- panied by an older person. California Probes Writers' Congress Hollywood, Oct. 16. — Inquiry into the inception and ideological aspects of the Writers Congress conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles in June of 1943 was made by the State Legislature's Committee on Un-American Activities last week. Witnesses at the two days of hearings included : Marc Connelly, John How- ard Lawson. Prof. Ralph Freud, Mrs. Pauline Lanber Flinn, Robert Salt, Nicholas Bela, Paul Trivers and Mischa Altman. No official report on the hearings was issued by the Com- mittee on Un-American Activities. And Beulah Bondi and Cecil Kellaway. Directed by / IRVING PICHEL. Screen- play by Frank Partos and Raymond Chandler. ( And for £ hristmis ALAN If LADD LORETTA YOUNG in Rachel Fields SUSAN HAYWARD BARRY SULLIVAN [Thanksgiving ANDSOMER AND MORE MAGNETIC THAN VER IN A TOTALLY DIFFERENT ROLE— HIS ICCEST AND MOST IMPORTANT PRODUCTION 1 3 aramount FOR THE MOST DISTINGUISHED HOLIDAY ATTRAC- TION AVAILABLE— FROM THE BEST-SELLER BY THE AUTHOR OF "ALL THIS, AND HEAVEN TOO" All-Time-Record-Breaking "Frenchman's Creek") I 10 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Tuesday, October 17, 1944 Box Offices Will Decide Video Future 'Industry in Strongest Position in Postwar9 WPB Urges Making Projector Parts (Continued from page 1) television pass them by and freeze them out. They, and they alone have the one thing which has bothered many of those who have studied the economics of television. They have the answer to the ques- tion 'Who is going to pay for television?' They have the box office!" Austrian cited many ways in which exhibitors can make television eco- nomically feasible. They involve the exclusive presentation of features like prize fights, horse races, baseball and football games, concerts and other spot events. They could recoup the cost of securing such events exclu- sively by added patronage and in- creased admission prices while playing regular film programs, Austrian said. Theatre television as envisaged by Austrian would be a supplement, in most cases, of a regular film program. He said that in many cases, audiences in theatres would be given a better presentation of an event by television than they would receive if they at- tended the event personally and were forced to view it from a disadvan- tageous spot. A. T. & T. Facilities Harold S. Osborne, chief engineer of American Telephone and Tele- graph Co., another speaker at the ses- sion, cited the facilities which are now available and contemplated to make inter-city and intra-city theatre tele- vision links possible. Osborne de- scribed the functions of the present three, and four million cycle band cable links which are now available and the seven million cycle coaxial cable constructions which are con- templated in providing these links. "Television transmission stands to- day," Osborne said, "where sound transmission stood 20 years ago." He pointed out that intra-city television links can now be provided by special- ly adapted telephone links. By wave guides, an adaptation of the coaxial cable, it is also possible to transmit television images in the very high frequencies, Osborne pointed out. A further method will be provided in the radio-relay link which the Bell Sys- tem plans to construct between New York and Boston. Osborne said that A.T. and T. has already started the manufacture of coaxial cable with which it hopes to link key cities from coast-to-coast by 1950. Epstein Paper A paper on "Television Projection" was read at the afternoon session by Dr. David W. Epstein of RCA, representing experimentation with projecting the image on the cathode ray tube both in theatres and in the home. Dr. I. G. Maloff of RCA and Dr. Epstein have been experimenting with a mirror reflector and a correc- tive lens to improve the quality of the image and report progress has been made in overcoming some of the ob- stacles presented by the loss of image quality in projection. Dr. Epstein cit- ed the use of plastic lucite for lenses to overcome the problem of manufac- turing suitable corrective lenses for projecting images. D. E. Hyndman, SMPE engineer- (Continued from page 1) that "the industry will have the op- portunity of playing a post-war role of the greatest significance in helping to unite the peoples of all lands through a common bond of ideals and sympathies," according to the state- ment from his office. Cowdin asserted, "The industry's 16mm gift films to our Armed Forces have had an estimated attendance of 300,000,000 persons in uniform. Thou- hands of fighting men when they re- turn to civilian life will bring back with them the 'movie-going' habit to a greater degree than ever before. This will be a factor in post-war at- tendance." Discussing the belief in some quar- ters that there will be a falling off of national income at the war's end and that as a result theatre attend- ance will be adversely affected, Cow- din stated : "Even if such a decline in national income should be fairly sharp, it is not likely motion picture revenues will be affected to any com- parable degree for a substantial period in view of the huge accumulation of savings in the hands of the public. The 'movies', past experience indi- cates, are among the last things that people will give up. Following the last war, when the industry was in its infancy, there was but a slight falling off followed by a substantial increase, which lasted for a long period. 90,000,000 a Week "The war has served to emphasize the basic nature of the motion picture industry. Going to the 'movies' is an integral part of life in America and many other countries. Theatre at- tendance in this country alone aver- ages 90,000,000 a week. Entertain- ment, in fact, is a fundamental need of all humanity and the motion pic- ture is easily the most universally popular of all forms of mass enter- tainment. It has the further advan- tage of being inexpensive and a cash business. Thousands of small com- munities rely almost entirely upon the 'movie' and radio for their entertain- ment. The 'movies' are, in effect, a necessity, and this imparts a strong element of fundamental stability to the industry. The 'movie' box-office, of course, to some degree reflects the ebb and flow of general economic con ditions, but to a less marked extent than most other industries. This in dustry is among the last to feel a de pression, and among the first to re spond to a revival. History shows that good pictures will always find a substantial market. "The motion picture industry is fortunate in that it faces no re-conversion problem, although studios and theatres will re- quire new equipment to replace that worn out during the war," Cowdin stated. / "From an operating standpoint, the industry will benefit at the war's end by the return of highly specialized personnel who, because of the training and experience required, could not be replaced effectively during the war and this should result in the lowering of basic unit costs, as well as again making available many stars who are today in our government's service. "When building materials are again available, it is expected that a large number of new theatres will be con- structed to meet the growth and changes in population and to replace theatres that have become obsolescent. These new theatres will contain many improvements. "In view of the importance of the 'movies' in providing wholesome, in- expensive relaxation to the mass of the American people, the increase in admission taxes to 20 per cent, while perhaps acceptable as a war measure, will prove highly unpopular when peace returns and a movement to eliminate or reduce it will have strong support. New Markets "It is our belief that the overall foreign business available to the ma- jor picture companies will be ex- tremely large in the post-war despite the problems of foreign exchange, re- strictive measures by foreign govern- ments and competition from foreign film industries. The liberation of Europe, and later Asia, will not only permit the re-opening of previous markets but there is every indication that new markets will be created. "Universal Pictures looks with confidence to the post-war era as an opportunity for further progress. It entered 1944-45 with more and, we believe, better pictures. "Anticipating that 'war pic- tures' would lose their popular- ity, Universal has eliminated such features from its 1944-45 schedule. "While Universal has been unduly penalized from an earning standpoint during the war period through its low tax credit base, nevertheless, as long as such high tax levels prevail it would require a serious reduction in gross profits in order to affect net profits materially. In the post-war period, should there be, as anticipated, a substantial reduction in the Federal corporate tax rate, attendance figures can decline rather substantially and still leave Universal with net earn- ings as large or larger than those currently enjoyed," Cowdin concluded. (Continued from page 1) of WPB told Motion Picture Daily here yesterday. Smith urged manufacturers to con- tact their local WPB for permission, promising the cooperatio'n of the WPB theatre equipment section which will be consulted. Smith said that about 200 extra rectifiers used in projection booths to convert AC current to usable DC current will be available during the current quarter and in the first quarter of 1945 as a result of such action by the Baldor Electric Co., St. Louis securing permission for their manufacture from the WPB. These will be in addition to 730 authorized previously. Smith said that the regional boards now have authority to act on all ap- plications to manufacture much-need- ed projection machine parts. He in- dicated that there is still a particularly critical situation as far as ball bear- ings are concerned. Smith is attending the sessions of the Society of Motion Picture Engi- neers' 56th semi-annual technical con- ference as a WPB observer. ing vice-president, cited some of the current work of SMPE's engineering- committees in a report on the organi- zation. Raymond Spottiswoode of the Canadian National Film Board told of some of the recent developments at the National Film Board of Canada. Other papers on sound recording, lighting and developing of film were read. The sessions will continue today and tomorrow. A dinner-dance will be held at the Hotel Pennsylvania tonight. RCA Head Sees Vast Television Growth Television, radar and other wartime developments in radio-electronics have brought the American radio in- dustry to the threshold of another great era of expansion, greater even than the achievements of the last quarter of a century, Lieut. Gen. James G. Harbord, chairman of the board of RCA, declares in a statement commemorating the observance of RCA's 25th anniversary. Amend Repair Rules On Vending Machines Washington, Oct. 16. — The War Production Board today announced that manufacture of parts for the re- pair or renovation of vending will be permitted to the extent that the use of materials for the purpose is allowed by materials conservation orders. Limitation order No. L-21, covering automatic vending machines, phono- graphs and other amusement and gam- ing machines used in theatres and other public places was amended after two and one-half years during which the use of metals for that purpose was prohibited. FCC to Hear Views On Film Television Washington, Oct. 16. — The Fed- eral Communications Commission to- morrow will hear the views of film and various others interested in postwar television, but it appears that it may not reach Paul Raibourn, who is scheduled to discuss the sub- ject for Balaban and Katz. He is the 13th of 20 speakers listed for tomor- row. Because it had previously scheduled another group to be heard Wednes- day, and is desirous of keeping that engagement, the FCC plans to go as far as it can with the television wit- nesses and then postpone hearing the rest until later. A considerable part of tomorrow's hearing will be devoted to the discussion of CBS and NBC television views. PRC Southeast Meet Atlanta, Oct. 16. — Representatives of the Atlanta and Charlotte branches of PRC met recently to hear Ike Katz, head of the company's South- east division, report on his re- cent visit to Hollywood. New prod- uct and sales methods were discussed. Others who attended were Harry Katz, W. H. Rudisill, A. B. Block, D. O. Graham and A. D. Lewis, all from the Atlanta office, and E. R. Heller and R. M. Boovy, from Char- lotte. Tuesday, October 17, 1944 MOTION PICTURE DAILY 11 $130,000 for 'Parkington' (Continued from page 1) directed to the Paramount, where per- sonal appearances of Frank Sinatra, appearing oh the stage, with "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay" on the screen, caused frequent 'riots' among mulling throngs of 'bobby-sock' bri- gades, which, on one morning, brought out 433 policemen to control the hys- terical youngsters — and Sinatra came up with a big $95,000 for the week. New films at the Roxy, Hollywood and Criterion are also doing out- standing business. "Laura," combined with a stage bill featuring Hazel Scott and Jackie Aliles, at the Roxy, is expected to bring in an outstanding $105,000 on the first week on the basis of $85,000 taken in the first five days. The com- bined show will get at least three weeks at the Roxy with "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" set to follow. A near record §46,000 is expected for the first week of "To Have and Have Not" at the Hollywood on the basis of a heavy $35,000 taken in on the first five days. "Rhapsody in Blue" is the next film for this house, but its opening seems to be a bit removed. Business is building at the Criterion where "The Merry Monahans" is headed for a lusty $35,000 in its first week based on $28,000 taken in on the first four days. Holdovers Score Holdovers are also scoring impres- sively. "The Seventh Cross," with a stage bill featuring- Horace Heidt and his musical aggregation, are expected to bring the Capitol $65,000 in a third week ; the combination will continue. A neat $44,000 is expected for the seventh and final week of "Arsenic and Old Lace" and a stage bill at the Strand. "The Conspirators," with a stage bill headed by Les Brown and band, will open at the Strand Friday. "Frenchman's Creek," at the Rivoli, and "Kismet," at the Astor are hold- ing up excellently. "Creek" is ex- pected to bring about $53,000 in its fourth week; "Kismet" grossed an estimated $25,000 in an eighth week ending last night. "American Ro- mance" will follow. "Barbary Coast Gent" is expected to complete a third and final week tonight at the Globe with $14,500. "Sweet and Lowdown" will open tomorrow. A good $15,000 is expected on the third week of "Wil- son" at the Victoria, following the eight-week run at the Roxy, and the film will continue. "Dangerous Journey" will finish a third and final week at the Gotham Friday with about $8,500 ; "Summer Storm" will take over Saturday. "Music in Manhattan" is expected to bring about §14,500 in a second and final week at the Palace ; "Heavenly Days" will succeed Friday. A quiet $6,000 is expected for the second week of "My Pal, Wolf" at the Re- public. The Rialto expects a mild $6,000 in the second week of "Dead Man's Eyes." Distributors Agree on 6th 'Bond Premiere 9 Films Sarnoff Cited Col. David Sarnoff, on military leave from his post as president of RCA and board chairman of NBC. hasUeen awarded the Legion of Merit for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service." Col Sarnoff is credited with the "D-Day" communications arrange- ments. (.Continued from page 1) formance only, known as a "War Bond Premiere," any picture the ex- hibitor has under contract, but not earlier than 30 days prior to its avail- ability for booking at his theatre ; pro- vided exhibitors having clearance do not object; reissues will be consid- ered the same as new pictures. As a special inducement fur sales of bonds to and by children, the dis- tributors agree to also furnish a pic- cure for a "Children's Morning Pre- miere" under the same conditions as outlined above. In order to increase the number of bond premieres in small towns, the distributors agree to furnish a picture tor such purposes to any exhibitor requesting one, even though that ex- nibitor may not have the picture un- der contract and regardless of wheth- er the exhibitor is a regular custom- er of the distributor or not, provided the population of the exhibitor's town is not over 7,500, and the picture booked for the premiere shall have been generallv released prior to May 1, 1944. The distributors have endorsed the plans of the Sixth War Loan cam- paign committee for a "National Free Movie Day" on Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7, and have agreed on free ad- mission on that day to each bond pur- chaser. The distributors will also provide pictures for repeat showings at "War Bond Premieres." Excluded from the agreement are such features as may be handled at advanced admission prices. Hertz Names 49 Aides Forty-nine state publicists and ex- ploiteers named here yesterday by John Hertz, Sixth War Bond pub- licity chairman, to coordinate local bond promotions and publicity, fol- low : Alabama, Bill Wolfson, Montgom- ery; Arizona, A. G. Pickett, Phoe- nix ; Arkansas, Sam Kirby, North Little Rock ; California, Seymour Peiser, Los Angeles ; Mort Goodman, Hollywood ; Fay Reeder, San Fran- cisco; Colorado, Margaret Goyette, Denver ; Connecticut, Lou Brown, New Haven ; Delaware, Edgar J. Doob, Wilmington ; Florida, J. L. Cartwright, Tampa ; Georgia, Spence Pierce, Atlanta ; Illinois, Bill Bishop, Chicago : Indiana, Ken Collins. Indi- anapolis ; Iowa, Dale McFarland, Des Moines; Kansas, Woody Barritt, Wichita. Also : Kentucky, Lew Hensler, Lexington ; Louisiana, Maurice F. Barr, New Orleans ; Maine, C. J. Russell, Sr., Bangor ; Maryland, Louis E. Shecter, Baltimore ; Mas- sachusetts, Harry Browning, Boston ; Michigan, Betty Smith, Detroit; Min- nesota, Norman Pyle, Minneapolis ; Mississippi, Burgess Waltmon, Co- lumbus; Missouri, Jerry Zigmond, Kansas City ; Montana, Jack Edwards, Helena; Nebraska, Ted Emerson, Omaha ; Nevada, Harry Hunsaker, Reno ; New Hampshire, Frank K. El- dridge, Concord ; New Jersey, George Kelly, Newark; Eli M. Drowitz, Camden ; New Mexico, George Tuck- er, Albuquerque ; New York, Charles Smakwitz, Albany ; Charles B. Tay- lor, Buffalo ; Harry Mandell, New York City ; North Carolina, Roy L. Smart, Charlotte. Also : North Dakota, Ed Krauss, Fargo ; Ohio, J. R. Watson, Cincin- nati ; Charles Deardourff , Cleveland ; Oklahoma, Robert Busch, Oklahoma City ; Oregon, Jack Matlack, Port- land ; Pennsylvania, James M. Tot- man, Pittsburgh ; South Carolina ; Sam Suggs, Columbia ; South Dako- ta, Cliff Knowles, Mitchell, and Ken Peters, Pierre; Tennessee, E. W. Street, Knoxville, and J. R. McEach- ron, Jackson; Texas, Ray Beall, Dal- las ; Utah, Helen Garrity, Salt Lake City ; Vermont, Eugene C. Keenan, Newport ; Virginia, Brock Whitlock, Richmond; Washington, D. C, Frank LaFalce ; Washington, Vic Gauntlett, Seattle ; West Virginia, partial, James M. Totman; Wisconsin, Wil- liam V. Geehan, Milwaukee ; Wyom- ing, G. H. Turner, Lusk. 6th Bond Co-chairmen Meet via Telephone To facilitate understanding with his group of nine co-chairmen and in the interest of efficiency due to travel emergencies, Harry Brandt, national chairman for the industry's participation in the Sixth War Loan drive, held a nine-city telephone con- ference yesterday with his co-chair- men in Los Angeles, Dallas, Minne- apolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Salt Lake City and Des Moines, to report to each a complete picture of plans now formulated for the campaign. Speaking from New York, in addi- tion to Brandt, were Ned E. Depinet, Jay Emanuel, Max Cohen, Francis Harmon, Ted Lloyd and John Hertz, Jr. Among the co-chairmen tied into the "round-robin" telephone discus- sions were : Hugh Bruen, Los An- geles ; Henry Reeve, Dallas ; Al Stef- fes, Minneapolis ; Jack Kirsch, Chi- cago; Fred Wehrenberg, St. Louis; John Rugar, Salt Lake City ; Leo Wolcott, Des Moines. Nathan Ya- mins of Boston was enroute to a meeting at Charleston, W. Va. Shanklin Warns of U. S. Tax Threat (Continued from page 1) the meetmg, .at which the principal subjects will be taxation, both state and-Federal, the consent decree, small- block picture buying and postwar planning. J. C. Shanklin, convention chair- man will tell members that since it appears likely that the Treasury will once again try to put through an extra 10 per cent ticket tax, it is up to ex- hibitors to be prepared to impress the Government tax commission that the- atres are alreadv overtaxed. Herbert Hayman Dies Baltimore, Oct. 16. — Herbert Hay- man, manager of the Capitol Theatre here, a Rome circuit house, died sud- denly last Friday. Hayman was for- merly a United Artists representative. His home was in New York. Harry Godfrey, 54, Dies Harry Godfrey, 54, production and copyright manager of Mills Music. Inc., died recently in Queens General Hospital after a long illness. He is survived by his widow, two daughters, his mother and three sisters. Schine Sale Is Confirmed (Continued from page I) and Appalachia in Appalachia, Va., the Viv in Corbin, Ky., and the Liberty in Pikeville, Ky. In approving the sale after a week's delay, Federal Judge John C. Knight told Willard S. McKay, Schine coun- sel, that the four theatres should have been offered for sale to independent exhibitors generally and reminded him that in sales of the other five houses, offers must first be submitted to the court. Testifying as a Government witness, as trial of the Government's anti-trust suit against the Schine Circuit re- sumed in Federal court here today, Harry Schwartz, former owner and operator of the Opera House, Lexing- ton, Ky., declared he had first and second runs for his house when he was in competition with the Phoenix Amusement Co., prior to 1936 but that when Schine took over that concern's Lexington theatres he could get no better than fourth run product. Phoenix operated the Kentucky, Strand and State, which were acquired by Schine in November, 1936. He mentioned specifically M-G-M's sell- ing first, second and third runs to Schine after that deal and giving him fourth run for the Opera House, tell- ing of conversations he had with M-G-M's Cincinnati branch manager, E. A. Booth. Involves 20th-Fox When Schwartz told of the Schine houses lowering their admission prices, Robert L. Wright, Assistant U. S. Attorney General, openly placed 20th- Fox in the category of co-conspirator on grounds it allegedly permitted Schine to lower prices for exhibition of its product. After Schine took over the Opera House, Schwartz tes- tified, admission prices at that house were raised. In cross-examination, Saul E. Rog- ers sought to show that Schwartz re- ceived nothing but "courteous treat- ment" from Schine. Bernard Oman, Baltimore; Md., manufacturing pharmacist and presi- dent of a corporation which operates the Ulman and New Theatres, Salis- bury, Md., testified as to attempts made by John May of Schine Circuit in 1941 to acquire the leases on the two houses. Thomas E. Ayres of Sea- ford, Del., operator of the Palace, Seaford, the Layton and the. Sussex Theatres, Georgetown, Md.. also tes- tified as to offers to buv his theatres by May in 1938-39. Harrison, Industry Veteran, Dies at 56 Saul E. Harrison, 56, specialist in the film department of the Army Sig- nal Corps in Long Island City, died over the weekend at his home in the Bronx. Harrison, associated with the indus- try since its earliest days, worked with the old Edison companv as an actor and a director. In 1911 he joined Kalem and later directed for Cosmopolitan, Paramount. Fox and others. He became a civilian worker with the Army in 1942. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Belle Harrison and two brothers. VERA HRUBA RALSTON - RICHARD ARLEN ERICH VON STROHEIM WITH 4 »»« ,?5SS OTTO KRUGER • EDUARDO CIANNELLI ROBERT LIVINGSTON • MONA BARRIE GEORGE SHERMAN, Director I? Original Story by ELIZABETH MEEHAN • Adaptation by DANE LUSSIER Screenplay by DORIS GILBERT Woman of mystery m a intrigue . , . ALLURING! BEWITCHING! and DANGEROUS! Men sold theii country' s secrets to win her lips, her loveliness, her love! A REPUBLIC PICTURE 14 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, October 17, 1944 'Way' Still Way Up In Its 7th Week ' Toronto, Oct. 16. — "Going My Way" brought brightness to Shea's for a seventh week with a promised $11,300. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 19: "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) EGLINTON— (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,500. (Average: $4,000). "Jariie" (WB) IMPERIAL — (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,300. (Aver- age: $12,800). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) LOEWS — (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days, 3rd week. Gross: $11,200. (Average: $11,200). "Going My Way" (Para.) SHEA'S— (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 7th week. Gross: $11,300. (Average: $12 800). "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) TIVOLI— (1,434) (18c-30c-48c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,900. (Average: $4,400). "The Climax" (Univ.) UPTOWN— (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,300. (Average: Disney Says Films Aid Rehabilitation Walt Disney, opening the New York Herald-Tribune "Annual Forum on Current Problems," at the Waldorf- Astoria Hotel here last night, stated that the screen cartoon has been so improved and refined that no techni- cal problem is insurmountable, and added that it must be made available to the widest possible non-theatrical audiences. "I believe that the returned soldier, accustomed to instruction from the screen, will be enthusiastically recep- tive to pictures that will help incorpo- rate him into the ways of peace," Disney declared. Reviews "The Man in Half moon Street {Paramount) Hollywood, Oct. 16 BETTER than its billing — and longer than its billing suggests, yet not "too long — "The Man In Halfmoon Street, poses something of a problem as to programming but none as> to entertainment. A considered, polished and intelli- gent treatment of the perpetual-youth theme so often abused in slipshod rnelo- dramatics, the film ranks with the best of its kind, lacking only name calibre to hold its own as top-spot merchandise. Under Ralph Murphy's expert direction, Nils Aster, Helen Walker, Rhein- hold Schunzel, Paul Cavanagh, Edmond Breen, Morton Lowry and other com- petent players perform smoothly and with plausibility in 'a story about two doctors, endocrinologists, who have been conducting a perpetual-youth experi- ment for 60 years, one of them operating on the other at ten-year intervals to maintain him always as a man of 35 while the other ages normally. Since each of the operations has entailed sacrifice of a human life, there is a string of murders behind them, and Scotland Yard finally picks up the trail, but it is the operating doctor's refusal to continue with the experiment which leads to the other's abrupt transition from youthfulness to advanced age and sudden death. All this is adroitly and plausibly narrated in Charles Kenyon's excellent script based on a play by Barre Lyndon. Producer Walter MacEwen has a picture superior to its category. Running time, 90 minutes. "G."* Release date not set. William R. Weaver "Law of the Valley" {Monogram) Hollywood, Oct. 16 JOHNNY MACK BROWN and Raymond Hatton, called in to help an old friend, become involved in a murder. It is no trick at all, however, for the two cowboys to uncover the plot behind the killing and bring the guilty to justice. They do it with their usual ease and aplomb, inspired by the love of justice and a very charming young woman, Lynne Carver. Tom Quinn is the most menacing of the three villains in the case. Edmund Cobb and Charles King give him able, if illegal, support. The story and screen- play were by Joseph O'Donnell, who sticks to the accepted Western formula. Howard Bretherton's direction is satisfactory, and Marcel LePicard contributes some effective photography. The production was supervised by Charles J Bigelow. Running time, 52 minutes. "G."* Release date, Nov. 4. Thalia Bell *"G" denotes general classification. Youngest Booker Des Moines, Oct. 16. — Believed to to be the youngest exchange booker and office manager in the nation is Miss Zora Fini, 19, recently appointed to these posts at Monogram here. de Rochemont in London Richard de Rochemont, executive producer for March of Time, has ar- rived in London as war correspondent for MOT, the company reported here yesterday. D. Y. Bradshaw, associate producer, will substitute for de Roche- mont here in his absence. MCM TRADE SHOW "NATIONAL VELVET" N. Y. - N. J. Territories Only MGM SCREENING ROOM 630 9th AVENUE, N.Y.C. THURSDAY Oct. 19}™;. Golden 'Master Race' Premiere Tomorrow Executives and stars from RKO's studio and home office will leave Hol- lywood and New York today by plane -for Dallas to attend the world pre- miere of "The Master Race" tomor- row, in more than 100 cities in Texas and Oklahoma, with the Majestic, Dallas, as the focal point. Plans have been completed for a celebration in Dallas under sponsor- ship of the Texas Quality Network and local newspapers. Bob O'Donnell of Interstate Circuit heads the com- mittee which set up the arrangements. In addition to Charles W. Koerner and other officials, the studio delega- tion will include cast members Nancy Gates, Eric Feldary, Jason Robards, Ghislaine Perreau, and Herbert Bi- berman, director. From the home of- fice, RKO will be represented by Ned E. Depinet, Robert Mochrie, Nat Levy, and the producers of "The Mas- ter Race," Edward Golden and Rob- ert Golden. Condon Joins 'This Week* Robert Condon, recently resigned from the War Activities Committee as assistant to Francis S. Harmon, co- ordinator, has joined the staff of This Week. Sunday magazine supplement as an .associate editor. Names Kathryn Fecke Kathryn Fecke has been named head of the motion picture, television, radio and amusement department of Position Securing Bureau. Mrs. Fecke was formerly a researcher with Young & Rubicam. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 16 RKO has acquired "Beat the Band," George Abbott stage pro- duction written by George Marion, Jr., for production as a major musi- cal. . . . Paramount has borrowed Henry O'Neill from M-G-M for a principal role in "The Virginian," which is growing into quite a project with four co-stars : Joel McCrea, Brian Donlevy, Sonny Tufts and Bar- bara Britton. . . . Cora " Sue Collins will play the lead in ""Our Wandering Daughters," Columbia's contribution to juvenile delinquency pictures. • Vera Ralston will star, without skates, in "The Healer," a Republic undertaking to be produced and di- rected by Steve Sekely. . . . Roddy McDowall, one of the top ten "Stars- of -Tomorrow" in the Motion Picture Herald-Fame poll, has been added to the roster of principals in 20th Cen- tury-Fox's "Molly, Bless Her," the story about the late Marie Dressier, which will co-star Monty Woolley and Grade Fields. . . . Production of "Jubal Troop," by Sam Wood, for Columbia, has been postponed until next Spring, according to studio an- nouncement, which goes on to say that an arrangement is being worked oitt between the studio and the pro- ducer for offer of "The Land Is Bright" to another studio for pur- chase. Additionally, Wood is de- scribed as retaining full rights to "Tatiana" and "Turnip's Blood," both of which, like "Land Is Bright," had been announced previously as forth- coming Columbia productions. • Twentieth Century-Fox has pur- chased rights to Somerset Maug- ham's "The Razor's Edge." . . . Universal's writer-producer team, Michael Fessier and Ernest Pagano, will make one titled "Not for Children," scheduled to go into pro- duction when "That's the Spirit" is completed. . . . Ann Savage has been signed by Paramount produc- ers William Pine and William Thomas for three pictures. Her first will be "You'll Be the Death of Me." • Elyse Knox has been signed to a three-year Monogram contract which calls for two pictures annually. Her first assignment under the new deal is "Sunbonnet Sue." . . . Columbia has purchased an original story, "Gilda," and assigned it to Sam Bischoff to produce. • Michael Curtiz, last year's Acade- my-awards director, has been named to direct Warner's "Mildred Pierce," Joan Crawford's first for the studio. • M-G-M today gave James A. Fitz- patrick a new contract calling for 12 "Traveltalks" in color annually. He has been with the company 15 years. 6Zor\(Xu\ Ftidm ICWtST BATES ft fflVs) BROADWAY OtUVHf MtvlCI \^ ^/ Qku 4-00$)-2-3-4 trotAai ica /to/tcnoN aoOM m* cxchanw psiwvmoN suvk COPPER still critical! V^opper is still on the critical shortage list of essen- tial war materials. It was never more necessary that every last possible ounce of it be saved. The copper that drops from your Victory and "Oro- tip" Carbons to the bottom of your lamp housings, and that which you strip from stubs, quickly finds its way back into essential products of war when you turn it in to your distributor or local salvage headquarters. Your cooperation has been most effective. Your Gov- ernment urges you to keep it up! And for further sav- ing of copper . . . and for efficient use of carbons ... a bulletin describing completely the operation of Victory High Intensity Carbons . . ."National," "Suprex," and "Orotip". . . has been in general distribution. If you have not received your copy, write today. National Car- bon Company, Inc., Cleveland 1, Ohio, Dept. 9- J. NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC. Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation General Offices: 30 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y. Division Sales Offices: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco * BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS * The registered trade-marks "National," "Suprex," and "Orotip,'1 distinguish products of National Carbon Company, Inc. The glories of "Kismet" in rich Technicolor! j4- "Mrs. Porkington/' a production of magnitude! Mighty "American Romance/' Technicolor Titan! The Bigness of "Seventh Cross"! Wonderful Technicolorful "Meet Me In St. Louis"! Never-ending is the magic of M-G-M We shoot the bank-roll to bring you HITS! Read what the trade paper Film Bulletin says: 'This M-G-M lot is humming with big things- Mammoth sets . . .The Penn Station in New York— A famed tourist street in Los Angeles— A WAC dormitory— Lake Arrowhead Hotel- Even the Rocky Mountains are not immune— These are added reasons why M-G-M Outspends all other film studios." Right you are, Film Bulletin, and they're Added reasons for{M^$\ Leo's Leadership! MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert, tion Picture Industry VOL. 56. NO. 75 L Obstacles Seen In Reentering European Mart US Will Aid Industry Reestablish: Golden NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1944 TEN CENTS The American film industry will have greater obstacles to overcome in reestablishing itself in Continen- tal Europe after the war than it faced in those countries before the war, according to Nathan D. Gold- en, chief of the motion picture divi- sion of the U. S. Department of Commerce. "The Government," Golden said in an interview here yes- terday, "will make every effort to help the American industry reestablish itself in liberated countries and is acquainted with what the industry has to face." Golden is visiting New York from Washington. Chief among the obstacles which {.Continued on page 12) Schine Trial Off Till Next Monday Buffalo, Oct. 17. — To permit Rob- ert L. Wright of the Department of Justice to return to Washington, where he will fulfill previous commit- ments in connection with other anti- trust suits, the Schine trial in Federal court here was adjourned today un- til next Monday. It Was learned re- liably that the Government will com- plete its case against Schine in four or five days next week and that the defendants will begin their defense the week following. There also will be (.Continued on page 12) Hyman Heads W. Va. Managers Again Charleston, W. Va., Oct. 17. — The West Virginia Managers Association meeting here today reelected the fol- lowing officers : S. J. Hyman, Hunt- ington, president ; J. C. Shanklin. Ronceverte, assistant to the president and convention chairman, and W. H. Holt, Richwood, secretary-treasurer. Today's session was addressed by Freeman Smith of Kentucky ; Nathan Yamins of the national War Activi- ties Committee, who spoke on the forthcoming Sixth War Loan, and I tent. Pice. About 80 exhibitors and others from the industry attended to- night's banquet. Rank Seen in Deal With Odeon, Canada Toronto, Oct. 17.— Negotia- tions between J. Arthur Rank, London, and important Cana- dian interests have reached the stage where a big deal affecting the Dominion can be expected, presumably with Paul Nathanson's Odeon Cir- cuit, according to a reliable informant. Rank emissary John Davis is en route to Toronto from London with the final draft of a contract, which will have a long-term clause. Studio Fan Photos Carry Bond Appeals Three quarters of a million appeals to buy bonds at theatres will go from stars to fans during the Sixth War Loan campaign, it was disclosed here yesterday in a wire from the Public Information Committee, Western divi- sion, to John Hertz, Jr., War Ac- tivities Committee publicity chairman for the drive. Beginning four weeks before the campaign, a 'personalized appeal' will be inserted with every star photograph mailed to fans from Columbia, M-G-M, Paramount, RKO, 20th Cen- tury-Fox, Universal and Warner studios. In asking support of the efforts of (Continued on page 12) Hyndman Heads SMPE; Capstaff, Others Get Awards The election of Donald E. Hynd- man of Eastman Kodak as 1945 presi- dent of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, succeeding Herbert Grif- fin, was announced here last night at the dinner-dance of the SMPE's 56th semi-annual technical conference at the Hotel Pennsylvania. John A. Maurer will complete Hyndman's un- expired term as engineering vice- president. The SMPE annual progress award for the year's best invention in the industry was given to John George Capstaff of Eastman Kodak for es- tablishing a new field for amateur, (Continued on page 12) RKO Operates in Belgium, Rumania Rumania and Belgium have re- sumed distribution of RKO Radio production, the company disclosed here yesterday following receipt of cables from Nicholas K. Cazazis, RKO manager for Rumania, relayed through Portugal and revealing that film operations have been resumed following two years of inactivity due to Nazi prohibition of American films. All prints were saved by hiding (Continued on page 12) Single Film Sales Seen Inevitable Under Decree rXEPARTMENT of Justice officials maintain tltat their proposed amendments to Section 4 of the con- sent decree will not require distribu- tors to sell pictures one at a time. Con- ceding that the proposed amendment, Which Would prohibit the conditioning of the licensing of one picture on th-e licensing of another, is not an order to sell pictures singly, distributors, nevertheless, contend that single pic- ture selling would be the inevitable result of the adoption of the amend- ment. Motion Picture Daily, as a service to exhibitors who have not had an opportunity to participate in discus- sions of the proposed amendment to Section 4. has obtained from distribu- tion companies their opinions of the proposal and their reasons for believ- ing it will result in the sale of pictures one at a time. The opinions are pre- sented herewith. By EDWARD SMITH A Paramount executive said : "Un- questionably this will force single pic- ture selling. Should this amendment be made law, I will have no alterna- tive but to recommend to my company that single selling become our method of distribution. To fail to do so would be to place an almost insurmountable hazard on our sales department. For ex- ample, let us say that we try to sell a group of five films to an exhibitor who desires two of them. We then offer to lower the entire price of the block of five, if he will take them all, or say that the two alone would cost more than he would normally expect to pay. In such a case he could tell a court, if he were so minded, that we had conditioned the selling of one film on the taking of another, and we would be liable to criminal contempt of court (Continued on page 11) IATSE Out to Organize 5000 Theatre Help Quietly Aiming at all Out-Front NY Workers The IATSE has quietly em- barked upon a campaign to organ- ize 'front-of-the-house' employes in some 600 theatres in the Greater New York area; about 5,000 ush- ers, doormen, cashiers and chil- dren^ matrons are involved. Joseph D. Basson, IATSE ex- ecutive, is spearheading the drive which is aimed at first enrolling the workers of affili- ated circuits here, principally RKO and Loew's. Incentive for the drive was supplied by the recently-negotiated contract re- ( Continued on page 12) Hopper, Schenck Conferences Due Harold Hopper, general manager of the M-G-M studio, is scheduled to confer with Nicholas M. Schenck here this week on studio administra- tive matters, among which may be the executive direction of the studio dur- ing the temporary absence of Louis B. Mayer, it was reported here yes- terday. Ranking company officials could not be reached for comment on the ( Con tinned on page 11) Pioneers to Honor Walter Vincent Dedicated to pioneer exhibitors, this year's annual dinner of the Picture Pioneers, schedued for Nov. 16 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, will pay spe- cial tribute to pioneer Walter Vincent, one of the founders of Wilmer and Vincent Theatres and now a partner with S. H. Fabian in that circuit. Vincent also is chairman of the board of Republic Pictures. Sam and George Dembow are co-chairmen of the din- ner committee for the Pioneer's 'Mo- tion Picture Exhibitors' Night'. Reviewed Today Reviews of "Ministry of Fear" and "One Body Too Many," both Paramount, will be found on page 7. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, October 18, 1944 Personal Mention WILLIAM F. RODGERS, M-G-M distributor vice-presi- dent, was confined to his home yes- terday with a cold. • Ellen Rosenthal secretary to Jack Cohn, Columbia executive vice- president, will be married in the near future to Lieut. Jerome W. Weisfeldt of the Signal Corps Pho- tographic Center. He is the son of M. J. Weisfeldt, Columbia sales ex- ecutive, and was formerly with 20th Century-Fox. • Harold Robb, head of Robb & Row- ley Circuit, Dallas, is in St. Paul Hospital there undergoing treatment for an illness of several weeks' dura- tion. E. T. Gomersall, Universal's as- " sistant general sales manager, will ar- rive in Washington today, for an illness. • Senator Mack Jackson will cele- brate his 25th anniversary in show business in Alexander City, Ala., Oct. 29. Charles Schlaifer, assistant di- rector of advertising-publicity for 20th Century-Fox, will arrive today from studio conferences. • Harry M. Kalmine, assistant gen eral manager of Warner Theatres, and. Clayton Bond, film buyer for the circuit, are in Washington. • Ted Schlanger, zone manager for Warner Theatres in Philadelphia, and John Turner and Lou Davidoff film buyers there, are in New York. • Russ Barfett, manager of Warners Capitol, Willimantic, Conn., announces the birth of a second son, James Car lyle. • Sam Gardner, M-G-M branch manager at Salt Lake City, is back at his desk from a trip to Montana. • A. J. O'Keefe, Universal's Western sales manager, left yesterday for a Midwest tour. • Tom Donaldson, M-G-M branch manager in Boston, left New York for his headquarters yesterday. • Maurice N. Wolff, New England district manager for M-G-M, is in New York from Boston. • Alec Moss, Paramount exploita tion manager, has returned from At lanta and New Orleans. • Maurice Doveerg, manager of Warners' Liberty, Philadelphia, was married on Sunday. • L. J. Kaufman, film buyer for Warner Theatres, is on a trip to Ohio • O. O. Dull, M-G-M producer, i in New York for a week. Insider's Outlook By RED KANN Hollywood, Oct. 17 C UFFICIENT documentation ^ has poured in from many directions to prove with finality the values of entertainment for men in combat areas. Prepon- derance of such documentation, however, deals with upholding morale and receding war fa- tigue through relaxation. Here is a reverse twist showing how military sinews were directly strengthened : During the North African campaign, truck repairs were the chief business of a certain base behind the lines. Before films, a post exchange and a beer garden were introduced, the "AWOL" rate was high; so, too, with courts-martial. After the camp was fortified with these outlets, the AWOL rate collapsed to a neat zero, courts-martial did a complete disappearance and the work level increased sharply. How much of the change may be at- tributed to films, the PX or that beer garden is not known in pre- cise measure. Admittedly, how- ever, films figured in signifi- cantly. Authority: Brig.-Gen. Joseph W. Byron, chief of the Army Special Services Division, whose function embraces all off- duty activities in the Army. ■ ■ Leon Fromkess, president of PRC Pictures and attendant companies so initialed, leaves for New York Saturday. The nature of his mission is interest- ing and confidential. Neverthe- less, a tip is not amiss: Tip No. 1 has a bearing on distribution. PRC now operates two exchanges of its own. Tip No. 1 has a bearing on picture making. PRC, without haste and by plan, has been pro- ceeding toward self-contained production. This requires manpower, above and beyond existing personnel, and, of course, means it must come from other sources. ■ ■ What was this about Bob Weitman retiring from Times Square, which means the Para- mount Theatre, for Marathon Street, Hollywood, which means Paramount production ? Past tense stuff now. But Henry Ginsberg had ap- proached Weitman in New York. Paramount officials there wished Ginsberg hadn't; they didn't want the situation at the theatre disturbed. At any rate, Weitman thought it out, decid- ed to remain where he is. Plus a five-year contract. It's his first with Paramount. It's also one of the very few held by Paramount executives at Eastern headquarters. ■ ■ It's Betty Grable and June Haver for the identical twins in "The Dolly Sisters," musical based on the life and times of Jenny and Rosie of theatrical and international society re- nown. Question before the house: If La Grable can become the No. 1 star (source: Motion Picture Herald-Fame poll of 1944) by appearing in one picture at a time, what is reasonable ex- pectancy if she shows up twice in the same attraction ! Two chassis for the one ad- mission sound like a buy and the peer of all double features. ■ ■ One of the methods by which "The Friendly Company" stressed its friendliness was trade paper advertising illustrat- ing the double doors leading in- to the sales department in the L o e w Building. Properly weighted in the layout con- ceived by Si Seadler was a doormat reading, "Welcome," it may be remembered. Bill Rodger s approved. Ac- tually, he enthused to a degree where he decided to acquire 32 mats just like the one in the ad, or one for each Metro exchange around the nation. The idea never developed. Rubber shortage. ■ ■ For Warner, and for free : Still hunting for a man who looks like Will Rogers to play that part? Take another look at Hoagy Carmichael. He's in your "To Have and Have Not." ■ ■ Paramount had one called "Miss Susie Slagle's" on the stages. Now it's been retitled "The Golden Years." What a bet, Eddie, the Golden Boy, muffed ! ■ ■ If you want the time of day in New York, you dial MEridi- an 7-1212. If you want it in Hollywood, you dial ULrich 8900. You get the same results, however, by dialing U-L-C-E-R-S Placed in nomination as the best story to intercept this trav- eler's highway in almost two years of Hollywood roamings. Coming Events Today — Society of Motion Pic- ture Engineers semi-annual confer- ence, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York. Today — Industry dinner for Ar- thur Mayer, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York. Through Oct. 20— Annual busi- ness conference, Altec Service and Altec Lansing, Hollywood. Oct. 20-Nov. 5 — Industry field meetings on Sixth War Loan Cam- paign. Oct. 31 — Government to issue stamp honoring films' 50th anni- versary. Nov. 5 — Western Motion Picture Radio Awards Association meeting, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood. Nov. 11 — Motion Picture Associ- ates' Sixth War Loan dinner, Hotel Astor, New York. Nov. 14 — 'Night of Stars,' for United Jewish Appeal, Madison Square Garden, New York. Nov. 20-Dec. 16— Sixth War Loan campaign. Nov. 23-25 — National Variety Club meeting, Statler Hotel, Wash- ington. Dec. 7 — National 'Free Movie Day' at theatres for Sixth War Loan. Jan. 17 — B'nai B'rith annual thea- tre party, New York. Silverstone Heads 20th International Maurice Silverstone, 20th Century- Fox vice-president in charge of for- eign distribution, has been elected president of the new 20th Century- Fox International Corp., subsidiary of the parent company, which replaced the 20th Century-Fox Import Corp. Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox presi- dent, was named chairman of the board, and Irving Mass, assistant to Silverstone, is vice-president. Motion Picture Daily on Sept. 20 forecast the formation of the new company and the new officers. Mrs. Herbert Berg, 38, Dies After Operation Funeral services will be held here at 2 :30 this afternoon at Riverside Memorial Chapel for Helen Druck Berg, 38, wife of Herbert Berg, trade press representative of United Artists' home office publicity staff. Mrs. Berg died yesterday morning at the Hos- pital of Joint Diseases, following an operation last Friday. Interment will be at Beth David Cemetery. Other survivors include a son, Morrey, 10, a daughter, Susan, six, her mother, three sisters and a brother. Lt. Blumberg Here Lewis F. Blumberg, son of Nate Blumberg, Universal president, has arrived in New York for a short leave after receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the Army. MOTION PICTI RE DATT.Y, Martin Quigley. President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quwrley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Su'livan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham. News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau. 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. "It 's so absorbing I can 't put it down. " GREAT BOOKS MAKE GREAT PICTURES AND WHEN YOU PUT GREAT STARS IN THEM OH BOY! GREER G ARSON- WALTER PIDGEON /* M-G-M< "Mrs. PARKINGTON" witk EDWARD ARNOLD • AGNES MOOREHEAD • CECIL KELLAWAY Gladys Cooper • Frances Rafierty • Tom Drake • Peter Lawford • Dan Duryea • Hugk Marlowe • and tke Saint Luke's Ckoristers Screen Play by Robert Tlioeren and Polly James • Based on tbe Novel by Louis Bromfield • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture Directed by TAY GARNETT • Produced by LEON GORDON //, ____ Wednesday, October 18, 1944 Motion Picture Daily Reviews "Ministry of Fear" {Paramount) Hollywood, Oct. 17 PSYCHIATRY, spies, killings and hidden purposes blend grippingly and with melodramatic ten-strikes in "Ministry of Fear." Not quite good enough to anchor in the harbor of 'wows', nevertheless here is a show that is a thriller and a chiller of some size. In hands less capable than Fritz Lang's, "Ministry of Fear" no doubt would have been one of those highly incredulous and far-fetched spy conglomera- tions. But his direction is so sound and his ability to bring Seton I. Miller's script to life so assured that the values pile up into the results now in evidence. Based on a novel by Graham Greene, "Ministry of Fear" takes place in war-torn England. Ray Milland, accused of a mercy killing, but innocent, is released from an asylum. At once he is plunged into a strange series of events. Involved are a cake, a blind man, a bombing, a seance in which a man is presumably killed, a manhunt, a consciously confusing set of charac- ters, microfilm of British-mined waters, Scotland Yard, the Ministry of Home Security. Audiences^ of course, will be wise to the fact something illegitimate is under way. Yet the probabilities are that few will fathom the answer until it begins to unfold cleverly, tautly and fascinatingly only a handful of minutes or thereabouts before the curtain drops. Suspicion as to real identity and actual motivation is shuttled from one character, then to another, but the archstone of the Nazi spy ring remains effectively cloaked until the time rolls around for his unmasking. Marjorie Reynolds, Austrian refuge, falls into question, too, but clearance comes finally by way of removing obstacles to her romance with Milland. The plot and its turnings are aided with considerable effectiveness by pro- duction values stunningly contrived for this kind of melodrama. Milland, who has occasional reason to ponder his sanity in the kaleidoscopic onrush of events, does very well in his role ; in particular is a scene in the shelter where he talks to Miss Reynolds about his dead wife, a telling scene. While other characters are steeped in mystery wrappings, they remain credible all the way. Percy Waram, as the police inspector, is best in the support, but good performances are on display from Carl Esmond, Hillary Brooke, Dan Duryea, Alan Napier and Erskine Sanford. Running time, 85 mins. 'G".* Released in Paramount" 's second block. Red Kann "One Body Too Many" {Paramount) JACK HALEY'S frightened antics as an insurance agent who hopes to earn his gold salesman's pin through a big sale but who finds his prospect dead and himself roped in to guard the corpse, should assure fast sales for this Pine-Thomas production at the mystery comedy bargain counters. More- over, script writers Winston Miller and Maxwell Shane have fashioned their staple goods with some unusually elaborate and telling touches. It is the story, once again, about the rich eccentric and the reading of his will, with Bernard Nedell as the slippery lawyer, Bela Lugosi and Blanche Yurka the ominous butler and housekeeper, and Lucien Littlefield, Lyle Tal- bot, Dorothy Granger and Jessica Newcombe among the quarreling heirs. The special feature here is that the old boy is a bug on stars and wants to be entombed in his observatory rather than buried underground; otherwise, he has ruled, those who were cut off by the will shall profit, and vice versa. So several of the peeved decide upon stealthy interment by night, and the body disappears several times. Once, hilariously, Haley is hiding in the coffin when it is carried out and dumped in the fishpond. But Jean Parker, who loves him, is always on hand to pull a rescue; and, finally, after a few murders amid sliding panels, he rescues her from a killer on the roof. Frank McDonald, directing, knew when to alternate laughs and chills. Everyone seems to have worked hard, and the effort should click. Running time, 76 minutes. "G"*. Rleased in second block. Tom Loy Ross Creates Four Field Divisions H. A. Ross, president of Ross Fed- eral Service, has created four division manager posts. Jules B. Weill, for- mer New York branch manager, is now Eastern division manager in charge of Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buf- falo, Boston, Albany, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Pittsburgh, and New Haven ; Walter I. Brown, former manager in Chicago, is now division manager over Chicago, De- troit, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Des Moines, and Omaha ; Walter O. An- derson, former manager of Atlanta, is now Southern division manager over Atlanta, Memphis, Charlotte, Dallas, New Orleans, and Oklahoma City. Appointment of a division manager for the Western division will be made when Ross reaches the Coast. He will hold meetings during the next two weeks in Chicago, Memphis, and Los Angeles. Weill will leave Thursday for Cin- cinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Wash- ington, and Philadelphia. WB Asks to Rebuild Its British Studio Max Milder, Warners' managing director in Great Britain, has peti- tioned the British Board of Trade for permission to immediately rebuild the company's Teddington studios. Warners produced three films an- nually at its Teddington studios and from three to four additional films were made there by others. Because of the tight studio situation in Eng- land, reconstruction of the studio, which was demolished by a robot bomb, killing several, is said to be favored in London production circles. The British government has taken over most British studios. 'Wilson' in Omaha, Degree for Zanuck Omaha, Oct. 17. — Midwest pre- miere of "Wilson" tomorrow night at the Omaha Theatre will be attended by Darryl F. Zanuck, John Payne, George Jessel, Carole Landis, Shelia Ryan, Roddy McDowall and Mary Anderson. Zanuck will arrive today to visit his native Wahoo, and will re- ceive a degree at Lincoln, from the University of Nebraska. Arrangements for the premiere are being handled by Omaha manager Rollin Stonebrook, Tri-States district chief Bill Miskell, and by Charles Schlaifer, Arnold Stoltz and Earl Wingart, all of 20th Century-Fox. Pep Club to Install Brown The Paramount Pep Club will in- stall new officers at its annual dinner- dance at the Hotel Astor here Friday. J. L. Brown is the new president. Former Paramount employes now in service will be guests. The commit- tee in charge includes Irving Singer, Ray Fisher, Ted Schreiner, Emilie Ullman, Helen Callan and Al Sicig- nano. Brouda on NYWF Group Charles Brouda of the Paramount legal department will serve on the midtown division lawyers' committee of the New York War Fund to con- tact film industry personnel. *"G" denotes general classification. Opens Des Moines Office Des Moines, Oct. 17. — Film Classics has moved into the Iowa-Nebraska territory with the opening here of a distribution headquarters. The two states will be serviced by Julian King, formerly with United Artists and for IS years with M-G-M in Chicago, Denver and Kansas City. Opens Classics Branch Cincinnati, Oct. 17. — Albert Dezel has opened a Film Classics branch in the Film Exchange building here. Griffith Sells Hotel Gallup, N. M., Oct. 17.— H. J. Griffith of Griffith Theatres has sold the $1,000,000 Hotel El Rancho to Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Martin, former owners and operators of resort hotels in Florida and California. Navy Cites Geo. Werner Washington, Oct. 17. — Lieut- Comm. George Werner, formerly short subjects booker for Warner Theatres, has been commended for establishing audio-visual training li- braries in amphibious bases, and for inaugurating and directing recreation programs at Naval bases and Navy forces afloat. Werner has been ad- vised by Admiral Harold R. Stark that the commendations would be for- warded to the Chief of Naval Per- sonnel. MGM Cincinnati Meeting Cincinnati, Oct. 17. " — M-G-M home office executives will hold a re- gional meeting of 35 branch managers, bookers and office managers here Sat- urday, Sunday and Monday to discuss exchange operations. Mexico Made 55 This Year; Released 49 Three major Mexican studios, Clasa, Azteca and Stahl, have produced 55 features this year, of which 49 were released, Egon Klein, production supervisor for Calderon Productions, has reported here in an interview to set a deal with an American dis- tributor for joint production in Mexico. Klein said that, despite the recent six-week strike in production in Mex- ico, as a result of which ten films were lost, Mexican producers will fin- ish the year with a minimum of 65 pictures, possibly more. The Calderons are erecting a new studio in Mexico City, he said, but are encountering difficulties in ac- quiring production equipment and con- struction materials. They will also build a laboratory. Where Mexican subsequent-runs, which play double features, formerly played one American feature and one Mexican, the public is now asking for an all-Mexican bill. The American companies have not lost money, how- ever, Klein pointed out, because their lost playing time has been balanced by increased revenue from rising admis- sion prices and new accounts from re- cently-opened theaters. Sunday, the most lucrative theatre day in Mexico, is being increasingly devoted to Mexi- can product, with only top American films retaining this favored spot. Allied to Tabulate Equipment Needs Chicago, Oct. 17. — Jack Kirsch, president of Allied of Illinois, reports that the organization's equipment clearing department will be officially opened in January to help the local trade "conserve manpower, vital ma- terials, and to pre-determine post-war production for manufacturers." The Allied group here is the second larg- est equipment customer in the state, Balaban and Katz being first. A survey of manufacturers and theatre supply dealers will start in November, to tabulate post-war needs of Allied members for utilization by manufacturers in helping them stab- ilize employment and production dur- ing the reconversion period, Kirsch disclosed. Meakin Named for New RKO Division Sol A. Schwartz, general manager of RKO's out-of-town theatres, an- nounced here yesterday, the promotion of Hardie Meakin, manager of Keith's, Washington, to the newly-created po- sition of assistant division manager of the Cincinnati and Dayton territory. To this will be added the operation of the Keith in Washington. Sol Sorkin will be promoted to manage the latter. MGM to Host Press Atlanta, Oct. 17. — Newspapermen from 10 Georgia newspapers will be guests of M-G-M at the Southern pre- miere here of "An American Ro- mance" on Oct. 26. Universal to Honor Paige Universal will hold a reception tomorrow afternoon at the Hampshire House here in honor of Robert Paige. THE THEATRE THAT PLAYED WILSON FOR 8 PRECEDENT- BREAKING WEEKS GIVES BROADWAY ANOTHER GREAT PRE- RELEASE HIT FROM CENTURY-FOX Ilit company that made "WILSON" GENE TIERNEY DANA ANDREWS CLIFTON WEBB Vincent Price • Judith Anderson Produced and Directed by OTTO PREMINGER Screen Play by Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein and Betty Reinhardt Adapted from the Novel by Vera Caspary 1 /vcney/* //iM&t/-**™? KEEP SELLING BONDS! 10 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, October 18, 1944 'SYWA' Up $12,000, 'Very Thought' Up $5,500 in Phila. Philadelphia, Oct. 17. — Business in downtown houses is going strong. "The Very Thought of You" at the Boyd points to $24,500 with an addi- tional $4,700 already in for the dual Sunday showing at the Earle; "Rain- bow Island," at the Fox, looks like $23,500, while "Since You Went Away," at the Mastbaum, is packing them" in for a $34,000 second week. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 18-20: "Wilson" (20th-Fox) ALDINE— (900) (40c-5Sc-60c-85c-$1.2O) 7 davs, 6th week. Gross: $10,700. ( Average : $14,600). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) ARCADIA — (600) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,200. (Average: S4.000). "The Very Thought of You" (WB) BOYD— (3,000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $24,500. (Average: $18,000). "Crime By Night" (WB) 6 days "The Very Thcught cf You" (WB) 1 day EARLE— (3.0C0) (45c-50c-85c-95c) 6 days of vaudeville, including Cab Calloway's band. Bill Bailey. Holmes and Jean, Dotty Sautters, Laviella and her Harp, The Cabalettes. J. C. Heard, (onah Jones, Tyree Glenn. Milton Hinton. Gross: $28,300. (Av- erage: $27,600). "Rainbcw Island" (Para.) FOX — (3,000) (4Oc-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 clays. Gross: $23,500. (Average: $20,500). "Hail the Conquering Hero" (Para.) KARLTON — (1,000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $5,700. (Aver age: $6,600). "Greenwich Village" (ZOth-Fox) KEITH'S — (2,200) (4Oc-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $5,8G0. (Average: $5,800). "Since You Went Away" (UA) MASTBAUM— (4.700) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c - 85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross : $34,000. (Average: $22,500). "Kismet" (M-G-M) STANLEY — (3.000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $15,200. (Aver- age: $20,000). "Maisie Gees to Reno" (M-G-M) STANTON" — (1,700) (4Oc-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $8,400. (Aver age: $9,400). New Aniline Move to Divest Foreign Ties The General Aniline and Film Corp., 98 per cent of whose voting shares have been vested in the Alien Prop- erty Custodian since Feb. 16, 1942, took yesterday another step toward elimination of foreign connections when the directors voted dividends, part of which stockholders may take in shares of I. G. Chemie of Basle, Switzerland. The Company declared dividends of $2 a share on the class A common stock, the first to be declared since $3 was paid in 1941, and of 20 cents a share on the class B common stock, the first since 30 cents a share was paid in 1941. Both distributions are payable to stockholders of record of Oct. 26. National Executives Will Confer Here Charles Skouras, president of Na- tional Theatres, is scheduled to arrive here next Monday from the Coast for conferences at the 20th Century-Fox home office with Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox president, and Dan Micha- love, National Theatres vice-presi- dent. National Theatres' executives Har- old Fitzgerald, Elmer Rhoden, Frank (Rick) Ricketson, and Frank New- man will also come East. Worth It Milton, Pa., Oct. 17.— The Pappas brothers, operating the Legionaire, announced that "with the liberation of Greece, every man and wo- man in the Armed Forces who wishes to attend the house may do so as guests of the management." When Germany surrenders, the courtesy will be extended to over a month's time, date of the offer pend- ing on the end of the Nazi resistance. The Pappas brothers are natives of Greece, 'Arsenic9 Up 100% At Two in Denver Denver, Oct. 17. — "Arsenic and Old Lace" on a dual at the Denver and Esquire theatres clicked at both houses, grosses totaling 100 per cent above average. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 16-19: "Janie" (WB) "Crime By Night" (WB) ALADDIN— (1,400) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gros: $7,000. (Average: $5,600). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) BROADWAY - (1,040) (35c-45e-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gros: $6,825. (Av- erage: $3,900). "I I Love a Soldier" (Para.) DENHAM— (1,750) (35c-45c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $9,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) "The Last Ride" (WB) DENVER— (2,600) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $30,000. (Average: $15,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) "The Last Ride" (WB) ESQUIRE— (740) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $4,500). "Sweet and Low Down" (20th-Fox) "Strangers in the Night" (Rep.) PARAMOUNT — (2,200) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $10,625. (Average: $9,300). "Going My Way" (Para.) RIALTO — (900) (35c - 40c - 55c - special prices) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $7,- 5C0. (Average: $5,000). 'SYWA' Strong in 3rd Grossing $18,000 Buffalo, Oct. 17. — "Since You Went Away" looked very strong as its third week began at the Great Lakes and probably will hit $18,000. Estimated reecipts for the week ending Oct. 21 : ■/ "Rainbow Island" (Para.) "Pearl of Death" (Univ.) BUFFALO— (3,489) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $16,800. (Average: $17,400). "Since You Went Away" (UA) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (50c-60c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $16,- 200). "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) "Two-Man Submarine" (Col.) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover. Gross: $8,700. (Average: $9,700). "Wilson" (ZOth-Fox) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,000) (76c- $1.10) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $1,500. (Average at 40c-60c: $12,200). "Ghost Catchers" (Univ.) "Weird Woman" (Univ.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gros: $14,800. (Average: $12,400). Sgt. Hall Killed Chicago, Oct. 17. — Sgt. Stephen L. Hall, 29, Army motion picture photog- rapher who won the Legion of Merit and a commendation by President Roosevelt for his films of the Casa- blanca conference, was killed Sept. 22 in a vehicle accident in France, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Dahlin, have been notified here. Before he entered the Army, in 1942, Sgt. Hall was employed by Technicolor in I Hollywood. Industry Waits New Move by Argentina Film company foreign distribution heads are watching with interest for possible action by the Argentine gov- ernment in retaliation against the U. S. Government's freezing of Argen- tine gold stocks in this country and the reported consideration of the ap- plication of much stronger economic •pressure against that country. The most recent ban prevents American ships from picking up cargoes at Ar- gentine ports on northbound runs. Foreign distribution heads do not anticipate any immediate confiscatory retaliation against the American film industry by the Argentine government in view of the dependence of Argen- tine exhibition upon American films. They point out that the effect of the latest move by the U. S. Government merely prevents Argentina from tak- ing gold out of the United States and has no effect upon Argentine credits in the U. S. with which they can pay for American products, including films. However, retaliation against the U. S. industry might be attempted by tightening export and import licenses rather than a possible freezing of American film funds. 100 Films to S. A. Monthly by Air About 100 features and more than 400 news and miscellaneous reels are shipped to South American countries by Air Express every month. Diplo- matic officials also receive about 150 newsreels every month by air express, and the Office of War Information and the Office of the Coordinator for In- ter-American Affairs use this method to speed films to Central and South America. M-G-M, RKO, 20th Century-Fox, Colombia, Universal, Warners and United Artists are reported to be reg- ular shippers to that territory by air. with the film being flown, in mosl cases, to offices in Rio de Janeiro. Buenos Aires, Santiago and Quito. A Story About the Farmer's Daughter Des Moines, Oct. 17. — "Going My Way" has been exceptionally well re- ceived among farmers in the Tall Corn state. After seeeing the picture in At- lantic (pop., 5,802), one weather-beat- en farmer thrust currency into the cashier's hands and instructed her to let the next five patrons in free. Two Sac City farmers' wives in- sisted they be given special rates for all showings of the picture, since, they said, they intended to be at every performance. Senate to Report On Petrillo Ban Washington, Oct. 17. — The Sen- ate Inter-State Commerce sub-com- mittee which two years ago investi- gated the ban on recording imposed by James C. Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musi- cians, will make a report "within the next month or two," it was promised todav by Chairman D. Worth Clark of Idaho. The Department of Justice is inves- tigating to see if any present laws can be applied to force Petrillo to abandon his ban. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 17 THE Western Motion Picture Awards Association has distrib- uted 250,000 ballots to theatres in Southern California showing Western films, for its poll. Audiences are asked to select their favorite Western players, directors and horses. When the balloting has been completed, awards will be made at a special pro- gram in the Hollywood Bowl. • J. J. Milstein has resigned as busi- ness manager for Sam Wood, who will join Jack H. Skirball to direct "Guest Wife." Columbia has tempo- rarily suspended "Jubal Troop," which Wood was scheduled to direct. • Paramount producer Hal B. Wallis has signed Lizabeth Scott, formerly zvith the cast of the stage play, "Skin of Our Teeth," to a term contract. The producer now has three players under contract. The others are Ann Richards and Derek Cooper, both of ivhom will be seen in "Love Letters," Wallis' first for Paramount . . . Harry Sherman is trying to persuade Gene Fozvler to write a novel about Gold- field, Utah, a ghost town zvith a color- ful history and the scene of the NeT son-Gans prizefight. If Fozvler is per- suaded, Sherman intends filming the story. • Anne Jeffreys has been borrowed from RKO to play the role of 'the woman in red' in "John Dillinger," which the King Brothers are pro- ducing at Monogram . . . Eric Sin- clair and Ralph Hoops have been signed by Columbia for top roles in "Our Wandering Daughters" . . William Wilder's next production will be "The Lesser Man." Anne Wigton has been assigned to write the screenplay . . . Una O'Connor has been signed for "Of Human Bondage," now before cameras at Warners. • George Pal has created two new characters, "Punchy" and "Judy," who will be featured in his next 'Pup- petoon,' "Hatfull of Dreams" French Production To Be Increased The DeGaulle government of France will take immediate steps to- ward increasing French film produc- tion, it has been stated here by Bernard Gaston-Cherau of the French Press and Information Bureau. Gas- ton-Cherau declared that as far as motion pictures are concerned private ownership, with a hands-off policy by the State, will follow as soon as con- ditions permit. "The French film in- dustry must and will be free," he stated. The spokesman also said that Si- mon SchifTrin, head of the New York branch of the OFIC will return from France this month, where, among other assignments, he filmed the in- vasion. SchifFrin will meet with American producers on his return under instructions from De Gaulle, and will tell the American film indus- try what it can expect from distribu- tion possibilities in France. Wednesday, October 18, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 11 FCC Hears of Video Headaches Ahead Washington, Oct. 17. — Testimony on postwar television was cut off abruptly today by the Federal Com- munications Commission and post- poned until later in the month in order that hearings on allocations for various types of radio service might ■ be brought up to schedule. The tele- / vision session was recessed without hearing Paul Raibourn speak for I Balaban and Katz, Chicago, and with more than a dozen other witnesses still to be heard, but the commission gave assurance that all would be giv- en an opportunity to present their views before the hearings ended. Technical as well as financial prob- lems still confront television, testi- mony at today's hearings disclosed. Postwar television pictures must be both larger and more detailed, it was declared by Peter C. Goldmark, chief television engineer of CBS, who sup- ported recommendations that televi- sion channels be shifted to the ultra- high frequencies, where finer defini- tion will be possible. Goldmark pro- posed to widen the video band to two and one-half times its present width, permitting a 735-line black-and-white system which, he said, would be al- most identical in definition to the av- erage professional 16-mm film. The commission tomorrow will hear testimony on special services, includ- ing those needed by Hollywood film studios. Four witnesses have been scheduled to discuss the latter sub- ject, including E. H. Hanson of 20th Century-Fox, Paul Raibourn, John L. Logan of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Paul J. Larsen of the Society of Motion Picture Engi- neers. Single Film Sales Seen Inevitable Under Decree Hearing on Cooper Motion Off to Oct. 24 McElwaine Heads PRC Advertising Hollywood, Oct. 17.— Don McEl- waine, with M-G-M's studio publicity department for 13 years until he re- signed two weeks ago, will become director of advertising-publicity for PRC on Nov. 1. Martin Mooney, who presently holds the job, will swing completely into PRC produc- tion. McElwaine was an exploiteer with First National, advertising manager of Fox, a producer with Buck Jones Corp., and publicity director of Pathe Studios. Extra Players Plan to $OFFICE ! p\dae°n Co\^a0f chn\co \or1 TracV \ He se rves JodV n IH St- ore* O'Bnea o\oss 30 St COHOS Tracy, Van Ro Tops' Cast1- 1:1 0$ p0v ett, LoV' \n™oa Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publicat/ons : Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., "^der the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c COAST TO COAST MOW A HONE V ABOUT LOV€ AND MONEY FROM ttf£&Jj£j^J Co-Starring ALEXIS SMITH JACK CARSON JANE WYMAN IRENE MANNING ' CHAS. RUGGLES EVE ARDEN Directed by ^ JOHN RIDGELY • JOHN ALEXANDER • CRAIG STEVENS • BARBARA BROWN • ALAN MOWBRAY # Produced by JAMES V. KERN " Ur"n Ploy' Jome, V- Sam Hel,mon * Md- t>,al<>S»e> Wilkie Mahonoy • From Ploy by Jowh A. Field. • Produced by Max Gordon MARK HELLINGER il SBC^H^^lJ^^^Hi ASK A MARINE BACK FROM THE PUT IT TO THIS BLUEJACKET ASK THIS FLYER WHO'S FACED BLOODY BEACHES OF TARAWA SURVIVOR OF A PROUD SHIP THE HELL-FIRE IN THE SKIES Mr. Exhibitor: Perhaps you .don't need a jolt - but lots of Americans do to bring them out from under For the facts are - we haven't won the battle of the Pacific by a long shot - nor is everything over in Europe '. Peace is still to be earned - by hard fighting. Peace is still to be bought - by the dollars Americans put into War Bonds. The European war has been expensive but the Pacific War will cost far morel Fleets of planes, fleets of ships, armies of supplies and men will be re- quired - all to be transported over vast distances'. And this all costs money - and that's where you come inl With every resource of your theatre - every ounce of your' salesmanship and showmanship needed to put the necessary drive behind the Smash- ing Sixth! So put all your 'know-how' and savvy behind those War Bond Premieres, make Free Movie Day roll up a record in your theatres - put across the Children's Premiere in your community - and, what's more, don't let down a moment any day'. Sponsored by War Activities Committee of Motion Picture Industry, 1501 Broadway, N.Y.C. their complacency.' can do for America 6 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, October 26, 1944 Free Posters to Theatres For 6th War Loan Drive 'Lonely9 Gets Plentiful $55,000 in LA Los Angeles, Oct 25. — Cary Grant in "None But the Lonely Heart" was off flying to a $55,000 start in the Pantages-Hillstreet tandem, which av- erages $36,400. "Since You Went Away" was still doubling average business, in its second week at the Eg) ptian - Los Angeles - Ritz setup. Weather was variable. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Oct. 25: "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) "Dangerous Journey" (20th-Fox) CARTHAY CIRCLE — (1,516) (SOc-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $11,200). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) "Dangerous Journey" (20th-Fox) CHINESE — (2,500) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $13,300. (Average: $15,500). "Since You Went Away" (UA) EGYPTIAN — (1,000) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $9,500). "Music in Manhattan" (RKO) "Mademoiselle Fifi" (RKO) HAWAII— (1,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $6,200). "None But the Lonely Heart" (RKO) "Girl Rush" (RKO) HILLSTREET— (2,700) (50c-60c-80c) 7 days. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $19,700). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) "Dangerous Journey" (2(rth-Fox) LOEWS STATE— (2,500) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $26,500. (Average: $24,100). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOS ANGELES— (2,096) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $35,000. (Average: $14,900). "None But the Lonely Heart" (RKO) "Girl Rush" (RKO) PANTAGES— (2,000) (5Oc-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days. Gross: $27,000. (Average: $16,700). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) PARAMOUNT (HOLLYWOOD)— (1,407) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $11,000). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) "Henry Aldrich's Little Secret" (Para.) PARAMOUNT (DOWNTOWN) — (3,595) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $20,300). "Since You Went Away" (UA) RITZ— (1,376) (50c-60c-85c-$l.OO) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,500. (Average: $8,700). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) "Dangerous Journey" (2.o W3>"s « HE Qfa H n t_. u u. \o DEAD MAN'S EYES Lon Chaney Jean Parker Paul Kelly D — 64 mins. (9026) RECKLESS AGE Gloria Jean Judy Clark Jack Gilford Delta Rhythm Boys D— 63 mins. 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NO. 82 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1944 TEN CENTS PCA Is Not a| Censor,Golden Tells Editors Enlightens Press on Self-Regulation Boston, Oct. 26. — "The press has been the greatest single force in the progress and position that the motion picture industry has ac- quired," but newspaper editors and correspondents too often brand as "censorship" the functioning of the industry's self-regulatory Production Code Administration in Hollywood, Edward A. Golden, independent pro- ducer, told a group of editors and newspaper executives of the New En- gland Newspapers' Advertising Bureau at its sixth annual meeting at the Parker House here. "You have been our greatest critic as well as our best booster," he added. The PCA, continued Gold- en, "helps the production exe- cutive in the performance of (Continued on page 7) Exchanges to Close For Bond Meetings To influence all exhibitors to be present at the regional key city meet- ings now in progress with national committee members of the 6th War Loan drive, all companies have agreed to close their exchanges to exhibi- tors during the day of the meeting in their cities, Ned E. Depinet, dis- tribution division chairman revealed yesterday. This policy has been adopted by the {Continued on page 7) McKenzie Funeral Services Today Hollywood, Oct. 26. — Private fun- eral services will be held for Maurice McKenzie at his home in Pacific Pal- isades today. McKenzie, 62, died yes- terday following a long illness. For the past three years he had been in the 20th Century-Fox story depart- ment, and prior to that he had served as executive assistant to Will H. Hays, president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of Amer- ica. McKenzie left the MPPDA in April. 1940, and in late 1941 joined 20th-Fox as assistant to Col. Jason Joy at the Coast studio. His widow survives. WAC May Sponsor Jubilee Dinner Consideration of a golden jubilee banquet to observe the 50th anniversary of the commercialization of motion pictures is understood to be on the agenda of a War Ac- tivities Committee meeting of its executives here today. The WAC would sponsor the event, for the industry, presumably before the end of this, the 50th year. Para. Buys 50% of Cobian Circuit Paramount has acquired a 50 pc cent interest in the Cuban circuit o' 13 theatres of Ramos Cobian. Para mount will put up 50 per cent of th' capital required for the circuits oper ation and will participate equally ir the net profits. Cobian will retain, however, active management. Final contracts on the deal will be signed today, together with another phase of the deal whereby Cobiar acquires a five-year film franchise, starting Dec. 1, for the company's en- tire program. Cobian, who also operates 22 the- atres in Puerto Rico, is building a new house in Havana. It is understood that Paramount, by virtue of its part nership, will also participate in any new construction that Cobian under- takes in Cuba. Cite Program Cost of Video Washington, Oct. 26. — Theatre television is as much a reality as home television, but video program produc tion is going to run into financial problems of the first magnitude, the Federal Communications Commission holding hearings on the question of the reallocation of frequencies, was told today. Testifying before the Commission as it delved into the present and post war status of television, Allen B DuMont, head of DuMont laborator- ies, asserted that it is entirely possible to project large images on theatre screens and "there are few motion picture executives who aren't looking into the possibilities offered theatre; by way of this new medium." Theatrical circuits, he said, might be (Continued on page 7) WLB Approves Raises for Hundreds Here 20th-Fox Declares Three Dividends The 20th Century-Fox board of di- rectors, at a meeting here yesterday at which Spyros Skouras presided, declared three quarterly cash divi- 'ends and voted the retirement of $186,700 of preferred stock. No ac- tion was taken on a successor to the late Wendell Willkie as board chair- man. The board sent an expression of sympathy to the Willkie family. . The board declared a dividend of (Continued on page 7) Theatres Taking V-E Day Cue from City Officials 'V-E' Day plans of theatres throughout the country are being gov- erned largely by the wishes of police and other officials in their respective cities, continuing reports from Motion Picture Daily field correspondents indicate. First returns from a sur- vey, published Oct. 16, showed that some 75 per cent of the houses would stay open. Further reports follow : One rare instance of an industry- sponsored recommendation to close is that of the War Activities Committee in St. Louis presenting exhibitors with a V-Day close-your-doors policy based upon five points, as follows : "Contact community leaders and churches so that proper celebrations (Continued on page 11) Chicago Wary of Election Business Chicago, Oct. 26. — Loop houses are avoiding new film openings during the coming Presidential election week, expecting dull business re- gardless of the strength of new programs or promotions. Both the Downtown and Oriental, which change their combination, screen and stage bills weekly, have trimmed their talent costs for election week. Home Office, Exchange Workers to Benefit Several hundred home office and exchange workers will receive sal- ary increases as a result of approv- al of new contract scale by the Re- gional War Labor Board here, while, additionally, home offices started yesterday to pay off 61 weeks of retroactive pay to publi- cists, with a RWLB-approved in- crease also going into effect today. Office workers in Universal's home office and those in the New York exchanges of War- ners, Paramount, Universal and RKO will receive increases, job classifications with mini- mum and maximum wage scales, and retroactive salary. Warners yesterday was the first to pay off the retroactive wage increases to home office publicists, following (Continued on page 7) SOPEG Membership Rejects Pact Offer Membership of the Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild, Lo- cal 109, CIO, employed in the home offices of Paramount, Loew's, 20th Century-Fox, RKO and Columbia, voted at a meeting at the Park Cen- tral Hotel here last night to reject as insufficient the salary raise and contract offer made by the five com- panies after three months of negotia- tions. Some 2,000 office workers are involved. The meeting also empowered the union negotiating committee to take (Continued on page 7) Clark Now Colonel at Italy Headquarters Washington, Oct. 26. — Kenneth Clark, formerly in charge of MPPDA oress relations in New York, has been promoted from the rank for lieu- tenant-colonel to full colonel, the MPPDA office here reports. Clark, who joined the Army in 1942 as a major in the Service of Supply here, was assigned to foreign duty with a combat unit in October of that year. He is now attached to Allied Forces headquarters in Italy. II 2 motion Picture Daily Friday, October 27, 1944 Personal Mention FLOSSIE FLYNN, chief of Loew's telephone department, will retire tomorrow. Employees will pre- sent her with a war bond. • M. E. Lee, Central States Theatre Corp. booker, and his bride, the for- mer Marjorie Dickens, have re- turned to Des Moines from a honey- moon trip. • Sam Galanty, Columbia's Mid- West division manager, has returned to Washington from Richmond, Va., accompanied by Ben Caplon, branch manager. • Lt. Lewis Blumberg, son of Nate Blumberg, president of Universal, is now stationed at the Lincoln (Neb.) army air base. • Fred Ford, RKO publicist who has been in Chicago on a temporary as- signment, leaves for Memphis next week. • Lester Krieger, assistant to Ted Schlanger, Philadelphia manager for Warner Theatres, is in New York. • R. J. Ingram, Southern district manager for Columbia, has been in New Orleans on business, from At- lanta. • Ralph Maw, M-G-M Buffalo man- ager, returned to that city yesterday after a three-day visit here. • Herb Elisburg, operator of the Studio, Chicago, will be in New York this weekend. • Bob Hickey, Midwest publicity head for RKO, will spend next week in St. Louis. • Harry Katz, vice president of PRC, has returned to New York from Charlotte. 500 Stars to Appear At 'Night of Stars' About 500 entertainers, including many film stars, as well as radio and stage personalities, will appear at the 11th annual "Night of Stars" to be held Nov. 14 at Madison Square Gar- den here. An audience of 20,000 is anticipated by Robert M. Weitman. chairman of the producing committee. Proceeds will be turned over to the United Jewish Appeal for Refugees, Overseas Needs and Palestine. 20,000,000 Service Tickets from Loew The number of uniformed men and women in the Armed Forces who have been admitted to Loew's theatres at cut-price rates has passed 20 00,000. according to H. J. Cleary of Loew's. Some 6,500,000 were registered by Loew's theatres in the New York area. Value of the reduced prices in- volved is approximately $500,000. Charges Arbitration 5 of SOEG Must Authority Expired St. Louis, Oct. 26. — The Harry Arthur injunction action against the consent decree companies and the American Arbitration Ass'n., filed in Federal court here yesterday, alleges that a ruling of the local arbitration board which cut the clearance of the Apollo Theatre from one month to one week resulted in a loss of patron- age to the extent of $95,000. ^ The suit asks treble damages of $285,000, in addition to other injunctive relief. Defendants in addition to the dis- tributors and the AAA include Adolph Rosecan and Joseph Litvag, officers of the Apollo. The suit charges that the authority to make arbitration awards was given by the New York Federal court for a period of only three years, as an "experi- ment," and no longer is in force. Ken Goldsmith to India for Universal Ken Goldsmith, former Universal manager at Trinidad, has b£en placed in charge of the company's distribu- tion office in India and will leave for his new "ost as soon as travel ar- rangements are completed. He is scheduled to visit Portugal and South Africa on company business, en route to India. Goldsmith, who has been at the home offices temporarily for a number of weeks, was formerly with 20th Century-Fox in the Far East. Silverstone Reports On South America Murray Silverstone, 20th Century- Fox vice-president in charge of for- eign distribution, reported on his re- cent trip to South America at a meet- ing of company foreign managers at the MPPDA here yesterday. He will complete his report at the next meet- ing. Francis C. De Wolfe of the tele- communications division of the State Department was present from Wash- ington. National Theatres' Meetings on Today National Theatres' executives and divisional managers will start the first of three meetings here today at which theatre construction and expansion and television will be on the agenda. Charles Skouras, president, will pre- side. Others who will attend are : Frank Newman, Elmer Rhoden, David Idzal, Tom Paee, Harry Cox, Harold Fitz- gerald, Frank (Rick) Ricketson, B. V. Sturdivant, George Bowser, Rus- sell H. McCullough, Dan Michalove and A. S. Gambee. Screen Spanish 'Dance* Monogram will hold a trade screen- ing of its Spanish dubbed "Lady Let's Dance," starring Belita, for for- eign department executives of all com- panies, the press, and Latin-American correspondents today at the Preview Theatre here. This is the first Span- ish dubbed film to be publicly screened here. Explain Charges Los Angeles, Oct. 26. — The Screen Office Employees Guild today ob- tained the issuance of Superior Court subpoenaes requiring five members to file depositions next Tuesday disclos- ing the sources of information on which they based their plea for an injunction to prevent the expenditure of Guild funds for political activities allegedly in violation of a Federal law. Judge Clarence M. Hanson issued a temporary restraining order Oct. 24, setting a hearing for Nov. 1. The dissidents alleged in their complaint that the funds were being used to promote favored candidates. SOEG heads assert that the money, obtained by a special levy on the membership, and approved by a majority vote, was expended to oppose "Proposition 12," which they consider inimical to union labor interests. W anger Academy Head for 6th Term Hollywood, Oct. 26.— The board of governors of the Academy of Mo- tion Picture Arts and Sciences last night reelected Walter Wanger to a sixth term as president, and likewise retained in office : Jean Hersholt, first vice-president ; John Leroy Johnston secretary; W. B. Ihnen, assistant- sec- retary ; Y. Frank Freeman, research council chairman, and Margaret Gled- hill. executive secretary. Others chosen were : Michael Cur- tiz. Ronald Colman and Mary C. Mc- Call, Jr., as second, third and fourth vice-presidents, respectively ; Nat W. Finston, treasurer, and Gordon Hol- lingshead, assistant treasurer. 20th, Selznick Agree On Jennifer Jones Hollywood, Oct. 26. ■ — 20th Cen- tury-Fox has announced agreement by Darryl Zanuck and David O. Selz nick dropping legal actions pending on the services of Jennifer Jones. Thr agreement provides that Selznick wil' lend the star for one picture annual k for an unspecified number of years, the first to be "Cluny Brown," with Ern est Lubitsch producing in the Spring Two suits arising from the star': failure report for the lead in "Laura' had been consolidated by U. S. Dis- trict Judge Ben Harrison for pre-trial hearing Nov. 6. Reserve Decision In Hillside Plea Federal Judge Samuel H. Rifkind, in New York District Court, re- served decision yesterday on an appli- cation by- HilMde Amusement Corp. for an order directing Paramount to produce books and records for use' in connection with an examination be- fore trial of Adclph Zukor. Hillside is suing the distributors, charging violations of anti-trust' laws. Plaintiff is seeking triple damages of $900,000. Zukor's testimony will be halted until the court rules on the plea, which Paramount opposed. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation — Rockeieller Center GREER GARSON — WALTER PIDGEON in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "MRS. PARKINGT0N" Edward Arnold - Agnes Moore head Cecil KeUaway SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION First Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 * PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek' + RIVOLI.B'way & 49th St ^ PALACE B WAY & 47th St. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY "HEAVENLY DAYS" EXTRA! "This Is America" Series "Navy Yard" VICTORIA Broadway & 46th St. Doors Open 9:45 A. M. • Continuous Farryl f. zanuckj. Gene Tierney - Dana Andrews - Clifton Webb LAURA A 20th Century-Fox Picture Plus on Staoe— Hazel SCOTT - Ja-kie MILES Jerry WAYNE - HARRISON and FISHER BUY MORE n A YV 7th Ave. & BONDS nwAI 50th St. PApAMOHNT'S "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay" starring Gail RUSSELL - Diana LYNN with Charlie Ruggles - Dorothy Gish IN PERSON— FRANK SINATRA plus Eileen Barton ON SCREEN SELZNICK'S WENT AWAY' IN PERSON WILL OSBORNE and Orchestra Vivien LEIGH Robert TAYLOR In M-G-M's WATERLOO BRIDGE BRANDT'S REPUBLIC B'way Bet. 51st and 52nd Sts. Phone CO 5-9647 Midnite Shows MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc.. 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York, 20. N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York. Martin Quieley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau. 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau. 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publicat/ons: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23. 1938. at the post office at New York, N. Y., ' der the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c ME? I'm Ernie Mott... I make my own rules for life and love!" A story that looks life stj and blinks at nothing Here are conflict, violence, devotion in a picture that takes its place among the | emtltS:rHOW was my VAUEY « ktf* WA( tfeatir I Ethel Barrymore IBARRY FITZGERALD iune duprez • jane wyatt I PICTURES I.ORGE COULOURIS • DAN DURYEA ROMAN BOHNEN • KONSTANTIN SHAYNE If RKO RADIO PICTURES Troudlj PRESENTS Cary Grant in an incomparable drama from the novel by T^icbard J£leivellyn jrom me novel oy j\iwaru jjtvweuyn with M|SS Ethel Barrymore BARRY FITZGERALD JUNE DUPREZ • IANE WYATT GEORGE COULOURIS • DAN DURYEA ROMAN BOHNEN • KONSTANTIN SHAYNE PRODUCED BY DAVID HEMPSTEAD DIRECTED BY CLIFFORD ODETS Written for the Screen by Clifford Odets Friday, October 27, 1944 Motion Picture daily 7 PCA Is Not a Censor, Golden Tells Editors (Continued from page 1) his job. It is of no assistance to the industry and the art to have this called censorship." He described the PCA's functioning as being "somewhat like that of a libel lawyers conferring with an edi- tor prior to the publication of a piece of copy. It is, in both instances, a provision against transgression and an excellent device for the avoidance of trouble. Same With Newspapers "In a pretty substantial fashion," continued Golden, "reputable newspa- pers are edited very considerably from the same point of view. This obvious- ly must be, because you are respon- sible to the same people and the same mores. It is to be noted, for instance, in some irony, that the book review- ers of the daily press, who enjoy almost as much liberty as sports writ- ers, never quote the unspeakable words and purple passages of books, which so often they praisingly review. They couldn't get away with it under the surveillance of your editors. They and the editors alike are responsible, just as the motion picture is, to the American family and the institution of the American home. "Because you, like some people I know in Hollywood, have never read the Production Code, it may be in- formative to summarize it for you," Golden said in highlighting the basic permissibilities and non-permissibili- ties of the code. Escape National Censorship Reminding the newspaper execu- tives of their long-held concern over maintaining "freedom of the press," Golden hit at threats to the existence of that status on the screen. He said : "For more than 20 years there have been intermittent but ever increasing endeavors to put the motion picture, legalistically, into the status of a pub- lic utility. The list of legislative pro- posals and bills addressed at that pur- pose runs literally into the hundreds. Along with that there is, more com- monly than not, an associated en- deavor at national censorship. So far we have escaped that, save for the probably necessary war-time examina- tion of motion pictures destined for export. I think that this is consid- erably to be attributed to the general excellence of our public relations, and this is a very proper occasion for me to observe, in this connection, that for some years now the motion picture has been enjoying friendly treatment at the hands of editors and what we call 'a good press'. 'Master Race' Campaign Golden was introduced by Buell Hudson, publisher of the Woonsocket Call, who explained that a campaign in behalf of Golden's latest produc- tion. "The Master Race," released by RKO, had been placed in 50 New En- gland newspapers. Lewis, Critic, Dies Pittsburgh, Oct. 26. — William J. Lewis, 71, dramatic critic of the Pitts- burgh Sun-Tclcgrahh since 1927, died here yesterday. Surviving are_ his widow, a son, a brother and a sister. Local Exchanges to Close for Regional War Bond Meetings (Continued from page 1) distributors in view of the fact that all district and branch managers and salesmen are attending the sessions, and with the exhibitors aware of this a greater attendance is anticipated. Salt Lake, Portland 6th Drive Meetings Salt Lake City, Oct. 26.— Mem- bers of the 6th War Bond national committee touring key cities for the drive were first met 20 miles away from this city this morning with a caravan of autos containing scores of exhibitors. The meeting was attend- ed by every exhibitor from Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and Colo- rado. Principal speakers at the meet- ing included Harry Brandt, Ned E. Depinet, John Hertz, Jr., Leo Wolcott and John Rugar. In Portland, Ore., a meeting was held at the Benson Hotel with 230 exhibitors from the state in attend- ance. A 100 per cent pledge from exhibitors was received and a wire was sent to Ted R. Gamble, national director of the WAC War Finance Division, promising full support of Oregon's exhibitors. Speakers totaled 15, including Thomas Mitchell. Cite Program Cost of Video (Continued from page 1) linked for the reception of important news events and programs of enter- tainment. The question of program costs waf raised by Paul Raibourn of Para mount Pictures who said that no ad vertiser or broadcaster could hope tc meet the expense of a program com- parable to an 'A' motion picture which costs $8,000 to $25,000 per min ute of playing time. Raibourn said the major technical problem to be solved in video is that of picture quality. To get higher definition pic- tures now there is a tendency to con fine activities to studios where light is available, and thus get into costly production. "What is needed," he said, "is improved pickup equipment that can be used anywhere." Raibourn urged that television be started as soon as possible on the low- est band of frequencies that can be assigned to it, with as many wave lengths as possible, rather than to sit back until the possibilities of the high- er frequencies are developed, because "their solution may take six months to 10 years." Charlton, Former Producer, Dies Robert L. Charlton, 67, former film executive and independent producer prior to sound pictures, died here Wednesday at Seaton Hospital after a long illness. Services will be held today at the Plaza Funeral Home, and burial will be in Claremont, Cal. A son survives. Charlton was resnonsible for the Nick Carter series of two reelers. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 26 NOW that the American Theatre Wing has established a stage door canteen in Paris, Sol. Lesser, who has a keen eye for picture possi- bilities, says that he will make a sequel to his "Stage Door Canteen," to be titled "Canteen in Paris." Some of the sequences will be photographed in the French capital. Time, not in- dicated. . . . John Cromwell has been assigned to direct "So Little Time," film dramatization of J. P. Marquand's book. It will be produced by Dore Schary for David O. Selznick. . . . In announcing titles for the second "Red Ryder" series of 1944-45, Re- public discloses a substantial increase in the studio's budget for the group of Westerns, which star Bill Elliott. Greater emphasis will be placed on quality of stories, writers, and sup- porting casts. • Nancy Didrikson has been given a role in RKO's "The Enchanted Cottage." . . . Jean Trent has been signed by Universal. . . . Clark Lee, INS correspondent, has arrived in Hollywood to serve as a technical adviser on filming of "GI. Joe." . . . Chester Conklin, old-time comic, will have a role in Paramount's "Salty O'Rourke." SOPEG Membership Rejects Pact Offer (Continued from page 1) steps to either have the issues placed in arbitration or certified to the War Labor Board as a dispute. SOPEG refused to make public the details of the companies' offer, but termed it "grossly inadequate in the face of employes' needs." The nego- tiations were to set up a system of job classifications with minimum and maximum wage scales with automatic wage progressions under a stipula- tion signed by SOPEG and the com- panies last November and retroactive to last October. Also involved is a new contract to replace agreements which expired July 27, 1944, and which has been extended for two 60- day periods. Before acting, SOPEG's negotiat- ing committee will meet 'with repre- sentatives of the companies today. 20th-Fox Declares Three Dividends (Continued from page 1) $i.l2y2 per share on prior preferred stock, payable Dec. 15, to stockhold- ers of record on Nov. 6; a dividend of 37 1/2 cents per share on convertible preferred, payable Dec. 15, to stock- holders of record on Nov. 15, and a dividend of 50 cents plus an extra dividend of 25 cents on common stock, also payable Dec. 15, to stockholders of record on Nov. 15. The company will redeem on Jan. 2, out of its prior preferred stock re- tirement fund 1,867 shares of that is- sue at the redemption price of $100.2254 The shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot from stock- holders' records as of Nov. 6. WLBApproves Raises for Hundreds Here (Continued from page 1) WLB approval of an arbitration award to the Screen Publicists Guild. Some 60 publicists at Warners re- ceived checks for 61 weeks of retro- active increases with many checks to- taling $610 before deductions. Deduc- tions included a 25 per cent levy by SPG on the first 52 weeks of retro- active pay but not to exceed $130 from any member, to meet expenses incurred during the negotiations. About 12 per cent of this will go to Hyman Glickstein, SPG attorney. Most of the other companies are ex- pected to make payment of 78 weeks retroactivity today. 18 Classifications The regional WLB here yesterday approved pacts between Warners, Paramount, Universal and RKO and IATSE Local F-51, covering "white collar" workers in New York ex- changes. The contract provides for job classifications with minimum and maximum wage scales and a mini- mum 10 per cent wage increase retro- active to Dec, 1943. Wage scales for the 18 classifications set up range from $23-$32 a week for film clerks to $62-$85 a week for head bookers. Approval of similar increases have been secured for "white collar" work- ers in Albany and Buffalo exchanges, and applications have been filed with regional boards in all other exchange cities except Los Angeles. 200 at Universal Some 200 office workers of Uni- versale home office will receive eight per cent wage increases and job classi- fications with minimum and maximum wage scales as a result of WLB ap- proval of a contract negotiated be- tween the company and Motion Pic- ture Office Employes Union, Local 23169, AFL. The WLB had first refused to al- low an original eight per cent in- crease, cutting approval to four per cent and also reducing some of the minimum wage scales sought, but it permitted the company to make merit increases of five cents an hour in place of the original three cents an hour sought. Company and union representatives worked out a plan to make possible the additional four per cent increase by allocating a por- tion of the merit increases approved bv the WLB but the limitation of $4 maximum increase for any employe set by the WLB will stand. The wage increases are retroactive to last July. Time and Half Some 23 job classifications have been set up and time-and-one-half overtime pay is provided for after a working dav of seven-and-one-half hours. John J. O'Connor and James Murphy handled negotiations for Uni- versal, and Russell Moss, MPOE business agent, represented the union. Marcus Killed in Action Omaha, Oct. 26. — Lt. Jerry Mar- cus, former M-G-M booker here, has been killed in action in France, as- sociates learned here this week. Sur- vivors include a bride of six months, his mother, and a brother, Darwin, formerly with National Screen. RINGS THAT BELL AGAIN! A, With the single exception of "Philadelphia Story/' which played New Year's week, it's the BIGGEST FIRST WEEK OF ANY M*G*M PICTURE IN MUSIC HALL HISTORY! Get Set For The 6th War Loan! GREER GARSON, WALTER PIDGEON in "MRS. PARKINGTON" with Edward Arnold, Agnes Moorehead, Cecil Kellaway, Gladys Cooper, Frances Rafferty, Tom Drake, Peter Lawford, Dan Duryea, Hugh Marlowe, and the Saint Luke's Choristers Screen Play by Robert Thoeren and Polly James • Based on the Novel by Louis Bromfield • Directed by Tay Garnett Produced by Leon Gordon • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture EVEN IN THE FAR ALEUTIANS OP The "Required Information 99 EVERY now and then in the tide of mail which sweeps like a rolling surf across the editor's desk comes something which demands a pause and a pipeful of contemplation. Such a letter has just arrived to set one thinking of far places and the career of the publication after it pours from the presses and spreads out across the world in the mails, each copy on its separate mission of service. This one is from cold and foggy Kodiak, way up yonder where fighting men are stationed to patrol and protect land and sea and air of Alaska and the once embattled Aleutian Islands. It is a God-forsaken world of long nights and sullen gloom. There the motion picture offers the most that can be had in relief, diversion, and happy memories of gayer days at home. The writer is J. H. Shirley, C.E.M., U.S.N., Chief of Sector Sound & Projection, Sector (N) Kodiak, Alaska. He records: ^[J The Motion Picture Herald has certainly been a great assistance in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. #1 Along with the first landings of the Islands in the west "* came the motion picture projectors, and it seemed that a film exchange sprang to life immediately, and then theatres started to be built. At that time I was in charge of sound and projection and drew the plans for the theatre booths. Though a lot of material and knowledge was missing, -we had the luck to have a few Heralds that had the required information. These Heralds were a great assistance for features and shorts. ^| I was later transferred to Kodiak. We used the advertis- ing pages of new features on a large bulkhead in our exchange. Many members of the service have spent an interesting time visiting the exchange and viewing the coming attractions. They usually leave talking of some feature coming instead of the troubles and lonesomeness usually involved in most conversation. Mr. Shirley, let us remark, is a showman and member of the Managers' Round Table of Motion Picture Herald. His letter, in simple directness, tells with warming emphasis, and no excited adjectives, something of what the motion picture means to the fighting men of the great war — and also how this publication implements that service, with the "know how" about the motion picture, from machines to product. Remember Mr. Shirley's phrase: "... a few Heralds that had the required information". — Terry Ramsaye from MOTION PICTURE HERALD the Great Journal of the Great Industry Friday, October 27, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 11 Theatres Take Cue For V-E Day from Officials of Cities (Continued from page 1) will be arranged to keep people off the streets ; closing of your theatre seems to be a logical thing to do, enabling your employees to go to church and participate in public cele- brations and provide protection for your property ; prepare an announce- ment for use if the war's end comes while a show is in progress. Suggest that the audience stand in silent -prayer for one minute ; pause briefly and then complete show ; each theatre should have a one-sheet or a 40x60 explaining why the theatre is closed ; the manager should be around the theatre at all times for the protection of property ; it is suggested that each theatre prepare an advertisement ready to run on V-Day, explaining to patrons the reason for closing. Theatres in Des Moines have agreed to shut their doors on V-day in com- pliance with a proposed ordinance closing public gathering places and prohibiting the sale of beer in anv form the day victory comes in Europe. Reading, Memphis Open In Reading, Pa., theatres have been asked to remain open as a public ser- vice. In Memphis, police officials have requested that theatres stay open as celebrating crowds will be more orderly in a theatre than elsewhere. The Northio theatres, Cincinnati, 18 in number, are given the right to de- cide for themselves whether to remain open, but the recommendation of the general manager is that they close. In Hartford, radio and stage equipment will be on hand for making announce- ments to theatre patrons. It is also planned to have "prayer" trailers flashed on the screen for audi- ence participation if the news arrives during a show. In one small spot, Tullahoma, Tenn., the Marshall The- atre will close and be used by the local ministers' alliance for a union prayer service by all local churches. In Pittsburgh, city officials in- dicate that theatres will remain open on V-Day since it is believed that the- atres may lessen danger in the streets by absorbing the heavy crowds. Boyer at Rally Charles Boyer and Mayor Fio- rello LaGuardia have been added to the list of speakers scheduled for the luncheon rally to be held by the The- atrical and Motion Picture Commit- tee for Roosevelt, Truman and Wag- ner at the Hotel Astor here Monday, Louis Nizer, chairman, announced yesterday. Golden Back to Blaine Fred Golden has returnd to the Blaine-Thompson agency here as head of theatre advertising, following com- pletion of an assignment as aeronau- tics instructor with the Navy. Gold- en was chief pilot supervising flight training of cadets at Pittsfield, Me. Gibbs Rejoins Buchanan Donald Gibbs, with Arthur Kudner, Inc., for the past two years, has re- joined the contact-copy staff of 'Bu- chanan and Co., to handle the motion picture account here of General Cine- ma Finance (J. Arthur Rank) of England. AND NOTHING BUT THE NEWS "FULL OF SARONGS, SULTRY ROMANCE" AND SINUOUS HIP-WEAVINGS" OPINES HERALD-TRIBUNE 0F"RA I NBQW ISLAND" AFTER WEDNESDAY'S SOCK BROADWAY OPENI NG AT N.Y. CRITERION ! TECH- NICOLOR MUSICAL HIT STARRING LAMOUR - BRACKEN - LAMB IS DOING BUSINESS THAT CAUSED THE DAILY MIRROR TO SAY "WHENEVER LAMOUR COMES ALONG IN A SARONG, THE CUSTOMERS QUEUE UP OUTSIDE." AND NEWS CALLS IT "GAY , GOOFY , COLOR- FUL COMEDY," JOURNAL-AMERICAN HAILS ITS "97 MINUTES OF GAY ENTERTAINMENT." Short Subject Review "Navy Yard" {RKO-Pathe) The powerful story of ships that limp into dry dock, battle scarred and battered, to be restored for active duty, is related in dramatic fashion in the latest "This Is America" re- lease. The U.S.S. Norman R. Scott, named for the late Admiral Scott, killed in action two years ago, is the ship used to typify the many beaten 'battle wagons' treated by relentless 'aboring of the men and women of the nation's shipyards working day and night to keep the Navy in work- ing order. For 26 days and nights crews re- place, repair and remake the tattered parts of the Scott until the ship again sails down the ways. The shipyard workers herein get the break they well deserve in a subject very worthy of exhibitors' special attention. It is thrilling and inspiring and something any audience will appreciate. Produc- tion is up to usual Frederic Ullman standards with special credit to pho- tography. Dwight Weist handled the commentary. Running time, \6l/2 minutes. Stilson Files a New Clearance Complaint Stilson Realty Corp., operating the Cameo, Astoria, L. L, has filed a clearance complaint against the five consenting companies in the New York tribunal, the American Arbitra- tion Association has reported here. Stilson recently withdrew a similar complaint when- all parties signed a general stipulation. The new complaint alleges that the seven-day clearance granted to the Crescent, Astoria, over the Cameo is unreasonable as to time and area and that substantially no competition ex- ists between the two. Complainant asks elimination of clearance. How- ever, if the arbitrator deems some clearance warranted, it asks that it be reduced to one day, with pictures in" no event to be made available later than 14 days after the end of the run at whichever of the following exhibit same: Broadway, Grand, Steinway, Crescent, all Astoria. 100 at MOT Preview Washington, Oct. 26— Over 100 press and Government representatives attended a preview of March of Time's "What to Do With Germany." =creened here last night in the Na- tional Archives Building. Among those present were: Walter Lippman, Herald-Tribune syndicate ; Stanley Hornbeck, assistant to the Secretary of State: Richard Harkness. NBC; Allen Dibble and Phil Williams. MOT; E. E. Peppiatt, 20th Century- Fox. Horstmeier Heads Club Cleveland, Oct. 26 — Herbert Horstmeier, Universal office manager here, has been elected president of a new club comprised of managers, bookers and cashiers. Others named include: John Coyne, M-G-M, vice- president ; Arthur Engelbert, Warners, treasurer; 'Mickey' Altschule, 20th Century-Fox, secretary. Reports indi- cate that the club will confine activi- ties to social events. Evidence of a direct hit A combat cameraman of the U. S. Army Air Forces was decorated for his part in the first Ploesti oil field raid. They're flying .fighting .. . behind a movie camera ARMY Air Forces Combat Camera Units are making a superb x\_ motion-picture record of the air war on the fronts all over the world. Naturally, many men from the motion picture industry have become combat photographers. * Many more make up — in large part — the First Motion Picture Unit, the training branch of the AAF Motion Picture Services. This unit has two main functions: making training films which help turn out in a hurry thousands of expert pilots, navigators, armorers, and mechanics; and the intensive coaching of hundreds of motion-picture photog- raphers who make up the Combat Camera Units. And the cameramen do not work alone. They are supported by a host of writers, cutters, sound and music editors, laboratory and other technicians. • * t There isn't space for a tenth of the story, but the net of it is that the motion-picture industry has reason to be proud of its share in the pictorial record of our Army Air Forces. Equally adept with a gun Eastman Kodak Company Rochester, N. Y. J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors FORT LEE CHICAGO HOLLYWOOD Official Photographs: U. S. Army Air Forces, U. S. Navy °ne of a series of advertisements by KODAK testifying to the achievements of the movies at war First in Film-am [Radio jN Accurate » \ and impartial MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert, Picture Industry )_ DeGaulle Asks Release in US For 50 in 1945 VOL. 56. NO. 83 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1944 TEN CENTS If Unsuccessful, France Will Distribute on Own The French film industry will make approximately 150 pictures during 1945, of which at least one- third will be "A" productions and an attempt will be made during the next two months to secure major release for the "A" product. This failing, French produc- ers will set up their own dis- tribution exchanges in the United States for their prod- uct. This was revealed at the weekend by Simon Shiffrin, agent of Gen. Charles De Gaulle, and head of the motion picture division of the Minis- try of Information of Free France in the U. S., who re- turned here Oct. 25 from a trip to France. De Gaulle "is vitally interested in French production and distribution {Continued on page 7) UA-Rank Deal Will Be Signed Today Contracts will be signed today be- tween United Artists and representa- tives of J. Arthur Rank of London for UA to distribute in the Western Hemisphere seven films made by Rank producing companies. The deal is understood to be for five years. The films are : "Colonel Blimp," "Blithe Spirit," "This Happy Breed," "Caesar and Cleopatra" and "Henry the Fifth," all in color, and "Mr. Em- manuel" and "Her Man Gilbey." "Mr. Emmanuel" will probably be the first. Rank's Eagle-Lion here, headed by Arthur Kelly will approve contracts. Exhibitor Has Stake In UK Films: Coplan The American exhibitor has a stake in British product, because he will not only acquire another source, but, by his playing of better British films he will serve to stimulate Hollywood production to an even higher level. David Coplan, United Artists' British managing director, declared at the weekend. Coplan. who is here from London < Continued on page 7) Seeks U.S. 'Invasion' Of Film Industry For Video Programs Washington, Oct. 29. — The Fed- eral Government was invited Friday to participate in and share the profits of an 'invasion' of motion picture exhibition, to be financed by the U. S. Treasury. The 'invitation' was extended by U. A. Sanabria, president of Ameri- can Television Laboratories, testify- ing before the Federal Communica- tions Commission on the reallocation of radio frequencies, who outlined a proposal for a television monopoly. Sanabria's plan called for division of the country into five areas each with a station on one of the five best television channels ; registration of all television receivers at a suggested fee of $2 per month, 10 per cent of which (Continued on page 7) Para. Loses Suit On Cooper Theatres Federal Judge Samuel H. Rifkind in New York Federal Court. Friday, confirmed a report of Special Master Francis W. H. Adams and dismissed a complaint of Paramount against Rialto, Inc., Interstate Theatres of Colorado and J. H. Cooper Enter- prises in which Paramount had sought an adjudication of its claimed right to an interest in the stock of those corporations. The suit, however, held as against J. H. Cooper, presi- dent of the companies. The report of the master indicated that the three theatre corporations are (Continued on page 7) Columbia Considers Employee Pension Columbia has joined those considering a pension plan for employees, adding to the pension possibilities under consideration by Paramount, 20th Century-Fox and War- ners. RKO already has adopted a pension system and is await- ing final Treasury Depart- ment approval; Loew's plan becomes effective next March 1, with Treasury approval al- ready secured. 15,479 Houses Operate Full Time in U.S. Sue on Right to Transfer Product Leader Theatre Corp., headed by Leopold Storch, operating the Leader Theatre, Brooklyn, filed suit Saturday in New York Supreme Court against Randforce Amusement Corp. and 2()th Century-Fox, alleging a con- spiracy between the defendants to de- prive the Leader of product, in viola- tion of the General Business Law of New York State. The complaint alleges that the Leader was a Randforce house until July 23. and that up to that time the circuit was receiving "A" product from 20th. as well as "A" product from other companies. Plaintiff pur- chased the theatre in July, and al- leges $20,000 was spent in renova- tions, and that an attempt was made to secure 20th product on the same terms as Randforce but 20th allegedly refused. 173 Key-Run Bills Below Average in Past 3 Weeks Bogged down frequently by inclem- ent weather and possibly suffering also from a temporary shortage of 'quality' pictures, first-run theatres in key cities throughout the country have experienced a decided boxomce slump during the past three weeks, according to reports from Motion Picture Daily field correspondents, who found 173 programs that failed to top house averages in comparison with 204 that went above par. For many months, below-average reports have been a rarity. Although, in most instances, ac- knowledged top-flight films continue to pull good grosses, there have been exceptions even to this rule. In In- dianapolis, for example, during the week of Oct. 16, all houses dropped under average. Last week in Balti- more, Buffalo, Providence. St. Louis and Cleveland, the theatres failing to attain par outnumbered those which exceeded it. The trend has been somewhat con- stant throughout the period of the survey. Last week, out of 112 theatres reported, 61 ran above average, six barely reached the mark, and 45 fell below. In the preceding week. 143 tabulations showed 76 houses topping par, 10 on the border line, and 57 in arrears. And the --.week of Oct. 9. when there were 122 reports, found 67 above, six at average and 49 below. Places where house averages continue to be broken rather consistently in- clude Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver. Cincinnati and Kansas City. 6,503 Circuit Theatres, 8,976 in Small Units There are 15,479 theatres in the United States operating at least six days a week, of which 6,503 are in affiliated or independent cir- cuits of four or more theatres and the remaining 8,976 are singly operated or in units of less than four. Motion Picture Daily learns from a dis- tributor's home office survey of the country. There are 513 circuits of four or more theatres in the U. S., the survey reveals. The largest number of circuit thea- tres are in the New York exchange area, a total of 609. The Minneapo- lis area has the largest number of theatres in groups of four or less : 576. The New York area also has the largest number of circuits of four or more : 40. The smallest number of four-or- (Continued on page 7) Walker to Sell 1st Stamps to Schaefer At noon tomorrow in New York and Los Angeles, the first-day sale of the new three-cent stamp com- memorating the 50th anniversary of motion pictures will take place, with attendant ceremonies. In New York, Postmaster General Frank C. Walker and New York Postmaster Albert Goldman will sell the first sheet of stamps to George J. Schaefer, War Activities Committee chairman, who will purchase them on behalf of WAC. Will Hays, former {Continued on page 7) SOPEG Breaks Off Pact Negotiations The Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild, Local 109, broke off contract negotiations at the weekend with Paramount, RKO, Loew's, 20th Century-Fox and Columbia. SOPEG's negotiating committee informed the companies of their decision at a meet- ing Friday after the union member- ship empowered the committee to act at a meeting here Thursday night. Some 2,000 office workers in home offices are involved. SOPEG will take the dispute either to the New York State Board of Me- diation or the War Labor Board. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, October 30, 1944 Ed Schreiber Joins Condon Agency Personal Mention Tradewise By SHERWIN KANE JOHX JOSEPH, Universal's ad- vertising-publicity director, is ex- pected here from Hollywood about Nov. 15. • Angelia DiAngelis Confer of the DiAngelis film billboard organization, will leave New York Nov. 1 with the Wainwright Unit of the Wacs, for training in Georgia. Edward DiAn- gelis of the same company, has left for Los Angeles and the Navy. • Monroe Rubinger of Warner's stu- dio publicity department has arrived from the Coast to visit his family. He is accompanied by his fiancee, Marjorie Jane Krasne, of Omaha, where they will marry Nov. 9. • Sgt. M. A. Lightman, Jr., son of M. A. Lightman, of the Malco Cir- cuit, Memphis, Tenn., was recently called home when his wife underwent an operation at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in that city. • Tony Sudekum, president of Cres- cent Amusement Co., and Mrs. Sud- ekum, recently entertained in honor of his father, Henry, on his 89th birthday. • Rodney Collier, manager of the Stanley Theatre, Baltimore, has re- turned to his office following a siege of the grippe. . • Lieut, (j.g.) Eddie Albert, USNR, former film player, has arrived in New York from Washington. • William Heineman, general sales manager for Samuel Goldwyn is ex- pected back today from a trip through the Midwest. • Mike Fish, head of Warner studio photographic department, returned to the Coast from here over the weekend. • William C. Gehring, 20th-Fox Western sales manager, will return to his desk today after an illness. Sol Schwartz, head of RKO out- of-town theatres, returned at the weekend from Washington. • Harby A. Ross, president of Rosy- Federal Service, has returned from Chicago and Memphis. • Jacob Wilk, Eastern production manager for Warners, returned at the weekend from Boston. • Nat Wolf, Warners Cleveland zone manager, was a weekend visitor, in New York. Selznick Buys 'Lily' Hollywood, Oct. 29. — David Selz- nick has purchased "Scarlet Lily," the story (jf Mary Magdalene, written bv Rev. Edward F. Murphy. He will produce, starting in the Spring, with Ingrid Bergman in the lead. The film will be in color. GOING to a Broadway play opening in the company of a circuit executive is quite an experience. So is a night spent in a mosquito-infested swamp. Our entrance was a late one, naturally. "These first night performances always are at least a half-hour late getting started, and why should we waste our time on account of them? Come on. Drink up and we'll have another.'' "Don't check your things," I was cautioned when we finally arrived at the theatre. "You'll be in the place all night waiting to get them back after the show. Besides, theatre checking is just a racket. Wouldn't permit it in our theatres." There were two ushers in sight, both busily hunting loca- tions for others and completely oblivious of us. "Can you imagine treating the customers like this in our business ? How long do you s'pose we'd last if we tried it?" A little determined finger- snapping accomplished the de- sired result, however, and it was necessary tor us to climb over only six people to get to our seats. They were nice, courte- ous people, too. Only one lady said "Nuts" in response to my companion's "So sorry," as he brushed a fur cape from her lap to the floor, in passing. • The first act ending drew hearty applause. We made for the lobby. "Looks like a stinkeroo, doesn't it?" remarked my com- Danion. "Don't know whv the studio would buy a thing like that. But what do they care? They grind 'em out and if the company gets the dough back they claim credit for it. Say it was sure-fire and couldn't have missed if we didn't have a sales department and theatres of our own. If it's a flopperoo, why it's our fault. It wasn't sold right. It wasn't presented right. We did everything we could to ruin a valuable property. "Trouble with the studio is it's out of touch with the cus- tomers. They should hear the comments we hear when the customers see those 'artistic tri- umphs' of theirs. They ought to have all theatre men making pictures. Right? There's an idea for your paper — if you want to do the industry some good. 'Theatre men's pictures — For theatres!' How's that for a slogan ?" • "Ow," said the lady with the fur cape as my companion tres- passed on her instep while mak- ing his way out at the end of the second act. "Imagine us trying to get $5.50 a seat for a show like this in a dump like this," said my companion. "Not even enough room to get in and out of a seat." "Looka that," he urged as we entered the foyer. "Hawkin' lemonade and candy. Imagine us getting away with anything like that in our houses. Guys running theatres who don't know anything about them. That's what's wrong with the stage. It's a wonder they don't all lose their shirts, instead of just most of them. Boy, could we clean- up if all our competi- tion ran their stands ,like these places are run. "What we really ought to do is to take over this play pro- ducing business and run it right. That's what I tell them in the office. Look at all the dough we have in it anyhow, and we don't even tell them how to run their theatres. Its pathetic. You ought to do a piece for your paper about it. I'll give you some good dope for it to- morrow." There were a number of con- spicuously empty seats as the last act began. "Told you it was a flopperoo," he said. "And the studio got us to put 150 grand on it. Some- body should have listened to me." The applause which greeted the last act curtain was what is described as "polite." "You know," he said, as we made our way up the aisle, "I've got a hunch we'll make money on this thing. If the studio gets a Broadway hit, chances are they'll louse it up. But if you give them corn like this they're just as likely as not to come up with something we can stay open with. Maybe this is one of them. Anything they do to this will almost have to improve it. Then, again, may- be they'll keep it on the shelf. I hope, I hope. If they'd only quit telling us anything goes these days." Ed Schreiber, for the past two years national director of publicity for the War Activities Committee, has resigned to join the Richard Con- don, Inc., public relations agency, as vice-president in charge of motion pictures, effective Dec. 1. Prior to his post at the WAC, where he was active in all industry war projects, with special emphasis on the 16-mm gift-film program for the Armed Forces, Schreiber was with Warners' publicity department for seven years. With the development of the Con- don agency into the industrial field, Schreiber is joining that firm to head its motion picture department. Dur- ing the year the Condon organiza- tion has been engaged by Columbia, which recently signed a contract for continued services ; Look Magazine, Paramount, the "50th Anniversary of the Motion Picture Industry," Unit- ed Artists, RKO-Pathe, Russian Government, films, War Activities Committee, and others. N. Y. Publicists Get Retroactive Salary Film companies here, except Loew's, made payment at the weekend of 78 weeks of retroactive wage increases to home office publicists under the Screen Publicists Guild of New York arbitration award. Loew's is expected to pay this week. Warners paid off 61 weeks of retroactive pay last Thursday. Wage increases also be- came effective. The overall amount of the payment to some 280 publicists is about $130,- 000. Publicists received as much as $780, before deductions, which includ- ed a levy of 25 per cent on the first 52 weeks' pay for SPG expenses and treasury. Chertok Leaves WB After 'Stolen Life' Hollywood, Oct. 29. — Producer Jack Chertok disclosed to Motion Picture Daily at the weekend that he will leave the Warner studio fol- lowing his present commitment, "Stol- en Life," with Bette Davis, to accept one of three offers under considera- tion, one of which is in independent production. Chertok made "Northern Pursuit," "Conspirators" and "The Corn Is Green" for Warners, after terminating a long connection with M-G-M. Laufer to *U' Today Phil Laufer, until recently with United Artists, will join Universal's home office publicity staff today as coordinator of radio, newspaper and trade contacts. Laufer will also han- dle key city previews. Whelan to Mexico Leslie Whelan, 20th Century-Fox director of foreign publicity, left here at the weekend for Mexico City, where he will remain for several weeks setting the premiere of "Song of Bernadette's" Spanish version. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life BIdg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York. N. Y.. der the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign: single copies. 10c. TV ... - . MOTIOM PICTURE DAII^Y Monday, October 30, 1944 MOTION Pl(TrTTRR DATT.Y Monday. October 30. Monday, October 30, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 200 Attend Industry Sixth War Loan Seattle Rally DeGaulle Asks Release in US For 50 in 1945 (Continued from page 1) and will keep an eye on the indus- try's growth," said Shiffrin. At present, production in France is at a standstill because there is still no cur- rent, power or material but the stu- ■.dios are all safe, and so is the sound equipment, he insisted. The Govern- ment of France will exercise control over the distribution - of French films, since some 200 were made in ~ the four years under the Nazis, of which only 35-40, with proper dele- tions, are suitable for foreign dis- tribution. The others are either poor in quality or contain Nazi propa- ganda. A board of censorship has already been set up operating in Paris for these films and all foreign product coming to France, including Ameri- can. The 1934 law allowing only IS theatres in all of France to play superimposed - title pictures still stands. All foreign pictures entering France outside of these 15 theatres must be dubbed. Average cost of French "A" production is 12,000,000 to 14,000,000 francs — the franc is now 2 cents. Paris now has 25 theatres showing films, and there is plenty of money available there for French pro- duction. Brought Three Films Schiffrin brought three French pic- tures with him which were made un- der Nazi domination, but which buf- fooned the Nazis, unknown to them. They will be shown to American film executives and the OWI may dis- tribute them here. The films are each 12 reels. A French documentary, "The Liberation of Paris," with ChaTles Boyer doing the narration, is also to be released by the OWI. Noel Coward did the British commentation, and Pierre Blanchar, head of the French Cinema, who accompanied Shiffrin to America, the commenting for France. Shiffrin and Blanchar both will go to Hollywood with the pictures and plan to return to France in two months. Exhibitor Has Stake In UK Films: Coplan (Continued from page 1) to view current UA product and also to examine future production plans, will return to his post abroad as soon as transportation can be arranged. The British effort to make pictures on a scale that will be commercially acceptable for world distribution is a "serious effort," Coplan said. The British producer is conscious today of his past limitations and is striving to eliminate them, he added. American production is aided ma- terially, Coplan said, by the British market because it gives a _ producer more confidence to venture into cost- lier production. (American distribu- tors are estimated to take out $80,- 000,000 in film rentals from the Brit- ish market annually.) UA's British quota requirements are to be fulfilled by its deal with J. Arthur Rank for distribution of Rank films in the U. S., Coplan declared. Seattle, Oct. 29. — Another in the series of industry Sixth War Loan bond meetings was held here at the weekend in the Olympic Hotel with more than 200 exhibitors and distributors of Washington, Idaho and Alaska attending. L. O. Lukan, in- dependent exhibitor here, presided. Mayor W. F. Devin of Seattle, welcomed the delegates and lauded the co-operation of theatres in every drive they have handled. Appeals were made by James Halpin, veteran of 21 years in the Armed Forces and re- cently returned from the Italian theatre, and Petty Officer F. F. Far- ragut, nephew of Admiral Farragut who told of his experiences during the 'sneak attack' on Pearl Harbor. William F. Crockett, national vice chairman of the industry's drive in- troduced Hugh Bruen, Pacific Coast chairman of the drive ; Fay Reeder, publicity chairman from San Fran- cisco ; Henry Herbel, Warner district manager and Coast chairman for the distributors division ; and Rotus Har- vey, also from San Francisco. The climax to the meeting was a talk made by Lieut. Louis Largev of the Marine Corps who told of the attack on Tarawa. RKO Lends Thompson To Sixth War Loan Newcomb F. Thompson, with the RKO publicity staff here, has been loaned to the national committee of the industry's Sixth War Loan. Thompson, who has been with RKO for the past several months following his release from the Armed Forces, will work on drive publicity for the Metropolitan press. Capitol Will Sponsor First Bond Premiere The first bond premiere for the Sixth War Loan campaign has been announced for the Capitol Theatre Fromkess Honored By PRC At Party Leon Fromkess, PRC president, in New York from the Coast for a home office visit, was guest of honor at a reception tendered by the company on Friday at the company's offices. In addition to company officials and trade press representatives, guests in- cluded George Gill, PRC franchise holder in Washington ; Nat Lefton, Cleveland franchise holder, and Harry Goldman, Boston franchise holder, who were in New York for sales conferences with Leo J. McCarthy, PRC general sales manager. From- kess will attend a PRC board meeting to be held tomorrow or Wednesday and plans to leave for the Coast about Nov. 10. Honor Montgomery Bob Montgomery, who will join Lester Cowan Productions today as Eastern director of publicity, was given a farewell luncheon at Ruby Foo's here Friday by former associ- ates at 20th Century-Fox where he was executive assistant to Hal Horne, director of advertising and publicity. Among those attending were Horne, Charles Schlaifer, Jonas Rosenfield, Jr., and George Gomperts. here on Nov. 15, when M-G-M, in a tieup with Fred Gehle, chairman of the N. Y. War Finance Committee, will present the world premiere of "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo." Admission will be by bond-purchase only and the Capitol expects to sell at least 5,000 "E" bonds. Reserved seat tickets go on sale Nov. 1 in the lobbies of Loew's Mayfair, Cri- terion, State, Astor and Capitol. Newark Drive Opens On Nov. 2 Newark, Oct. 29. — The Newark area meeting for the 6th War Loan drive will be held Nov. 2 at the Little Theatre, attended by exhibitors of Northern New Jersey, as called by exhibitor state chairmen Harry Low- enstein and Frank Damis. Lowenstein will preside and the drive's national committee will be represented by George F. Dembow, Ben Abner and Max E. Youngstein, the latter repre- senting John Hertz, Jr. Youngstein will discuss advertising and publicity highlights of the drive. Harmon, Reeve, Crockett At Carolina Meet Nov. 13 Charlotte, Oct. 29. — The industry in the Carolinas will meet here at the Hotel Charlotte Nov. 13 to plan its participation in the Sixth War Loan drive, which will get underwav Nov. 20. Francis S. Harmon of New York, executive of the national War Activi- ties Committee, will be among the speakers. Others will be Henry Reeve, independent exhibitor of Me- nard, Texas, and William F. Crockett, president of the Virginia MPTO, both of whom are co-chairmen of the sixth drive. George Carpenter, WAC chairman for North Carolina, and Warren Irvin, chairman for South Carolina, will be in charge of the meeting. Asks U.S. 'Invasion' Of Film Industry (Continued from page 1) would go to the Federal Government and the remainder divided equally among the stations, which would rent films from regular film producers. The only difference between this plan and the British Government monopoly, he admitted, would be that the stations could take advertising and keep the revenue therefrom, while be- tween the stations and the Govern- ment, there would be a 'utility com- pany which would handle registrations. Sanabria did not mention what effect his proposed television-film program might have upon the theatres of the country, but he made a bid for the support of the producers by ex- patiating upon the impressive business that would go to them under the plan. Four Year Agreement Hollywood, Oct. 29. — Under terms of the agreement reached Thursday by 20th Century-Fox and David O. Selz- nick, Jennifer Jones will be loaned to 20th-Fox for one picture annually for four years. 15,479 Houses Operate Full Time in U.S. (Continued from page 1) more circuit theatres is in the Port- land, Ore., area, where there are 38. The smallest number of groups of less than four is in the Albany area, 97. And the smallest number of circuits of four or more is in Omaha, 3. Of the 6,503 theatres in circuits of four or more, 2,622 are affiliated-cir- cuit houses, leaving 3,881 unaffiliated circuits of four-or-more in the U. S. Following is a territorial break- down by exchange areas of circuits f and theatres operating at least six days a week: 1 .8 S"13 | an zSo fc£H ZuP u u M 5 o'S u ' -n » J. E * WH z So Z^H ZtjP 9 97 104 37 481 355 19 378 340 8 165 126 24 275 233 25 353 301 32 411 209 25 237 220 18 436 490 Des Moines . . . 4 247 115 16 184 142 30 306 236 Indianapolis . . . . 17 261 133 Kansas City . . 10 356 184 Los Angeles . . . . 13 265 308 10 268 268 9 218 126 Minneapolis . . . 16 576 180 New Haven . . . 9 111 72 New Orleans . . 11 293 81 . 40 340 609 Oklahoma City. 7 225 144 3 300 49 Philadelphia . . . 27 390 365 , 16 365 135 Portland 9 178 38 San Francisco. . 8 212 212 Salt Lake City. 9 241 110 8 165 90 St. Louis 19 321 204 Washington . . . . 26 321 252 TOTALS 513 8,976 6,503 Para, Loses Suit on Cooper Theatres (Continued from page 1) not within the jurisdiction of the Federal Court in New York, and Judge Rifkind agreed. Paramount had claimed a 50 per cent interest in the Class "B" stocks of Rialto and Cooper Enterprises, and a 25 per cent interest in the Class "A" stock of Interstate. The complaint alleges Cooper breached a 1933 agreement under which he was induced to go to Colorado to reorganize certain the- atre properties on a 50-50 basis. In- stead, he acquired them under his own name, Paramount alleged. Walker to Sell First Stamps to Schaefer (Continued from page 1) Postmaster General, will be present. A special platform will be built in New York's main postoffice for the ceremonies. Lucy Monroe will -sing the National Anthem. In Los Angeles, with the coopera- tion of Postmistress Mary Briggs, a special ceremony is- also planned, with John C. Flinn, coordinator of the WAC Hollywood division, purchasing the first sheet of stamps. 8 Motion Picture Daily Monday, October 30, 1944 'Irish Eyes' Bright On $29,000 Gross San Francisco, Oct. 29. — With the exception of the Fox and Paramount Theatres, grosses generally eased off during the week. Along with the Or- pheum, these were the only two houses not showing holdovers. Estimated receipts for the week end- ed Oct. 24-26 : "The Climax" (Univ.) "Moonlight and Cactus" (Univ.) ORPHEUM— (2,440) (45c-65c-8Sc) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $15,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (74c-$1.20) 7 das, 9th week. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $14,000). "Bride By Mistake" (RK.O) GOLDEN GATE — (2,850) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $27,000). "Trade Winds" (UA) WARFIELD— (2,680) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $24,500. (Aver- age: $25,000). "Kismet" (M-G-M) "Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep.) FOX — (5,000) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $34,500. (Average: $28,000). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (2ftth-Fox) "In the Meantime, Darling" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (2,748) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $29,000. (Average: $20,000). "Rainbow Island" (Para.) "The Great Moment" (Para.) STATE— (2,308) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, on a moveover from the Fox. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $13,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) "Devil Boats" (WB) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Fox. Gross: $14,000). (Average: $12,000). Blank Dedication Dec. 3 Des Moines, Oct. 29. — Dedication of the $250,000 Raymond Blank Me- morial Children's Hospital will take place here Sunday, Dec. 3. The hos- pital was built by A. H. Blank, Tri- States Theatre Corp., president, in memory of his son. Para. Reports Deal On Cobian Circuit Paramount Films of Cuba and Ramos Cobian, Puerto Rican circuit operator became partners in the oper- ation of Circuito Cobian of Cuba, S.A., capitalized at $1,000,000 when contracts were signed at the weekend by John W. Hicks, Jr., president of Paramount International, and Cobian, president of the new corporation, Paramount announced, confirming Motion Picture Daily's story of Friday. Both parties will participate equally in operation of 11 houses in Havana and Camaguey, and one under con- struction in the latter city. All Para- mount product is available to the new circuit under a five year franchise. Cobian is expected to also formalize a franchise agreement with 20th Cen- tury-Fox. 'Heights' Re-release To Key Cities Only The . re-release of "Wuthering Heights" will be confined to key cities only, starting on Jan. 1, ac- cording to L. E. Goldhammer, vice- president and general sales manager of Film Classics. An advertising campaign will be launched shortly to promote the picture. Other re-releases prior to Jan. 1 will be "Topper," "Reesurrection" and "Barbary Coast." Klein Leaves Roshon Edward L. Klein, has resigned as director of public relations, advertis- ing and publicity for Russell C. Ro- shon Organization, national 16mm dis- tributors, to take a long rest. Selznick to Seek Suit Dismissal David O. Selznick, through attor- neys O'Brien, Driscoll and Raftery, applied to the New York Federal Court Friday, for dismissal of a pro- posed examination of himself before trial in connection with a suit against him, Selznick International, United Artists and Daphne Du Maurier, as filed by Edwina Levin MacDonald, who claims plagiarism of her book, "Blind Windows," in Selznick's "Re- becca." She seeks an injunction and accounting of profits. Suit was dismissed by Federal Judge William Bondy, but the Circuit court reversed the dismissal on a technical- ity and sent the action back to the Federal court. Defendants will ask for summary judgment, claiming they had no access to the book, and will ask a dismissal. This is in conformity with the Circuit Court ruling. Screen 'Master Race' For Press Tonight A press preview of Edward A. Golden's "The Master Race" will be held at the Waldorf Astoria tonight, followed by a reception. Principals in the cast of "The Mas- ter Race" will arrive in New York today for the Broadway premiere at the Palace Wednesday. In the troupe are Nancy Gates, Ghislaine Perreau, Jason Robards and Eric Feldary. Ac- companying them are Herbert J. Bib- erman, and RKO stars Rosemary La Planche and Greta Christenson. Fol- lowing a reception here in their honor, the company will leave for St. Louis for personal appearances. Schine Defense to Take Three Weeks Buffalo, Oct. 29, — Introduction of documentary evidence in .the Schine trial went into its second day on Fri- day, leading up to final arguments by Robert L. Wright of the Department of Justice and the opening of the de- fense. It probably will be several days be- fore Wright begins his summation aixl before the defense can get under way" The court's Fall term begins Nov. 14. but there has been nothing to indicate trial will be completed by then. Schine intends to take three weeks, it was learned, consuming far less time than the Government. Among the last few Government \ witnesses at the weekend was Charles S. Cantwell, managing editor of the Ogdensburg Journal, who testified as to a news item on Sept. 26, 1940, re- lating to the operating policy of Schine's Pontiac. Ingram and Zoellner, MGM Managers, Due Louis Ingram, Memphis M-G-M mana'ger, and William B. Zoellner, Atlanta, are scheduled to arrive in j New York on Nov. 13, in line with William F. Rodgers' plan to have the executive field force spend a week visiting home office department heads. Frank Downey, Detroit manager, and Harry Simmons, Milwaukee, left at the weekend after five days here. Today Saal Gottlieb, Pittsburgh manager, and J. G. Kemptgen, Omaha, will arrive to be followed a week later by Clayton Lynch, Los Angeles, and Frank Hensler, Kansas City. Roy Rogers does a command performance at the famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro and the happy throngs j rejoice. Add this to other great names, hit tunes, big production and you've a glimpse of "Brazil," Republic's new super musical. advt. First in Film-an< (Radio jji Accural and Impartial MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 56. NO. 84 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1944 TEN CENTS Gradual Lift Of Wartime Restrictions I US War Agencies Already Have 'V-E' Blueprints By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington, Oct. 30. — War agency officials here are now pre- " pared to put into effect on "V-E 1 Day" plans long since developed in ] anticipation of the end of hostilities in Europe, paving the way for gradual return of the motion pic- ture and other industries to peace- time conditions. There will be no sudden and complete lifting of all the re- strictions which have been in effect on film and other indus- trial, trade and private, personal activity since our entry into the war, however, but, rather, a gradual relaxation as changing conditions in the military situ- ation permit. Thus, there will be no overnight wiping out of War Production Board (Continued on page 7) Holdover s D ominate N. Y. First-Runs; 'Marriage' is Big Holdovers are continuing to dom- inate Broadway grosses this week but new arrivals are sharing in generally excellent business. Of the new arrivals, "Marriage Is a Private Affair" with a stage bill featuring Bob Strong and his orchestra, Arlene Francis, Johnnie Johnston and Ella Mae Morse is lead- ing the Capitol to a big $75,000 first week on the basis of $50,000 recorded on the first four days ending Sunday night and the combination will con- tinue, to be followed by "Thirty Sec- onds Over Tokyo." The Radio City Music Hall, Para- mount, Strand and Hollywood are (Continued on page 7) Kalmenson to Hold W.B. District Meet Eight Warner district managers will meet in New York Nov. 9 for a two-day home office conference to be presided over by Ben Kalmenson, gen- eral sales manager. Forthcoming product and other subjects will be dis- cussed. Regional executives who will at- tend are : Norman Ayers, Eastern dis- trict manager with headquarters in New York; Robert Smeltzer, Mid- Atlantic ; Charles Rich, Central ; Har- ry A. Seed, Midwest; Hall Walsh, (Continued on page 7) Depinet Sees WAC Aiding Tax Fight Chicago, Oct. 30. — Amplifying statements made in a recent West Coast address, Ned E. Depinet, RKO Radio Pictures president, who is here to attend an industry Sixth War Loan drive meeting, said that all efforts must be made to keep the War Activi- ties Committee alive and active after the war to meet the many problems that will face the industry in the post war period. His first week's tour in connection with the drive convinced him that the exhibitors will face increased local (Continued on page 7) Employees Ask For Raise; Get Theatre Mexico City, Oct. 30.— De- mand for a 50% pay hike by employees of the Cine Princi- pal, local second run theatre that was made over 13 years ago from the historic 250- year-old stage theatre of the same name on the same site, won them possession of the business. The exhibitors, stat- ing that they could not afford to meet the pay hike demand, arranged with section No. 1 (theatre employees) of the National Cinematographic In- dustry Workers Union and the Federal Board of Concili- ation and Arbitration for the workers to assume charge of the theatre. Video Shows Not Covered By Copyright No Precedent for Stars To Protect Likenesses Schine Defense Is Begun; U.S. Rests Buffalo, Oct. 30. — The defense of Schine Theatres to Government charges of violations of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act began here this after- noon with an opening address to the court by attorney Edward F. McClen- nen. The Government had rested its •ase at 3 :27 p.m., when Judge John Knight denied a motion by the defense to strike from the record many letters received in evidence both orally and in writing over the objections of the defense. McClennen began his defense by de- claring that Schine would prefer to (Continued on page 6) By MILTON LIVINGSTON There is no overall legal prece- dent under the copyright laws which would enable radio broad- casters to prevent exhibitors from taking television programs off the air and projecting these programs in their theatres when video equipment becomes available for theatres in the postwar, according to legal opinion in the film industry. Also without precedent under the copyright laws is the plan that has been discussed to have Hollywood film personalities copyright their faces against unauthorized use of their likenesses in television programs, the same legal opinion indicates. There is no prohibition in law (Continued on page 6) Sauter Reappointed War Finance Head U. S. to Check Liberated Regions for Industry Set '44 Federation Drive Plans Today Plans for the 1944 drive of the amusement division of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies on behalf of the current Federation campaign will be discussed by the division's lunch- eon meeting to be held today at the Hotel Astor. David Bernstein, who is serving as co-chairman of the divi- sion with Major Albert Warner, will preside. In urging wide support within the (Continued on page 7) Washington, Oct. 30. — Present planners of the U. S. film industry's participation in foreign markets as they are liberated will, like those of other American industries, receive from the Government detailed reports on economic and social conditions and requirements of the freed countries, to aid in their planning. Bridging the gap since the cessa- tion at the outbreak of the war, of the Department of Commerce's regu- lar reports to the film industry on conditions abroad, the Departments of State and Commerce have jointly dispatched formal instructions to dip- lomatic, consular and similar U. S. representatives assigned to areas lib- erated from Axis control to expedite reports on economic conditions and trends within such areas for the guid- ance of both the Government and American business. (Motion Picture Daily reported on Oct. 19 that the State and Commerce Departments will make a survey of world markets to determine theatre equipment and pro- jector needs.) The new instructions call for reports concerning the immediate supply re- quirements of liberated areas and es- timates of economic conditions, inter- pretative reports covering all aspects of economic and social conditions, an- alyses of economic conditions as an essential guide to American film and other interests concerned in the re- sumption of commercial trade. It was pointed out here that in (Continued on page 7) James E. Sauter has been reappoint- ed chairman of the entertainment in- dustry division of the War Finance Committee for New York, it was an- nounced yesterday by Frederick W. Gehle, state chairman. Sauter, executive director of the United Theatrical War Activities Committee, has served the Treasury Department as a representative of the entertainment industry since the in- (Continued on page 6) Rank Canada Deal Announcement Due Toronto Oct. 30. — An executive of Odeon Theatres of Canada today stated that a formal announcement on the entry of J. Arthur Rank into the Canadian exhibition field might be forthcoming the middle of next week, when negotiations would prob- ably be at a point where a public statement would be appropriate. Odeon circuit heads, including Paul (Continued on page 6) Reviewed Today Review of "Dark Waters," United Artists, will be found on page 3. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, October 31, 1944 Report Griffis Sale Of Para. Common Philadelphia, Oct. 31. — Only light trading by officers and directors of motion picture corporations in the stocks of their own companies in September was reported today by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its monthly summary. The largest change in the holdings of any individual came as the result of sales aggregating 2,000 shares of Paramount Pictures common stock held by Stanton Griffis, director, through a trust which at the close of the month still held 4,000 shares. A report on Monogram Pictures showed sales by W. Ray Johnston, president, of 966 shares of common held direct, leaving him with 17,724 shares, and 900 shares held through Monogram Pictures, Inc., its entire holding. In the same company, Nor- ton V. Richey director, bought 200 shares of common, giving him a total of 4,467 shares. The only other film report showed the acquisition of 11 shares of Loew's Boston Theatres common by Loew's, Inc., giving it a total of 121,232 shares. A report on Columbia Broadcasting Co. showed that in May, Joseph A W. Iglehart, director, purchased 2,000 shares of class A common through E. W. Hutton & Co., and sold 900 shares, selling the remaining 1,100 in June. Iglehart personally hold? 2,600 shares of the stock, the SEC summary showed. Munson, Service Film Chief, Hails Stamp Issuance of the new postage stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of motion pictures has been hailed by Col. E. L. Munson, who as chief of the Army Pictorial Service, is in charge of distributing Hollywood's films to the fighting men overseas. "This anniversary finds the indus- try more vigorous than ever, enter- taining troops and, through front line photography, helping shape the tacti- cal decisions which will bring full victory," the Colonel commented in a letter to George J. Schaefer, War Activities Committee chairman, who will buy the first sheet of stamps in New York today from Postmaster General Frank Walker and New York Postmaster Albert Goldman. Pickford to Get Stamps Los Angeles, Oct. 30. — Mary Pickford, representing the industry, will be presented by Postmistress Mary Briggs with a special issue of the new three-cent stamp commemor- ating the 50th anniversary of motion pictures in a ceremony at the post office here Tuesday. Cecil B. DeMille will preside over the program, which the Blue Network will broadcast. Margaret Welsh Resigns Philadelphia, Oct. 30. — Margaret Welsh, manager of the state board of motion picture censorship office here for 22 years, has resigned to join the Richard A. Foley advertising agency. Personal Mention NEIL AGNEW, vice president of Vanguard Films, arrived in Hollywood from New York yester- day for conferences with David O. Selznick and Daniel O'Shea. Jack Goldstein, Eastern director of pub- licity and exploitation, arrived Sunday night for talks with the studio pub- licity staff. William J. Heineman, general sales manager for Samuel Goldwyn, returned to New York at the week- end from the Coast. • Lou Pollock, United Artists ad- vertising and publicity director, was confined to his home yesterday with an injury. • Cedric Gibbons, M-G-M art direc- tor, will arrive in New York from the Coast on Friday accompanied by Mrs. Gibbons. Joe Pasternack will arrive in New York from the Coast on Nov. 25 for a two-week stay, accompa- nied by his wife. • John Nesbitt, M-G-M commenta- tor, will arrive from the Coast on Friday. Jules Lapiduis, Warner Eastern division sales manager, left yesterday for Philadelphia. • W. Stewart McDonald, Warner Theatres executive, has returned from a Midwest trip. PANDRO BERMAN, producer, arrived in New York from the Coast over the weekend. • Pvt. Marcus Loew, grandson of the late Marcus Loew, and Ethel Sny- der have obtained a marriage license at Denver and plan to be married next week. Mr. and Mrs. David Loew, parents of the prospective bridegroom, will arrive in Denver today. • Robert R. Deitch, manager of the Dewitt Theatre, Bayonne, New Jer- sey, is the father of a son, Joel Ben- nett, born Oct. 19, in Jersey City. • Alec Moss, Paramount exploita- tion manager, left New York yester- day for Boston, and then the Mid- west. • Arthur C. Bromberg, president of Monogram Southern Exchanges, At- lanta, is in New Orleans attending sales meetings. • Irving Yergin, manager of War- ner's field exploitation staff, left over the weekend for Chicago. • Meritt Davis, Republic Southern district manager at Atlanta, is on the sick list. • Perry Spencer has been appointed Southern publicity director for Uni- versal, with headquarters in Atlanta. • Ralph H. Clark, Canadian division manager for Warners, is in New York for home office conferences. RKO and Managers Resume Pact Talks RKO officials and representatives of the Motion Picture Theatre Operating Managers and Assistant Managerr Guild representing managers and a= sistant managers in the 40 RKO The- atres in the Metropolitan area, wil' resume negotiations today after a two- week delay. RKO has indicated that it will make counter proposals to the Guild's wage demands at today's meeting. The Guild had indicated that it would con- sider negotiations broken off and would take the case to the New York State Board of Mediation if RKO did not set a retroactive date for wage increases, but has agreed to continue negotiations without such a date hav- ing been set yet. Wright of Para, Is Named by Tax Group Harry Wright of Paramount has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the Tax Executives In- stitute, recently incorporated in New York state for the purpose of bringing together executives concerned with taxation problems. 'Alaska' Premiere Set Omaha, Oct. 30. — The world pre- miere of Monogram's 'Alaska" has been set for the State Theatre here Saturday. Democratic Showmen Turn Out for Rally The Theatrical and Motion Picture Committee for Roosevelt-Truman- Wagner, with John Golden and Louis Nizer as co-chairman, gave a lunch- eon at $5 a plate in the Grand Ball- room of the Hotel Astor yesterday, with the packed room holding many well known executives and actors. Speeches were delivered by the chair- men, by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Sen- ator Robert F. Wagner and Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia. Frank Sin- atra sang the national anthem. A few of those in the capacity turn- out included Barney Balaban, David Bernstein, Harry Brandt, William Brandt, George Cukor, Howard Dietz. Jesse L. Lasky, Lewis Milestone, Al- bert and Harry Warner, Jack Cohn, Nicholas Schenck, Nate J. Blumberg, Charles Moskowitz, Sam Rinzler, Jules Brulatour, George Dembow, Leon Fromkess, Carl Leserman, Irv- ing Lesser, Walter Reade, Emanuel and Murray Silverstone, Leon Netter, Irving Wormser, Maurice Bergman, William Erbb and Nat Cohn. 400 See 'Race' An invitation audience of about 400, including RKO executives and repre- sentatives of the daily, radio and trade press saw a special preview of Ed- ward A. Golden's "The Master Race" at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here last night. Constance Bennett Closes U. A. Deal Constance Bennett and United Ar- tists yesterday signed a one picture deal whereby Miss Bennett will pro- duce "Paris Underground" for U. A. release. Production will get under way before the end of the year, it isi planned. Miss Bennett is currently negotiating with a British musical actress for the lead. Austrian to Speak Ralph B. Austrian, executive vif^ president of RKO Television Corp will address the Publicity Club of New York, Thursday, at the Belmont Plaza Hotel on "Television as an Aid to Public Relations." NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GREER GARSON — WALTER P1DGE0N in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "MRS. PARKINGT0N" Edward Arnold - Agnes Moorehead Cecil Kellaway SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION First Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4609 ^ PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek' ^ RIVOLI.BVay & 49th St ^ PALACE B WAY & 47th St. starts tomorrow super-shock sensation! "THE MASTER RACE" George COULOURIS Osa MASSEN Stanley RIDGES Carl ESMOND PARAMOUNT'S "Our Hearts Were Young andGay" starrinE Gail RUSSELL - Diana LYNN with Charlie Ruggles - Dorothy Gish IN PERSON— FRANK SINATRA plus Eileen Barton RAYMOND PAIGE and his orchestra ON SCREEN 'S 'SINCE YOU sgaJENT AWAY' IN PERSON WILL OSBORNE and Orchestra Vivien LEIGH Robert TAYLOR In M-G-M's WATERLOO BRIDGE REPUBLIC B'way Bet. 51st and 52nd Sts. Phone CO 5-9647 Midnite Shows MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunda: and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York. Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, New Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; Londo Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishin Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at th ppst office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. 1) Tuesday, October 31, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 'Mrs. Parkington' Is Big Cincinnati Hit I Cincinnati, Oct. 30. — Continuous clicking of turnstiles at RKO's Albee indicate a tremendous $23,000 for "Mrs. Parkington." The $9,500 above average is the highest all-picture gross at this house in many months. "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" is headed for an approximate $9,000 at RKO's Grand, v.iiere $6,500 is average, v Estimated receipts for the week 'ending Nov. 1-4: ^•Mrs. Parkington" (M-G-M) RKO ALBEE — (3,300) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $23,000. (Average: $13,500). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) RKO CAPITOL— (2,000) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $10,000). "The Unwritten Code" (Col.) "Stagecoach to Monterey" (Rep.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (30c-40c) 4 days. Gross: $1,600. (Average: $1,400). "Three of a Kind" (Mono.) "Special Inspector" (British) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (30c-40c) 3 days. Gross: $800. (Average: $800). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (ZOth-Fox) RKO GRAND— (1,500) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Second week moveover from the Albee. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $6,500). "Carolina Blues" (Col.) KEITH'S — (1,500) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average: $5,000). "Atlantic City" (Rep.) "Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep.) RKO LYRIC— (1,400) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,000). "Tall in the Saddle" (RKO) RKO PALACE— (2,700) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days; plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $13,500). "The Conspirators" (WB) RKO SHUBERT— (2,150) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 2 days, 2nd week, moveover from the Paiace. Gross: $4,500. (Average: $5,000). ! K.C. Takes $11,500 Worth of 'Arsenic' 1 Kansas City, Oct. 30.— The Or- pheum led off again this week with "Arsenic and Old Lace" in a third week holdover doing around $11,500. The Midland, with "Barbary Coast Gent," slowed down to about an aver- age $14,500 for the week. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 31-Nov. 3. "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) ESQUIRE — (800) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $9,400). "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) MIDLAND — (3,500) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average: $14,000). "Rainbow Island" (Para.) NEWMAN— (1,900) (46c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $10,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) ORPHEUM (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days, 3d week. Gross: $11,500. (Average: $10,000). "Moonlight and Cactus" (Univ.) "Minstrel Man" (PRC) Plus stage revue with Rubinoff TOWER— (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $11,500. (Average: $9,400). "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) UPTOWN — (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $6,200. (Average: $5,600). FAIRWAY — (700) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,800. (Average: $1,600). Slezak's Father Fined Leo Slezak, father of film actor Walter Slezak, has been fined 100,000 marks by the Nazis in reprisal for his son's appearance in American anti- Xazi films, according to dispatches arriving here from Stockholm. The films are "This Land Is Mine" and "Lifeboat," both of which were seen by Adolph Hitler and other Nazi offi- cials after prints were seized from ships sailing on safe-conduct passes between Sweden, England and the IU. S. Review "Dark Waters" (Benedict Bogeaus-Unitcd Artists) AFTER mentally noting that Benedict Bogeaus' second production for United Artists, "Dark Waters," was an absorbing study of a distraught mind which falters from shock and was, consequently, suited for class situa- tions, this reviewer had to revamp his original calculation, for the film is finally climaxed as a harrowing manhunt that compresses a good deal of horror. A sensitive performance by Merle Oberon; Franchot Tone's sympa- thetic portrayal of a doctor, and the suave menace of Thomas Mitchell make this good cinema which should yield a goodly harvest in all situations. With the sure hand of Andre De Toth to guide it, the film sustains inter- est throughout as it unfolds the story of Miss Oberon, a survivor from a shipwreck and suffering from shock, who goes into the bayou country of Louisiana to recover. She stumbles, however, into a situation which almost unhinges her mind as Mitchell utilizes various tricks to induce hallucinations in her exhausted brain so as to dispose of her as an unwelcome intruder. Previous owners of the plantation have fallen victim to Mitchell and his deadly henchman, Elisha Cook, Jr., and only the girl, who has come to visit her supposed aunt and uncle, Fay Bainter and John Qualen, stands in his way to the land. The closing sequences, wherein Miss Oberon and Tone, who have fallen in love, escape into the bayou after having been marked for destruction by Mitchell, are taut with suspense and calculated to send genuine tremors up and down the spine. Cook meets a horrible death in the quicksand and Mitchell surrenders after being tricked into believing that he, too, is surrounded by quicksand. The brooding bayous of Louisiana are a photographers' paradise and Archie Stout and John Mescall make the most of them. Dr. Miklos Roza contributes a fine score which contains several piping French folk tunes in a dance sequence which is the only one which is not oppressive and is a wel- come one. Benedict Bogeaus produced; James Nasser was executive pro- ducer ; Frank and Marian Cockrell did the original from their Saturday Evening Post serial, and Joan Harrison and Miss Cockrell are credited with the screenplay. Rex Ingram, Odette Myrtil, Eugene Borden, Eileen Coghlan, Nina May McKinney, Alan Napier and Rita Beery round out the cast. Running time. 90 minutes. "G."* Release date not set. Charles Ryweck *"G" denotes general classification. One Clearance Case Filed, 1 Dropped A new clearance complaint has been filed in the Boston tribunal, while one has been withdrawn in the Omaha tribunal, the American Arbitration Asssociation reported here yesterday. Hollis G. Reed, operator of the Nep- tune Theatre, McKinley, Me., has filed a clearance case in Boston against Paramount and Warners. He charges that the 14-day clearance in favor of the Criterion, Bar Harbor, Me., is unreasonable and asks that i. be eliminated. Named as interested parties are the Park Theatre, South- west Harbor, Me. ; the Ellsworth, Ellsworth, Me., and the Pastime, Northeast, Me. In Omaha, Rose Karatz, who oper- ates the Victory, Sioux City, la., has withdrawn a clearance complaint against 20th Century-Fox, Loew's, Warners and Paramount. The case was dismissed by a general stipulation signed by all parties. Edgar Kobak Named President of Mutual Edgar Kobak, who last week re- signed as executive vice-president of Blue Network Co., Inc., will assume the presidency of the Mutual Broad- casting System on Nov. 20, according to announcement yesterday by Mut- ual's board of directors. Kobak will succeed Miller McClintock. Fox Buys Monogram Los Angeles, Oct. 30. — Monogram has closed with Fox-West Coast's California circuit for its 1944-45 prod- uct. 'Army at War' Will Play in 29 Cities Cha'rles P. Skouras chairman of the national executive committee of the Army At War exhibition, today an- nounced that the exhibition will open in Rochester on Friday, following a three week run at the Roxy Theatre, New York, which will conclude to- day. During the run at the Roxy, it is estimated that approximately 80,000 persons attended, which is believed to be the largest attendance at any art exhibition held anywhere within ? similar period of time. The exhibition will play the follow- ing cities after the Rochester en- engagement in consecutive order : Buf- falo, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Mil- waukee, Minneapolis, Seattle, Port- land, San Francisco, Los Angeles. Denver, Kansas City, Dallas, Hous- ton, New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Newark and Boston. On July 23, 1945, the exhibition will play a return engagement in Washington. H. Heybeck, Helped Design M. H., Dead H. H. Heybeck, architect associated with the Walter Dorwin Teague of- fice here, who designed some of the seating and interior layouts of Radio City Music Hall and the Center The- atre, died late last week at his Chap- paqua, N. Y., home. He was 55 vears old. Republic Signs Odeon Tokonto, Oct. 30. — Republic has closed with Odeon Theatres for its 1944-45 product. Expand Coverage of New Building Code A resolution favoring requirements for structural stability for all places and buildings subject to the labor laws, including store buildings and factories, has been adopted by the New York State Labor Department's advisory committee which has been holding meetings to promulgate a re- vised building code for theatres and other places of public assembly in all parts of the state except New York City. Progress is being made on the code being drafted and the provisions will undoubtedly apply to all new places of public assembly, including theatres, which are contemplated for New York State in the postwar period. Completion of the code is expected be- fore the end of this year. The New York State Board of Standards and Appeals will hold public hearings on the new code before it is made law so that theatre owners in New York State can register their views. The next meeting of the advisory committee will be held Nov. 9-10. In- dustry representatives on the c -m- mittee include ; Hlenry Anderson, Par- amount; Martin J. Tracey, Century Circuit ; Theodore Junge, alternate for Harry Moskowitz of Loew's, and Glen H. Humphrey of projectionists' Local 337. 'Marriage' Tops in Balto. at $20,000 Baltimore, Oct. 30. — The best pic- utres are doing big business this week, leaving the less important attractions with barely average grosses. For the major shows, openings were strong and likewise the weekend. In top rank is "Marriage Is A Private Affair," with $20,000 at the Century. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 2 : "Marriage is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) CENTURY— (3,000) (35c-44c-55c and 60c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $15,000). "San Diego I Love You" (Univ.) KEITH'S— (2,406) (35c-40c-50c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $15,000). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling'' (20th-Fox) NEW— (1,581) (30c-40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $9,000). "The Conspirators" (WB) STANLEY — (3,280) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $18,000). "None But the Lonely Heart" (RKO) HIPPODROME— (2,205) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days. Stage Show: Jan Murray; Bill and Cora Baird; Jean, Jack & Judy; Eleanor Bowers. Gross: $19,500. (Average: $18,500). "Ladies of Washington" (20th- Fox) MAYFAIR — (1,000) (35c-54c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $7,000). A. Sorenson, Jr., Killed Solemn requiem Mass will be said "for T. Sgt. Arthur A. Sorenson, Jr., at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Brooklyn, next Saturday morning. Word of his death in action near Aachen, Germany, on Oct. 12, was received yesterday by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur A. Sorenson. The father is an editor of 20th Century- Fox Movietone News here. M. L. Curry Is Dead Atlanta, Oct. 30. — M. L. Curry, formerly of the Colonial Theatre, Milledgeville, Ga., and more recent- ly with Wometco Circuit, Miami, died last week following a heart attack. Curry had been with Universal at one time and also was with the Avon- dale Theatre here. I I FAY BAINTER JOHN OUALEN • ELISHA COOK, Jr. mmmn BENEDICT BOGEAUS • mm" ANDRE DeTOTH Original Story by Frank and Marian Cockrell ' Screenplay by Joan Harrison and Marian Cockrell • released thru united ai 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, October 31, 1944 No Copyright Protection On Video Shows, Stars Sauter Reappointed War Finance Head Coast Filming Rises to 45, From a Low 39 Hollywood, Oct. 30. ■ — Production took a spurt forward last week, as 11 new features were started, and work was completed on only five others. Total before the cameras was 45, com- pared to 39 in the preceding week. The production scene follows : Columbia Finished : "Let's Go Steady." Started : "I Love a Mystery," with Jim Bannon, Nina Foch. Shooting : "Our Wandering Daugh- ters," "One Against Seven." M-G-M Shooting : "Without Love," "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes," "Hold High the Torch," "Women's Army," "Son of Lassie," "Valley of Deci- sion." Monogram Shooting : "John Dillinger." Paramount Started : "The Lost Weekend," with Ray Milland, Jane Wyman, Philip Terry, Doris Dowling, How- ,ard da Silva ; "The Love Letters," with Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten, Ann Richards, Cecil Kellaway and Derek Cooper ; "The Affairs of Su- san," with Joan Fontaine, George Brent, Dennis O'Keefe. Shooting : "Duffy's Tavern," "Salty O'Rourke," "Miss Susie Slagle" (formerly "The Golden Years."). PRC Finished : "The Whispering Skull," "The Kid Sister." Started: "Fog Island," with Sharon Douglas, George Zucco, Jerome Cow- an, Lionel Atwill, Veda Ann Borg ; "Marked for Murder," with Tex Rit- ter, Dave O'Brien, Guy Wilkerson, Ed Cassidy. RKO Radio Started: "The Body Snatcher," with Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Edith Atwater, Henry Daniell. Shooting : "The Enchanted Cot- tage," "West of the Pecos," "Isle of the Dead" (temporarily suspended), "Wonder Man" (Goldwyn), "Tarzan and the Amazons" (Lesser). Republic Started: "Earl Carroll's Vanities," with Dennis O'Keefe, Constance Moore, Eve Ard,en, Alan Mowbray, "Pinky" Lee, Woody Herman and his orchestra. Shooting : "The Phantom Speaks," "A Daring Holiday." 20th Century-Fox Started : "Circumstantial Evi- dence," with Michael O'Shea, Lloyd Nolan, Trudy Marshall, Ruth Ford, Reed Hadley, Roy Roberts. Shooting : "Bon Voyage" (tem- porarily suspended), "A Royal Scan- dal" ; "Where Do We Go from Here?" "Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe," "Hangover Square." United Artists Finished: "It's in the Bag" (Skir- ball). Started: "A Walk in the Sun" (Samuel Bronston), with Dana An- drews, Barton Hepburn. Lloyd Bridges, Matt Willis, Luis Rosado. Shooting : "Blood on the Sun" (Cagney), "Hold Autumn in Your Hand" (PAC). (Continued from page 1) which would prevent an exhibitor from picking up certain types of tele- vision programs even if the broad- casters attempt to invoke the right of privacy to prevent exhibitors from do- ing so, it is pointed out. Only tele- casts involving the use of literary, musical or dramatic source material can be protected by copyright, it is said. However, broadcasters cannot use films without permission in their telecasts under existing copyright laws. Should' the radio industry attempt to prevent exhibitors"- from taking telecasts off ,the air, the ensuing bat- tle would presumably be on the basis of an invasion of the rights of privacy, it is assumed. The possible precedent in this case is the split U. S. Supreme Court decision in the As- sociated Press vs. the International News Service case, where the court felt the accumulation of news and facts gave the accumulator a prop- erty right in the information as- sembled. New York State has a common law statute on the right of privacy but with certain exceptions. Though these exceptions serve to prevent the use of the images of Hollywood per- sonalities in connection with advertis- ing and trade without their authori- zation, they are not viewed as likely to enable these Hollywood personali- Sudekum Plans 2 Cumberland Houses McMinnville, Tenn., Oct. 30 — Cumberland Amusement Co., with headquarters here, of which Tony Sudekum, head of Crescent Amuse- ment Co., is president, is planning two additional new theatres. One house will be in the Red Banks section of Chattanooga. Planned to seat 1,400, the house will cost approximately $150,000. The other theatre, to seat 900, will represent an investment of $75,000. Speight and Hibbs of Clarks- ville are the architects for both proj- ects. The two new theatres will make a total of 17 houses for Cumberland and more than 100 for Crescent and affiliates. It is reported here that the injunction in the Government anti- trust suit against theatre combines for- bids acquisitions in competitive areas but does not refer to the construction of new houses. Sudekum also has purchased the Vauxhall Apartment House in Nash- ville. He is reported to be planning to clear the site but his building plans have not been revealed. The cost of the tract was about $175,000. Universal Finished: "The Suspect." Started : "Here Come the Co-Eds, " with Abbott and Costello, Donald Cook, June Vincent, Peggy Ryan, Martha O'Driscoll, Charles Dingle, Lon Chaney, Jr. Shooting : "Salome — Where She Danced," "Frisco Sal," "She Gets Her Man." Warners Shooting : "The Big Sleep," "God Is My Co-Pilot." "Pillar to Post," "Nobody Lives Forever," "San An- tonio." ties to prevent the use of their like- nesses if they were picked up during the telecasting of an outdoor or indoor event at which they happened to be present. Although Great Britain does have a law which gives copyright to re- cordings and provides for criminal ac- tion in case of violations, U. S. copy- right law has no uniform interpreta- tion along these lines. When Fred Waring sued to prevent a Pennsyl- vania radio station from broadcasting his recordings in connection with their advertising, he was upheld by the state courts of Pennsylvania, which ruled that his common law rights had been violated, but Federal Courts in New York held that his common law right had been trans- ferred by the public sale of the record. Several Congressmen seught to in- troduce a revision of the copyright laws some years ago which would have provided protection on record- ings similar to that in Great Britain, but nothing came of the attempt, it is said. The general feeling is that once any sort of sports event is telecast to the public, there is no legal basis to pre- vent exhibitors from picking up this event and projecting it in theatres, but a long drawn-out legal battle is expected to result between the radio and film industries on the point once it becomes a reality. Disney CIAA Films On RCA Video Show Walt Disney films made for the Of- fice of the Coordinator of Inter-Amer- ican Affairs will be used in a new television program titled "The World in Your Home," sponsored by the RCA Victor Division to start Nov. 17 over NBC's New York television station WNBT, it was announced yesterday by John F. Royal, NBC vice-president in charge of television, and Charles B. Brown, RCA Victor advertising manager. Live talent will also be used in this new program series which will feature entertain- ment, sports news and special events as well as science and education. Among the Disney CIAA films, subjects which will be televised are "Defense Against Invasion" and "Grain That Built A Hemisphere." Other selected films dealing with elec- tronics, chemistry and associated science topics will also be scheduled. John T. Williams, NBC manager of television, Paul Allev, film pro- gram manager and Dr. Herbert Graf, television opera producer, will all supervise. Rank Canada Deal Announcement Due (Continued from page 1) Nathanson and general manager Has- kell Masters, are remaining in Tor- onto, where John Davis of London, personal representative of Rank, has not yet arrived. It is rumored here that Davis is already in New York on business involving the distribution of British films in the U. S. and has been in touch with Canadian Odeon officials from there. (Continued from page 1) ception of the war bond organization in New York in 1941. He holds a similar position with both the Ameri- can Red Cross and New York War Fund. Record Breaking 306 At Kansas City Rally Kansas City, Oct. 30.— Before 306 exhibitors, distributors and guests from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Il- linois and Texas, the message of thea- tres' participation in the Sixth War Loan drive was brought to reality at a luncheon meeeting held at the Muehlebach Hotel here. The national committee was repre- sented by Harry Brandt, chairman; Ned E. Depinet, distributor chair- man ; John Hertz, Jr., publicity chair- man ; Captain Raymond W. Wild, Fred Wehrenberg and John Rugar, co-chairman. Speakers representing the Treasury Department included David Beals, local War Finance com- mittee chairman ; Dan M. Nee, In- ternal Revenue Department executive, and Harvey Pierce, representing the Treasury Department of Kansas. Also in attendance were Tom Ed- wards of Eldon, Mo., president of the Missouri-Kansas Theatre Owners As- sociation; Rex Barrett, co-chairman for Eastern Missouri ; H. E. Jamey- son, Kansas State chairman ; J. B. Underwood, Dallas, Texas War Ac- tivities official; Joe Garrison, Mis- souri exchange territory distributor chairman ; Jerry Zigmond, Missouri public relations chairman ; Woody Barrett, public relations state chair- man for Kansas ; Jack Langdon, Kan- sas City-Missouri distributor chair- man ; Senn Lawler, Missouri co- chairman, acting as toastmaster. S chine Defense Is Begun; U. S. Rests (Continued from page 1) make no prediction as to the length of time that will be required to com- plete its case. He stated, however, that it w>uld take considerably less than the 29 days required by the Gov- ernment for its case. "There is not and there will be no evidence calling for a finding that there has been a conspiracy by the defendant to restrain interstate com- merce," McClennen said. "The only conspiracy alleged is a separate one by the defendants with certain dis- tributors. These distributors are not parties to this case. The plaintiff does not make any charge against the dis- tributors. The plaintiff continues to charge against Schine only that Schine conspired with individual dis- tributors alone. There has been in plaintiff's evidence no evidence of any one of these eight separate conspira- cies. I predict that at the close of the entire evidence, there will be none," he stated. McClennen declared an exhibitor of motion pictures is not in the business of interstate commerce, but that a dis- tributor of motion pictures frequently is. "An exhibitor of motion pictures is no more engaged in interstate com- merce than the man who runs the village grocery store in the same town," said McClennen. "His busi- ness is a local business. So is the ex- hibition of motion pictures. Nothing could be more definitely local." Mc- Clennen's opening statement will be continued when court resumes today. Tuesday, October 31, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 Gradual Lift Of Wartime Restrictions (Continued from page 1) controls over materials and produc- tion, which would lead to a recon- version race on the part of all indus- try. Instead, the regulations will be eased off as termination of war pro- duction releases factories, manpower and materials for civilian operations. With the eventual tapering-off of military needs, motors, ball bearings and electronic and other parts will become available to projector and sound equipment manufacturers, per- mitting them quickly to produce equip- ment which exhibitors have long awaited. Theatre furnishings also will come on to the market quickly, and it is expected no time will be lost in rais- ing the barriers which have prevented construction of new theatres for the past two years or more. Rationing and price controls will be continued until the need for them dis- appears. Rationing will be eliminated, product by product, as supplies of controlled commodities become ade- quate ; price controls will be contin- ued until the danger of run-away mar- kets and inflation has ended. Quick Action In other branches of the Govern- ment, quick action is expected to tear down the war machinery. The Of- fice of War Information will curtail its activities all along the line, but may find an important new field in conditioning the world for peace. War-censorship regulations, never un- duly oneros, will be relaxed to the extent compatible with the fact that we are still at war with Japan. The State Department is expected to re- assert itself as the liaison between Washington and other governments and take over such activities of the Coordinator of Inter-American Af- fairs as will be carried over to peace- time. The war agencies, however, will not be abolished overnight. All of them will have to take stock and dismantle gradually, and in a manner conform- ing to the over-all plan for transition from a war to a peace economy by which it is hoped to avert a major disorganization of industry, heavy un- employment and inflation. Depinet Sees WAC Aiding Tax Fight (Continued from page 1 ) and statewide tax legislation in the future, and that the WAC is in a favorable position to represent the entire industry effectively, he said. Depinet stated that the men in ser- vice who will govern our country in the postwar years will come back with a more favorable viewpoint of the industry as a result of WAC's cur- rent efforts in servicing them with hundreds of prints of the latest and best releases. He revealed the WAC stands ready to undertake more bond drives and help in numerous other war time cam- paigns to come before the last shot is fired. U.S. to Check On Liberated (Continued from page 1 ) some areas an immediate and full re- turn to private trade will not be pos- sible because of disrupted economic conditions. "The economic and trade reporting from these territories will, therefore, be parUiularly helptul dur- ing this interim period," according to the Department of Commerce. Officers of the Foreign Service are being reminded that American trade interests desire information regarding the condition of their business con- tacts and interests in liberated areas. In the case of branches or affiliated companies, American businessmen wish to know the condition of these properties, how they were employed during the war, the state of inventor- ies and organization, and the factors involved in resuming business. Market Status "Where American businessmen be- fore the war operated through agency or distributor arrangements, they wish to know the status of former market- ing or purchasing connections, their financial condition and the possibilities of making a new start," said the De- partment. Foreign Service officers are also be- ing advised by the Government that particular attention should be given to the acquisition by the Axis of for- mer American interests in liberated areas, as well as any transfer of own- ership or control within liberated areas of trading companies, distribu- tor or agency concerns, and similar commercial organizations. They are likewise being advised that it is anticipated that various legal questions [will arise] regarding the ossibility of recovering damages, realizing upon old debts, the validity of contracts, patent rights, and the like, and that information generally applicable to such problems in liber- ated areas should be reported. Set '44 Federation Drive Plans Today (Continued from page 1 ) industry to the Federation appeal ben- efiting 116 charitable institutions, Bernstein declared : "The amusement division has long and faithfully served the cause of Federation. This. year, perhaps more than ever before, it is important that we enlist our whole- hearted aid behind the campaign as Federation continues the regular sup- port of its medical and social welfare member agencies while preparing these institutions to serve the com- munity in the rapidly approaching post-war period." More than SO leaders of the indus- try are expected to attend the meet- ing at which the division's campaign officers will be named. George Z. Medalie, president of Federation, is to be the guest speaker. P. L. Smith Joins Y. & R. P. L. Smith, formerly with Para- mount's home office short subjects department, yesterday joined the mo- tion picture division of the Young & Rubicam agency as assistant to John Barry, division head. Holdovers Dominate N. Y. First-Runs; 'Marriage' is Big (Continued from page 1 ) scoring impressively with holdover films. The Music Hall expects an outstanding third week of $124,000 with "Mrs. Parkington" and its "American Rhapsody" stage presen- tation on the basis of $75,000 recorded on the first four days ending Sunday night. This will be about the same as the second week and the combina- tion will continue. The Roxy expects a big $86,000 on the third week of "Laura" and its stage bill featuring Hazel Scott and Jackie Miles and it will hold the combination for a final six days of a fourth week, bringing in "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" on Election Day. The Paramount's third and final week's receipts with "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay" and a Frank Sinatra personal appearance will be a lusty $89,000. the same as the second week. "I love a Soldier" and a stage show featuring Tony Pastor and band, Bert Wheeler and Hal LeRoy will open at the Paramount tomorrow. The Strand expects a second week of $50,000 with "The Conspirators" and a Les Brown and band stage presen- tation on the basis of a Friday to Sunday take of $25,225. An excellent third week of $37, 000 is expected by the Hollywood with "To Have and Have Not" and the films at both the Strand and Hollywood will continue. Newcomers Score The new arrivals "Abroad With Two Yanks" at the Globe and "Rain- bow Island" at the Criterion are bringing good business. The Globe expects a profitable $21,000 on the first week and $26,000 is expected on the first week of "Rainbow Island" at the Criterion. "Lost in a Harem" will be the next film at the Criterion. The long run films "Kismet" at the Astor and "Frenchman's Creek" at the Rivoli are continuing profitably. A sixth week of $41,000 is expected for "Creek" and a 10th week of $18,000 was recorded for "Kismet." 'Storm' Holds Up "Summer Storm" is holding up ex- cellently at the Gotham and a strong $17,000 is expected on the second week and the film will continue. The re- turn engagement of "Waterloo Bridge" at the Republic is expected to bring about $12,000 on a first week which is excellent and the film will continue. The Palace expects a good $11,500 on the final five days of a sec- ond week of "Heavenly Days" and "The Master Race" will open tomor- row. The Rialto expects a good $10,000 on its first week with "Murder in the Blue Room" and it will hold the film for a second week. The Victoria is also expected to gross $10,000 on its fifth week with "Wilson," this in the face of competition from the RKO houses in the Metropolitan area which played the film for three days last Monday through Wednesday. Spiegel Will Filed Chicago, Oct. 30. — Sidney M. Spie- gel, Jr., vice-president and treasurer of the Essaness Theatre Circuit here, who died Oct. 19, left an estate esti- mated at $500,000. The will, filed in probate court, left the entire estate to his widow. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Oct. 30 I AY GORNEY'S first producer *J assignment for Columbia will be the Latin- American musical, "Fiesta Town." . . . Robert Florey will direct "Don Juan," Errol Flynns next star- ring vehicle, which Jerry Wald will produce for Warners. . . . RKO has exercised its option on the contracts of Russ Hopton and Sharyn Moffett. . . . Peggy Ann Garner and Monty Woolley will have the leads in "The Enchanted Voyage." It is based on the Robert Natnan book, and Walter Morosco will produce it for 20th Cen- tury-Fox. • W. R. Frank has closed with Her- bert Kline to direct another picture for him. Harry Davenport and Jerry Hunter zvill be included in the cast. . . . Alan Mowbray will portray a liquor-loving grand duke in Repub- lic's "Earl Carroll's Vanities." . . . Connie Gilchrist has been added to the cast of M-G-M's "Weekend at the Waldorf." . . . Sidney Sutherland is working on the screenplay of "Di- vorce," first of Kay Francis' features for Monogram. . PRC has purchased "Detour," a novel by Martin Goldsmith, and plans production early next year. . . . Agnes Christine Johnston has been assigned to do the screenplay on "Janie Gets Married." This is a Warner production, formerly titled "Janie Meets the Marines" . . . Tito Guizar, Mexican singing star, has signed a new contract with Re- public, under the terms of which he will make one and possibly two pic- tures for that studio within the next year. Kalmenson to Hold W.B. District Meet ( Continued from page 1 ) Prairie; R. L. McCoy, Southern; Henry Herbel, West Coast, and Ralph H. Clark, Canadian. Charles Einfeld, director of adver- tising and publicity, who is at present in New York, will address one of the sessions. Home office executives who will participate include Mort Blumenstock, in charge of advertising and publicity in the East ; Arthur Sachson, assist- ant general sales manager ; Roy Haines, Eastern and Southern division sales manager; Jules Lapidus, East- ern division sales manager ; Norman H. Moray, short subject sales man- ager ; I. F. Dolid, supervisor of ex- changes ; Ed Hinchy, playdate depart- ment head ; Stanley Hatch, contract sales manager, and others. Variety to Elect Nov. 6 Washington, Oct. 30. — Variety Club here will hold elections on Nov. 6. Recent inductees include: Anthony Fursee, M-G-M salesman ; Jack Ed- mond, station WMAL; Bill Herson and Earl Godwin, radio commentators, and CPO Bill Jones, U. S. Navy film distribution department. Stephen Early, executive assistant to Presi- dent Roosevelt, was named an hon- orary member. To Deanna Durhin achievement is now a matter of course. But we CAN'T HELP SINGING the praises of Deanna's first Technicolor production, "CAN'T HLLP SINGING," which hecomes an event that not only Universal heralds with exceeding joy, hut which exhihitors and the puhlic will acclaim as one of the most entertaining pictures of all time. JIT WW ^NGfJlte ...ROBERT PAIGE AKIM TAMIROFF DAVID BRUCE LEONID KINSKEY RAY COLLINS JUNE VINCENT ANDREW T0MBE8 THOMAS GOMEZ D,,.,i.j a, FRANK RYAN h,0m /..FELIX JACKSON a™ A-awFRANK SHAW *,w ^JEROME KERN i,„a j, E V HARBDRC Screen Ploy by LEWIS R. FOSTER ond FRANK KYAN • Story by John Klorer ond loo Townsond loud on Girl of The Overland Trail' by Samuel J. ond Curtis I. Worshowslcy A UNIVERSAL PICTURE P. S. It now makes us happy to inform trie motion picture industry that "CAN'T HELP SINGING" will he ready for Christmas and New Years. OL. 56. NO. 85 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1944 TEN CENTS Sell Maxwell Holdings in ABP Circuit Group Also Seeks to Acquire WB Interest By PETER BURNUP London, Oct. 31. — Following prolonged and secret negotiations, a syndicate headed by John Gibson Jarvie, financial authority backed by the Bank of England, has con- tracted to acquire Mrs. John Max- well's 25 per cent interest in Associ- ated British Picture Corp. Philip A. Warter, a director of ABPC and Mrs. Maxwell's son-in-law, being a mem- ber of the syndicate, has been pro- posed as formal chairman of the ABPC board. The syndicate, on good authority, also aspires to buy Warners 25 per cent interest in ABPC. The deal, hitherto a closely guarded secret un- til the close of tonight's stock market, is anticipated to create a sensation in tomorrow's trading. The deal also emerges as an un- (Continued on page 3) Federation 's Fund Appeal George Z. Medalie, president of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, called upon the film and amusement industries to exceed their contributions of previous years to provide ample funds for the expansion of Federa- tion's activities on a sound financial basis at a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Astor here yesterday. The eeting was called by the amuse- ent division of Federation's 1944 ampaign of which David Bernstein (Continued on page 3) nniversary Stamp s Placed on Sale The new three-cent postage stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of motion pictures went on sale in New York and Hollywood yesterday to the accompaniment of appropriate ceremonies. On the Coast, Postmis- tress Mary Briggs made the first sale of the stamps to John C. Flinn, War Activities Committee Hollywood di- (Continued m page 3) 600 Theatres Here Will Collect for New York War Fund About 600 theatres in the Greater New York area will participate in the New York War Fund's 1944-45 cam- paign by taking up collections from patrons from Dec. 14-20. The deci- sion to participate in this manner for the first time was made at a meeting of representatives of the War Activi- ties Committee of New York. Thea- tres collected funds for USO two years ago but did not participate in this manner in the New York War Fund drive last year when the USO appeal became part of the NYWF drive. Edward Rugoff of the Rugoff and Becker circuit is heading the theatre collection drive and Fred Schwartz of (Continued on page 3) Setting Plans for N.Y. Bond Meeting Major L. E. Thompson and David Weinstock will take charge of ar- rangements for the industry's Sixth War Loan campaign breakfast to be held at the Hotel Astor in New York, Nov. 17, at the request of Mal- colm Kingsberg, chairman of the in- dustry's campaign for the New York area. In addition to all theatre managers in the New York area and those in sections of New Jersey where Harry Lowenstein and Frank Damis are the chairmen, the breakfast will be at- tended by district and branch mana- gers, salesmen from all the compa- nies in New York and Albany, home (Continued on page 10) U.S. DECREE MOVE HERE THIS MONTH H. R. Robb, Circuit Head, Dead at 55 Dallas, Oct. 31.— Harold R. Robb, president of Robb & Rowley Theatres, Inc., with headquarters here, died late yesterday following a lengthy illness during which he was confined in St. Paul Hospital here. He was 55 years old. Robb is survived by his wife ; a son, Harold R. Robb, Jr., now sta- tioned at the Corpus Christi, Tex., Naval Air Station, and a daughter, Mrs. Hubert Cook of Riverside, Cal. Funeral services and burial will be held on Wednesday in Big Spring, Texas. Robb started in show business in (Continued on page 10) Decision This Week In Studio Dispute Hollywood, Oct. 31. — The juris- dictional dispute between Screen Set Decorators Local 1421 and IATSE Local 44, which resulted in a studio walkout ended three weeks ago, may be settled this week by the National War Labor Board in Washington, which today wired the contestants that the matter has been assigned to American Federation of Labor mem- bers of the NWLB. Assurance that the case will be ex- (Continued on page 3) Inquiring Reporter Asks: 'Should Stars Campaign?9 By SAM HONIGBERG Chicago, Oct. 31. — Individuals prominent in the industry, here to at- tend a Sixth War Loan drive meet- ing, were divided in their opinions on the desirability of screen stars giving public support to candidates in the Presidential campaign. The opinions were expressed as a result of the statement of Eddie Brack- en at a recent Dewey rally here that he had been "warned in Hollywood that he would ruin his career if he made a speech for Dewey," and added that "when it comes to making a choice between my career and my pa- triotism, I would be a traitor to my country if I considered the career." Ned E. Depinet, RKO Radio Pic- tures president, one of those whose opinion was sought on the campaign activities of Hollywood personalities, (Continued on page 10) Reviewed Today Review of "Meet Me in St. Louis", M-G-M, will be found on page 6; "Something for the Boys", 20th Century Fox, on page 9. Will Ask N. Y. Court For Hearing Promptly After Schine Suit End By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington, Oct. 31. — The Department of Justice plans to press the consent decree case in New York just as soon as the Schine trial at Buffalo is concluded, and expects to get a hearing before Judge Henry W. Goddard some time in December, it was disclosed today. The Department will not wait for the Buffalo court to render its verdict in the Schine suit before moving on to its next case, the show-down over the proposed expansion of the consent decree. Assistant Attorney General Wen- dell Berge, head of the anti-trust di- vision, told Motion Picture Daily that Robert L. Wright, special assist- ant to the attorney general in charge of the motion picture unit, who is con ducting the Schine case, has reported that the Schine trial should wind up (Continued on page 10) Schine Takes Witness Stand Buffalo, Oct. 31. — The second day of the defense of the Schine Theatres, Inc., to Government charges of viola- tions of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, was featured by continuation of the opening address of defense counsel Edward S. McClennen, who said the "creation of a theatre circuit con- tributes to, instead of restrains inter- state commerce, within the meaning of the Sherman act." McClennen said that none of the (Continued on page 10) RKO and Managers Break Off Talks Contract negotiations between RKO and Motion Picture Theatre Operating Managers and Assistant Managers Guild, representing man- agers and assistant managers in the 40 RKO theatres in the Metropolitan area, were broken off at a meeting here yesterday. The break came after RKO made (Continued on page 10) Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, November 1, 1944 Personal Mention Insider's Outlook -By RED KANN- HARRY J. MICHALSON, RKO short subject sales manager, and Frederic Ullman, president of RKO Pathe, left yesterday for a tour of key cities. • Ernest Freeman and Mrs. Free- man recently became the parents of a daughter, Susan Louise. Freeman is manager of the Towne Theatre, Allentown, Pa. • Jack Ziegler, who has been project manager for a Kansas City bridge company at Skagway, Alaska, has re- turned and rejoined Western Theatre Supply Co. at Omaha. • J. Lester Stallman, manager of the Astor, Reading Pa., has been named chairman of the Reading Com- munity Chest theatre campaign com- mittee. • Ed Lewis, until recently manager of the Roosevelt Theatre, Seattle, will move, with his family, to Juneau, Alaska, where he will manage the Gross Theatre. • Harry Novak, Warners' general manager in Argentina, will leave New York Saturday for his headquarters in Buenos Aires, following a two- months' stay in the United States. • Mike Landow, former branch man- ager for Universal in Philadelphia, is critically ill in the York Hospital, York, Pa. • Gertrude Pressman, secretary to Al Davis at Monogram's Philadel- phia exchange, has announced her en- gagement to Pfc Leon Dobkin. • Harry Blair of PRC here will be in New Haven the remainder of this week and will go to Toledo from there. • Harry Hunter, Paramount's man- aging director in Australia, has gone to the Coast and then will return to Sydney, his headquarters, from there, o Sid Blumenstock, assistant ex- ploitation manager of 20th Century- Fox, returned yesterday to New York from Pittsburgh and Washington, e Gus Schaefer, RKO, Northeastern district manager, and Max Westebbe, Albany branch manager, are in New York. • Frank N. Phelps, Warner execu- tive, left New York last night for Boston. • Bert Sanford, of Altec, returned to New York yesterday from Cali- fornia. .' : • . George Dembow of Nati°nal Screen Service will leave Hollywood Friday for New York. o Edward C. Raftery, United Artists president, will leave for New York from Hollywood Saturday. Hollywood, Oct. 31 IF the plan still has the breath of life in it, the architecture must now be changed. Studio heads are busy men. Some are so busy they have lit- tle time to attend meetings of the Producers' Association. Oth- ers are so engaged in these days of more and more expensive negatives that administration of the association reaches beyond limitations of their working days. In quick roundup, this is why there has been contem- plated the advisability of em- ploying an outside man. Favorably viewed at one long juncture was Dr. Clarence Dyk- stra, one-time municipal water and power commissioner of Los Angeles, city manager of Cin- cinnati, national selective ser- vice director, chairman of the National Defense Mediation Board. Now Dr. Dykstra has resigned as president of the Uni- versity of Wisconsin to accept the post of provost of the Uni- versity of California. That places him effectively beyond the pale of the unfilled job. ■ ■ The hotel situation here has been tight for months, as the flow of visitors from all points of the compass realizes full well ; also those in residence who try to locate space for them. From time to time studios have sought to circumvent this by tying up suites at the limited number of Grade A hotels. It has not been too successful. There is a five-day rule playing obstacle. The rule allows occu- pancy without interruption from Monday through Friday, then vacating premises over week- ends and resuming on Monday. Anyone who has been through this attests to its lack of comfort and convenience. The situation has been solved by Paramount now. The studio has leased a house on Crescent Drive immediately beyond the Beverly Hills Hotel bungalow occupied by Frank Freeman. Paramount Guest House is its name. Arthur Mayer stopped there Friday en route to Hono- lulu, via San Francisco. Sam Dembow arrived Sun- day. But he went to the Am- bassador. ■ ■ Wednesday, November 1, is a date long ringed on the calendar. In Inglewood, ten miles to the south, Hollywood Park which no one here has to be told is a race track opens a 34-day meet. On December 30, Santa Anita, to the east beyond Pasadena, gets going and continues on a five-day-a-week routine for 55 days, which takes care of mat- ters until March 13. Anyone who can get away, and those who can get away with it, will be on deck. If lots of business can be transacted in the patio at Lucey's, lots of busi- ness can be transacted in the clubhouse at Inglewood. On the opening day's card at Hollywood Park, coincidentally, is a horse called "High Re- solve." Symbolism ? ■ ■ Smiles suffuse the Republic lot. Reason : The praise-sweep accorded "Brazil" by the trade press. Topper to date, how- ever, is designed to be "Earl Carroll's Vanities," budgeted by the production department at $1,500,000 and distinctly not a figure whipped up by publicity impresarios. This reminds once more that when Herb Yates declared, as he has several times, Republic had full intention of moving into the dreadnaught division with its lead attractions, he was not kidding. No one kids with $1,500,000. ■ ■ Capt. Ray Wild, Air Forces ace, was one of those who ad- dressed the well-stocked kickoff rally for the Sixth War Loan Drive here. He told this story about a Chinese proverb: "When a parent kisses a baby on the cheek, the child becomes a writer. A kiss on the fore- head presages an orator of re- nown, and one on the lips means a citizen of future prominence. "I don't know where your mother kissed you" — turning to Harry Brandt — "but you've turned out to be a wonderful chairman." ■ ■ The situation with Margaret O'Brien — incidentally, she prac- tically wraps up "Meet Me in St. Louis," reviewed today — was tense. The regulations on sal- ary freezes blocked M-G-M from putting through an in- crease reported at 15 per cent. The moppet was heading for an- other studio, but riding to an amicable finish is the deal whereby royalties on O'Brien dresses, dolls, toys, caps, coats, etc., will go her way. Go her way to the tune of about $100,- 000 a year. Chungking Premiere Is Set for 'Tokyo' Chungking, China, and New York will have a simultane- ous world premiere of M-G- M's "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo." The premiere will be held Nov. 15, and in China the invited guests will in- clude Chiang Kai-shek, and all Allied military leaders in the area. The initial New York pres- entation will be at the Capitol Theatre, with free seats to purchasers of 6th War Loan Bonds. Honor Balaban At Cinema Lodge Meet Film industry leaders attended the meeting of Cinema Lodge, B'nai B'rith at the Hotel Piccadilly here last night to honor Barney Balaban, president of Paramount, for his con- tributions to human welfare and the traditional idea of American freedom. Alfred W. Schwalberg, honorary president of Cinema, presented Bala- ban with a scroll. Dr. William Agar, executive vice- president of Freedom House, was the principal speaker at the meeting and the U. S. Army's Industrial Services Division's film, "Weapons of War," was shown. Albert A. Senft, Cinema president, presided at the meeting, stressing Cinema's present campaign to double its membership in the film and allied industries. Peak Grosses Off 10%: Heineman While the top pictures are contin- uing to do big business, there has been a drop of 15-20 per cent from previous peak grosses for the average run of product, William Heineman, general sales manager for Samuel Goldwyn, who has just returned from a seven-week trip through the Mid- west and Pacific Coast, reported yes- terday. Heineman reported that patrons were showing a tendency to shop for quality, with comedy and color rating the greatest drawing power. Skouras to Assist V.N.S. Fund Drive Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, has accepted the chairmanship of the motion picture di- vision of the 1944 campaign for funds for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. Formerly known as the Henry Street Visiting Nurse Service, the or- ganization provides nursing care in Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens. The 1944 fund drive began last week. Fete Elizabeth Wilson Liberty Magazine will give a cock- tail party at the Sherry-Netherlands Hotel here on Friday in honor of Elizabeth Wilson, Hollywood repre- sentative of that publication and Screenland, Silver Screen and Movie How. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second .class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post 'office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas, and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. 1% Wednesday, November 1, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 3 Federation ?s Fund Appeal ( Continued from page 1 ) is serving as co-chairman with Major Albert Warner. Eugene Picker of Loew's was ap- pointed campaign manager of the in- dustry's 1944 Federation drive and "arold Rodner of Warners will be 'sociate campaign manager. Among those appointed to spear- head the drive , for Federation's 116 charitable institutions in the film com- panies, independent theatres and other groups in the amusement industries were the following : Columbia, Abe Schneider, Max Seligman ; Loew's, Inc., Leopold Friedman, Irving Green- field ; Paramount, Arthur Israel, Jr. ; RKO, William Zimmerman, Milton Maier ; Republic, Ralph Poucher ; Warner Bros., Samuel Schneider, Max Blackman ; 20th Century-Fox, Joseph M. Moskowitz, Murray Silver- stone ; United Artists, Edward M. Schnitzer, Samuel Cohen; Universal, Joseph H. Seidelman, Adolph Schimel ; National Screen Service, Herman Robbins, George Dembow, Jr. ; film exchanges, Charles Boasberg; artists and bandleaders representatives, Nat Lefkowitz, Robert M. Weitman ; inde- oendent theatres, Leo Brecher, Ed- ward N. Rugoff ; legitimate theatres, Marcus Heiman, Emil Friedlander. Representatives for other industry groups are being designated. Marchy Schwartz of Federation will act as liaison with the industry. Seated on the dais at yesterday's meeting besides Bernstein and Me- dalie were Barney Balaban, Major Albert Warner, Harrv Cohn, Herman Robbins and David Weinstock. 600 Theatres Here To Aid NYWF Drive (Continued from page 1 ) Century circuit will head the drive for contributions from individuals in the industry. Details of the campaign are now being worked out and will include a trailer to be shown in the theatres participating in the drive. J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the board of di- rectors of Universal, is heading the motion picture section of the com- merce and industry division of the Fund's unified appeal for 31 member agencies. The division's quota of $12,130,000 is a 10 per cent increase over last year in the city-wide cam- paign to raise $17,200,000. Richard W. Lawrence, president of Bankers Commercial Corp., is chairman of this year's drive. Decision This Week In Studio Dispute (Continued from page 1) pedited was given telephonically to- day in response to a call from Herbert Sorrell, president of the Conference of Studio Unions, who pointed out that delay might precipitate a second valkout. Under the established procedure the case will be referred back to Holly- wood for hearings if Washington is unable to reach a decision. A Set )ecorators' spokesman said a second valkout would be maintained, if un- dertaken, until the Government settled the dispute by taking over the in- dustry. Walker Dedicates Stamp Photo by Staff Photographer From left to right, above, are: New York Postmaster Albert Goldman; George Schaefer, chairman of the War Activities Com- mittee; Will H. Hays and Postmaster General Frank C. Walker. Anniversary Stamp Is Placed on Sale (Continued from page 1) vision coordinator. A broadcast de- voted to the issuance was carried over the Blue Network. Postmistress Briggs, Charles Koerner of RKO, Cecil B. DeMille, Mary Pickford and Dianh Shore participated. In New York, Postmaster General Frank C. Walker made the first-day sale to George J. Schaefer, chairman of the WAC, in the main postoffke. Some 3,000 persons witnessed the ceremony, which was conducted before newsreel cameramen and a list of dignitaries including Albert Goldman, Postmaster of New York; Will H. Hays, president of the Motion Pic- ture Producers and Distributors of America, and Lucy Monroe, who sang the national anthem. War Effort Praised In speeches preceding the presen- tation of the first stamp, Postmaster Goldman and Postmaster General Walker declared the film industry's war effort had been the greatest single morale builder among our troops and a credit to the democracy. In accepting the presentation, Schaefer traced the course of film his- tory from April 14, 1894, and de- clared that today the film industry has the greatest single influence on our native life, tastes, conduct and on our youth. "It has overcome the bar- riers of speech, educated the masses, and instantly transports the specta- tor to any remote part of the globe," Schaefer stated. Hays said that "No story for the screen has ever been so dramatic as the story of the screen it- self," and stated that the new issue was "most pertinent," and he accepted with thanks and pride on behalf of the industry. Clearance Appeal Denied by Board The American Arbitration Associa- tion appeal board has denied the re- quest of the Ritz theatre, Watervliet, Mich., in appealing the award of John Lovett, arbitrator in the Detroit tribunal, that it be granted open book- ing with the Heart, Hartford, and the Loma, Coloma, the AAA report- ed here yesterday. Sol Winokur, former operator of the Ritz, filed the original clearance complaint against Loew's, RKO, Warners and Paramount. Michael Spadafore, who has since become owner of the Ritz, has agreed to be bound by the board's decision. Complainant also sought prompt de- liveries of films without unnecessary delay, which the board agreed should be rectified. The board stated that it has no authority to direct open book- ing, and also denied relief "against separate clearance in favor of each of two houses which enjoy identical prior runs," as charged by the com- plainant, because of the element of competition. Sell Maxwell Share Of ABP Circuit (Continued from page 1) expected rebuff to J. Arthur Rank, who must visualize with uneasiness his greatest circuit rival changing hands and becoming a vigorous com- petitor to his Odeon and Gaumont British circuits, both previously un- challenged in the field. Associated British operates approx- imately 300 theatres. Film Lack Holds Up 20th-Fox Reissues Twentieth Century-Fox, which re- issued four features last season, has not set any reissues for 1944-45 be- cause of the shortage of raw stock for new prints, W. J. Kupper, general sales manager, reports. The four last season aere : "In Old Chicago," "The Rains Came," "Under Two Flags" and "Banjo on My Knee." Kupper said the raw stock situation would generally not affect new prod- uct for most companies because most are making fewer pictures. In Kupper's opinion, the excessive running time of features, which has been the subject of complaints by many exhibitors, must be reduced. He pointed out that 20th-Fox, with the exception of "Wilson" and perhaps one or two others, is producing pic- tures of moderate length. Admitting that there were some 'bottlenecks' as far as product is con- cerned, Kupper said that extended runs are really caused by the abun- dance of good product. Although sub- sequent runs have a problem of se- curing product, the situation eases it- self eventually, Kupper said, pointing out that some pictures never see first- run houses but go directly to subse- quents. Twentieth-Fox is now averaging 14,000 accounts on its pictures, Kup- per said. Army Studies Its Studio Holdings Washington, Oct. 31. — Army offi- cials are now studying their motion picture production set-up in Holly- wood with a view to determining its future in the various Coast and other studios which it has been using, in- cluding the Hal Roach and 20th-Fox Western Ave. plants in Hollywood, but declare they will be unable to an- nounce any final decisions until a more definite determination has been made of the film requirements for the war with Japan. A spokesman for the War Depart- ment explains that this is one of a large number of surveys which are being made of the military pro- gram in the light of the European situation. Just what disposition will be made of the studios will depend upon the specific needs of the Army for all-out war in a new sector, the Pacific, under conditions entirely dif- ferent from those encountered in Eu- rope. The controls maintained by the Army over Hollywood production in- volving Army scenes will be contin- used, it is said. 'U9 Denied New Trial In Cummings Case Hollywood, Oct. 31. — District Judge Harry Hollzer today denied Universal's motion for new trial in the case of Robert Cummings versus the studio, based on the star's sus- pension following his refusal to enact a role assigned to him. The case was decided in the actor's favor a month a^o. Universal will appeal to the Cir- cuit Court. THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO" AN M-G-M TRADE SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED! If The Big Parade ' were being trade shown for the first time and you did not attend you would regret having missed a truly important event. • We urge every exhibitor to see THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO' at the first opportunity — the trade shows listed on this page! • It will live forever in the hearts of people everywhere. You cannot know its magnitude until you have seen with your own eyes these courageous boys and their sweet wives in a masterpiece of such beauty, humanity and patriotism that you will call it one of the greatest pictures ever made. ALBANY 20th-Fox Screen Room 1052 Broadway MON. 11/13 8 P.M. ATLANTA 20th-Fox Screen Room 197 Walton St., N. W. MON. 11/13 10-30 A M BOSTON M-G-M Screen Room 46 Church Street MON 11/13 It l V 1 ^ • * ' i lv JO A.M. A/so. 2:75 P.M. BUFFALO 20th-Fox Screen Room 290 Franklin Street MON. 11/13 8 P.M. CHARLOTTE 20th-Fox Screen Room 308 South Church Street MON. 11/13 7 P.M. CHICAGO H. C. (gel's Screen Room 1301 South Wabash Ave. MON. 11/13 7 P.M. CINCINNATI RKO Screen Room 16 East Sixth Street MON. 11/13 2 P.M. CLEVELAND 20th-Fox Screen Room 2219 Payne Avenue MON. 11/13 7 P.M. i DALLAS 20th-Fox Screen Room 1 803 Wood Street MON. 11/13 2.-30 P.M. DENVER Paramount Screen Room 2100 Stout Street MON. 11/13 2 P.M. DES MOINES 20th-Fox Screen Room 1300 High Street MON. 11/13 7 P.M. DETROIT Max Blumenthat's Sc. Rm. 2310 Cass Avenue MON. 11/13 1:30 P.M. INDIANAPOLIS 20th-Fox Screen Room 326 North Illinois Street MON 11/13 9 A.M. KANSAS CITY 20th-Fox Screen Room 1720 Wyandotte St. MON. 11/13 1 :30 P.M. LOS ANGELES Ambassador Theatre Ambassador Hotel MON 11/13 2.30 P.M. MEMPHIS 20th-Fox Screen Room 151 Vance Avenue MON. 11/13 I P.M. MILWAUKEE Warner Screen Room 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. MON. 11/13 1 30 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS 20th-Fox Screen Room 1015 Currie Avenue MON 11/13 2 P.M. NEW HAVEN 20th-Fox Screen Room 40 Whiting Street MON 11/13 10-30 A M f NEW ORLEANS 20th-Fox Screen Room 200 South Liberty MON n/n 7.30 P M NEW YORK 1 NEW JERSEY | M-G-M Sjreen Room 630 Ninth Avenue MOM 11/11 70-30 A M 1 v.Jv A\ . /VI. Also: 2:30 P.M. OKLA'MA CITY 20th-Fox Screen Room 10 North Lee Street MON 11/13 1 P.M. OMAHA 20th-Fox Screen Room 1502 Davenport XAOKJ 11/1'} /V\wiN. 11/10 7-30 P M PHILADELPHIA M-G-M Screen Room 1233 Summer Street THURS 11/16 III \0 l\vi 1 ■ f ■ W 77 A M II M./Vl. PITTSBURGH M-G-M Screen Room . 1623 Blvd. of Allies MON 11/13 9PM PORTLAND B. F. Shearer Screen Room 1947 N.W. Kearney Street JlAOKJ 11 /I "X 7PM 1 r ./VI. ST LOUIS S'Renco Screen Room 3143 Olive Street MON. 11/13 7 P.M. SALT LAKE CITY 20th-Fox Screen Room 216 East First Street, So. MON. 11/13 7 P.M. S. FRANCISCO 20th-Fox Screen Room 245 Hyde Street MON. 11/13 7:30 P.M. SEATTLE Jewel Box Preview Theatre 2318 Second Avenue MON, 11/13 7 P.M. WASHINGTON 20th-Fox Screen Room 932 New Jersey, N.W. MON. 11/13 7 P.M. (ON NEXT PAGE: One of the full page ads in the tremendous national campaign) "He took off from Shangri-La..." Ted and Ellen had been to a dance the night before— excited and gay, as if they knew the parting would be soon. And they had whispered the refrain of a song to each other. . . MI love you, I love^you, I love you." Then, next morning, the word came that he was to take off— with the others— on the most hazardous mission of the war. One hundred and thirty-one days after December 7, 1941, a handful of young men who had never dreamed of glory struck the first blow at Japan. Out of Captain Ted W. Lawson's true story of that most epochal bombing mission in all history— when Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle led his valiant group manning their B-25's from Shangri-La directly to the heart of Japan . . . out of the glorious adventure of these men who flew into the unknown — M-G-M has made a truly great motion picture. It is a drama of stirring courage and deep, abiding devotion— a picture you will never forget. Captain Ted W. Lawson, author of "Thirty Sec- onds Over Tokyo", was pilot of "The Ruptured Duck"— one of the bomb- ers that took off from the "Hornet" at Shangri-La and blasted Tokyo. A MERVYN LeROY PRODUCTION with VAN JOHNSON . ROBERT WALKER PHYLLIS THAXTER . TIM MURDOCK SCOn McKAY . GORDON McDONALD DON DeFORE . ROBERT MITCHUM JOHN R. REILLY . HORACE McNALLY and SPENCER TRACY as LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES H. DOOLITTLE Screen Play by Dalton Trumbo Based on the Book and Collier's Story by Captain Ted W. Lawson and Robert Considine A METRO -GOLDWYN- MAYER PICTURE Directed by MERVYN LeROY • Produced by SAM ZIMBALIST (5 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, November 1, 1944 Review "Meet Me in St. Louis" {M-G-M) Hollywood, October 31. HOUR-GLASS figures and hair ribbons, horse and buggy, sideburns and watch chains parade with all the nostalgic charm of another generation's nosegay in the daguerrotype-manner in "Meet Me in St. Louis." Producer Arthur Freed and director Vincente Minnelli have contrived a charming attraction, magnificently mounted and produced. Like good showmen, they also remembered to keep it commercial. The title, of course, plants the locale. The period of 1903-4. The big event is the St. Louis-Louisiana Purchase Exposition with its official song from which springs the attraction's monicker. It was in the days when girls who were kissed first had to be engaged, when father was the un- challenged master of the household, when "Under the Bamboo Tree" was popular and when a boy in New York telephoned a girl in St. Louis the urgency was expected to indicate a proposal. Against this kind of picturesque backdrop is the Smith family. Leon Ames is the lawyer-father, Mary Astor is the wife, Lucille Bremer is the oldest daughter, Judy Garland is next in line, Joan Carroll is third and Margaret O'Brien fourth. Henry H. Daniel, Jr., is the son; Marjorie Main, the family retainer-maid, Harry Davenport, the grandfather of understanding and quiet humor. Romantic foil for Miss Bremer is Robert Sully and for Miss Garland, Tom Drake. Dredging from a book by Sally. Benson, writers Irving Brecher and Fred F. Finklehoffe have put together very little resembling story but a pleasant compilation of incidents. The girls let their heartstrings out, with final success ; the Little O'Brien gets herself and her family in constant trouble and, in one way and another and through one device and another, the whole family plays out its life with father and with each other. The only dark spot to harry a leisurely and comfortable pastoral enters when father accepts a post in New York. Family rebellion breaks out, then subsides on the theory father — and not mother, this time — knows best. Finally, father realizes St. Louis is home to family and to him and chucks the offer. They remain in St. Louis for happy, romantic fadeouts and the inaugural of the fair. 4 ' \ It EET Me in St. Louis," it is easy to see, might have been one of those 1*1 things. There is so much reliance upon incident and upon proper mood, leading into excellence of performance, that the outcome could have been considerably less fortunate in less capable and careful hands. But these results are heart-warming in their fragrance and wholesome in their sweep. There is too much honey and sunshine, perhaps. Story content could have been far stronger and so, too, could have marquee names among the men. Yet the sugar is coated evenly, if somewhat thickly, and not hard to take. Not a musical, but a period piece, the attraction has four song numbers. Accelerating in popularity, of course, is "The Trolley Song" sung in best Garland by Judy. She also does "The Boy Next Door" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" which are sentimental, but not sloppy ; here, too, she garlands them with her best. In point of performance, it is probably inevitable that little Margaret O'Brien packages the picture neatly under her own label. She is practically resistant-proof, but, anyway, this reviewer didn't even try. He's a goner on Miss Garland, too, but that's a professional romance hardly new. The credit roster would lack completion without a bouquet for Edwin B. Willis and Paul Huldschinsky for their sets, Irene for her costuming and George Folsey for his Technicolor camerawork. Running time, 110 minutes. No release date set. G.* Red Kann. *"G" denotes general classification. 'Meet Again' In $27,500 Phila. Week Philadelphia, Oct. 31. — Business continued fair in mid-city houses with holdovers and second runs predomi- nating. "Till We Meet Again" at the Fox, major film opening of the week, points to $27,500. The other open- ing, "Abroad With Two Yanks," at the Aldine, indicates $15,900, with an additional $3,000 already taken in for the dual Sunday showing at the Earle. Estimated receipts for the week ending November 1-3 : "Abroad with Two Yanks" (UA) ALDINE — (906) (40c-45c-5Oc-65c-75c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $15,900. (Average: $14,600). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) ARCADIA— (600) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $5,800. (Average: $4,000). "The Very Thought of You" (WB) BOYD— (3,000) (4Oc-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $11,500. (Aver- age: $18,000). "Music in Manhattan" (RKO) G days "Abroad with Two Yanks" (UA) 1 day EARLE — (3,000) (40c-50c-85c-95c) 6 days of vaudeville including Sonny Dunham's band, Carolyn Grey, Tommy Randall, Nicholas Brothers and Joey Rardin. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $27,600). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) FOX— (3,000) (4Oc-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $27,500. (Average: $20,500). "Kismet" (M-G-M) KARLTON— (1,000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $7,000. (Av- erage: $6,600). "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) KEITH'S — (2,200) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $6,000. (Av- erage: $5,800). "Since You Went Away" (UA) MASTBAUM — (4,700) (40c-45c-50c-65c- 75c-85c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $23,200. Average: $22,500). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (ZOth-Fox) STANLEY— (3,000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $16,800. (Average: $20,000). "Are These Our Parents?" (Mono.) STANTON— (1,700) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $9,- 400). 'SYWA'Draws Big $52,000 in Denver Denver, Oct. 31. — The S.R.O. signs at the Denver and Esquire theatres here were taken out of storage and put into use over the weekend while "Since You Went Away" played out the week here. The gross at the Denver was $37,500, while the Es- quire showed a neat $14,625 for the week. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 30-Nov. 2 : "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th Fox) "Shadows in the Night" (Col.) ALADDIN— (1,400) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, moveover. Gross: $9,800. (Average, $5,600). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) DlJK'HAM — (1,750) (35c-45c-70c) 3d week. Gross: $6,500. (Average. $9,000). "Since You Went Away" (U. A.) DENVER— (2,600) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $37,500. (Average, $15,000). "Since You Went Away" (U. A.) ESQUIRE — (740) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $14,625. (Average, $4,500). "Dangerous Journey" (20th Fox) "Moonlight and Cactus" (Univ.) PARAMOUNT— (2,200) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $17,205. (Average, $9,300). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (W.B.) RIALTO— (900) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, moveover. Gross: $9,250. (Average, $5,000). Tribute to Willkie Freedom House will pay tribute to the late Wendell L. Willkie, former chairman of the board of 20th Cen- tury-Fox, at a memorial meeting on Saturday, at New York Times Hall. Report 90 Per Cent Sellout for 'Stars' About 90 per cent of available tickets for the 11th annual "Night of Stars," to be held Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Madison Square Garden, have been sold, it was reported yesterday by Sylvan Gotshal, chairman. A number of film stars, as well as stage and radio personalities will ap- pear at the affair, proceeds of which will be turned over to the United Jew- ish Appeal for Refugees, Overseas Needs and Palestine. Robert Weit- man, manager of the Paramount The- atre here, is chairman of the produc- ing committee. Kelley Replaces Meeker Dallas, Oct. 31. — Robert Kelley of the Interstate Circuit home office here, has succeeded Charles R. Meeker, Jr., as publicity director of the IC's Dal- las theatres, it has been announced by Frank O. Starz, circuit advertising manager. Plans Two Theatres For Chattanooga Chattanooga, Oct. 31. — Two new theatre-recreation centers to cost $400,000 are planned for Chattanooga, Abe Borisky, secretary-treasurer of Independent Theatres, Inc., announced. Each of the new houses will seat 1,000. In addition, Independent Theatres, which operates seven houses here, plans a new theatre in Knoxville and remodeling and enlarging of its Park Theatre here at a cost of $100,000. Carol Weill to IT & T Carol Weill, former director of ad- vertising and publicity for Film Clas- sics, has joined George A. Hirliman at International Theatrical and Tele- vision Corp. Miss Weill's entire staff, including Jean Guarini, her as- sistant, and her art, exploitation and advertising copy departments, have moved with her to I. T. and T. 'Village,' 4SYWA' Tops in Cleveland Cleveland, Oct. 31. — "Greenwich Village" headed the local parade with an estimated $10,500 at the Allen The- atre. Businesss was off right down the line, although "Since You Went Away" held strong in its fourth week, heading for a $12,000 take at Loew's Stillman following a three-week run at the State. Estimated receipts for the weel' ended Nov. 1 : "Greenwich Village" (ZOth-Fox) ALLEN — (3,000) (45c-55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $8,500). "Impatient Years" (Col.) WARNERS' HIPPODROME — (3,500) (45c-55c-65c) 7 days. Gross : $14,500. (Average: $22,100). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (Warner) WARNERS' LAKE— (714) (45c-55c-65c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $3,600. (Average: S3. 200). "Atlantic City" (Rep.) LOEW'S OHIO— (1,268) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $3,500. (Average: $5,000). "San Diego I Love You" (Univ.) RKO PALACE— (3,300) (50c-60c-85c-95c) 7 days. Stage: Wally Brown,- Alan Carney. Hal Mclntyre Band. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $25,400). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) LOEW'S STATE— (3,300) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $19,000). "Since You Went Away" (U.A.) LOEW'S STILLMAN— (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $12,000. (Aver- age, $10,000). 'Skeffington' Gets Toronto Welcome Toronto, Oct. 31.— "Mr. Sherring- ton" succeeded to the screen of Shea's Theatre here after the eight-weeks run of "Going My Way" to set the boxoffice pace, pointing to $15,300, while "Since You Went Away" con- tinued a second week at Loew's The- atre for an expected above-par $12,- 200. Estimated receipts for the week ending Nov. 2 : "The Hour Before the Dawn," (Para.) EGLINTON — (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,000). "Heavenly Days" (RKO) IMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $12,300. (Average, $12,800) "Since You Went Away" (U.A.) LOEW'S— (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,200. (Average, $11,200). "Mr. Skeffington" (W.B.) SHEA'S — (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $15,300. (Average, $12,800). "The Hour Before the Dawn" - (Para.) HVOLI— (1,434) (18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $4,400. (Average, $4,400). "The Merry Monahans" (Univ.) UPTOWN— (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $9,300. (Average, $9,800). Ontario Exhibitors Re-Elect Officers Toronto, Oct. 31. — At a meeting of the Motion Picture Theatres Associa- tion of Ontario, N. A. Taylor of 20th Century Theatres, an affiliate of Famous Players Canadian Corp., was J elected president for a second term and Haskell M. Masters, general manager of Odeon Theatres of Can- ada, was named vice-president. J. Garbarino, proprietor of the Odeon Theatre, Toronto, was re- i elected treasurer and Mayor Floyd / Rumford of Forest, Ont, was named ; honorary secretary, with S. B. Taube ( re-appointed to the position of ex- ecutive-secretary. William Summer- ville, Jr., of -Bloom & Fine Theatres, a subsidiary of Famous Players, was named chairman of the membership and organization committee, and Gar- barino is chairman of the budget and assessment committee. H| i IT'S AWFULLY TOUGH TO GET A PULLMAN RESER- VATION THESE DAYS... 0 Is:-, 4 BUT HERE'S A FIRST ROUSING HIT TO TELL THE HILARIOUS STORIES OF THOSE MILLIONS OF LOVE-HUNGRY GALS! WEEK END MANEUVERS PULLMAN HONEYMOONS ROOM HUNTERS Irk - -iff^'Jk, - , ■ >, LONQ- DISTANCE LOVI CIVILIAN CLAIM JUMPERS ROMANCE ON THE RUN MONOGRAM PICTURES presents ELYSE KNOX • MARJORIE RAM BEAU • RICK VALLIN DOROTHEA KENT • HARDIE ALBRIGHT Produced by LINDSLEY PARSONS Directed by PHIL ROSEN Original Screen Ploy by B. HARRISON ORKOW Based on an Idea by SGT. JOEL LEVY, JR.. NOW AT MOW P. S. And "G. I. HONEYMOON" is coming soon! w ednesday, November 1, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 9 Hollywood Review "Something for the Boys" (20th Century-Fox') * THE trend toward giving military material a once-over lightly has been well served by the long-run Broadway musical from which this film was adapted. In a spirit of gay make-believe for those fed up with the horrors of the fighting fronts, it dwells nostalgically on the time when GI wives first invaded locales like Masonville, Ga., and our troops first divided into "Reds" and "Blues" to play war games. The three Hart cousins, rounded up by a "Missing Heirs" broadcast to take over decrepit Magnolia Manor and turn it (with the aid of a little money and work from the soldiers) into a set designer's delight, are three princely entertainers in top form. There's Vivian Blaine, Brooklyn hoofer who heads the movement to flood the plantation with dance routines ; Phil Silvers, sidewalk pitch artist who introduces the roulette table that gets the place declared "off limits," and Carmen Miranda, defense worker, whose wiles with Col. Clarence Kolb finally end this restriction and pave the way for a big home-coming party. Among the men in uniform, Michael O'Shea is present to lead a camp orchestra in the original Cole Porter tunes and some pleasant new ones by Frank McHugh and Harold Adamson, while Perry Como, bathed in Georgia moonlight, gives voice to the more romantic lyrics. Apparently the beautiful wives who put up at the manor are all chorus girls, and the Kay Nelson- Yvonne Wood costumes they've brought along are something especially for the tired business boys. Sgt. O'Shea, for plot purposes, is unmarried, but after he and Miss Blaine have feelingly sung "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" a society fiancee menace arrives in the person of Sheila Ryan. For double trouble, the Sergeant is captured on the premises during maneuvers by Lt. Glenn Langan and confined to the living room. However, Silvers and Miss Miranda save the day : she with an occupational disease (out of the Readers' Digest) which has turned her into a human sending and receiving set, and he by fascinating the headquarters staff with comedy antics until the "enemy" can close in. The screen play, rambling but never static, was written by Robert Ellis, Helen Logan and Frank Gabrielson from the stage show by Herbert and Dorothy Fields. Irving Starr's production is munificent, and Lewis Seiler's direction keeps the cast giving at high pitch. Emil Newman and Charles Henderson directed the music and Nick Castle staged the dances. Technicolor photography, supervised by Natalie Kalmus, lends splendor to it all. Indeed, the featured song, "I'm in the Middle of Nowhere," seems quite 'an exag- geration. Running time, 87 minutes. "G"*. Release in November. Tom Loy By THALIA BELL Hollywood, October 31. CLARK GABLE'S first appearance since entering inactive status in the Army Air Force will be as master-of-ceremonies on an Armed Forces Radio Service show featur- ^ag the "Winged Victory" chorus and Orchestra. It has not yet been indi- cated by M-G-M, Gable's home studio, what his first picture will be, nor I when it will go into production. Gustav Machaty, Czechoslovakian | director who made "Ecstasy," has an- nounced the formation of his own in- dependent producing company under the firm name of Gong Productions, Inc. Machaty's first will be "Jealousy," based on an original by Dalton Trumbo. Karen Morley, Nils Asther and Hugo Haas have been signed for three of the top roles. Donald Duck will have three lead- ing women in Walt Disney's new fea- ture, "The Three Caballeros." They are Aurora Miranda, Dora Luz and Carmen Molina . . . William Dema- rest has been added to the cast of "Duffy's Tavern," now shooting at Paramount . . . Edward Dmytryk has been assigned to direct "The Invisible Army," which Robert Fellows will produce for RKO Radio . . . M-G-M has given Frances Gifford a new con- tract and assigned her a role in "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes." Alfred Hitchcock will direct "No- torious," which will be Ingrid Berg- man's next starring vehicle for David O. Selznick. . . . Clifford Odets has been assigned to do the screenplay of RKO's "Sister Carrie," based on the novel by Theodore Dreiser. • M-G-M is preparing a story of fighting men's readjustments to civilian life in a postwar world, titled "New Horizons." Sam Marx will produce. . . . Val Lewton's first two productions under the new set- up recently announced for him by RKO will be "Father Malachy's Miracle" and "None So Blind." . . . Emmet Lynn has been signed by Philip N. Krasne for the next "Cis- co Kid" Western at Monogram. • Frank MacDonald has been signed to direct "Moonlight and Roses" for Republic. . . . Hunt Stromberg has given Betty Newling a long-term con- tract and assigned her one of the lead- ing jeminine roles in "Dishonored Lady." . . . Lesley Selander will direct Republic's production of "Three's a Crowd," a mystery-melodrama. Allyn Joslyn will have one of the principal roles in "A Bell for Adano" at 20th Century-Fox . . . Universal has renewed Arthur Lubin's directorial contract . . . Richard Whorf will direct "The Hidden Eye" for M-G-M. Robert Sisk is the producer. Capt. Burgess Meredith, recently placed on inactive duty status by the War Department, has been signed by Lester Cowan for the role of Ernie Pyle in "G. I. Joe." • Fred MacMurray's annual outside picture under the deal with 20th Cen- tury-Fox will be made on the 20th- Fox lot and distributed by the company, Joseph M. Schenck told Motion Picture Daily today. *"G" denotes general classification. Truck Tire Situation Very Bad, OP A Says Chicago, Oct. 31. — John Mann, chief of the tire rationing branch of the OPA, told the National Associa- tion of Independent Tire Dealers, in convention here, that "the country is now in its most critical period of ra- tioning large truck tires, and no re- laxation is to be expected until Army demands ease." Robert A. Dean, NAITD president, revealed, following a recent survey in Washington, that "A" card hold- ers cannot expect new tires before April, 1945, with the backlog of un- filled applications from "B" and "C" card holders now at 800,000. Irving Ackerman A Grover Partner San Francisco, Oct. 31. — Oliver J. Grover and Irving C. Ackerman, the latter of the firm of Ackerman and Harris which dissolved in 1930, have opened the new Nob Hill Theatre in the Fairmont Hotel. Grover was formerly president of one of the big- gest theatre circuits in. Austria, con- trolling 92 houses. Later he produced films in Paris. Ackerman and Grover now also run the Downtown Theatre (formerly the Casino) and a house in Oakland. The Nob Hill is ready for television. New Cumberland House Winchester, Tenn., Oct. 31. — ■ Construction of a 1,000-seat theatre at the public square has been announced by Cumberland Amusement Co. ODT Asks Continued Ban on Conventions Washington, Oct. 31.— The Office of Defense Transportation has called upon trade associations and business organizations of the motion picture and other industries to continue vol- untary curtailments of conventions and meetings through the first quar- ter of 1945, warning that wartime traffic is expected to be at its peak during that period. Emphasizing^ the need for the con- tinued suspension of meetings, trans- portation director J. M. Johnson called upon all hotel operators to dis- courage conventions. Legion C lassifies Twelve New Films The Legion of Decency has classi- fied the following new films : A-l, "Brazil," Republic; "Cyclone Prairie Rangers," Columbia ; "Dead or Alive," "Wild Horse Phantom," PRC, and "Reckless Age," Universal. Class A- 2, "The Conspirators," Warners ; "Dark Waters," United Artists ;" "Girl Rush," RKO; "I Accuse My Parents," PRC; "Maria Candelaria," Clasa Films ; "The Mark of the Whistler," Columbia, and "One Body Too Many," Paramount. B. and H. Names Booth Chicago, Oct. 31. — J. Harold Booth has been named vice-president in charge of merchandising for Bell and Howell here. Short Subject Review "Uncle Sam, Mariner?" (MOT-20th-Fox) March of Time's newest release is an effective plea for a permanent and ever-expanding merchant fleet for the U. S. in the postwar period. The case for the maritime service is presented in highly convincing fashion by Ad- miral Emory S. Land, Henry Kaiser and National Maritime Union presi- dent Joseph Curran. Their collective reasons : to keep the peace, to carry American goods and passengers on American ships, and to keep employed the thousands of men who depend upon the sea for a livelihood. Stressing America's once proud tra- dition of the sea, the subject shows the decline of the merchant fleet after World War I, and its gradual re- building. Now with a powerful fleet which has played a tremendous part in the present war, and which has proved itself to the American people, MOT asks: Will the people forget again? "Uncle Sam, Mariner?" is a timely subject, well handled from all angles, and apparently destined to pro- voke public interest in the issue of the merchant fleet. Running time, 16 Studios Limit Takes To Two Per Scene All Hollywood studios are cooper- ating on raw stock conservation in production by now limiting takes to only two per scene, Robert Sterling, production aide to Hunt Stromberg, has disclosed here. Sterling came here from Hollywood with a print of "Guest in the House" ; United Art- ists will release. " The next two Stromberg produc- tion, which will start shooting by January at General Service Studios, Hollywood, are "Young Widow" and "Dishonored Lady," from the stage play. Following these two, Strom- berg will make a picture built around the life of Arnold Ruben, noted res- taurateur, Sterling said. This year makes the 25th that Stromberg has been in the industry, Sterling disclosed. He will return to Hollywood in about two or three weeks. WAC Will Release Robot Bomb Film The War Activities Committee will release the British Ministry of In- formation short, "V-l," dealing with the robot bomb blitz on England on or about Nov. 16. Some 500,000 feet of raw stock to make the necessary 687 prints of the approximately 700 foot film will come from raw stock allocations to the British Information Services . here without drawing upon WAC alloca- tions, it has been learned. MANAGER at LIBERTY Competent — experienced in all types of exhibition including stage presentation. Al record in metropolitan, deluxe or neighborhood theatres, or smaller town operation. Top offer or participation deal. BOX 236, MOTION PICTURE DAILY 10 Motion Picture daily Wednesday, November 1, 1944 U. S. to Move On Decree This Month (Continued from page 1) about Nov. 10, and not later than Nov. 15. "We will have several assistants in the New York case," Berge said, "but Wright is the only one who has seen it straight through from the begin- ning and there would be a loss of time • if we put another man on it who has not had that experience." Wright will be in charge of the New York trial, backed by an ade- quate staff of qualified assistants, it was stated. It was indicated at the Department that no expectation is entertained that the film companies now will seek a compromise, and plans are being made to push the case vigorously. The Government's motion for revision of the decree was filed Aug. 7, two months before the court was sched- uled to meet for its Fall term, and nothing has since been done by the Department because of the fact that the Schine case came up just about the time it would otherwise have asked for a hearing in New York, al- though it was fully prepared to go' be- fore Judge Goddard, it was said. It is expected that the motion for a hearing will be filed at the conclu- sion of the Schine case, and then Judge Goddard will set a date for the hearing, according to Department officials. Arthur Injunction Postponed to Dec. 5 The injunction suit filed by Harry Arthur to enable his intervention in the New York anti-trust case, origi- nally set for hearing on Friday, was postponed yesterday to Dec. 5 in the Federal District court here. Postponement was granted at the request of Robert L. Wright, assist- ant U. S. Attorney General, and agreed to by Russell Hardy, attorney for Arthur, and John Caskey, repre- senting the major distributors. H. R. Robb, Circuit Head, Dead at 55 (Continued from page 1) 1905 at Geary, Okla. His partnership with Ed H. Rowley was formed in 1916. The circuit owns and oper- ates 110 theatres in Texas, additional theatres in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and California, and has a partnership interest in several thea- tres with other circuits. He was a member of the Theatre Owners Pro- tective Association of Texas. Henrietta Crosman, Actress, Dies at 83 Henrietta Crosman, 83, one of Broadway's leading actresses in the first two decades of the century and a 20th Century-Fox contrct player from 1932 to 1936, died yesterday in her home at Pelham Manor after an ill- ness of a year. A son, Maurice Campbell, Jr., survives. Before going to the West Coast, Miss Crossman played a role in the New York-produced picture, "The Royal Family of Broadway." Set Plans for New York Sixth War Loan Meeting (Continued from page 1) office executives and industry leaders. The occasion will serve a dual pur- pose, that of welcoming back the mem- bers of the industry's national com- mittee currently touring the country to mobilize the industry and of launching the New York area group's participation in the drive. Skirball Commended At Cleveland Rally Cleveland, Oct. 31. — Three hun- dred and fifty exhibitors and distrib- utors attended the Sixth War Loan industry luncheon at the Statler Hotel here today. Charles Raymond, State exhibitor chairman, introduced Harry Brandt, who in turn introduced Jack Kirsch, William Crockett, Nathan Yamins, John Hertz, Jr., Si Fabian, Ned E. Depinet, Lt. Louis R. Langey and Capt. Raymond Wild. Fabian conveyed congratulations to Cleveland exhibitors in general and to former War Activities Committee exhibitor chairman William N. Skir- ball in particular for excellent records in previous bond drives. Charles Raymond, state exhibitor chairman, Morrison Orr, distributor chairman, and George W. Erdmann, Cuyahoga County exhibitor chairman, met with the national leaders following the luncheon. 450 At Chicago Meet With Drive Leaders Chicago, Oct. 31.— About 450 film industry representatives from Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana met with rep- resentatives of the industry's national committee for participation in the Sixth War Loan Drive at a series of meetings at the Stevens Hotel here today. Co-chairmen Edward Zorn and Edward Silverman presided. Among those who addressed the meeting were Mayor Edward J. Kelly of Chicago. Jack Kirsch, co-chairman for the Midwest division and Renzlo Sherer of the Chicago office of the U. S. Treasury Dept. Full cooneration in the drive was pledged on behalf of independent and circuit theatres. Hon. Dwight H. Green, Governor of Illi- nois, and members of the industry's national committee attended. Emanuel Seeks TVTedal Of Honor' Listings The nine co-chairmen throughout the country now active on behalf of the industry's Sixth War Loan drive have been requested bv Tav Emanuel, national campaign coordinator, to se- cure verified lists of all industry per- sonnel entitled to receive the special 'Medal of Honor.' If an exhibitor is not an issuing agent and desires to receive the 'Medal of Honor' he can qualify by guaranteeing to become an agent. Meanwhile, Harry Brandt, national industry chairman, has requested all state exhibitor chairmen to wire na- tional headquarters in New York each Monday a complete report on the number of new issuing agents se cured. Schine Takes Witness Stand Hollywood Stars in Recorded Bond Appeal The voices of Humphrey Bogart, Paulette Goddard, Cary Grant, Alan Ladd, Fred AlacMurray and Walter Pidgeon will make bond appeals in the lobbies of the nation's theatres for the duration of the Sixth War Loan drive via a recording. The recording produced by the .industry's radio sub- committee under the chairmanship of Martin Lewis, features the appeal "Step up to the bond booth or any theatre attendant now!" Bulletin Seeking Greater Bond Aid In an effort to obtain a greater number of U. S. Treasury war bond issuing agents, more bond premieres, a larger number of children's mati- nees and the widest possible observ- ance of national Free Movie Day Dec. 7, Sixth War Loan national chairman Harry Brandt has for- warded to all exhibitors throughout the country a special bulletin outlin- ing- the industry's aims in the drive. This special two-colored bulletin contains information helpful to all exhibitors and outlines some of the highlights of the national campaign now set in motion to aid exhibitors. Threo WAC Films on B«"ds in November Three of the four "war information" films scheduled by the War Activi- ties Committee for release in Novem- ber deal with the necessity for con- tinuing bond purchases, tieing-in with the Sixth War Loan. The fourth re- lease is "V-l," a robot-bomb short <=ubiect produced in Britain. It will be «hown starting Nov. 16. The bond subiects are all "film bul- letins." which will be attached to the five newsreels. They are : Nov. 2. highlighting the 169th anniversarv of the Marine Corns : Nov. 9, "A Mes- sage from Lt. Tyrone Power" ; Nov. 23, "Admiral Nimitz Reports on the Pacific." RKO and Managers Break Off Talks (Continued from page 1) a counter offer of S85 a week for managers and $37.50 for assistant managers. The Guild has demanded $115 a week for managers and $75 for assistants. After the meeting a Guild spokes- man said it considers the contract ne- gotiations broken off and is seeking the intervention of the New York State Board of Mediation, with the idea of having the case certified to the War Labor Board as a dispute. About 400 managers and assistants are involved. Doob Lauds WAC Publicity Workers Oscar A. Doob, recently resigned national chairman of the public rela- tions division of the War Activities Committee, commended the industry's publicity men and women in a letter sent yesterday to the 31 exchange area chairmen associated with the public relations division of the WAC. Doob, who headed the group for two terms after organizing the national WAC publicity set-up, stated that "motion picture publicity people have brought their profession ot a new peak of usefulness and respect by becoming 'war workers.' " (Continued from page 1) things of which Schine is accused of doing is in violation of the Act such as, "building a theatre where there was none before, telling a competitor in advance of plans to build a theatre, buying a theatre and persuading the seller to remain out of competition, for a certain period, securing the besr . pictures, runs and returns, increasing a market for such companies as Re- public, Monogram and other distribu- tors and increasing competition of distributors." Earlier in his oration, McClennen declared that because motion picture product is owned by the distributor, the distributor has the right to sell it to whom he pleases. 'Growth Normal' Schine was described by his attor- ney as "diligent, skillful, persevering and possessed of wisdom." "The growth of the Schine circuit has been normal and the Government attacks upon him uncalled for," he said. "Schine entered the industry at al- most its beginning, 27 years ago, by acquiring a theatre in Gloversville, where he has lived ever since," said McClennen. "It is a striking com- mentary on this idea that success has been obtained improperly. Schine entered with an inferior theatre, with others having the best of product. He operated in such an approved way with no strength or financial position of any kind, that soon his theatre was the one that was succeeding. This was no different in character from what has gone on since." All this was a prelude to Schine's taking the stand in his own defense, ,1 which he did when court resumed in j the afternoon. He gave a step by step account of his theatre acquisi- tions from the beginning. Defense continues today. Opinion Divided on Stars9 Campaigning (Continued from page 1) said he believes it makes no difference at what political rallies the stars ap- pear ; that the whole matter is forgot- ten soon after election. William F. Crockett, president of the MPTO of Virginia, on the other hand, said : "It is a a serious mistake for stars, the merchandise of the in- dustry, to support publicly any candi- date, because their box office standing is bound to suffer." Eddie Silverman, president of Es- saness Circuit here, is in favor of in- dustry support of various political can- didates, if only to indicate to patrons that the film industry's political beliefs vary as much as they do in any other industry. Chicago has been host to many film celebrities at both Roosevelt and Dewey rallies here. A number of local independent exhibitors have stated that it is poor business for film names, de- pendent on the public for support, to become political speakers. Phila. Tax Is Up Philadelphia, Oct. 31. — Amuse- ment tax receipts here for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 1944. totaled $1,084,914, compared with $1,033,327 collected for the same period last year. Wednesday, November 1, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 11 Mexico City Houses Reach Saturation Mexico City, Oct. 31. — With com- pletion of five theatres now under con- struction, plus the 78 already operat- ing here, this city, with its 1,750,000 inhabitants, will have 83 film houses. This level is believed to be the satura- tion point by investors, who have viewed the building of film theatres as I a good sound investment. J Another factor in the anticipated ^ssation of building is soaring living xosts, with restraint on expansion in several lines of business because of the general expectation of the early end of hostilities in Europe, and a consequent drop in prices of essentials for these activities. While attendance continues to hold up well, exhibitors fear that there will be a decline before long because of soaring living costs and a drop in the amount of spending money. Others feel, however, that business will con- tinue good, for films are Mexico's outstanding entertainment. Rovner Buys Phila, Theatre; Site Sold Philadelphia, Oct. 31. — D. Rov- ner has purchased the Douglass, ' a neighborhood house here, from Har- old and William Margulis, at a cost of $18,500. Other local changes in ownership include the purchase of an uncomplet- ed house in the Mayfair section of the city. Melvin Fox has bought the project, halted recently by the War Manpower Commission, from . David Shapiro. Overseas Attendance 32,000,000 Monthly Attendance at Army show- ings of Hollywood gift-film overseas now averages 32,- 000,000 per month, it has been reported here by the Army Overseas Motion Picture Service. Figures indicate that there are more than 3,000 daily showings for over 1,000,000 men and women at war fronts throughout the world. SO E G Complainants Stand Pat at Hearing Hollywood, Oct. 31. — The com- plainants in the suit to prevent the Screen Office Employes Guild from spending organization funds for politi- cal activity maintained their stand on that issue at the preliminary hearing called here for the purpose of taking depositions today. Testimony was to reveal the source of the complainants' information, upon which the suit is based. The case will be tried here starting tomorrow. U. S. Court Dissolves State Trusteeship Atlanta, Oct. 31. — The trusteeship for State Theatres, Inc., owned and operated' by B. E. Gore, has been dis- solved by the Federal Court here, with all creditors paid in full. Gore will continue to operate the circuit, which includes the State, Rialto, Howard and Northtown theatres. 'Gaslight* Dubbed First in Spanish First Spanish-dubbed release from a major company will be M-G-M's "Gaslight" which will open in Mexico and Argentina about Jan. 1. Pre- miere, which will serve to launch M-G-M's program for showing its entire 1944-45 schedule in Spanish versions, will be backed by an exten- sive advertising campaign which in- cludes national advertising in Latin- America, trailers and accessories. Warners, whose first Spanish-dub- bed feature, "My Reputation," with Barbara Stanwyck and George Brent, has been tentatively heralded in Latin- American publications for sometime in January, will not be available until after its release in this country. Do- mestic release has not be*en set yet. 64 Midwest Theatres Set 20th-Fox Film Twentieth Century - Fox's "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" will have terri- torial premieres in the Milwaukee and Cleveland areas with a special adver- tising campaign, followed by openings in 64 Midwest theatres in November. The Hippodrome Theatre in Cleve- land will launch the Ohio showing on Nov. 2, tieing in with 50 other towns in that area and the Wisconsin The- atre in Milwaukee will lead the list of showings in 12 towns. Monogram Signs W-K Charlotte, Oct. 31. — Monogram has closed a deal with the Wilby- Kincey circuit for its 1944-45 prod- uct. Raw Stock Acute; Spain Imports Stop Shortage of raw stock has become so acute that Spain has stopped im- porting all pictures because no prints can be made, it has been learned here. American films which are in custom houses in Spain will not be per- mitted to be taken out. The virtual ban on imports will be continued indefinitely until the Span- ish raw stock problem eases. Spain previously allocated stock from its pool for use by American distributors. Main sources of raw stock for Spain have been the U. S. and Ger- many, the latter utilizing stock in Spain for prints of its own pictures only. Germany, in recent months, has almost disappeared from the Spanish market. U. S. distributors face another ob- stacle of prohibitive import duties on films, which will take effect in 1945. Several distributors, cognizant of the difficulties of Spanish operation, are reported to be sending represen- tatives to Spain to explore the situa- tion. Walter Gould, United Artists' foreign sales manager, and Robert L. Graham, Paramount special foreign representative, are expected to go. Denman to Paramount Atlanta, Oct. 31. — Danny Den- man, assistant manager of the Fox Theatre here for several years, has taken over the managership of the Paramount succeeding Bill Brady who has been named relief manager and public relations representative for Lucas and Jenkins. A breath-taking moment in Republic's sensational musical hit, "Brazil," as. dashing Tito Guizar leads a troupe of colorful gauchos in the lusty "Vaquero Song" by the distinguished composer of "Brazil," Ary Barroso. - advt. (Wt I Very soon you will he hearing reports about Universale extraordinary Technicolor musical romance. "CANT HELP SINGING." We want to make this prediction: "CAN'T HELP SINGING," in our opinion, is not only the finest entertainment Universal has made, hut will take its place among the most entertaining pictures of all time. We are happy that it will he available for Christmas and New Years so that you and your patrons may enjoy it and rejoice in its song and beauty during tie Yule season. in TECMCOIM ..ROBERT PAIGE ARIM TAMIROFF DAVID BRUCE LEONID KINSKEY RAY COLLINS JUNE VINCENT ANDREW TOMBES THOMAS GOMEZ 0„,a,d a¥ FRANK RYAN /W««/«»FELIX JACKSON A,.,/^ FRANK SHAW *w ^JEROME KERN v«*yE f RARBURC Sown Ploy by LEWIS R. FOSTER ond FRANK RYAN • Story by John Klorer ond LeoTownsend Bused on "Girl of The Overlond Trail" by Samuel J. and Curtis B Worshawsky A UNIVERSAL PICTURE MOTION PICTURE DAILY or 56. NO. 86 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1944 TEN CENTS Grosses Down But Still Ahead of '43 October Weekly Average Per Theatre, $17,732 Theatre grosses in approximate- ly 150 key city first runs during October continued their slight re- cession, which started early in Sep- tember, but continued to compare favorably with gross figures for the corresponding month of 1943, accord- ing to reports compiled by Motion Picture Daily correspondents. October's highest average gross per theatre was registered at the opening of the month, for the week ending pet. 6-7, with an average of $17,732 per theatre, with 136 theatres reported on. The following week, with 152 theatres reported on, witnessed a drop to $16,165, average per theatre. The figure was the lowest average re- ported since last Aug. 11-12. The av- erage per theatre for the week ended {Continued on page 4) Companies Consider African Exchanges Several film companies, including Warners, Paramount, RKO, Uni- versal and Columbia, are understood to be considering establishing their own exchanges in South Africa, where their distribution at present is taken care of by Schlesinger Brothers on a franchise basis. M-G-M, United Artists and 20th Century-Fox operate their own exchanges there. In addition, some companies are also said to be considering building the- atres in Johannesburg when restric- (Continued on page 4) let New Company on ideo and Ad Films Cine-Television Studios has been formed here to function currently as consultants and production super- visors for filmed television program- ming and sponsored films, with pro- duction of filmed television for na- tional syndication as its eventual goal, it was announced yesterday. Fred H. Fidler, formerly of J. Walter Thomp- son Agency, is managing partner. The field of the new organization is the visual-action media combining {Continued on page 2) Raw Stock Easing Denied by Burrows Washington, Nov. 1. — Noth- in the raw stock situation warrants any suggestion of increased allotments to the industry in the immediate fu- ture, it was declared today by Lincoln V. Burrows, chief of the War Production Board photographic section, in de- nying trade reports that he had been discussing an in- crease with Harold Hopper, M-G-M studio executive. Hopper lunched with Bur- rows here today and the two canvassed the situation, which the latter said is un- changed and very tight. More Subsequents Use High Scales Under New Pattern Chicago, Nov. 1. — The new pattern for subsequent run theatres to play advanced admission-price films on a basis satisfactory to distributor, ex- hibitor and patron by booking them for a limited run during the first half of the week, described in Motion Picture Daily on Oct. 20 as being adopted by the RKO Metropolitan New York circuit, is extending to circuits elsewhere, many in this area, The average neighborhood patron, described as being in improved finan- (Continued on page 2) Crescent Appeal to Be Heard Monday By Supreme Court Washington, Nov. 1. — Argument in the appeals of the Crescent Amuse- ment Co. anti-trust case today was scheduled to open before the Supreme Court Nov. 6, but court attaches said it was questionable whether the pre- sentation would be concluded that day. The case is the second scheduled to be heard after the Court ends its present recess, but a number of opinions are expected to be delivered first, the reading of which may take consider- able time. In the Crescent case, both the Gov- ernment and the defendants have filed appeals from the decision of the U. S. District Court at Nashville, and the cross-appeals will be heard simultane- ously. The Government appeal asks (Continued on page 4) Franchise Transfer Is Tested in Suit Question whether a film franchise may be transferred from one theatre to another regardless of the type of house succeeding to it will be tested in New York Supreme court in mid- November. Justice Carroll G. Wal- ter in that court yesterday reserved decision on an application by the Leader Theatre Corp., represented by Emil K. Ellis, which claims that a franchise given the Leader by 20th {Continued on page 2) Rank Seeks Interchange Of Studio Technicians A reciprocal agreement between American and British film production craft unions to eliminate present union organization barriers which pre- vent American technicians from working in British productions and vice versa, is being advocated by J. Arthur Rank, British film leader, Ronald Neame, British photographer, said in New York yesterday. Neame has spent several weeks in Hollywood studying American production meth- ods for Rank, and will leave for Lon- don next week. While in Hollywood, Neame ad- dressed a meeting of American pho- tographers stressing this_ desire for Anglo-American cooperation in pro- duction on Rank's part. "Rank expects to spend a lot of money in the next two years," Neame (Continued on page 4) Anniversary Stamp 'Covers* Circulated First day covers of the in- d u s t r y 50th anniversary stamp, which were placed on sale generally yesterday, are being circulated throughout the industry and elsewhere by executives, philatelists and officials. First-day covers, mailed in New York Tuesday, were addressed to many in- dustry people by Postmaster General Frank C. Walker, Will H. Hays, Leon Bamberg- er of RKO and others. The covers enclosed letters call- ing attention to the progress of motion pictures. Long Runs on BVay Halt Product Flow Many Top Films Are Caught in Bottleneck An abundance of good product leading to extended holdovers; a lack, in some instances, of raw stock, and the difficulty of bringing newspaper, magazine and radio adver- tising in harmony with releases due to the limited advertising facilities available, have forced distributors in many instances to delay release data of some of their top pictures. The Metropolitan New York first- run situation has again become a bot- tleneck, especially for those distribu- tors who lack regular first-run out- lets, with many top-budget pictures reportedly begging for a Broadway house. M-G-M's "Mrs. Parkington" is running strongly in its third week at the Music Hall and starts a fourth week tomorrow with no end in sight. The Hall's Christmas picture is (Continued on page 4) Cross-Examination Of S chine Begun Buffalo, Nov. 1. — Robert L. Wright of the Department of Justice this afternoon began his cross-ex- amination of J. Myer Schine, head of the theatre circuit which is on trial here, accused of violating provisions of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. At the conclusion of direct examination of Schine by Edward F. McClennen, Schine counsel, Wright questioned the defendant on company statements re- (Continued on page 4) Look to Bonuses to Spur 4E' Bond Sale The recent authorization of Christ- mas bonus payments to employes not to exceed $25, without the necessity of securing the approval of the Na- tional War Labor Board, is expected to result in extra sales on 'E' bonds. The WLB made the payment possible through an amendment to its general order, it was revealed yesterday by Tom Baily, film industry consult- ant to the Treasury Department on the 6th War Loan drive. Baily made (Continued on page 2) 2 Motion Picture daily Thursday, November 2, 1944 Personal Mention CAPTAIN MATTHEW J. FOX, Universal vice-president, has been awarded the Bronze Star. • Joel Levy, Jr., formerly with Monogram, has been promoted to Staff Sergeant at the Astoria, L. I., Signal Corps base. His father is Joel Levy, Sr., out-of-town booker for Loew's. • J. G. Kemptgen, M-G-M manager in Omaha, and Saal Gottlieb, Pitts- burgh manager, will return to their respective cities from New York on Friday. William Zoellmer, M-G-M At- lanta manager, and Louis Ingram, Memphis manager, will arrive in New York Nov. 13. • Louis J. Halper, zone manager for Warner Theatres on the West Coast, and Leo Miller, film buyer and book- er, are in New York. ' • Vladimir Vetluquin, M-G-M as- sistant to Louis B. Mayer on story purchases, will leave New York for the ,Coast tomorrow. c Clayton Lyn^h, M-G-M Los Angeles manager, and Frank Hens- ler, M-G-M Kansas City manager, will arrive in New York on Monday. Mark Silver, United Artists' branch manager in Washington, is in New York. M. J. Kallet, president of the Kal- let circuit, will arrive in New York Nov. 11 from Albany. • M\ S. Schulter, president of PRC Pictures of St. Louis, will return today after two weeks in New York. Franchise Transfer Is Tested in Suit (.Continued from page 1) Century-Fox, when the Leader was a Randforce house, has illegally been transferred to another theatre in the Randforce chain, after sale of the Leader to the plaintiff, Leopold Storch. The court ordered briefs to be sub- mitted today and indicated that a trial by Nov. 15 is likely. Plaintiff applied for a temporary injunction. The complaint states that the Leader, a Randforce house until July 23, was receiving "A" product. When plain- tiff took over the house on that date, it was alleged he spent over $20,000 in improvements and then found that 20th-Fox product had been trans- ferred to a smaller house in the Rand- force chain. Plaintiff alleges through affidavits that 20th-Fox representa- tives declared that they preferred to do business with a circuit. Damages and an injunction are being sought against Randforce and 20th-Fox un- der the General Business Law of New York State. Current Films Not Suitable for Video Current Hollywood films do not make good television subjects since they are destined for large screens and embody too many long shots, Edward Sobol, NBC television production di- rector, told members of the Television Press Club of New York at a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Shera- ton yesterday. Sobol stressed the fact that tele- vision programs today are essentially too static since they are in the hands of the radio broadcasting industry, ac- customed to producing radio pro- grams. John Southwell, in charge of tele- vision production for Young and Ru- bicam, was another speaker at the meeting, viewing video programming from the advertisers' point of view. He pointed out that television might encounter the same pitfalls as did silent and sound motion pictures in the beginning in assuming that the novelty of the presentation was suf- ficient. He stressed the fact that the showmanship factor which applies to other entertainment media also ap- plies to television. Set New Company on Video and Ad Films (Continued from page 1) the four dimensions of selling and en- tertainment ; sight, sound, action and color, for rendering comprehensive services on the sponsored motion pic- ture and filmed television fronts, it was stated. An autonomous distribution divi- sion, known as the Motion Picture Networks, currently offers "planned distribution of sponsored motion pic- tures of any length" by virtue of its status as special sales representative of "Minute Movies," via General Screen Advertising, Chicago, and Modern Talking Picture Service, New York, distributor of longer films, according to the announcement. The staff includes Doris Warner LeRoy, daughter of Harry M. Warner, presi- dent of Warner Bros. Formerly of the film staff of Nelson Rockefeller, Mrs. LeRoy is heading distribution development for Motion Picture Net- works as well as acting as sales liai- son with the production division. MPN's first distribution contract was on behalf of NBC's "Parade of Stars," setting four one-minute film trailers in over 800 theatres, it was stated. Nathanson Resigns Morton Nathanson has resigned as Samuel Goldwyn's Eastern publicity and advertising representative, effec- tive Nov. 11, it was announced yes- terday. Nathanson's future plans will be revealed shortly, as well as his suc- cessor in the Goldwyn post. Fisher With Censors Phladelphia, Nov. 1. — John Clyde Fisher, who resigned from the state board of censors two months ago to manage the Stanley Theatre in Cam- den, N. J., was yesterday sworn in again as a member of the Pennsyl- vania State Board of Censorship. Hope Wants Year Off ; Para. Objects Hollywood, Nov. 1. — Bob Hope has informed Para- mount that he will devote the next year to patriotic activi- ties; but the studio, claiming he has agreed to appear in "Duffy's Tavern" and "My Favorite Brunette," strongly hinted today at protective ac- tion of an unidentified nature. Louis Shurr, Hope's agent, admits the star will not do "Tavern" but says "Brunette," although its shooting will not start Monday as was planned, has been postponed because of a script disagreement. To Work with U.S. On Salary Approval Hollywood, Nov. 1. — Formation of a cross-industry advisory committee to work with the Wage Stabilization unit of the U. S. Treasury on em- ployment deals involving over $5,000 a year salary is expected to avert application to the Treasury rule re- quiring prior approval, which, studios and crafts told department officials in a Washington conference, would seri- ously impede production. The committee would be patterned after the present one working suc- cessfully with the War Manpower Commission on a similar objective. A decision about establishing the committee will follow a 60-day study of employment procedure by two Treasury representatives, who are ex- pected to arrive here next week. Ap- proximately 15,000 employment deals annually are affected. More Subsequents Use High Scales (Continued from page 1) cial condition and somewhat accus* tomed to paying higher prices, for almost everything else, is accepting advanced admission-price films in neighborhood theatres here it is said. Some 150 neighborhod houses in this area are lining up to play "The Song of Bernadette" at $1.10 top for three to four midweek days starting Nov. 12, A. M. Van Dyke, 20th Century Fox sales manager here reports. In a test week's run in 12 theatres here, "Bernadette's" gross receipts and attendance figures topped the theatres' average double bill week. When the Balaban and Katz circuit turned down the picture for its neigh- borhood houses, Essaness bought it for two of its major houses on the West and North Side, while Warners introduced it at the Capitol. The previous advance admission at- traction ws Paramount's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" which played in only two B and K houses. Miss Blaine Joins Condon Dorothy Blaine, who recently closed her own office, Dorothy Blaine Publicity, in Chicago, has joined Richard Condon, Inc., public relations counsellors here. Look to Bonuses to Spur 6E' Bond Sale (Continued from page 1) the bonus payments public through a letter to industry sales chairmen Neil Agnew and Henry Ginsberg. National Committee Maps Ohio Campaign Cleveland, Nov. 1.— Plans we formulated for a thorough Sixth Wt. Loan campaign for Ohio at a lunch- eon at the Hotel Statler here yester- day, with the national committee of the industry meeting with heads of exhibitor circuits, out-of-town exhib- itors, branch managers, salesmen and bookers. Among those present were S. H. Fabian, William F. Crockett, Martin Smith, president of the Ohio and national Allied, John Hertz, Jr., Charles Raymond, Ohio exhibitor chairman, Harry Brandt, Ned E. De- pinet, Jack Kirsch, Nathan Yamins, Leon Bamberger, P. J. Wood, secre- tary of the Ohio Allied T. O., and representatives of the Treasury and War Departments. Major Martini Asks Bond Purchases Fargo, N. Dakota, Nov. 1. — Major Allen V. Martini, air hero, addressed the joint War Finance-War Activities Committee meeting here yesterday on the 6th War Loan drive. Today, Major Martini will address the 3,000 Farm Union members in Bismarck, and will also be heard in Minot. Bergman Names 3 To New 'U' Posts The promotion of Charles Simonelli to handle special events and Peggy Mahoney to contact New York news- papers was announced yesterday by Maurice Bergman, Universal Eastern advertising, publicity and exploitation director. Simonelli has been with Universal two years while Miss Ma- honey has been with the company over a year as an associate publicist. Bergman also announced the ap- pointment of Perry Spencer as South- ern advertising representative of the company, to work out of the Atlanta exchange under home office super- vision. Spencer has held many posts in the industry including an associa- tion with Republic and Loew's, Inc. Lt, Rathvon to Wed Miss Sally Raymond Lieut, (jg) N. Peter Rathvon, Jr., USNR, of New York and Edgewater Point, son of Mr. and Mrs. N. Peter Rathvon, will be married to Miss Sal- ly Raymond, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anan Raymond, of Kenilworth, 111., on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the First Congregational Church of Evanston, 111. Rathvon will act as his son's best man and Lieut. Rathvon's sisters, Joan Frances Rathvon and Judith Hall Rathvon, will be bridesmaids. Lieut. Rathvon, his parents and sisters left New York for Chicago last night. The groom is the son of N. Peter Rathvon, president of RKO. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Qmgpubco, New York. Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, _ Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. GET SET FOR THE SIXTH WAR LOAN Produced by JERRY WALD WITH BEULAH BONDI • HENRY TRAVERS WILLIAM PRINCE • ANDREA KING H'8» Directed by DELMER DAVES Toe,/ Screen Play by Alvah Bessie and Delmer Daves • Original Story by Lionel Wiggam JACK L WARNER Executive Producer 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, November 2, 1944 October Key City Grosses Down But Still Top '43 (Continued from page 1) Oct. 20-21 climbed back to $16,824, with 157 theatres reported on, and to $16,902 for the week of Oct. 27-28, with 145 theatres reported on. During the preceding month, average grosses per theatre ranged from a one week low of $16,697 to a high of $18,775. In October, 1943, average grosses per theatre ranged from a low of $14,574 to a high of $15,237. ."Since You Went Away," a contender for box office leadership in Septem- ber, stepped far out in front as its bookings increased last month. The Selz- nick production, backed by intensive publicity on its seven-star cast, appeared as the top grosser in 21 of the field reports. Closest runner-up was "Arsenic and Old Lace," which set the pace nine times, followed by "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," "Wilson," "Casanova Brown," "Janie," "Sweet and Low Down" and "Maisie Goes to Reno." "Going My Way," after a long period on or near the summit, continued to do impressive business, as did "Marriage Is a Private Affair," "Mrs. Park- ington," "None But the Lonely Heart," "Music in Manhattan," "The Con- spirators," "The Hitler Gang," "An American Romance," "Summer Storm," "Till We Meet Again," "Carolina Blues," "The Very Thought of You," "Barbary Coast Gent," "Wing and a Prayer," "Rainbow Island," "The Climax," "Abroad with Two Yanks," "The Impatient Years," "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine," "Dragon Seed," "Step Lively," "Youth Runs Wild," "I Love a Soldier," "Moonlight and Cactus," "Kismet," "Kansas City Kitty" and "The Seventh Cross." Composite key first-run box office reports, compared with the same week last year, follow : 1944 Week No. of Total Ending Theatres Gross Dec. 31-Jan. 1.... 135 $2,213,500 Jan. 7-8 117 Jan. 14-15 134 Jan. 21-22 149 Jan. 28-29 147 Feb. 4-5 153 Feb. 11-12 137 Feb. 18-19 155 Feb. 25-26 161 March 3-4 147 March 10-11 147 March 17-18 153 March 24-25 150 Mar. 31-Apr. 1... 152 April 7-8 153 April 14-15 143 April 21-22 148 April 28-29 130 May 5-6 143 May May May June June June June 12-13 146 19-20 162 26-27 155 2-3 143 9-10 141 16-17 135 23-24 136 June 30- July 1.... 126 July 7-8 145 July 14-15 144 July 21-22 148 July 28-29 135 Aug-. 4-5 141 Aug. 11-12 148 Aug. 18-19 153 Aug. 25-26 141 Sept. 1-2 127 Sept. 8-9 144 Sept. 15-16 158 Sept. 22-23 146 Sept. 29-30 156 Oct. 6-7 136 Oct. 13-14 152 Oct. 20-21 157 Oct. 27-28 145 2,417,700 2,040,700 2,311,400 2,365,200 2,512,200 2,220,900 2,459,800 2,760,100 2,397,100 2,463,400 2,661,100 2,487,700 3,025,000 2,340,600 2,506,800 2,564,200 2,090,900 2,238,700 2,338,700 2,417,000 2,349,400 2,242,500 1,938,000 1,934,400 2,002,800 2,178,300 2,490,900 2,228,500 2,321,400 2,245,400 2,324,500 2,355,200 2,514,100 2,516,800 2,313,600 2,703,600 2,638,200 2,505,900 2,640,700 2,411,500 2,457,200 2,641,300 2,450,900 Average Per Theatre $16,396 20,664 15,229 15,513 16,090 16,419 16,211 15,870 17,144 16,307 16,758 18,761 16,585 13,329 15,298 17,530 17,326 16,084 15,655 16,018 14,926 15,157 15,683 13,752 14,322 14,726 17,288 17,178 15,476 15,685 16,632 15,777 15,913 16,433 17,850 18,217 18,775 16,697 17,164 16,927 17,732 16,165 16,824 16,902 1S43 Week Ending Jan. 1-2 Jan. 8-9 154 Jan. 15-16 149 Jan. 21-22 127 Jan. 29-30 127 Feb. 5-6 . Feb. 12-13 Feb. 19-20 Feb. 26-27 March 5-6 March 12-13 151 March 19-20 143 March 26-27 147 April 2-3 123 April 9-10 147 April 16-17 147 April 23-24 .... Apr. 30-May 1. May 7-8 May 14-15 May 21-22 No. of Total Theatres Gross . . 151 $2,813,506 126 132 139 149 142 158 154 161 161 158 May 28-29 155 June 4-5 169 June 11-12 166 June 18-19 163 June 25-26 168 July 2-3 164 July 9-10 153 July 16-17 151 July 23-24 155 July 30-31 164 Aug. 6-7 138 13-14 166 20-21 . 27-28 . 3-4 ... Aug. Aug. Aug. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. . 153 . 175 . 163 10-11 168 17-18 165 24-25 175 Oct. 1-2 166 Oct. 8-9 173 Oct. 15-16 Oct. 22-23 167 163 Oct. 29-30 179 2,424,300 1,830,500 1,648,600 1,789,500 1,743,000 1,919,000 1,885,900 2,005,200 1,933,400 1,944,600 1,968,300 1,938,200 1,785,800 2,029,100 1,868,500 2,006,200 2,284,200 2,168,400 2,053,700 2,096,200 2,036,600 2,289,700 1,865,873 1,961,600 2,125,300 2,133,800 2,433,700 2,109,400 2,185,100 2,347,900 2,032,400 2,302,200 2,341,600 2,681,500 2,559,900 2,926,000 2,456,300 2,588,200 2,473,800 2,595,800 2,544,600 2,479,000 2,608,800 Average Per Theatre $18,632 15,742 12,285 12,981 14,091 13,040 14,588 13,568 13,458 13,615 12,878 13,764 13,185 14,519 13,803 12,711 12,634 14,184 13,468 18,967 13,267 13,139 13,548 11,240 12,034 12,650 13,010 15,906 13,970 14,097 14,316 14,727 13,869 15,304 15,322 15,705 17,417 14,887 14,790 14,902 15,005 15,237 15,209 14,574 {Copyright, 1944 Quigley Publishing Co.) Long Runs on BVay Halt Product Flow (Continued from page 1) M-G-M's "National Velvet," to be followed by Columbia's "A Song to Remember." There may be a date open between the end of the "Park- ington" run and the opening of "Na- tional Velvet," depending upon how well "Parkington" holds up. M-G-M's "Marriage Is a Private Affair" is a powerful draw in its opening week at the Capitol, and will be followed on Nov. 16 by the same company's "30 Seconds Over Tokyo," which will play six weeks, to be fol- lowed by "The Thin Man Goes Home," another M-G-M release, for six more weeks. The Criterion, with Paramount's "Rainbow Island" as its current ten- ant, will play Universal's "The Cli- max," starting Nov. 8. 'U's' "Can't Help Singing" will follow for the Christmas season. The Rivoli, with Paramount's "Frenchman's Creek" continuing, may book 20th Century- Fox's "The Keys of the Kingdom," but the deal has not yet been signed. The Palace, first-run RKO outlet, is booked solidly up to Christmas with company product, with the current "The Master Race" to be followed by "Tall in the Saddle" and "None But the Lonely Heart." Other Theatres The Globe, currently playing Unit- ed Artists' "Abroad with Two Yanks," will next house Paramount's "Great Moment," and UA's "Dark Waters," respectively. The Gotham, with UA's "Summer Storm," will then get in the following order : 20th-Fox's "In the Meantime, Darl- ing," UA's "Mr. Emanuel" and "Three's a Family." Loew's State will follow UA's "Since You Went Away" with the first-run Universal film, "San Diego, I Love You." The Hollywood and Strand will continue with Warner product, the Paramount with Paramount and the Roxy with 20th-Fox pictures. Some top pictures which are ready for release but have not yet been set in any New York first-run are : Da- vid O. Selznick's "I'll Be Seeing You," which may be released soon after Thanksgiving, and "Spell- bound," both UA releases ; Samuel Goldwyn's "The Princess and the Pirate" in color, which is looking for a top house ; International's "Woman in the Window" and "It's a Pleasure." Other UA product, ready and not yet set for a New York booking, are : Hunt Stromberg's "Guest in the House," Lester Cowan's "Tomorrow the World" and Bing Crosby's "The Great John L." Companies Consider African Exchanges (Continued from page 1) tions are lifted after the war. Most theatres in the territory are operated by the Schlesingers. Del Goodman, Paramount's West Coast district manager, recently re- turned from a six month's trip under- taken on special assignment by Barney Balaban, Paramount president, os- tensibly to look into the possibility of establishing exchanges there. UA Honors Coplan At Farewell Dinner David Coplan, managing director for United Artists in Great Britain, was honored at a farewell dinner last night at Toots Shors by Gradwell L. Sears, vice president, and Carl Leser- man, general sales manager of U. A. Among those attending were Dr. Alexander Galperson, Barrington C. Gain, Ronald Neame, Lowell Calvert, David Weshner, Paul Lazarus, Jr., Arthur Kelly, Louis Hyman, Seymour Poe, Harry Kosiner, Walter Gould, Ed Schnitzer, Harry Gold, Joe Un- ger, Paul Lazarus, Sr., Emanuel Sil- verstone, Lou Pollock, James Dunn, Rex Williams, Phil Dow, Charlie Steele, Bernie Kauber, Tom Mul- rooney, Sam Lefkowitz, and Jack El- lis. Coplan is expected to leave for London in the next few days. Crescent Appeal to Be Heard Monday (Continued from page 1) for confirmation of the district court decision in its entirety, plus an in- junction to prevent further theatre ac- quisitions outside of Nashville with- out court approval. The Crescent appeal cited 26 alleged errors made by the lower court and contended that the decision was not justified. Because of the importance of the case and the fact that Robert L. Wright, special assistant to the At- torney General, who headed the trial staff in Nashville, is tied up with the Schine case, Assistant Attorney Gen- eral Wendell Berge, chief of the anti- trust division, is expected to present the argument for the Government. Counsel for Crescent are George H. Armistead, Jr., and William Waller. Rank Seeks to End Curbs on Studio Help Interchange (Continued from page 1) said, "to capture a fair share of the world's film markets." In line with these plans Rank intends to send a lot of his production people to F lywood to study American produck^_y" methods. "Hollywood's producers, actors and directors want to go to 1 England to make pictures," he said, citing their reasons as a desire to get closer to the center of things. "The greatest problem in English , production is the shortage of studio space," Neame said, indicating that postwar plans will undoubtedly call for the doubling of present facilities which are geared to a maximum of 70 feature films per year. Neame explained that while in the prewar period expenditures on Brit- ish films were limited to about $500,- 000 so that they would return a profit in the British market without thought of returns from other markets, Rank's present thinking in terms of a world market is permitting budgets up to $2,000,000. He said it would take British production 10 years to build up what Hollywood has today in the way of facilities and indicated that Rank intends to bring several key people from Hollywood as advisers. Neame made a study of American production methods, including the proper type of dialect for British films, citing the in-between dialect of such stars as Ronald Colman, Her- bert Marshall and Greer Garson as the type he believes to be most suit- able for future British productions. Cross-Examination Of Schine Begun (Continued from page 1) garding financial investments in vari- ous theatre properties. Cross-exami- nation will extend well into tomorrow and perhaps Friday. Earlier, under direct examination, Schine denied that he ever had told a prospective theatre seller that if he did not sell he would have difficulty in getting product for his theatre, or that he had told such a person that if he did not sell, Schine would open another theatre in the town. The de- fendant also categorically denied that he had ever told anyone else to make such statements for him in negotiat- ing for theatres, that he was never aware that anyone had made such statements, and that he had never ap- proved such statements. Schine also denied that he had ever had a con- versation verbally or in writing with any employe of the major film com- panies, telling them not to deal with a competitor. He also denied having ever told a film company that if it sold to a competitor he would not buy from them elsewhere in his circuit. At the conclusion of these denials, McClennen charged that the alleged conversations, testified to by Govern- ment witnesses, "never occurred." _ Earlier, McClennen took Schine through all the towns in which he had acquired theatres over a period_ of years, and questioned him concerning each transaction. Schine also testi- fied that he had had difficulty in ob- taining pictures and had to part-time his Jefferson, in Auburn. 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NO. 87 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1944 TEN GENTS INDUSTRY IN LINE IN 6TH DRIVE TO HELP BEAT JAPS OWI Overseas Film Unit Made 31 Films Documentaries Shown In 41 Countries The Office of War Information's overseas film bureau, headed by Robert Riskin, has produced 19 documentaries for exhibition in 41 countries since March, 1943, and has 12 more in work, Motion Picture Daily learned yesterday. These films were produced to interpret the Ameri- can way of life and^ our participation in the war to neutral and Allied countries. At first, the film bureau utilized industrial films made available by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, other Government agencies and pri- vate documentary producers. From (Continued on page 30) Green Hopeful of Strike Solution Raw Stock Shortage Hits Government's Film Use The critical situation in raw film stock which has caused delay in cur- rent releases also is impeding the re- lease of timely U. S. and British Gov- ernment war films, it is learned here. The latest film to be affected is the British Ministry of Information "V-l" short, dealing with the robot bomb attack on England, which has been set for release through the War Ac- tivities Committee Nov. 16. While most film companies are finding it difficult to keep within their War Production Board raw stock al- locations for the current quarter, the Government agencies find themselves unable in some cases to secure raw stock actually within their alloca- tions. To facilitate the immediate release of "V-l," British Information Serv- ices here offered to supply the 500,000 feet of raw stock needed for the prints from its allocations for the year, al- though the Office of War Informa- tion would ordinarily have supplied the raw stock as it does for all WAC releases. BIS was allocated some 11,- 000,000 feet of raw stock for its needs here this year, of which only 7,000,- 000 feet have been used thus far, it (Continued on page 30) Boyd Will Be Named Number 1 Cowboy Hollywood, Nov. 2. — The Western Motion Picture Awards Association on Sunday, will proclaim William Boyd, the number one Western lead- ing man. Wild Bill Elliott will be named number two, with Roy Rogers named the number one all-around cow- boy, and Johnny Mack Brown the number two all-around cowboy. Dale Evans will be named the number one Western leading woman and Donnie Stewart the number one juvenile. Appropriate ceremonies will accom- pany the awards at a Hollywood Bowl ceremony with Western-type en- tertainment and Rudy Vallee as mas- ter of ceremonies. At that time, Harry Sherman's "Buffalo Bill" will be (Continued on page 26) Washington, Nov. 2. — William Green, president of the American Fed- eration of Labor, said he believed the jurisdictional dispute between the Screen Set Decorators Local 1421 and the IATSE Local 44, Hollywood, could be settled without the formality of a War Labor Board hearing by the AFL members of the NWLB. A spokesman for the National War Labor Board said that the issue had been turned over to Green with a re- (Continued on page 26) Reviewed Today Review of "Together Again," Columbia, will be found on page 30. 'Forever Amber* Film Rights To 20th-Fox Twentieth Century-Fox has pur- chased the film rights to "Forever Amber," Kathleen Winsor's current best-selling and widely publicized novel dealing with an immoral wo- man's adventures during the Reforma- tion Period, for $200,000. Although the sale by the author and the publisher, Macmillan Co., through Annie Laurie Williams, literary agent for the book, is an outright one and not on an option basis, it has been made subject to the approval by the Production Code Administration of the film treatment to be prepared from the book. A. W. Smith Called In S chine Defense Heavy Emphasis on Bond Premieres and Free Movie Day Aimed at Japs By JAMES CUNNINGHAM The experiences gained, and ef- forts expended by the nation's 16,- 000 theatre operators, several thou- sand exchangemen, and countless numbers in home offices, and in Hollywood and affiliated fields, in the five World War II war loans to date, have equipped the industry to quickly, and with precision, ready its drive organization for the sixth. The guns are already well primed to fire on the drive's opening, Nov. 20, aimed at Tokyo and a $14,000,- 000,000 goal which will help send men and materials further and further into the Pacific and on to Hirohito's mainland. Taps for the Japs is the slogan. War Bond Premieres and Free Movie Days will be the chief instruments. (Twenty-two pages of special Sixth War Loan inaugural ma- terial and advertising messages start on page three of this is- sue). Full resources of the industry are now completely mobilized 'for the (Continued on page 22) Buffalo, Nov. 2. — Schine Theatres defense to Government charges of vio- lation of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act continued in Federal court here today, with A. W. Smith, Jr., Eastern divi- sion sales manager for 20th Century- Fox, prepared to take the stand as a defense witness. He told Motion Picture Daily he will stay in Buffalo overnight in order to complete his tes- timony. Another defense witness was Wil- liam C. Rowell, of Rochester, sales man for 20th-Fox, who in the fall of 1941 had conversations with Hubert P. Wallace at the Strand Theatre, Syracuse, with reference to Wallace's seeking product. Rowell said Sydney Samson, 20th-Fox branch manager in (Continued on page 27) Quigley Award for Bond Showmanship A special Quigley Award consisting of a citation with a Diploma of Honor for the foremost service to the Sixth War Loan drive through theatre showmanship will be announced today by Motion Picture Herald. All campaigns in this competition also will be entered automatically in the annual competition for the 'War Showmanship Award,' which continues for the duration of the war. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 3, 1944 Personal Mention HA.ROLD FITZGERALD, Fox Wisconsin Amusement Co. presi- dent, . was scheduled to leave for Mil- waukee yesterday after attending meetings of National Theatres here. • Lt. Morton Gerber, formerly of Warner Bros, publicity department, is in New York awaiting orders placing him on the inactive list due to physi- cal disability. • Arthur L. Mayer, deputy commis- sioner of the American Red Cross, Pacific Ocean area, is in San Fran- cisco, awaiting transportation to his headquarters in Honolulu. • Irving Yergin, of the Warner Bros, publicity department, is the father of a nine-pound boy, born Nov. 1 in Brooklyn. • Nate Goldstein, New England theatre operator, returned to Spring- field, Mass., yesterday after a New York visit. • Pandro S. Berman, M-G-M pro- ducer will leave New York for Flor- ida next week for an extended vacation. • Cedric Gibbons, M-G-M studio art director, will arrive in New York on Nov. 10 accompanied by his wife. • R. V. Downing, treasurer of Radio City Music Hall, now in Hollywood, leaves there Nov. 9 for New York. • M. N. Wolf, New England district manager for M-G-M, returned to Bos- ton from New York yesterday. • Harold Hopper, M-G-M studio general manager, returned to New York from Washington yesterday. • Harold Kurnitz, M-G-M writer, is in New York for a brief stay. Nat Wolf of the M-G-M Coast studios is in New York. Postman MGM's New Aid to Cummings Harold Postman of M-G-M's home office sales staff succeeds Arthur Sterling as assistant to Allan F. Cum- mings, in charge of exchange opera- tions. Sterling will be assigned other duties on his return to the company, from which he has been taking a leave of absence due to illness. Postman joined M-G-M in 1927 in the contract department and had been assistant to Tom J. Connors and later to E. K. O'Shea, Eastern sales manager. Denies African Branches Phil Reisman, vice-president in charge of foreign distribution for RKO, yesterday denied that his com- pany was considering establishing its own exchanges in South Africa, as re- ported in Motion Picture Daily yesterday. UA and Rank Sign Distribution Pact Contracts were signed here yester- day between United Artists and J. Ar- thur Rank's General Cinema Finance Company for UA to release seven films made by Rank's producing com- panies in the Western Hemisphere. Maurice Leon, attorney, and Bar- rington C. Gain, Rank distribution representative, signed the pacts for GCF, and Paul O'Brien, counsel for UA, and Gradwell L. Sears, vice- president in charge of distribution, signed for UA. The seven pictures covered by the contracts are "Colonel Blimp," "Blithe Spirit," "This Happy Breed," "Caesar and Cleopatra" and "Henry the Fifth," all in color and "Her Man Gilbey" and "Mr. Emmanuel." "Mr. Emmanuel" will be the first film released under the deal which is understood to be for five years, but no release date has yet been set by UA. Oldest Ohio Owner Buys First Stamp Columbus, O., Nov. 2. — First sale in Ohio of the new three-cent stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of motion pictures was made here by Postmaster Nathan A. McCoy to Al Taylor, 98 years old, owner of the Dixie Theatre and the oldest exhibitor in the state. William Elder, man- ager of Loew's Ohio, and P. J. Wood, secretary of ITO of Ohio, were among those who witnessed the event. MGM Field Auditors To Meet Next Jan. The annual meeting of M-G-M field auditors and Commando Crew girls will be held Jan. 2-6 at the Hotel Astor, New York, it was announced yesterday by Charles K. Stern, as- sistant treasurer, and Alan F. Cum- mings, in charge of exchange opera- tions. Stern and Cummings will conduct the sessions which will have an attendance of 20, exclusive of home office executives and sales personnel. Jersey Allied Units To Meet on Nov. 15 A joint luncheon meeting of the North and South Jersey units of Al- lied Theatre Owners of New Jersey will be held at the Stacy-Trent Hotel, Trenton, Nov. 15. Prominent state officials will speak at the meeting and a screening of the safety film pre- pared for Commissioner of Motor Vehicles McGee will be held. The meeting, to be presided over by co-chairmen Helen Hildinger and Si Meyers, is the first of several joint meetings of the units which will be held during the coming year. Danson Leaves Para. Harold Danson, assistant to Robert M. Gillham, Paramount advertising and publicity director, will leave the company Nov. 13 to join Kayton- Spiero Co., Inc., advertising agency. Coming Events Nov. 5 — Western Motion Picture Radio Awards Association meet- ing, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood. Nov. 11 — Motion Picture Asso- ciates' Sixth War Loan dinner, Ho- tel Astor, New York. Nov. 13 — Variety Club testimon- ial dinner for Lou Golding, Ten Eyck Hotel, Albany. Nov. 14 — 'Night of Stars,' for United Jewish Appeal, Madison Square Garden, New York. Nov. 17 — Sixth War Loan cam- paign breakfast, Hotel Astor, New York. Nov. 20— Sixth Loan rally, Mad- ison Square Garden, New York. Nov. 20-Dec. 16— Sixth War Loan campaign. Nov. 20-Dec. 4 — American Fed- eration of Labor conference, New Orleans. Nov. 23-25— National 'Free Mov- ie Day' at theatres for Sixth War Loan. Freeman May Head Coca-Cola Company Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president and studio head of Paramount and formerly of Atlanta, Ga., home of Coca-Cola, is reported as having been offered the presidency of that com- pany, which produces the soft drink Freeman is widely known to favor. Checking the report yesterday, a Motion Picture Daily reporter call- ed Barney Balaban, Paramount presi- dent, for comment. An assistant in Balaban's office said that Balaban was attending a meeting of the Paramount executive committee but volunteered this comment: "Could be. He drinks enough of it to deserve the presi- dency." Crescent Counsel Ready for Appeal Nashville, Nov. 2. — Armistead, Waller, Davis & Lansden, counsel for Crescent Amusement Co. in the Gov- ernment anti-trust suit against the circuit, are ready for the U. S. Su- preme Court hearing of cross appeals in the case, set for Monday in Wash- ington. George H. Armistead, Jr., chief counsel, and William Waller will rep- resent Crescent at the hearing. Tony Sudekum, Crescent president, and probably other officials of the company will attend the hearnig. Monogram To Vote On New Preferred Monogram Picture Corp. stockhold- ers will meet Dec. 6 to authorize an increase in capital stock from 1,000,- 000 to 1,100,000 shares, the new issue to be preferred of $10 par value. Emanuel & Co. are to offer the new shares when authorized at a yearly dividend rate of 50 to 60 cents a share. The company is expected to realize $860,000 on the sale of the new shares. Marines C apt ure Saipan * Reissues* Somewhere in the Pacific (Delayed). — Marine captors of Saipan and Tinian col- lected a film bonus in the form of old Hollywood films which were found in the pos- session of the Japan there. NEW YORK THEATRL RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GREER GARSON — WALTER PI DG EON in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "MRS. PARKINGT0N" Edward Arnold - Agnes Moorehead Cecil Kellaway SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION First Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 ^ PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek/ ^ RIV0U,B'way& 49th St ^ PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. SUPER-SHOCK SENSATION! "THE MASTER RACE" George COULOURIS Osa MASSEN Stanley RIDGES Carl ESMOND ^" Paramount presents 1 PAULETTE SONNY, GODDARD TUFTSj "1 LOVE A SOLDIER" ' In Person TONY PASTOR and his Band BERT WHEELER MARION HUTTON HAL '_EROY & ^ ON SCREEN 2nd WEEK 'SINCE YOU WENT AWAY' INPERSON* WILL OSBORNE and ORCH. RAY ENGLISH OTHERS VICTORIA Broadway & 46fh St. Doors Open 9:45 A. M. • Continuous f ARRVL F. ZANUCK£ Gene Tierney - Dana Andrews - Clifton Webb II LAURA' A 20th Century-Fox Picture Plus on Stage— Hazel SCOTT - Jackie MILES Jerry WAYNE - HARRISON and FISHER BUY MORE B f\ Y V 7th Ave- * BONDS RwA I 50th St. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N, Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." . All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Friday, November 3, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 3 Three 'Musts 'for 6th: Bond Premieres Free Movie Day, Junior Matinees Theatre Bond Premieres Top All Promotions In the Fifth War Loan 5,058 War Bond Premieres, nearly twice as many as in the fourth drive, set new sales records across « the country. 1 Not only do the ' iv premieres sell bonds for aci- ni i s s i o n, but they also lead to big sales inside the motion pic- ture theatre. The industry's national com- mittee for the Sixth W a. r Loan, opening Nov. 20 and unning through Dec. 16, dis- closed here yesterday that Bond Premieres are the single biggest gross- ers for the U. S. Treasury Depart- ment in any industry, adding "and every exhibitor can put on a Bond Premiere." They must first make the necessary arrangements to get a pic- ture, in the following manner : Three Steps to Get 6th Bond Premiere Film 1. Contact any of the exchanges with which they do business for a picture under the rules outlined in the Bond Premiere agreement. (Allow some choice of picture.) 2. If the theatre is in a town with, a population of not over 7,500, and if no picture is available, the exhibitor must contact the distribution chairman in his territory for a list of available Bond Premiere pictures. 3. From this list, he is to select and submit to the distribution chairman in his territory a list of several pictures to allow a choice of selection. A book- ing will then be made for him and he will be notified. The first contact that should be made after getting the picture is the War Finance Committee, advising it of the Premiere date and asking it to set up a committee to handle the sale of 'E' bond units for the house. If the theatre is big enough, the seating should be scaled so larger denomination bonds in the 'E' series can be sold. If the local Chamber of Commerce (Continued on page 20) buy that "Extra bond EXHIBITORS! Here's How to Get Started for the 6th Check Off This List . . . Act On Each Item Before November 20 NOVEMBER 3 FRIDAY □ 1 □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Contact your local War Finance Committee and also your local exhibitor, distributor and pub- licity 6th Drive chairmen for plans for your area. 2 Check your bond booths and other 6th campaign equipment and make certain that they are in order. 3 Order your accessories and the 'Smashing 6th' trailers. 4 Select your ads from the special 6th Drive press- book. Note the cooperative Free Movie Day ads. Order free mats from National Screen exchanges. 5 Cooperate with theatremen and offer theatre services to local Chambers of Commerce. 6 Make arrangements with patriotic and social groups to man your bond booth. 7 Set date for your Bond Premiere. 8 Pick a Saturday for Children's Bond Show. 9 Remember Thanksgiving Day and Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th. Both fall within the drive dates. Make use of these days to sell more bonds. 10 Arrange tie-ups for merchandise for your Bond Auction. 11 Contact local War Heroes, Gold Star Mothers and good speakers for your Bond Shows. 12 Set local talent now for Bond Stage Shows. Try dramatic societies, schools, radio stations or booking offices. 13 Get in touch with nearest Army or Naval base to obtain talent and lobby display material. (Can a parade be arranged?) 14 Plan your publicity now. Make use of all the material in the pressbook. See newspaper editors, radio men, etc., for active cooperation. 15 Buy the First Bond yourself— then start selling. AND DO IT NOW! National Free Movie Day for Pearl Harbor WAR 10ANJ Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7, is the unanimous choice of both Government and the motion picture industry's Sixth War Loan committee for Free Movie Day for that drive. "That date is one with which every American especially wants to repay the treachery of our enemy." The tie - up, it is said, will give the cam- paign at the- atres a running start for the last .week of the xth Drive. Free Movie Day was tried on a nationwide basis for the first time in the Fifth. More than 8,000 theatres participated in a simultaneous bond-selling event. Exhibitors contemplating a Free Movie Day are advised to first read over the distributors' agreement and note that the distributors have en- dorsed the plans of the Sixth War Loan campaign committee for Na- tional Free Movie Day ; next, select a picture that will have the widest possible mass appeal, and thirdly, em- phasize by an all-out campaign that persons who can present proof at the box office that on Dec. 7 they pur- chased a Series 'E' War Savings Bond of any denomination, between what- ever hours are specified, will be ad- mitted free of charge. The bonds can be purchased either at the theatre or through any other bona-fide issuing agent. Stress Bonds Instead Of Selling Tickets An exhibitor need not give away all seats on Free Movie Day. Patrons may purchase a ticket and gain ad- mission. But exhibitors are urged to try to sell a Bond instead of a ticket wherever they can. "Free Movie Day is a wonderful opportunity for you, in cooperation with all the other theatre owners of your community, to express your ap- preciation to your fellow-townsmen for their patronage and cooperation," (Continued on page 20) WAR LOANj buy that "Extra bond 4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 3, 1944 Thirty Days of Bond Promotions; Bond -Barrage of 6th Selling Ideas 6th War Bonds for Liberty V A SIMPLE POSTER with one of the greatest messages in the world, Liberty, in silhouette, will greet motion picture patrons during the Sixth War Loan campaign in theatres with a message to make that patron an extra 'E'-bond-buyer between Nov. 20 and Dec. 16. The one sheet will be sent to all exhibitors by the indus- try's Sixth Drive national committee. THE War Activities Committee of the New York area has formulated a model day-by-day campaign outline for the use of exhibitors now and during the Sixth War Loan drive. The plan, which follows, can be adopted by any theatre owner. It was prepared by Harry MandeFs sixth drive pub- licity and promotional committee of Malcolm Kingsberg's New York area campaign group: 1 Call a Meeting — Call a meet- * ing of your theatre staff. Co- ordinate all theatre activity and determine at this meeting all factors comprising the entire campaign. 9 Committee Cooperation — Give * every cooperation possible to the local War Activities and War Finance chairmen and to district captains. Make every' effort to have required re- ports in time, and see that they are sent to proper headquarters. Discuss drive ideas and problems with the drive captain and publicity man. Q Check Accessories — Order * accessories at once. National Screen is the contact for most of these : trailers, valances, pennants, 40x 60, ad slugs, etc. Use all material sent from War Activities Commit- tee headquarters. ^ Displays — Rough-cut ideas for * lobby display, theatre front dec- orations, bond booth, etc. Press. — Contact newspapers for * possible ad tie-ups, cooperative pages, editorials, press releases, etc. g Radio — Check local radio station * for possible use of special transcriptions which may be available through the WAC headquarters. Check with local publicity chairman on this. 7# Kick-Off— Nov. 20 is "B" Day, Kick-Off Day for the drive. Start now lining up activities for the opening. Line-up AWVS, CDVO and war veteran groups, Red Cross, local war heroes, master-of-ceremon- ies, color guard, band, etc. g Convoy — Check with local cap- * tain and publicity man on the Bond Convoy leaving Times Square on Friday, Nov. 17, to be prepared to greet it. 0 Rallies — Organize committees * now for the planning of special events and rallies for every day in the week ! Special Events — Arrange for * special events for Pearl Harbor- Free Movie Day, Thansk giving Day and F 're-Christmas Bond Campaign. These are perfect opportunities to boost bond sales quotas. , 11 Kiddie Premiere — Get after the * youngsters ! In cooperation with bond chairman or district captain, ar- range a Free Kiddie Premiere Show — with bonds and stamps as admission. J 2 Mailing List — Refer to mailing * lists of previous bond buyers — for a post-card mailing to serve as a reminder to them that you are pre- pared to give them the same prompt service in their 6th War Bond pur- chases. Keep the barometer of sales on the up-grade at all times — check staffs for any flagging enthusiasm ! ^3 Street Parade — Plan for a * street parade for the second week of the drive — it does wonders in perking up interest. Feature Tie-Ins — Watch book- * ings for possible tie-ins for ad copy with the titles of feature attrac- tions. Keep feeding slogans and bond selling copy in daily ads. JPJ "E"-Bonds — The most important thing in this Drive is to sell more E-Bonds — gear appeals to that! Ballyhoo — If you have any * street ballyhoos planned for coming attractions, hook up with a 6th War Loan appeal. YJm 40x60 Idea— Make a 40x60 lob- * by display and invite patrons to autograph in the spaces of bombs when they purchase a bond. Auction Night — Plan an Auc- * tion Night with a good speaker locally who knows his way around Bond Auction affairs — with the usual tie-up with merchants for most desir- able items to be auctioned. Proclamation — Induce the * Mayor to issue a proclamation designationg Nov. 20th as "B" Day. 20 Poster Contest — Arrange a * Sixth War Loan poster contest in schools. Set up a lobby display of the winning entries and offer pro- moted merchandise and guest tickets as prizes. 2 J Bonds for Staff — Starting with * yourself — have every theatre employee buy an Extra Bond and make a public announcement of this fact via 30x40 in lobby : Every Em- ployee of This Theatre Has Pur- chased an Extra War Bond! 22 Public Be Served — Make^/ * important issue to the public of tms lact : that your theatre is open day and night, Sundays and holidays wnen a War Bond may be purchased. 23. Theatre Quota — Set up a quota of sales for your theatre — make every employee morally re- sponsible for maintaining it — and beat- ing it — with rewards of extra days off to those showing the best effort. 24 Take Stock — Take inventory with the staff on progress; tie- up loose ends, devise means of spur- ring the drive on. 25. Honor Mothers — As a back- ground for rallies devote spe- cial nights to Gold Star Mothers, Service Mothers, Army and Navy Mothers, Marine Mothers, Seabees' Mothers, Air Corps' Mothers. Enlist the cooperation of local veterans' groups to add color to these occasions. 2(J^ Three Big Dates — Here are Three Vitally Important Days : Plan now to make the most of them for bond rallies : "B" Day (Monday, Nov. 20), Thanksgiving Day (Thurs- day, Nov. 23) and Pearl Harbor-Free Movie Day (Thursday, Dec. 7). 2J4 FILE — Keep a file of all dis- * patches, manuals, trade paper stories, concerning the Sixth War Loan. Check material for sources of new angles to be harnessed to cam- paign. 2§ Finishing Touches — Now is the time to put the finishing touches to the campaign. Make that last spurt count in increased bond sales. 29 Plug for Kiddie Show — Make appeals at kiddie matinees for youngsters to fill up their stamp books and buy bonds. 30 Wind-Up — Going into the last, final phases of the campaign, check on last minute details for "B"- Day: Pearl Harbor-Free Movie, Thanksgiving Day, Pre-Xmas Bond Campaign, Convoy Reception; every planned event in your campaign. Bomb to Tokyo! Here is a method of making pros- pective purchasers feel they are taking an active part in beating the enemy. Borrow from an Army or Navy base a dummy bomb to be set up in the lobby, inviting buyers to autograph the bomb and send a 'personal message to Hirohito or Hitler.' 10 19 This Is The Best Way To Say 'Thanks, Mr. Exhibitor' The following pages are dedicated to this proposition! That the best way this indus- try can show its heartfelt gratitude to the exhibitors of America for the historic job they've done in the war effort is to give them the best materials to continue their honored task on the home front. Too many people think this war is in the bag. But there's heartache aplenty ahead. The Pacific War will be won only at untold cost, untold hardship. The new sales angle for the Sixth War Loan is to tell America every day in every way: "BUY WAR BONDS AT YOUR MOTION PICTURE THEATRE.. he only place where you can buy bonds every evening, Sunday, and Holiday. The best way we can say "thanks" for the great job you've done and "Godspeed on the new" is with fighting materials. And here they are: National Magazines Direct War Bond Buyers To Your Theatre! Six million Collier's readers will be told to "Buy Bonds at Your Favorite Motion Picture Theatre" in a smash editorial in this Great National Magazine! C i Serial Full oi Mirth and Romance • By Robert Carson And This Collier's Feature is Only One of a Group of National Magazine Plugs of the Same Kind . . . Get Ready for Them. Your Public Will! 11 NEWSPAPERS, COMIC STRIPS DIRECT BOND BUYERS TO YOUR THEATRE Watch the papers for a flood of publicity angled to your sales slant . . . 'Buy War Bonds at your favorite theatre." EXTRA! 2 ADDED ATTRACTIONS! FREE! 8,000 SETS OF FULL -COLOR COMBAT PAINTINGS 8,000 Sets of Full-Color Combat Paintings (Reproductions) by Lead- ing American Artists Supplied Free by Electric Boat Company. 8 Paintings to the Set, each 19 x 24. A free set and free display material kit to each exhibitor who writes in to The Theatre Display Dept., Electric Boat Co., 33 Pine St., New York. Exhibitors may keep paintings or award as prizes to 8 biggest bond buyers (make your request early... first come, first served). 800 SETS OF COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHS 800 Sets of Combat Photographs to be Loaned for Use ... by the Folmer Graflex Corp. (Complete with Pub- licity Kit.) 25 Combat Photographs to each Set. For loan of set and publicity kit, exhibitors should write to: Folmer Graflex Corp., Rochester 6, New York, Attention of Mr. R. E. Robischon. Exhibitor must pay postage coming and going. This is a loan only. Again . . . first come, first served. So Much for the Great Artillery Barrage.. .Now Important presentation to Exhibitors STERLING SIL AL OF HONOR will be given, free, to every exhibitor who actively participates in the Drive. Medals presented by the National Committee of the Sixth War Loan Drive. NOW l YOUR THREE MAIN OBJECTIVES ARE J^Sr. War Bond Premieres © Children's Premieres © Free Movie Day DEC. 7 PEARL HARBOR DAY Always Sure-Fire On The "Theatre Front"! o remieres It's a proved fact that Bond Premieres are the single biggest grossers for the U. S. Treasury Department in any in- dustry. And every exhibitor can put on a Bond Premiere. HERE'S THE PITCH! 1 Contact any of the exchanges with which you do business for a new pic- ture under the rules outlined in Bond Premiere Agreement. Allow some choice of Picture. 2 If your theatre is in a town with a population of not over 7,500, and if no picture is available, contact the Distributor Chairman in your terri- tory for a list of available Bond Premiere pictures., 3 From this list, select and submit to the Distributor Chairman in your territory a list of several pictures to allow a choice of selection. A book- ing will then be made for you and you will be notified. The first contact you should make after getting the picture is the War Finance Committee. Advise them of your Premiere date and ask them to set up a committee to handle the sale of "E" bond units for your house. If the local Chamber of Commerce has a general Bond Committee appointed, be sure and contact them . . . telling them fully of your plans for a Bond Premiere. Enlist their aid in selling your tickets but bear in mind, the best success comes of having one central source for tickets. Don't have four or five places where tickets can be obtained for it only re- sults in confusion and poor returns. Get The Youngsters Into The Fight With A e Children's Premiere CHILDREN'S PREMIERE is just what it says: a bond- selling event aimed at the children and planned for them. Remember, the Distributors' Agreement is in effect for a Children's Premiere. Take advantage of this and leave the rest to the boys and girls. Select a picture with ap- peal for youngsters . . . action, war or western. Pack the program with cartoons and other short subjects, sports, combat, etc. Some of the ways to make the plan work: 1 You've got to let the children know about it. Hit the places they congregate and bill the day big. 2 Have spot announcements on local stations in early evening and daily teasers in newspapers. 3 Have a contest to select a Bond "King" and "Queen." 4 Tell school officials your plans. Organize team com- petition: Seniors vs. Juniors, etc. Promote awards. 5 Try the "Mayor-for-a-Day" Stunt. Through the Cham- ber of Commerce arrange to have the leading Bond seller appointed "Mayor-for-a-Day." 6 Ask the Boy and* Girl Scouts for their efficient coop- eration. Boy Scout troops will not only sell bonds but will distribute throw-aways for you and generally assist in running the day. They can usher for you and keep order. 7 Have newsboys deliver handbills on their regular routes. Make "four Public Remember Pearl Harbor With e Free Movie Day DECEMBER 7fh! "V^TH PATRIOTIC FEVER running high, everyone will be eager to "Remember Pearl Harbor" with a bond. And Free Movie Day is the event to give your campaign a running start for the last week of the Sixth War Loan Drive. As you remember, Free Movie Day was tried on a nation-wide basis for the first time in the Fifth War Loan Drive. More than eight thousand theatres participated in a simultane- ous bond-selling event that turned out to be the sensation of the drive. It's been tested and proven tops, and now it's tied to one of the big- gest, one of the most important, war dates in our history. The results can surpass anything the Motion Picture Industry has ever done for the Treasury Department if you will lay plans now to capitalize on the nation-wide publicity that will urge every American to Remember Pearl Harbor with an extra War Bond. Accessories Are Your Ammunition J y ere they ARE! Colorful— Dramatic —Eye-Catching— Posters and Dis- plays—each one especially created to put "sell" in your lobby— designed to make your theatre headquarters for bond sales in your community. Use them— they're your T.N.T. to put explosive punch behind bond sales. 2 BUY \\ Dl A V TAO< FOR THE JAPS WAR BONDS MOW SMASH 'EM WITH THE SMASHING PLAY TAPS^ FOR THE JAPS NOW ON THE SMASHING WAR -"LOAN BUY BONDS NOW, Mmii|Hiniininumniimimm BUY AN "E" BOND AND SIGN THIS LETTER TO G. I. JOE TO EVERY LOYAL AMERICAN OF THIS COMMUNITY: WHEREAS, .k, p...... •( iki. iK„ir, ,;.« piM .-,.,».-. I. W„ .11.,. ky .l« punlu.- of W., BooJ.. anJ WHEREAS. .I.c v, , .fib. lUUf,. of W„ B„„J ,,llmj. TH EREtORE. ,1.. _*.,<_.. .( il.li .U,„ .. Mr .)... ,U» ,. ,j^„ „„J ,. J., ,„,, ,.„l ! ,k- fijlun, U~ I™. M H , Jjn, f„ ,|» J, .(V., B.rJ. » THE SIXTH WAR LOAN' "Buy Bonds at Your Favorite Motion Picture Theatre. The only place where you can buy Bonds every evening, Sunday and Holiday/' PLAY TAPS FOR THE JAPS! THIS i IS WHAT YOU'RE SELLING YOUR PRESSBOOK FOR THE SIXTH WAR LOAN DRIVE IS IN THE MAILS! It's o working weapon, designed for easy use by you. If you foil to re- ceive yours promptly, extra copies ore available at your nearest No- tionol Screen Exchange. FOR! Thjs message was prepared and inserted in the trade press by: Columbia Pictures Corp. Metro -Goldwyn- Mayer Pictures Paramount Pictures Inc. RKO-Radio Pictures, Jnc. Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp. United Artists Corp. Universal Pictures Company, Inc. Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. America's Fan Magazines Direct Their 20-Million Readers To Your Theatre They're behind you with this three-point program! 1. A BIG CONTEST $5,000 in Prizes A total of $5,000 in prizes— awarded to the 10 exhibitors conducting the most ingenious, effec- tive bond-selling drive in their theatre during the Sixth. For full details— see your trade papers- see your Fan Magazines. 2. AN ALL-OUT COVER DISPLAY During months of November and December . . . the front cover of every Fan Magazine in the U.S.A. will display your drive slogan: "BUY BONDS AT YOUR FAVORITE MOTION PICTURE THEATRE" 3. BIG EDITORIAL COVERAGE The editorial content of the Fan Magazines dur- ing November and December will include gen- erous space on your work in this, and the previous five War Loans. RADIO DIRECTS BOND BUYERS TO YOUR THEATRE Every Radio Listener in America Will Be Reached at Least Five Times During the Period of the Drive! And Every Broadcast and Guest Star Ap- pearance Will Carry The Sales Message: "Buy Bonds, at Your Favorite Motion Picture Theatre . . . the only place where you can buy Bonds every Eve- ning, Sunday and Holiday." Nov. 20th— Monster War Bond Rally with Stars of Radio, Stage and Screen Broadcast Coast-to-Coast Over the Major Networks A big-time show going out over the air to the entire country! With famous commen- tators such as Lowell Thomas and Gabriel Heatter, radio shows such as "The Quiz Kids," "Coca Cola Spotlight Band,'' "Blind Date," etc., plus famous stars of stage and screen— all joining in to open up the Sixth War Loan with a bang! Pearl Harbor Eve Radio Show December 6th Your National Build-up for "Free Movie Day" On the Eve of the most fateful day in American History! A heart-stirring radio show, featuring stars who've entertained overseas and who will go on the air with their personal stories of front-line life— to help sell War Bonds! Names from a famous roster that includes Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Clark Gable, Carole Landis, Joe E. Brown, Frances Langford, Lt. Tyrone Power, Al Jolson, Jack Benny, will be there to make this a brilliant "pitch" for War Bond Selling! Other National Radio Coverage War Bond Guest Stars will appear on all leading commercial programs during the drive to make a special bond selling ap- peal, built around their own War Activi- ties in hospitals, the home-front and the war-front! Friday, November 3, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 17 Slogans and Stunts for 6th War Loan Play Taps for the Japs * The Smashing 6th + Don't Let Them Down By Letting Up * Lend Over Here Till It's Over Over There * Smash Them With the 6th * Your Country Is Still At War, Are You? * Let's Finish the Job * Here We Go To Tokyo * Let's Go for the Knockout Blow * A Bond Is a Weapon to Beat the Japs, Use It * Buy That Extra Bond Buy a Round-Trip Ticket to Tokyo for One of Our Soldiers. Keep On Buying While Our Boys Are Dying The Japs Started It, Lefs Finish It "^r It Costs Plenty to Kill a Jap * Invest in the Next Raid on Tokyo it War Bonds — The Safest Investment in the World * You Backed the Invasion, Now Speed Victory ^ What Did You Do Today to Help Shorten the War? Lobby Displays Sell Bonds — Here Are 5 1. PARTICIPATION GAG. Have a compo board cut-out of a Jap with the head in profile on a swivel. Every bond buyer "May slap the Jap and keep his head spinning. . . . It's easy — effective— and will do a job for any exhibitor, especially with younger patrons. 2. CAPTURED WEAPONS. Through War Finance Committeemen or local military officials, obtain weapons of captured soldiers or U. S. weapons and display them in the lobby. Cards with the price of each U. S. weapon could be affixed to drive home the point as to what bonds are being used for. Enemy weapons could have cards, giving the approximate cost of silencing each one. 3. BOYS IN SERVICE LOBBY BOARD. From local newspapers obtain clips about boys in the service. Change them from day to day. Rela- tives identifying them would be given a pass to the theatre upon applying at the theatre bond booth. Slug the top of the board with this message: "This Is What They Are Doing— What Did You Do Today?" 4. HANG HITLER AND HIROHITO— Tested and found productive. Bond buyers slip the noose around dummies of Hitler and Hiro- hito and hang them up. Let the bond buyer do the whole job — it is more satisfying. Then take the dummy down for the next bond buyer. 5. DARTBOARD. Paint a Jap flag on a dart board. Award three darts for every bond. Stimu- late competition on the highest score. This simple stunt will produce sales. 6. FREE PHOTO EXHIBIT. The Graflex Corp. of Rochester, N. Y., has made available to the motion picture industry 800 sets of glossy prints of outstanding war photos covering all five branches of the service. The display consists of 25 glossy prints, 8 x 10, mounted on mats, 16 x 20, for a lobby display. In- cluded in the kit are mats, publicity stories, radio spot announcements and tie-up ideas. There are only 800 sets' available and first come, first served. So write for this display material immediately for the Sixth Drive. | Bonds Bought in Names Of Service Mothers THIS PROMOTION has produced bond sales for many exhibitors and is an excellent way of mobilizing women's groups to help sell bonds. HONOR MOTHERS OF MEN in service by creating a competitive interest in selling bonds in the names of their sons. This can be sponsored by women's patriotic groups, Navy mothers, Le- gion auxiliaries, Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliaries, etc. EACH ORGANIZATION SELECTS a repre- sentative mother who is either the oldest mother with sons in the service, or the mother with the greatest number of sons in the service. The representative mother so selected and the prog- ress of the sale is publicized by newspaper and radio tie-ups. Window Tieups Assist Theatre Bond Drives 1. MILITARY DISPLAYS: By arrangement with the nearest military establishment, weapons and clothing of various sorts can be set up for Sixth War Loan display. These displays, par- ticularly of captured enemy equipment, have always created interest. Best types of stores for these displays are sporting goods shops, depart- ment stores and haberdasheries. 2. POST-WAR WINDOW: Displays showing what war bonds will buy in the future, articles not obtainable now. Point up the valuable post- war security feature of buying bonds now. Oldest Merchant a Hub For Drive 'Kick-off HERE'S A STUNT that has already been used in the Sixth War Loan drive and produced re- sults. From Milwaukee comes word of the stunt for a 'kickoff' meeting. This is the way it works : SELECT THE OLDEST independent merchant in the community and have him appointed hon- orary chairman of the Sixth War Loan for the region. Select a date for a dinner to honor this merchant and to start the Bond Drive. Commit- tees should be appointed to cover all possible bond-selling outlets and the theatre should be made the pivot of activity. WHEREVER POSSIBLE, try to have the old- est exhibitor in town appointed to this honorary position. Get speakers who knew the oldest merchant 'when' and build a nostalgic program around this theme. Use the occasion of the din- ner to announce plans for the Sixth War Loan drive. Combat Paintings Free To Theatres for 6th A SIXTH WAR LOAN DISPLAY of eight color prints being offered to theatres by the War Activities Committee of the industry has been reproduced from combat paintings by servicemen artists. Each set of eight 19x24 inch color prints is accompanied by two posters, featuring the slogan "Smash 'Em With the Sixth War Loan," and showing a bomb blasting a Jap flag. THIS DISPLAY will be mailed without charge to all theatres signify- ing their intentions of displaying the prints during the Sixth War Loan. The individual prints will make prizes for theatre patrons who purchase War Bonds under any contest or award plan the theatre management may wish to set up. Requests for the display should be addressed to: Theatre Dis- play Dept., Electric Boat Co., New York. buy that Extra bond fffi 18 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 3, 1944 Industry 6th Drive Leaders JfJ) ECOGNIZING the special necessity of absolute success in the Jf Government's aim to sell $14,000,000,000 of war bonds in the Sixth War Loan campaign, Nov. 26-Dec. 16, the industry has expanded its national committee, stressing additional exhibitor leader- ship. This pictorial presentation salutes the motion picture industry's^ national committee for the sixth campaign. ^ ^ ^ Harry Brandt National Chairman buy that "Extra bond T>eo Wolcott Co-Chairman Nathan Yarning Co-Chairman Leon Bamberger Asst. Distributor Chairman Friday, November 3, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 19 64 Exhibitors 'Accept the 6th Challenge' MANY a veteran of all five previous war loans will again serve for the Sixth 0 Vfove, and all are already laying the ^groundwork for the industry's participation in the campaign, which 1 formally begins on Nov. 20 and runs through Dec. 16. Sixty-five exhibitor state co-chairmen repre- sent the 'hub' upon which the in- dustry's 'E' bond selling effort in the field will revolve. They follow : Alabama, R. M. Kennedy, Alabama Theatre, Birmingham. Arizona, Harry Nace, Orpheum Theatre Bldg., Phoenix. Arkansas, Claude Mundo, Rex The- tre, Little Rock. California (Southern) Gus Metzger, 536 South Broadway, Los Angeles ; (Northern) Rotus Harvey, 291 Golden Gate, San Francisco. Colorado, Mark Ailing, Orpheum Theatre, Denver; R. J. Garland, Fox Intermountain Theatres, Den- ver. Connecticut, Harry Shaw, Poli Building, New Haven. Delaware, A. Joseph Defiore, Park Theatre, Wilmington. Florida, J. L. Cartwright, Tampa Theatre Building, Tampa. Georgia, J. H. Thompson, M.P.T.O. of Georgia, Hawkinsville. Idaho, Al Hager, Rex Theatre, Idaho Falls. Illinois, Ed Zorn, Crescent Falls, Pontiac. Ed Silverman, Essaness Theatres, 540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Indiana, Don Rossiter, 444 N. Illi nois St., Indianapolis. Iowa, A. H. Blank, Paramount Bldg., Des Moines. Kansas, Howard Jameyson, Wichita. Kentucky, Lew Hensler, Ben Ali Theatre, Lexington. Louisiana, E. V. Richards, 608 Canal St., New Orleans. Maine, Connie Russell, Bangor. Maryland, Frank Durkee, Arcade Theatre Bldg., Baltimore. Massachusetts, Sam Pinanski, M. & P. Theatres, 60 Scollay Sq., Boston Michigan, Ray Branch, A.T.O. of Michigan, 607 Fox Bldg., Detroit, Minnesota, Henry Greene, Lake Amusement Co., 818 National Bldg. Minneapolis ; Harold Kaplan, St Louis Park Theatre, St. Louis Park. Mississippi, Burgess Waltmon, Prin cess Theatre, Columbus ; Arthur Distributor Chairmen Organized for the 6th DISTRIBUTION'S 32 territories are the basis of the distributors' geographic operations for the Sixth War Loan, each in charge of an exchangeman, with those areas, in turn, carved into 10 districts, each supervised by a district manager. National distribution chairman is Ned Depinet, with Leon Bamberger as assistant. The setup is the regular distributors' division of the War Activities Com- mittee which works hand-in-hand with exhibitor state chairmen in all drives. Personnel of the 32 territories follow : 30% of Quota from New York State THE New York State quota for the Sixth War Loan, which be gins Nov. 20, has been set at $4,226,- 000,000 and the goal for New York City at $3,667,500,000. The quota for the state repre sents more than 30 per cent of the national goal of $14,000,000,000. It is $575,000,000 less than the state quota of $4,801,000,000 in the Fifth War Loan last Summer, when state purchases hit $5,933,781,391. Metropolitan New York District Chairman, Jack Bowen, Loew's, New York. New York — Ralph Pielow, Loew's, 630 9th Ave. New Jersey — B. Abner, Loew's, 630 9th Ave., New York. Northeast District Chairman, A. M. Kane, Para- mount, 58 Berkeley St., Boston. Boston — Ed. W. Ruff, Paramount, Boston. New Haven — John Moore, Para- mount, 82-88 State St. Albany — C. G. Eastman, Para- mount, 1044 Broadway. Buffalo — M. A. Brown, Paramount, 464 Franklin St. East District Chairman, R. J. Folliard, RKO, 250 N. 13th St., Philadelphia. Philadelphia — Sam Gross, 20th Century-Fox, 302 N. 13th St. Pittsburgh, M. E. Lefko, RKO, 1623 Blvd. of Allies. Washington — J. B. Brecheen, RKO, 203 Eye St., N. W. East Central District Chairman, Jack Goldhar, United Artists, 2310 Cass Ave., De- troit. Cincinnati — Harris Dudelson, Unit- ed Artists, 1634 Central Pkway Blvd. Cleveland — Maury Orr, United Art- ists, 1745 East 23rd St. Detroit — M. Dudelson, United Art- ists, 2310 Cass Ave. Southeast District Chairman, Paul Wilson, 20th Century-Fox, 197 Walton St., At- lanta. Atlanta— Fred R. Dodson, 20th Century-Fox. Charlotte — John E. Holston, 20th Century-Fox, 308 S. Church St. New Orleans — E. V. Landaiche, 20th Century-Fox, 200 S. Liberty St. Southwest District Chairman, J. B. Underwood, Columbia, 1818 Wood St., Dallas. Memphis — J. J. Rogers, Columbia, 162 Vance Ave. Oklahoma City — C. A. Gibbs, Co- lumbia, 702 W. Grand Ave. Midwest District Chairman, Sam Shirley, Loew's, 1307 S. Wabash Ave., Chi- cago. Chicago — W. E. Banford, Loew's, 1307 S. Wabash Ave. Minneapolis — W. H. Workman, Loew's, 1104 Currie Ave. Milwaukee — Don Woods, Warners, 1022 N." 8th St. Indiana-Kentucky Indianapolis — Claude McKean, Warners, 120 W. Michigan. Prairie District District Chairman, J. E. Garrison, Universal, 214-6 W. 18th St., Kan- sas City. St. Louis — -Harry Hynes, Universal, 3320 Olive St. Kansas City — Jack Langan, Univer- sal, 214-6 W. 18th St. Des Moines — Lou Levy, Universal, 1005 High St. Omaha — H. B. Johnson, Universal, 1524 Davenport St. Rocky Mountain District Chairman, J. Herbert Mcln- tyre, RKO, 1980 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. Denver— Tom Bailey, RKO, P.O. Box No. 1649. Salt Lake City — G. Davison, RKO, 204 E. 1st St. South. West Coast District Chairman, Henry Herbel, Warners, 2025 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. Seattle — Vete Stewart, Warners, 2405 Second Ave. Portland — Al Oxtoby, Warners, 935 N. W. 19th Ave. San Francisco — Al Shmitken, War- ners, 215 Golden Gate Ave. Los Angeles — Fred Greenberg, War- ners, 2025 S. Vermont Ave. 63 Publicists Promoting 'E' Bond Sales ALREADY in the field in ad- r\ vance of the actual start of ^ selling "E" bonds for Uncle Sam's Sixth War loan drive are 63 state chairmen or co-chairmen in exhibition promotional activities, helping to get the money for the materials needed to Beat the Japs ! They are being directed by John Hertz, Jr., national publicity chair- man for the industry's participation in the campaign, which will get under way Nov. 20 and run through Dec. 16. The state publicity chair- men follow : Lehmann, Booker T. Theatres, Jackson. Missouri (Eastern), Rex Barrett, Columbia; Marry Burnett, Loew's state Theatre, St. Louis; (West- ern) Elmer Rhoden, Fox Midwest Theatres, 3706 Broadway, Kansas City. Montana, J. A. English, Washoe Theatre Building, Anaconda. Nebraska, William Miskell, Or- pheum Theatre Building, Omaha ; Sam Epstein, Epstein Amusement Co., Omaha. Nevada, N. Dow Thompson, T. & D. Entertainment, Reno. New Hampshire, Ed Fahey, 1118 Elm St., Manchester. New Jersey (Northern), Harry (Continued on page 20) Alabama — Bill Wolf son, Wilby- Kincey Theatres, Montgomery. Arizona — A. G. Pickett, Orpheum Theatre Bldg., Phoenix. Arkansas — Sam Kirby, Malco Bldg., North Little Rock. California — (Southern) Seymour Piser, Fox West Coast Theatres, 1609 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, (co-chairman) Mort Good- man, Warner Brothers, 6433 Holly- wood Blvd., Hollywood; (North- ern) Fay Reeder, Fox West Coast Theatres, 988 Market St, San Francisco. Colorado — Margaret Goyette, Den- ham Theatre, Denver. Connecticut — Lou Brown, Loew's Poli Theatre, New Haven. Delaware — Edgar J. Doob, Loew's Aldine Theatre, Wilmington. Florida — J. L. Cartwright, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. Georgia — Spence Pierce, 20th Cen- tury-Fox Exchange, Atlanta. Idaho (Southeastern) — C. A. Orr, Opera House, Grace; (Northern) John Trewela, Wilma Theatre, Coeur D'Alene. Illinois — Bill Bishop, Metro-Gold- wyn-Mayer, 1307 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago ; Larry Stein, Warner Bros, 1307 S. Wabash Ave, Chi- cago. Indiana — Ken Collins, Circle Thea- tre, Indianapolis. Iowa — Dale McFarland, Paramount Bldg, Des Moines. Kansas— Woody Barritt, Fox Wi- chita TheatreSj Wichita. Kentucky — Lew Hensler, Ben Ali Theatre, Lexington. Louisiana — Maurice F. Barr, 608 Canal St, New Orleans. Maine — C. J. Russell, Sr., Bijou Theatre, Bangor. (.Continued on page 20) buy that "Extra bond 6th War Bonds as Christmas Gifts A NATIONAL radio tieup direct- ing attention to theatres on Dec. 7 is in the making, with Holly- wood cooperation to aid exhibitors sell the idea of buying bonds for Christmas gifts. As in the Fifth War Loan drive the Treasury is not interested in the tremendous total only, but more so in the number of 'E' Bonds sold. Exhibitors are also asked to try to increase the number of bond sales. 20 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 3, 1944 64 Leaders in Exhibition (Continued from page 19) Lowenstein, 24 Walnut St., New- ark; Frank Damis, Warner Bros., 17 Academy St., Newark; (South- ern) 1, Epstein, Atlantic Theatres, 1505 Race St., Philadelphia, 3&. New Mexico, Geo. Tucker, Kimo Theatre, Albuquerque. New York (Metropolitan), Malcolm Kingsberg, RKO, 1270 6th Ave., New York; (Upstate) C. J. Latta, Warner Bros., Pearl St., Albany. North Carolina, Geo. T. Carpen- ter, Colonial Theatre, Valdese. North Dakota, Mike Cooper, Forx Theatre, Grank Forks; Ed Krauss, Fargo Theatre, Fargo. Ohio, Chas. Raymond, Cleveland. Oklahoma, Ralph Talbot, Tulsa. Oregon, O. J. Miller, Portland. Pennsylvania (Eastern), Ben Fer- tel, Colonial Theatre, Philadelphia; (Western), M. A. Silver, Warner Bros., Clark Building, Pittsburgh. Rhode Island, Martin Toohey, Le- roy Theatre, Pawtucket. South Carolina, Warren Irwin, Palmetto Theatre, Columbia. South Dakota, Fred Larkin, State Theatre, Sioux Falls. Tennessee (Eastern), E. W. Street, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville ; (Western), Kermit Stengal, Cres- cent Amusement Co., Nashville. Texas, John Q. Adams, Majestic Theatre Building, Dallas; Phil Is- ley, 2000^ Jackson, Dallas. Utah, Hall Baetz, Salt Lake City. Vermont, Frank Venett, Rutland. Virginia, Morton G. Thalheimer, Neighborhood Theatre, Richmond. Washington, D. C, Al Lichtman, Lincoln Theatre, 1212 U St., N.W. Washington, Frank Newman, Sr., Evergreen Theatres, Seattle. West Virginia, Sol Hyman, Hunt- ington. Wisconsin, Harold Fitzgerald, 1324 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. Wyoming, Thomas Knight, Riverton. Accessories Set for 6th Military and motion picture 'stars' will sell war bonds to the public dur- ing the Sixth War Loan campaign by way of two trailers produced in Hollywood. Jennifer Jones stars in "The Fighting Generation," made by David Selznick, directed by Alfred Hitchcock from a script by Stephen Longstreet. It will be in National Screen Exchanges around Nov. 6. Paramount is filming Eddie Bracken in the second, which was written by Robert Lees and Fred Ringold, di- rected by Joseph Youngerman and produced by William Miekeljohn. Through the cooperation of the WAC newsreel division, under chair- man Walton Ament, three different newsreel bulletins will be exhibited, the first being on the anniversary of the Marine Corps, the second starring Lt. Tyrone Power and the third a talk by Admiral Chester Nimitz. The trailers are to be distributed as a WAC effort by National Screen Service. In addition, all exhibitors will re- ceive a kit containing two 40x60's, two one sheets, and a 20-page press book. Distributors Will Aid Junior Bond Matinees CHILDREN'S Junior Bond Pre- mieres were really overlooked until the Fifth War Loan, when 1,131 were held, turning a slow morn- ing into 1,131 housefuls of bond sales. They do not cut into your bond events. Every distributor in the in- dustry has agreed to cooperate in making the Children's Junior Bond Premieres an outstanding sales me- dium. In a statement to all exhibitors, yes- terday, the industry's national Sixth War Loan committee declared : "Civic enterprise is fostered in every school in this country ; get young organiza- tions behind this and spot the juvenile event with announcements wherever youngsters congregate. Slug ads and post a program in the theatre lobby; work with boy or girl scouts." Some of the ways an exhibitor can make the plan work : Let the children know about it. Hit the places they congregate and bill the day big. Have spot announcements on local stations in early evening, and daily teasers in newspapers. Have a contest to select the Bond 'King' and 'Queen.' Tell school officials about the plan. Organ- ize team competition: Seniors vs. Jun- iors, etc. Promote awards. Try the 'Mayor-for-a-Day' stunt. Through the Chamber of Commerce arrange to have the leading bond-seller made Mayor-for-a-Day. Ask Boy and Girl Scouts for their cooperation. Boy Scout troops will not only sell bonds but will distribute throw-aways. BUY THAT \ ' "Extra bond 'MovieDay 9 on December 7 (Continued from page 3) said an industry drive statement to theatre owners yesterday. "It helps sell bonds for the USA and promotes good-will for YOU !" it added. Exhibitors are asked to play up Free Movie Day in all newspaper ads, radio announcements, window dis- plays, posters, emphasizing "See a Free Movie Today ... By Buying a Bond Today." In addition to all the normal outlets for a campaign on Free Movie Day, Pearl Harbor Day, patriotic demon- strations, parades and on-stage rallies, can be planned with the cooperation of military and fraternal organizations. If, because of local conditions, an exhibitor cannot hold Free Movie Day on Dec. 7, he is expected to hold it on another* day — but, wherever possible, all are requested to hold it on Dec. 7, because this date will be promoted by a national publicity campaign. BUY THAT Extra bond BUY THAT \ Extra bond Bond Shows To Top All (Continued from page 3) has a general bond committee ap- pointed, it should be contacted, telling them fully of the plans for a Bond Premiere, enlisting their aid in selling tickets. "Inspect your equipment and make sure your theatre will have a clean, gala appearance for the selected eve- ning. Contact your volunteer workers NOW ! Inform the entire staff of the plans for the evening so questions can be answered for all. "Paper your town with posters ad- vertising the event. Get your publicity stories in work and make an effort for steady 'plugging' through spot an- nouncements on a local radio station. If speakers are available get them out to weekly events, Rotary, Kiwanis, etc. Exhibitors in towns under 7,500 c*an have pictures released prior to May 1, and not under contract, without cost. Pressbook Out Today JOHN D. HERTZ, JR., national publicity-advertising director for the industry's Sixth War Loan Drive, announced yesterday that the pressbook for the campaign will be mailed to all exhibitors today. Hertz, describing the book, which has 20 pages, in two and three colors, stated that it was the intention to prepare a pressbook with the primary function of making it as easy as pos- sible for the exhibitor to do a job. The book was arranged as a working manual with all material on bond pre- mieres, such as ads, publicity stories, radio spot announcements, etc., placed in one section of the book, with the same formula followed on Free Movie Day and Children's Premiere. Hertz paid tribute to all branches for contributions to the pressbook and took the occasion to specifically com- mend Herb Berg of United Artists, for his 6th Bond work on trade papers ; Ted Lloyd of 20th Century-Fox, for his achievements in radio ; Tom Wal- ler of Paramount, for his handling of national syndicates ; Newcomb F. Thompson of RKO, for handling New York newspapers, and Max E. Youngstein for coordinating the ad- vertising, publicity and exploitation. 63 Publicists To Aid 6th 'thj jWAR 10ANJ (Continued from page 19) Maryland — Louis E. Schecter, Old- town Bank Bldg., Baltimore. Massachusetts — Harry Browning, 60 Scollay Sq., Boston. i' >; Michigan— Betty Smith, Fox Thea- tre, Detroit. Minnesota — Norman Pyle, M-G-| Minneapolis. V ' Mississippi — Burgess Waltmon, Princess Theatre, Columbus. Missouri — (Eastern) M. L. Ples- siver, Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand St., St. Louis ; Erv Waterstreet, 3010 Olive St, St. Louis ; Carl Post, 3304 Olive St., St. Louis; (West- ern) Jerry Zigmond, Newman Theatre, Kansas City. Montana — Jack Edwards, Marlow Theatre, Helena. Nebraska — Ted Emerson, care Wm. Miskell, Orpheum Bldg., Omaha. Nevada — Harry Hunsaker, Granada Theatre, Reno. New Hampshire — Frank K. Eld- ridge, Capitol Theatre, Concord. New Jersey — (Northern) George Kelly, 17 Academy St., Newark; (Southern) Eli M. Orowitz, Savar Amusement Co., Camden. New Mexico — George Tucker, Kimo Theatre, Albuquerque. New York — (Albany) Charles Smakwitz, Warner Theatre, 79 N. Pearl St., Albany; (Buffalo) Charles B. Taylor, Buffalo Thea- tres, Buffalo; (Metropolitan) Har- ry Mandell, RKO, New York. North Carolina — Roy L. Smart, 120 East 3rd St., Charlotte. North Dakota— Ed Kraus, Fargo. Ohio — (Cincinnati area) J. E. Wat- son, Loew's, 1625 Central Parkway, Cincinnati; (Cleveland area) Charles Deardourff, Loew's, 2346 Payne Ave., Cleveland. Qklahoma — Robert Busch, Uptown Theatre, Oklahoma City. Oregon — Jack Matlack, Broadway Theatre, Portland. Pennsylvania — (Eastern) Michael Weiss, 20th Century-Fox, 302 No. 13th St., Philadelphia; (Western) James M. Totman, Pittsburgh. Rhode Island — Martin Toohey, Le- roy Theatre, Pawtucket, R. L South Carolina — Sam Suggs, Palm- etto Theatre, Columbia. South Dakota— (East of Missouri River) Cliff Knoll, Mitchell; Wal- ter Hoffman, 1015 Canal Ave. No., Minnesota ; (West of Missouri River) — Ken Peters, State Theatre, Pierre. Tennessee — (Eastern) E. M. Street, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville ; (Western) J. R. McEachron, Para- mount Theatre, Jackson. Texas — Ray Beall, chairman; Bob Kelly, co-chairman, Inter-State Circuit, 501 Majestic Bldg., Dallas. Utah — Helen Garrity, Intermountain Theatres, Salt Lake City. Vermont — Eugene C. Keenan, Burns Theatre, Newport. Virginia — Brock Whitlock, Loew's Theatre, Richmond. Washington, D. C— Frank La Fal- ce, Warner Bros., Washington. Washington — Vic Gauntlett, Ever- green Theatres, Seattle. West Varginia (partial) — Jas. H. Totman, Warner Bros., Clark Bldg., Pittsburgh. Wisconsin — William V. Geehan, 1324 W. Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Wyoming — G. H. Turner, Lusk. Uncle Sam needs more ISSUING AGENTS FOR THE SIXTH WAR LOAN! To become an Your theatre is the only place where Bonds can be bought eve- nings, Sundays and holidays! The public is being told in every way: "BUY BONDS AT YOUR MOVIE THEATRE!" Get in touch with your War Activities Exhibitor State Chair- man immediately! ^ He will tell you how easily it's done! The folks depend on mu to be an Issuing Agent when they want to buy their War Bonds! Join the ranks of the: thou- sands of other patriotic Issuing Agents in America! Sponsored by WAR ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE OF MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY 1501 Broadway, New York City 22 Motion Picture daily Friday, November 3, 1944 Industry in Line in Sixth Drive to Help Beat Japs Insured for Storm, Ocean Wrecks House Louis Bracca's Sea Island Theatre at Sea Island, N. J., had its 850-seat orchestra floor, stage, screen and organ washed out in the September hurricane, but Bracca didn't worry too much at the time. He had hurricane insurance. Now the insurance Com- pany is contending it was the sea, not the hurricane, that caused the damage. Bracca's insurance does not cover damage to the theatre from the ocean. Hold Four Regional Loan Drive Meets Four different regional meetings were held yesterday by exhibitors in furtherance of the industry's 6th War Loan drive in Detroit, Newark, Louis- ville and Buffalo. More than 300, rep- resenting 500 theatres, attended the Detroit meeting at the Hotel Book- Cadillac. Ray Branch, state exhibitor chairman, announced he would seek to make every theatre in Michigan an issuing agent. National committee- men William F. Crockett, Nathan Ya- mins, Leon Bamberger, Charles Dear- dourff and Francis Harmon spoke on bond premieres for theatres and ex- changes, children's matinees and 'Free Movie Day,' Dec. 7. Lt. Col. Roswell P. Rosengren, war hero, praised the theatre industry and stated that the industry's greatest challenge is rehabilitation of Germany and Japan by film education. Frank Isbey, chair- man of Michigan's War Finance Com- mittee, also spoke. In Newark, more than 200 exhibit- ors from Northern New Jersey at- tended a meeting at the Little Theatre presided over by exhibitor state chair- men Harry Lowenstein and Frank Damis. Other speakers were George Potter, Harry Murphy, George Dem- bow, Ben Abner, Max E. Youngstein, Adam Adams and George Kelly. 162 at Louisville Harry Brandt, national chairman; Jack Kirsch, national co-chairman; Ned Depinet, distributor chairman, John Hertz, Jr., publicity chair- man; Ed Bobe, Capt. Ray Wild and Lt. Lewis Largey, arrived in Louis- ville from 'Cleveland to conduct a meeting of 162 film people at the Ken- tucky Hotel. A detailed program was set up for Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. The four states were represented by Lew Hensler, Kentucky; Don Rossiter, Indiana; Charles Raymond, Ohio; Sol Hyman, West Virginia, state chair- men; Claude McKean, Indianapolis; Harris Dudelson, Cincinnati, distribu- tor chairmen, and James Totman, W. Va., Ken Collings, Indiana, and J. E. Watson, Ohio, state publicity chair- men. Freeman Smith, executive di- rector of the Kentucky Association of Exhibitors, was toastmaster. Mor than 236 theatres pledged 100 per cent cooperation at a meeting in the Statler Hotel, Buffalo. All branches of the women's services were guests. Kansas City Bomblaster Issued for 6th Push Kansas City, Nov. 2. — One of the highlights of the 6th War Loan cam- paign regional meeting held here re- cently was the issuing a special newspaper, the Kansas City Bomblast- er, which was rushed into the banquet room of the Muehlebach Hotel just after the main speaker concluded, and was given to the guests. The paper contained a complete outline of the local meeting, pictures of the national committee, and reproductions of avail- able accessories for putting over ef- fective bond campaigns." Variety Gives Ambulance Washington, Nov. 2. — Local Variety has presented a $3,000 ambu- lance to the local Health Department. The presentation was made by John Allen, chief barker, and Rudy Berber, chairman of the welfare committee. {Continued from page 1) Sixth War Loan— admittedly one of the toughest in this country's experi- ence, with showmen "again the hub around which millions in bond sales will revolve, aided and abetted, of course, by distribution and produc- tion. From Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau comes to exhibi- tors an expression of gratification "to learn that we may again count on the full support of motion picture exhibi- tors during; the Sixth War Loan cam- paign. The record of accomplishment which this group has built up in sup- port of past drives is impressive in- deed, and has contributed greatly to the overall record of which we are so proud," he declared. "The development of War Bond Premieres has added substantially to the value of their assistance as has the willingness of so many of the indi- vidual theatres to act as _ issuing agents for war bonds," he said. , Difficult Task "The task of raising $14,000,000,000 required during the Sixth War Loan Drive will by no means be an easy one. However, with the knowledge of the loyal support of groups such as motion picture exhibitors we face the task with full confidence," concluded Morgenthau. The Treasury specifically requests that exhibitors concentrate on more issuing agencies, and more Bond Pre- mieres, Childrens' Matinees, and Na- tional Free Movie Day showings, the latter for Dec. 7. Where an exhibi- tor cannot become an issuing agent, he is requested to arrange to buy bonds to sell to patrons and friends through a theatre issuing agency. Credit for the sixth drive will in- clude bond sales reported to the Fed- eral Reserve Bank from Nov. < 1 to Dec. 31, whereas the Nov. 20 drive is slated to end Dec. 16. This, accord- ing to the Treasury, is necessary to give proper credit for bonds sold dur- ing the drive by approximately 25,000 issuing agents and thousands of plants now using the payroll deduction sys- tem. Bonds sold under the payroll system have been cleared following the date the bonds were sold. 22 on Staff Serving with national chairman Harry Brandt in this drive are a na- tional staff of 22 (see page 18), 64 state exhibitor chairmen, 63 state pub- licity chairmen, and 41 distributor chairmen (see page 19), plus countless hundreds on local committees, home of- fice, studio and industry-related groups. The industry's initial Sixth War Loan efforts got underway with a series of 19 key-city meetings, start- ing in Los Angeles on Oct. 23 and winding up in New York on Nov. 17 with a big rally. Speaking with na- tional drive leaders at these rallies are three war heroes : Capt. Ray Wild, Lt. Col. Roswell Rosengren and Lt. Lewis Largey. The drive's nine co-chairmen throughout the country are now secur- ing verified lists of all industry per- sonnel entitled to receive a special "Medal of Honor." Each co-chair- man has formed an "Award Commit- tee" consisting of himself, state ex- hibitor, distributor and publicity chairmen. If an exhibitor is not an issuing agent and desires to receive the medal he can be qualified for the award by guaranteeing to become an issuing agent to one of the award committee members. The special awards will be available to all persons in the industry who directly render service on behalf of the drive. The plan for the medals was insti- tuted by Brandt and honorary chair- men S. H. Fabian, L. C. Griffith, Charles Skouras and R. J. O'Don- nell. In an effort to raise at least $54,- 000,000 extra, Ned E. Depinet, dis- tribution chairman, has urged all dis- tributor chairmen to institute a cam- paign for extra Projection Room Premieres in all exchanges. During the Fifth War Loan there were only 13 such premieres, selling 1,110 bonds. Depinet said "these premieres ac- counted for $3,000,000 in extra bonds." The plan is to sell some important exhibitor, merchant, banker, civic or social leader in each key city to take over one of the Projection Room Premieres and invite his own "guests." Military Personnel Procedure for requests for use of military personnel or equipment dur- ing the Sixth War Loan campaign was explained yesterday by Tom W. Baily, War Activities Committee drive consultant to the Treasury De- partment, who said: "Exhibitors de- siring to utilize war heroes, military bands, personnel or equipment, should follow a simple but necessary routine. Make the request of the local WAC bond chairman, who in turn will ap- ply to the local War Finance Com- mittee chairman. Requests from the latter will be given proper considera- tion by the military. This applies to all local military cooperation. The five newsreels will again play an important role in the Sixth War Loan Drive. In addition to maintain- ing a steady flow of coverage of im- portant bond events, each will fea- ture bulletins playing up screen stars and national heroes in appeals. (See page 20.) The newsreel chiefs have pledged that Sixth War Loan messages will be tied in with all "stories" when- ever possible. Producer David O. Selznick, direc- tor Alfred Hitchcock, Jennifer Jones and Sydney Longstreet, author, have prepared the first of a series of Sixth War Loan Drive trailers, produced in Hollywood under supervision of the War Activities Committee, Hollywood division, with John Flinn, co-ordina- tor. The trailers will be available to all exhibitors from local National Screen exchanges. Free Onesheets All showmen will be serviced with three special one-sheet posters, the first time in any war loan drive that three posters — each plugging the three big "musts" in the campaign — War Bond Premieres, Children's Mati- nees and National Free Movie Day — will be available free to exhibi- tors. The posters will also be avail- able at all NSS exchanges. A radio program in now being set with its objective "to make the ex- hibitor's bond job easier." There will be many Coast-to-Coast broadcasts, with outstanding names and person- alities on them, paying tribute to the Wakoff Buying for Five N. /. Theatres Arthur Wakoff, for more than 10 years film buyer and booker for the Walter Reade circuit, has incorporat- ed under the name of the Metropoli- tan Booking Office here, and has es- tablished a new buying service for independent exhibitors served out of New York-New Jersey exchanges. Theatres Wakoff will represent in- clude the Ditmas and Crescent of Perth Amboy, N. J., the Strand and Lyric of Summit, and the Madison, of Madison. Wakoff has closed deals for product for these theatres with M-G-M, Co- lumbia, Universal and 20th-Fox, and is negotiating with Paramount and United Artists. Wright Named MOI Crown Film Head Basil Wright has been named to succeed Jack Holmes as producer in charge of the Crown Film Unit at Pinewood studios, London, of the British Ministry of Information, the MOI announced here this week. Holmes is leaving for the East on a special mission for the British gov- ernment. The studio is engaged in documentary production. work of the exhibitor in previous drives, and for the time and effort he is devoting to the Sixth. It will tell the millions to buy their bonds at their favorite theatres. There will be a major Coast-to- Coast broadcast over several net- works on the evening of Nov. 20, the 'kick-off' day of the drive, and a major broadcast on Dec. 6, eve of Free Movie Day. Records will be available for use in theatres by ex- hibitors. These will feature songs and short announcements by stars, asking patrons to buy bonds. "There has been a great tendency on the part of some people to believe that this war with Japan will be a pushover," warned distribution chair- man Depinet. "Let me right now dis- pel that assumption, based on verified military reports. "Faced with the Sixth War Loan drive in which we will raise more than our share of the nation's $14,- 000,000,000, I have gone on record to national chairman Brandt with assur- ances of the exhaustless efforts of every member of the distributors di- vision which embraces all district, branch managers, salesmen and field representatives." "Based on both the work, enthusi- asm and cooperation already demon- strated by the trade, this Sixth War Loan Drive will go over the top — and with plenty to spare," declared Brandt yesterday. 6th WAR LOAN The Most You Can Do Is The Least You Can Do To Hasten That Great Day. "WHEN THE LIGHTS GO ON AGAIN" LEO IS FIRST AGAIN! Announcing with pride . . . THE FIRST BOND PREMIERE in the Nation to inaugurate the new SIXTH WAR LOAN ★ NOV. 15th-CAPITOL THEATRE, N. Y. War Bond Premiere of M-G-M's Great Motion Picture THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO 26 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 3, 1944 Video Will Lean Heavily on Film Methods: Austrian Hollywood Papers Pulllease Copy "Life With Father" will pass its five-year milestone on Broadway, Nov. 7. In ob- servance of the occasion, ap- proximately 600 guests have been invited to attend a birth- day party at the Empire Thea- tre following tomorrow night's performance. The Oscar Serlin production of the Howard Lindsay-Rus- sel Crouse dramatization has grossed to date $7,753,000 from the New York and road companies. More than 5,000,- 000 persons have seen the play and fifth-year business is exceeding that of the third and fourth years. Emanuel Outlines Way to Become An Issuing Agent Following a flood of requests from showmen throughout the country on how they may become issuing agents, Jay Emanuel, campaign co-ordinator for the Sixth War Loan Drive, has outlined the proper procedure, as fol- lows : Exhibitors first must apply to the Federal Reserve Bank in the area in which the theatre is located and have a letter of recommendation from the chairman of his local War Activities Committee. In the letter of applica- tion, state name of company, whether a partnership, corporation or individ- ual ; who is authorized to sign forms requesting blank bonds and who will make payment to the Federal Reserve, once every 30 days in accordance with their custom. "The procedure," said Emanuel, "is still further simplified if you will in- dicate in your first letter of application the amount of $25, $50, $75, $100 and $1,000 bonds you will require. The Federal Reserve Bank will issue to you the amount requested plus a stamp with a date and the name of the issu- ing agency applying for this privilege. Therefore, when the exhibitor re- ceives the bonds, and sells them, the duplicate parts are retained for his file ; another set sent to the Treasury Department with your check on the monthly payment basis. The Treas- ury Department issues these blank bonds without advance payment. Typewriter Essential "It is necessary for a theatre to have a typewriter on which to type the name or names of the purchasers of the bonds. There are no compli- cated returns to make out. There are over 5,000 theatres acting as issuing agents for the Treasury, and I have yet to hear of any theatre losing any money in handling these bonds. Only a responsible person should be put in charge of issuing them and seeing to it that the money is returned to the theatre owner the same as you would do with tickets or anything else you handle in this fashion. "If the name of your theatre is used, naturally the special stamp as the issuing agent contains that name. This acts as a goodwill builder be- tween you and your customers for years to come. Theatre issuing agen- cies get credit only for 'E' bonds. If you apply to a bank and act as a sub- issuing agency, your industry does not get credit for the sale of any of these bonds. "It has been suggested that if you find it impractical to become an issu- ing agency, you purchase any bonds for yourself, staff or patrons through a competing theatre which is an is- suing agency so that your industry can get credit, which is highly important in the final analysis. Every business is crowing about how many bonds they have sold during the various loans, and it is only proper that every exhib- itor should do all in his power to help build up the record of the Motion Pic- ture Division," Emanuel concluded. New Trans-Lux Name The corporate name of Trans-Lux Movies Corp. has been changed to Trans-Lux Theatres Corp., the com- pany announced yesterday. While television is generally regard- ed as primarily the concern of radio broadcasting companies, it is most definitely a field which can be efficient- ly serviced by the motion picture industry, Ralph B. Austrian, executive vice-president of the RKO Television Corp., told members of the Publicity Club of New York at a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Belmont Plaza here yesterday. "The motion picture producer has over 50 years' experience in the mak- ing of visual entertainment for mass audiences," Austrian said in discussing the advent of television and its rela- tion to present day motion picture production and radio program trans- mission. He stressed the fact that the technique of Hollywood film produc- ing will be a vital factor in establish- ing the quality and type of selected material. Austrian believes that there will be no competition between motion picture entertainment and television. "The most suitable type of television pro- grams as they are evolved through experience, will be far different in character from the feature film cre- ated by Hollywood for theatre exhibi- tion," Austrian said. He indicated, however, that motion picture tech- niques will play a greater part than existing radio techniques. "The use of film will be infinitely more impor- tant in television broadcasting than the electrical transcription disc is to- day in radio," he predicted. Citing the estimated cost of produc- ing live television programs in studios, Austrian said, "I do not believe that film programs for television in order Six Applications for Video in Washington Washington, Nov. 2. — -Six appli- cations for postwar television stations in the national capital have been filed with the Federal Communications Commission during the past year, it was disclosed today. Two of the applications were filed by local radio broadcasters : the Cap- ital Broadcasting Co., owner of station WWDC, and the Bamberger Broad- casting Co. of Newark, N. J., which services Washington through Mutual station WOL. The other applications came from the Philco Radio and Tele- vision Corp., Allen B. DuMont Labo- ratories, National Broadcasting Co., and Mrs. Eleanor Patterson, publisher of the Washington Times-Herald. Green Hopef ul of Strike Solution (Continued from page 1) quest for a quick settlement. If the AFL is successful, that will end the proceedings, but if its efforts prove unavailing the matter will have to go back to the board, which then would go through the regular process of hearing the case and making a formal decision. The fight had resulted in a studio walkout which ended three weeks ago. Peck Agency in Video The Peck Advertising Agency, Inc., here, has established an experimental television department, headed by Ar- thur Sinsheimer. to be entertaining and good, neces- sarily have to be expensive beyond reason." He contrasted the cost of some radio programs with the prob- able cost of video programs on film. Austrian does not contend that the use of films for television programs precludes the use of "live" sports events, spot news and similar unstaged and unrehearsed events for video. In pointing out that public relations counsel and advertising agencies can use filmed television programs in bringing their messages before the pub- lic, Austrian explained that television will open the home screens of the world to the public relations counsel whereas the majority of theatre screens have been closed to the ad- vertising and business propaganda films. "Public relations via television opens up a vast new field of oppor- tunity," he said. Regarding the role of the film com- pany in supplying film programs for advertising and public relations coun- sel to be used for telecasting, Aus- trian said, "A large motion picture company can arrange with the adver- tising agency for whom it functions to supply identical prints of a pro- gram to any number of television sta- tions throughout the country on the same b^sis as prints are supplied to theatres." "RKO decided to establish the RKO Television Corp. because it believes that television is really talking pic- tures projected by a new and different means from that employed by the the- atre," Austrian said in explaining his company's plans to commercially pro- duce films for television use. Fly Resigns from FCC As of Nov. 15 Washington, Nov. 2. — Chairman James Lawrence Fly of the Federal Communications Commission an- nounced today that he will retire from Government service Nov. 15 to en- gage in the private practice of law in New York and it was reported he also would join the business enter- prises of William Benton, advertis- ing man, who is interested in an ad- vertising-free audience-financed radio service proposed by Joseph L. Wein- er of New York, former director of civilian supply for the War Produc- tion Board. An Administration "clean-up man," Fly, then general counsel of the Ten- nessee Valley Authority, was appoint- ed to the Commission in September, 1939, succeeding Frank R. McNinch as chairman. In his five years with the Commis- sion, Fly has been involved in a num- ber of stormy controversies with members of the Commission, the broadcasting industry, and Congress. Pending the appointment of a suc- cessor, it is probable that Commis- sioner Paul A. Walker, ranking Democratic member, will serve as act- ing chairman. Paul A. Porter, Democratic National Committee pub- licity director, has been mentioned prominently as Fly's probable suc- cessor. MGM Plans to Make 'The Gypsy Baron* M-G-M, which purchased the rights to the music of Richard Strauss's "The Gypsy Baron," three years ago, is reported ready to place the film in production in the late Spring or Sum- mer. The operetta, with "Fleder- maus," constitute the two most popu- lar works Strauss wrote for the stage. Reasons behind the present plan to produce, are that the N. Y. City Cen- ter Opera Company is touring the operetta in English in 40 major cities this Fall and Spring as well as playing it in its regular1 New York season under the management of S. Hurok. While Hurok was on the Coast this past Summer, he submitted the En- glish translation by William Von Wymetal, stage director of the City Center Opera Company,- to M-G-M, and it is that translation which is apparently being used. Rise Stevens < and Nelson, Eddy are reputedly set for starring roles. Boyd Will Be Named Number 1 Cowboy (Continued from page 1) named the best Western picture of the year; Robert Tansey the best direc- tor ; Elliott's "Horse Thunder," the best horse picture; "Pistol Packing Mamma," the best Western song; and Spade Cooley's band, the best West- ern musical aggregation. The awards are based on a poll conducted among Southern California theatregoers. The Award Association directors will give Republic producer William O'Sulli- van a special award for maintaining a high standard in Western produc- tion. Stoltz Buys Theatre Arnold Stoltz, formerly in charge of special events for 20th Century- Fox, has purchased a partnership in the New Park Theatre at Woon- socket, R. I., from Arthur I. Dar- man, who retains a half interest. Stoltz was a winner of the 'Silver Award' in the Motion Picture Her- ald's Martin Quigley 1941 contest for showmanship. Harry Weiss Shifted Cleveland, Nov. 2. — Harry Weiss, recently appointed 20th Century-Fox exploitation representative here, has been transferred to New York. He is succeeded here by Sid Zins, formerly with the Columbii exploitation staff in this area. Friday, November 3, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 27 A. W. Smith Called In Schine Defense (Continued from page 1) Buffalo at that time, accompanied him on visits to the Strand. "We asked him what he was interested in and he said first run," testified Rowell. V?Ve told him we had none and that had an established first run con- tract." Under direct examination by Ed- ward F. McClennen, Schine counsel, Rowell told of Wallace's being denied second and third run product for the same reason. Finally, according to Rowell, Wal- lace said he was "interested in any- thing we had." Rowell said Wallace "had no definite policy under which his theatre was to be operated." At a later meeting, Rowell testified, Wal- lace was offered a list of "older top grossing pictures" and "second and third propositions," for product. Earlier, J. Myer Schine completed his testimony under cross-examination by Robert L. Wright of the Depart- ment of Justice. Wright questioned him concerning the various Schine theatre property acquisitions and the amount of money invested in them by the circuit. When Wright confronted him with various answers to Govern- ment interrogations concerning ac- quisitions, Schine asserted he had never seen them. RKO-Warner Deal Set RKO has closed a deal with War- ner Theatres on "Casanova Brown" and "The Princess and the Pirate." Both have been made available for immediate dating in all houses. Companies Setting 3 More Exchange Pleas Film company exchange operations heads and representatives of the 1ATSE met here yesterday to con- sider applications which the film ex- change service employe locals in Salt Lake City, Memphis and Butte will file with the Regional War Labor Board in their areas for approval of a 10 per cent wage increase for ex- change service workers. Similar ap- plications have either been filed or are being prepared for approval by the film companies for filing in all ex- change cities. The application of the Seattle local already has been ap- proved by the RWLB. The next meeting on these applica- tions will be held here on Monday. RKO, Managers Pact Set For Mediation The New York State Board of Me- diation has set a hearing for Nov. 8 here on the contract dispute between RKO and Motion Picture Theatre Operating Managers and Assistant Managers Guild, representing mana- gers and assistants in the 40 RKO theatres in the Metropolitan area. Contract negotiations were broken off between RKO and the Guild last Tuesday when RKO offered $75 a week for managers and $37.50 for assistant managers, while the Guild demanded $115 for managers and $75 for assistants. Reeling Promoted Chicago, Nov. 2. — G. Hays Reel- ing has been named Western advertis- ing manager of Fawcett Publications. He has been with Fawcett for 15 years. Election News to Oust Theatre Ads M-G-M may be the only film company whose advertis- ing will be carried in the New York Herald-Tribune on Nov. 8. All amusement advertising is to be eliminated from that issue, except for the quarter of an inch strips at the bot- tom of page one, which M-G-M has bought to adver- tise the premiere of "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" at the Capitol on Nov. 13, and to "Kismet" at the Astor. Paper is eliminating the regular amusement advertis- ing to increase available space in that issue for the publication of election and war news. Sees Larger Market In Latin America Mexico City, Nov.2. — Sam Seidel- man, United Artists' general manager in Argentina and supervisor of that company's entire Latin American ter- ritory, declared here recently that the market for American films in Latin American is increasing, despite com- petition from Mexican and other films. Seidelman, who stopped here en route from Hollywood to Buenos Aires, also stated that American compaines are concentrating on improving themes and treatment of films dealing with Latin America in an attempt to cement friendly relations among na- tions of the Western hemisphere. Election Returns in Chicago Houses Chicago, Nov. 2. — To stimulate election night business, most circuits and independent theatres here have made arrangements to announce peri- odic election results on Tuesday as soon as they become available. The Balaban and Katz circuit has made a tie-up with the Blue Network to relay the radio election flashes to all of their theatre audiences a num- ber of times during the night. The managers will install radios in their offices to take down the vital results broadcast. Phil a. Theatres to Give Election News Philadelphia, Nov. 2. — Stanley- Warner theatres have announced that, through the facilities of CBS World News, courtesy of radio station WCAU, election returns will be an- nounced periodically during all shows on Nov. 7. Two-color 40 by 60 posters are be- ing displayed in lobbies of all S-W circuit houses announcing that re- turns will be broadcast all day. Fifth Award to W.E. Employes of the Western Electric, Kearny, N. J., Works and its several manufacturing units in New York, New Jersey and Haverhill, Mass., have been informed by Under Secre- tary of War Robert P. Patterson of their fifth winning of the Army-Navy production award "for outstanding services in the production of war equipment." Gay throngs gather 'round Roy Rogers as he rides through the streets during the spectacular carnival se- quence in "Brazil," Republic's lavish new musical extravaganza. ADVT- 30 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 3, 1944 Review 'Together Again" (Columbia) Hollywood, Nov. 2 COLUMBIA'S thoroughly established reputation as a producer of light, romantic comedies takes on an other decided notch with "Together Again.'' it's funny to the frequent point of hilarity, tender in love moments, ciever in story and smart in juxtaposition of situations. iiene Uunae is mayor of Brook Haven, straight-laced Vermont town, and a wmow — decidedly attractive. She carries on bravely in the tradition of her uear, departed husDand, who also had been mayor. Her other inheritances include Mona f reeman, step-daughter and brat, and Charles Coburn, father- in-law, with an understanding mind. His theory is that Miss Dunne ought to have a romance. Hers is snarled with duty, allegiances and inhibitions. In the town square is a statue of her former husband, and when lightning knocks off its head there is much ado, leading to a New York trip to arrange a new one. That's where Charles Boyer, who plays a sculptor, enters and that's where Miss Dunne's placidity crumbles for an emotional runaway. There is mutual attraction, which propriety compels her to resist. There is also a wild melee in which she is erroneously arrested for a strip-tease performance and spends a night in jail. Boyer follows her home, where he pursues romance and she resists him in increasingly less degree. Ultimately, of course, a love match is joined. But between the beginning and the finish is an array of bright, highly amusing incidents and cross-purposes, which at- test to the superior craftsmanship of Virginia Van Upp and F. Hugh Herbert in their screenplay, based on a story by Stanley Russell and Herbert Biber- man, and to the capable direction of Charles Vidor. Miss Dunne is excellent at every turn and once again negotiates, with grace and ease, the gamut from comedy to drama and back again. Boyer, too, is very good in a light role. Coburn, of course, is his own recommendation. Miss Freeman registers very well, but the surprise of the cast is a tall, gawky, newcomer, Jerome Courtland, who is immense as her clumsy, young swain. The others — all good — -include Charles Dingle, Elizabeth Patterson, Walter Baldwin and Frank Puglia. Miss Van Upp, whose first producer effort was "The Impatient Years," makes the summit as a producer again in her second attraction. Running time, 99 minutes. "G."* Release in November. Red Kann $25,000 to 'Music' In Mild Pitt. Week Pittsburgh, Nov. 2. — "Music in- Manhattan" led off this week with an estimated §25,000 gross for the Stan- ley. Second on the list came the Penn, with an estimated $18,000 for "Bride by Mistake." Estimated receipts for the week end- ing October 31-November 3: "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) FULTON — (1,700) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, third week. Gross: $5,750. (Average: $8,500). "Laura" (20th-Fox) J. P. HARRIS — (2,200) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $10,000). "Bride By Mistake" (RKO) PENN — (3,400) (40c-55c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $21,700). "Since You Went Away" (UA) RITZ— (1,100) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, sixth week. Moveover from the Warner. Gross: S3,000. (Average: $3,000). "Kansas City Kitty" (Col.) "Ever Since Venus" (Col.) SENATOR— (1,750) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $3,000. (Average: $3,000). "Music in Manhattan" (RKO) STANLEY — (3,800) (40c-55c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $25,000. (Average: $22,000). "Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) WARNER — (2,000) (55c-44c-65c) 7 days, second week. Moveover from the Penn. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $9,350). 'Master Race' Tops Milw. Par on Dual Milwaukee, Nov. 2. — "The Master Race" at the Alhambra hit about $12,- 000; "Storm Over Lisbon" coupled with "Blind Date" on the stage at the Riverside was about $15,000. Most other houses were average. Estimated receipts for the week ended November 2 are: "Kismet" (M-G-M) "The Big Noise" (20th-Fox) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (40c -60c -80c) Gross: $14,000. (Average: $14,000). "Rainbow Island" (Para.) "Shadows in the Night" (Col.) PALACE — (2,400) (40c-60c-80c) Gross: $10,000. (Average: $11,500). "Going My Way" (Para.) "Sweet and Low Down" (20th-Fox) STRAND — (1,400) (40c-60c-80c) Gross: $6,000. (Average: $4,500). "The Master Race" (RKO) "That's My Baby" (Rep.) ALHAMBRA — (1,900) (50c-72c) Gross: $12,000. (Average: $10,000). ' Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep.) "Blind Date" (on stage) RIVERSIDE — (2,700) (65c-85c) Gross: S15.000. (Average: $15,000). "Bride By Mistake" (RKO) "My Pal Wotf" (RKO) WARNER— (2,400) (50c-72c) Gross: $15,- 000. (Average: $14,000). 'Irish Eyes', 'Race9 Share Buffalo Lead Buffalo, Nov. 2. — "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," dualed at the Great Lages, is expected to hit SI 9,000 here. "The Master Race" is headed for $14,000 at the Twentieth Century. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 4 : "Summer Storm" (UA) "U-Boat Prisoner" (CoL) BUFFALO— (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $17,400). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) "In the Meantime, Darling" (20th-Fox) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000. (Average: $16,200). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) HIPPODROME — (2,100) (40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week, moveover. Gross $9,700. (Aver- age: $9,700). "The Master Race" (RKO) "The Falcon in Mexico" (RKO) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,000) (40c- 60c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $12,200). "The Merry Monahans" (Univ.) "Jungle Woman" (Urriv.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $12,400). *"G" denotes general classification. Film Shortage Hits Government Films (Continued from page 1) was said. Of this 7,000,000 feet, about 2,500,000 feet were used to re- lease "Tunisian Victory" in the Jnited States, although it was a joint production effort of OYVT and of jritish Ministry of Information. BIS ,iad all the raw stock used charged .gainst its allocation and offered to lo the same to secure immediate re- lease of "V-l," but thus far has been unable to secure delivery of the 500,- 000 feet needed, although it still has some 4,000,000 feet due under its al- location for the year. Plans of the U. S. Treasury to elease OWI's Arturo Toscanini film, "Hymn of All Nations," in connec- tion with the industry's Sixth War Loan Drive have also been abandoned because the raw stock is not available. To secure sufficient raw stock to make trailers for the Sixth War Loan, \YAC has been obliged to cut its film bulletins for December and January release from 200 feet to 50 feet each to effect an estimated saving of some 2,000,000 feet of raw stock. WAC stock for these purposes comes from the OWI allocations. OWI is ex- periencing difficulties in supplying prints of American films for showings in liberated areas under the U. S. Army's Psychological Warfare Branch, because of the raw stock shortage, it is said. McGovern to Free-Lance Elmer J. McGovern has resigned from Max Lasky Studios and Films of Industry after serving for the past four years as production manager and film editor. He will free-lance in the documentary and industrial films field. OWI Overseas Film Unit Produced 31 (Continued from page 1) 2,000 such films were culled some 500, from which eventually 25 were ac- quired by OWI for re-editing, re- writing and rescoring in about 22 lan- guages and English for overseas re- lease. Completed in 35 mm, film, thejr were then- reduced to 16mm. and achieved distribution theatrically through film distributors' foreign branches, and non-theatrically through community agencies. In London, the films are deposited in the Central Film Library of the British Ministry of Information for showing by non- theatrical groups. Also produced were seven 20-min- ute short subjects called U.S.A. "Screen Magazines," for monthly re- lease. In addition a newsreel is is- sued weekly under the name of "Unit- ed News." Nearing completion is a feature-length film called "News Re- view No. 2," which brings the survey of the war up to date, beginning where "News Review No. 1" left off. This review is designed to describe the events of the war to those liberat- ed people who have been shut off from real news and subjected to Axis propaganda. Among OWI documentaries in work are: "A Million Children" and "Our War in the Pacific." Piece of 'Star' to Para. Paramount has acquired a financial interest in "Star in the Window," forthcoming Broadway play, which deals with the problems of a married WAC. Play's authors are L. Bus- Fekete, Mary Helen Fay and Sidney Sheldon. It will be the fifth Broad- way production in which Paramount has a financial interest. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, November 2. RKO RADIO has purchased "Trav- elers Three," an original by Kenneth Earl, based on present travf conditions. The author has also bee\ engaged to write the screenplay. . . . Bob Graham, 19-year-old baritone, has been signed by Paramount to a term contract. He has been lent to M-G-M for a role in "Weekend at the Wal- dorf." . . . Hillary Brooke has been signed by Columbia to play the femi- nine lead opposite Warner Baxter in the next of the studio's "Crime Doc- tor" series. . . . Gustav Machaty has signed Rudolph Friml to write spe- cial songs for his forthcoming Repub- lic production, "Jealousy." • Carol Thurston has been signed by RKO Radio on a long-term deal for two pictures a year. . . . Para- mount has lifted the options of Bill Edwards and Pat Phelan. . . . Ben Pivar has taken on an extended pro- gram of Universal features, the first of which will be "She- Wolf of London." . . . 20th Century-Fox has lifted Otto Preminger's option, and announced that his next production will be "Fallen Angel." . . . Morgan B. Cox has been named supervisor of serials at Universal. . . John El- dridge has been assigned an impor- tant role in "Circumstantial Evi- dence" at 20th Century-Fox . . . Raymond Massey has returned from New York and reports short- ly to Warners for "Hotel Berlin." • Phil Karlstein has been signed to direct the Mojwgram comedy "Make Way for Kelly." Lindsley Parsons will produce . . . Jack Carson has been given the leading male role op- posite Joan Crawford in "Mildred Pierce," Warner version of the James M. Cain novel . . . Stella Unger and Alec Templeton will write a Broad- way musical together. Lillian Fontaine, the mother of Joan Fontaine and Olizna de Havil- land, will make her screen debut in Paramount' s "The Lost Weekend'' . . . Willard Parker, having received a medical discharge from the Army, will return to Columbia shortly to fulfill his contractual obligations . . . Andrea King has been assigned an important role in "Hotel Berlin" at Warners .... Producer Hunt Strom- berg has signed Ruth Warrick to a five-year contract, calling for one pic- ture a year . . . Columbia has pur- chased an original titled "Little Miss Barker." It's a musical comedy with a Coney Island Background. • RKO Radio has picked "The Mag- nificent Tramp" as temporary title of the picture Cantinflas is to make for the company in two versions, English and Spanish. Bv RKO Radio custom, this and other titles will be tested by Audience Research, Inc., which Gal- lup Polls the public on these matters, before becoming official . . . M-G-M's Carey Wilson is off to New York and _ Chicago to address exhibitor meetings on the importance of short subjects . . . Universal has extended the _ contract of director Charles David, who recently completed "Fairy Tale Murder," and assigned him di- rection of Deanna Durbin's "Lady On a Train." FAME Eleventh annual edition of the industry's international reference authority on talent values is now in preparation by the world-wide staff of quigley publications • • • EDITED BY TERRY RAMSAYE QUIGLEY PUBLICATIONS ROCKEFELLER , CENTER, NEW YORK (20) OIN THE FIGHTING SIXTH WAR LOAN MOTION PICTURE NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1944 TEN CENTS WB Interest in ABP Circuit Not for Sale Milder Makes Statement After Deal Disclosed By PETER BURNUP London, Nov. 5. — Max Milder, Warners managing director here, said today that his company's 25 per cent interest in Associated British Pictures Corp. is "not for sale at any price." His statement was made as a result of receipt of cabled instructions from Jack L. Warner, vice-president and production head of Warners, follow- ing upon the exclusive disclosure by Motion Picture Daily on Wednes- day that a syndicate headed by John Gibson Jarvie, financial figure with Bank of England backing, had con- tracted to acquire the 25 per cent in- terest in ABP owned by Mrs. John Maxwell. Informed sources assert (.Continued on page 11) Mexico to Make Six Operatic Films Ernesto De Quesada, representative of the Mexican Government and pres- ident of the National Opera of Mexi- co, returned to Mexico City over the weekend after having completed ne- gotiations in New York for singers from the Metropolitan Opera Com- pany to appear in six operatic films to be made from May through August in Mexico City. Films will be com- plete operas, five Italian and one French, and will be sung in these languages. Cost of production will be $100,000 (Continued on page 12) tuporini to Italy in 20th-FoxPost Mario Luporini, in charge of Span- ish dubbing for 20th Century-Fox, has been named manager for Italy, it was learned at the weekend. Lupori- ni was formerly United Artists Ital- ian 'manager for many years. Luporini will leave for Italy as soon (Continued on page 12) No Paper Tomorrow "Motion Picture Daily" will not be published tomorrow, Election Day. U. A. to Release 6 From 25 Million Program by Jan. 19 United Artists will release six films between now and Jan. 19, Carl Leser- man, UA general sales manager, an- nounced at the weekend. The releases are part of a current $25,000,000 pro- gram of pictures in preparation, pro- duction and films being readied for release, the company said. "Dark Waters," Benedict Bogeaus' production starring Merle Oberon, Franchot Tone and Thomas Mitchell, will be released Nov. 10. "3 Is a Family," Sol Lessers' production from the Broadway stage play, and starring Charlie Ruggles, Helen Broderick and Fay Bainter, will be released Nov. 23. A Dec. 8 release date has been set for Hunt Stromberg's "Guest in the House," also from a Broadway stage play, and starring Anne Baxter, with Ralph Bellamy and Ruth Warrick. Lester Cowan's "Tomorrow the (Continued on page 7) No Withholding Tax For Variety Actors Washington, Nov. 5. — The Inter- nal Revenue Bureau on Friday, af- firmed its tentative ruling of last Feb- ruary, that variety entertainers em- ployed in short-term engagements for a number of different operators are independent contractors for the pur- poses of the withholding tax. ■ However, it was pointed out. that performers in a "stage show," "floor show," or similar performance are held to be employes from whose re- muneration the tax must be withheld. There was no change in the Bureau's position with respect to musicians, en- tertainers or actors performing under (Continued on page 7) Most Home Offices to Observe Holiday M-G-M, United Artists, Warners, Universal, Colum- bia and RKO home offices will be closed all day tomor- row, Election Day. Mono- gram and Paramount will re- main open until one o'clock, while PRC will remain open all day. The MPPDA office will be closed all day, while the American Arbitration As- sociation office will be open. Treasury Lifts Ban On French Business Washington,. Nov. 5. — Removing the liberated areas of France from the category of "enemy territory," the Treasury on Friday lifted restrictions on business and commercial communi- cations with these areas. Treasury licenses will no longer be required for concerns in this country and liberated France to exchange financial and com- mercial information and establish business contacts. No licenses, however, will be grant- ed at this time for the sending to France of powers of attorney, pay- ment instructions or other communi- cations of a transactional nature. In order that American business inter- ests may not be placed at a disad- vantage, the British Government, it is understood, has adopted rules similar to those announced by the Treasury. On Oct. 26, Motion Picture Daily reported that distribution of films in France is being turned over to the U.S. and other Allied companies as a result of the division of the country into civilian and military zones. Army Film Conservation Mapped at Conference A conference of Army film distribu- tion officers to insure maximum con- servation of raw film stock in the face of the current shortage and to plan for the future Army film program was concluded Saturday at the Sig- nal Corps Photographic Center, Long Island City. Officers from all service commands in the U. S., together with Air Force and other military person- nel, attended the conference at the invitation of Col. E. L. Munson, Jr., Chief of the Army Pictorial Servive. Latest developments in military film distribution, such as the change in the type of material being filmed and the reduction in the number of prints dis- tributed, were described. Rehabilita- tion activities and post-war education- al projects are now calling for atten- tion, Col. Munson pointed out, al- though the need for standard military training films remains high. Col. Munson also said that every effort was being made to economize on the use of film stock. He pointed out that the most careful planning by distribu- tion officers in the various service commands is necessary to make sure that "every soldier sees every film the Army makes for him." Recently, Her- man Wobber, an executive of 20th Century-Fox, made a survey of Army film distribution. Top Receipts Tomorrow Are Expected Many Establishments to Close for Election Theatres in the Metropolitan area anticipate excellent busine-- tomorrow, Election Day, with most establishments, except war plants and department stores, scheduled 1m close for the day. Few theatres, how- ever, are making elaborate prepara- tions to carry election returns in view of the late closing of the polls in Nev York and elsewhere and the lack of significance of early returns thai trickle in before theatres start final showings of main features. Holiday prices will prevail at most of the downtown New York first-run (Continued on page 7) Buffalo Bondsmen Greet Local Hero Buffalo, Nov. 5— Pledging 100 per cent cooperation with the Treas- ury Department and the War Finance Committees throughout the state, more than 200 representatives of the motion picture industry in upper New York, exhibitors and distributors, met at the weekend in the Hotel Statlcr here and heard talks by members of the Flying Squadron representing the industry's War Activities Committee Sixth War Loan campaign leaders. C. J. Latta of Albany, upstate ex- hibitor chairman, presided, assisted by (Continued on page 11) MGM to Hold Sales Meet Nov. 16-19 M-G-M will hold its mid-seasonal sales and district managers' meeting at the Netherlands Plaza Hotel, Cin- cinnati, Nov. 16 to 19. The sessions will be attended by 26 home office and field executives with William F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales manager, presiding. Some of those in attendance will be (Continued on .page 7) Reviewed Today Reviews of "Bowery Champ s", Monogram, and "Rustlers Hideout" and "Brand of the Devil", both PRC, will be found on page "8. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, November 6, 1944 WLBApprovesWage Boosts in 2 Cities Personal Mention Tradewise By SHERWIN KANE NED E. DEPINET, national dis- tributor chairman for the Sixth War Loan, and Leon J. Bamberger, assistant distributor chairman, re- turned to New York at the weekend from a tour on behalf of the drive. ©epinet will leaver Thursday for Hartford and Boston. • Lou Pollock, advertising and pub- licity director for United Artists, is in Beth David Hospital here as a re- sult of an injury to his back. • • Harry Cox, George Bowser and Tom Paige, National Theatres' ex- ecutives, left New York at the week- end for the Coast. • David Coplan, British managing director for United Artists, is en route to London, following a New York and Hollywood visit. • Lillian Bliss, secretary to Larry Kent, a member of the Gaumont The- atres board, has resigned, and will reside in Richmond, Va. • Eugene Curley of Warners' con- tract department is the father of a girl, Margaret Ann, born Thursday in Woodside, L. I. • Carey Wilson, M-G-M producer of the Nostradamus series, is in New York. • Jay Carmody, film critic of the Washington Star, is in New York. • Irving Rubine, executive assistant to Lester Cowan, has returned to the Coast from New York. • Rex Williams, exploitation direc- tor for United Artists, left at the weekend for Chicago. AAA Appoints New Tribunal Clerks The American Arbitration Associa- tion reported at the weekend the fol- lowing appointments of arbitration tribunal clerks in the Kansas City, St. Louis and Des Moines tribunals, effective Nov. 1 : In Kansas City, Raymond B. Scudder has replaced H. B. Taylor, resigned ; in St. Louis, Helen D. Borger has been named to succeed Harold D. Connor, and in Des Moines, Bruce Wilson has re- placed Robert B. Joselyn. WB To Reissue 'Blonde' Warners will reissue "Strawberry Blonde," starring James Cagney, Olivia de Havilland, Rita Hayworth and Jack Carson, on Dec. 2 with a new publicity and advertising cam- paign. 'Romance' Dates Set M-G-M will open "An American Romance" at Loew's State, New York, and simultaneously in 10 other houses in New York and New Jer- sey on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. "FOLLOWING upon this col- ■*■ umn's report last week on a visit to a Broadway play open- ing, in the company of a circuit executive and the latter's ran- dom comments on operation of legitimate theatres, among other things, during which he com- pared such operations with those of motion picture theatres (to the advantage of the latter), the mail bag brought the following from Harry Fromkes: "I read your column with a great deal of interest because I am the new owner of The Play- house. I have sent your article on for reading to some of my friends who also operate theatres in New York. "Incidentally, it might inter- est you to know that The Play- house has abolished the checking concession and hats and coats may now be checked without charge. I have also abolished the sale of all drinks and candies and during intermission ice water will be served without charge by the attendants. "While this is only a small step in the right direction, I hope that the other theatres (legitimate) will follow suit. "The following in your col- umn interested me: 'What we really ought to do is to take over this play producing business and run it right. That's what I tell them in the office.' "You might tell your friend that I am open for a deal along these lines." We did. Our friend says he'll "tell them at the office." First-day covers, the delight of many philatelists, were much in evidence in industry mail rooms immediately following the issuance last Tuesday of the new three-cent stamp commemorat- ing the 50th anniversary of motion pictures. For the bene- fit of the uninitiated, it may be explained that a first-day cover is an envelope bearing a newly issued stamp cancelled by the post office (usually not more than two) where the stamp is placed on sale for the first time, one day in advance of the gen- eral sale of the stamp in post of- fices elsewhere. The cancella- tion bears the designation "First Day of Issue," and the post- mark the date and place of is- sue, in the case of the anniver- sary film stamp, Oct. 31 in New York and Los Angeles. The first-day covers mailed by Postmaster General Frank C. Walker to many in the industry enclosed a letter which reads in part : "Motion pictures have taken the finest actors and the best plays to the crossroads and vil- lages of the world; they have been outstanding in the develop- ment of culture, bringing to peoples of the world a visualiza- tion of the life and habits and customs of one another. As one of the great media of expression and education of this age, motion pictures are particularly recog- nized on this 50th anniversary because of their splendid con- tribution to the war effort from a technical standpoint and their achievement in bringing some- thing of America and home to our fighting forces all over the world." First-day covers despatched by Will H. Hays, himself a for- mer Postmaster General, bore his facsimile signature on an en- velope which reproduced an il- lustration of the first public ex- hibition of motion pictures at the Edison Kinetoscope parlor, 1115 Broadway, New York, on April 14, 1894. It enclosed a letter which reads in part : "The natural, widest and long- est usefulness of the motion pic- ture has been and will be to years of peace. To these years we look forward with complete realization of the obligation to provide the greatest possible service to the largest possible number — service of entertain- ment, information, education and inspiration. "We cannot say what the mo- tion picture of the future will be. We do know that there will be an enormously increased demand for all the services which pic- tures can provide. We know that they will be fashioned to use new scientific, artistic and technical developments and to fit new economic and social condi- tions, new cultural, educational and entertainment needs. We do declare that the further de- velopment of the motion picture will be conditioned by the indus- try's continued determination to meet these needs. "If this letter can convey to our friends the importance their support and counsel has been and will be to us in the accom- plishment of this determination, this 'First Day Cover' will have more than a philatelic signifi- cance." The Regional War Labor Board with jurisdiction over New Haven and Boston has approved a system of job classifications and wage scales and a minimum 10 per cent wage in- crease for office workers in New Haven and Boston film exchanges. Similar approval already has been se- secured for workers in New York, Albany and Buffalo exchanges, while similar applications have been filed with regional boards in all exchange cities except Los Angeles. The minimum and maximum wage scales for 18 job classifications set up by the companies and the IATSE, which represents the exchange work- ers, are slightly lower in the New Haven and Boston areas than in New York exchanges where the IATSE has jurisdiction over Warner, Para- mount, RKO and Universal workers. The wage increases are retroactive to December, 1943. About 140 work- ers are involved in Boston exchanges and about 50 in New Haven. About $25,000 in back pay is involved. Hellinger To Quit Warners In Year Hollywood, Nov. 5. — Mark Hellin- ger has given Warners one year's no- tice of his intention to relinquish his producer's contract which has until 1947 to run. Hellinger told Motion Picture Daily that his sole reason for exercising the prerogative granted by his contract was "to free myself to fit into the coming pattern of busi- ness in which independent production will predominate." Hellinger will produce two or more pictures for Warners in his remaining time with the company. He first joined Warners in 1937, went to 20th- Fox in 1941 and returned to the War- ner lot in 1942. Loew's Issues Back Pay Loew's paid its home office pub- licists at the weekend 79 weeks of retroactive pay under the recent Screen Publicists Guild of New York arbitration award. Loew's was the last company to pay, all the others having done so last week. Each pub- licist received $790 minus 20 per cent tax deductions and 25 per cent on the first 52 weeks for SPG expenses and treasury. Vetluguin To Coast Vladimir Vetluguin, assistant to Louis B. Mayer on purchase of stories and plays, left for the Coast at the weekend after three weeks in New York. He told Motion Picture Daily he had taken options while here on several productions, scripts and writers subject to the approval of Mayer. Hirliman Seeks Outlets George A. Hirliman, president of International Theatrical and Televi- sion Corp., has completed visits to Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta to establish outlets for the newly formed company. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. THOSE MAGIC WORDS AGAIN! SAMUEL GOIDWYN Presents AND NOW.. ..THE GREATES1 I LDWYN HIT OF ALL HERE'S TREASURE FOR YOUR BOX - OFFICE PLEASURE!— with lovelies— with laughs— with Technicolor — with beauty and buccaneers —with the most lavish, the most exciting, the most spec- tacular production ever given a picture by Samuel Goldwyn! SAMUEL GOLDWYN presents BOB HOPE with and VIRGINIA MAYO WALTER SLEZAK • WALTER BRENNAN • VICTOR McLAGLEN Directed by DAVID BUTLER • Associate Producer DON HARTMAN Screen Play by Don Hartman, Melville Shavelson end Everett Freeman Monday, November 6, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 SOPEG, SPG Weigh Plans for Mergers Top Receipts Tomorrow Expected by Theatres A. W. Smith Denies Schine Collusion With Distributors The executive board of. the Screen Office and Professional Employees Guild, Local 109, UOPWA, has ap- pointed a committee to investigate a contemplated merger of SOPEG's 3,- 500 members with Local 1, UOPWA, which includes 15,000 members in the finance, publishing, magazine, adver- tising and direct mail fields. The amalgamation committee will report back to the executive board, after which the membership will discuss the proposal and vote on it. In the event that the amalgamation of the two locals should take effect, SOPEG headquarters will be housed in the White Collar Center building downtown and a branch office will be maintained in the Times Square area. While SOPEG would retain its struc- ture as a guild, the pooling of re- sources w'ould pave the way for an organizing drive in radio and allied fields and consolidate organization in the film industry, it is understood. The Screen Publicists Guild, Local 114, UOPWA, also plans to submit a similar amalgamation proposal to its membership shortly. Canada Distributors To Pass on Code Toronto, Nov. 5. — Motion Picture Distributors Association of Canada is meeting here tomorrow to give formal approval to a modified draft of the conciliation code which provides for six regional boards to deal with sev- eral groups of trade disputes not in- cluding film rentals and priority runs. Executive board of the Motion Pic- ture Theatre Association of Ontario meets Tuesday to pass on the same code which has already been accepted by the organized independents of On- tario and Quebec. MPT A of Ontario represents cir- cuit companies and individual exhibi- tors who are not members of the Ontario Council of Independent Ex- hibitors. Way was paved for the adoption of a modified conciliation code when On- tario independents explained in a re- cent meeting with Administrator J. R. Croft of the Wartime Prices and Trade Board that it did not deal with conciliation measures under discussion with circuits and distributors but touched on release grouping of new season product which independents claimed were top heavy with specials. Remembered HisWorkers Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 5. — Employ- es of local Fabian theatres who were under the jurisdiction of the late C. Floyd Hopkins, city manager, were remembered in his will, which gives $500 each to his secretary, Mary El- len Perrigo, and to managers John D. O'Rear, E. Girard Wollaston and John F. Rogers, and $300 to three ticket sellers, Estelle Hicks. Bertha Olsen and Genevieve Funk. Each ad- ditional theatre employe, with a ser- vice record of one year or more, will get $50. Bradly to "Journal" Atlanta, Nov. 5. — Bill Bradly, former manager of the Paramount Theatre here, has been named public relations director of the Atlanta Journal. H. L. Denman succeeds Bradly at the Paramount. (.Continued from page 1) theatres, where banner business is ex- pected in view of the throngs sure to converge on the Times Square area. The Radio City Music Hall sold out all its reserved mezzanine seats early last week for Election Day perform- ances and many theatres plan to open their doors earlier than usual in an- ticipation of heavy business during the day. The Roxy is one of the few thea- tres that has made any elaborate plans to carry election returns to its pa- trons. Returns received over a direct wire service from radio station WMCA will be posted on a large score board in the rotunda on a minia- ture stage. The Strand also has a direct wire service with WMCA, while the Capitol and Loew's houses throughout the city will be serviced by station WHN. The Paramount has installed an International News Service ticker and plans to put latest flashes on slides and bring them right to the audiences. Most theatres, how- ever, will not break into showings of their films to report returns. The Music Hall will have a radio U. S. Companies Aid Canada's Bond Drive Toronto, -Nov. 5. — Subscriptions of Famous Players Canadian Corp. and subsidiary companies to Canada's Seventh Victory Loan has been offi- cially announced at $1,221,200. This total does not include individual sub- scriptions for bonds by the head office and circuit theatre employees. Other large company subsrciptions announced include Warner Bros., $200,000, Paramount Film Service. $125,000. Loew's Theatre, Toronto, S150.000 and Loew's Uptown Theatre, Toronto, $50,000. Other large sub- scriptions are yet to be announced. No Withholding Tax For Variety Actors {Continued from page 1) contracts of the "form B" type, for the furnishing of a complete unit of entertainment, who are held to be employes. "Generally, variety entertainers per- form their special routines in a series of short-term engagements for a num- ber of different operators of theatres, night clubs, restaurants and similar establishments under contracts which ordinarily specify only the time, re- muneration, place and duration of each engagement," the bureau explained. "The control, if any, which is exer- cised by such operators over the per- formance of their services is purely incidental to the continuity" of the en- tertainment programs. Such enter- tainers will be considered to be inde- pendent contractors for Federal em- ployment tax purposes and for pur- poses of the income tax withholding under the current Tax Pavment Act of 1943." Heads W.B. Buffalo Club Buffalo, Nov. 5. — R. Ruth Rappa- port has been elected president of the Warner Club here. John Strauss was elected vice-president ; Miss Eleanor Schudlik, secretary, and Miss Ger- trude Monczynski, treasurer. operating in the Grand Lounge and will break into its show with a stage announcement only if a highly signifi- cant news flash comes through while a show is in progress. Theatres are proceeding on the assumption that patrons will be seeking entertainment first and election returns second. Most will make announcements from the stage of significant news in between units of programs but they are not making any elaborate preparations to do so, banking as RKO New York circuit houses are, on radios to furnish reports. New York's three television sta- tions, WMBT, National Broadcasting, WCfiS, Columbia Broadcasting and VVABD, DuMont, will be on the air to bring those with video sets the lat- est election returns from eight p.m. until midnight or later. CBS also will entertain representaitves of the radio and daily press at an election night party at Hotel Berkshire while the returns are being received and broad- cast. Generally, radio stations have cancelled all commercial programs to carry uninterrupted bulletins of inter- est, as received. Canada Restriction On Posters Lifted Toronto, Nov. 5. — Although paper stocks are still limited, restrictions on printing of posters, advertising acces- sories, including heralds, blotters and calendars have been entirely lifted by the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, it was announced at the weekend by John Atkins, Administrator of Pub- lishing, Printing and Allied Industries. This will be of direct benefit to all Canadian film exchanges and theatre managers. House organs or periodi- cals continue under Government per- mit controls, but the modification of the wartime order will allow an in- crease in paper quotas. MGM to Hold Sales Meet Nov. 16-19 (Continued from page 1) E. M. Saunders, assistant general sales manager ; E. K. O'Shea, East- ern sales manager ; John E. Flynn, Western sales manager ; John J. Ma- honey, Central sales manager ; George A. Hickey, West Coast district man- ager, Los Angeles ; Burtus Bishop, Jr., district manager, Dallas ; Charles E. Kessnich, district manager, At- lanta ; Rudolph Berger, district mana- ger, Washington ; Sam A. Shirley, Midwestern district manager, Chi- cago ; John P. Byrne, Central district manager, Detroit; Maurice N. Wolf. New England district manager, Bos- ton ; Bob Lynch. Philadelphia, and John J. Bowen, New York and New- Jersey. Howard Dietz, vice-president and director of publicity, advertising and exploitation, accompanied by 11 other members of the home office staff will attend the meeting. Art Smith Promoted Philadelphia. Nov. 5. — Arthur Smith, former manager of Yarbalow's Savar Theatre. Camden, N. J., has been appointed district manager for Savar Amusement Co. E. J. Coyle has been named to succeed Smith. Buffalo, Nov. 5.— Testimony of A. W. Smith, Jr., Eastern sales manager for 20th Century-Fox, as a defense witness in the Schine Circuit anti- trust trial here, was completed Fri- day before Federal Judge John Knight, who adjourned the trial to Wednesday. Because Smith had been general sales manager for RKO, United Artists and Warner Bros., Robert L. Wright of the Department of Justice during cross-examination encompassed the witness' services to all these distributors in his interroga- tion. 'Quick Decisions' Wright sought unsuccessfully to show through Smith that circuits were given preference over small in- dependent exhibitors in buying prod- uct. Smith said that all distributors have different policies, and that "the motion picture business is a very time- ly business and decisions have to be made quick." Through the witness, Wright probed the inner workings of 20th-Fox. He failed to draw any statements from Smith to the effect that Schine had been given better terms in comparison with other ex- hibitors. Wright asked him if he recalled deviating from the regular 35 per cent figure in dealing with Schine and of- fering 20 per cent and flat rentals to the circuit. Smith said he did not. Despite Wright's contentions to the contrary, Smith declared 20th-Fox considered the exhibitor first and it- self second in the sale of product. Smith qualified the statement later by declaring deals should be "fair to both the distributor and exhibitor." Under direct examination by Edward F. Mc- Clennen. defense counsel, Smith de- clared that about 70 per cent of dis- tributor business comes from first run theatres and that in selecting a cus- tomer for product in a competitive area, a distributor takes into consider- ation the ability of that exhibitor to gross. 'Most Qualified' At one point in direct examination. Wright interrupted to charge Smith was not "qualified" to state as to Schine's dealings with distributors. McClennen then declared Smith is "one of the most experienced men in the_ country in the motion picture business," and challenged Wright to "produce one more qualified." Smith denied that he or any others at 20th- Fox ever were asked by Schine not to sell to Schine competition. U. A. Sets Release Of Six Features (Continued from page 1) World," starring Fredric March and Betty Field and introducing Skippy Homeier, will be released Dec. 29. This is also from a Broadway stage play. The first two UA releases in 1945 will be Vanguard's Dore Schary pro- duction. "I'll Be Seeing You," star- ring Ginger Rogers. Joseph Cotten and Shirley Temple, on Jan. 5. and "Mr. Emmanuel." the first of the sev- en British films made by J. Arthur Rank to be released by UA, Jan. 19. Motion Picture Daily Monday, November 6, 1944 'SYWA' Draws Big $43,000 In Chi. Week Chicago, Nov. 5. — Only 50 per cent of good weekend business was realized by leading Loop houses, political ac- tivities here proving too great a box office attraction to top last Saturday night. However, "Since You Went Away" managed to hold its own and has grossed a fine $43,000. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 2: "Wilson" (2&th-Fox) APOLLO — (1,200) (80c-$l-10) 2nd week. Gross: $18,000. (Average, 35c-9Sc scale: $11,400). "The Impatient Years" (Col.) CHICAGO — (3,830) (55c-85c-95c) Stage: Paul Draper and Revue. 2nd week. Gross: $40,000. (Average: $51,500). "The Hairy Ape" (UA) DOWNTOWN — (1,800) (44c-55c-85c-95c) 2nd Loop run. Stage: Milt Britton and band, and Bonnie Baker. Gross: $15,000. "The Great Moment" (Para.) "Take It Big" (Para.) 5 days "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) GARRICK — (1,000) (55c-65c-95c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $9,100). "Cry of the Werewolf" (Col.) "The Soul of a Monster" (Col.) G days, 2nd week "Waterloo Bridge" (M-G-M Reissue) 1 day GRAND— (1,250) (50c-60c-85c-95c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $9,100). "Faces in the Fog" (Rep.) ORIENTAL— (3,200) (44c - 55c - 85c - 95c) Stage: Bob Chester and orchestra. Gross: $31,000. (Average: $24,000). "The Merry Monahans" (Univ.) "San Diego, I Love You" (Univ.) 6 days "Abroad With Two Yanks" (UA) "Murder in the Blue Room" (Univ.) 1 day PALACE — (2,500) (55c-65c-95c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $24,000). "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) ROOSEVELT— (1,500) (55c-65c-95c) Gross: $20,000. (Average: $20,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) STATE LAKE — (2,700) (55c-65c-95c) 2nd week. Gross: $43,000. (Average: $29,000). "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (50c-85c-95c) 3rd week. Gross: $19,000. (Average: $20,- 000). "Casanova Brown" (RICO- International) WOODS— (1,200) (55c-65c-95c) 5th week. Gross: $16,500. (Average: $10,000). 'Maisie,' 'Darling' Duo Lead in Omaha Omaha, Nov. 5. — "Maisie Goes to Reno" and "In the Meantime Darling" at the Orpheum with $11,900 beat out "Greenwich Village" at the Para- mount Theatre for the week's top gross here. Estimated receipts for week ended November 1-2 : "The Master Race" (RKO) "Three Little Sisters" (Rep.) liRANDEIS — (1,200) (44c-60c) 7 days Cross: $7,400. (Average, $6,500). "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) "The Mummy's Ghost" (Univ.) OMAHA— (2,000) (44c- 60c) 7 days, 2nd week for "Barbary Coast," moveover from Paramount. Gross: $7,400. (Average, $8,400). "Maisie Goes to Reno" (M-G-M) "In the Meantime, Darling" (20th- Fox) OKPIIEUM *v (3.000) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $11,900. (Average, $9,800). "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (2,900) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $11,100.. (Average: $11,700). Global Acquires Scores Global Music, Inc., has acquired the scores of 14 motion pictures in addi- tion to the recent purchase of the en- tire catalogue of Harvest Songs Co., Sid Lorraine, professional manager of the four-month-old firm, announced. Among the scores acquired are those of "Dixie Jamboree," "Career Girl," "Swing Hostess," "A Song for Miss Julie," "Alaska," "Melody Parade" and "Machine Gun Mama." Reviews "Bowery Champs" (Monogram) SAM KATZMAN and Jack Dietz may confuse exhibitors a little by this production's title, which does not exactly fit the East Side Kids' solving a murder mystery, but under any name it would still be a funny and lively show. Earle Snell's screenplay, listed as original, finds the New York Evening Express staff excited over the shooting of wealthy Wheeler Oakman and the clues pointing to Evelyn Brent, formerly his wife. The paper's police re- porter, Gabriel Dell of the East Side gang, is off on some personal business having to do with a woman when the story breaks ; but Leo Gorcey, copy boy, jumps into the breach and drags along the rest of the kids, who work on the delivery truck. Their antics gaining access to the official inquiry and then to the apartment of the innocent suspect, always two jumps ahead of the cops, are quite hilarious, and the wind dashes about town end with a good fist battle in a night club to which they trace the dead man's mistress, Thelma White, who really did the job. William Beaudine, directing, has apparently given free rein to the young- sters, whose irrelevant horseplay comes to the rescue whenever the script needs fumigating from the aroma of too much facile coincidence. Running time, 62 mins. "G."* Release, Dec. 9. Tom Loy "Rustlers Hideout" (PRC) D USTER CRABBE -shoots his way through "Rustlers Hideout," ably as- *-* sisted by the heartily amusing Al 'Fuzzy' St. John, whose antics here, as usual, are good for a laugh. It's a routine story in which the local bankers, John Merton and Lane Chandler, scheme to swindle an honest rancher, Hal Price, out of his property by hiring thugs to steal his cattle. Crabbe, wanted for murder in another state, rounds up the rustlers after a series of chases, gun fights and rugged slug fests in which everyone, includ- ing pretty little Patti McCarthy, Price's daughter, gets a lick. In the final battle Merton is killed and Chandler caught with the evidence necessary to convict him ; Crabbe is cleared of the charge, and Fuzzy emerges the hero. Under the direction of Sam Newfield, the film maintains a steady pace, the emphasis on the action. Joe O'Donnell wrote the story and screenplay. Sig- mund Neufeld produced. Helen McNamara. Running time, 60 minutes. "G."* Brand of the Devil (PRC) Hollywood, Nov. 5 NOT much gets past Dave O'Brien and Jim Newill as Texas Rangers. They're as handy with a gun as the next man, and when it comes to uncovering a dastardly plot to frame a defenseless female, the boys are right in there pitching. Elmer Clifton, who wrote the original screenplay, gave a good share of the acting load to Ellen Hall who, as a lone woman fighting aginst fearful odds, acquits herself more than creditably. Victim of a scheme to send her to jail on fabricated evidence, she is delivered from her predicament by the Rangers. Harry Fraser's direction accounts for much of the pace of this fast-moving melodrama. Guy Wilkerson and Charles King, Jr., contribute comic touches to a suspenseful screenplay. Production is by Arthur Alexander. Running time, 57 minutes. "G."* *"G" denotes general classification. Thalia Bell. Republic Sets Air Programs on WMCA Republic will launch a series of radio programs on station WMCA, New York, on Nov. 13. The format of the programs will be five-minute spots on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays featuring Judith Allen, screen and stage star, to highlight Republic films opening on Broadway. The pro- gram will also include telephonic con- versations between Miss Allen and a Republic star or production executive at the company's West Coast studio. G. C. F. for Buchanan Buchanan & Co. has been appointed advertising agency to handle the Gen- eral Cinema Finance Pictures account for United Artists. The first of seven pictures from the J. Arthur Rank Company to be released here during the next few months will be "Mr. Em- manuel." C. V. Lynch, MGM L. A, Manager, Dead Funeral Services for Clayton V. Lynch, 55, M-G-M branch manager for Los Angeles, who died at St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago, on Thurs- day, will be held today at Donnelly's Funeral Parlor, St. Louis. Lynch, accompanied by his wife, had been en route to New York for home of- fice conferences when he was stricken. Lynch entered the industry in 1921 as a salesman for Goldwyn and in 1922 was appointed manager at Des Moines. At the time of the M-G-M merger in 1924 he was made Omaha branch manager for M-G-M and he went to St. Louis in the same capac- ity in 1926. Ten years later he re- ceived the Los Angeles appointment Another 'E* to DeVry Chicago, Nov. 5. — DeVry Corp. has been awarded the Army-Navy 'E' for excellence in production of sound equipment. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Nov. 5 RODUCTION on the film version of the Pulitzer-prize winning novel, "The Yearling," is to be re- sumed in the spring. Sidney Franklin will produce it for M-G-M. . . . Para- mount has a financial interest in the forthcoming Broadway play, "Star in the Window," by L. Bus-Fekete and Mary Helen Fay. ... At Warners, Alex Gottlieb has been assigned to produce "Three Men on a Horse." Mervyn LeRoy produced it for the company in 1936. • Richard Thorpe will direct "Her Highness and the Bellboy" for M- G-M. . . Victor McLaglen has been signed by Columbia to team with Chester Morris in the co-starring roles of "Men of the Deep," in which the two will portray deep-sea divers in the salvage division of the U. S. Army Engineering Corps. Del Lord is to direct. . . Peter Lorre will have a featured role in War- ner's "Hotel Berlin." • Frank Morgan has been assigned a top comedy spot in "Yolanda and the Thief," musical scheduled to go into production shortly at M-G-M. . . . Barton MacLane has been signed by Pine-Thomas to play the heavy in "You'll Be the Death of Me," which will co-star Jack Haley and Ann Sav- age. . . . Jerome Cozvan will have one of the key spots in the next "Crime Doctor" picture at Columbia. William Keegan, N. /. Manager, Dies at 58 WiLBWOop, N. J., Nov. 5. — William Keegan, veteran theatre manager, died at his home here late last week of a heart attack. He was 58 years old. Keegan was former general mana- ger of the Hunt Circuit in Southern New Jersey ; managed the Hunt the- atres in Trenton for 18 years and at one time managed theatres in Phila- delphia. He is survived by his wife. H. /. Gruver, Balto. Exhibitor, Is Dead Baltimore, Nov. 5. — Harry J. Gruver, treasurer of the New Theatre Co., Baltimore, and owner of the Glen and New Glen Theatres at Glen- burnie, died suddenly late last week of a heart attack. He was 58 years old and recently left Ben Secours Hospital where he had rested under doctor's orders. He had been iden- tified with Baltimore theatre business for many years. Funeral services were held yesterday morning. Mrs. D. V. McLucas Dead Omaha, Nov. 5. — Mrs. Donald V. McLucas, wife of the United Artists branch manager here, died last week following a lengthy illness. Rickenbacker Film Set "First, Last and Always" will be the title of the forthcoming 20th Cen- tury-Fox film, based on the story of Eddie Rickenbacker, World War T air hero. Winfield R. Sheehan will produce. AND NOW IS THE BIG EVENT in the meteoric career of the amazing Para- mount star who, in twelve months and four pic- tures, became the screen's Number 1 Man hailed by trade observers as "The Great- est Thing- Since Valentino" for Thanksgiving! FROM THE GREAT BEST-SELLER BY THE AUTHOR OF "ALL THIS, AND HEAVEN TOO" And Beulah Bondi — Cecil Kellaway. Directed by IRVING PICHEL. Screenplay by Frank Partos, and Raymond Chandler. Great news for the thousands of exhibitors who could hardly believe their own box- office reports on "China," "Lucky Jordan," etc Greater news still that his welcome- home picture is even bigger and more im- portant than the hits that made him an overnight sensation . . . .With a dis- tinguished star role that Boxoffice calls "Undoubt- edly the best perform- ance of Ladd's career!" ALAN LADD LORETTA YOUNG Rachel Field's AND NOW Tomorrow SUSAN HAYWARD BARRY SULLIVAN P aramount's AND NCWl Tomorrow Monday, November 6, 1944 Motion Picture Daily Gaumont British Net Off $20,548 to $769,336 in 1944 Buffalo Bondsmen Greet Local Hero, Pledge 100% London, Nov. 5— J. Arthur Rank, chairman of the board of Gaumont British Picture Corp., Ltd., reported at the weekend in the annual finan- cial statement on the company's earn- ings for the last fiscal year, that no satisfactory agreement has been reach- ed with the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer with regard to outstanding- tax liabilities, adding that enemy ro- bot bombing had adversely affected grosses of London theatres, but that receipts elsewhere were maintained. Rank revealed that after provision of $6,207,028 for excess profits and other taxation and deductions for debenture payment, interest charges and depreciation, the net profit amounted to $769,336, a decline of $20,548 from the last fiscal year. Rank's statement added that consoli- dated gross earnings had declined $214,013 to $11,140,292, despite the- atre grosses maintaining previous levels, because operational costs have been proportionately greater. In- crease in payment of taxes amounted to $29,536. Two Radio Firms Get Reduced Tax Washington, Nov. 5. — Two broad- casting corporations were given re- lief from excess profits taxes under the relief provisions of section 722 of the Internal Revenue Code during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1943, it has been disclosed by the Treasury De- partment. The Treasury showed that the Radio Service Corp., Pocatello, Idaho, asked an increase of $4,326 in its excess profits credit for 1942 and was granted $1,783, reducing its ex- cess profits tax to $1,605, but increas- ing its income tax by $481. The Iowa Broadcasting Co., Des Moines, asked increased credits of $62,146 for 1940, $77,584 for 1941, and $71,408 for 1942, and was granted $17,317, $47,549 and $47,605 for those years, . respectively, resulting in an over-all decrease in excess profits taxes of $72,621, partially offset by an increase of $27,351 in income tax. Crosley 9 Months Net Is $3,571,388 Cincinnati, Nov. 5. — The Crosley Corp., operating WLW, WSAI and several short wave stations, and man- ufacturing precision devices for the Government, reports net earnings of $3,571,388 after provisions for taxes, but before renegotiations of war con- tracts, for the first nine months of this year ended Sept. 30, compared with $3,771,899 on a like basis for the com- parable period of last year. Net sales for the 1944 period were $72,667,120, and $58,978, 783 for the same period of 1943. Buy Memphis Theatre Memphis, Nov. 5. — R. W. Tyson and Wagner Williams Sr., Jackson, Miss., the former until recently oper- ating a chain of theatres in Jackson, have purchased the DeSoto Theatre, here, from J. T. Lester at a reported price of $35,000. (Continued from page 1) George H. Mackenna, buffalo exhibi- tor chairman. The Treasury repre- sentative was Lt. Col. Roswell P. Rosengren, former local Junior Cham- ber ot Commerce executive, recently returned wounded from action over- seas. Other speakers included JMa- tnan Yamins, co-chairman, national committee; William F. Crockett, as- sistant chairman ; Francis S. Har- mon, co-ordinator, War Activities Committee ; Leon J. Bamberger, as- sistant national distributor chairman ; Charles Deardourff, member of the national publicity committee. Among the guests at the rally were Mayor Joseph J. Kelly of Buffalo; Col. John M. McDowell, command- ing officer, Second Service Command, Dist. 4 ; £. H. Letchworth, upstate chairman, War P inaiice Committee ; Mannie A. Brown, Buffalo area dis- tributor chairman ; Clayton P. East- man, Albany area distributor chair- man; Daniel W. Streeter, chairman of the Erie county Sixth War Loan com- mittee; Lars S. Potter, deputy upstate chairman, War Finance Committee ; Charles B. Taylor, Buffalo area pub- licity chairman ; representatives of all the military services stationed in the Buffalo district; Charles Smakwitz, Albany publicity chairman and exhibi- tors from Rochester, Syracuse, Bing- hamton, Elmira, Utica, Watertown and other cities. Committee chairmen for the Buf- falo area drive were : finance, Stan- ley Kozanowski ; publicity, Charles B. Taylor ; luncheon, Max Yellen ; tickets, Ralph Maw ; decoration, Jack Goldstein ; speakers, Sidney B. Pfeif- er ; community, George Gammel ; ex- ecutive and advisory, Vincent R. Mc- Faul ; exhibitor, Buffalo, George H. Mackenna ; Niagara Falls, A. Charles Hayman. Zone chairmen named by Latta include : Jay Golden and Lester Pollock, Rochester ; Harry Unterfort and Sidney Grossman, Syracuse ; An- drew M. Roy and Charles Gordon, Utica; Ralph E. Crabill, Elmira; Tom Walsh, Binghamton ; J. Meyer Schine and Louis Schine, Glovers- ville ; Sidney Kallet, Oneida. Legion Tie-in Set for Philadelphia Campaign Philadelphia, Nov. 5. — One of the most effective advertising, publicity and exploitation campaigns is now under way here for the industry's Sixth War Loan Drive, with a meet- ing scheduled for Monday, Nov. 13, by exhibitor state chairmen Ben Fer- tel of Eastern Pennsylvania, Isidor Epstein of Southern New Jersey, and A. J. DeFiore of Delaware. The campaign got under way with a series of letters to all exhibitors in the area, announcing the meeting. All exchanges were supplied with a rub- ber stamp imprinted with "Luncheon —Hotel Warwick— 12 :30 sharp," to be used in every exhibitor's booking book. One-sheets, announcing the opening of the drive, were displayed in all schools and American Legion Posts. Boys and girls who sell the greatest amount of bonds will receive special Legion honor medals. Advertising and exploitation are being handled bv Irving Blumberg of Warners and Sid Weiss of 20th Cen- tury-Fox, assisting the state exhibitor chairmen. Brandt Seeks Checks To Pay Kit Expense Major and independent circuit op- erators have been urged to support the industry's bixth War Loan Drive with nominal checks to del ray the cost of the special exploitation kits which are now being mailed to theatres tnroughout the country. In a bulletin to all circuit operators, state exhibitor and publicity chairmen, Harry Brandt, national committee chairman, said, "During the Fifth War Loan Drive, advertising kits were sent to all theatres with tne re- quest that exhibitors contribute $1 per theatre to help defray the cost, which most did. In the current drive it is necessary to follow the same proce- dure." Each kit contains two 40 x 60 pic- torial posters in two styles ; two pic- torial one-sheets and a complete press book. Press books and mats of the cuts appearing in same may be ob- tained from National Screen Service exchanges. Hitler Bond Purchase Sought by Trailer Portland, Nov. 5. — Harry Brandt, national chairman of the industry bixth War loan drive, has been urged by Oregon state exhibitor chairman, O. J. Miller to make a special Sixth War Loan trailer of the speech made by Lt. Louis R. Largey, war hero of Tarawa, as a result of tremendous reaction to the talk. Miller told Brandt, "I believe after hearing Lt. Largey's talk, even Hitler would buy a U. S. War Bond." Miller also promised more bond premieres, more children's matinees and more free movies on Dec. 7, than had ever been given before in the territory. Bader Back from Trip Covering 7,500 Miles Dave Bader, loaned to the Sixth War Loan by 20th Century-Fox, re- turned to New York over the week- end after completing a 7,500-mile trip as advance man for the national com- mittee. Bader, who is returning to his 20th-Fox desk as trade paper pub- licity contact, traveled three weeks, mostly bv air, covering Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Oma- ha, Kansas City, Chicago, Louisville, Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, Pitts- burgh, New Haven, Boston, Philadel- phia and Baltimore. Gamble Saves Committee Attempting to leave Louisville for the meeting in Pittsburgh, members of the national committee for the Sixth War Loan Drive, Harry Brandt, Capt. Ray Wild, Lieut. Lewis Largey, Ned Depinet, John Hertz, Jr., Jack Kirsch and Edward Bobe, were stranded when their train left one-half hour earlier. With no other train scheduled to take them to Pittsburgh, Brandt phoned Ted Gamble, National Direc- tor of the War Finance Department of the Treasury, and was afforded the use of an Army transport, which got them there in two hours. Agnew Names Josephson Neil Agnew, in charge of Industry Sixth War Loan sales in the East, has appointed Gilbert Josephson to handle subscriptions from members of the Independent Theatre Owners As- sociation and their employes. Warner ABP Stock Is Not for Sale (Continued from page 1) that the syndicate hoped to acquire the Warner interest in ABP, as well. Warners hold a management con- tract with ABP, the continuation of which is understood here to be relat- ed essentially to the Warner owner- ship of ABP securities. It is widely recognized that the ABP circuit of more than 300 thea- tres owes a great deal to Milder's contributions in the capacity of joint managing director, as well as to its link with Warners, which supplies the circuit with its best product. Disclosure of the agreement reached by the syndicate for the purchase of Mrs. Maxwell's 25 per cent ABP in- terest resulted in widespread sur- prise and some bewilderment. It was reported in New York at the weekend that Arthur Jarratt, in charge of film buying for Asso- ciated British Pictures Corp., is en route here from London on undis- closed mission. Speculation centered on whether or not his visit is related to the London banking syndicate's reported hope of acquiring Warner's ABP interest. RCA 9-Month Net Is Down; Gross Up The Radio Corporation of Ameri- ca's net income for the first nine months of 1944 after provision for all taxes and other charges was $6,734,- 670 as compared with $7,435,025 for a similar period in 1943, or a decrease of $700,354, it was announced at the weekend. Total gross income for the first nine months of 1944 was $239,936,- 717, or an increase of $21,695,816 over the $218,240,901 grossed during the similar period in 1943. Provision for Federal taxes amounted to $21,745,500 for the first nine months of 1944, as against $20,877,900 for the correspond- ing period in 1943, an increase of $867,600. RCA's portion of net income result- ing from war production is subject to renegotiation by the Government, ac- cording to the statement of income issued by Lt. General James G. Har- bord, chairman of the board. After payment of deferred dividends, earn- ings applicable to common stock for the first nine months this year were 31.5 cents per share, compared with 36.3 cents a share for the similar period in 1943. 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 12 Motion Picture Daily Monday, November 6, 1944 Production in Steady Pace; 46 Shooting Hollywood, Nov. 5. — Production maintained its level last week, as seven features were completed, and eight others started. The shooting index remained at 46. The production scene follows : Columbia Started: "Leave It to Blondie," with Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms, Danny Mummert and Marjorie Ann Mutchie. Shooting: "I Love a Mystery," "Our Wandering Daughters," "One Against Seven" (formerly "Counter- attack"). M-G-M Shooting: "Without Love," "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes," "Hold High the Torch," "Women's Army," "Son of Lassie," "Vallev of Deci- sion." Monogram Started: "The Cisco Kid Comes Through," with Duncan Renaldo, Martin Garralaga, Roger Pryor, Vicki Lane and Emmett Lynn. Shooting: "John Dillinger." Paramount Finished: "Salty O'Rourke," "Miss Susie Slagle." Shooting : "The Lost Weekend," "The Love Letters," "The Affairs of Susan," "Duffy's Tavern." PRC Finished: "Marked for Murder." Started: "Crime, Inc.," with Leo Carrillo, Tom Neal, Martha Tilton, Lionel Atwill, Grant Mitchell and Leonard Sheldon. Shooting : "Fog Island." RKO Radio Finished: "West of the Pecos." Shooting: "The Body Snatcher," "The Enchanted Cottage," "Isle of the Dead" (temporarily suspended), "Wonder Man" (Goldwyn), "Tarzan and the Amazons" (Lesser). Republic Finished: "A Daring Holiday." Started: "Jealousy," with John Loder, Jane Randolph, Karen Mor- ley, Nils Asther and Huga Haas ; "Moonlight and Roses," with Brad Taylor, Jane Frazee and Amelita Ward. Shooting : "The Phantom Speaks," "Earl Carroll Vanities." 20th Century-Fox Finished : "Hangover Square." Started: "A Bell for Adano," with Gene Tierney, John Hodiak, William Bendix, Richard Conte and Glenn Langan; "Molly, Bless Her," with Monty Woolley, Gracie Fields, Roddy McDowell and Reginald Gardiner. Shooting : "Circumstantial Evi- dence," "Bon Voyage," (temporarily suspended), "A Royal Scandal," "Where Do We Go From Here?" "Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe." United Artists Finished: "Hold Autumn in Your Hand" (PAC). Shooting : "A Walk in the Sun" (Bronston), "Blood on the Sun" (Cagney). Warners Started^: "Song of the Sarong," with Nancy Kelly, Samuel S. Hinds, Schlanger Feast Off, Grew Too Big Philadelphia, Nov. 5. — The dinner to be tendered Ted Schlanger, Stanley-Warner Theatres zone chief, in March, has been postponed indefi- nitely. The affair was assum- ing such proportions it threatened to conflict with Office of Defense Transporta- tion measures to prevent unnecessary travel, sponsors of the affair stated. Schlanger, a veteran in both distribu- tion and exhibition, was to have been honored on his tenth anniversary as S. W. zone leader here. Mexico To Make Operatic Films (Continued from page 1) per picture or approximately twice the average cost of the Mexican "A" film. Operas to be done are "Aida," "Elizir D'Amore," "Trovatore," "Ri- goletto," "Don Pasquale" and "Car- men." Singers who may appear in- clude Tito Guizar, Salvatore Bacca- loni, Florence George, Lily Pons, Richard Bonelli, Giovanni Martinelli Winifred Heidt and Elizabeth Wy- sor. These singers will also appear in the season of the Mexican Opera and will be given houses and all ex- penses, including transportation, while in Mexico. Half of the capital is from the Mexican Government and the other half American Oil Company capital. The American Oil Company also will open negotiations next week with the National Broadcasting Co. for a radio program in Mexico of 13 weeks, which will be sponsored by the company, using the Mexican National Symphony and the opera stars as guest soloists. Films will be made under the direc- tion of Miguel Silkind, former UFA producer, now in Mexico, with Ameri- can technicians and cameramen. Re- lease arrangements in the U. S. will be taken up by De Quesada on his next visit in late December. Quesa- da's representative in New York is Arnold Pisani, formerly of the Bing Crosby office on the Coast. Salvage 300 M-G-M Prints in France Henri Lartigue, a director of M-G-M's French company, who has been named to take temporary charge of its operation there, managed to sal- vage 300 M-G-M prints, including "Gone With the Wind." M-G-M is ready to resume its busi- ness in France and is only waiting ap- proval from OWI, with Lartigue heading the operation until Laudy Lawrence, at present with the OWI, can resume as M-G-M European manager. William Gargan and George Do- lenz. Shooting : "Here Come the Co- Eds," "Salome — Where She Danced," "Frisco Sal," "She Gets Her Man." Universal Shooting : "The Big Sleep," "God Is My Co-Pilot," "Pillar to Post," "Nobody Lives Forever," "San An- tonio." Sixty Allied Films Shown in Paris Although their motion picture at- tendance is severely limited by the critical shortage of electricity in Paris, Parisians are according the 60 films, especially American, brought into the city by the Allied Informa- tion Service an enthusiastic reception, weekend press dispatches from Paris reported. American films constitute 40 of the 60, with 17 British and three Russian. Films are shown only after 9 :30 p.m. three days a week, after- noons and evenings weekends, and not at all Tuesdays and Thursdays. Among the 40 Hollywood films are "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," "Tales of Manhattan," "The Human Come- dy," "Pride and Prejudice," "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," "Our Town," "Sergeant York" and "Watch on the Rhine." British films include "In Which We Serve," "One of Our Air- craft Is Missing" and "San Demetrio, London." The Russian films are war documentaries. There are some Hollywood musi- cals, too, for the French film industry made no musicals during the occupa- tion, and patriotic Frenchmen stayed away from the German films. Mexico City Prices Subject of Inquiry Mexico City, Nov. 5. — First-run theatres here are under attack by the municipal government and the Mexi- can Senate for alleged exorbitant ad- missions. First-runs are charging 85 cents, a record for Mexico City, where workers' average monthly earnings are only $45. Senatorial and munici- pal government committees are inves- tigating the charges with a view to compelling exhibitors to reduce them. Theatre owners contend that prices are in keeping with higher operating expenses. The city treasury department esti- mates that 1944 will be a record year for theatres, with the 78 theatres here expected to sell at least 30,000,000 tickets for a gross of slightly over $10,000,000. This compares to 20,000,- 000 tickets sold in 1937, at average admissions of 30 cents, and 25,000,000 in 1941, with a 45-cent average. Disney Office Hears From French Mgr. Wallace Feignoux, Walt Disney's Paris representative, has communi- cated with the Disney office here and reported that offices and the studio used for dubbing are intact. "Snow White" was the last Disney picture shown in France. A print of "Pinoc- chio" was shipped to France before the German occupation, but was nev- er shown. Upon completion of French dub- bing of "Pinocchio" it will probably be released in France and Belgium. William Levy, formerly managing di- rector for Great Britain and Euro- pean supervisor, plans to go to Lon- don, and possibly the Continent, when transportation can be arranged. Senator Turns Producer Mexico City, Nov. 5. ■ — Franco Urias, Federal senator, has entered film production. He will also con- tinue in legislation. His first will be a film biography of the late Maes- tro Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, com- poser-director. Films up 30% In Venezuela Theatre business in Venezuela has registered a 50 per cent increase in the last three years, much of which has been absorbed by Spanish-language films, Stanley Day, 20th Century- Fox's manager in that country, dis- closed recently while here for the first time in four years for a vacation and conferences with international de- partment executives. Day said that the gains have not been reflected in revenue of American companies. When exhibitors can obtain theatre equipment, especially projectors, busi- ness will advance even further, he said. Ten theatres are under con- struction or have been completed this year, and many more will be built when the equipment situation eases. Almost 50 per cent of first-run playing time is devoted to Spanish- language films, with the percentage even higher in the subsequents. Top Spanish films gross three times as much as American films, Day said. Spanish product has served to create a market in places where films were non-existent. "Dubbing has great possibilities, especially where illiteracy is high," Day observed. He will return to Venezuela about Nov. 25. Luporini to Italy In 20th-Fox Post (Continued from page 1) as a passport can be obtained from the State Department and will pro- ceed to get 20th's Italian company in readiness for the day when the op- eration there, at present under the Psychological Warfare Division, is returned to company control. He will operate under the supervision of Ben Miggins, European manager. Probability exists that 20th-Fox, whose pre-war Italian dubbing was performed by another company in Italy, will operate its own dubbing studio. Bruno Fuchs, former man- ager in Rome, has communicated with the home office, reporting that he is ready to aid in reestablishing its of- fice there. Columbia Australian Production Soon Columbia will produce a feature picture in Australia based on the life of Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, de- ceased Australian air hero of the past decade. Film will be the first made in Australia by a major company em- ploying Australian technical and ar- tistic talent exclusively. The picture will be started about the middle of November and will be made at Cinesound Studios. It will be directed by Ken Hall, Australian director. Columbia's managing di- rector in Australia, N. P. Pery, will supervise. Film is expected to be completed by mid- January and Colum- bia will distribute it internationally. Casting is under way in Australia now. Iris to Produce Mexico City, Nov. 5. — Espernaza Iris, former operatic comedienne who became a film actress and operator of a first-run theatre, is now organizing her own production company to be- gin operating early in 1945. A SCREEN TREAT YOU MUST NOT MISS! ROY ROGERS KING OF THE COWBOYS TRIGGER S»A.TESI KO.SE IN THE »OV,ES LIGHTS OF OLD SANTA FE GEORGE "GABBY" HAYES ond DALE EVANS LLOYD CORRIGAN • RICHARD POWERS CLAIRE DU BREY and BOB NOLAN andTHE SONS OF THE PIONEERS FRANK McDONALD, Director Featuring SONGS... "Amor" • "The Nerve of Some People" "Lights of Old Santa Fe" • "Cowboy Jubilee" "Ride 'Em Cowboy" . "Trigger Hasn't Got A Purty Figger" • "Cowpoke Polka" • "I'm A Happy Guy In My Levi Britches" A REPUBLIC PICTURE First in Filfli-arw (Radio )N< Accural and i it Impartial MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert, tion Picture Industry OL. 56. NO. 89 NEW YORK, U. S. A., WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1944 TEN CENTS Dembow Quits Para, for New Golden Post Hyman to Succeed Him; Fellerman Will Assist Sam Dembow, Jr., vice-president of Paramount Theatres Servrce Corp. has resigned, effective Dec. 1, to become president of Edward A. Golden Productions, it was an- nounced here Monday by Barney Balaban, Paramount president. The appointment of Edward L. Hy- man to succeed Dembow at Para- mount was announced by Leonard H. Goldenson, vice-president in charge of theatre operations. Goldenson also announced that Max Fellerman has joined the company to be assistant to Hyman in his new duties. Hyman will be in charge of Paramount thea- tre operations in the Northern sec- tion of the U. S. He formerly was an associate of Dembow. In announcing Dembow's resigna- (Continued on page 10) 12,000 Theatres in 6Free-Movie Day' Members of the War Activities Committee of the industry's Sixth War Loan Drive have returned to New York with 13 of the scheduled 19 regional key city meetings already behind them. National drive chair- man Harry Brandt stated yesterday that more than 4,500 showmen at- tended the various meetings and the pledges received indicate that be- tween 10,000-12,000 theatres will ac- (Continued on page 7) Decree and WAC on Wise. ITO Agenda Milwaukee, Nov. 7. — The consent decree proposals pending in New York and the postwar continuance of the industry's war activities commit- tee will highlight discussions at the sixth annual convention of the In- dependent Theatre Owners of Wis- consin and Upper Michigan, to be held at the Schroeder Hotel here Thursday and Friday, president Wil- iam Ainsworth revealed today. The consent decree discussions will take the form of a closed meeting Friday to be aired by Martin G. Smith, na- tional president of Allied ; Abram F. Myers, Allied general counsel ; Pete (Continued on page 10) Business Rebounds at Close of Election Theatre business in scores of places picked up consider- ably on Election Eve and yesterday, with wired reports from the field last night indi- cating that returns on the Presidential voting announced periodically during the day in hundreds of film houses brought extra crowds to the- atres, while the school holi- day resulted in heavy mati- nee business from young- sters, B. and K.'s station WBKB, Chicago, was the first circuit to telecast election returns, yesterday. Holiday Helps N.Y. First-run Houses; 'Master Race' Big Aided by both good weekend busi- ness and the Election Day holiday, New York's first-run theatres are, generally, recording profitable grosses this week. Of the new arrivals, "The Master Race" finished ah outstanding first week at the Palace last night with about $32,000 but "I Love a Soldier," at the Paramount, combined with a stage presentation featuring Tony Pastor and band and Bert Wheeler, Marion Hutton and Hal LeRoy, scored a moderate $64,000 in a first week. Both films are continuing. Holdover films at Radio City Music (Continued on page 7) WPB to Deny Making More Booth Parts Washington, Nov. 7. — Faced with the continuance of the Euro- pean war through the coming Winter, the War Production Board is denying any expansion in the pro- duction of civilian goods involving materials and components needed by the military, but is planning to permit the use of excess materials under the "spot authorization" plan, it was learned here today. As a result of the adoption of this policy, it is understood, the program for theatre booth equipment for the first quar- (Continued. on page 10) Canada Code to Be In Effect by '45 Toronto, Nov. 7. — A new concilia- tion code for the Canadian industry is expected to be in force across the Do- minion before the end of the year, it was stated here yesterday following a meeting of the general managers of the film exchanges. While no final decision was reached on approving the draft of the code that has been drawn up, it was announced that the deliberations had not encoun- tered a snag and that the signing of an agreement is scheduled to take place on or before Friday. Extended Runs Again Jam New Releases in Midwest Chicago, Nov. 7. — The Loop's first- run houses, due to continuing extended runs, have again become a bottleneck for new product ready and awaiting release in first-runs. Paramount releases its top product regularly to the Chicago and State Lake theatres, but the eight-week run of "Going My Way" in those houses, however, has forced the company to hold up the entire first block of the new season, with the second block's first release, "Frenchman's Creek," held back until "Since You Went Away" is ready to move out of the State Lake. Curent showing of "Wilson" at the Apollo will hold up 20th Fox's third block, originally scheduled for October release. Warner releases are similarly affected. RKO and Univer- sal are in a somewhat better shape, the Palace and Grand giing their product a faster turnover. Republic benefits by its first-run deal with the Oriental, and all of its potential Loop product is getting a comparatively early play. Among Republic's latest already released here are "Storm Over Lisbon" and "Faces in the Fog." M-G-M has has several top films waiting for an outlet, among them "Kismet," "An American Romance," and "Mrs. Parkington." Last-minute program changes at RKO last week enabled M-G-M to slip "Waterloo Bridge" into the Grand, and United Artists dispatched its long delayed "Abroad With Two Yanks" into the Palace. High Court Is Intrigued by Crescent Case Justices Ask Frequent Questions of Counsel Washington, Nov. 7. — The Supreme Court today had the Crescent Amusement Co. anti-trust suit under consideration, with pros- pects that it would hand down an opinion late this month or early in December, after devoting part of yes- terday and today to the presentation of argument by the Department of Justice and the defendants. While the only issue involved in the Government's appeal, the Court was told by Assistant Attorney General Wendell Berge, who argued the case for the Department of Justice, is that of broadening the injunction granted by the District Court so as to require the defendants to justify any future acquisitions of theatres in advance of (Continued on page 10) Davis Leaves Here For Odeon Deal John Davis, theatre emissary of J. Arthur Rank, newly-arrived from London, left New York yesterday for Toronto to set final details of a deal whereby Rank would acquire a 50 per cent interest in the 80 theatres of the Odeon Theatres circuit of Canada, headed by Paul Nathanson. Davis arrived after several weeks' delay due to Atlantic storms, and said final de- (Continued on page 11) Warter to Become ABP Chairman London, Nov. 7. — Philip A. War- ter, director of Associated British Pictures Corp. and a member of the syndicate here which has contracted to buy the 25 per cent interest in the company held by Mrs. John Maxwell, his mother-in-law, will become chair- man of ABP as soon as he obtains release from his wartime position with the Board of Trade, it was learned here today. Arthur Jarratt, ABP booking man- (Continued on page 10) Reviewed Today Review of "Lights of Old Santa Fe", Republic, will be found on page 7. 2 Motion Picture daily Wednesday, November 8, 1944 Personal Mention FJ. A. MCCARTHY, Universal . Southern and Canadian sales manager, left New York yesterday for Dallas and Oklahoma City and is ex- pected to return next week. • Barnett Shapiro, Monogram at- torney, has returned to Hollywood from Washington following confer- ences with Internal Revenue officials in connection with salary stabilization in the film industry. • Harry N. Blair, director of adver- . tising and publicity for PRC in New York, spent Thursday in Waterbury, Conn., with Paul O. Klinger, man- ager of Loew's Strand. • William Briscoe, of the RKO managerial staff, Chicago, will be out of action the next three months due to a serious knee injury. • Morris Safner, Central Falls, Rhode Island exhibitor, is a patient in Boston following an abdominal opera- tion. • Tommy Read, city manager for Lucas and Jenkins, Atlanta, has re- turned there from a business trip to New York. • Lou Mayer, manager of RKO's Palace, Chicago, is the father of a daughter, Myra Lou, born at Mt. Si- nai Hospital, Chicago. • Edith Weiner, Columbia book- keeper in Philadelphia, and Sgt. Sid- ney Warren, were married in that city last week. • Harry Graham, Southern district manager of Universal is in Florida on business. • A. J. O'Keefe, Universal Western sales manager, will leave for Los An- geles today. • Tom Baird, director of the film division of British Information Serv- ices here has returned from London. • Ben Katz, Universal's Midwest publicity chief, is back in Chicago fol- lowing a week in New York. • Charles P. Lester, division mana- ger for National Screen Service - at Atlanta is on a tour of his territory. • Max Finn, general manager for E. M. Loew's in New England, was a re- cent Hartford, Conn., visitor. • Edward C. Raftery, president of United Artists, arrived in New York yesterday from the Coast. • Tom Kennedy, Film Classics sales- man in Philadelphia, was inducted in- to the Armed Services last week. • Constance Bennett arrived in New York yesterday from the Coast. • Frank Hensler, M-G-M Kansas City manager, is in New York. Insider's Outlook • By RED KANN Hollywood, Nov. 7 IT'S old hat now to revive the reasons behind the extended- run deal recently whipped into shape by M-G-M with Fox West Coast. Metro had felt its major attractions rated more playing time than the average seven-day which Charlie Skouras was pro- viding at the Chinese, Loew's State and Uptown, plus the Car- thay Circle as occasional fourth day-and-date run or moveover. This is how and why the latest three-ply setup composed of the Egyptian, the Los Angeles and Ritz got going. There is a reason for repainting the background, however. ■ If present plans jell, the tri- angular arrangement will flower in another direction. Paramount :ontemplates building a third the- atre here when materials and time allow. The sprawling Wil- shire district is the probable area, and the purpose would be to give the company a three-way, first run hookup of its own. Today, it's the Downtown Paramount and a second namesake theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Embroyonic, however, is the word for all this. Lurking in the background and evidently about to move dramatically into the foreground now is the consent decree. How far with theatre expansion and how much on the part of producer-exhibitors are yet to be determined. But this has nothing to do with ideas and conditional plans. ■ ■ Strain between Paramount and Bob Hope traces to the latter's desire to make an outside picture a year while under Paramount contract. For such a purpose, Hope reportedly would organize a separate company to cover each of the outside ventures. Not pre- cluded, moreover, is the possibil- ity Paramount might distribute. But the company does not rise to the occasion, reminds Hope where his obligations reside, point out that, if and when he appears 1 in any film, that film must carry the Paramount label. With purposeful vagueness, at this point the studio talks gener- ally about taking steps to protect its rights. What kind of steps? They don't sav. ■ While on a roundup of things stirring on that same lot, there is another situation of import hang- ing fire. Bing Crosby is yet to sign the new contract which awaits him. Where the dividing line may be correctly drawn between the desire to become independent and. the desire to create the best pos- sible tax situation under existing laws will bend and twist under the impact of colliding view- points. But there is no trouble whatsoever in recognizing a con- dition when it takes shape. The current condition, and it will become a more general one, finds producers, stars and direc- tors breaking away from major studios for pastures of their own. The list is growing: William Goetz, Jimmy Cagney, Sam Wood, Nunnallv Johnson, Gary Cooper, Hal Wallis, Buddy De Sylva, Don Ameche, Fred Mac Murray, Mervyn Le Roy and now Jack Chertok and Mark Hellinger. Others are on the way. ■ ■ The executive who tells it also tells he was responsible for it. Costs had been leaning to- ward that out-of-control phase, and something had to be done. In one instance, this was done: After appealing to a director who was confusing art with com- merce, the executive got precise- ly nowhere. Then he called for the script. Then he opened it toward the close. Then he tore out a handful of pages. Then he instructed the director to finish the picture with what was left. The director did. And no one ever discovered the difference. ■ ■ Bill Goetz likes to narrate the incident about a star who once had seen better days. A job fin- ally came the Thespian's way. He was to go rugged, more so than the chassis could take. "I can't do that kind of stuff anymore," he complained to the producer. "Why waste my time then? I told you in the beginning it was a sea picture." "Sea picture ? I thought you said 'C picture." ■ ■ Proving he could never have been a monarchist at heart, Mer- vyn Le Roy was inspecting after- luncheon smokes the other day. The brands were limited to a brace, one of them "Charles the Great." As his companion reach- ed for one, Le Roy cracked: "Not that one. That guy hasn't had a job in years." ■ ■ Another chance for Eddie, the Golden Boy: Having switched "Miss Susie Consolidated Shows Net of $278,121 Consolidated Film Industries reports profit of $479,520, before federal taxes for the third quarter ended Sept. 30. Estimated taxes amount to $201,398, leaving a net of $278,121, which com- pares with a net of $221,524 for the same period of 1943. Per share earnings for the thir quarter are equivalent to 50 cents oi the 400,000 shares of preferred stock and 15 cents on the 524,973 shares of common, which compares with 50 cents on the preferred and four cents on the common in the same quarter of 1943. Earnings are subject to rene- gotiation provisions of the National Defense Appropriation Act. RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GREER GARSON — WALTER PIDGEON in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "MRS. PARKINGT0N" Edward Arnold • Acnes Moorehead Cecil Kellaway SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION First Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 K PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek* ^ RIV0LI,B \viy & 49th St ^ PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. SUPER-SHOCK SENSATION1 "THE MASTER RACE" George COULOURIS Osa MASSEN Stanley RIDGES Carl ESMOND ^PararaoTru^resents PAULETTE SONNY GODDARD TUFTS "I LOVE A SOLDIER" In Person TONY PASTOR and his Band BERT WHEELER MARION HUTTON HAL LEROY ON SCREEN 2nd WEEK 'SINCE YOU WENT AWAY' IN PERSON WILL OSBORNE and ORCH. RAY ENGLISH OTHERS Slagle's" to "The Golden Years," Paramount is back to the orig- inal with one dynamic change: the final consonant drops in favor of unadorned "Miss Susie Slagle." In open country once more is "The Golden Years." MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. _ Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing' CompanVrinc.,"l276 Sixth Avenue, liockefeller Center," New York,' 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, New» Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigptibco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. las. Uiii REPORT TO THE NATION! "Mr. Exhibitor . . . Here are box-office FACTS! Here's a city-by-city record of my great new hit— 'AN AMERICAN ROMANCE1! TWO HOURS of two-fisted entertainment in exciting Technicolor that's enthralling the folks in big towns and small towns ..." (next page) A CROSS-SECTION OF 125 FIRST ENGAGEMENTS BEATS M-G-M's BIGGEST! Sure-fire Hit in Big Towns and Small Towns! AN AMERICAN ROMANCE TOLEDO, O.— beats Two Girls and A Sailor LEXINGTON, Ky. — beats Private Hargrove MUNCIE, Ind. — beats Dragon Seed RICHMOND, Va.— beats Dragon Seed NEWARK, O.— beats Random Harvest LAFAYETTE, Ind. — beats holiday business Curie ATHENS, O.— beats White Cliffs PIQUA, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe ZANESVILLE, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe HUNTINGTON, W. Va.— beats Seventh Cross MONTGOMERY, O.— beats Private Hargrove BLUEFIELD, W. Va.— equals White Cliffs PORTSMOUTH, O.— beats White Cliffs CHARLESTON, W. Va.— beats Gaslight CELINA, O— beats A Guy Named Joe WELLSTON, O.— beats White Cliffs ST. MARY'S, O.— beats White Cliffs WILMINGTON, O.— beats White Cliffs GREENVILLE, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe XENIA, O. — beats Private Hargrove CIRCLE VILLE, O.— beats White Cliffs LONDON, O.— beats White Cliffs SIDNEY, O. — beats Private Hargrove NORTHFORK, W. Va.— beats A Guy Named Joe CARROLLTON, O.— beats White Cliffs CHILLICOTHE, O.— beats White Cliffs HAMILTON, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe MIDDLETOWN, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe PT. PLEASANT, W. Va.— also beats Joe LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.— equals White Cliffs WILLIAMSON, W. Va.— beats White Cliffs MIDDLESBORO, Ky.— beats White Cliffs PIKE VILLE, Ky.— beats A Guy Named Joe DANVILLE, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe WAR, W. Va.— beats A Guy Named Joe LEWISBURG, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe URBANA, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe WAPAKONETA, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe BECKLEY, W. Va.— beats Bathing Beauty HILLSBORO, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe JACKSON, O.— beats White Cliffs POMEROY, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe MT. STERLING, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe MARTIN, Ky.— beats A Guy Named Joe NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.— beats Private Hargrove STAMFORD, Ky.— beats A Guy Named Joe TROY, O.— beats White Cliffs MARIETTA, O.— beats White Cliffs CORBIN, Ky. — equals Private Hargrove MARYSVILLE, O.— beats White Cliffs BELLEFONTAINE, O.— beats White Cliffs PARIS, Ky.— beats White Cliffs RICHMOND, O.— beats White Cliffs WASH. CT. HOUSE, O.— equals Hargrove SHELBY, O.— beats White Cliffs KENTON, O. — beats Private Hargrove DELAWARE, O.— beats White Cliffs MT. VERNON, O. — beats Private Hargrove TIFFIN, O.— beats White Cliffs WOOSTER, O.— beats Private Hargrove UPPER SANDUSKY, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe CALDWELL, O.— beats White Cliffs FOSTORIA, O.— beats White Cliffs BRYAN, O.— beats White Cliffs FREMONT, O.— beats A Guy Named Joe MARION, O.— beats White Cliffs LIMA, O.— beats White Cliffs MANSFIELD, O. — beats Private Hargrove TIPTON, Ind. — beats Private Hargrove BLOOMINGTON, Ind.— beats A Guy Named Joe NOBELSVILLE, Ind.— beats A Guy Named Joe THEY SOLD TICKETS WITH PUNCH COPY! Here are the Ad angles that get the crowds! ^ He had $4.28 in his pocket... and love in his eyes! Want to meet a guy you'll fall for? That's Steve — not much dough but plenty of nerve! A sock in each fist — and a smile no girl could resist. He had what it takes to win! And when he crushed his girl in his arms — She knew what LOVE really meant! Br This is the girl a strong man goes for! ''New find" Ann Richards is soft, cuddly and beautiful! >«4f> This is Steve — Brian Donlevy Rough, rugged and ambitious... he's got a fighting heart! M-G-M's TECHNICOLOR DRAMA! KING VIDOR'S Production AN American Romance starring BRIAN DONLEVY with ANN RICHARDS • WALTER ABEL • JOHN QUALEN HORACE McNALLY • Produced and Directed by KING VIDOR Screen Play by Herbert Dalmas and William Ludwig A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture Sock 'Em With The < Wednesday, November 8, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 Review "Lights of Old Santa Fe" (Republic) TO follow Roy Rogers' Madison Square Garden rodeo appearance, Bob Williams and Gordon Kahn have written a screen story about the troubles which might beset a rodeo outfit trying to get a big booking like that. Harry Gray's production looks a trifle impromptu, but the star and his "Sons of the Pioneers" smile and sing and ride roughshod over all deficiences as well as over the menace provided in the yarn. Seems the Santa Fe area has two rodeos, The World Wide, an up-and- coming aggregation, owned by Richard Powers, a villain, who wants to marry his competition, Dale Evans, and combine their shows. Hers is called the International, but, stymied by the outmoded business methods of manager Gabby Hayes, it is having a time getting even as far as the state fair. Rogers happens along and falls for the 'boss lady' and is on the eve of pulling her out of the jam when a Powers henchman, Roy Barcroft, sneaks into camp and burns the wagons. Only Trigger, the horse, knows who did this, and he informs Roy just as Miss Evans is giving up her struggle and herself. They salvage the wreckage and are headed triumphantly for the Garden at the final fade. Although Frank McDonald's direction gives only a lick and a promise to the dramatic elements, it hovers fondly over simple songs and fancy riding, which are most important. Lloyd Corrigan has a happy bit as a one-man radio program, and there's even a ballet. Running time 78 minutes. "G"*. Release Nov. 6. Tom Loy Holiday Helps N.Y. First-run Houses; 'Master Race' Big (Continued from page 1) Hall, the Capitol, Strand and Holly- wood are continuing to draw. Music Hall expects a big $122,000 for the vfourth week of "Mrs. Parkington" and fas "American Rhapsody" stage show. This is close to the third week's gross ; the combination will continue. "Marriage Is a Private Affair" and a stage bill featuring Arlene Francis, Johnnie Johnston, Ella Mae Morse and Bob Strong and his orchestra are expected to bring the Capitol a good $70,000 on a second week and the program will be held for one more. The booking of Jimmy Dorsey and his orchestra and Henny Youngman to start Nov. 16 with "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" makes it impossible to hold the current Capitol show beyond three weeks. The third week of "The Conspira- tors" and Les Brown and band is ex- pected to bring the Strand about $42,- 000 ; it will hold. "To Have and Have Not" is proving a sturdy grosser at the Hollywood with $36,000 expected for the fourth week. $72,000 for 'Laura' "Laura" and a stage show drew a big $72,000 for the final six days of a fourth week at the Roxy ; "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," combined with a stage show featuring Ray Bolger and Gracie Barrie opened yesterday. A profitable $23,000 was recorded for the second week of "Rainbow Island" at the Criterion ; "Lost in a Harem" will open there this morning. "French- man's Creek" at the Rivoli and "Kis- met" at the Astor are still proving profitable. The seventh week of "Creek" at the Rivoli brought $40,- 000, while the 11th week of "Kismet" gave the Astor $16,000. Elsewhere, "Summer Storm" is ex- pected to bring a moderate $14,000 for a third week at the Gotham and it will continue. "Abroad With Two Yanks" is holding for a final three days of a third week at the Globe after drawing about $15,000 in its second week. "The Great Moment" will open at the Globe Saturday. The return engagement of "Waterloo Bridge" at the Republic is expected to bring $9,000 for a second week and will continue. The second and final week of "Murder in the Blue Room" is expected to give the Rialto about $7,000 and "The Mark of the Whist- ler" will open Friday. "Wilson" is continuing at the Victoria although the sixth week's figure is down to $7,000. Loew's Pays First Pension Benefits First benefits under operation • of Loew's 'Employes' Retirement Plan' are being paid to survivors of em- ployes in the home office, studio, the- atre department and the branch in Indianapolis. The pension plan com- mittee is now paying the beneficiaries benefits which accrued under the plan. Deceased employes are : Jack Flack of the studio ; Irene Weber Sadel, sec- retary to Carter Barron, Loew's divi- sion manager in Washington ; Ruth Reeves Sipe, M-G-M branch office cashier in Indianapolis, and Mrs. Mar- garet Reid, home office switchboard operator. *"G" denotes general classification. Seek to Expedite Wage Boost Pleas Exchange operational heads and representatives of the IATSE have sent Dave Halper, IATSE attorney, and Ernest Mahler of O'Brien, Dris- coll and Raftery, representing Unit- ed Artists, to Chicago and Cleveland in an attempt to expedite decisions by Regional War Labor Boards on ap- plications pending before them for ap- proval of a system of job classifica- tions and a minimum 10 per cent wage increase for film exchange "white col- lar" workers in the Chicago, Minne- a p o 1 i s, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Cincinnati exchanges. Halper and Mahler expect to be gone' about a week. Approval of the system of 18 job classifications with minimum and maximum scales and the 10 per cent wage increase, retroactive to Dec, 1943, has already been secured in New Haven, Boston, New York, Albany and Buffalo. Applications are pend- ing before regional boards having jurisdiction over all exchange cities except Los Angeles. The Chicago Regional Board has jurisdiction over the workers in Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis, while the Cleveland board has jurisdiction in that city and in Cincinnati. The next meeting of the exchange operation heads and the IATSE to set applications for approval of a 10 per cent wage increase for film ex- change service employes will not be held until Halper and Mahler return. 25th FPC Anniversary Toronto Nov. 7. — Famous Players Canadian will celebrate its 25th anni- versary in January and will honor the 33 employes who have been with the company since its inception on Jan. 23, 1920. Tuttle New Clerk Frank H. Tuttle has replaced Charles Chambers as arbitration clerk in the San Francisco arbitration tri- bunal, effective yesterday, the Ameri- can Arbitration Association reported here yesterday. Naval Tribute Set For 'Night of Stars' A highlight of the "Night of Stars" program, set for next Tuesday evening at Madison Square Garden here, will be the "Tribute to the Pacific Fleet," in which 80 Waves will participate. The feature was arranged through the cooperation of Capt. William F. Amsden of the Waves training school Kate Smith will sing "Anchors Aweigh" and "God Bless America." Robert M. Weitman, managing di- rector of the Paramount Theatre here, is chairman of the producing committee. Pioneers Invited To Dec. 13 Dinner Dedicated to pioneer exhibitors, in- vitations to attend the forthcoming Picture Pioneers Christmas party and dinner Dec. 13 at the Waldorf Astoria here have been sent to thea- tre owners throughout the country who have been in the industry 25 years or more. Sam Dembow, Jr., is chairman of the dinner committee. Plans are be- ing considered to present a special "Picture Pioneers Award" to the thea- tre owner with the greatest number of years in the indusrty. Ricord Assistant To Fitzgerald Los Angeles, Nov. 7. — W. C. Ricord, Jr., manager of Fox West Coast's district No. 5, has been ap- pointed assistant to president Harold Fitzgerald of Fox Wisconsin ; and Gordon Hewitt, who has been FWC's co-chief booker here, has been named chief booker of Fox Wisconsin. Both report to Milwaukee headquarters Nov. 15. To Air 'U' Film Music Jerome Kern's music from Univer- sal^ "Can't Help Singing," starring Deanna Durbin, will be aired for the first time this Sunday on Columbia Broadcasting's "Texaco Star Theatre" program, with James Melton doing the vocals. 12,000 Theatres to Have Tree-Movie Day' Says Brandt (.Continued from page 1 ) lively participate on 'National Free Movie Day,' Dec. 7, as compared with 7,770 for the Fifth War Loan and 3,403 for the fourth. Other returning committee members were : Ned E. Depinet, William C. Crockett, John Hertz, Jr., and repre- sentatives of the Treasury and War Finance Departments. Remaining meetings are scheduled for Hartford, on Nov. 9 ; Boston, Nov. 10 ; Char- lotte, Nov. 13; Philadelphia, Nov. 13; Baltimore, Nov. 14, and New York, Nov. 17. Virginia Exhibitors Get Going on Sixth Drive Richmond, Va., Nov. 7. — Virginia State exhibitors got off to a flying start at the John Marshall Hotel here for the Sixth War Loan drive with the first of four regional state meet- ings. Ted R. Gamble, Director of the War Finance Division of the Treasury Department, was guest and chief speaker. State chairman Morton G. Thalhimer of Richmond presided over the meeting which had a 100 per cent representation for this area in addition to many state theatre leaders. Tom Baldridge of M-G-M reported on Virginia theatres' participation in the fifth Loan Drive and announced war bond awards for several exhibi- tors for their efforts. Loew's Sixth Rally To Offer $1,000 Prize A series of Sixth War Loan Drive meetings has been scheduled by Loew's to give momentum to the com- pany's campaign, C. C. Moskowitz an- nounced here yesterday. Tomorrow there will be a bond rally of Loew home office employees with speakers, stars and an announcement of a $1,000 bond prize for employees who participate in the bond-buying and selling drive. Managers and district managers of Loew's New York circuit will meet tomorrow evening for a bond confer- ence and buffet supper, while on Nov. 14, all Loew assistant managers will hold a similar dinner conference. Seadler Advertising Consultant on Sixth Si Seadler, M-G-M advertising manager, has again been named adver- tising consultant for the industry's Sixth War Loan drive. Seadler acted in a similar capacity in each of the previous drives and personally wrote all trade paper advertisements. He will work in conjunction with John Hertz, Jr., publicity-advertising chair- man. WAC Breakfast for N. Y.-N. J. Managers The War Activities Committee, New York area, will sponsor a Sixth War Loan Breakfast at the Hotel Astor on Nov. 17 for theatre mana- gers of the Metropolitan New York and Northern New Jersey areas, and district and exchange managers, sales- men and home office executives. Fine Fined $250 David Fine, manager of the Stanley Theatre here, was fined $250 at Mu- nicipal Court for permitting the over- crowding of that theatre. -BY UNANIMOUS ACCLAIM THROUGHOUT THE NATION! ... for New Boxoffice Records! New Attendance Records! New Hold-over Records! New Entertainment Records! 'PLAY TAPS FOR THE JAPS WITH *ett\U *. ot v1*" to ^7 va- ^Yu\cv^ son ci bow CLAUDETTE JENNIFER JOSEPH SHIRLEY MONTY LIONEL ROBERT COLBERT JONES GOTTEN TEMPLE WOOLLEY BARRYMORE WALKER 10 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, November 8, 1944 Dembow Quits Para, for New Golden Post {Continued from page 1) tion, Balaban stated : "We are reluc tant to have Sam Dembow leave our organization. He has been a valuable co-worker at Paramount, where he has a host of friends who wish him well. We hope that his new venture will prove a happy and profitable one for him and his associates." Goldenson said, 'We lose Sam Dembow with a feeling of regret However, all of us at Paramount send with him our good wishes for out- standing success in his new venture." Hyman began his career as man- ager of the Victoria Theatre in Buf- falo. In 1919 he became the first managing director of the Mark Strand Theatre in Brooklyn after being di- rector of the films division of the War Department in World War I. He was later general manager of Century Circuit in New York and in 1940 joined Paramount as associate of Earl Hudson in the operation of United Detroit Theatres. In 1941, he returned to New York as associate of Goldenson and Dembow. Fellerman was associated for many years with RKO in both distribution and theatre operations. Dembow has been in the industry for 30 years and has been a theatre operations executive for more than 20. His association with Paramount began in 1925 when he took over buy- ing and booking for Famous Players theatres. Between 1934 and 1939 he was general manager of National Screen Service and executive vice- president of Fanchon and Marco, in which he acquired an interest. Decree and WAC on Wise. ITO Agenda (Continued from page 1) I . Wood, executive secretary of the ITO of Ohio; Col. H. A. Cole, presi- dent of Allied of Texas, and Sidney E. Samuelson, business manager of the ITO of Eastern Pennsylvania. Thursday's meeting will be ad- dressed by Don Woods, chairman of the distributors' division here for the Sixth War Loan ; Harold Fitzgerald, WAC state chairman ; Ray Colvin, president of the Theatre Equipment Dealers Protective Association ; E. C. Wallace of the WPB priorities de- partment here ; Paul C. Mooney, Sr., National Screen Service executive ; Dave Palfreyman of the MPPDA, and Claude Lee, Paramount public relations director. Social activities will include a cock- tail party tomorrow to be given by Paramount for early arrivals, and a cocktail party by courtesy of 20th- Fox following the Thursday meeting. A banquet will be given Thursday night. Election of officers will also take place Thursday. FILM DUBBING SCRIPT ADAPTATION GHOST VOICE SPANISH -PORTUGESE-FRENCH Spanish Sound Studios 41 E. 42 St. N. Y. 17 MU 2-5358 High Court is Intrigued By Crescent Trust Case (Continued from page 1) their consummation, William Waller, counsel for Crescent, disclosed that al- though the defendants' appeal cited only 16 specific errors it aimed at knocking out the lower court decision in its entirety. With Chief Justice Harlan F. Stone and Associate Justices Owen J. Roberts, Stanley F. Reed and Felix Frankfurter frequently interrupting him with questions designed to clarify the points brought up, Berge argued that there was adequate supporting evidence for all of the District Court's findings, and asserted that "conclu- sions of law which are not challenged establish on their face violations of the Sherman Act" by the six com- panies involved in the suit. "The only proper issue in this ap- peal is the scope of the relief to be granted," he said in discussing the Government's position. Buying Power Use "One of the most important aspects of this case is the use which the de- fendants made of their circuit buying power," Berge asserted, explaining that it enabled them to make individu- al contracts for single theatres on the basis of the buying power of their theatres collectively. In numerous instances, he argued, independent op- erators were eliminated by film-buy- ing contracts which took their pic- tures away from them through the pressure the defendants were able to exert on distributors in towns where there was competition. "Individual independent theatres in those towns where there was compe- tition left found themselves unable to get product of the distributors they had been accustomed to getting," he said, citing cases which had been de- veloped during the trial. Berge also attacked the franchises which Crescent had secured, contend- ing that the distributors had to make franchise deals in order to get their pictures into any Crescent-controlled houses, and that the franchises were the result of monopolistic pressure as demonstrated by a great deal of the testimony in the record." Contentions of the defendants that the matter did not affect the public were challenged by Berge, who as- serted flatly that "the public doesn't benefit from having a monopoly," the effect of which on the community is to suppress free enterprise, prevent new capital being used in the build- ing of theatres and restrain the amusement available. "We say that the judgment should have provided that the defendants should justify their acquisitions," he said. "The real nub of the matter is a procedural point. It would impose on the Government the burden of showing that any new theatre acquisi tion is barred by the judgment. We would have to prove the sale was not voluntary or the defendants had violated the injunction against co ercive tactics. The proceedings would follow the acquisition and would be meaningless. It is not an effective de terrent against restraint of trade : Once a theatre is acquired, it is ac quired and competition is out and the independent is gone." The injunction would be more ef- fective in restraining violation, he concluded, if in all cases of new ac- quisitions the acquisition had to be justified by the defendants in advance of its consummation. Pointing out that, except for Cres cent interests in Nashville, which had been specifically excepted from the case, the six companies operated thea- tres in very small towns, the total population of which would not make one good-sized city, Waller told the Court that the Radio City Music Hall furnishes more revenue to the dis tributors from one picture than all of the defendants' theatres furnish in a full year. Confiscation Charged On that basis, he argued, there could be little weight attached to the Government's charge of "circuit buy- ing power" as a weapon and "the only effect of this circuit buying power is, we have been able to get pictures a little cheaper and on better terms by cooperative buying." Waller stressed the provisions of the injunction requiring each of the defendants to dispose of any interests it had in any other defendant com- pany, charging that it would be "con- fiscation" because of the tax laws. "The findings were not actually findings of the court but were copied from the plaintiff's brief," Waller as- serted. "We insist there is no proof to sustain any of these findings," he said. Asked bv Associate Justice Roberts why he had attacked only a few of the many findings of the District Court, Waller explained that the de- fendants had deliberately adopted that strategy on the understanding that if an error is assigned to the decree and is sustained the structure falls. WPB to Deny Making More Booth Parts Heidingsfield, 76, Film Attorney Dies Cincinnati, Nov. 7. — Ben L. Heid- ingsfield, 76, film attorney, died at the Holmes hospital here last night after a month's illness. He was attorney for and director of numerous film corpo- rations operating theatres throughout Ohio, Kentucky and adjoining states. Two daughters, a brother and sister Born Dies in Action Harry Born, former manager of Broadway Globe Theatre here has been reported killed in action in the European theatre, according to word received by Brandt Theatres. Max Linderman Dies Augusta, Ga., Nov. 7. — ■ Max Linderman, 58, showman, first presi- dent of the National Showman's As- sociation, died here at the weekend following a heart attack. He also founded the Linderman fund for des- titutes of the entertainment industry. Survivors include his widow and a brother. Sgt. Earth Missing Reading, Pa., Nov. 7. — S/Sgt. Harry W. Barth, Jr., former assistant manager of the Warner here, has been repoted missing in action. Sgt. Bath holds the Air Medal with Oak Leaf clusters. (Continued from page 1) ter of next year will be only about the same as provided for both the last and present quar- ters, or at best a very minor increase. The present program calls for the production during this quarter of 335 projectors, 156 sound systems, 365 lamps, 365 rectifiers and 45 motor generator sets. In anticipation of a possible sub- stantial increase in available mate- rials, a program calling for double or more of present production — seriously needed by exhibitors, was submitted to the WPB for consideration, but is understood to have been rejected, although the Board as yet has not definitely fixed the figures for the next quarter. However, it was said today, there are opportunities for manufacturers to increase their output above pro- grammed figures by taking advantage of the spot authorization plan, which permits the use of excess materials and available labor and machinery for the production of civilian goods. It was indicated that if manufacturers of booth equipment submit applica- tions showing that they are in a posi- tion to take advantage of the spot au- thorization, no resistance will be of- fered in Washington to their going ahead with such plans. One Authority Granted So far, it is understood, only one manufacturer has been granted au- thority to go ahead with production, under which 200 rectifiers will be pro- duced over a period of two quarters, but there are opportunities in some areas for production, under spot au- thorization, of projectors, motor gen- erator sets, rectifiers and lamp houses without indicating-meters. While ball-bearing supplies are tight, it is said there are some bear- ings in inventory of sizes appropriate for projectors, some small motor ca- pacities are opening up and other ma- terials are available. In the case of lamp houses, however, it would be necessary for the exhibitor to make sure that he replaced present equip- ment with exactly similar apparatus, so that he might switch meters, which are very tight. Warter to Become ABP Chairman (Continued from page 1) ager, has desired for a long time to become a director, and it is suspected that his current trip to the United States is motivated, at least in part, by this ambition. Warner Brothers has a 25 per cent interest in ABP ; and, although the Warter syndicate has sought to " acquire that likewise, Max Milder, WB managing director here, has stated that it is not for sale, as reported yesterday in Motion Pic- ture Daily. Local sources here con- firmed that Jarratt is now enroute to the U. S. APB ordinary shares have risen from $4.44 to $4.88 on the London stock exchange since the Nov. 1 dis- closure of the purchase by the syndi- cate, which has backing from the Bank of England. Wednesday, November 8, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 11 Davis Leaves Here For Odeon Deal ( Contin ued from page 1 ) tails are expected to be set either late this week or early next. The acquisition of a half interest in Odeon of Canada will give Rank his first foothold in exhibition in the Western Hemisphere, in what appears to be a long-range program of expan- sion both in Canada and in the United States now and in the postwar period. It is understood that Rank plans the > acquisition of theatres in the U. S. but these plans are contingent upon postwar conditions. Odeon also has a 50 per cent inter- est in Rothstein Theatres, which op- erates seven additional houses in Can- ada. Davis is joint managing director of Rank's Odeon Theatres in Great Brit- ain'. On a previous visit here last Summer he spent several weeks sur- veying the Canadian theatre situation, providing him with a first-hand op- portunity to study operations of Odeon and other circuits. Nathanson has already acquired a selected group of Rank's British films for Canadian distribution through his Empire-Universal films. He also handles United Artists releases in Canada and will therefore also handle the seven Rank films which UA is re- leasing. Nathanson has postwar expansion plans for his Odeon circuit and with the backing of Rank, it is admitted in Toronto trade circles that this will en- able Odeon to assume a more domi- nant position beside Famous Players Canadian, which now operates over 190 theatres in the Dominion. Daphne Skouras Now Matsoukas Assistant Daphne Dolores Skouras, daughter of Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, has joined the Skouras Theatres' 'War Effort De- partment' here as assistant to Nick John Matsoukas, director. "The en- gagement of Miss Skouras as assistant director will entail the formulation of additional programs for public service to be put into effect during the war years and be retained in their essence in a post-war program of public ser- vice by Skouras Theatres," explained Matsoukas. Spyros Skouras is also president of the National Greek War Relief Asso- ciation. Mclntyre, Alexander Promoted by Ansco Frank J. Mclntyre, formerly district sales manager in Chicago for Ansco, is now in charge of sales in the West Coast area, including San Francisco and Los Angeles branches and Ansco's offices in Hollywood, which serve the motion picture capital. George Alexander, who joined the company in 1941 as technical advisor and sales representative, will direct the Los Angeles branch. Rally Names Skouras Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, has been named a member of the honorary committee for the seVenth annual Army-Notre Dame rally to be held Nov. 10 at the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria here for the benefit of the Notre Dame service- men's fund. First CED Release Is 'Jobs after War' "Jobs after the War," a one-reeler produced for the Committee on Eco- nomic Development by Newsreel The- atres will be shown on Thursday at the Embassy Theatre here. This is the first release of the CED, which is an organization of industrial leaders who are formulating plans for a post- war economic program. Newsreel Dis- tributors is distributing the short which the CED hopes eventually to have shown in 10,000 theatres. The short is in the nature of a com- munity report by six business leaders in Richmond, Worcester, Grand Rapids, Evansville, and Bradenton, Fla., on their planning for the post- war. In preparation is another script which the Office of War Information may make for the CED, according to Edward Roberts, a CED executive, and for which distribution may be achieved through the industry's War Activities Committee. Bette Davis Hosts Press Atlanta, Nov. 7. — Bette Davis en- tertained local film executives and press representatives yesterday at the Biltmore Hotel. Following the recep- tion Miss Davis left for Hollywood where she is scheduled to begin work on a new Warner production. Fire Destroys Gaines Pineville, Ky., Nov. 7. — Fire has destroyed the 500-seat Gaines Theatre here and caused damage to several nearby buildings. Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Nov. 7 PARAMOUNT will co-star Eddie Bracken and Veronica Lake in "Good Intentions," comedy-drama which George Marshall will direct and Paul Jones will produce. . . . John Sheridan has had his Warner con- tract renewed. . . . Otto Kruger has been selected for the title role in "Earl Carroll Vanities," at Republic. . . . Jeanne Crain will have the feminine lead in 20th Century-Fox's "State Fair." • John W. Comidine, Jn is negotiat- ing for Papini's "Life of Christ" as his first independent production. • Paulctte Goddard will play the title role in Paramount's "The Weil- Groomed Bride." Ray Milland will be teamed with her. . . . Richard Arlen will have the lead in Walter Colmcs next production for Republic, titled "Johnny, March." It is the story of a soldier, sole survivor of five. Stricken with amnesia, he does not remember which one of the five he is. . . . Cleve Adams has been assigned to write the third Abbott and Costello comedy for Universal, under the title "You Hypnotise Me." • The option to Edgar Buchanan's contract has been picked up by Columbia and the actor has been assigned an important role in "Kiss and Tell," which the new Abbott - I Herbert company will film. Tito Guizar, world-famous romantic singing star, serenades lovely, blonde Virginia Bruce in a tropical moonlit scene from Republic's colorful new musical production, "Brazil." advt. ITS ANOTHER MONEY 14 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Wednesday, November 8, 1944 B & K Renews Big Radio Ad Program Chicago, Nov. 7. — The in- dustry trend toward radio ad- vertising, stimulated by the current newspaper space ra- tioning, gained additional em- phasis locally this week when Balaban and Katz started its new contract over WMAQ, calling for 260 one-minute an- nouncements over a 52-week period. The announcements will be both institutional and spot commercial. 'Pirate' Runs Away With Big $18,000 Cincinnati, Nov. 7. — Patrons of RKO's Palace will pay an approxi- mate $18,000 for "The Princess and the Pirate," better than average by $4,500 for the best week this house has had in some time. RKO's Capi- tol will do an estimated $11,000 on a moveover of "Mrs. Parkington." Estimated receipts for the week ending Nov. 8-11 : "The Climax" (Univ.) RKO ALBEE — (3,300) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $13,000; (Average: $13,500). "Mrs. Parkington" (M-G-M) RKO CAPITOL— (2,000) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Albee. Gross: $11,000. (Average: $10,000). "San Fernando Valley" (Rep.) "One Mysterious Night" (Col.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (30c-40c) 4 days. Gross: $1,300. (Average: $1,400). "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) "Strangers in the Night" (Rep.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (30c-40c) 3 days. Gross: $750. (Average: $800). "Strawberry Blonde" (WB) RKO GRAND— (1,500) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 5 days, plus Saturday midnight show. Gross: $3,000. (Average, 7 days: $5,000). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) KEITH'S— (1,500) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Capitol. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,000). "Tall in the Saddle" (RKO) RKO LYRIC— (1,400) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Palace. Gross: $4,000. (Average : " $5,000). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO1- Goldwyn) RKO PALACE— (2,700) (44c- 50c -60c -70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $13,500). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (Zfrth-Fox) RKO SHUBERT— (2,150) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, 3rd week, following a week at the Albee and one at the Grand. Gross: $4,- 000. (Average: $5,000). $2,500,000 Theatre, Hotel for Boston Boston, Nov. 7. — First sizeable building plans here for the post-war were made known when it was an- nounced that there will be erected on an otherwise unidentified downtown site a $2,500,000 hotel and theatre by the Ford hotel interests which control hotels and other buildings in Buffalo, Toronto and Montreal. John C. Udd, president of the com- pany, made the announcement through George W. Harvey president of the local Ford Corp. just established. Ohio Variety Party Columbus, O., Nov. 7. — The local Variety Club will hold its annual Vic- tory Barn Dance in Memorial Hall, here, Nov. 15, with a considerable portion of the proceeds to be turned over to support of wartime programs of the junior hostesses of the club, it has been -announced by Johnny Jones, chief barker. Brings Film Shows To Hospital Wards An unusual method of bringing film entertainment to hospitalized members of the Armed Forces was described and demonstrated on the National Broadcasting Company's coast-to-coast broadcast of the "Army Hour" on Sunday. This particular se- quence originated from the Fitzgib- bons General Hospital in Denver with Staff Sergeant William Walker, who developed the procedure, handling the demonstration. This novel method of entertaining wounded fighting men who, because of their injuries cannot leave their beds to see the regular film shows avail- able in the hospital, involves the pip- ing of the sound track of the film through the hospital's public address system, with Sgt. Walker describing the scenes and interim action. The film used was Paramount's "Going My Way." Sgt. Walker's innovation has at- tracted wide attention" from Army of- ficials and their decision to give his "filmcast" a full dress airing on the "Army Hour" would seem to indicate that other hospitals will soon adopt this procedure also. 'Island/ 'Romance' Score in Baltimore Baltimore, Nov. 7. — With major attractions doing big business and less important ones striking bare averages, it becomes more and more evident that filmgoers are "shopping"'for pic- tures nowadays. Currently, the strong shows are drawing ample crowds, fol- lowing big openings and equally big weekend business. In the top brackets are "An American Romance" and "Rainbow Island," scoring $19,000 each at the Century and Stanley. Estimated receipts for the week ending Nov. 9 : "An American Romance" (M-G-M) CENTURY— (3,000). (35c-44c-55c and 60c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $19,000. (Aver- age: $15,000). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) KEITH'S— (2,406) (35c-40c-50c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $15,000). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (ZOth-Fox) NEW— (1,581) (30c-40c-60c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $9,000). "Rainbow Island" (Para.) STANLEY— (3,280) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000. (Average: $18,000). "Tall in, the Saddle" (RKO) HIPPODROME— (2,205) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days. On stage: Bob Gentry, Miriam Burrough, Neal Stanley and Marti, Three Samuels, Earle, Jack & Betty. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $18,500). Sing, Neighbor, Sing" (Rep.) MAYFAIR— (1,000) (35c-54c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $7,000). Illinois Owners in Booking Combine Chicago, Nov. 7. — Three mdepen- dent Illinois circuits have formed a 13-house booking combine this week. They include Russ Hurt's Alger Cir- cuit of Champaign, operating five theatres ; Sam Trainer's Bailey Cir- cuit, Princeton, operating six theatres, and George Kruger who operates the Hinsdale at Hinsdale and the Hub at Rochelle. Levys Will Honor Moss Philadelphia, Nov. 7. — Edgar Moss, local 20th Century-Fox district manager, will be feted for the second consecutive year by Dr. Leon and Isaac D. Levy, president and treasur- er respectively, of radio station WCAU here, on Dec. 4. OF THE FASTEST SELLER! I UP TO 36% FASTER* THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE IN THE FIELD Right down to the last copy on the stands — Photoplay moves off the stands at a faster rate than any other magazine in the field. That's proof that America's first million movie- goers respect the difference! Photoplay has not given up quality for quantity; has not sacrificed character and position for extra sales. Instead, Photoplay keeps on giving the public more text, more color, more top-flight writers and illustrators than any other magazine in the field. Established by a recent survey involving 4 consecutive Issues covering sales at more than 20,000 newsstands. PHOTOPLAY FAVORITE OF AMERICA'S FIRST MILLION MOVIE-GOERS FAVORITE OF AMERICA'S FIRST MIL lOVIE-GOERS fDR DECEMBER Girl of the Moment Adela Rogers St. Johns Bing — As I Know Him Louella O. Parsons Fontaine's Fling Adele Whitely Fletcher C for Circe — Jeanne Crain Sheilah Graham American Natural — Gary Cooper Elsa Maxwell "Nicest Guy in the World" — Bob Hope Dorothy Kilgallen Grab Bag on Grable 42 The Truth about Hollywood's Lost and Found Stars "Fearless" 44 Ladies' Knight — Turhan Bey Inga Arvad 47 Reminder of Maria Montez Marian Quinn 49 Crime on My Hands George Sanders 50 Calling on Dana Andrews 52 "You'll Ruin Romance If — " 54 Portrait of the Dynamic Bette Davi j Joseph Henry Steele 56 Boh Hutton Heart-to-Heart Eleanor Harris 58 Cornel Wilde About Love Sara Hamilton 59 Photoplay's Command Performance 60 Cadets on Call Susanna Foster 62 What Should I Do? " 64 Your problems answered by Claudette Colbert ^4 so**- erf Jeanne Crain 37 Belly Grable 42 Gary Cooper 39 Turhan Bey 46 Maria Montez 48 Beauty 124 Inside Stuff — Cal York 6 Brief Reviews 26 Photoplay's First Run Fashions 75 Casts of Current Pictures 122 Speak for Yourself 4 The Shadow Stage 21 Johns ,ries _ fit*' ■weVf ,rW>' ,\a1- °Sef^ousPo^[n one ^ from fi; ,ob bG4RycoopfR . 'SUn*g Am, er''con. Fred R. Samm!9, Editorial Director Elaine Osterman, Western Manager larian H. Quinn, Associate Editor nund Davenport, Art Director Helen Gilmore, Editor Adele Whitely Fletcher, Associate Editor Sara Hamilton, Associate Editor Ruth Waterbury. Contributing Editor Hymie Fink. Staff Photographer Covir: Betty Grable, Natural Color Photograph by Paul Hesse Costume designed by Rene Hubert A Fletcher chc.racterizat.on. 1 Ttnat vies in charm :CforC,rce"p-,ceOboUther. <">c^. °e's 'Cent , a°'n0 9 bin, "fa e" »*1 y^-?m^uca^ FIRST 7^~ibt&uhi& OLDEST i^KOAACaJo WARNERS THE CONSPIRATORS' Hedy Lamarr Paul Henreid D — 101 rains. (40S) THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU Dennis Morgan Faye Emerson D— (406) TH E DOUGHGIRLS Ann Sheridan Jane Wjrman Jack Carson C — 102 mins. UNIVERSAL BABES ON SWING STREET Peggy Ryan Ann Blyth Kirby Grant Freddy Slack orch. M— 70 mins. (9024) THE CLIMAX (Color) Susanna Foster Boris Karloff Turhan Bey D— 86 mins. (9007) BOWERY TO BROADWAY Donald O'Connor Maria Montez Peggy Ryan Turhan Bey M— 96 mins. (9072) DEAD MAN'S EYES Lon Chaney Jean Parker Paul Kelly D— 64 mins. (9026) RECKLESS AGE Gloria Jean Judy Clark Jack Gilford Delta Rhythm Boys D — 63 mins. (9029) ENTER ARSENE LUPIN Charles Korvin Ella Raines D MURDER IN The BLUE ROOM Grace McDonald Donald Cook John Litel D— 61 mins. (9034) HI BEAUTIFUL Martha O'DriscoU Noah Beery, Jr. C— 64 mins. (9031) MY GAL LOVES MUSIC Grace McDonald Bob Crosby M — 63 mins. THE FUGITIVE Gloria Jean Alan Curtis Grace McDonald D < D (Special) SINCE YOU WENT AWAY Claudette Colbert Joseph Cotten Shirley Temple Jennifer Jones D — 171 mins. DARK WATERS Merle Oberon.- Franchot Tone D— 90 mins. 3 IS A FAMILY Charlie Ruggles Helen Broderick C GUEST IN THE HOUSE Anne Baxter Ralph Bellamy D TOMORROW THE WORLD Frederic March Betty Field X o I X h o CM < O 06 Z_W «2~ O <- -5 2 2 J* IH _ o « Z = c? v. o " ■0* 2£ HP ~ M = WW X H 2 oi " C 07 2U C -S^x EE oo v .cj4 oo mIh D 'e I CO 33 <;S.S S«2w G£ « E ffi ^ n DH < .,00 ►J B I » J. 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BS&jH S<< - Bf co ^ w ftl >> u ft.O « 3 OZ« ° z >.•= o« E c oiKE» NX= g CO. x O2 « g.S O «J3 E co g»- <^ B £ CO Fh 'h> B QSO, '= HS«i = ox oaots, TO _ s I o 1 _ C - o VM 3 E O -OS 6 s I^0i X K-S H S o S 2 g Bo. ^ O.00 — 00 a H Ss m c 2U « i v e ; M CJ u o«oa CO -4- Og Hg | WOJcoffi-S Q O •5 M— '"'ftl o Jo 3tSj « I Q x£ 3« ofd g «Z z <„ >> Uftl >• BE 1<° <<£^S^§ S3 «2 • " M co S^^E W0S5 _ ra «■ >-< g to p go, gOKSfi E ■ r^So^Z SS H b I H «= « i3 ftl S o « 00 hrt a k-EU Xftl u g s oo ftl B g a >£^J X c s o-zlji SM t5 X Q co OS w y t- M B >» 3 2 E o =M ° E o2 e'-S-s^ zz Oh £ b U X -a 2Z £tc <f\.. is critically ill in the Delaware Hosnital in t^at city. • Edward W. Aaron, M-G-M circuit sales head, is in Boston and will re- turn to New York Monday. • Dave Lewis, M-G-M's Brazilian manager, will arrive in New York from Rio de Janeiro tomorrow. • Arthur Jeffrey, Eastern publicity chief for International Pictures, has returned to New York from Chicago. ' Lesser Sets Budget At Five Millions United Artists reported here yester- day that Sol Lesser has set a produc- tion budget of $5,000,000 for the next two years. Lesser's first picture on his new program is "Three Is a Family," based on the Broadway stage play. PAT CASEY, producers' labor liaison, is due in New York today from the Coast. He will return to Hollywood in about three weeks. • Therese Stone of M-G-M's public relations department, spoke yesterday before a woman's club at the Colony House, Brooklyn, and will address the New York State Federation of Wo- men's Clubs at Elmira next week. • J. J. Donahue, Paramount Central division manager, and Claude Lee, director of public relations, left yes- terday for Milwaukee to attend the annual convention of the I.T.P.A. of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, which will open today. • Manny Reiner has arrived in Naples to begin work there with the Office of War Information. He was formerly Paramount short subjects and newsreel publicity director. • Ed Kuykendall, president of the MPTOA, will visit Atlanta this week- end and will be entertained by Gus King, president of the Capital The- atre Supply Company, there. • Ike Katz, president of the PRC branch in Atlanta, has returned from Memphis, Tenn., where he met with Fred Rahrs, Southern division man- ger. • Neil F. Agnew, Vanguard vice- president and sales head, returned from the Coast on Monday and left yesterday for Buffalo. He is due back tomorrow. • Leo J. McCarthy, PRC general =ales manager, and Sidney Kulick, Eastern sales manager, will be in Bos- ton the remainder of the week. • George D. Burroughs, of the Coast War Production Board branch, left Hollywood for a month's stay in New York yesterday. • H. M. Richey, in charge of exhib- itor relations for M-G-M, will leave New York for Charlotte, N. C, to- morrow. • Harold Laird, branch manager of Renublic at Tampa, Fla., is visiting Atlanta. • Harry Katz. vice-president of the PRC exchange in Atlanta is visiting in Charlotte. Leslie Whelan, foreign publicity manager of 20th Century-Fox, has ar- rived in Mexico City. • William Sistrom, producer, has arrived in New York from England. LeBoss Succeeds Zabin at Cinema James Zabin, for the past two years general manager of Max Cohen's Cin- ema Circuit, Inc., here, has resigned to ioin Gray Advertising Co. Murray LeBoss, for 14 years with the circuit as manager of supervision, has taken over Zabin's post. Report Rank Plans Broadway Theatre London, Nov. 8. — Reports here to- day indicate that part of John Davis's visit to the United States will be to finalize a plan to build a Broadway theatre to house the product of J. Ar- thur Rank. Davis and Bragg Open Talks on Odeon Deal Toronto, Nov. 8. — John Davis of London, representing J. Arthur Rank, arrived here last night and was clos- eted with Thomas J. Bragg of Gen- eral Theatre Investment Corp. all to- day discussing final details of Rank's offer to buy a proposed 50 per cent capital interest in the Canadian Odeon circuit of 85 units. The understanding is that the man- agement and operation of the theatres will remain vested in the Paul Na- thanson organization while the Ca- nadian franchise for Rank's British product, under agreement with Na- thansonis Empire Universal Films, Ltd., is undisturbed. WB Sales Meeting Opens Here Today Warner district sales managers met this morning for the first of a series of home office conferences, presided over by Ben Kalmenson, general sales manager. District executives attend- ing will include : Norman Ayers, Ralph L. McCoy, Harry A. Seed, Henry Herbel, Robert Smeltzer, Hall Walsh, Charles Rich and Ralph H. Clark. Others who will participate are : Charles Einfeld, Mort Blumenstock, Arthur Sachson, Roy Haines, Jules Lapidus, Norman H. Moray, Mike Dolid, Ed Hinchy, Stanley Hatch and other home office executives. Injunction for Leader Against 20th Denied New York Supreme Court Justice Carroll G. Walter yesterday denied a motion by Emil K. Ellis of Leader Theatre Corp. for a temporary injunc- tion restraining 20th Century-Fox from withholding product allegedly purchased for the theatre when it was a part of the Randforce circuit. Judge Walter set no date for trial of the suit against 20th-Fox and Randforce, but counsel for the latter offered to go to trial by Nov. 15. The product, according to the complaint, was transferred to another Randforce house when the Leader was sold to the plaintiff. HVC Reports 21 Went Overseas in October Hollywood, Nov. 8. — The Holly- wood Victory Committee reports that 21 film players went on overseas tours during October, bringing the total to 129 each averaging 11 weeks since the* start of HVC's overseas programs. During the same month 445 enter- tainers made 1,600 appearances in 217 service shows here. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act Qf March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Thursday, November 9, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 3 200 Expected for Sixth Loan New England Rally Wright Defines Legal Combine $210,000 Rentals To BIS in a Year (Continued from page 1) and "Tunisian Victory," and the 16 shorts were released by the American companies under a 70-30 per cent dis- tribution arrangement, with BIS pay- ing publicity and exploitation costs out of its share, Baird explained. Baird disclosed that BMOI has a two-reeler dealing with the construc- tion and setting of the mobile docks V which were used to land supplies for Allied troops on "D-Day." It will probably be offered to American com- panies when it arrives, he said. Baird said that BMOI's robot bomb film, • "V-l," will be released here Nov. 16 through the War Activities Com- mittee with RKO handling distribu- tion. The raw film needed to make the robot prints has been secured from the War Production Board and will be charged to BIS stock allocations. 'Western Approaches' "Western Approaches," the BMOI 90-minute documentary, in color, deal- ing with- the Atlantic convoy system, has been completed, according to Baird, but in view of the raw stock and color printing difficulties, it will not be released here until next Feb- ruary. "Journey Together," dealing with Royal Air Force cadet training, is also nearing completion, as likewise the joint American-British filming of the invasion of Europe. "Three thousand non-theatrical pro- jectors in Great Britain are being used for the showing of BMOI and American Office of War Information films," Baird said, adding that, "There are 150 traveling- units now handling BMOI-OWI films, each giving about 10 shows monthly to about 225,000 persons." The British Central Film Librarv is currently handling 25 U. S. OWI films. Baird said that attendance at Brit- ! ish theatres has returned to normal after a serious din during the height of the robot bomb attacks. "Business is good, theatres are packed," he said. Maior Executives Defend Schine (Continued from page 1) nadian sales manager for Universal : Edwin J. Smith, RKO Buffalo sales- man : and Elmer Lux, RKO Buffalo branch manager, testified for the de- fense. It is expected that the defense will wind up its case with one or two more witnesses tomorrow, but the identity of those to anpear was not revealed. Briefs w;ll be ordered by Federal Judge Knight at the conclusion of the Government's rebuttal testimony. DpTMn^t stated while on the stand that. "We don't permit the exhibitor to take advantage of us and he doec not permit us to take advantage of him. It wouldn't make anv difference to me whether he was an independent or a chain operator in the licensing of mv pictures, if he could live up to the reouiremrnts, and it was the best place to sell." Lt. Samsalia Killed 1 1. Monroe Samsalia:. formerly of SOS Cinema Sur>plv Corp . here, hac been killed in action in France, ac- cording to a War Department report Efp had been in the Atpv since 1940 SO^ reports 22 employees now in service. Hartford, Nov. 8. — Over 200 ex- hibitors and distributors will meet at a luncheon at the Hotel Bond here tomorrow, for New England's re- gional meeting for the 6th War Loan Drive. Ways and means of increas- ing bond sales premieres, children's matinees and National Free Movie Shows will be discussed. Meeting will be attended by Harry Brandt, national chairman ; Jack Kirsch and Nathan Yamins, national co-chairmen ; Ned E. Depinet ; S. H. Fabian ; Gertrude Bunchez ; Max Al- derman, executive secretary of Al- lied ; Dr. Jack Fishman, president of Allied of Connecticut; Marty Mul- lens of M. and P. Theatres ; Herman Levy, secretary of the MPTOA of Connecticut, and George Wilkinson, Jr., president of the MPTOA of Connecticut. Part of the meeting will be broad- cast and a 30-piece band from Brad- ley Field will furnish entertainment. A message from Gov. Raymond E. Bald- win of Connecticut will be read, prais- ing the industry for its part in the war effort. Lt. Gov. William Hadden and Mayor William Mortensen of Hartford will also attend. 'Tokvo' Bond Premiere At Canitol Nov. 15 The New York Capitol Theatre will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Nov. 15 with the pre-world premiere of "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," with admission by purchase of Sixth War Loan bonds 'only. The premiere will have military heroes and officers of the Army, Navy and Marines in attend- ance. A 20-foot clock, striking a 30-sec- ond signal for each bond sold will be unveiled at 47th St. and Broadway tomorrow, with two of the pilots who bombed Tokvo aiding in the selling of bonds. They are Lt. Col. 'Brick' Hoi strom and Major Everett Young- blood. Each noon, during the drive, stars of the theatre and screen will aid bond sales. Oregon Organizes 'Wrecking Crew' Portland, Ore., Nov. 8. — O. J. Miller, state exhibitor chairman for the Sixth War Loan drive, has organ- ized Oregon's 'Wrecking Crew.' con- sisting of Mark McDougald. Warner Bros.; J. T. Warren. M-G-M : C. E. Tillman, Columbia : George DeWade. Paramount; W. F. Patterson, 20th Centurv-Fox, and Tack Kloepper, Star Film Exchange, whose purpose it wil1 He to book bond premieres from all of the 220 exhibitors in the state. Rogers' Radio Show Rov Rogers, Republic cowboy star, has been signed for a coast-to-coast radio show to be heard over the Mu- tual network Tuesday evenings from 8:30 to 9:00 P.M., beginning Nov. 21. The program will be known as the Roy Rogers Show. The Sons of the Pioneers will also appear. John Philliber, 72, Dies E'khart. Ind., Nov. 8. — John Philliber. 72, film and stage star, died here this week. Philliber, who was a.stage actor for 50 vears before go- ing to Hollywood, retired last Sum- mer. Chicago Exhibitors Hold Organization Meeting Chicago, Nov. 8. — Local leaders of the Sixth War Loan drive met in the Variety Club in the first of a series of meetings during which war bond fea- tures will be outlined. Warner Thea- tre's local offices have been designated as the official bond agency for Film Row during the drive. In the attendance at the meeting were : Eddie Silverman, John Bala- ban, James Coston, Jack Flynn, W. E. Banford, Sam Shirley, Jules J. Ru- bens, Arthur Schoenstadt, Bill Bishop, Leonard Gneier (representing Jack Kirsch), Larry Stein, and Norman Kassel. 'Serenade to America' Sixth NBC Drive Show "Serenade to America," NBC Coast-to-Coast network show, will be the opening show at the bond rally in Madison Square Garden, Nov. 20. Harry Brandt, national film chairman for the drive, has been notified by Ted Lloyd, director of radio, that through arrangements with NBC, the NBC Symphony, chorus and Nan Merriman and Robert Merrill, soloists, will ap- pear directly from the Garden. Nora Sterling will be commentator. °hila. Distributors Pledge Sixth Support Philadelphia, Nov. 8. — Complete distributor cooperation in the Sixth War Loan here was pledged at a meeting of 70 local exchangemen to acquaint them with plans for contact- ing exhibitors, and securing pledges for bond premieres. Ben Fertel, exhibitor are,a drive chairman, announced that members of the national touring committee will be on ha':d Nov. 13 for the rally here. ^st^n Rally for Sth Tomorrow Boston, Nov. 8. — Among members of the industry's national committee who will attend the meeting for the Sixth War Loan drive at the Stat'er Hotel tomorrow, will b° Ted R Gamble. Harrv Brandt. Ned E. De- ninet, Capt. Rav Wild. Lt. Lewi5 Largey, Jack Kirsch, Nate Yamins and Gertrude Bunchez. ^i'-hpv To Snpak Henderson M. Richev. in charge of exhibitor relations at M-G-M. will at- tend the Sixth War T oan Drive meet- ing at the Charlotte Hotel. Charlotte N. C. Nov 13 and <=peak for the WAC's distributor's division. Salesmen Nominate Boston. Nov. 8 — Maynard Sickels of the Capitol Theatre Supply Co. has been nominated for the presidency of the Motion Picture Salesmen's Club of New England. Others nominated include : Thomas O'Brien, vice presi- dent; T. M. Farber and H. Harold Rubin, secretary ; Harrv Rosenblatt, treasurer ; William Cuddy, sergeant- at-arms. Jack LaWlaw Killed Toronto. Nov. 8. — Corp. Jack Laid- !*>w. 70. formerly with the Varietv Theatre at Ca'g^rv, has been re- ported killed in action. (Continued from page I) cuit in situations where a new circuit theatre was able to get product form- erly leased by an independent house, asserting that the lower court had held that an independent had to have the product of three of the five com- panies in order to continue in busi- ness, and pointing out that in no in- stance was it claimed that any inde- pendent in competition with the de- fendants had less than three sources of supply. However, he said, the independents found that when competition came into their towns, they no longer could buy pictures at the prices they form- erly paid. "In the end, independents sold their theatres not because they could not get product but because they found they could not get pictures at the prices they paid before there was com- petition," Waller said. "Motion pictures have no standard value ; their values differ from time to time, place to place and even theatre to theatre. Negotiation between dis- tributors and exhibitors is merely a matter of 'horse trading', and if some- times gets pretty bitter. "When an exhibitor has no compe- tition, when he has a monopoly in a town, even though he has a very poor theatre, he can make money because he can get pictures very cheap," Wal- ler added. Government's Theory The theory of the Government's complaint was that independents could not get suitable pictures to operate their theatres, he declared, contending that the court did not. find in a single instance that this had occurred _ but found that the distributor discriminat- ed against the indenendent. Waller emphasized that the district iudge has found that United Artists "combined" with the defendants but that there was no "conspiracy." a dis- tinction which led to many questions from the iustices as to iust what was meant. He explained that, so far as could be read, the court held that the defendants, through their circuit buy- ing power, had caused the distributors to withhold product from independent competitors but that the latter had not entered into any arrano-^ment with the companies to accomplish that end. _ • "No independent exhihitor with a good theatre, who kent his contrar-fi with the distributors was Put out of bii"in»cc " he mainta'neH. Winding nn the rasp for fhp Gn-'- °rnment W-i^ht at the rfTipet of tV- "O'trt. attprnotP'l to rlear MO tV* "">- tnVt ilHfre's di = t;"et:r,n h"t"'epn r-orn- hiriation and ponsn'rarv. a^rnitt'-cr ttiat hp V>;mc=lf was hazy as to what was intended. Paramount Loses Hope Hollywood. Nov. 8. — Paramount has suspended Bob Hone, charging that the star comedian refused to ap- pear in "Duffy's Tavern" and "My Favorite Brunette." Wolfe's Father Dies Hollywood. Nov. 8 — L. Wolfe father of Mannv Wolfe. RKO «torv and writing department , head, died todav at Hibbing, Minn., following a long illness. 6 Motion Picture daily Thursday, November 9, 1944 $39,000 for 'SYWA' in 4th Week in L. A* Los Angeles, Nov. 8. — "Since You Went Away" wound up its fourth week in the Egyptian-Los Angeles- Ritz setup by getting $39,000, against a $23,600 average, and moved out due to prior bookings for those houses. "Summer Storm" got $68,500 at the Carthay Circle, Chinese, Loew's State and Uptown, which average $61,000. Lightning, thunder, rain and hail, defying all California tradition, wrecked Sunday afternoon business. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 8: "Summer Storm" (UA) "Mark of the Whistler" (Col.) CARTHAY CIRCLE— (1,516) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $11,200). "Summer Storm" (UA) "Mark of the Whistler" (Col.) CHINESE — (2,500) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $15,200). "Since You Went Away" (UA) EGYPTIAN — (1,000) (50c-60c-85c-$l.OO) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $9,500). "Music in Manhattan" (RKO1) "Mademoiselle Fifi" (RKO) HAWAII— (1,000) (5Oc-6Oc-8Oc-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $2,500. (Average: $6,2001. "None But the Lonely Heart" (RKO) "Girl Rush" (RKO) HILLSTR-EET — (2,700) (50c-60c-80c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $19,700). "Summer Storm" (UA) "Mark of the Whistler" (Col.) LOEW'S STATE (2.500) (50c-60c-85c-$l-00) 7 days. Gross: $31,500. (Average: $24,100). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOS ANGELES— (2,0%) (50c-6Oc-8Oc-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $27,000. (Aver- age: $14,900). "None But the Lonely Heart" (RKO) "Girl Rush" (RKO) PANTAGES— (2,000) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $11,200. (Average: $16,700). "Rainbow Island" (Para.) PARAMOUNT (HOLLYWOOD)— (1,407) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $11,000). "Rainbow Island" (Para.) "Dark Mountain" (Para.) PARAMOUNT (DOWNTOWN) — (3,595) (50c-60c-8Oc-$1.0O) Gross: $17,000. (Average: $20,300). "Since You Went Away" (UA) RITZ— (1,376) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $8,700). "Summer Storm" (UA) "Mark of the Whistler" (Col.) UPTOWN — (1.716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $10,500). "The Conspirators" (WB) WARNER HOLLYWOOD — (3,000) (50c- 60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $11,175. (Average: $17,000). "The Conspirators" (WB) WARNER DOWNTOWN — (3,400) (50c- 6Oc-80c-$1.0O) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: $12,988. (Average: $18,700). "The Conspirators" (WB) WARNER BROS. WILTERN — (2,200) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 3rd week. Gross: $10,447. (Average: $15,200). The Hollywood Reopens Atlantic City, Nov. 8. — The Hollywood Theatre here, major casualty of the September hurricane, has reopened coincident with the 10th anniversary of the house. The the- atre has undergone repairs and re- modeling representing an estimated $60,000. WANTED! Cordex Secretary Good opportunity for person familiar with Cardex system for theatres nationally; exhibitor con- tracts and records; bookkeeping. Position NYC. Good starting sal- ary. Mail details of experience in confidence to Box 237, Motion Picture Daily. See Few Changes in Commerce Groups {Continued from page 1) zona has another two years to serve. There will be three vacancies to fill on the Senate Interstate Com- merce committee in January. One of them will be the place occupied by Senator Harry S. Truman of Mis- souri, who will be the next Vice Pres- ident. A second is that of Senator Ellison D. Smith of South Carolina, defeated in the primaries, and the third that of Senator Clark of Idaho. At least four places will have to be filled on the House Interstate Com- merce Committee none of them, how- ever, of men prominent in film legis- lation. Chairman Clarence F. Lea of California was returned to the House, but successors will have to be appointed for Congressmen New- some of Alabama, Kennedy of New York and Myers and Scott of Penn- sylvania, and final reports had not been received on a half-dozen other members in states where the voting was close. Mrs. Helen Douglas is Elected to Congress Hollywood, Nov. 8. — Two of the three Hollywood personalities running in yesterday's election were victorious. Helen Gahagan Douglas, wife of Mel- vyn Douglas, was elected to the na- tional House of Representatives, and Albert Dekker, actor, to the state Assembly. Lucille Gleason, actress, was defeated for the Assembly. All are Democrats. California Attendance Up Despite Election Los Angeles, Nov. 8. — With scat- tered exceptions, first runs and subse- quents report that yesterday's attend- ance was unaffected by the election, due to the generally advertised servic- ing of returns to the audiences and the beneficial influence of bank clos- ings and half holidays in some busi- ness institutions. "Proposition 11," an old-age pen- sion scheme opposed by the exhibi- tors, who screened trailers arguing against the measure in all houses, was overwhelmingly defeated at the polls. SWG Sets 3-Point Postwar Program (Continued from page 1) Cole sounded SWG's policy keynote to develop a post-war program for writers and cooperate with other Hollywood guilds and unions, on three major premises: to develop employ- ment in the television and educational film fields, with emphasis on obtaining work for writers discharged from mil- itary service ; participation in the con- struction of a Guild Center Building to house all Hollywood guilds ; and the establishment of a foreign employ- ment exchange to supply writers and film workers of all categories to pro- ducers abroad. Over 250 writers in service will be canvassed to determine their experi- ence since leaving Hollywood and the possibilities for their reabsorption bv studios'. Morris to Goldwyn Chicago, Nov. 8. — Claud Morris, United Artists publicity chief here, will leave this city at the weekend to become head of publicity for Sam Goldwyn in New York. Utopia Sticks; No Rejects in 3 Mos. Chicago, Nov. 8. — The cen- sor board here, for the third consecutive month, has passed all pictures viewed. Of the 87 pictures screened in Octo- ber, Capitol's "Bedroom for Two" and PRC's "Bluebeard" were classified for adults. Companies in France With Salvaged Films {Continued from page 1) by PWD with the cooperation of the companies' representatives. American companies are expected to resume distribution of these films as soon as they can establish ex- change facilities and otherwise effi- ciently conduct French operations. Robert Riskin, chief of the overseas film bureau, is in Paris to aid in the resumption of distribution by the companies. Henri Lartigue is understood to be temporarily in charge of M-G-M's operations there, until such time as Laudy Lawrence, formerly Continental manager, now with the OWL serving with the PWD, can be relieved of those duties. Marcel Genteel is in charge for RKO, and Henri Klars- feld, formerly French manager for Paramount, has resumed his duties. Motion Picture Daily on Nov. 6 reported that Lartigue managed to salvage 300 prints, including "Gone with the Wind." The U. S. Treasury Department re- cently removed the liberated areas of France from the category of "enemy territory," and lifted restrictions on business and commercial communica- tions with those areas. Treasury licenses will no longer be required for concerns in this country and liberat- ed France to exchange financial and commercial information and establish business contacts. Need New WPB Form For Booth Material (Continued from page 1) large proportion of applications are still coming in on the old form, Smith said. Since old-form applications cannot be processed, he explained, it is neces- sary to return them to applicants with instructions to procure and use WPB- 1319. which gives extra work to both the WPB and the manufacturer or dealer, plus a loss of time which, in some instances, may be important. Smith urged that all manufacturers and dealers secure conies of the new form and accompanying instructions from their local WPB offices, or, if unable to do so, to apply to Wash- ington for copies. To Screen 'Liberation' "The Liberation of Paris," pro- duced bv the Committee of Liberation of the French Motion Picture Indus- try, will be previewed here tomor- row afternoon at the Preview Theatre. The film, in English, with Charles Rover as narrator, will be screened Friday in its original French form. It is the first production of the com- mittee. CEA Accepts BOT Monopoly Program (Continued from page 1) corporation sponsoring independent production ; legislation forbidding conditional and restrictive booking ; legislation compelling distributors to trade with cooperative booking asso- ciations of independent exhibitors ; production of independent exhibitors following Article 10 of the Consent Decree ; that the government should negotiate with Washington on the al- leged inequitable American taxation on British films shown in the U. S., and also with a view to the heavy exchange burden involved in the im- portation of American films here, with greater facilities for the exhibition of British films in America. Regarding the BOT's films council suggestion that a tribunal be set up to control the entire British industry, the committee recommended a qualified acceptance, stating that the tribunal should be reserved for arbitration only, without powers of initiation but that legislation be made ensuring en- forcement of any award. Approximately 75 per cent of the general council voted to accept the committee's recommendations. The next step is consideration by all branches of the industry followed by further discussions of the BOT, which is still waiting for the opinions of the British Film Producers Asso- ciation and the Kinematograph Rent- ers Society. Mediating RKO Pact Dispute With Union Hearings started here yesterday be- fore the New York State Mediation Board in the contract dispute between RKO and Motion Picture Theatre Operating Managers and Assistant Managers Guild, representing mana- gers and assistant manager in the 40 RKO theatres in Metropolitan New York. According to a Guild spokesman, no progress was made at the initial meeting in view of the fact that Mon- roe Goldwater, attorney representing RKO, indicated that he was not in a position to make any commitments for the company. He promised to have N. Peter Rathvon, RKO presi- dent, at the next meeting, which has been set for Nov. 16. Denver Pays Most To 'SYWA9 at Two Denver, Nov. 8. — "Since You Went Away" held for a second week at the Denver and Esquire and brought $18,- 750 and $5,625, respectively. "The Climax" on a dual at the Paramount was expected to gross $13,950. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 6-9 : "Captains c.f the Clouds" (WB reissue) "One Foot in Heaven" (WB reissue) ALADD'TN— (1.400) (35c-45c-74e) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $5,600). "Rainbow Island" (Para.) DENHAM — (1.750) (35c-45c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $9,000). "Since Youi Went Away" (UA) DENVER — (2,600) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, holdover. Gross: $18 750. (Average: $15,000). "Since Yru Went Away" (UA) ESQUIRE — (7401 f35c-45c-74c> 7 d=ys. holdover. Gross: $5,025. (Average: $4,500). "The Climax" (Univ.) "Sam Diesro I Love You" (Univ.) PARAMOUNT— (2,200) (35c - 45c - 74c) 7 days. Gross: $13,950. (Average: $9,000). "Irish Eyes Are Smi'iruer" (20th-Fox) "Shadows in the Nisfht" (Co'.) RIALTO'— (900) (35c-45c-74) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $7,500. Average: $5,000). T here can be no question of the widespread appeal of IRENE DUNNE and CHARLES BOYER with CHARLES COBURN in a picture carrying the significant title " TOGETHER AGAIN" Question: Is it a good -picture2. Answer: It is an outstanding comedy It will rank high in the list and in the tradition of the greatest comedy pictures ever produced by Columbia. KEEP SELLING WAR BONDS! FIGHT BY THE SIDE OF THE TROOPS WHO NEVER STOT! Thursday, November 9, 1944 Motion Picture daily u Claim Rental Deficiencies {Continued from page 1) that the defendants allegedly mis- represented and understated receipts both on percentage and flat rental pic- tures in order to obtain reductions in rental terms as well as to obtain lower rentals on future deals. The distribu- tors say they granted the exhibitors' s request to reduce flat rentals on a basis of a percentage of the receipts reported by the exhibitors. It is -also alleged in each complaint that at times box office checkers were induced by the exhibitors to partici- pate in the alleged falsification of percentage grosses reported to the dis- tributors. It is claimed that the exhibitors did show to the plaintiffs books and records which, upon examination, in- dicated a number of occasions, accord- ing to the plaintiffs, of understated receipts in the box office statements submitted to the distributors by the exhibitors, but the plaintiffs claim that they are unable to determine with accuracy the true amount of the dis- crepancies because of the alleged in- completeness of the records furnished. The action by Paramount is brought against Lieberman and corporations operating the Normandie, Bijou and Uphams Corner Theatres, Boston, and the Medford Square, Medford. The action by Loew's involves the same defendants and additional cor- porations operating the Holyoke, Holyoke, and Strand, Brockton. Edward F. McClennen and Jacob J. Kaplan, the latter of Nutter, Mc- Clennen and Fish, Boston, are attor- neys for both distributors. Chicago Exchange Union Reelects 3 Chicago, Nov. 8. — Anne Birhanzle of Republic, president of Local B-45, Film Exchange Employes Union, A. F. of L., was elected again to that post. She headed the union local here two years ago. Sam Lamansky of Columbia and Fred Hanzelin of United Artists were reelected busi- ness manager and secretary. Others elected are: Bess Gilbert, PRC, vice-president ; Mae Moretti, M-G-M; Arthur Rosenthal, United Artists ; Oliva Kennedy, Paramount, and Marie Hardy, RKO, members of the executive board, and Marie Gi amlich, M-G-M ; Effie Kehoe, U. A.; and Roy Rotman, Warners, trustees. James Castle of Monogram and Tony Popelka of M-G-M tied for sergeant-at-arms. Set 'Brazil' Premiere, And $300,000 Budget Republic's "Brazil," starring Tito Guizar and Virginia Bruce, will have its "kick-off" openings at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis Nov. 14 and at the Republic Theatre here Nov. 18. The company has allocated a record $300,000 budget for the promotion of the film. The campaign will include a special radio show, newspaper ad- vertising, radio spot announcements and billboard advertising. Agencies in TP A The Television Producers Associa- tion, heretofore composed of pro- ducers, directors and technicians active in producing shows, is now tak- ing in television department heads of advertising agencies and their staffs, including writers, Harvey Marlowe, chairman, reports. Para, Campaign for 'Creek* in Frisco An extensive publicity, advertising and exploitation campaign will precede the Western premiere of Paramount's "Frenchman's Creek" at the Fox, San Francisco, on Nov. 22, and the two- theatre pre-release opening in Oak- land at the Fox-Oakland and Grand Lake theatres the next day, Robert M. Gillham, Paramount advertising and publicity director reported yesterday. The campaigns include extra news- paper advertising, a radio campaign, personal appearances of the film's stars, window displays, cosmetic and book tieups in department stores, spe- cial 'period' displays and tieups with 1,900 stores. Anti-Trust Suit Is Filed vs. Majors Lieut. Fecke Credited For Attack on Japs Boston, Nov. 8. — Lt. Alfred Fecke, 26, of Duxbury, Mass., son of Alfred J. Fecke of Republic Pictures here, led an attack by eight U. S. Navy pilots which succeeded in dispersing a formation of 60 to 75 Japanese fighters and bombers during the early October battle off Formosa. The feat is credited with having saved two crippled American medium warships which the Japs chose to attack. Lt. Fecke is the nephew of Herbert V. Fecke, advertising manager of Motion Picture Daily. Shea Abroad for U. S. Joseph C. Shea, formerly New York advertising publicity director for William Cagney Productions, who has been working on a docu- mentary film for the War Depart- ment, is going overseas on a research mission following completion of cur- rent foreign service school training. Associated Playhouses, Inc., opera- tor of the Bayshore Theatre, Bayshore, Long Island, has filed an anti-trust suit in the New York Federal Court against Paramount, Columbia, Uni- versal, United Artists, Loew's and Marcus Loew Booking Agency, Inc., claiming restraint of trade. Plaintiff claims it has no access to films released by the defendants until 140 days after they are first exhibited on Broadway. It is alleged that Loew's Valencia, Jamaica, is the near- est opposition ; and that that theatre is 32 miles away. Despite this dis- tance, it is alleged, the Valencia over- buys to prevent plaintiff from securing product. The Bayshore, as a result, has been forced to buy inferior films at alleged exorbitant prices from other distributors, it is charged. An injunction and triple damages of $225,000 are asked. Plaintiff is a subsidiary of the Pru- dential and Playhouses Operating Co., of New York, headed by Irwin Wheeler and Joseph M. Seider. Brandt Buys Daly's Theatre on 63rd St William Brandt yesterday bought Daly's Theatre on 63rd Street here and will take possession Nov. 17. Purchase price was not disclosed, but the property is understood to be sub- ject to a tax lien of $120,000. Wheth- er Brandt will run Daly's as a legitimate house or add it to his company's film circuit has not yet been determined. Tito Guizar, handsome star of "Brazil," Republic's new super Pan-American musical, starts the feastivi- ties during the gala fiesta in one of the gay scenes. ADVT \o H 0 BE' to wiy Youi'seW* 'Popular. .;oun<$s, O'Brien as. ..To0tie S ^ a * the casting * that t»be * w»rm s^iAnzfJ^ w ^ Ua"uS because ot VaW ftrrn. ^ st. BMW1: SVvBitt* ■■«j8aoW__„ g*« ^ BUO- "itina »» ' * * «»V "mm**'-"-' ,,.«••" jnu*>1'" n.mes , D«l>ie\;v. chlU "J — - ., a ihe an- "Meet M« inh1b\tov's pr»faS ide& naps acee ia%e, holds ev bo* »» wr;>nd as € « * et Tecnmco^ :les. its i its thai e ^ „ iStlisClS ^ tov%s the bosses y pav Read every word of Abel Green's wonderful review! n 'Bonds Buy Bombs! ^^^^ U M Sock 'em with the 6th!" 05^ ' >VOL. 56. NO. 91 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1944 TEN CENTS Canada Sees Longer Ban On Equipment Restrictions Needed for Stabilization Purpose Toronto, Nov. 9. — Canada's post- war prospects for theatre opera- tional and construction develop- ments are definitely clouded because of the Federal government's regula- tions and the uncertainty of govern- ment policy immediately after an armistice, as found in varying state- ments from official industry quar- ters. The general belief is, how- ever, that a number of impor- tant restrictions may be con- tinued indefinitely within the scope of a stabilization program which would be intended to hold down the inflation. The position, however, does not prevent key men of the Canadian in- (Continued on page 11) Para. Earns $12,476,000 Paramount yesterday estimated its earnings for the nine months ended Sept. 30 last at $12,476,000, including $2,797,000 representing its share of undistributed earnings of partially owned non-consolidated companies. Earnings for the corresponding period last year were estimated then at $11,- ' 655,000, including $1,906,000 of un- distributed earnings of subsidiaries. I, Earnings for the 1944 third quar- I' ter were estimated at $4,581,000 after interest and all charges, including es- timated provision for all Federal nor / mal and excess profits taxes. This ' includes $1,261,000 of undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, and com- (Continued on page 14) Wam Allied Schaefer Is Sought For New MPPDA Post in Washington Of State Tax Milwaukee, Nov. 9. — Members of the Allied Theatre Owners of Wis- consin and Upper Michigan, which opened its sixth annual convention at the Schroeder Hotel here today, were warned of the impending local and state tax bills to plague the industry for the balance of the war and the postwar era. President William Ains- worth reported that Wisconsin tax legislators are angling for the Federal theatre tax pennies, when and if the Government drops that levy after the war. Wisconsin, he said, is seeking additional revenue and during the next legislature in Madison in January the possibilities of a state theatre tax will be thoroughly examined. Business secretary Harry Perlevitz also warned of coming state tax and urged the Allied group to be prepared to defend itself. Harold Fitzgerald, (Continued on page 14) Schine to Dispose of Five by Nov. 15 Buffalo, Nov. 9. — Counsel for Schine Chain Theatres said here to- day that the company's interest in the five theatres which remain to be di- vested under the terms of the Federal court order of May 19, 1942, will be disposed of on or before Nov. 15, providing satisfactory offers for the interests are received. The properties include leaseholds on the Opera House and Ada Meade, Lexington, Ky. ; Plaza, Malone, N. Y. ; Memorial, Mt. Vernon, O., and a half interest in the corporation hold- ing the lease on the Margie Grand, Harlan, Ky. George J. Schaefer, chairman of the War Activities Committee, has been proffered a new post as Wash- ington representative of the MPPDA, it was learned . .... , yesterday. In the ab- s e n c e of Schaefer, who was in Wash- ington yester- day, and of Will H. Hays, MPPDA head, who is at his ggglfi Sullivan, Ind., m ^^^^^H home, no de- M mk. JflS tails of the & m^HH. nature of the new post were available from responsi- ble sources. However, it was report- ed unofficially that the MPPDA (Continued on page 11) George Schaefer Schaefer to Survey Raw Stock for WAC Washington, Nov. 9. — A survey of the raw stock situation was under- taken today by George J. Schaefer, acting as liaison between the War Activities Committee and the War Production Board. Schaefer con- ferred at length with Lincoln V. Bur- rows, chief of the WPB photographic section, with special reference, it is understood, on the film needs of the Army, and is expected also to discuss the situation with Army officials con- nected with motion picture activities. The delicate raw stock situation has (Continued on page 11) Casey Is Here to Set Newsreel Pact Pat Casey, producers' labor contact, is expected to hold a meeting here shortly in an attempt to resolve the present deadlock that exists between the newsreel companies and the IATSE in negotiations for a contract for some 75 newsreel cameramen in New York and Chicago. The two IATSE cameramen locals involved, Local 644, New York and (Continued on page 14) 125,000,000 Servicemen Admissions, Representing Cuts of $31,000,000 The five distributor circuits — Loew's, Paramount, RKO, 20th Cen- tury-Fox and Warners, controlling approximately 2,500 theatres in the U. S., have counted approximately 125,000,000 admissions for service men and women, at reduced prices, since July 7, 1941. Total value of the reductions approximates $31,000,000, with the average single reduction running around 25 cents. Paramount, of course, counted the most service tickets, with its 1,200 theatre affiliates issuing about 45,000,000 service tickets, repre- senting about $12,000,000. (Paramount's actual figures were not available due to the wideflung decentralization of its theatre oper- ations, but an average was struck based on the other four distribu- tor-circuits' figures as made available by each of th°m.) Twentieth Century-Fox's 570 theatres had about 26,000,000 service admissions, representing $6,000,000; Loew's 165 houses had 21.200000. for a $5000.000 cut; Warner's 450 theatres had 20 500 000. for a $5,- 000.000 reduction, and RKCs 120 houses had 12.300,000,. represent- ing $3,000,000. Studios Geared For 708 a Year For Post- War Could Handle 985 to Meet Foreign Demands Equipped now to turn out 708 features a year, if pressed, and committed for post-war plant ex- pansion which would raise that figure to 985, Hollywood contem- plates whatever the post-war peri- od may have in store for it in the way of quantity production to meet worldwide demands for screen en- tertainment, Motion Picture Her- ald will say today. This total estimate is based on capacity use of the 186 sound stages now available in (Continued on page 12) 196 from 71 Independents By WILLIAM R. WEAVER Hollywood, Nov. 9. — In close co- incidence with the wartime increase in grosses, independent production has risen to an all-time high, with 71 concerns in this category committed to deliver 196 features, an unde- terminable number of them during 1944-45. The rising in grosses, giving birth to the Hollywood colloquialism that "no picture can lose money in this market," is the principal reason among several accounting for the trend which (Continued on page 12) Bergher to OWI Film Post in Far East Michael Bergher, formerly Puerto .'Rican manager for Columbia, has joined the Office of War Information's overseas branch to handle "a specific motion picture operation" in the Far Eastern theatre of operations, it was learned here yesterday. Bergher, prior to his Puerto Rico (Continued on page 12) Reviewed Today Review of "Cowboy from Lonesome River," Columbia, appears on page 14. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 10, 1944 Personal Mention RICHARD F. WALSH, president of the IATSE, has returned to New York from the coast. • Nat L. Lefton, PRC franchise owner in Cleveland, became a grand- father for the third time this week, when a son, Roger, was born to his daughter, whose husband, Lt. Ernest Perlm utter, is overseas. • Fritz H. Thomas, manager of the Lyric Amusement Co., Huntsville, Alabama, has been re-elected president of the Huntsville Chamber of Com- merce for a second term. • William F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales manager of M-G-M, and Ben Melniker, M-G-M attorney, will return 'to New York from Buffalo today. • Walton C. Ament, vice-president and editor of Pathe News, will leave for Chicago at the weekend, start- ing a tour of RKO's Western ex- changes. e B. B. Garner, vice-president and general manager of Florida State Theatres, Paramount affiliate, is visiting New York with his family. • Mitchell Rawson and Russell Stewart, M-G-M publicists, will re- turn to New York from Washington today. • Louis J. Halper, Warner circuit zone manager for the West Coast, will leave New York Nov. 14 for Los Angeles. • Francis S. Harmon, War Activi- ties coordinator, and George Schaefer, chairman, were in Washington yes- terday. • Joseph M. Schenck, executive pro- duction head of 20th Century-Fox, will leave Hollywood for New York tomorrow on the Superchief. • George D. Burroughs, Monogram vice-president and treasurer, is en route to New York from Hollywood. • Leo Miller, Warner buyer and booker for Los Angeles, will return to the Coast over the weekend. • Arthur Willi, RKO Radio East- ern talent scout, will leave for Chicago over the weekend. Hume Cronyn, is in New York. M-G-M director, Ford Adams of Wilby-Kincey cir- circuit is in New York from Atlanta. Dual Disney Celebration Walt Disney will celebrate his 25th anniversary in the film industry in 1945 coincident with the release of "The Three Caballeros" his new pro- duction which combines the use of animated characters with 'live' actors. Pickman Named to Assist Hal Horne Jerome Pickman has been named executive assistant to Hal Horne, 20th Century-Fox advertising and publicity director. He replaces Bob Montgomery, who recently resigned to join Lester Cowan. Pickman has been in charge of spe- cial events for New York openings of 20th-Fox pictures since May. Prior to joining the company, Pickman was associated with Eddie Cantor. Producers Entertain Australian Mission Hollywood, Nov. 9. — An Austra- lian government mission headed by Richard V. Keane, minister for trade and customs and also *a leader in the Senate, will attend a luncheon of the Association of Motion Picture Pro- ducers here tomorrow, with Joseph M. Schenck as host at the 20th Cen- tury-Fox studio, and another on Sat- urday with Y. Frank Freeman host at Paramount. The mission is on a six-week good- will business visit to the U. S. Ac- companying Keane is A. C. - Moore. Australian director of import and procurement. Balaban to Coast for New Product Talks Barney Balaban, president of Para- mount Pictures, will leave today for Hollywood for his customary Fall conference with studio executives. During his 10-day visit, he will see a number of completed productions, many of which will be released dur- ing 1944-45. Among films which Balaban will see are, "The Road to Utopia," "Murder He Says," "A Medal for Benny," "In- cendiary Blonde," "Bring on the Girls," "Two Years Before the Mast," "Her Heart in Her Throat," "Here Come the Waves," "Out of This World" and "Kitty." Picker Becomes Columbia Producer Hollywood, Nov. 9. — Leonard S. Picker, for the past two years execu- tive assistant to B. B. Kahane, vice- president of Columbia studios, was made a producer today under a long- term contract. Picker had been secretary of Screen Gems, Inc., and prior to that was a member of the Columbia home office legal department. He first became as- sociated with the industry when he joined the late Nathan Burkan, film lawyer, in 1933. SMPE Sect. Meet Nov. 15 The Atlantic Coast section of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers will meet Wednesday evening, Nov. 15, at the Hotel Pennsylvania here. Principal speaker will be Paul Terry, producer of Terry-Toons, whose sub- ject will be: "Animated Cartoons — Past, Present and Future." Melford to Make 3 At Million Apiece Frank Melford, former producer for Sol Lesser and prior to that with RKO, is forming Frank Melford Pro- ductions to make three 'A' pictures, budgeted from $750,000 to $1,000,000 a picture. Melford is here from Hollywood to close a deal for three properties, a stage play and two novels, and to arrange for distribu- tion. Edward Ludwig, who recently di- rected "Three's a Family" for United Artists release, will direct the first of the three, which will cost from $2,500,000 to $3,000,000, Melford said. The pictures, which will go into pro- duction in about three months, will be made over a period of from a year to 18 months. Although the independent producer is maintaining a high earning power in a generaly lush period of theatre business, Melford declared, despite an inability to obtain star names for his productions, this handicap will inev- itably take its toll when business tap- ers off. To overcome the lack' of players with name value, Melford predicted that the independent pro- ducer will be forced to turn increas- ingly to films of an exploitable na- ture in order to survive. When the foreign market straight- ens itself out, with foreign production increasing, there will be a tendency to keep out those films which lack star value and showmanship angles, he said, and native producers will fill in the gaps. The major compa- nies will be able to maintain their pre-war foreign markets by virtue of their stars, he said. Melford will return to Hollywood on Nov. 29. Cobian to Cuba to Wind Up 20th Deal Ramos Cobian, Puerto Rican cir- cuit owner who also operates a num- ber of theatres in Cuba in partner- ship with Paramount, has returned to Havana from New York to work out the final details with Herbert White, 20th Century-Fox Cuban manager, of a deal he is closing with the com- pany for a supply of 20th-Fox films for his Havana theatres. First picture under the deal will be "Song of Bernadette." Contracts will be signed in Cuba by White, rep- resenting 20th Century-Fox, and Cobian. RKO Sells Fox West Coast, Consolidated RKO closed two circuit deals yes- terday, according to Robert Mochrie, general sales manager. The company signed a one-year contract with Con- solidated Amusement Co., Honolulu, operating 120 theatres, for its entire 1944-45 line-up. In the second deal, RKO sold its first group of five of 1944-45 to the 300 theatres of Fox West Coast. Pic- tures are: "None but the Lonely Heart," "Tall in the Saddle," "The Master Race," "My Pal, Wolf," and "Goin' to Town." Shurlock to Study Latins for Hollywood Hollywood, Nov. 9. — Geoffrey M. Shurlock, assistant to Joseph I. Breen, production code administrator, en- trained today for Washington en route to nine Latin American nations to study, for Hollywood, their reactions to American films and obtain guid- ance for future Hollywood pictures with Latin American assets. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showpiace of the Nation — Rockefeller Center GREER 8ARS0N — WALTER PIDGEON in Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer's "MRS. PARKINGT0N" Edward Arnold . Agnes Moorehead Cecil Kellaway SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION First Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 * PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Artu.ro de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek* ^ RIV0LI. i way & 49th St ^ PALACE B WAY & 47th St. SUPER-SHOCK SENSATION1 "THE MASTER RACE" George COULOURIS Osa MASSEN Stanley RIDGES Carl ESMOND ^ Paramount presents PAULETTE SONNY GODDARD TUFTS "1 LOVE A SOLDIER" In Person ^ TONY PASTOR and his Band BERT WHEELER MARION HUTTON HAL LEROY ON SCREEN First N. Y. Showing! 'SAN DIEGO, I LOVE YOU' ION HALL , LOUISE ALLBRITTOH IN PERSON JAMES BARTON 3 SUNS VICTORIA Broadway & 46th St. Doors Open 9 45 A. M. • Continuous g A.RRYL F. ZANUO£ June Haver - Dick Haymes Monty Woolley 'IRISH EYES ARE SMILING' A 20th Century-Fox Picture in Technicolor Plus On Stage — RAY BOLGER - GRACIE BARRIE WALTER NILSSON - CARR BROTHERS BUY MORE RQX Y 7th Ave' * BONDS 50th St. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published dally except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, Quigpubco, New York. Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, New* Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Bumup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. THREE EAT G*M WORLD PREMIERES! 8#jtt«pii5rii i ttmm MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS j4 SPweetfoea^t of Ma tan it?"* o/c/, HATS OFF! just what the public needs of glowing good cheer. Come to St. Louis while the miracle Fair enchants the world and young hearts are in love and songs fill the air; "The Trolley Song already on Hit Parade! It's M-G-M's Great TECHNICOLOR am a VELVET 9> ARENCE BROWN PRODUCTION BASED ON THE NOVEL ''NATIONAL VELVET" BY ENID BAGNOLD starring MICKEY ROONEY with DONALD CRISP • ELIZABETH TAYLOR ANNE REVERE . ANGELA LANSBURY JACKIE JENKINS . ARTHUR TREACHER Directed by CLARENCE BROWN Produced by PANDRO S. BERMAN Screen Play by Theodore Reeves and Helen Deutsch A Nletro-Goldwyn-Wlayer Picture PRIZE P^CKAt!UsCheer- drama is trie _ holiday rec Watch the happy »t the Music Hall- THOUSANDS CHEER 2 GIRLS AND A SAILOR BATHING BEAUTY THE BIRTHDAY PARTY GOES ON! MADAME CURIE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER DRAGON SEED MARRIAGE IS A PRIVATE AFFAIR It's been Hit after Hit all our Anniversary Year — Never in history so many BIG ones in a row! And now... To top all that has gone before M-G-M presents "THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO' "MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS" "NATIONAL VELVET" Three Great World Premieres! Three Great Entertainments! Leadership indeed! MRS. PARKINGTON AN AMERICAN ROMANCE Friday, November 10, 1944 Motion Picture Daily u Canada Expects Ban on Equipment to Continue Schaefer to Survey Raw Stock for WAC (Continued from page 1) been a subject of concern to the WAC, and particularly the supplies of the Army and lend-lease programs. Schaefer is expected to make periodic trips to Washington to talk with Bur- rows on raw stock. WPB, Industry Watch Raw Stock Situation Washington, Nov. 9. — War Pro- duction Board officials and industry representatives are keeping a close watch upon the raw stock situation with increasing confidence that it will be possible to squeeze through the current quarter without a further re- duction in allocations, although the possibility of emergency demands which will upset the supply and de- mand relationship has not yet faded. Lincoln V. Burrows, chief of the WPB photographic section, and Har- old Hopper, his predecessor and now studio executive for M-G-M, acting as industry representative, have been in conference every few days for some time with a view to keeping on top of the situation. Reports on operations in the film manufacturing and motion picture in- dustries are coming in to Burrows practically on a daily basis and the changes in supply and demand are known in Washington within hours of their occurrence. With this informa- tion available, it will be possible for Burrows to act practically instan- taneously in the event of an emergency created by sudden new military or ex- port demands. The most important prospective fac- tor is the new 'alley' under construc- tion in the Ansco plant at Bingham- ton, N. Y., which is expected to come into operation around the first of the year, and which will permit the shuf- fling of types so as to increase the output of those currently most needed. Meanwhile, Burrows said today, the situation is one of watchful waiting for the end of the critical period through which the industry is now going. Progress in Stock Situation: Hopper Although the raw stock situation continues to be "extremely tight," with the industry virtually down to bed- rock, Harold Hopper, M-G-M studio executive who has been conferring on the film situation with War Produc- tion Board officials in Washington, told Motion Picture Daily that "we are making progress." There is a good possibility, Hopper said, that the industry, which has been expecting a cut in its fourth-quarter allocations, will not be forced to take this cut "immediately" and may even escape one altogether. Hopper, how- ever, declared that upward revision of stock quotas is very remote. The industry has asked for a gen- eral review of stock requests by the military services, lend-lease, Foreign Economic Administration and the Of- fice of War Information, with a view to effecting economies. Fire at Loew's Sheridan A basement storeroom fire at Loew's Sheridan theatre here caused manager Bob Rosen to empty the house, in good order, at 9 :30 last night. C. C. Moskowitz of the Loew circuit ar- rived on the* scene even in advance of Mayor LaGuardia. (Continued from page lj dustry from expressing views with respect to immediate and early re- quirements in the order of their essen- tiality. Incidentally, there has been little opportunity for the building up of a cash reserve on the part of tnea- tre companies with which to under- take expansion because the govern- has imposed a 100 per cent tax on all excess profits above dividend require- ments and other clearly-defined capital charges of limited nature. This was done as a wartime measure to augment war effort funds. True, much money is in circulation and special financing is possible but there is no guarantee that such conditions will continue to prevail after the war. Manpower Need According to the manager of one large downtown circuit theatre, the first prime need is adequate manpower tor a complete and qualified staff, recalling difficulties of more than four years. The second need is the replacement of carpets, furnishings and furniture, not to mention seats which, he said, have 'taken a beating' during the war. Third need is pro- jection replacements although the lat- ter have "stood up surprisingly well under ■ frequent inspections and con- stant care." This policy had been rigidly maintained in view of the sup- ply situation because, he said, "after all, no projectors, no show, even though you have a swell theatre." Marquee and lobby lighting has been turned on only recently under the revoking of the government ban and theatre men in Toronto were surprised to find the great proportion of neon signs and border wiring in good work- ing order although out of use many months, due to protective measures which had been taken when dimout orders went into effect. There was a complaint, however, that although white-frosted light bulbs are ample, no colored lights are obtainable through the ban on the manufacture of such lines under wartime restrictions to conserve labor and factory facilities. No red bulbs for interior wintry 'warmth' and no green lights for sum- mery 'coolness' are available; it is white for everything, or nothing. Repairs Skimpy It was pointed out that theatre equipment repairs or replacements have had to be skimpy because of the Federal order restricting the cost of such jobs to $1,500. Likewise, struc- tural repairs or alterations cannot ex- ceed $5,000. Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning jobs all have strict limitations and there are no indications that any modification of the Federal permit plan will come at an early date. The head of one large theatre sup- ply company in Toronto declared that the No. 1 urgent need of theatres is motor generators. They are needed quickly, he said. However, there is the prospect that the quota of gen- erators for the Canadian market from the United States in 1945 would be adequate. The carbon situation in Canada is satisfactory, he asserted, with thea- tres continuing to conserve supplies. He described the theatre carpet situa- tion as 'critical' with availabilities con- siderably below even normal demands. Theatre seats are available on a yearly quota of 7,000 in Canada — 'and you can figure how many theatres can be re-seated in a whole year on that sup- ply.' Four or five medium-size thea- tres could absorb the year's available output. He pointed out that the large electric companies in Canada plan to hold a meeting shortly to deal with pressing needs for colored light bulbs and there is a possibility the govern- ment could be prevailed upon to lift restrictions to meet the problem. Questions regarding the prospect of television developments for theatres are met here with a blank stare from theatre men. The subject appears to be almost foreign to the exhibitor be- cause government policy, through Canadian Broadcasting Corp., is to keep i \sual broadcasting unto itself. However, television will be strictly under government control, it has been promised. Seek Schaefer for NewMPPDA Post (Continued from page 1) Washington office is to be enlarged with a view to handling increased in- dustry duties which are expected to arise in the postwar period, among which, it is expected, will be new and more numerous matters related to foreign operations which will call for close cooperation with the Depart- ments of State and Commerce, the Federal Trade Commission and other Government offices. According to these reports, Schaef- er would prepare for the expanded organization and play a prominent part in it in the postwar period. Schaefer has been prominently iden- tified with industry' wartime projects for more than two years past. Prior to that he was president of RKO, vice-president and general manager of United Artists and vice-president and general sales manager of Para- mount. Sears, Agnew Last Schine Witnesses Buffalo, Nov. 9. — The defense rested today on the 35th day of the Government's Schine anti-trust trial following the examination of three more witnesses. Edward F. McClen- nen, Schine counsel, made the an- announcement. After a brief recess, Robert L. Wright of the Department of Justice, was to call a rebuttal witness and in- troduce a few more documents into evidence. Trial is then expected to close, with Judge John Knight order- ing briefs filed. Defense witnesses today were head- ed by Gradwell L. Sears, vice-presi- dent of United Artists, and Neil Agnew, Vanguard Films vice-presi- dent, who was formerly associated with Paramount. McClennen put to both Sears and Agnew this question : "To your knowledge, has there been any con- versation with any of the defendants, or their executives or employes, not to deal with any competing exhibitor or to restrict the terms of such deal- ings?" The answers both were in the negative. Agnew testified as to general film practices ; competition between distrib- utors for exhibitor playing time ; the pushing back of sales conventions by distributors to get their product go- ing first ; and admission-price clauses in film licenses. Final defense witness was Hobart L. Himes, Canadaigua attorney, who testified as to the Jenkins property on which Hubert P. Wallace of Au- burn had attempted to acquire as a site for a new theatre. Smith Joins Ettinger Hollywood, Nov. 9. — Margaret Et- tinger's agency, has announced that Lou Smith will become associated with it this week as a partner. Smith joined M-G-M in Nov., 1942 as publicist at the home office, was previously with Columbia and Uni- versal as studio publicist. NEW DATE FOR M-G-M TRADE SHOW ST. LOUIS TERRITORY ONLY "30 SECONDS OVER TOKYO" SATURDAY, NOV. 18, 12:30 P. M. S'RENCO SCREENING ROOM 3143 OLIVE STREET, ST. LOUIS, MO. 12 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 10, 1944 U. S. Society Seeks Canada Music Tax Toronto, Nov. 9. — Notification has been received by the public users of music in Canada, that the American Performing Rights Society has ap- plied to the Government for the ex- pansion of license fee schedules for 1945 to include concert halls, fairs, hotels, and orchestras in addition to theatres and broadcasting stations. The Canadian Performing Right Society also gave notice of a proposal to raise the annual license fee against radio stations from the present eight cents to 14 cents per set. The Ca- nadian Society also imposes a music tax in varying amounts on all other users of its repertoire, including film exchanges distributing 16mm. films, and theatres. The latter are being charged up to IS cents per seat for a capacity of 1,600 or over. The Mu- sical Protective Society of Canada, of which Col. John A. Cooper is sec- retary, has announced its intention of opposing all increases before the Copyright Appeal Board, which will meet in December at Ottawa, to pass on next year's schedules. Legion Classifies Four New Films The Legion of Decency has classi- fied the following new films : A-l, "Sheriff of Las Vegas," Republic; A-2, "And Now Tomorrow" and "The Man in Halfmoon Street," Para- mount, and "Bowery to Broadway," Universal. Hollywood Geared to Meet Big Foreign Film Demands (Continued from page 1) the 14 principal Hollywood pro- duction plants. It does not take into account the 46 new sound stages that will be available when the production com- munity's $13,575,000 building pro- gram, now in abeyance awaiting re- laxation of War Production Board controls, is implemented, which pre- sumably will precede the advent of any world-wide condition of market that would require Hollywood to ex- tend itself production-wise. Predicating a computation of pro- duction capacity on the number of sound stages, which places a floor of tangibility under a calculation which of necessity must ignore the fact that pictures can be and sometimes are produced entirely on location, the ex- pansion of facilities would enable Hollywood to turn out 985 a year. Utilizing present facilities, and pre- serving the present quality of prod- uct and proportion of A pictures to B pictures, the 11 principal compa- nies estimate they could deliver fea- tures at the following rates per an- num : Columbia . M-G-M . Monogram Paramount PRC 80 50 60 58 48 RKO Radio. 65 Republic .... 72 20th Cent-Fox 58 U. A 41 Universal ... 76 Warner 100 Total 708 Far from anticipating pressures Schine to Dispose of Five Theatres November 15 Counsel for Schine Chain Theatres, Inc. an- nounced yesterday that, under the terms of the Temporary Order of May 19, 1942 entered, on con- sent, by Judge John Knight in the Federal Court in Buffalo, New York, there are still five (5) theatres undisposed of. These theatres are: 1. OPERA HOUSE, Lexington Ky, (Leasehold) 2. PLAZA THEATRE, Malone, N. Y. (Leasehold) 3. ADA MEADE THEATRE, Lexington, Ky. (Leasehold) 4. MEMORIAL THEATRE, Mount Ver- non, Ohio (Leasehold) 5. Vz Interest in Corporation holding lease of MARGIE GRAND THEATRE, Harlan, Ky. Written offers on all of these theatres are invited. They should be addressed to Schine Chain Theatres, Inc., 40 North Main Street, Gloversville, N. Y. and should be for cash or its equivalent. All offers must be made and signed by the prin- cipal. All offers will be treated as confidential, ex- cept for the necessary disclosure to the Court. All or any of the above-mentioned theatres will be disposed of on or before November 15, 1944 in the event of the receipt of a satisfactory offer for such theatres. which would force them to an all-out effort in volume production, produc- ers are given to studying past per- formance, especially that of pre-war years, for clues as to what is to come when the war is over, the Herald will say. These tend to reenforce the pre- vailing feeling that Hollywood can handle with its present resources any demand likely to be made upon it. Here is the record : Year Features 1935 503 1936 566 1937 567 1938 491 1943. . Year Features 1939 527 1940 479 1941 546 1942 576 ...397 In contrast to the 1943 total, the pre-season announcements of intention by the same 11 companies indicate a total of 488 for 1944-45, although several of those announcements were admittedly tentative of the time of their public disclosure. Executives Thoughtful It is not to be gathered from the foregoing statistics, bland as they may appear, that Hollywood is not giving thought to the conditions which will prevail when the firing has died away. "Production executives do .not re- quire reminders on the public appetite for American films in the liberated countries, and still unliberated ones, for they are keenly aware of what's been going on in those areas, with re- spect to American films," it was said. "They know, for instance, that the citizens of France have had only one slight peek at Lana Turner and Judy Garland, to name two of many players who have become ranking stars in the unconquered nations, and that all the pictures presenting these players are but a fraction of the total available but unseen product awaiting exhibi- tion in war-frozen areas of the world." Tradeshows Set for Five by M-G-M M-G-M will hold five trade show- ings in all exchange centers. "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" will be shown in all areas, except Philadelphia, on Nov. 13. In Philadelphia, it will be screened on Nov. 16. "The Thin Man Goes Home" is set for all territories for Nov. 21. "Blonde Fever" also will be screened on Nov. 21 except in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Boston, where it is slated for Nov. 22. "Main Street After Dark" is set for Nov. 27 in all exchanges and "Nothing But Trouble" is scheduled for the same date in all areas but Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Boston, where it will be screened the following day. These pictures do not constitute M-G-M's next block; release dates for the five will be set later. Geo. Kamen to Lantz Hollywood, Nov. 9. — Walter Lantz, cartoon producer, has appointed George Kamen his Eastern representa- tive in connection with commercial cartoons and advertising films which the producer plans. Kamen, who was European representative for Walt Dis- ney for many years, is at present managing the 'Quiz Kids.' 196 from 71 Independents (Continued from page 1) has witnessed producers directors, writers, players, even exhibitors, forming corporations of their own and setting out to make pictures. Other reasons include such super- ficially unrelated matters as taxes, bank credit, artists' desire of autonomy and pride of achievement. The tax situation is this : Income from a picture produced independent- ly accrues over a period of years instead of in a lump sum. And there's a difference between the tax rate that runs on capital gains and that which runs on salaries. Not even the Treas- ury Department frowns upon a person who shapes his plans accordingly, it is said. The matter of bank credits relates directly to the increase in grosses, a barometer of expectancy which has eased materially the conditions under which banking institutions are dis- posed to make funds available to pro- ducers. The variations in banker at- titude toward motion picture loans have coincided always with the ebb and flow of ticket coin. Independents Listed The following list of independents, both companies and individuals, func- tioning in Hollywood at this time in- cludes all producers of that category, varying in degrees of independence from those making pictures without definite release arrangements to those producing practically as subsidiaries if major companies : George Abbott-F. Hugh Herbert-Sol Siegel, William David's Action Pictures, Alexander -Stern, Edward Alperson, the Don McKean-Al Herman American Pro- ductions, Seymour Nebenzal's Angelus Productions, Arnold Pressburger's Arnold Productions, the Mervyn LeRoy -Arnold Grant Arrowhead Productions, Associated Film, Constance Bennett, Benedict Bogeaus, Charles Boyer, Biltmore, Samuel Bronston, James S. Burkett, James B. Cassidy, Wil- liam and James Cagney, Walter Colmes, Don Ameche's Command Pictures, Gary Cooper, Lester Cowan, Bing Crosby, Buddy G. DeSylva, Scott Dunlap, Winfield Shee- han's Eureka Pictures. Also: Charles K. Feldman, James Fitz- Patrick- Republic, Kay Francis, W. R. Frank, Edward Golden, Harry Gourfain, A. W. Hackel, Hugh Harmon Features, Sam Katzman-Jack Dietz, King Brothers, the Fred MacMurray -Leslie Fenton Mutual Productions, Nero Productions, Producing Artists, Producers Corp. of America, the Mickey Rooney-Morton Briskin-Sam Stie- feld Rooney, Inc., Frank Ross, Bernard Roth-Clarence Greene-Russell Rouse, Jack Schwarz, Jack Skirball's Manhattan Pro- ductions, Preston Sturges-Howard Hughes, Ulmer-Chadwick Corp., Vanguard, Hal Wallis, William Wilder, Sydney Williams, Sam Wood. Also: the following older independents: Walt Disney, Samuel Goldwyn, International Pictures, Sol Lesser, Sigmund Neufeld, William Pine-William Thomas, George Rabinowitch, Arthur Ripley-Rudolph Mon- ter, Charles Rogers, William Rowland, Harry Sherman, Edward Small, Andrew Stone, Hunt Stromberg, David Selznick, Votion Pictures, and others. Bergher to OWI Film Post in Far East (Continued from page 1) assignment, was Columbia's manager for Japan for many years. He re- turned here from Japan in 1941. Since the Far Eastern operation is still in its formative stages, its struc- ture and policy remain to be finally determined, according to. Louis Lober, assistant chief of the OWI's over- seas film bureau. HIS NEW€ST, HIS GRANDEST MUSICAL HIT LIGHTS OF OLD SANTA FE" Featuring GEORGE "GABBY qnd DALE EVANS LLOYD CORRIGAN • RICHARD POWERS • CLAIRE DU BREY end BOB NOLAN and THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS FRANK McDONALD, Director Original Screenplay by Gordon Kahn and Bob Williams is HAYES A REPUBLIC PICTURE P,.^e ^ C0. "ee 14 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 10, 1944 Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Nov. 9 COLUMBIA has purchased rights to "The Walls Came Tumbling Down," a mystery by Joe Eisinger. Samuel Bischoff will produce. . . . Andrew Toombes has been signed by Paramount producers Pine and Thomas for an important part in "Scared Stiff," which will star Jack Haley and Ann Savage. . . . Arthur Lubin will direct Walter Wanger's next for Universal, "A Night in Paradise." • Alexander Knox will have the lead opposite Irene Dunne in Columbia's "Over 21". . . . RKO has signed Ed- ward L. Marin to a deal to direct two pictures a year. His first assignment is the forthcoming George Raft ve- hicle, "johnny Angel." . . . Fred Mac- Murray's next for 20th Century-Fox will be "Bandwagon," which William Perlberg will produce and Gregory Ratoff will direct. • Oscar Boetticher will direct "A Guy, a Gal and a Pal" for RKO, switching with Will Jason, pre- viously announced for that picture. Instead, Jason will do "Gertie from Bizerte." . . . Bonita Granville and Noah Beery, Jr., have been signed by Universal for the leads in "It's Never Too Late." . . . Monogram has purchased "Hell's Range," short story by Charles N. Heckelmann. Review "Cowboy from Lonesome River" (Columbia) Hollywood, Nov. 9 THE unusual element in this Western is the fact that it takes place today. The cowboys fight it out with newspapermen and photographers, one skirmish takes place in the lobby of a swanky hotel, another in a night club. And the standard ingredients are all present in modernized form, resulting in a picture above the average in credibility and interest. Charles Starrett, Dub Taylor, Jimmy Wakely and his Saddle Pals are victims of a mistaken-identity hoax perpetrated by Ian Keith, Kenneth Mac- Donald and Vi Athens. The cowboys' fight for passage of a bill to pro- tect the water rights of small ranchers takes them from Mesaville to Capitol City and back again, with action all the way. Luci Ward's screenplay is a fine translation of a tried-and-true formula into modern terms. Jack Fier is the producer. Benjamin Kline's direction is well sustained. Running time, 55 minutes. "G"*. Thalia Bell *"G" denotes general classification. Crown, Exelberth to Hirliman at IT and T Alfred W. Crown, former assistant to George A. Hirliman when the lat- ter was president of Film Classics, has been appointed vice president of International Theatrical and Televi- sion Corp., which Hirliman now heads. Anne Exelberth, also formerly with Film Classics, tts assistant treasurer, has joined I. T. and T. as assistant secretary. Crown, formerly associated with the Office of Inter-American Affairs, will head sales in the Midwest and West. Miss Exelberth will supervise office personnel. Ross Federal Service, Inc. Qhecking 'Based on Experience in Nation - Wide Qoverage ^Meeting War -Time Problems Executive Offices: 18 EAST 48th STREET New York City War Heroes to Make 6th Appearances Two war heroes, Capt. Ray Wild and Lt. Lewis Largey, who have attended various regional key city film indus- try meetings representing the Treas- ury in connection with the Sixth War Loan Drive, will be available for spe- cial bond premieres and special per- sonal appearances throughout the country. All bookings for them must be cleared through Jay Emanuel, nation- al campaign co-ordinator. The in- dustry's national drive committee be- lieves the ; efforts of the two heroes can be of extra value to exhibitors in selling bonds. Texas Outlines Its 6th Loan Campaign Dallas, Nov. 9. — Henry Reeve, national co-chairman of the industry's Sixth War Loan drive in Texas, out- lined the campaign for his state today in a series of regional meetings in Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, Tyler, Lubbock and Abilene. Reeve stated that there would be six important points in the bond selling campaign : More theatres participating, greater distributor cooperation, more bond premieres, more children premieres, full cooperation on "Free Movie Day," and a statewide tour of the Texas "G I Jamboree" units, who will visit 133 towns. Reeve has already been pledged more than 500 Bond premieres, and a "Free Movie Day" in every theatre in Texas. Para, Earnings Rise To $12,476,000 (Continued from page 1) pares with earnings for the cor- responding 1943 quarter of $4,268,000, including $532,000 of undistributed earnings of subsidiaries. The board of directors of the com- pany yesterday declared the regular quarterly common stock dividend of 50 cents per share, payable Dec. 29 to holders of record on Dec. 8. Fire Destroys Grand Wildwood, N. J., Nov. 9. — The Grand Theatre at nearby Cape May has been destroyed by fire. Manager John B. Silver estimated damage at $25,000. The fire also destroyed the Cape May court house. Warn Allied Of State Tax (Continued from page 1) president of the Fox- Wisconsin cir- cuit, urged the exhibitors to fight as an organization. Ray Colvin, president-secretary of the Theatre Equipment Dealers Pro- tective Association, told the group not to expect any new equipment until 12 to 18 months after the war. He pre- dicted that projection and sound equipment will cost 25 to 30 per cent more when available. He claimed ex- hibitors will not have to worry about television's inroads into the theatre field, as "it is now barely in its crys- tal-set stage." E. C. Wallau, priorities department chief of the local War Production Board, explained that no priority is needed for the purchase of hardwood flooring which, however, is very scarce, he admitted. The distributors were represented at the afternoon session by Jim Dona- hue, Paramount Central division man- ager, and Claude Lee, the company's public relations counsel. Hinting ob- viously at industry airings in the courts, Lee told the group that all problems can be solved within the in- dustry if treated with honesty. Dues Increased The association's dues were in- creased from 10 to 15 cents to include the caravan service to each member. A slate of new officers has been elected. John Adler of Marshfield, Wis., is president, succeeding the five- term president, William Ainsworth of Fond du Lac, Wis., who did not choose to run again. Others elected are: Charles Trampe, Milwaukee, vice-president ; George Langhenrich, Milwaukee, treasurer, and Lucille Forbes, Merrill, Wis., secretary. The board of directors, in addition to the officers, includes James Boden, George Panka, George Fischer, Jack Yeo, Donald Black, L. V. Bergtold, Rus- sell Leddy, William Ainsworth and William Smith. The Sixth War Loan was discussed by Don Woods, Wisconsin distributor chairman, and Fitzgerald. The meet- ing was attended by nearly 75 mem- bers. Tonight's banquet attracted over 600 members from the industry. Over 200 attended the 20th Century-Fox cocktail party which preceded the ban- quet. Allied executives who will discuss the consent decree in a closed meeting tomorrow arrived this morning. They are Abram F. Myers, Martin Smith, Pete Wood, Col. H. A. Cole and Sid- ney E. Samuelson. Casey Is Here to Set Newsreel Pact (Continued from page 1) Local 666, Chicago, are demanding severance pay for the cameramen while the newsreel companies are seeking to insert a provision into the contracts providing for 20 per cent of their staffs to be apprentice camera- men if they so desire it. Casey ar- rived in New York from Hollywood yesterday and expects to remain here for about four weeks. Glen Swartz Killed Minneapolis, Nov. 9. — Glen Swartz, brother of Abbott and Don Swartz, PRC franchise holders here, has been killed in action in Italy. Friday, November 10, 1944 Motion Picture Daily is ,500 Over Par For 'Marriage' In Philadelphia Philadelphia, Nov. 9. — Business continues fair in most downtown houses. The Boyd, with "Marriage Is a Private Affair," looks like $28,500. Another major opening, 'An Ameri- can Romance," at the Stanley, points to $32,500. Estimated receipts for the week end- v ing Nov. 8-10 : "Abroad With Two Yanks" (UA) ALDINE— (900) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,300. (Average: $14,600). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) ARCADIA — (600) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c) 7 Jays, 2nd run, 2nd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $4,000). "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) BOYD — (3,000) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $28,500. (Average: $18,000). "Minstrel Man" (PRC) 6 days. "An American Romance" (M-G-M) 1 day EARLE — (3,000) (40c-50c-85c-95c) 6 days of vaudeville, including Jimmy Dorsey and his band, Teddy Walters, Anita Boyer, Ladd Lyon and Otto Eason. Gross: $32,500. (Average: $27,600). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) FOX — (3,000) (4Oc-45c-50c-65c-75c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $16,800. (Average: $20,500). "Maisie Goes to Reno" (M-G-M) KARLTON — (1,000) (4Oc-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $8,000. (Aver- age: $6,600). "Wilson" (ZOth-Fox) KEITH'S— (2,200) (85c-$1.10) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $5,800). "Since You Went Away" (UA) MASTBAUM— (4,700) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross $19,400. (Av- erage: $22,500). "An American Romance" (M-G-M) STANLEY — (3,000) (40c-45c-5Oc-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days. Gross: $22,500. Average: $20,000). "Strawberry Blonde" (WB, reissue) STANTON — (1,700) (40c-45c-50c-65c-75c- 85c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $9,400). KRS Hits Monopoly Report in 1st Debate London, Nov. 9. — The Kinemato- graph Renters Society, following a day-long debate today on the 'monop- oly' report of the British Board of Trade's films council, adjourned for a week with only half of the document considered in the discussion. While no official action was taken, the gen- eral feeling among the members pres- ent was that the report's suggested tribunal for control of the industry and the broad legislation proposed would be damaging to the industry. As reported today in Motion Pic- ture Daily, the general council of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Asso- ciation yesterday voted to recommend acceptance of the eight-point program. Joseph Due Here for 'Singing' Conferences John Joseph, Universal's national director of advertising-publicity, will arrive in New York Monday from Hollywood, for a series of home of- fice conferences with Maurice Berg- man, Eastern director. The discus- sions will primarily concern the cam- paign for Universal's new color pro- duction, Deanna Durbin's "Can't Help Singing." The campaign, budgeted at $250,000, is said to be the biggest in the com- pany's history. Show 'Canteen' Dec. 4 Warners' "Hollywood Canteen" will be nationally tradeshown Monday, Dec. 4. The film will be a special New Year's release. 'Irish' and Bing Increase Heavily Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. 9. — With a teachers convention stepping up business, "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," at the Wisconsin, and "Going My Way," in its 10th week, hit 25 per cent over. Most others were average. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 9 : "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) "In the Meantime, Darling" (ZOth-Fox) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (40c-60c-80c) 7 days. Gross: $17,500. (Average: $14,000). "Kansas City Kitty" (Col.) "Secret Command" (Col.) PALACE— (2,400) (40c-60c-80c) 7 days. Gross: $10,350. (Average: $11,500). "Sweet and Low Down" (ZOth-Fox) STRAND— (1,400) (40c-60c-80c) 7 days, 10th week. Gross: $5,625. (Average: $4,- 500). "The Very Thought of You" (WB) "Minstrel Man" (PRC) ALHAMBRA— (1,900) (50c-72c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $10,- 0CO). "Oh, What a Night" (Mono.) Charlie Spivak's Orchestra RIVERSIDE— (2,700) (65c-85c) 7 days, ross: $15,000. (Average: $15,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) WARNER— (2,400) (50c-72c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $14,000). Kansas City Likes 'Laura9: $19,000 Kansas City, Nov. 9. — "Laura," at the Esquire, Uptown and Fairway, totaled around $19,000 for the three theatres. The Midland, with "An American Romance," did about $15,- 500. The Orpheum, with "The Prin- cess and the Pirate," scored about $13,500. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 7-10: "Laura" (ZOth-Fox) ESQUIRE-(800) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $9,400). "An American Romance" (M-G-M) MIDLAND — (3,500) (40c-60c) 7 days Gross: $15,500. (Average: $14,000). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) NEWMAN — (1,900) (46c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $12,700. (Average: $10,000). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO) ORPHEUM — (1,900) (45c - 65c) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $10,000). "San Fernando Valley" (Rep.) "Bordertown, Trail" (Rep.) TOWER— (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $9,400). "Laura" (ZOth-Fox) UPTOWN — (2,000) (45c - 65c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $5,600). FAIRWAY— (700) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $2,000. (Average: $1,600). 'Great Moment* and A Show Get $24,300 Buffalo, Nov. 9. — "The Great Mo- ment" and a stage show will lead here with probably $24,300 at the Buffalo. "The Climax" and another at the Lafayette are expected to hit $16,900, living up to the advance buildup of "horror in color." Grosses were good. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 11 : "The Great Moment" (Para.) "So You Want to Lead a Band?" BUFFALO— (3,489) (55c-76c) 7 days. Sammy Kaye and orchestra on stage, with Jerry Mahoney and Paul Winchell. Gross: $24,300. (Average: $17,400). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (ZOth-Fox) "In the Meantime, Darling" (ZOth-Fox) GREAT LAKES— (3.000) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,800. (Average: $16,- 200). "Sweet and Lowdowm" (ZOth-Fox) "Dangerous Journey" (ZOth-Fox) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $9,700). "None But the Lonely Heart" (RKO) "Call of the South Seas" (Rep.) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,000) (50c- 70c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $12,200). "The Climax" (Univ.) "Reckless Age" (Univ.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (50c -70c) 7 days. Gross: $16,900. (Average: $12,400). 'Parkington' Nearly $5,000 Over Par St. Louis, Nov. 9. — "Mrs. Park- ington" is packing them in at Loew's State, with an estimate of $23,000 and is headed for a second week's run. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 8: "The Conspirators" (WB) "The Big Noise" ZOth-Fox) FOX — (5,038) (40c-50c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average: $18,700). "The Master Race" (RKO) "Coin' to Town" (RKO) AMBASSADOR— (3,154) (40c-50c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average: $15,700). "Mrs. Parkington" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (3,162) (40c-50c-60c- 65c) 7 days. Gross: $23,000. (Average: $18,900). "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) "Music in Manhattan" (RKO) . MISSOURI— (3,514) (40c-50c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $9,900). "Summer Storm" (UA) "Mark of the Whistler" (Col.) / LOEW'S ORPHEUM— (1,900) (40c-50c- 60c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Average: $7,100). "Casanova Brown" (RKO1) " 'Till We Meet Again" (Para.) SHUBERT— (1,900) (40c-50c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $6,400. (Average: $6,100). "Block Busters" (Mono.) "Oh, What a Night" (Mono.) ST. LOUIS — (4,000) (45c -50c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average: $5,200). 6Lace\ 'Skeffington', 4SYWA' Hold Well Toronto, Nov. 9. — "Arsenic and Old Lace's" $13,300 was pointing to the largest gross of the week, at the Imperial Theatre, against a second week of "Mr. Skeffington," at Shea's Theatre, which looked like $12,300, and a third week of "Since You Went Away," at Loew's, which had an $12,000 tag. Estimated receipts for the week end- ended Nov. 9 : "The Mask of Dimitrios" (WB) EGLINTON — (1.086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average: $4,000). "Arsenic and Old Lace"- (WB) IMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $13,300. (Average: $12,800). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOEW'S — (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $11,200). "Mr. Skeffington" (WB) SHEA'S — (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-9Oc) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,300. (Average: $12,800). "The Mask of Dimitrios" (WB) TIVOLI — (1,434) (18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $3,900. (Average: $4,400). "This Happy Breed" (British) UPTOWN— (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $10,300. (Average: $9,800). SWG Now Open to Industrial Writers Hollywood, Nov. 9. — Besides Emmet Lavery, president, the Screen Writers Guild tonight elected James Hilton first vice-president, Hugo But- ler second vice-president, Ring Lard- ner, Jr., third vice-president, Michael Kanin treasurer, and Howard Esta- brook secretary. Elected to the executive board were Dalton Trumbo, Marc Connelly, Tal- bot Jennings, Sheridan Gibney, John Howard Lawson, Oliver H. P. Gar- rett, Gordon Kahn, Richard Collins, Elmer Rice. Alternates named were Albert Hackett, Betty Reinhardt, Frances Goodrich, Jo Swerling, Har- old Buckman and Arthur Kober. The membership voted an amend- ment to the by-laws providing that writers experienced in Governmental or industrial screen writing be ad- mittee to guild membership on recom- mendation of the executive board. 'SYWA' Leader In Chicago's Dull Week Chicago, Nov. 9.— Pre-election dol- drums set in early and gave the Loop a dull week-end. The condition was anticipated, however, and most houses either sliced their budgets or carried on with holdovers. State Lake still topped the parade with "Since You Went Away," the third week grossing a very nice $37,000. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 9 : "Wilson" (20th-Fox) APOLLO— (1,200) (80c-$1.10) 3rd week. Gross: $17,500. (Average, 35c-95c scale: $11,400). "Double Indemnity" (Para.) CHICAGO — (3,850) (55c-85c-95c) Stage: Andrews Sisters and revue. Gross: $41,000. (Average: $51,500). "Sing, Neighbor, Sing" (Rep.) DOWNTOWN — (1,800) (44c-55c-85c-95c) Stage: Gay 90's Revue. Gross: $13,500. "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) GARRICK— (l,0CO) (55c-65c-95c) Gross: $8,500. (Average: $9,100). "Waterloo Bridge" (M-G-M reissue) "Bowery Champs" (Mono.) G days "Abroad With Two Yanks" (UA) "Murder in the Blue Room" (Univ.) 1 day, 2nd Loop week GRAND— (1,250) (50c-60c-85c-95c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average: $9,100). "Strange Affair" (Col.) ORIENTAL— (3,200) (44c - 55c - 85c - 95c) Stage: Lawrence Welk and orchestra. Gross: $27,500. (Average: $24,000). "Abroad With Two Yanks" (UA) "Murder in the Blue Room" (Univ.) G days "The Master Race" (RKO) "Reckless Age" (Univ.) 1 day PALACE — (2,500) (55c-65c-95c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $24,000). "Greenwich Village" (ZOth-Fox) 5 days, 2nd week "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) 2 days ROOSEVELT— (1,500) (55c-65c-95c) Gross: $18,500. (Average: $20,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) STATE LAKE— (2,700) (55c-65c-95c) 3rd week. Gross: $37,000. (Average: $29,000). "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (50c-65c-95c) 4th week. Gross: $19,000. (Average: $20,- 000). "Casanova Brown" (RKO-International) WOODS — (1,200) (55c-65c-95c) 6th week. Gross: $16,500 (Average: $10,000). NAB Board Meets in Chicago Nov. 14-15 Washington, Nov. 9. — National Association of Broadcasters' board of directors will meet in Chicago, Nov. 14-15. Heading the agenda will be a discussion of NAB's 1945 budget and the creation of a bureau to measure station circulation. Preliminary plans for a series of district meetings in 1945, as well as the next annual membership meeting, will also be considered by the direct- ors, who will also hear a report on the recent Federal Communications Com- mission allocation hearings from NAB president J. Harold Ryan. 5,000 War Workers at Premiere of WB Film Los Angeles, Nov. 9. — Five thou- sand workers from 200 war plants in this area attended the 'double-header' premiere here tonight of Warner's "The Very Thought of You," at the Hollywood and Downtown Theatres. Lt. Col. Samuel Metzger, manpow- er officer of the Western procurement district, paid tribute at the premieres to the accomplishments of films both on the home front and on the battle fronts in boosting morale and provid- ing entertainment. fllPH TIMP / It's fllUfl lllfllJ this question was openly discussed The fact that the circulation of the Women's Groups— 13,100,000— is virtually equal to the circulation of the Women's Service Magazines — 13,600,000— is important, but it is far less important than the manner in which both were obtained. The growth of the Women's Groups is a phenomenon of a decade or more, made the more remarkable because it has been based almost entirely, and certainly unprecedentedly, upon voluntary purchases at the newsstands. Women's Groups have earned this immense circulation because they satisfy a definite modern reader need and demand. Let's look at the record . . . Ten years ago young housewives and the wage-earner groups were beginning to realize that the Women's Groups contained editorial matter of real interest to them. Nobody asked them to subscribe. They sought out their favorite magazine— and bought it. Sales grew. The Groups, matured and seasoned, increased fifty per cent by 1939. And, in the first six months of 1944, their circulation virtually equalled that of the Women's Service Magazines. This great new market, created by the selective process of reader preference, has assumed a position of importance that cannot be easily disregarded in advertising considerations. PRESIDENT, IDEAL PUBLISHING CORP. CIRCULATION GROWTH 1934 - 1944 [SSE] 1944 ■n ■■■■ 1944 tttifft 1939 n& l^Bl ^^ft m) 1939 1934 1934 WOMEN'S SERVICE MAGAZINES WOMEN'S GROUPS THE IDEAL WOMEN'S GROUP THE PAY-ENVELOPE CLASS MAGAZINES NEW YORK... . Ideal Publishing Corp. , CHICAGO.. . . Idea! Publishing Corp. . LOS ANGELES Don Harway 8. Company . HOLLYWOOD . . . .Ideal Publishing Corp. 295 Madison Ave., N.Y. 17, N.Y.,MU 3-8191 360 N. Mich. Ave.. Chi. 1, III., State 5582 816 W. 5th St, losAng. 13, Cal., Mutual 8512 6253 H'wd. Blvd. H'wd.28, Cat., Hillside 7364 (One of a series of advertisements appearing nationally, comparing the growth of the Women's Groups' magazines with the Women's Service magazines) First in /Radio )N Accural ^and Impartial MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 56. NO. 92 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1944 TEN CENTS Warners Hold ko 20 for New Season But Building Backlog at Burbank, Regardless Hollywood, Nov. 12. — The pres- ent trend of Warner Bros, releases indicates that there will not be more than 20 features for 1944-45, de- spite pre-season reports that the com- pany would raise its total above the 19 released last year. Regardless, capacity production is nevertheless be- ing maintained at the Burbank stu- dios. The company has about 20 fea- tures in cutting rooms or completed. Starting with "Hotel Berlin," which goes before the cameras on Monday, Jack L. Warner has set an additional 10 pictures to get underway in the next 10 weeks. With the company aim- ing practically all of its pro- ductions for the "A" brackets, it is understood that the reason for maintaining capacity pro- (Continued on page 6) Wisconsin Urged to Back Postwar WAC Milwaukee, Nov. 12. — Harold J. Fitzgerald, head of Fox-Wisconsin Theatres and state War Activities Committee chairman, has asked mem- bers of the I.T.O. of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan for cooperation to encourage continuance of the WAC. The independent exhibitor organiza- tion, which closed its two-day annual convention here on Friday, did not, however, disclose whether it or Al- (Continued on page 6) Johnston, Burrows Here on Stock Issue W. Ray Johnston, Monogram presi- dent, and George Burroughs, vice- president and treasurer, arrived here from the Coast on Friday to conduct negotiations with Emanuel and Co., for a new issue of 100,000 shares of preferred stock at $10 par value. Monogram stockholders will meet Dec. 6 in Los Angeles to authorize an increase in the capital stock from 1,- 000,000 shares. Election of officers and directors is also on the agenda. The new shares will be offered by Emanuel and Co., when authorized, at a yearly dividend rate of 50 to 60 cents a share. The company is ex- pected to realize $860,000 on the sale. S chine Trial Ends, Answers Feb. 1 Buffalo, Nov. 12. — The Schine anti-trust trial ended here Friday, following intro- duction into evidence of sev- eral more documents by Rob- ert L. Wright of the Depart- ment of Justice. Judge John Knight ordered the Govern- ment's brief filed by Dec. 15, and the defendant's by Jan. 15, and set next Feb. 1 as the date for answers. Schenck Again Heads 'Dimes' President Roosevelt has again named Nicholas M. Schenck, presi- dent of Loew's, to serve as national chairman of the film industry's 1945 March of Dimes drive. This will be Schenck's fourth term as head of the in- fantile paraly- s i s campaign. The drive i n theatres will take place late in January, ex- act dates to be determined later, following a meeting of an executive com- mittee which Nicholas M. Schenk will be named by Schneck. "Since I saw you on Sept. 7," wrote (Continued on page 6) Schless in Charge For Paramount in Europe and Africa The post of Paramount's European division manager has been assigned to Robert Schless by John W. Hicks, Jr., president of Paramount Interna- tional Films. He will man- age all of Con- tinental Europe, the Near East and North Africa, with headquarters in Paris. Schless will take tem- porary head- quarters today at the Para- mount home office. At the same Robert Schless time, H i C k S also named Henri Michaud assistant to Schless ; and Elias Lapinere to public rela- (Contimied on page (>) C onciliation Code Gets Main Approval Toronto', Nov. 12. — Announcement was made at the weekend by secre- tary E. H. Wells of the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Associa- tion after the second meeting of the week of general managers that the proposed conciliation code, provid- ing for regional dispute boards had been approved by a number of dis- tributing companies, but he added that several signatures to the agreement are yet to be secured, pending further (Continued on page 6) Film Industry Asked to TBA Video Meet Dec. 11 Details of the first annual confer- ence of the Television Broadcasters Association to be held at the Hotel Commodore in New York on Dec. 11-12 were disclosed at the weekend by Jack R. Poppele, chairman of the conference, at a press luncheon here. The program, Popnele indicated, has been formulated for those now operating, or who are planning to operate in television stations, includ- ing the film industry. Highlights include a banquet on Dec. 11, at which special programs televised by New York stations will be received. The opening general session on Dec. 11 will feature six talks by leaders in television : Dr. W. R. G. Baker, General Electric ; E. W. Engstrom, RCA Laboratories ; John F. Royal, NBC ; Robert L. Gibson, General Electric ; Thomas H. Hutchinson, RKO Television; Harold S. Osborne, American Telephone and Telegraph. Panel meetings on television as it affects motion pictures, the theatre, talent and newspapers, arranged by Dorman D. Israel of Emerson Radio will be held on the afternoon of Dec. 11. A reception sponsored by NBC. Philco and General Electric will be held on the first day. Highlighting the second days' meet- ings will be a round table led by Dr Alfred N. Goldsmith. L. A. Theatres Well Fixed On Equipment Stocked Up Right After Pearl Harbor Touchotf By THALIA BELL Los Angeles, Nov. 12. — There will be no rush to buy new equip- ment on the part of Los Angeles theatre operators when wartime re- strictions are lifted, for the simple rea- son that exhibitors in this area, by their own admission, had foresight. Scarcely had the smoke cleared over Pearl Harbor than these operators be- gan to lay in supplies of mechanical equipment, carpeting, ticket-takers, coin-changers, ladders, flashlights — everything necessary to continue a well-equipped theatre. To quote a typical indepen- dent exhibitor: J. M. Sutton of the Hawaii and Elite, theatres, Hollywood: "The purchasing department was on its toes." Or a large-circuit operator, Ben- (Continned on page 6) WLB Grants Service Help Wage Boosts The Regional War Labor Board in Boston has approved a 10 per cent wage increase, retroactive to Dec, 1942, for about 150 exchange film in- spectors, shippers and poster clerks in Boston and New Haven exchanges. The regional board in Seattle had previously approved a similar increase for workers in Seattle exchanges. Testimonial Tonight For Lou Golding Albany, Nov. 12. — Three hundred of the industry from New York home offices and from Albany, Buffalo and elsewhere will attend the testimonial tomorrow night at the Hotel TenEyck here for Lou Golding, recently named general manager of Wilmer- Vincent- Fabian circuit. Scheduled to attend (Continued on page 6) Reviewed Today Reviews of the following appear on page 8: Republic's "Strangers in the Night" and "Vigilantes of Dodge City," and PRC's "Swing Hostess" and "The Town Went Wild." 2 motion Picture Daily Monday, November 13, 1944 Personal Mention WILLARD McKAY and Saul Rogers, New York ; Edward F. McClennen, Boston, of Schine Theatre counsel ; Robert L. Wright, of the Department of Justice, Wash- ington, and John F. Caskey, New York, representing distributors, have returned from Buffalo. • Mrs. Leon Fromkess, wife of the president of PRC Pictures, both of whom are in New York on a visit from the Coast, will leave Leroy San- atarium tomorrow following an oper- ation. Maurice Golden, M-G-M talent scout in the Midwest, and Grace Christensen, RKO contract play- er, were married in Chicago Nov. 13. • Jules Lapidus, Eastern division sales manager for Warners, left yes- terday for Indianapolis and Cincin- nati. • Bernard Seamon, manager of the Hippodrome, Baltimore, is recovering from an operation at the Sinai Hos- pital there. • William K. Saxton, city manager for Loew Theatres in Baltimore, spent the weekend on Long Island. • Betty French, film editor of the Akron Beacon Journal, will arrive in New York Nov. 19. • Harvey Day, Terrytoons sales manager, has returned to New York from a tour of Southern exchanges. • Ted O'Shea, Eastern sales man- ager of M-G-M, is in Albany. Mort Nathanson to Todd Productions Morton Nathanson has been named press representative for Michael Todd Productions. He will handle publicity for all of film and theatre activities, as well as press promotion on the two current Broadway productions. Nathanson had been Eastern pub- licity-advertising director for Samuel Goldwyn. Paramount Sets 5 In Third Block Trade screenings for Paramount's third block for 1944-45 have been set for Dec. 14 and IS, Charles M. Rea- gan, vice-president in charge of sales, reports. The five in the block are : "Here Come the Waves," Dangerous Pas- sage," "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (released for the first time at popular prices) ; "Practically Yours" and "Double Exposure." 'Again' Pre-Released Columbia has set more than 90 pre- release engagements for "Together Again." Pre-release runs start on Nov. 14, with national release on Dec. 2.2. Tradewise By SHERWIN KANE /^\NE week from today will mark the first anniversary of the expiration of the three- year trial period of the industry consent decree. The fact that the five consenting distributors continued to observe, and still are observing, those provisions of the decree which expired earlier, together with the de- cree provisions which remained in force,, has given the industry, for all practical purposes, a four-year decree trial period, rather than the three-year period originally intended by both the Department of Justice and the companies. The industry's time - worn problems remain after four (count 'em) decree years. Is there any sound reason for be- lieving the Department's new decree proposals promise more or better results? • The fourth anniversary of the decree, Nov. 20, may well see the inception' of Depart- ment action to bring its new decree proposals to hearing. In any event, time is running out. Distributors appear to be uni- formly of a mind that the issues must and should be determined in the courts. There is no indi- cation now that they will seek further negotiations with the Department looking to the draft- ing of a new decree. Rather their thinking and their prep- arations are in the direction of trial and final determination of the theories of operation within this industry that are proposed by the Department. • The contest in the courts will be a lengthy one. It is very likely to be years before it is decided — before changes (if any ensue) can be placed in effect. Moreover, it is not conceivable that any changes which may be made will solve all of the prob- lems of exhibition and distribu- tion, once and for all. The in- dustry's experience with litiga- tion thus far repudiates any such' likelihood. It tends more to show that existing problems may be compounded or, at best, replaced by new ones. Certainly the Department's present theories of how films should be bought and sold, of circuit ownership — by whom and where and how — offer no solution of fundamental exhibi- tion-distribution problems, even were those theories to be upheld by the courts. Indeed, the De- partment's theory of film mar- keting, suggesting as it does how many films may be sold to whom and under what condi- tions, and imposing penalties for infractions- of the rules, would appear to be far more applicable to narcotics or other contra- band than to the commercial product of a great and extremely important industry. Let the Department's theories prevail and their not unlikely consequences could be bureau- cratic control of production and exhibition and the operation of studios and theatres under Fed- eral licenses. • Apart from their possible seri- ous consequences, the important thing is that the Department's proposals offer very little prom- ise of solving or settling exhibi- tion and distribution problems which are very much in need of attention ; not years from now, but now. What is the answer? One of the newest and, to our way of thinking, one of the best to be made in recent years, is offered by the Southern Cali- fornia Theatre Owners Associa- tion. The organization last week advanced a plan for its member- ship under which individual ef- forts would be made first to set- tle any disputes arising between exhibitor and distributor. If such efforts failed, Albert J. Law, executive secretary and general counsel of the organiza- tion, would act as arbitrator or would aid in the selection of industry-experienced arbitrators to settle the dispute. In the latter case, his services as coun- sel would be available to the exhibitor without other cost than the ordinary membership dues paid to the organization. The plan is simple and could be extremely effective. It meets the principal objections to or- ganized industry arbitration which have been voiced by many exhibitors and several exhibitor organizations. Yet it does not do away with organized arbi- tration for those who prefer it. The plan calls only for a form of cooperation between exhibi- tor and distributor which good will and good intent can supply and to which even the Depart- ment of Justice, which presum- ably can detect collusion between a pillar and the railroad trestle it supports, probably could find no objection. Coming Events Today — Variety Club testimonial dinner for Lou Golding, Ten Eyck Hotel, Albany. Nov. 14 — 'Night of Stars' for United Jewish Appeal, Madison Square Garden, New York. Nov. 15 — North and South Jersey units of Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey meeting at the Hotel Stacy-Trent, Trenton, N. J. Nov. 16-19 — Mexican Theatre Own- ers Convention, Mexico City. Nov. 16-19 — M-G-M sales meeting, Netherlands Plaza Hotel, Cin- cinnati. Nov. 17 — Sixth War Loan cam- paign breakfast, Hotel Astor, - New York. Nov. 20— Sixth War Loan rally, Madison Square Garden, New York. Nov. 20-Dec. 16 — Sixth War Loan Campaign. Nov. 20-Dec. 24 — American Feder- ation of Labor conference, New Orleans. Nov. 23-25 — National Free Movie Day for Sixth War Loan. Dec. 6 — Monogram stockholders' meeting. Dec. 11-12 — Television Broadcast- ers Association meeting, Hotel Commodore, New York:. Dec. 13 — Picture Pioneers' annual dinner, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York. Jan. 2-6 — Annual meeting of M-G-M field auditors, Hotel Astor, New York. Jackson Paramount Eastern Story Editor Alan Jackson, former member of the editorial staffs, of Time, Fortune and the Saturday Evening Post, has been named Eastern story editor of Paramount, succeeding Michard Mea- land, who was recently promoted to head the company's story and writ- ing departments at the Hollywood studio. Jackson, whose appointment was announced at the weekend by Russell Holman, head of Paramount's East- ern production department, has . just finished as a lieutenant in the Navy, stationed in New York with the book and magazine section of Navy Pub- lic Relations. Lt. Doherty of WB Dies In Germany Lt. Jack Bryer Doherty, 28, form- er Warner Bros, home office repro- duction department employee, and nephew of H. M. Doherty, head of the company's exchange auditing de- partment, was killed in action in Ger- many last month. He had entered service in Jan., 1941, after being a member of the New York National Guard, and had been awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in the Normandy invasion last July. His wife, Jean, also saw service overseas as a lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps, attached to the Eighth Air Force. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, New* Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." AH contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald. Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879, Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. * ******* , iARMEN MIRANDA • MICHAEL O'SHEA VIVIAN BLAINE (The cherry ei^de) .^SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS" with Phil Silvers ■ Sheila Ryan - Perry Como . Glenn Langan • Directed by LEWIS SEILER Produced by IRVING STARR in Technicolor Screen Ploy by Robert 6tlts, Helen logon and Ffonk Gabrielson 8os*>d on the Musical Comedy Book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields Cole Porter Songs 'Music ond Lyrics New Songs by Jimmy Me Hugh 6 Adcmson • Ponces Stoged and Directed by Nlclt Cottle KEEP SELLING BONDS! Monday, November 13, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 5 Southern Bondsmen Hold Rally at Charlotte Today Theatre War Fund Collection Dec. 14 Variety Earmarks $30,000 for Charity Washington, Nov. 12. — Proceeds from National Variety's annual din- ner-dance, to be held here Nov. 25, at the Willard Hotel, are expected to exceed $30,000, all of which will be turned over to the various charitable activities. At the local Variety's election, Fred Kogod, president of Kogod-Burka Theatres, was named chief barker, succeeding John S. Allen, M-G-M branch manager, who becomes a mem- ber of the board. Others elected were : Jo Edward Fontaine, Paramount, first assistant chief barker ; Nathan D. Golden, Department of Commerce's motion picture unit, second assistant; Jake Flax, Republic, property master ; Sam Galanty, Columbia, reelected treasurer. Galanty has held that post since the local tent was organized. Elected to the board were : Charles E. Peppiatt, 20th Century-Fox ; re- elected to the board of governors were : George Crouch, Warner The- atres ; A. E. Lichtman, Lichtman The- atres ; Carter Barron, Loew's ; Ru- dolph Berger, M-G-M ; Harry Bach- man, Circle Theatre. Ex-officio mem- bers of the board are, in addition to Allen : Sam Wheeler, Vince Dough- erty, Hardie Meakin and Sidney Lust. Lollie Feldman continues as executive secretary. Barron announced that the local unit will hold a reception for national officers on Thanksgiving night, to be followed by the annual 'Humanitarian Award' dinner the following evening, at the Mayflower Hotel. Cincinnati Variety Names 'Canvassmen' Cincinnati, Nov. 12. — Local Vari- ety has elected the following can- vassmen for 1945 : Lev Bugie, 20th- Fox ; Harry David, Northio The- atres ; Harris Dudelson, United Art- ists ; Arthur Frudenfeld, RKO ; Mike Greenberg ; Saul Greenberg, club sec- retary ; Harry Hartman, Station WCPO;. Ralph Kinsler, Shard Cir- cuit ; Allan S. Moritz, Columbia ; Pete Niland, Columbia ; Henry Wessel, Film Service Co. Also serving will be past chief barkers William Onie and F. W. Huss, Jr., and current chief barker Maurice White. The canvassmen will elect officers for the coming year at a dinner-meeting Monday night. New Atlanta Variety Board is Named Atlanta, Nov. 12. — Charles Dur- meyer, W. K. Jenkins and Charles Kessnick have been named to the lo- cal Variety board. Reelected were : Jack Dumestre, R. B. Wilby, Paul Wilson, Willis David, Dave Prince, Fred Coleman, Sid Reams and Harry Balance. Dumestre, who has served as chief barker during the past year, was ex- tended a vote of thanks by the board. 20th-Fox Names Glasier Toronto, Nov. 12. — Sam Glasier has been named promotion representative for 20th Century-Fox in Canada, be- coming the first to hold that post for that company in the Dominion, it was reported by Sydney Samson, Canadian general manager for 20th-Fox. The job was formerly handled out of New York. Charlotte, Nov. 12. — Exhibitors, distributors, district and branch mana- gers and salesmen in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and Texas, will attend the Sixth War Loan Drive meeting here tomorrow at the Charlotte Hotel. Mayor H. H. Baxter of Charlotte, will welcome the delegates, and the meeting will be pre- sided over by Roy Rowe, former pres- ident of the Theatre Owners Associa- tion of North and South Carolina. Among those scheduled to be pres- ent will be William F. Crockett, vice- chairman for the drive ; H. M. Richey ; Capt. Ray Wild ; and exhib- itor state chairmen R. M. Kennedy, Alabama ; Claude Mundo, Arkansas ; E. V. Richards, Louisiana ; J. L. Cart- wright, Florida ; John Q. Adams and Phil Isley, Texas ; E. W. Street and Kermit Stengal, Tennessee ; Burgess Waltmon and Arthur Lehmann, Miss- issippi ; George D. Carpenter, North Carolina ; Warren Irwin, South Caro- lina and George Roscoe, assistant dis- trict chairman of the Carolinas. Missouri 6th Meet In St. Louis Today St. Louis, Nov. 12. — A luncheon will launch the motion picture thea- tres' participation in the Sixth War Loan Drive tomorrow, at the Coro- nado Hotel, St. Louis, Fred Wehren- berg, president of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners ssociation of East- ern Missouri and Southern Illinois, has announced. All theatre owners and managers in Eastern Missouri have been invited to attend. Martin Burnett, manager of Loew's State here, and Rex Barrett, of Co- lumbia, Mo., are the co-chairmen of the committee in charge of the drive in Eastern Missouri. Plans include a free movie every Monday night dur- ing the campaign. Lesser Group Meets On War Loan Tomorrow Broadway theatre executives and managers will meet tomorrow at luncheon at Toots Shor's to discuss plans for the Sixth War Loan. Irv- ing Lesser is Broadway area chair- man. The discussion will concern theatre plans, Times Square arrange- ments and the appointment of a recep- tion committee for the Sixth War Loan 'Radio Revue' at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 20. Among others expected to attend are : Malcolm Kingsberg, New York area chairman of the drive, and WAC and Treasury representatives. Introduce Cowles Heads Representatives of Cowles Broad- casting Co. of the Midwest, including Craig Lawrence, Merle Jones, Ted Enns and Jack Paige, who have come East to operate Cowles stations WHOM, New York and WOL, Washington, will be introduced to the New York press at a luncheon at the Hotel Waldorf Astoria here today. MGM Buys 'Josephine' Hollywood, Nov. 12.— M-G-M has purchased screen rights to "Jose- phine," the new Booth Tarkington novel. Leon Gordon will produce. Albany Revised for 6th Opening Nov. 15 Albany, Nov. 12. — C. J. Latta, New York state chairman for the industry's Sixth War Loan drive, has revised the Albany territory to facilitate bond sales by further breaking down all areas and appointing co-chairmen. Appointed were : William Smalley, Central Albany ; William Benton, Eastern Albany; James Papayanakos, Northern Albany ; Henry Grossman, Southern Albany ; Andy Roy and Charles Gordon, Utica ; Guy Graves and Sidney Dwore, Schenectady ; Sid Sommer and Milton Schosberg, Troy. The Albany bond rally will open Nov. 15 at the Palace Theatre, with all bond purchasers admitted free. A children's show will be held at either the Palace or Strand on a Saturday morning, and Dec. 7 will be "Free Movie Day." War Loan Gets Head Start on Broadway The Sixth War Loan bond sales drive had a pre-campaign start Fri- day on Times Square where an 'all- star' program, which included theatre and night club performers and several bands, was presented between 12 o'clock noon and 2 P.M. Among those who appeared were : Johnnie Johnston, Ella Mae Morse, Bob Strong's orchestra, Arlene Fran- cis and the Women's Army Corps band. Tickets for the Capitol Thea- tre's bond premiere of M-G-M's "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" were given with bond buys. Roy Rogers Aids 6th In Exhibitors Meet Boston, Nov. 12. — Roy Rogers rode his horse, Trigger, into the Hotel Statler here last Friday, where 450 exhibitors from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island met to pledge all-out support of the industry's Sixth War Loan drive. Rogers' appearance followed the pres- entation, by Sam Pinanski, state ex- hibitor bond chairman, of a testimonial pledge, bearing the signatures of all present, to Harry Brandt, heading the national committee, and which prom- ised 100 per cent cooperation. Grainger to Dallas On 6th Sale Drive J. R. Grainger, Republic president, left New York for Dallas yesterday, to discuss the Sixth War Loan Drive with sales forces in Dallas, Oklahoma City and Memphis. He will stress the Bond Premieres and Free Movie Days. Grainger will return to New York Nov. 20. Trauner Exchange Chief Saul Trauner has been appointed manager of Columbia's New York exchange, succeeding Irving Worms- er, resigned, it was announced at the weekend by Abe Montague, general sales manager. Dalton to OWI Washington, Nov. 12. — Neil Dal- ton, Louisville newspaper executive, has been installed as director of the domestic branch of the Office of War Information, succeeeding George W. Healy, Jr. :atres in New York's five bor- oughs, and Nassau and Suffolk coun- ties, will collect for the National War Fund during the week of Dec. 14-20, according to a weekend announcement by Fred Schwartz, exhibitor co-chair- man of the War Activities Commit- tee in the New York area. Ed. Ru- goff, independent exhibitor, will head a special campaign committee. The collection will supplement dis- tribution of a ten-minute short, "Memo for Joe," starring Quentin Reynolds, plus an advertising cam- paign contributed by the WAC. A regional campaign is being planned with meetings scheduled for WAC representatives in New York, of which the first will be held later this week, as called by Ralph Pielow, head of the distributors' division. A trailer with a film star making the War Fund appeal is in prepara- tion, Schwartz stated. Preparation of a special manual for the campaign is being handled by Harry Mandel, WAC chairman for the New York area. WB Appoints Abeles Argentina Manager Arthur Abeles, Jr., formerly man- ager for Warner Bros, in Uruguay, will take over the post of general manager for the company in Argen- tina, with supervision over Uruguay and Chile, effective Dec. 4, it was an- nounced at the weekend by Wolfe Cohen, vice-president of Warner Bros. International Corp., in charge of South America, Australia, New Zea- land and the Far East. Abeles will succeed Harry Novak, resigned. Fine New WAC Head In Cleveland Area Meyer Fine, independent exhibitor in Cleveland, has accepted the post of War Activities Committee exhibitor chairman for the area, succeeding William Skirball. Fine joins Maury Orr and E. J. Fisher, distributor chairman and public relations chair- man, respectively, as heads of the ac- tivities for theatres operating out of the Cleveland territory. RKO May Release (Rats of Tobruk' "Rats of Tobruk," about the stand of Allied troops against the Germans in Africa, which is now being filmed in Australia, may be distributed by RKO. Shooting of the production, in which RKO is participating financial- ly, is almost at an end, and decision as to whether the company will dis- tribute will be made after its comple- tion, according to Phil Reisman, vice- president in charge of foreign dis- tribution. Ed McNamara Dies Boston, Nov. 12. — Edward C. Mc- Namara, 60, died here at the weekend while supervising transportation of James Cagney's possessions being shipped to California. McNamara, a former actor, last appeared in the Cagneys' "Johnny Come Lately." 6 Motion Picture Daily Monday, November 13, 1944 Schenck Again Heads 'Dimes' "(Continued from page 1) President Roosevelt to Schenck, "I've had a chance to review the report you gave me. at that time showing de- tails of the results of the Motion Pic- ture Theatres' March of Dimes last January. As I write, this year's in- cidence of infantile paralysis already exceeds that reported during the en- tire year of 1943. It's obvious, there- fore, that the splendid work you, your committee, the motion picture owners and the entire industry have done for those stricken with this disease as- sumes an especial significance at this particular time. "I fully realize that this great hu- manitarian accomplishment was the result of all of you devoting great time and effort to the crusade against a devastating disease. It is a cru- sade that will not cease until we have won victory — to the attainment of which the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis is dedicated. Aided by the generous support of the Ameri- can people and by the continuing in- terest and cooperation of the motion picture industry, that day of victory draws ever closer," said Roosevelt. In previous motion picture drives, audiences have contributed, in millions of small donations, over $8,500,000. In the 1944 drive, when $4,667,000 was collected, solicitation was made in over 11,000 theatres with nearly 9,- 000,000 seats. They averaged 54 cents per seat. Testimonial Set For Lou Golding (Continued from page 1) are: Joseph Bernhard, Ted O'Shea, Abe Montague, Sam Rosen, Si Fa- bian, Tom Connors, Neil Agnew, Sam Lefkowitz, Ed Schnitzer, Maurice Bergman, Lou Astor, Carl Charlotte, Harry Thomas, George Schaeffer, Ed Callahan, John Scully, Ira Cohen. Harry Kalmine and Maurice Wolf. A Buffalo group will be headed by Phil Fox ; Boston, headed by Moe Grassgreen, will have 18. Also sched- uled are: M. A. Silver, Jay Golden, Harry Unterfort, J. Meyer Schine and L. W. Schine, Earl Sweigert, Ralph Pielow, Carter Barron, William Phil- lips, Harry Shaw, Joseph Eagen and William Howard. Washington, New- ark, New Haven, as well as many from the Wilmer-Vincent, Warner Bros., RKO, Schine and Kallet cir- cuits will also attend. C onciliation Code Gets Main Approval (Continued from page 1) consideration by exchange companies. S. B. Taube, executive secretary of the Motion Picture Theatres Associa- tion of Ontario, announced that the board of that organization had ap- proved the draft with several minor changes, which apparently will be re- ferred to other trade branches for con- sideration. President of MPTA is N. A. Taylor, head of the 20th Cen- tury theatres circuit, and members are both circuits and independents in Ontario. L. A. Theatres Are Well Fixed on Equipment Needs (Continued from page 1) jamin Wallerstein of Warner Theatres: "We foresaw this thing, and are now in pretty good shape. Our theatres are in very fine physical condition." Again, Gus Metzger of Metzger Theatres in the San Diego area, says : 'We have kept our houses up to date. The first year of the war we put in a very large supply of emergency equip- ment which we were able to secure at that time, and we have been able to get everything else we needed. In some of our houses, we are putting down carpeting that we have had in storage for two years." When the point was pressed, how- ever, some exhibitors admitted that there were a few little things they could use, if they could get them. Harry Wallen, manager of the Para- mount-Hollywood, after stating, "I am one theatre manager who does not need anything," added "I could use some boys for ushers, employees in- terested in their jobs." Rube Wolff, manager of the Paramount-Downtown, endorsed his associate's remarks. Hits Irresponsibility Sutton similarly stated, "What I need is some employees who consider that they still have a responsibility to- ward their employer. I want ushers and doormen who know that the show must go on, and do not call up five minutes before the box-office opens to say that they will not be in." Another exhibitor, head of a large circuit, confided: "We are all at the bottom of the barrel insofar as good employees and showmen are con- cerned. We are just getting by with people who would not be with us under other circumstances. But we do not dare say so too loud, for fear the ones we have got will quit." Seats and carpets would be next in demand. As Milroy Anderson, mana- ger of the Hillstreet Theatre, ex- plained, "Seats are the first thing I am going to buy when wartime re- strictions are lifted. After that, a good carpet. After that, a new marquee." Sherrill Corwin, operator of the Los Angeles Theatre, expressed similar views. The majority of exhibitors questioned admit a growing need for seats and carpets. A spokesman for the Newsvue Theatre, showing newsreels, and the Hitching Post, devoted to Westerns, said : "The Newsvue has the latest type of pushback seats, installed short- ly before the war. As for the Hitch- ing Post, some of the seats are ob- viously in bad shape. But as fast as we recover them, the kids come in and slash them up. So what's the use of replacing them?" A Little Foresight William Foy, of Fox West Coast Theatres, stressing the fact "We had a little foresight, and as far as me- chanical equipment goes, we have not suffered much," added "There is quite a shortage of everything, par- ticularly seats and carpets. As fast as materials become available, we are going to re-seat and re-carpet a num- ber of houses. After seats and carpets, we will need coin-changers and ticket- takers. We protected ourselves on mechanical equipment. When we bought new projection machines for the Carthay Circle, for instance, we passed the equipment from that theatre along to an inferior house, and so on. We have been able to get parts for repairs most of the time." A contrary note is sounded, how- ever, by Albert J. Law, executive sec- retary and general counsel of the Southern California Theatre Owners Association, who said : "Practically every theatre owner is developing plans for rehabilitating his house. The SCTOA is making a very comprehensive survey of the situation and committees are working on the matter at the present time." Wisconsin Urged to Back Postwar WAC (Continued from page 1) lied States, with which it is affiliated, will participate in any way with WAC in the event the latter organiza- tion is continued after the war. "It will be a serious mistake," Fitz- gerald said, "to abandon the WAC, which has done so much good for the war effort and the industry. The pending Federal proposals for amendment of the industry consent de- cree were discussed at a closed session on Friday by Abram F. Myers, Mar- tin Smith, H. A. Cole, Sidney Sam- uelson, William Ainsworth, P. J. Wood and John Adler. Harry Perlevitz, business manager of the Association, revealed that he is working with the city attorney here on an amendment to the municipal "standing-room-only" ordinance, which prohibits the sale of tickets after all seats are filled. Fire Destroys Two Lexington, Ky., Nov. 12.— Theatre fires are reported to have destroyed two Kentucky houses, the White Pine Theatre in White Pine and the Gaines in Pineville. Metro Honors 20th Anniversary Aids Milwaukee, Nov. 12. — M-G-M honored the district managers and bookers of the Fox Wisconsin chain at a luncheon at the Schroeder Hotel here Friday for their participation in the company's 20th anniversary week drive. Three of the 20 bronze plaques awarded throughout the country for outstanding campaigns went to Fox managers. The plaques were present- ed by Jack Flynn, Metro's Western division manager, to Hugo Birming- ham, Palace manager ; Harry Boesel, Wisconsin manager ; Gene Kilburg, downtown district, and Harold J. Fitzgerald, circuit president. Among those present were Sam Shirley, Metro District manager : Walter Brooks, Metro executive from New York, and Paul Mooney, assist- ant to the National Screen Service president, in town to attend the ITO of Wisconsin convention. Fire Damages Berea Berea, O., Nov. 12. — Fire, believed to have started in a dressing room, destroyed equipment of the Berea Theatre, owned and operated by Sco- ville, Essick and Reif. Schless in Charge For Para, in Europe (Continued from page 1) tions, publicity and advertising direc- tor for the Schless division. Before joining Paramount Interna- tional, Schless was general foreign manager for Warner Bros, from 1940 to last month. He had been with Warners in Europe for 16 years, serv- ing in various executive capacities. Michaud was formerly a division- al film sales executive in Europe, and recently had special assignments in Latin America. At the outbreak of the war, Michaud joined the Free French Forces as a lieutenant of ar- tillery. He was decorated with the Croix de Guerre. He was demobil- ized in 1941, after which he resumed his film work. Lapinere was a film advertising di- rector in Europe for five years, up to 1933, and from then to 1940 he was Metro's European advertising- publicity chief. Four years ago he came to the United States, where he conducted his own advertising business in New York. With Schless' appointment, a re- alignment of Paramount foreign de- partment divisional heads has been completed. Previously named by Hicks were: James E. Perkins, Far Eastern and South African divisional manager, covering all territory in- cluding India, China, the Philippine Islands, Dutch East Indies, Straits Settlements, Burma, Ceylon, New Zealand, Australia, while A. L. Prat- chett has been made Latin-American divisional manager. Robert Graham has been named a special overseas representative. Warners Hold to 20 For New Season (Continued from page 1) duction despite the slow rate of release is that it is taking the company longer to produce films in view of the increased budgets. Warners has set eight for release up to Dec. 30. With "To Have and Have Not," "Rhapsody in Blue," "Saratoga Trunk," "Objective Burma" and "The Corn Is Green" among others, not set for release, it is expected that the September-December trend of only two films a month will not be maintained thereafter. "Hollywood Canteen," set for Dec. 30 release, is expected to receive most of its sales emphasis in January. "To Have and Have Not" will probably follow. Others completed and awaiting re- lease include : "The Horn Blows at Midnight," "Roughly Speaking," "God Is My Co-Pilot," "Pillar to Post," "Men Without Destiny" (a remake of "Petrified Forest"), "De- votion," "Animal Kingdom," "My Reputation," "Christmas in Connecti- cut," "Conflict," "Of Human Bond- age" and "Cinderella Jones." Three additional films are nearing completion. They are "Nobody Lives Forever," "San Antonio" and "The Big Sleep." Films to go into produc- tion in the next 10 weeks, besides "Hotel Berlin," include : "House on the Sand," "Stolen Life," "This Love of Ours," "Janie Gets Married," "The Adventures of Don Juan," "Night and Day," "One Man's Secret," "Wall- flower" and "Silver Lining." Monday, November 13, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 Chicago Managers Reported Unionized Chicago, Nov. 12. — Eugene Atkin- son, business manager of Chicago projectionists, Local 110, will leave for New Orleans next week to discuss a charter for a theatre managers' union at the American Federation of Labor convention, starting Nov. 20. On two previous occasions, James Gorman, president of the local, has told Motion Picture Daily that the charter has already been secured by the union, but Atkinson has been silent on the mat- ter. It is reported unofficially that the union secured the charter at the IATSE convention in St. Louis, last Summer, but that the action will not be made official until the coming AFL meet. A number of circuit theatre mana- gers have been in huddles on the union matter, but have awaited further ac- tion fiom Atkinson. Johnson Heads Union Lou Johnson has been elected presi- dent of the New York Film Exchange Employes Union, Local B-51, IATSE. Others named are : Leonard Brooks, vice president ; Gerard Lee, secretary ; Harold Marenstein, financial secre- tary. Paramount Fetes Danson Paramount's advertising - publicity department gave a farewell party on Friday to Hal Danson, assistant ad- vertising manager, who left the com- pany to start today at the Kayston- Sbiero Advertising Agency. WB District Heads Conclude Meeting Major Albert Warner, vice-presi- dent, and Joseph Bernhard, general manager of Warner Theatres, ad- dressed the final day's sessions of the two-day Warner district managers' meeting here at the weekend. Sessions were addressed by Ben Kalmenson, general sales manager, who presided, and Charles Einfeld, Mort Blumenstock, Norman H. Mo- ray, Arthur Sachson and other home office sales executives. District man- agers who returned to their posts over the weekend included Henry Herbel, Los Angeles ; Ralph H. Clark, Toron- to; Ralph L. McCoy, Atlanta;- Harry A. Seed, Chicago; Hall Walsh, St. Louis ; Robert Smeltzer, Washington, and Charles Rich, Cleveland. Harriet Parsons to Produce for RKO Hollywood, Nov. 12. — Harriet Parsons has resigned from the film news staff of International News Service to devote full time to RKO production. She is currently produc- ing "The Enchanted Cottage," and is preparing "The Prodigal Women" and "Who Could Ask for Anything More?" Miss Parsons had been with Hearst for 13 years and on the film staff of the Los Angeles Examiner. Appeals AAA Ruling W. V. Adwell, operator of the Roxy theatre, San Angelo, Tex., who filed a combination clearance, some-run complaint against the five consenting companies, has filed notice of appeal from a decision in the Dallas tribunal, the American Arbitration Association reported here at the weekend. Cites U. S. Films as Tonic 'Down Under' Hollywood, Nov. 12. — American films have done more than any other single agency to maintain wartime morale 'down under,' Richard V. Keane, Australian minister of trade and customs, stated at an industry luncheon at the Roosevelt Hotel here Friday. Keane controls motion pic- ture import taxes, quotas and censor- ship and is his country's key official in the eyes of Hollywood. Y. Frank Freeman presided at the luncheon in place of Joseph M. Schenck, who was suffering from a cold but who left for New York Friday night on the Superchief as scheduled. Others present included Charles W. Koerner, Cliff Work, Edgar J. Mannix, Allen Wilson, Jason Joy and Joseph I. Breen. Katcher and Morris Join Goldwyn Here Leo Katcher has been appointed East Coast publicity-advertising representative, and Claud Morris, East Coast exploitation director for Samuel Goldwyn. Katcher had been with Vanguard, directing East Coast publicity. Morris was formerly with United Artists as director of exploitation in Chicago. Prior to his UA position he had been with M-G-M and was director of advertising for Fox Mid- west. Drops Some-run Charge M. T. Poovey, operator of the Mar- silla Theatre, Rockingham, N. C, has withdrawn his some-run complaint against RKO and Warners, filed in the Charlotte tribunal, the American Arbitration Association reports. WLB Gets Dance Directors Case Washington, Nov. 12. — Inability of producers and the Dance Directors Guild, an independent organization, to get together on a contract resulted r/'riday m Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins certitying the controversy to the War Labor .board. The negotiations between the Guild and the studios have been going on for several months and since August the Labor Department's conciliator, L. L. Livingston, has been trying to get the two groups together. There nas been no stoppage of work and the negotiations have been conducted in a friendly manner, but Livingston was said to have become convinced of the impossibility of reaching a common meeting ground for the two groups and recommended that the WLB take over the case. Order Election to End SAG-SPU Dispute Hollywood, Nov. 12. — The Na- tional Labor Relations Board at Washington has ordered an election in the dispute between the Screen Actors Guild and the Screen Players Union to determine the bargaining agent for extras. All extras who have worked 30 days within the past year will be eligible, including those performing stunts, singing, or playing bits or parts involving a line or more of es- sential story dialogue. Excluded are regular stunt, part and "bit" players and class "A" and class "A" junior members of the guild. A date for the election has not been set. The extras will choose SAG or no union. One of the many brilliant production highlights— the Coffee Number— in "Brazil/' as Republic captures the festive Pan-American music and dancing in all its true color and splendor. advt. 8 Motion Picture Daily Monday, November 13, 1944 All But 'Soldier' Off in Cleveland Cleveland, Nov. 12. — "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" was the top picture in an off week, coming just under the line at Warners' Hippodrome with an expected take of $20,000. "Greenwich Village" held to average in its second week at the Allen and Duke Ellington on the RKO Palace stage with "Crime by Night" on the screen fell below with $20,000. "I Love a Soldier" was the only above-average film. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 8 : "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) ALLEN — (3,000) (45c-55c-65c) 7 days (in- cluding special midnight election show), 2nd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $8,500). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) WARNERS' HIPPODROME— (3,500) (45c-55c-65c) 7 days (and midnight election show. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $22,100). "Impatient Years" (Col.) WARNERS' LAKE— (714) (35c-55c-65c) 7 days (and midnight election show), 2nd week. Gross: $3,100. (Average: $3,200). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) LOEWS OHIO— (1,268) (45c-65c) 7 days (and midnight election show), 2nd week. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $5,000). "Crime by Night" (WB) RKO PALACE— (3,300) (50c-60c-85c-95c) 7 days. Stage: Duke Ellington. Gross: $20,- 000. (Average: $25,400). "Summer Storm" (UA) LOEWS STATE — (3,300) (45c -65c) 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $19,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOEWS STILLMAN— (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days, 5th week (also late election night show). Gross: $8,000. (Average: $10,000). 'Soldier' and 'Sisters' Make a Nice Team Indianapolis, Nov. 12. — "I Love a Soldier" and "Three Little Sisters" at the Indiana is bidding for the lead here this week. "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "The Big Noise" at the Lyric still continue big in a second week at the Lyric. Estimated receipts for the week end- ed Nov. 7-9 : "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) "Candlelight in Algeria" (20th-Fcx) CIRCLE— (2,800) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $11,800). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) "Three Little Sisters" (Rep.) INDIANA— (3,200) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $11,600). "Nine Girls" (Col.) KEITH'S — (1,500) (60c) 4 days. Stage show. Gross: $4,800. (Average: $5,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOEWS — (2,800) (32c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $11,500). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) "The Big Noise" (ZOth-Fox) LYRIC — (2,000) (32c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week (3rd week in Indianapolis). Gross: $5,000. (Average: $4,900). WJZ Film Trailers In Skouras Theatres The 64 Skouras Theatres in this area will soon show trailers at all per- formances promoting Blue Network and station WJZ programs. It is esti- mated that the 100-foot trailers with a running time of one minute and 20 seconds will reach more than 2,000,- 000 theatre patrons weekly. Joseph M. Seiferth, WJZ audience promotion manager, is supervising production t>f the films. The trailers will be shown in Skouras theatres under a three-way tie-up between 20th Century-Fox, Skouras and WJZ whereby 20th-Fox films playing in Skouras houses receive air promotion on WJZ. Get Fawcett Accounts McCann-Erickson, Inc., and L. E. McGivena and Co. will handle adver- tising accounts here of Fawcett Pub- lications. Reviews 'Strangers in the Night' {Republic) AN unusual story idea gives rise to a web of intriguing circumstances which results in a mystery film made to order for the addicts. The ac- tion is effectively subdued throughout in favor of an atmosphere of acute sus- pense, achieved by subordinating the murders and attempted murders to the amazing workings of a diseased or "halitosis" mind. Helene Thimig dreams up a beautiful daughter and ties her entire life to that illusion. When faced with William Terry, who wants to meet the girl, Miss Thimig tells him her daughter is away. The eerie atmosphere of the house and the peculiar actions of Miss Thimig and her companion, Edith Barrett, give Terry cause to wonder and he 'takes his suspicions to Virginia Grey, the local doctor. The situation reaches a climax when Miss Barrett is found dead, a victim of poison. Fearing discovery and the exposure of her ruse, Miss Thimig attempts to kill Miss Grey and Terry, and failing in that, confesses the entire scheme, including the murder of her companion* who threatened to reveal the secret, Anthony Mann handled the screenplay, by Bryant Ford and Paul Gangelin, carefully maintaining suspense throughout. Terry, Miss Grey, Miss Thimig, Anne O'Neal and Miss Barrett all handle their roles competently. Rudolph E. Abel produced. Running time, 56 mins. "G."* Helen McNamara "The Town Went Wild" (PRC Pictures) Hollyzvood, Nov. 12 THE newly-formed producing unit of Bernard R. Roth, Clarence Greene and Russell Rouse is off to an auspicious start with a comedy of small- town life that is sure to please small-town and city folk alike. Fine per- formances by a judiciously-selected cast, able direction by Ralph Murphy, and a splendid script by the three producers combine to provide 80 minutes of good entertainment. The story concerns a feud between two neighbors, heads of families, and their predicament when it is revealed that, due to a mixup at the hospital some 20 years before, each has raised the other's son as his own. Romance, too, heads for "the rocks" at the revelation, for one of the boys, in love with the girl next door, now discovers that she can only be a sister to him. It would not be fair to tell now how these complications are resolved, but re- solved they are, in hilarious and satisfactory fashion. Freddie Bartholomew and James Lydon are the bewildered boys, Ed- ward Everett Horton and Tom Tully their feuding fathers. Jill Browning is sweet and wistful as the girl, and both Minna Gombell and Maude Eburne contribute clear-cut characterizations. Running time, 80 minutes. "G"*. Release date not set. Thalia Bell Vigilantes of Dodge City' (Republic) Hollxwood, Nov. 12 THE latest of Republic's "Red Ryder" series is cut to the pattern of its predecessors and, like them, stresses action and story values. Wild Bill Elliott, who is rapidly becoming one of the most popular of the cowboy stars, fights for the right with energy and talent. Bobby Blake as "Little Beaver," Alice Fleming as "The Duchess," and Tom London as "Denver," support him with nimble wits, six-guns and a bow and arrow. This time the Duchess owns a freight line on which the villain casts a covetous eye. A number of holdups fail to induce her to sell. The villain then attempts to frame Red Ryder for the robberies, but the cowboy is not to be trapped. With Little Beaver's aid, he gets the goods on the instigator of the holdups, and sends him to his just reward in a blaze of exploding dynamite. Wallace Grissell directed. William J. O' Sullivan was the executive pro- ducer, and Stephen Auer his associate. The screenplay was by Norman S. Hall and Anthony Coldeway, from an original story by the former. Running time, 54 minutes. "G."* Release date, not set. T. B. 'Swing Hostess' (PRC Pictures) Hollywood, Nov. 12 THE plot of "Swing Hostess" revolves around two girls, one who sings badly and one who sings well. Unfortunately, the girl who sings badly is given almost as much footage as the other. When Martha Tilton is at the "mike," all is well, and it is to be regretted that story complications require that she sing one song, "Say It With Love," innumerable times. Cliff Nazarro adds welcome comedy with his double- talk, and Emmett Lynn does an amusing characterization as the landlord of a theatrical boarding-house. Others in the cast are : Irish Adrian, Charles Collins, Harry Holman, Betty Brodel, Claire Rochelle and Paul Porcasi. The original story and screenplay are credited to Louise Rousseau and Gail Daven- port, and it's the one about the ambitious young girl who wants to sing with a "name" band. She gets the job in the last reel. Sigmund Neufeld and Sam Newfield, who work so smoothly together, pro- duced and directed, respectively. Running time, 76 minutes. "G"*. T. B. *-"G" denotes general classification. 6Laura,Gets$28,000, Increase of $8,000 San Francisco, Nov. 12. — Pre-elec- tion interest cut attendance nearly 25 per cent. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 7-9 : "Bowery to Broadway" (Univ.) "The Great Mike" (PRC) ORPHEUM— (2,440) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $15,000). "Going My Way" (Para.) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (74c-$1.20) 7 days, 11th week. Gross: $12,400. (Aver- age: $14,500'). "Nine but the Lonely Heart" (RKO) GOLDEN GATE— (2,850) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $33,000. (Average: $27,000). "Algiers" (UA) WARFIELD— (2,680) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $23,000. (Aver- age: $25,000). "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) "When Strangersi Marry" (Mono.) FOX — (5,000) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $27,000. (Average: $28,000). "Laura" (ZOth-Fox) "Shadow of Suspicion" (Mono.) PARAMOUNT— (2,748) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $20,000). "Kismet" (M-G-M) "Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep.) STATE— (2,308) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $13,000). "The Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) "Oh, What a Night" (Mono.) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, on a moveover from the Fox. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $12,000). Pittsburgh Likes 'Casanova Brown' Pittsburgh, Nov. 12. — Pittsburgh's first Wintery weather accounts for low receipts this week with the Stan- ley well in the lead with a return of $18,500 expected for "Casanova Brown." Estimated receipts for the week end- ed Nov. 6-10 : "The Climax" (Univ.) FULTON — (1,700) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $8,500). "Laura" (20th-Fox) J. P. HARRIS — (2,200) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $10,000). "Rainbow Island" (Para.) PENN — (3.40O) (40c - 55c - 85c) 7 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average: $21,700). ' "S-.'vercth. Cross" (M-G-M) RITZ— (1,100) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days, 3rd week. Moveover from the Warner. Gross: $3,500. (Average, $3,000). "Louisiana Hayride" (Col.) "Mark of the Whistler" (Col.) SENATOR— (1,750) (35c-44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $2,500. (Averave: $3,000). "Casanova Brown" (RKO) STANLEY— (3,800) (40c-55c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $18,500. (Average: $22,000). "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) WARNER— (2,000) (35c-44c-65c) on a moveover from the Penn. $7,000. (Average: $9,350'). days, Gross : 'Hairy Ape/ 'Cactus' Gross Big $10,600 Omaha, Nov. 12. — The Orpheum Theatre, featuring "The Hairy Ape" and "Moonlight and Cactus" again captured the box office top with $10,- 600. The much smaller Brandeis did nicely with the "Princess and the Pirate," plus "My Pal Wolf."_ Chilly, wet weather chased away business. Estimated receipts for the week end- ed Nov. 8-9 : "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO) "My Pal Wolf" (RKO) BRANDEIS— (1.200) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $8,600. (Average: $6,500). "Greenwich Village" (2ttth-Fox) "Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) OMAHA— (2,000) (44c-60c) 5 days. Gross: $6,400. (Average: $8,400). "The Hairy Ape" (UA) "Moon'ight and Cactus" (Univ.) ORPHEUM— (3,000) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,600. (Average: $9,800). "An American Romance" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (2,900) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,100. (Average: $11,700). One Good Reason 6ut 6r Millions Ut 'km Why Vou Need lo bell More In Ihe Wh CAPTAIN RAYMOND W. WILD, A.A.F., wearer of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation— now touring with War Activities Committee, Sixth War Loan. I HE'S HAD $4,000,000 WORTH OF WAR BONDS SHOT OUT FROM UNDER HIM FIGURE IT OUT FOR YOURSELF. A fully equip- ped Flying Fortress (B-17) costs about a half a million dollars. In his 29 combat missions Ray Wild has had eight of them so badly shot up, he's just managed to bring 'em in on a wing and a prayer. O. K. That's four million bucks' worth of equipment used up by just one of our air heroes. No wonder Ray asks you, Mr. Exhibitor, to get behind the Sixth War Loan Drive and give it the greatest campaign ever. Total war costs money. And War Bonds supply that money— the mighty ammunition of Victory . . . and a lasting Peace. "BUY BONDS AT YOUR MOTION PICTURE This advertisement is published by this magazine in the interest of the Sixth War Loan ' ■ THEATRE" in the SIXTH WAR LOAN DRIVl! 3n and prepared by the War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, Official U. S. Navy Photograph °ne °* a series of advertisements by KODAK testifying to the achievements of the movies at war WHEN the boys are months and miles from home, a movie's more than a show. It's a window into the life they've left behind. Here are the longed-for city streets; their beloved villages and farms; their ways and their people — their America. "Movies tonight" are a godsend to Service men and women; one of the most deeply appreciated gifts the home folks can send. The sending, of course, is done by you of "the movies." Hundreds of current features go to fighting craft and fighting men in every theater of the war. There's "home" in every reel. And it would do your heart good to see the boys' eyes light up when word gets around that it's "movies tonight." Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, n.y. J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors FORT LEE CHICAGO HOLLYWOOD ) VOL. 56. NO. 93 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1944 TEN CENTS Bar German Cartels in U.S. Industry Recommendation Made By Senate Group By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington, Nov. 13. — Post- war Germany would be barred from any interest whatever in the American motion picture industry under a proposal of a Senate military affairs subcommittee for destruction of the German cartel system, by which Nazi industrialists before the war were able through patents to con- trol the supply of many commodities abroad. Areas of Nazi penetration were found by the Alien Prop- erty Custodian after our entry into the war, in motion picture film, photographic apparatus and chemicals, through all of which the American industry was affected. The subcommittee pointed out that, (Continued on page 5) Victor, Columbia Begin Recording The 27 month battle between James C. Petrillo's American Federation of Musicians and RCA Victor and Co- lumbia Record, which prevented those two from making of records since Aug. 1, 1942, came to an end yester- day, after the two record manufac- turers capitulated, agreed to Petrillo's terms, and aftar contracts were signed, resumed the making of record- ings. The victory for Petrillo means that for the first time the entire record industry has accepted the demand to pay directly to the union's headquar- (Continued on page 8) Offer of D. C. Post Is Denied By Schaefer Questioned yesterday concerning a story published in Motion Picture Daily on Nov. 10 which said that George J. Schaefer, chairman of the War Activities Committee, had been proffered a new MPPDA post in Washington, Schaefer said : "No such post has been offered me and 1 am unaware that it has been dis- cussed." Schaefer added : "The report may (Continued on page 5) Davis Giving Month To Deal in Canada Toronto, Nov. 13.— Although negotiations for J. Arthur Rank's purchase of a half in- terest in Odeon Theatres of Canada are "proceeding sat- isfactorily" here, according to John H. Davis, of London, co- managing director of Odeon Theatres in Great Britain, the deal may not be finalized before the end of November, it was indicated here today. To Preserve Films of War Washington, Nov. 13. — Provision of a Government repository for per- manent preservation of the still and motion picture records of World War II may come as the outgrowth of a campaign initiated yesterday by the Washington Post to prevent pictures of the war from the same fate as those of World War I, a large part of which were lost by deterioration through neglect. The Post yesterday quoted Army and Navy pictorial officers and Gov- ernment officials as strongly favoring the building of a library for the mil- lions of feet of motion and still oic- tures of the war which are being made by all the services in all sections of the world. The pictures of the last war never were brought together in any one place. Many of them were lost short- ly after the end of the war and never (Continued on page 5) Warners Promote J. J. Glynn and Karl G. Macdonald J. J. Glynn, vice-president and treasurer of Warner Bros. Pictures International Corp., has been desig- nated manager of foreign branch op- erations, with supervision of the phy- sical activities of all foreign offices of the company. Karl G. Macdonald, also a vice- president of the foreign unit, has been named assistant to Wolfe Cohen, who has charge of all activities for South America, Australia, New Zea- land and the Far East. "Appointments are designed to achieve better coordination of War- ner's expanding foreign activities fol- lowing the recent promotion of Joseph S. Hummel to complete charge of Continental Europe, Africa, Scandi- navia, Palestine and Syria, and the entrance of Wolfe Cohen into the set- up," the company said yesterday. Hummel will leave shortly for a tour of his territories. Reagan Claims 3,127 Deals in One Week A total of 3,127 independent fea- ture deals was made by the Para- mount domestic distribution depart- ment in the week ending Friday. This is 123 more than the previous high of 3.004, during the week ended Jan. 30, 1943, according to Charles M. Rea- gan, executive vice-president in charge of distribution. Reagan claims that the first block for_ 1944-4.i; is the fastest selling block since de- cree selling was inaugurated four years ago. 'Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo 9 [M-G-M] Hollywood, Nov. 13 THE producer asserts "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" is the first completely authentic picture of World War II ; that there is no fiction in it; that even the names of the characters are real names of the men who participated in the first bombing" of Tokyo. Contemporary historians and other Hollywood producers may fling down the gauntlet, but not so this reviewer. He is content to rest on what he saw, the reactions he registered and to decide here is a show of superior values in its overall terms and of superb values in certain of its stretches. This, of course, is the story of the famous Doolittle raid, particularized and concentrated in the role played in that raid by Ted W. Lawson, then a lieutenant and now a major. What he and his crew aboard the 'Run- tured Duck' passed through in training, in sacrifice and in heroic deed is widely known to the public by official account and Lawson's book. In detail, all of this is unfolded from the time the then Lieut. Col. James Doolittle called for volunteers, through the secrecy to which his brave band was committed, the preparations at Eglin Field in Florida, the (Continued on page 8) Arguments in Film Decree Case on Dec. 5 Month's Delay Forced By Schine Hearing Washington, Nov. 13. — Argu- ment on the motion of the Depart- ment of Justice for extension of the consent decree will be held before Judge Henry W. Goddard in the New York Federal District Court on Dec. 5. The motion originally was set to be heard Nov. 4, but a month's delay has been granted at the request of the Department because of the necessity for Robert L. Wright, special assistant to the Attorney General in charge of the motion picture unit, to direct the Government's presentation in the Schine case at Buffalo. A spokes- (Continued on page 5) Equipment Needed, Seats Secondary Postwar improvements in theatres will not be as rapid or assume new ideas as rapidly as appears indicative from current industry talk, Bert San- ford of Altec Service's Eastern sales staff told Motion Picture Daily here vesterday. Sanford has just returned from a cross-country trip gathering information on the future needs of (Continued on page 8) 20,000 at 'Night of Stars' Tonight The 11th annual "Night of Stars" will be presented this evening at Madi- son Square Garden, here, before a sold-out house of 20,000, and high- lighted by a special message from President Roosevelt which will de- clare, in part, that the humanitarian purposes of the presentation must "appeal to all whose hearts beat with compassion for the oppressed and the under-privileged." Similar messages will be read from Governor Dewey (Continued on page 5) Also Reviewed Today In addition to the review of "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," M-G-M, appearing in adjoin- ing columns, a review of "Strange Affair," Columbia, appears on page 8. 2 motion Picture daily Tuesday, November 14, 1944 Personal Mention JOSEPH SCHENCK, executive production head of 20th-Fox, ar- rived in New York from Hollywood yesterday. • H. M. Bessey, Altec's vice-presi- dent and operating manager ; H. S. Morris, merchandising manager, and Stanley Hand, advertising manager, have returned to New York from Hollywood. • Joseph Di Lorenzo, RKO division manager in the New York area, is the- father of a daughter, Andrea Jane, born Nov. 10 at the Fifth Ave. hospi- tal. • W. J. Kupper, general sales man- ager of 20th-Fox, has arrived in Los Angeles to convalesce following a re- cent attack of pneumonia. • Sam Katzman, Monogram produc- er, is due here from the Coast. He will meet with Jack Dietz, his part- ner, already in New York. • E. J. Hudson, president of United Detroit Theatres, and Jack Keegan, buyer and booker for the circuit, are New York visitors. • Moe Silver, Pittsburgh zone man- ager for Warner Theatres, and his assistant, Harry Feinstein, arrived in New York yesterday. • George A. Smith, Paramount Western division manager, has re- turned to New York from a trip through his territory. • Irwin Zeltner, of 20th-Fox's home office exploitation staff, has re- turned to New York from Pitts- burgh. • Roy Disney, of Walt Disney Pro- ductions, is in New York from the Coast. • Bill Collins, owner of the Collins Circuit, Atlanta, has returned there from New York. • John Jenkins, president of Astor Pictures, Dallas, was in Atlanta en- route to Washington and New York. • Frank Hensler, M-G-M Kansas City manager, will return there from New York today. • William Dozier, RKO producer, arrived in New York yesterday from Hollywood. • Sid Kulick, PRC Eastern sales manager, left here yesterday to visit Eastern branches. • Al Tuchman, RKO receptionist for 22 years, celebrated his 75th birth- day yesterday. • Arthur Jarratt, Associated Brit- ish Pictures circuit executive, is in New York from London. • Ted O'Shea, M-G-M Eastern sales head, will return today from Albany. Rodgers Will List MGM's Block No. 10 Cincinnati, Nov. 13. — Announce- ment of M-G-M's next block, No. 10, will be made by William F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales man- ager, at the four-day Midseason meet- ing here of the company's division and district managers, starting Thursday. The sessions will be attended by 27 home office and field executives. Indications are that the five pic- tures scheduled for trade showing this month will be included in the next group. "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" will be screened in all offices Nov. 13 with the exception of Philadelphia, which will show it Nov. 16, and St. Louis, which has set Nov. 18. "The Thin Man Goes Home" will be shown in all exchange areas Nov. 21. "Blonde Fever" is set for Nov. 21, except in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Boston, where it will be shown on Nov. 22. "Main Street After Dark" is due on Nov. 27 in all offices. "Nothing But Trouble" will be shown in all ex- changes on Nov. 27, except in Phila- delphia, Pittsburgh and Boston, where it is slated for screenings Nov. 28. Executives Expected Home office executives expected to attend the meeting include: John E. Flynn and E. K. O'Shea, divi- sion managers ; Howard Dietz, vice- r resident in charge of advertising- exploitation ; Eddie Aaron, circuit sales head ; Alan F. Cummings, in charge of exchange operations and Harold Postman, his assistant ; H. M. Richey, director of exhibitor rela- tions ; Walter Brooks, his assistant ; Ben Mclntiker, home office counsel. Gen. Blarney Praises Industry for Films American distributors have supplied free to the Australian Army some 211,872,771 feet of film, comprising 19,104 programs, since 1939, F. Mc- Neill Ackland, chairman of the board of the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia, here from Australia, declared in an interview yesterday. In addition, they have dis- tributed a weekly supply of pre-re- lease programs in New Guinea, he said. Ackland is here to personally convey the gratitude of General Sir Thomas Blarney, commander of the Australian Army, for the work per- formed by the industry for Australian military personnel in making available these gift films. Similar thanks have been sent by U. S. Army Special Services. The companies have also cooperated with the Australian Department of Information in making available 300 orints to 1,500 theatres to aid the War Loan drive in that country and made four short subjects to aid the drive. The outlook is excellent for U. S. films in Australia after the war, Ack- land said. The public there has turned increasingly to films for its en- tertainment. Ackland will remain here until the end of the month and will spend several weeks in Hollywood. Doris LeRoy to Set Commercial Films Large American corporations are •currently being sounded out on the possibilities of having films made for them which could be shown to mil- lions of people in the United States and Central and South America today through non-theatrical distribution and to television audiences in the post- war in the present activities of Cine- Television Studios headed by Fred H. Fidler, formerly with the motion pic- ture department of J. Walter Thomp- son. Doris Warner LeRoy, daughter of H. M. Warner, president of War- ner Bros., is associated with the proj- ect. With Motion Picture Networks, one of the organizations under the Cine-Television set-up, Mrs. LeRoy is currently trying to sell large commer- cial organizations on the idea of doing institutional advertising with films in an overall program through non-the- atrical outlets. War Plant Audience One of the outlets in the U. S. for the films, which would b: made either here or in Hollywood w'th an eye to entertainment values rather than straight institutional promotions, would be to the 8,500,000 persons per month who now see the Army's Industrial Services Division's incentive films in war plants. Another would be to those who see the Office of War Informa- tion's films ; also, possibly, the 6,000,- 000 a month who see films of the Co- ordinator of Inter-American affairs in Central and South America. Circulation is also being offered in some 25,000 women's clubs, 30,000 churches, and some 10,000 schools equipped for sound. "Minute Movies," another branch of Cine-Television has already made a series of four one-minute trailers for NBC as part of the network's "Par- ade of Stars." These are currently being shown in over 800 theatres. More Service Help Gets Wage Boosts The Regional War Labor Board in Cleveland has approved a 10 per cent retroactive wage increase for shippers, inspectors and poster clerks in Cleve- land exchanges. Applications for similar increases have been filed or are in the process of being prepared for these employes in all exchanges. The WLB previ- ously approved increases for the em- ployes in Seattle, Boston and New Haven exchanges. Company exchange operational heads and representatives of the IATSE will meet here today to set more applications for filing with the regional WLBs. Dave Halper, IATSE attorney and Ernest Mahler of O'Brien, Driscoll and Raftery, representing United Art- ists, have returned from Chicago and Cleveland where they sought to ex- pedite the approval by the WLB of a system of job classifications with mini- mum and maximum wage scales and a minimum 10 per cent wage increase for exchange office employes. Injunction Denied Against Majors Pittsburgh, Nov. 13. — Federal Judge F. P. Schoonmaker has denied an application by the Penn Theatre at Ambridge for a temporary injunction, preceding trial, to restraian distribu- tor-producers from refusing the Penn first run pictures, on grounds that a contract was not renewed. Compton Leaves UA, Harkins Succeeds Hollywood, Nov. 13. — Walter Compton has resigned as United Ar- tists Hollywood publicity director, ef- fective Friday, Nov. 17. He will es- tablish his own office on Jan. 3. John Harkins will succeed him at UA. WE Anniversary Film "Heritage for Victory," produced by Western Electric in commemoration of the company's 75th anniversary, will be screened at a press preview Thursday afternoon, at the Monte Carlo Casino Room. Beginning Fri- day the film will be shown to 100,000 employes throughout the country. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation-^-Rockefellcr Center GREER GARSON — WALTER PI DG EON in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "MRS. PARKINGT0N" Edward Arnold - Agnes Moorehead Cecil KeUaway SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION First Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 ^ PARAMOUNT presents ^ Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek' ^ RIVOLI.B'way & 49th St ^ PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. SUPER-SHOCK SENSATION! "THE MASTER RACE" George COULOURIS Osa MASSEN Stanley RIDGES Carl ESMOND Paramount presents PAULETTE SONNY GODDARD TUFTS "I LOVE A SOLDIER" In Person TONY PASTOR and his Band BERT WHEELER MARION HUTTON HAl LEROY ^ Times J Squary ON SCREEN First N. Y. Showing! 'SAN DIEGO, I LOVE YOU' ION HALL LOUISE ALLBRITTON IN PERSON JAMES BARTON 3 SUNS h?n ■ i 4 ^'u^artin Qu'S,ey. President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday Marti* rww vt If 7 Pub',s,m.nS Company Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." S" H^'flll K, Tesl°e" *; colvln Brown .Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News C 4 r„fJL o r 'j „Mtls;,n? Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London bureau, ' MMen bq Lo£d?V: W.J> H°Pe Burinip, Manager; Peter Bumup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London " All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing vainer yuigiey Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the Y ., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Co., Inc. post office at New York ...something for the millions & who want dance-dazzling, tune-torrid entertainment, the kind that comes fro kRMEN MIRANDA •MICHAEL O'SHEA* VIVIAN BLAINE (The cherry Blonde) in*SOME- ^G FOR THE BOYS" with Phil Silvers * Sheila Ryan - Perry Como - Glenn Langan id by LEWIS SEILER • Produced by IRVING STARR in Technicolor • Screen Play by Robert Ellis. Based uficol Comedy Book by Herbert ond Dorothy Fields • Cole Porter Tuesday, November 14, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 5 Asks Theatres to Stay Open V-E Day Bond Aid Pledged by 450 New Englanders In Boston Rank Planning for Children's Films Lldora, la., Nov. 13. — bmall town theatres should not close on 'V-E Day,' Leo F. Wolcott, president of Iowa and Nebraska Theatre Owners, declares in a current organizational bulletin. "The best thoughts which have been expressed on the subject," Wolcott writes, "insist that the day should be one of quiet thanksgiving, not a wild orgy. People are generally quieter in the theatre than any other place. I think we should have police help handy to quell any disturbance and we should train our employes along this line, but I feel we should stay open to accommodate our people. Let the slogan be : 'Don't cheer while our boys are still dying on other battle fronts.' " Taking note of the recent release by the Treasury Department of salary reports of industry executives and the Treasury's observation that admission taxes here are less than in England, the bulletin asserts : "The need for a closely knit organization of all branches of this industry against un- fair taxation was never greater than at this moment." To Preserve Films Of World War II {Continued from page 1) recovered ; others were kept at vari- ous places by the services which had made them, but the film deteriorated rapidly and unable to secure money for their protection, the Army some years ago accepted a substantial con- tribution from the motion picture, in- dustry for preservation of what was left of its film library. It was pointed out that the pictures which have been and are now being- made will be "of tremendous historical value throughout the years to come," available to motion picture producers, historians, students, press and others, and that plans for early post-war con- struction of a repository should not be delayed. The movement was' given the sup- port of Elmer Davis, head of the Of- fice of War Information, who said that the OWI will take action when the time comes to turn over the films and pictures in its custody to whatever agency may be designated as a per- manent repository. The only handicap to the plan ap- pears to be the insistency of military officials that each service should have a representative on the governing body of the proposed library to safeguard its interests, but it is believed that if the necessary legislation is introduced in Congress this point could be re- solved satisfactorily. Duvivier Sues Bronston Hollywood, Nov. 13. — Julien Du- vivier has filed suit against Samuel Bronston, asking $395,000 damages for failure to produce two films for which, the complainant said, Bronston was to pay him $200,000. Mono. Completes 20 Hollywood, Nov. 13. — Monogram has completed 20 productions for 1944-45, according to the studio. This represents more than 41 per cent of 48 films scheduled. Boston, Nov. 13.- — A record break- ing 450 exhibitors, distributors, and War Finance leaders from Massachu- setts, Maine, New Hampshire, Ver- mont and Rhode Island, met with the industry's national committee for the Sixth War Loan at the Hotel Statler and pledged cooperation to make the drive the biggest in New England history. The program opened with a tribute to veterans of both World War I and II. The ceremonies were climaxed by a special salute to 'Movies at War' during which tribute was paid mem- bers of the national committee. All branches of the fighting services par- ticipated in this salute to the indus- try. The business meeting was opened by Sam Pinanski, state exhibitor fchairman, who presented the aims of the Massachusetts group in the Sixth War Loan. He called upon regional chairmen for their campaign reports. Pinanski then turned the meeting over to the national commit- tee, headed by Harry Brandt. Talks were delivered by Jack Kirsch, co- chairman ; Capt. Raymond W. Wild, and Lt. Louis Largey, war heroes ; Ned E. Depinet, distributor chair- man ; Nathan Yamins, co-chairman ; Gov. Leverett Saltonstall ; Mayor Maurice J. Tobin ; Theodore R. Gam- ble, national director, War Finance Division ; F. Winchester Denio, Massa- chusetts War Finance Committee chair- man, and John Hertz, Jr., national drive publicity director. A special testimonial pledge bearing the signatures of all present was pre- sented to the national chairman by Pinanski. Schw3rin and Norman On Drive Assignment Ruth Schwerin and Fred Norman have been added to the publicity staff of the Sixth War Loan, Harry Man- del, WAC publicity director in the New York area, reports. They will assist John A. Cassidy. press liaison. Norman will handle radio station contacts. Set 'Convoy' Ceremonies At Meeting Here Today Members of the industry's Sixth War Loan 'Convoy Committee' met yesterday in the Hotel Piccadilly with representatives of the Army, Navy, Bar German Cartels In U. S. Industry {Continued from page 1) following the end of the last war, defeated Germany was enabled to stage the comeback which paved the way for the cu.rent war through the stranglehold then secured upon many industries by its cartel system, and declared that Germany's indus- trial system must be reorganized so as to eliminate its aggressive power if the peace is to be preserved. Th-» report urged that all German nroperty in the United Nations and liberated countries should be confis- cated, that enemy property in this country be sold and the proceeds de- --^ed to the cost of the war, and that enemy-originated patents be re- tained by the Government and made available to all American industry. Coast Guard, Red Cross and the Treasury, and set final arrangements for ceremonies attending the opening of the Sixth War Loan Drive in Times Square on Friday. Com. Thomas W. Dewart, public relations officer of the Third Naval District ; Comm. Walton Butterfield, Coast Guard ; Wave Lieutenant Martha Donaldson; Major D. C. Weaver, Army; Capt. Chas. B. Sully of the Red Cross and Robert Halley represented the Government agencies. Harry Mandel, local drive publicity director, and Edward C. Dowden, spe- cial events chairman, outlined the program to committeemen and pub- licists John A. Cassidy, Al Zimbalist, Edgar Goth, Al Naroff, Paul Sher- man, Mike Siegel, Paul Binstock, Ira Morais, Ray Malone, William V. Stechman, Harry Sonenberg, Vincent Liguori, Teddy Trust, Jay Burton, William Slatar, Arthur Price, Jerry Sager and Sam Coolick. Pledge $70,000 and Running 'Free' Day Cleveland, Nov. 13. — Independent Cuyhoga country exhibitors today pledged $70,000 in 'E' and 'G' bonds and tax certificates at a bond drive meeting sponsored by the Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors Associa- tion. Members also pledged to run all bond trailers and to participate in the national 'Free Movie' day. Speakers included Meyer Fine, WAC exhibitor chairman for North- ern Ohio ; Morrison Orr, distributor chairman, and Charles Raymond, state exhibitor bond chairman. 60,000 Broadsides On 'Musts' of 6th As a reminder of the four 'musts' for the Sixth War Loan drive, John Hertz, Jr., national publicity director, has arranged to have 60,000 printed broadsides slip-sheeted in all company press sheets ; 30,000 copies of the one- page, two-color job, which urges ex- hibitors to arrange Bond premieres, Children's Matinees, National Free Movie shows and to become issuing agents, have already been turned over to National Screen Service to be in- serted into press sheets of all compa- nies handled by it. In addition, 7,500 copies of the sheets have been distributed to 2&th- Fox, Columbia, United Artists arid Warners. 20, 000 at 'Night of Stars' Tonight {Continued from page 1) and Mayor La Guardia at the show, proceeds of which will go to the Unit- ed Jewish Appeal for Refugees, Over- seas Needs and Palestine. Approximately 500 entertainers from all branches of the show world will appear tonight with La Guardia open- ing the proceedings. The producing committee, consisting of 62 theatrical executives, is headed by Robert M. Weitman, manager of the Paramount Theatre. Co-chairmen are Ed Sulli- van and Louis K. Sidney. Honorary chairmen in the women's division in- clude Mrs. Leo Spitz, Mrs. Eddie Cantor, Mrs. L. B. Mayer and Mrs. Spyros Skouras. Guests of the com- mittee will be 2,000 service men and women. Mary Field, director of J. Arthur Rank's children's film department, plans to reach a production output of a two-hour progam of entertainment films weekly for children within five years, she stated in an interview here yesterday at the offices of Eagle-Lion Films. Miss Field is here on a short trip from London to make a survey of the non-theatrical field in this coun- try. Foreseeing a development of non- theatrical films after the war, Miss Field said that both the U. S. and Great Britain will collaborate in this field. At present, both Rank's Gau- mont British and Odeon circuits are conducting Saturday morning film clubs for children and drawing capac- ity audiences, Miss Field said. Thea- tres used are only paid expenses for use of the house, etc., and money left over is turned back into production of films for children. Since only a nominal fee is paid for membership in the clubs, Rank pays the bill for most of the production costs. More than 300,000 are estimated to attend the Saturday filmings, according to Miss Field. Miss Field is also arranging for production of these children's enter- tainment films in other countries, and has contracted for Sweden to make several for her, and plans others in Norway, Canada and the U. S. Many British companies are producing the films for Rank, along with regular theatrical productions. Argue Film Decree Case December 5 (Continued from page 1) man for the Department said here to- day that the new date is satisfactory and no further continuance will be sought. Meanwhile, it was disclosed that some time must elapse before the court at Buffalo can render a deci- sion in the Schine case and if that suit goes to the Supreme Court, as is quite probable, it is highly unlikely that a final opinion can be secured this year. It was explained that, while the taking of evidence was com- pleted last week, the Government has until Dec. 15 in which to file briefs. The defendants have 30 days in which to file answers, and the Government then has 15 days for its reply, mak- ing it unlikely that any decision will be possible before late in February. Some time would then be required to get the case before the Supreme Court and to get in the petitioner's and re- spondent's briefs ; and, since the court recesses early in June, it is probable that the case, if accepted for review, would have to go over to the 1945-46 term. Offer of D. C. Post Is Denied by Schaefer {Continued from page 1) have arisen from the fact that I have agreed to devote a part of my time as chairman of the War Activities Com- mittee to work in Washington in con- nection with the industry's current raw stock problem." Efforts to reach Schaefer and Will H. Hays, MPPDA president, for comment prior to publication of the story were unsuccessful due to the absence from New York of both. ■) PARKER • ■«* ESTHER Ludwig STOSSEL ean 8 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, November 14, 1944 'Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo - (Continued from page 1) departure on the U. S. S. Hornet, the miscalculation which advanced the raid from night to day, the flight over perilous waters to the Japanese mainland, the successful destruction of the targets, the escape through that terrible storm to the China coast, the crash into the sea, the rescue by friendly Chinese, their ministrations under the very nose of the Japanese, the final flight to safe Chungking, Lawson's return to the States, minus a leg, and reunion with his wife. THE drama unfolds naturally. In its human relations — Lawson and his wife, Lawson and his men and comrades, their growing respect for their courageous Chinese benefactors and the emphasis on the quiet dignity of that race — the film is a sound job from the script by Dalton Trumbo up through the bonded direction of Mervyn LeRoy. But it is in its documentary flavor that "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" reveals its great strength. There is excitement and drama in the airfield sequences, tenseness in the fight to San Francisco where the flattop Hornet awaits. The takeoff from the heaving deck of the monster aircraft carrier — the camera heads into the full length of the deck and the tossing waters be- yond— is as thrilling a sequence as imagination perhaps allows. So effective is it that audiences, like this reviewer and those around him, involuntarily will be propelling tnemselves forward like the straining aviators themselves as they seek to furnish their groaning motors that final urge which sends their ships aloft. Then comes the low level dash over the ocean to the enemy coast, the successful mission over Tokyo, the getaway to the mainland and the crash. The tension ties the emotions into a tight bundle ; it sets apart this portion of the film from all others of its type. The sentimentalities of the story, however, are on the cloying side and so, too, is the impression of Phyllis Thaxter, a newcomer, who plays Lawson's wife. Perhaps the best parallel to draw is one which points out that, when "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" is in the air, it is realistic and stark and of magnificent courage ; that, when it is ground-bound, it is Hollywood. NEVERTHELESS, this is a fine film and an attraction of unquestioned box-office importance. It has Van Johnson as Lawson, Spencer Tracy in the decidedly subordinated role of Doohttle, and Robert Walker, Tim Mur- dock, Don De Fore and Gordon McDonald as Lawson's mates. They are ah first rate in the varying demands of their respective roles. Similarly is it the case with a long supporting cast which includes Robert Mitchum, Scott McKay, John R. Reilly, Horace McNally, Leon Ames, Robert Bice, Alan Napier and Selena Royle. Sam Zimbalist produced, and produced very well indeed. Running tune, 100 minutes. "G."* Release date not set. Red Kann. "Strange Affair" {Columibia) Hollywood, Nov. 13 ALLYN JOSLYN, Evelyn Keyes, Marguerite Chapman and Edgar Bu- . chanan head the cast of this comedy-melodrama which is acceptable. Alfred E. Green's direction calls for plenty of movement. Burt Kelly pro- duced. The screenplay, by Oscar Saul, Eve Greene and Jerome Odium, based on an original by Saul, is a complicated puzzle somewhat lacking in emotional value. A cartoonist, whose hobby is sleuthing, undertakes to solve the puzzle. His wife alternately aids and impedes his efforts, and there is some comedy of the slapstick school thrown in for good measure. A note of timeliness is added by the fact that the head of the murder ring is eventually exposed as an enemy agent. Nina Foch, Hugo Haas, Shemp Howard and Frank Jenks are also in the cast. Running time, 78 minutes. "G"*. Thalia Bell Victor, Columbia Begin Recording (Continued from page 1) ters, a fee on each record it produces. Petrillo estimated that the union would realize $4,000,000 annually from a quarter-cent per record on those selling for 35 cents to two cents a record on $2 recordings. Musicians actually playing for the disks do not receive any increased pay. Victor issued a statement saying that "In view of Petrillo's decision not to accept the order of the Wa Labor Board and the request of the President to obey the WLB order, we had no alternate but to meet hit demands that we make direct pay mentb to the union's treasury or to abandon our record business which would have resulted in losses to the public, our employees and artists, oui dealers and stockholders." 35th Nat'l Board Meeting Thursday Tne National Board of Review will hola its 35th anniversary conference on Thursday, in New York. The morning session will hear talks by educators on special fields for the mo- tion picture, and reports by presidents of Motion Picture Councils of Cleve- land, Detroit, District of Columbia, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Worcester, Philadelphia, and other communities. This session will be at the Hotel Pennsylvania. In the afternoon the delegates will be the guests of M-G-M, RKO, 20th Century-Fox and Warners at special screenings with the board's review committee. The Young Reviewers will meet at a post-conference screening of a Universal picture on Friday. ATS Sets Thursday For Symposium The American Television Society on Thursday will hold a symposium of leaders in various branches of tele- vision, to discuss "30,000,000 Televi- sion Sets — When and Where?," ac- cording to David Hale Halpern. chairman of the ATS program com mittee. Ernest H. Vogel, vice presi- dent of Farnsworth Radio and Tele- vision, Fort Wayne, Ind., will be the principal speaker. D. W. May, New York and New Jersey distributor for Farnsworth, will be chairman. Dan D. Halpin, president of ATS, will preside at the meeting, to be held in the Museum of Modern Art audi- torium. Dunne, Vidor Guests G. S. Eysell, managing director oi Radio City Music Hall, entertained Irene Dunne and Charles Vidor, star and director of Columbia's "Togeth- er Again" yesterday at the theatre. Others who attended were Jack Cohn, Nate Spingold, Abe Montague and Frank Rosenberg, of Columbia, and Fred Lynch of the Music Hall. REEVES SOUND STUDIOS, INC. 1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. 19 Circle 6-6686 Complete Film and Disc Recording Facilities *"G" denotes general classification. RKO to Show Five Between Dec. 5-7 RKO will hold national trade screenings of five films on Dec. 5, 6 and 7. The pictures are : "Experiment Per- ilous," "Farewell My Lovely," "Girl Rush," "Nevada," and "The Falcon in Hollywood." 'Singing' Tribute "The Influence of Motion Pictures on Music Education" will be the theme of the Fall meeting of the In- And-About Music Educators Group of New York on Dec. 2. The group will pay tribute to the Jerome Kern- E. Y. Harburg musical score from Universal's "Can't Help Singing." The meeting will be held in the Hotel Plaza. MGM Office Managers Will Visit Here M-G-M, starting Nov. 27, will bring its branch office managers to New York to acquaint them with the workings of the home office. The first grouo, arriving on Nov. 27, will be A. John Mayer, Pittsburgh ; Ben S. MacLeod, Indianapolis, and Ed- ward Susse, Albany. M-G-M branch and district man- agers have just finished a tour of the home offices on the same basis. MGM Hosts Leaders M-G-M was host here yesterday to 70 leaders of Russian, Polish, Yugo- slav, Croatian, Serbian and Slovenian organizations in the U. S. at a spe- cial screening of "An American Ro- mance." Equipment Needed, Seats Secondary (Continued from page 1) theatres. He stated that in his opin- ion exhibitors need mechanical equip- ment more than anything else and seats as a secondary necessity. Im- provements must be made in equip- ment to replace older and worn parts now in service. While in Hollywood Sanford ob- served that "producers are making better pictures now than ever be- fore. We are advising exhibitors to bring the standard of their equipment up to that of the studios in Holly- wood, where constant improvements are being made in the quality of pro- duction, cameras and sound." He pointed out that further experiments with sound as used, for example, by Disney in "Fantasia," were halted by the war, but that the studios are familiar with the routine of multiple tracks and that after the war the com- panies will get together and decide upon a standardized sound so that one company will not be using two tracks against some other company's four. Much pre-war manufactured equip- ment will be sold at the end of the war and much in the way of cut-backs will also be used, Sanford said. The sale of equipment to Europe will be large, but any estimate between $5,000,000 to $50,000,000 of its value might be correct. Clearance Award Is Overruled on Appeal The Arbitration Appeal Board has reversed the decision of the Cincinnati tribunal, which dismissed the clear- ance complaint by Richard Ernst Realty Co., operating the Liberty, Madison and Broadway theatres, Cov- ington, Ky., against Loew's, 20th Century-Fox and RKO, the American Arbitration Association reported here yesterday, and has reduced clearance of the Family and Shirley theatres over the Liberty and Madison to ten days, and over the Kentucky to 14 days. Previous clearance which obtained for the Family and Shirley, operated by Nicholas G. Shafer, was 23 days over complainant's theatres and over the Kentucky, operated by Louis Wiethe, an intervenor. Wall's Son Killed Ed. J. Waft, Paramount district advertising representative in Albany and Buffalo, has been notified of the death of his son, Sgt. Edward Wall in France on Oct. 26. Sgt. Wall was i member of the First Special Ser- vice Force, also called the Rangers. Besides his parents, he leaves a bro- ther, Tom, and a sister, Patricia. Houston, Actor, Dies Hollywood, Nov. 13. — ■ George Houston, 48, , film actor and former opera singer, died here last night fol- lowing a heart attack. His widow, Virginia Cord, survives. IOWEST RATES 7fM& BBO&DWK? twif 1 a oat \ I N.T.C otuvtif »««vicf V y Oku 6-0081-i-3-4 trotAGf ft c a 'aaiicttON boom him rxcHANGf ooiuBunoM sima Tuesday, November 14, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 9 Hollywood By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Nov. 13 T UNE ALLYSOX, M-G-M player »J elected to stardom by exhibitors in Motion Picture Herald's 'Stars of Tomorrow' poll, has been proclaimed the 'outstanding new screen personal- | ity of 1944' in a reader poll conducted by Movie Stars Parade. . . . Edmund Gwenn is to play the male lead in V M-G-M's "Alter Ego," a psychiatri- cal melodrama derived from an Arch Oboler radio play and which Oboler will direct. . . . Herbert Kline, who directed W. R. Frank's "A Boy, a Girl and a Dog," is to produce the Lewis E. Browne novel, "See What I Mean," for an undisclosed studio. • Columbia has cast Lupita Tovar opposite Warner Baxter in the stu- dio's next "Crime Doctor" film, not yet titled. . . . Claire Trevor will be co-starred with George Raft and Signe Hasso in RKO's "Johnny Angel," a modern pirate story. . . . Grace Mc- Donald has been given the feminine lead in Univcrsal's "Romance, Inc.," a musical with Allan Jones in the principal male role. • Jane Frazee is to star in "Rockin' the Rockies," a Columbia musical and her third for that studio. . . . Beulah Bondi has been assigned a principal role in RKO's John Wayne vehicle, "The Invisible Army." . . . Ben Pivar, Universal production ex- ecutive, whose schedule was re- cently cleared of all low-budget pic- tures, has been given a special as- signment to develop a new set of scare-characters for the studio where Frankenstein, the Wolf Man and their kin have made melodra- matic history. His first creation is to be known as The Creeper and is to make its debut in a million- dollar film called "The House of Horrors." • Joan Davis will star in RKO's next musical "George White's Scandals of 1945." Felix Feist will direct. . . . Producer Sam Marx has set John Carroll and Jan Clayton for roles in "New Horizons" at M-G-M. . . . Charles Lamont will direct "That's the Spirit" for Universal. Peggy- Ryan and Jack Oakie are set for the leads. . . . Manny Wolfe, former story editor at Paramount, will head the newly-organized story and writing de- partment at RKO, under the execu- tive supervision of William Dozier. e Vincente Minnelli's next assign- ment for M-G-M will be "Yolanda and the Thief," which stars Fred Astaire . . . Michael Curtiz will di- rect "Will Rogers" for Warners. . . . International Pictures has announced that Gary Cooper's initial production for the company will be released un- der the title "Along Came Jones". . . . William Goetz has signed Sonja Henie to a long-term contract and bought "The Countess of Monte Cristo," a comedy which Interna- tional will produce in color as a starring vehicle for her. Get Theatre Account Weiss & Geller, New York, has been appointed to handle advertising for St. Cloud Amusement Corp., cir- cuit operator. 'Laura V $17,000 Is Lovely in Cincinnati Cincinnati, Nov. 13. — Theatre traffic is moving mainly toward RKO's Albee, where "Laura" is on its way to $17,000, a plus-average figure of $3,500. "Abroad with Two Yanks" is marching toward an estimated $9,000 on a nine-day run at RKO's Grand. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 14-18: "Laura" (20th-Fox) RKO ALBEE — (3,300) (44c:50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $13,500). . "Mrs. Parkingtcn" (M-G-M) RKO CAPITOL — (2,000) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show; 3rd week, following initial week at the Albee and a moveover to the Capitol. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $10,000). 'The Mark of the Whistler" (CoL) "I Met a Murderer" (Imperial) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (30c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $2,600. (Average: S2,400). "Abroad with Two Yanks" (UA) RKO GRAXD — (1,500) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 9 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $9,000. (Average for 7 days: $6,500). "In the Meantime, Darling" (20th-Fox) "The Big Noise" (20th-Fox) KEITH'S— (1.500) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Average: $5,000). "San Diego, I Love You" (Univ.) "My Pal, Wclf ' (RKO) RKO LYRIC— (1.400) (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days. Gross: S4.500. (Average: $5,000). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO-Gold- wyn) RKO PALACE— (2,700)— (44c -50c -60c -70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show; 2nd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $13,500). "The Cl'max" (Univ.) RKO SHUBERT— (2.150) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 davs, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Albee. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $5,000). Boston Business 'way Up and Down Boston", Nov. 13. — Business was still spotty this week. "Conspirators" is doing well at the Metropolitan. However, "Marriage Is a Private Af- fair doesn't exceed expectations at the Orpheum. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 12 : 'Merry Mcnahans" (Univ.) BOSTON— (3.200) (SOc-Sl.10) Stage show. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $24,000). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) "Great Moment" (Para.) FENWAY— (1.373) (40c-74c) Gross: $6,700. (Average: $6,000). "Bernadette" (2Cth-Fox) MAJESTIC — (1.500) ($1.10) 27th week. Gross: $4,030. (Average: S9.000). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (20th-Fox) "In the Meantime, Darling" (20th-Fox) MEMORIAL — (2.900) (40c-75c) Gross- $10,000. (Average: $16,000) "Conspirators" (WB) "Dark Mountain" (Para.) METROPOLI TAN— (4.367) (4dc-74c) Gross: $25,000. (Average: $24,000.) "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) "Mark of the Whistler" (Col.) ORPHEUM— (2,900) (35c-74c) Gross: $25,- 000. (Average: $24,000). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) "Great Moment" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (1.700) (40c-74c) Gross: $15,000. (Average: $12,000). "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) "Mark of the Whisthi-" (Col.) STATE- (3.200) (3Sc-75c) Gross: $11,000. (Average: $19,000). "Stranger in the Night" (Rep.) "Thief Meets Thief' (British) TRANSLUX— (900) (30c-74c) Gross: $6,- 000. (Average, $6,000). Mexican NMPTEA Meet Mexico City, Nov. 13. — The Na- tional Motion Picture Theatre Em- presarios Association of Mexico will hold its annual convention here Nov. 16-19. Matters to be discussed include labor problems, taxes, theatre and fi- nancing, distribution, booking and so- cial insurance. EAT A JAP FOR BREAKFAST! ★ THE TIME: FRIDAY MORNING NOV. 17 at 9 o'clock! (sharp!) * THE PLACE: HOTEL ASTOR MAIN BALLROOM IT'S THE GREAT SHOWMEN'S BREAKFAST . MEETING Everybody will be there! And right after breakfast — STIRRING RALLY IN TIMES SQUARE Every showman will participate! * SMASH 'EM IN THE 6th! WITH SOCK SHOWMANSHIP! WAR ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE, MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY • NEW YORK AREA '■ - ^mtner L LN ONE HOUR OF FIRING, one 75 millimeter field gun expends 7,250 pounds of copper . . . copper that is still high on America's criti- cal shortage list of essential war materials! That's how important it is to con- tinue saving the copper that drops from your projector carbons to the bottom of your lamp housings. And the copper that you strip from stubs. Salvaged copper turned in to your distributor or local salvage head- quarters quickly finds its way into essential products for war. . . to keep such weapons as this gun firing. Your Government asks you to continue saving copper. You'll save still more by reading our bulletin on the most efficient operation of Victory High Intensity Carbons . . . "National" "Suprex" and "Orotip." 15 you have not received your copy, write today to National Carbon Company, Inc., 30 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y., Dept. 9K. NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC. Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation General Of ices: 30 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y. Division Sales Offices: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and ONE HOUR KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE INFANTRY. . . THE DOUGHBOY DOES IT! The registered trade-marks "National" "Suprex;' and "Orotip" distinguish products of National Carbon Company, Inc. First in and impartial MOTION PICTURE DAI LY Alert, tion Picture Industry ) VOL. 56. NO. 94 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1944 TEN CENTS Dembow and Golden Set 3 at 3 Million Whitaker New V-P of RKO Stories Ready, Financing Will Be Private Sam Dembow, Jr., Edward A. Golden and Robert Golden, Ed- ward's son, are forming Golden Productions, Inc., to produce three pictures every two years, with a budget esti- mated at about ,$3,000,000 f o r the three, Ed- ward A. Gold- en told Motion Picture Daily here yesterday. Dembow will be pre sident. Golden chair- m a n of the board and Robert Golden vice-president. D e m b o w, who recently resigned from Para- (Continued on page 7) Edward A. Golden John M. Whitaker was elected a vice-president of RKO, and Harry Durning a director of the company, at a meeting of the board of directors yesterday, it was announced here by N. Peter Rathvon, president. Whitaker will have administrative duties, supervise certain special work and act as assistant to president Rath- von. He resigned as a director upon entering the management. Whitaker was associated with the Atlas Corp. for a number of years, and after the outbreak of the war he served as spe- cial assistant to Leon Henderson in the Office of Price Administration and subsequently with Floyd B. Od- ium in the OPM, predecessor of the War Production Board. Durning is Collector of the Port of New York. Sixth Drive Is Ahead of 5th Baltimore, Nov. 14. — The Sixth War Loan drive will have more ex- hibitor participation in special events than any preceding campaign, national industry chairman Harry Brandt in- dicated here tonight. "Up to now," he told delegates at a regional-key- city bond meeting in the Belvedere Hotel, "pledges on Bond Premieres, Children's Matinees and Free Movie Days exceed the number secured here- tofore, and there is a similar increase {Continued on page 8) WB Starts Business In France and Italy Warner offices in France and Italy have been reopened and are resuming operations, it was disclosed here yes- terday by Joseph S. Hummel, vice- president of Warners' International Corp. in charge of Continental Europe and the Near East. Theophile Bellini, manager in Paris, has reported to Hummel that the com- pany's branch in that city suffered only slight physical damage from the German occupation, and that Warner (Continued on page 8) Franchise Transfer To Be Tested Dec. 6 Suit of Leader Theatre Corp., oper- ating the Leader, Brooklyn, against 20th Century-Fox and Randforce Amusement Corp., in which the legiti- macy of the transfer of a film fran- chise from one theatre to another will will be tested, will go to trial in New York Supreme Court on Dec. 6. Leopold Storch, owner of the Lead- er, purchased the theatre from Rand- force in July, 1944, when the house was operated under a 20th-Fox fran- chise. It is alleged the franchise was transferred to another Randforce house and that the plaintiff cannot secure 20th-Fox product. Grosses Improve In Post-election Field correspondents' re- ports received by Motion Pic- ture Daily here yesterday and last night disclosed a post- election box-office upturn of strong proportions in many areas. Typical were post-election upswings of varying degree, especially at first-runs, in Baltimore, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Providence, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Bos- ton, Kansas City, and else- where. Holdovers Firm at N. Y. First-runs; 'Irish Eyes' Heavy Business at Broadway first-runs set- tled down to comfortable margins, generally, as a post-election box office upsweep aided the holdovers predom- inating to remain firm, and new ar- rivals registered excellently. Of the latter, "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," combined with a stage show featuring Ray Bolger and Gracie Barrie, did standout business at the Roxy, gross- ing an estimated §101,000. Radio City Music Hall sparkled among the holdovers, with "Mrs. Partington" and its "American Rhap- sody" stage show expected to bring a fine $120,000 on the fifth week, end- ing tonight, close to the previous week's $122,000. "Lost in a Harem" (Continued on page 7) Studios Fear New Demands Like Petrillo's Cite Earlier Efforts of I. A. and Cartoonists Hollywood, Nov. 14. — James Caesar Petrillo's American Fed- eration of Musicians' victory over RCA and Columbia Broadcasting recording companies as a result of the latter two's capitulation to AFM de- mands for a royalty on each record sold, is regarded here as establish- ing a precedental pattern by which other unions may seek to impose a continuing levy on the product of workers' services. It is recalled that the IATSE at the negotiation of studio un- ion contracts at the New York office of Pat Casey, producers' labor representative, last March, asked for a payment by producers to the International of five per cent of the payroll of "IA" studio employes. The payment was to be made to the (Continued on page 7) Cut miking' of 1st Runs To Ease Product Jam-Up Thanksgiving Scale In 40 States Nov. 23 Exhibitors in 40 states will be charging holiday prices on Thursday, Nov. 23, the Presi- dentially-proclaimed Thanks- giving Day in accordance with the Federal law enacted on Dec. 26, 1941. The seven states of Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia will ob- serve Thanksgiving on Nov. 30, sticking to the old last- Thursday-in-November tradi- tion. Georgia will celebrate both Nov. 23 and 30. By SAM HONIGBERG Chicago, Nov. 14.— Latest effort employed by first run houses here as a cooperative measure to ease the product jam-up is to 'pull' pictures long before their drawing power has been exhausted. Jack Flynn, West- ern division manager for M-G-M, cited Balaban and Katz's pulling of "Marriage Is a Private Affair" out of the United Artists Theatre even though its receipts were strong enough to continue the picture indefinitely. This was done to make room for "An American Romance" which had been held up for lack of suitable first-run outlet. Flynn revealed that he is making a deal for a two-week showing of "Kis- ( Continued on page 8) See January Decree Trial Counsel for decree companies indi- cated here yesterday that they expect hearings on the Department of Jus- tice's proposals for amendment of the consent decree to start some time in January. As reported exclusively in Motion Picture Daily yesterday, the Department will ask Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard in LT. S. District court here on Dec. 5 to set a date for hearing on the decree proposals. On that date, Dec. 5, Assistant U. S. Attorney General Robert L. (Continued on page 7) Government Orders 450 Color Prints All film companies have been set back approximately 30 days on new Technicolor prints, as a result of an order placed by the Government for approximately 450 color prints for war shorts. Typical : M-G-M has no prints on hand for "National Velvet" and "Meet Me in St. Louis," other than the one each secured for trade showings. Other companies are in similar posi- tions. 2 motion Picture daily Wednesday, November 15, 1944 Personal Mention Insider's Outlook •By RED KANN HARRY GRAHAM, Southern dis- trict sales manager for Univer- sal, and Roy Bruer, branch manager at Atlanta, are visiting in Charlotte. • Irving Mack, Bill Baker and Eddie Burnell will represent the Chicago Variety tent at the Variety convention in Washington next week, e Wanda Tuchock, 20th-Fox writ- er, has been commissioned to write a 'special course on screenplay writ- ing for the University of California. William R. Ferguson, M-G-M ex- ploitation director, and Pincus Sober, of the legal department, will leave today for Cincinnati. • John Cunningham, vice president of the Savannah Theatre Co., is vis- iting Atlanta, where he plans to bmld a new theatre soon. • Harold Hopper, general manager of the M-G-M studio, is in Washing- ton, and will leave for the Coast from there tomorrow. • H. C. Fuller, manager for Shef- field-Republic at Salt Lake City, has returned there from a trip through Nevada and Utah. • George B. Proud, treasurer of Western Electric Co. until 1941, will observe his 35th anniversary with the company today. • John Jenkins, of Jenkins and Bougeois, Dallas distributors, will ar- rive in New York today on business. • Norman Rydge, of Greater Union Theatres of Australia, will leave New York for Australia tomorrow, e Maury Goldstein, M-G-M New Haven manager, will leave New York tomorrow for New Haven. • Clyde Willard, assistant manager of the Utah Theatre, Salt Lake City, has left for Indianapolis. • J. Louis Rome, circuit operator in Baltimore, is confined to his home with a heart ailment. • Cecil Vogel, of the Palace thea- tre, Memphis, is back at his desk af- ter a short illness. Company Heads at Humanitarian Award "The presidents and general sales managers of every film company will go to Washington on Nov. 24 to par- ticipate in the annual presentation of the Humanitarian Award by the Vari- ety Clubs," an organization announce- ment here stated yesterday. Official Washington, it was said, will be represented by Cabinet officers, and Variety hints that President Roosevelt will attend. The dinner will be held at Washington's Mayflower Hotel. Hollywood, Nov. 14 E are reluctant to have Sam Dembow leave our organization. He has been a valuable co-worker at Para- mount where he has a host of friends who wish him well. We hope his new venture will prove a happy and profitable one for him and his associates." So declared Barney Balaban publicly in announcing Dem- bow's resignation to become president of Edward A. Golden Productions. : Balaban was reflecting the state of affairs as it stood. By no means was his comment in the nature of those perfunctory expressions of regret which have been known to prevail under dif- ferent circumstances. ■ It is one of those completely open secrets that Dembow was financially interested in "Hitler's Children." There were others, but they are not part of this ac- count. The first phases of the partnership with Eddie Golden, moreover, naturally went beyond to include "The Master Race." Were all the shots to be fired by him out of his own artillery, Dembow would have remained at Paramount. In fact, this is what he wanted, but he also wanted to continue his outside interests. From an organiza- tional and corporate point of view, however, this confronted Balaban with a problem. It must be reported for Dembow that he, too, recognized this. ■ The upshot was that Balaban gave full sanction to the first deal, informed Dembow there could be no others. On the time clock, therefore, Dembow's de- cision to proceed on his own was established some months ago. His participation in "The Master Race" makes that clear enough. The severance of Paramount relations was arranged there- after in complete harmony. The accord was so friendly it reduces to the absurd those occasional New York rumblings that Dem- bow and Leonard Goldenson were not hitting it off any too well. ■ His extensive experience — thirty years of it — makes Dem- bow one of the best known ex- ecutives in the industry. His three decades embrace a vast knowledge of theatre operation and intimate information on pic- ture values and potentialities. If it may be said with assurance that any one man in this busi- ness knows what makes attrac- tions tick and click after they are produced, such a distinction would fit Dembow. Production will be a new field for him, but the actual job of making whatever the Golden company undertakes will not be Dembow's. He will be party to the decisions and a decided in- fluence in their formulation quite naturally, but it is Bob Golden who will face the fire. Dembow, as president, and Golden, as producer, leave an open spot for Eddie. What about him ? Those who know "Doc" need no enlightenment. Those who do not are entitled to know he'll be in there pitching, dreaming up ideas. If he flies too high, there's always Dem- bow. He flies high, too, but only when he's in a plane. The rest of the time he is on solid terra fir ma. ■ ■ Strong resentment flared, then subsided, over the statement ac- credited to Eddie Bracken, ac- tor? that he might be risking his professional life by campaigning for Governor Dewey and that many others as well in Holly- wood were fearful about declar- ing their political affiliation. Whether he was conscious or unconscious, Bracken thereby suggested to the public that in- timidation as to the ballot ex- isted here. This is sheer nonsense, of course. "Hollywood-for-Dewey," with a published membership of about 250 men and women, de- clared itself first; the committee for the President followed. John C. Flinn, active on the Dewey side, states there were "hun- dreds and hundreds" of others who lined up on the Republican side. Their names -were not published because the weight of those in the original group was held to be sufficiently impres- sive, not because any strings had been placed upon anyone's avowed affiliation. Bracken, surely, did his in- dustry no good. The hope is he did it no harm. ■ ■ A famous star was displaying an extremely handsome pocket knife over the luncheon table the other day. It was one of those complicated affairs equipped $250,000 Gross At 'Night of Stars' A sold-out house of 20,000 jammed Madison Square Garden here last night, turning in a gross approximat- ing $250,000 for the 11th annual "Night of Stars," the net of which will go to the United Jewish Appeal for Refugees, Overseas Needs and Palestine. The net was $110,000. Messages from President Roose- velt, Governor Dewey and May- or LaGuardia were read during the show. Some 500 entertainers from all branch of show business appeared. Fiftieth Anniversary Luncheon by Ampa The Associated Motion Picture Ad- vertisers, at a directors' meeting here yesterday, decided on an industry luncheon in New York commemorat- ing the 50th anniversary of commer- cial motion pictures, to be held some- time in December. Plans are now being formulated by a committee including Ampa president Martin Starr, past president Vincent Trotta, Blanche Livingston, James Zabin, Jacques Kopfstein, Dave Bad- er, and others to be named. The War Activities Committee ori- ginally had planned a 50th anniversary industry banquet. Walter Brown Named WAC Publicity Chief Walter T. Brown, associate coordi- nator with Francis S. Harmon at the War Activities Committee, will as- sume the additional duties of WAC publicity director, Harmon announced yesterday. Brown succeeds Ed Schreiber, who resigned to join Rich- ard Condon, Inc., as vice-president. Brown, prior to his affiliation with the WAC, was executive secretary to former Gov. Herbert H. Lehman. He was previously chief of the Albany bureau of Associated Press. Trucios A ppointed WB Manager in Peru Appointment of Armando Trucios as Warner manager for Peru was an- nounced here yesterday by Wolfe Cohen, vice-president of Warners' In- ternational Corp. in charge of that territory. Trucios formerly was Warner manager in Panama. Sam Bekeris continues as super- visor for Peru, Panama and Colombia, with headquarters in Peru. Zanuck Documentary Hollywood, Nov. 14. — Darryl Zan- uck's next film, provided the Govern- ment approves, will be a documentary- type feature timed for release inside Germany after the war. with all gadgets except plumb- ing for running water. "You can whittle the scenery between takes," suggested one producer, hopefully. "Wrhy whittle the scenery?", inquired the star. "I chew that." MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York. Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. ■ J Bigger with every picture and biggest of all in M-G-M's "MRS. PARKINGTON." Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, November 15, 1944 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Wednesday, November 15, 19 Bigger with every picture and biggest of all in M-G-M's "MRS. PARKINGTON." DAN »««^ ST. S CHO JAMES . BASED ON THE NOVEJ- touis BROM FIELD ;reen play ex ROBE Rt thoeRENahd— - ^ MA*B**1' DV/YN-M— - ,# ut0l, GORDON safe 3fi FROM ITS OPENING DAY THAT BROKE ALL M-G-M RECORDS THE THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE fl OF RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL'S LONG RUN IS MATCHED THROUGHOUT AMERICA. Wednesday, November 15, 1944 Motion Picture daily Studios Fear New Union Demands Like Petrillo's Holdovers Firm at N. Y. First-runs; 'Irish Eyes' Heavy (Continued from page 1) rated a highly profitable $31,000 in its first and will hold over at the Cri- terion. The Strand will conclude the run of "The Conspirators" with an estimated $38,000 for the fourth week with "The Very Thought of You" and Abe Ly- man's band on the stage starting Fri- day. The Hollywood maintained its strong pace with "To Have and Have Not," taking $34,000 in the fifth week; it will continue. The Capitol is winding up the third and final week of "Marriage Is a Private Affair" to- night with an estimated $60,000; "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" and Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra, plus Henny Youngman, will open tomorrow. The Paramount, with "I Love a Soldier," coupled with Tony Pastor and band, Bert Wheeler, Marion Hut- ton and Hal LeRoy, got a moderate $53,000 in its second week ; the show will hold for a third and final week starting today, giving way to "And Now Tomorrow." "Frenchman's Creek" at the Rivoli scored $36,000 for the eighth week, while "Kismet," at the Astor, in its 12th week, equalled the previous week's mark of $16,000, and continues. "The Great Moment" will register a quiet $12,000 in its first week at the Globe ending Friday, and is expected to hold. Second week for "The Master Race" at the Palace was heading for an estimated $17,000; "None But the Lonely Heart" will open Friday. "Summer Storm" was good for about $12,500 at the Gotham in its fourth week and is holding. "The Mark of the Whistler" is yielding the Rialto $10,000 on its initial week, and is also holding. "Wilson" at the Victoria shows a seventh week gross of $6,600 and will continue. "Waterloo Bridge" at the Republic will gross $6,200 in its third week ending today, and will continue for another two days before making way for "Brazil" on Saturday. Three from Golden At $3,000,000 ( Continued from page 1 ) mount, will assume charge of the company's operation in the East, while Edward Golden will center his headquarters on the Coast. Dem- bow's resignation from Paramount is effective Dec. 1. Three stories in preparation are: "Breakfast at Sardi's," a film adap- tation of the Hollywood radio pro- gram ; "Henry Kaiser Wakes the Doctor," from the novel by Paul de Kruif, and a film based on Frederick L. Collins' book, "FBI in Peace and War." "Breakfast" will go into pro- duction about Feb. 1, Golden said. Future distribution plans are not set, he said. Financing of the three films will be done solely by the company, with Dembow, who participated in the financing of previous Golden produc- tions, continuing to do so, Golden stated. 'Tokyo' Runs 140 Minutes M-G-M's "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" runs 140 minutes, and not 100 minutes as inadvertently stated in a review of that picture appearing here yesterday. (Continued from page 1) IA treasury, it was stated at the time, to be applied to vaca- tion, retirement and other benefit payments to IA mem- bers. A possible application of Petrillo's victory also looms in the pending ac- tion filed by the Screen Cartoonists Guild to compel Walt Disney Produc- tions to yield to them 20 per cent of all rental grosses from Disney reis- sues. Long in dispute, the Disney car- toonist question moved closer to a de- cision last week when a War Labor Board panel here recommended that the Regional Labor Board order the disputants to negotiate the point. It is known that the Screen Actors', Screen Directors' and Screen Writers' guilds are watching this test case "with interest," although they have not yet made a formal decision wheth- er they would make parallel demands on Disnev if the cartoonists are sue- Attorneys Expecting Jan. Decree Trial (Continued from page 1) Wright, and his aides, will be in New York from Washington for the hear- ing on the action of Harry Arthur, St. Louis theatre operator, attacking the legality of the decree and its ar- bitration provisions. Wright will util- ize the occasion to ask for the setting of a hearing date on the proposed de- cree amendments. The hearing on the Arthur action had been postponed from Nov. 4 to Dec. 5 because of the trial of the Government anti-trust case against the Schine circuit which was in progress then in Federal court at Buffalo and in which Wright was en- gaged. Decree company counsel met here yesterday to receive a report on and discuss the Schine trial proceedings. Carlin, Blue Program Director, Resigns Phillips Carlin, vice-president in charge of program operations of the Blue Network, has resigned, effective immediately. Carlin, who entered radio in 1922, has been with the Blue since 1941. He was formerly with NBC as Eastern program director, manager of sustain- ing programs and assistant to the vice-president in charge of programs. Benefit for Canteen The Cathedral Canteen of the Na- tional Catholic Community Service, USO, here, will be the beneficiary of a dance and entertainment by the Catholic Actors Guild of America at the Hotel Astor on Nov. 17. Gene Buck is president of the Guild and Edward P. Mulrooney is chairman of the advisory board. Allied Meets Today Trenton, Nov. 14. — A joint lunch- eon-meeting of North and South Jer- sey units of Allied of New Jersey will be held at the Stacy-Trent hotel here tomorrow, presided over by Helen Hildinger and Si Meyers, co-chair- men. cessful and are awarded the 20 per cent demanded, or any part thereof. By the same token, a successful de- cision for the cartoonists might well pave the way for similar demands by other guilds on reissues other than ■cartoons. William Pomerance, attor- ney here, who presented the cartoon- ists' case to the War Labor Board panel, told Motion Picture Daily today that, "Petrillo's victory makes it seem more plausible that the car- toonists might find support for their claims." However, Pomerance explained, "Our position is, 34 unions contribute in some degree to our product (car- toons). If each claims 20 per cent of the gross from cartoon reissues, it is going to be hard to accommodate all of them out of 100 per cent." Responsible studio quarters here in- terpret the Petrillo union's royalty collection as being tantamount to taxation in addition to Federal taxa- tion. 'Combat America' Premiere Today Minneapolis, Nov. 14. — World premiere of "Combat America," docu- mentary feature made by Clark Gable for the 8th Air Force, will take place today before 10,000 employees of the Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co., manufacturer of the electronic auto- pilot used on America's bombers. Rodgers Leads 16 To Sales Meeting W illiam F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales manager of M-G-M, will head a home office group of 16 who will leave New York today for Cincinnati and a four-day mid-season meeting of sales and district managers which opens tomorrow. Departing this afternoon will be: Edward M. Saunders, E. W. Aaron, E. K. (Ted) O'Shea, William R. Ferguson, H. M. Richey, Walter Brooks, Paul J. Richrath, Charles F. Deesen, Alan F. Cummings, Har- old Postman, Leonard Hirsch, Joel Bezahler, Irving Helfent, Benjamin Melniker and Pincus Sober. Attending from the field will be : George A. Hickey, Burtus Bishop, Jr., Charles E. Kessnich, Rudolph Berger, Sam A. Shirley, John P. Byrne, Maurice N. Wolff, Robert Lynch, John J. Bowen, John E. Flynn and John J. Maloney. Canadian Pioneers Will Meet Nov. 29 Toronto, Nov. 14. — Canadian Pic- ture Pioneers will hold its annual meeting here Nov. 29, at the King Edward Hotel, president Clair Hague reported today. The organization now has a membership of 300. Al London Killed Philadelphia, Nov. 14. — Al Lon- don, who managed the Cayuga Thea- tre here prior to entering the Armed Forces, has been killed in action. PRODUCTION UNIT AVAILABLE FOR Commercial and Government Pictures Owing to film shortage and priority requirements, an active and well-known production organization, for a limited period only is available to responsible producers as a unit for production of pictures for the Government or for clients with adequate priority rating. Services are inclusive of — Script Production Direction Supervision Recording Editing Scoring Flat contract rate per reel. 35mm or 16mm; Black & White or Kodachrome. Write: Box 238 MOTION PICTURE DAILY • Motion picture Daily Wednesday, November 15, 1944 *RKO Promotions in South to Fred Ford Fred Ford has been appointed RKO promotional supervisor for the Southern area with headquarters in Atlanta, it was announced here by S. Barret McCormick, director of adver- tising-publicity.. Ford will supervise exploiteers Carol Weed, in charge of Atlanta and Charlotte ; Charles Underwood, Mem- phis and New Orleans ; Fred Galvin, Dallas and Oklahoma City. Other changes in RKO's field staff announced by McCormick were : Mau- rice Harris, from Buffalo and Albany to Philadelphia, replacing Bob Pryor, resigned ; Alan Weider, from Pitts- burgh to Buffalo and Albany ; Charles Rader, who takes over Pittsburgh ; Bill Prager, from San Francisco to Chicago, with the San Francisco ter- ritory to be temporarily handled by Dave Cantor, Western supervisor. Fly Leaves Today; Cited for Service Washington, Nov. 14. — President Roosevelt announced yesterday the resignation of James L. Fly as chair- man of the Federal Communications Commission, but added that Fly would be only on 'furlough.' The resignation takes effect tomorrow. De Mille Defies Afra Hollywood, Nov. 14. — Cecil B. De Mille is risking his $5,000 a week ra- dio salary through refusal to pay the American Federation of Radio Artists' assessment of one dollar to oppose "Proposition 12" in the recent elec- tion. Sixth Loan Drive Ahead of Fifth in Special Events (.Continued from page 1 ) in the number of theatres becoming issuing agents." Nationally, to date, Bond Premieres total 1,352, of which 257 are located in towns of 7,500 population or under ; Free Movie Days, 2,515; and Chil- dren's Matinees, 332, with 61 of the latter in small towns. Prior to -leaving for New York for the final meeting in the series, on Friday, Brandt said Dallas was lead- ing the country in Bond Premiere and Free Movie Day pledges, with 234 of the former and 302 of the latter, while Boston was ahead in Children's Mati- nees, with 55. All exchange cities, however, have not yet been heard from. Philadelphia stands second in Bond Premiere pledges with 190, followed by Boston, 114; Denver, 82; Kansas City, 77, Pittsburgh and Des Moines, 57 each, and Salt Lake City, 39. Philadelphia is also runner-up in the number of free Movie Day shows with 224, followed by Boston, 218 Des Moines, 170; Pittsburgh, 146 Denver, 59 ; Salt Lake City, 21 ; and Kansas City, 11. Dallas stands second in Children's Matinees, with 48, followed by Pitts- burgh, 45 ; Denver, 26 ; Salt Lake City, 19 ; Kansas City, 14, and Des Moines, 5. 500 at Philadelphia Meet Philadelphia, Nov. 14. — More than 500 distribution and theatre rep- resentatives from Pennsylvania, South- ern New Jersey and Delaware at- tended a meeting at the Warwick- Hotel here yesterday to lay final plans for the Sixth War Loan drive. Speak- ers were : Harry Brandt, national in- dustry bond chairman ; Ned E. De- pinet, John Hertz, Jr., Nathan Ya- mins, Lt. Col. Roswell Rosengren, Lt. Lewis Largey and Jay Emanuel. Ben Fertel, chairman for Eastern Pennsylvania, was toastmaster. Larmon Helps Open Show Frances S. Harmon, War Activities Committee coordinator, spoke yester- day at the opening of a 'Movies at War' exhibit in Pershing Square hero- $1,125,000 to War Chest from Industry Los Angeles, Nov. 14. — With Hol- lywood campaign chairman Charles W. Koerner reporting the industry's contribution approximately $1,125,000 at the end of a meeting tonight at the Ambassador Hotel here, attended by 500 representatives of all local groups, the Los Angeles Area War Chest drive went over the top. The sum raised by 800 volunteer campaign workers represents donations by more than 23,000 of a potential 25,000 donor's in the production branch. Cadman to Monogram Hollywood, Nov. 14. — R. J. Cad- man, formerly with Universal's San Francisco exchange, has been named r^arager of Monogram's Portland. Ore., branch. End 'Milking' to Ease Product Jam (Continued from page 1) met" in B. and K.'s Chicago Theatre early in December, although a picture of this type normally plays the United Artists. The product jam here, Flynn ex- plained, will force M-G-M to sell the "Naughty Marietta" reissue to B. and K. as part of a double bill ; it will probably play the Garrick, following "Wilson." For the same reason, the run of "Since You Went Away" will not be 'milked' dry at the State-Lake, to make room for an early showing of "Frenchman's Creek." "SYWA" has held up strongly for five weeks and could remain through the Christmas holidays. WB Starts Business In France and Italy (Continued from page 1) offices in Marseille, Toulouse and Lille also are operating. Mario Zema, managing director in Italy, has resumed direction in Rome and other liberated cities in Italy. Hummel is now awaiting a French Government visa and transportation facilities to Paris, in order to take over direction throughout Europe. SAG Mass Meet Dec. 3 Hollywood, Nov. 14.— The Screen Actors Guild has set Dec. 3 for a mass meeting of its "B" members to present facts bearing on the forth- coming National Labor Relations Board election on the bargaining- agency for extras. Aurora Miranda, surrounded by a bevy of handsome beaus, as she gaily gives out with one of the hit tunes from "Brazil/' Republic's new million dollar musical. ADVT- }V0L. 56. NO. 95 MOTION ^JCTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1944 TEN CENTS Dallas Short Of Equipment And Manpower Lack of Office Space An Exchange Problem By FAIRFAX NISBET Dallas, Nov. 15. — The most urgent needs of industry operations in this territory, needs which can- not be satisfied until the war is over, are equipment for theatres and additional office space for ex- changes, a survey just completed -here reveals. The manpower short- age is also acute. Indications are that the need of Dallas exchanges for ex- panded facilities will be satis- fied early in the postwar peri- od. Plans already are being prepared for a film center building for the city, to house (Continued on page 7) Rank-Odeon Deal to Be Set Next Week Negotiations for J. Arthur Rank of London to acquire a half interest in the 90 Odeon theatres in Canada headed by Paul Nathanson, are "progressing favorably" and might be finalized next week, John H. Davis, co-managing director of Odeon The atres in Great Britain and represen tative of Rank told Motion Picture Daily here yesterday. Davis, who returned from Toronto yesterday to spend several days in New York, confirmed the fact that another aspect of his mission here for Rank is to find a Broadway site upon which to erect a 2,500-seat theatre. Outside Leaders to Meet Here Today on CommunityProblem Will H. Hays, MPPDA president, will be host here today to a number of leaders associated with educational, civic, patriotic, religious, international, cultural, youth and recreational inter- ests. They will meet in the Waldorf- Astoria for an exchange of views on community problems, in which some leaders of the industry in New York will join. "This preliminary meeting will be purely informal and exploratory," ex- plained an MPPDA statement yester- day, adding : "Hays' guests will be present in their individual and not in (Continued on page 6) Para. Names Hake to South Africa Post Paramount has named Clay V. Hake as its first resident representa- tive in South Africa, John W. Hicks, president of Paramount International Films, announced here yesterday. Hake, a veteran domestic and over- seas film executive, was originally with 20th Century-Fox as Pittsburgh and Denver manager and later was managing director in Australia and (Continued on page 7) 'Dimes' Drive Jan. 25-31: Schenck National March of Dimes chairman Nicholas M. Schenck, president of Loew's, announced here yesterday that the industry's 1945 drive will take place for one week, Jan. 25-31. Opening the drive on a Thursday was set be- cause of the large number of theatres that start a new week on that day. Variety Clubs' Humanitarian Award to Hull Ship to Be Named For M. E. Comerf ord Philadelphia, Nov. 15. — The U. S. Maritime Commission announced here today that a Liberty ship, to be named for M. E. Comerford, will be launched at the J. A. Jones shipyard, Bruns- wick, Ga., on Dec. 12. The Commis- sion indicated Postmaster General Frank C. Walker, nephew of Comer- ford, will be on hand, in addition to state and city leaders and heads of the industry. Comerford, who died Feb. 1, 1939, at the age of 71, was a leader in ex- hibition. He had been in the film business for 35 years. He founded and was an officer of the MPTOA and was head of Comerford Theatres, operating in Pennsylvania and New York, and was also associated with Ed Fay in Rhode Island houses. U. S. to Ask Industry to Report on Fixed Capital Zanuck Aims Film At Nazi Complex Hollywood, Nov. 15. — Use of mo- tion pictures to prove to the German people in the postwar that "their armies were not made up of great and noble heroes," is suggested by Darryl Zanuck, who plans to develop that theme in his next film, a docu- mentary-type feature. "Pictures can convey visually and with terrific im- pact the barbarities inflicted upon the innocent by the Nazis," the producer added. Current Program of OWI to Continue Hollywood, Nov. 15. — Extent, if ai y, to which cessation of war In Europe might affect War Activities Committee op- erations here in cooperation with the Office of War Infor- mation, domestic division, would be determined in New York on the basis of exhibitor attitude, according to John C. Flinn, co-ordinator of the Western branch of WAC. He said that neither the end of the war in Europe or of the whole war would have a bear- ing on the current program of OWI subjects for produc- tion, which span the period between now and February and all of which deal with post-war topics. Honored for Efforts in Behalf of World Peace Washington, Nov. 15. — Secre- tary of State Cordell Hull will be the recipient on Nov. 24 of the Hu- manitarian Award for 1944, con- ferred each year by the Variety Clubs of America, it was an- nounced today by R. J. O'Donnell, National Chief Barker. The award to Hull is being made "for his tireless efforts in behalf of World Peace." With the award goes a silver plaque and $1,000 to be presented at a dinner in the Mayflower Hotel, which will be the highlight of a two-day business meeting of the Variety Clubs. The Humanitarian Award is con- ferred annually on the American citi- (Continued on page 7) First Bond Medal to Coal Field Showman Washington, Nov. 15.— Motion picture producers and all classes of manufacturing establishments will be asked to report their gross and net fixed capital as part of the return to be made early next year for the 1944 cenus of manufacturers, it was learned today. Designed to show the productive capacity of the nation at the peak of its war effort, the census also will develop important information re- garding the concentration of industry. This information will not be new with respect to the industry centered in Hollywood, but it will for the first time centralize statistics on the in- dustry's investment in plants and in- ventory. The last census of manufacturers was made in 1939 and showed how industry was then recovering from the depression. The coming census, or- dered by President Roosevelt, is de- signed to show what the country can (Continued on page 7) The first award of the industry's "Medal of Honor" for participation in the Sixth War Loan drive, was presented here yesterday by Harry Brandt, national chairman, to Pete Magazzu of Eastern Pennsylvania. Magazzu operates 11 theatres in 11 coal mining towns of Pennsylvania. In several of the towns the popula- (Continued on page 6) NBC Won't Answer Upton Close Charge The decision to replace radio news commentator Upton Close on his reg- ular Sunday broadcast period at the expiration of his present contract on Dec. 10 was made by National Broad- casting Co. executives several months ago, it was learned here yesterday. The spot will be taken over by Max (Continued on page 6) Reviewed Today Review of "Murder in the Blue Room," Universal, ap- pears on page 10. 2 Motion Picture daily Thursday, November 16, 19' Personal Mention NEIL AGNEW, vice-president of Vanguard Films, Inc., will re- turn to New York from Montreal to- day. • Frank R. Rogers of Florida State Theatres, and H. F. Kincey of Wilby & Kincey Theatres, both associated with Paramount, are New York visi- tors. • Dorothy Cartwright Doe of Warner's West Coast story depart- ment has won the $1,000 third prize for her short story in the current is- sue of Read Magazine. • Ned E. Depinet, RKO Radio pres- ident, returned to New York yester- day after a swing around the country with the industry's Sixth War Loan national committee. • Captain Sperte Perakos, son of Peter Perakos, co-owner of Quittner and Perakos Theatres in Connecticut, has been awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in France. • Constantin Bakaleinikoft, head of RKO Radio's Hollywood music department, will leave there soon for a month's business trip to Mexico City. Bernie Kranze, RKO Radio East- ern Central district sales manager, left New York yesterday to return to his headquarters in Cleveland. • Murray Lafayette of the 20th Century-Fox San Francisco office has become the father of a daughter, Leslie Ilona. Arlene Whelan, wife of Hugh Owen, general sales manager of Van- guard Films, left for the Coast yes- terday. • Harry H. Thomas, Monogram's Eastern division sales manager, will return to New York today from Al- bany. • George Brown, head of Paramount studio publicity-, is scheduled to arrive in New York from the Coast tomor- row. • Sam Horowitz, Midwest sales rep- resentative of Vanguard Films, is in New York for sales conferences. • David Hanna, Los Angeles Daily News film columnist, is a New York visitor. 'Together Again' Party Irene Dunne will entertain five wounded servicemen today at a "To- gether Again" party to be held at the Columbia home office. The soldiers, unsuspectingly, will be reunited, for the first time since their return, with their wives or sweethearts. There will be a private screening of Columbia's new "Together Again," which stars Miss Dunne. Defer SLRB Meet In RKO Pact Talks The hearing before the New York State Board of Mediation in the con- tract dispute between RKO and Mo- tion Picture Theatre Operating Man- agers and Assistant Managers Guild, representing managers and assistant managers in 40 Metropolitan RKO tneatres, originally scheduled for to- day, has been postponed to next Mon- day. N. Peter Rathvon, RKO presi- dent, was to have been present at the hearing. The IATSE has challenged the claim of jurisdiction over the cashiers and assistant cashiers in the RKO theatres as made by the Motion Pic- ture Theatre Cashiers Union of RKO, which appeared before the State Labor Relations Board here on Tuesday seeking designation as col- lective bargaining agent The RKO cashiers were originally organized with the managers and as- sistant managers but as a result of IATSE intercession they were placed in a separate unit. The SLRB is now expected to hold a formal hear- ing, but no date has been set. SAG Sees Election as 'Creating Conflict9 Hollywood, Nov. 15. — The Screen Actors Guild intends "zealously to safeguard" the jurisdiction over all acting work regardless of the outcome of the bargaining-agency election which has been ordered by the Nation- al Labor Relations Board, to determine the bargaining agency for extra play- ers, according to the guild's first of- ficial comment on the order. Noting that the NLRB decision to hold the election declared that the proper bargaining unit should be made up of not only those who do extra work solely but also of those who perform stunts, sing or play bit parts, the guild statement claimed that these, even in the event of the compe- titive Screen Players Union's victory, would remain SAG members. "There- fore, the decision seems to create a conflict as to overlapping jurisdiction," the SAG statement added. Meeting Set for Tomorrow Los Angeles, Nov. 15. — The Labor Relations Board has set Friday as the day for its meeting with the Screen Players Union, Screen Actors Guild and studio employers to plan for the election of extra players to determine their choice of bargaining groups. Pollack, Equipment Veteran, Joins RCA Camden, Nov. 15. — Al Pollack has joined the theatre equipment section of RCA Victor here, it was reported by Homer B. Snook, sales manager. Pollack entered the industry in 1919 with Minusa Cine Screen of St. Louis. He was later with American Silver Sheet Co., Walker Screen, Automatic Devices, Baldor Electric, Best De- vices, American Mat, Stanley Frame, G-M Laboratories and Ampro Corp. C ouncilmen Ask Ban on Coward A resolution calling upon theatre owners and patrons, publishers and readers to support a ban on Noel Cow- ard's works has been intro- d u c e d by five Brooklyn councilmen in New York City Council, stemming from Coward's 'slur' upon Brooklyn soldiers in his new book, "Middle East Diary." Two of Coward's new films, "This Happy Breed" and "Blithe Spirit" are to be released here by United Art- ists for J. Arthur Rank. Cohen Will Set WB In Latin America Wolfe Cohen, vice-president of Warner International Corp., will leave here today for his first tour of his re- cently assigned Latin-American terri- tory, to survey conditions and set up marketing plans for the company's new Spanish-dubbed product. Initial group of Warner Spanish- dubbed pictures to be released in Latin- America, Cohen stated, will be : "To Have and Have Not," to be shown in January, followed by "Ob- jective, Burma," "Roughly Speak- ing," "God Is My Co-Pilot," "Men Without Destiny," ' "My Reputation," "Conflict" and "The Corn Is Green." Cohen's first stop will be Mexico City, after which he will visit Cuba and other offices in the Caribbean. He expects to be gone about six weeks, returning to New York headquarters before visiting other South American, Australian and Far East territories under his supervision. Pioneers to Induct 25 At Christmas Party The executive committee of Pic- ture Pioneers approved 25 applications for membership at a luncheon-meeting held here yesterday. The new mem- bers will be inducted at a pre-Christ- mas dinner to be held at the Waldorf- Astoria Hotel on Dec. 13. Applicants accepted were: Salem E. Applegate, Henry R. Arias, John Bal- aban, Harold Blumenthal, Frank Boucher, Joseph D. Eagan, Joseph DeFranes, Jean Hersholt, E. J. Hud- son, William E. Jenkins, Myron J. Kallet, Morris J. Kandel, Sidney B. Lust, William Massce, Vincent R. McFaul, Paul C. Mooney, Harry A. Post, Max Rothstein, A. M. Kapf, M. Rudin, William A. Shirley, Andrew Smith, Jr., Eugene Spitz, Harry J. Takiff and William S. Wilder. Villers Returns Soon Sir Edward Villers of Ealing Stu- dios, London, will return to England within two weeks, after a stay here of several months. Villers was making a survey for Michael Balcon's com- pany, of American distribution outlets for possible release here of Balcon's films. He has not closed any deal as yet. Brecher Scores Cit Zoning Amendment Leo Brecher, head of Leo Brech 1 Theatres here, appearing before a pull lie hearing of the New York Board I Estimate at City Hall yesterday, a t tacked the proposed amendments I the City Planning Commission to til city's zoning resolution, which, it I claimed, would reduce total grouri: space of theatre and other building I Brecher, who appeared before tiff board as a motion picture exhibite;! has filed plans for a theatre at 53jj I St. and Sixth Ave., and declared thj adoption of the proposed amendme I would cut down the ground floor the structure, which he plans to eref on a 75 x 100 foot plot, from 7,5(1 square feet to 5,875. Brecher was but one of a long suf cession of witnesses from civic grou I who protested against the propost amendments, which apply only to f ture building, and supported a mino ity report of the City Planning Cor. mission. Robert Moses, Commissio: er of Parks, is a leading proponent the plan, while V. A. Huie, Commi sioner of Public Works and also I member of the Planning Commissi© I presented a dissenting report to tl I board. The proposed amendments to ti I zoning resolution will become law c [ Dec. 1, unless the Board of Estima 1 refers it back to the Planning Con 1 mission for further study. Cartoon Television Outlook by Terry The Atlantic Coast section of tl ! Society of Motion Picture Enginee met yesterday at the Hotel Pennsy vania, and heard Paul Terry, produi er of Terry-Toons, discuss the pa the animated cartoon is expected 1 play in the development of televisio Terry said that since the first scree cartoon, the industry has grown to point where 30,000,000 comic bool are sold monthly, and that today the have the greatest influence on the d( velopment of children and will pk a similar part in the introduction ( television to the youth of the land. Sistrom to Coast For J. Arthur Rank William Sistrom, producer for , Arthur Rank's Two Cities studio London, who arrived in New Yor from England last week, has gone t Hollywood to survey American pre duction methods for possible adoptic by Rank's several producing comp; nies. Sistrom's Two Cities productioi "Mr. Emanuel," will be the first c the Rank films which United Artist will release in this country. 20th Loses 'Rosie' Plea Federal Judge Francis G. Caffe} in Federal Court here yesterday, de nied a plea by 20th Century-Fox t dismiss an action against it by Mauc Nugent Jerome, who claims unauthot' ized use of her title and song, "Swee Rosie O'Grady," in the film of tl same name. The court ruled th; plaintiff had a cause of action. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunda and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York. Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, Ne\\l Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; Londo Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishin Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at tl post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. :i i- lot 1M . this type/^JSSons. 1+1 moods and ^£rector toturt^ >U not 831 nsi unM b|: thfc'i , Jig- 1 '•'•J 0n?-l ' .nter! tding\ a TSiewi w ilaope 'etch- 1 n tne| >ceived 1 4* prize Co,. . 1 ssk : renting i ent i\xit me-j habits w'\ & both\ ad g«est| in "Jonr '.George 1 Ithe unsci ISvgne Hf \ based dt don Boo screen 1" prodvtf M3 :T« AULA T7H WJJH J H/i WW. Tah\ appeal TwenUS. 'down*? .LOU,- * Kvanted \ She is « \ other piJ \wright 8 on the K Mr. STet out reso , Moore * lappear ; free spUitot^ con-jlad**r£ rf* Don ^an elf" ?otef toilet * - — Ives — of the s . means ventures rirlt over 8«*» sm- new cori The Ad- b0: five rhey wiu • { From Nev< York Teaser Campaign : pas mi Grand performances all gfiENNIS MORGAN * ELEANOR PARKER * DANE CLARK * FAYE EMERSON in "THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU" »iih BEUIAH BONDI • HENRY TRAVERS • WILLIAM PRINCE • ANDREA KING • ; ^ Directed by Produced by ERRY WALD Screen Ploy by Alvah Bessie & Delmer Daves • Original Story by r\ C \ U CD D A V F °°* CANTlfr ^ ^R ■ II , ihh, SH§SSSsj STO** SOl lessee ICANTMir A ftSS'i ^«oidT"~"~"" ' J mosf famous carfoon/sfs mil/ions in key cities throughout the land. SOL LESSER SOL LESSER prtMtnf _ is a! family' MARjORlE REYNOLDS CHARLIE RUGGLES FAY BA1NTER HELEN BRODER1CK ARTHUR LAKE HATTIE McDANIEL JEFF DONNELL JOHN PHILL1BER ■SuupV"* fa**"* CHERYL WALKER : WILLIAM TERRY FRED BRADY MARGARET EARLY MOTION PICTURE DAILY VOL. 56. NO. 100 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1944 TEN CENTS building Code Seen Halting New Theatres Bowling Testifies as to NYC Zoning Changes Robert Dowling of the New York City Citizens Zoning Com- mittee testifying at pre-holiday public hearings before the Board of Estimate here on proposed amend- ments to the city's zoning ordinances, which would serve to limit the size of all future theatre and other build- ings, to provide more air and light, declared that he knows of several proposed theatres, construction of which could not proceed on the basis (Continued on page 6) Probe Canada Tax For Postwar Plan Toronto, Nov. 23. — George H. Beeston of Empire-Universal Films has been appointed to a Toronto Board of Trade committee which will review the wartime taxation structure of the federal government with a view to recommending modifications to help private enterprise meet the problems of conversion to a peacetime basis. This action was taken at the annual meeting of the board's motion picture branch. RKO Trend Toward Musicals: Dozier Present trend in RKO production is toward musical and period films, and comedies, and away from war films and topicals, according to Wil- liam Dozier, executive assistant to Charles W. Koerner, studio produc- tion head, who is in New York to see some Broadway plays. Dozier disclosed that "Koerner's (Continued on page 7) Boom On for O 'Donnell Annual Film Gross $1,365,200,000 Annual gross box office re- ceipts approximate $1,365,- 200,000, based on the weekly box office attendance of 95,- 000,000 estimated in the new Quigley Almanac, just out, and the generally accepted 28 . cents average admission. By AL SHERMAN Washington, Nov. 23. — A big boom for the reelection of Texas cir- cuit operator Robert J. O'Donnell to the post of national chief barker of Variety Clubs of America is under way here tonight, it was learned in an unofficial, first- hand survey of delegates arriv- ing for the an- nual convention of the show- man's organi- zation now in session at the Hotel Statler. Despite the reluctance of delegates to publicly comment, it is quite evi- (Continued on page 7) C'ordell Hull Fuel Situation to Remain 'Critical' Washington, Nov. 23. — Exhibi- tors were warned Wednesday by In- terior Secretary Harold L. Ickes that supplies of all fuels will become "in- creasingly critical" right up to the end of the war, despite possible increases in production. Urging commercial and industrial consumers to save all possible coal, oil and gas, Ickes announced the appoint- ment of coordinators in the Eastern and Middle West states to promote a national fuel efficiency program which is being sponsored by the Government. More Independents Seen in MPPDA The independent member- ship ranks of the Motion Picture Producers and Dis- tributors of America will be further strengthened, it is understood, by the expected addition to the Hays roster of at least three more com- panies: David Selznick's Van- guard Pictures, the Leo Spitz- William Goetz International Pictures, and Hal Wallis Pro- ductions, in which he is asso- ciated with Joseph Hazen. PRC Theatres In Midwest PRC will purchase a number of theatres in the Midwest key cities, in its move to become a national pro- ducer - distributor - exhibitor, Leon Fromkess, president of the company, told Motion Picture Daily yester- day before leaving for the Coast. The theatres will be purchased as "show- cases" for PRC product, "wherever possible" ; the number depends on price conditions and availability. PRC's announcement of its plans of distribution and exhibition were dis- closed here Tuesday. Fromkess revealed that he plans to maintain the present staffs of the newly-purchased exchanges and will add to these staffs when personnel becomes available. PRC has purchased the physical properties of the exchanges, as well as the franchices. Fromkess will return from the Coast shortly after the first of the year. New production deals will oc- cupy part of his time while there. 99 3 Is a Family [United Artists-Sol Lesser] Hollywood, Nov. 23 HERE is a situation-comedy, leaning decidedly toward farce. As a play by Phoebe and Henry Ephron, "3 Is a Family" was pro- duced in New York by John Golden. Thereafter, Sol Lesser bought it and this is the result. He and United Artists have a click comedy attraction on their hands. No theatreman, conscious of his box office, will want to enter a dissenting vote. The locale is New York. The time is now. The housing shortage is acute. The place is a small apartment occupied by Charles Ruggles and Fay Bainter, who play husband and wife, and by Helen Broderick, Miss Bainter's sister. Marjorie Reynolds, the daughter, is married to Fred Brady, naval lieutenant. They have bab^ twins, and what a cuddling, delightful pair Donna and Etlisa Lambertson are ! The daughter visits the parents, loaded down with the complex and vast assortment of equip- (Continued on page 7) Warner Cites Theatres' Aid In Army Gift $7,000,000 to Date Goes to Army Relief from 'Army' Washington, Nov. 23. — The fund raised by "This Is the Army" for Arm}' Emergency Relief has passed the $7,000,000 'mark. Harry M. Warner, p r e s i d e nt of Warner Bros., called at the War Depart- ment here yes- t e r d a y and presented the 7,000,000th dol- 1 a r, together with an ac- counting of re- sults from "This Is the Army" to date, to Gen. George C. Mars hall. Army chief of staff. Warner paid tribute to the the- ( Continued on page 6) U.S. Gives Guide to Actors' Salaries Harry M. Warner Washington, Nov. 23. — The In- ternal Revenue Bureau has given the producers another gruidepost on the question of salaries in a ruling that the compensation given an actor by one company on a flat deal for a sin- ( Continued on page 6) French Get Request For Industry Visas The French consulate in New York is compiling a list of those in the American film industry who have ap- plied for passports to France, the list, to be transmitted to the French gov- ernment in Paris. The film division (Continued on page 7) Also Reviewed Today In addition to the review of "3 Is a Family," United Art- ists-Sol Lesser, appearing in adjoining columns, a review of "The Thin Man Comes Home," M-G-M, appears on page 3; also "Hi, Beautiful," Universal, page 7. 2 Motion Picture daily i Friday, November 24, 1944 Personal Mention N PETER RATHVON, RKO • president, will leave New York for the West Coast for conferences with Charles W. Koerner, produc- tion head, on Dec. 1. B. V. Sturdivant, Northern Cali- fornia division manager of Fox West Coast Theatres, and national director of the Army-Navy War Exhibit, re- turned to his San Francisco headquar- ters this week from the exhibit's first public showing in New York and Washington. Sgt. Anthony Petti, former per- sonnel director for Universal at the home office, has been transferred from Esler Field, La., to Camp Howze, Texas. Paul Nathanson, head of Empire- Universal and Odeon Theatres of Canada, and Mrs. Reva Nathanson, are the parents of a baby girl born in the General Hospital, Toronto. • Herman Ripps, M-G-M Albany manager, has returned to his head- quarters after two days at the home office conferring with E. K. O'Shea. • R. J. Ingram, division manager of Columbia in Atlanta, is in Jackson- ville, conferring with executives of Florida Theatres. • Lt. Lewis F. Blumberg, son of N. J. Blumberg, Universal president, has been transferred from Hondo Field, Texas, to Alexandria, La. • Max Friedman, Warner circuit film buyer and booker for upstate New York, returned to Albany yes- terday from New York. • Roy Haines, Western and Southern division sales manager for Warner Bros., returned Wednesday from a Midwest tour. • Sam Gardner, M-G-M Salt Lake City manager, has returned to his home base after several days in New York. • Merritt Davis, Republic Southern division manager, has returned to Atlanta from Dallas, after meeting there with J. R. Grainger. • Alan F. Cummings, M-G-M ex- change head, will return today from a week in Atlanta. • Oscar Hanson, president of Mono- gram of Canada, has returned to Toronto from New York. • E. L. Alperson, independent pro- ducer, will leave the Coast today for New York. • Leon Fromkess, president of PRC left for the Coast yesterday. • Budd Rogers has returned to New York from Hollywood. Insider's Outlook ■By RED KANN- Hollywood, Nov. 23 C TEADILY, under steam ^ generated to its effective -de- gree, International goes its way. The company organized and made its plans for four this season without any visible con- cern, or surface interest, in a release ; then came the deal with RKO which closes out with "It's a Pleasure." Without distribution, "Along Came Jones," Gary Cooper's first as producer-star, is shoot- ing. Orson Welles has been signed for "Tomorrow Is For- ever," in which Claudette Col- bert will star when the picture gets moving in February. "The Countess of Monte Cristo" has been acquired for Sonja Henie- under a new agreement. That makes three of a minimum of four for the 1945-46 market on some currently unknown pro- gram. ■ International's maiden quartet is adding strength to RKO's overall program. "Casanova, Brown, as one case in point, probably will do about $2,500,- 000 domestically. It appears a reasonably good guess, there- fore, that RKO will be courting International for another year. Will International be a party to the romance? The answer is in the affirmative column, but between courtship and consum- mation could be something else again. There are other admir- ers around, too. Not as persistent as they once were, but hanging on diligently anyway, are conversation pieces about an expanded sphere of ac- tivity for International — some sort of a setup in which the company will control and domi- nate. What do Bill Goetz and Leo Spitz say to all of this ? Very direct, and in one word : Nothing:. The love of open spaces, very open, is a required attribute for those who cover Hollywood previews. You just keep on traveling. Now, traveling around this community and broad environs is all right if an individual has enough of the fluid necessary to motive power. When he hasn't, he frequently wonders why some studios', hull down on the Hollywood horizon, insist upon running many pictures on their lots, as many more in theatres a sleeper jump away and occa- sionally a lone wolf in a house convenient for the majority. There are always reasons, how- ever. The weirdest of them all, how- ever, concerns a film for which pseudo apologies were offered because it was brief by compari- son with the producer's usual crop. Here goes : "We can't preview a little picture like this in a theatre — it's a good little picture, mind you but it only runs about an hour — because a theatre audi- ence expects a previewed pic- ture to have some big names, oi" something like that, and a little picture like this would only get a letdown. Then the producer would say we hadn't given him a fair break."' ■ ■ Amusing is the story — and true — about delusions, of gran- deur and a realistic sales man- ager. The studio was attacked badly by roadshow virus. Nothing less would suffice but advanced prices at two-a-day for more attractions than the field possibly could have ab- sorbed. And that ignores any and all considerations as to whether roadshow values prop- erly belonged. The sales manager first con- sidered entering objections in one-two-three order. Then he switched, and this is how: He agreed with the studio, said he was too busy on his regular job and observed the proper way to sell roadshows was to organize a special road- show department. But some- one else would have to handle it. The squeeze play unsqueezed. Roadshows, roadshow depart- ment and those delusions of grandeur were heard of no more. However, next year is another year. Gene Kelly has been inducted, into the Army, and Metro patri- otically regrets. But Clark Gable is back and expected to resume work after the first of the year. Bob Mont- gomery is on the Navy's inac- tive list; thus he, too, returns to the studio's stellar roll call. Viewing the inevitable for its inevitability, Metro is content. Two-for-one is a ratio hard to lick. Hollywood's Pan-American Musical Romance! BRAZIL co-starring TITO GUIZAR VIRGINIA QRUCE featuring EDWARD EVERETT HORTON ROBERT LIVINGSTON VELOZ and YOLANDA FORTUNIO BONANOVA and ROY ROGERS (King of the Cowboys) as Guest star A REPUBLIC PICTURE "sir republic BBir CO 5-9647 THEATER 5|st & 52nd RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50TH STREET & 6TH AVENUE Irene 4. Charles DUNNE T BOYER TOGETHER AGAIN' with Charles Coburn A Columbia Picture SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 ir PARAMOUNT presents ^fc Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek' » 10TH WEEK— RIVOLI WT BROADWAY AND 49TH STREET PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. CARY GRANT "None But thelonely Heart" WITH MISS ETHEL BARBYMORE BARRY FITZGERALD Alan Ladd Loretta Young in PARAMOUNT'S "AND NOW TOMORROW" In Person i GLEN GRAY and the Casa Loma Orchestra ANDY RUSSELL JERI SULIAVAN SON & SONNY WALLY BROWN and ALAN CARNEY ON SCREEN First N.Y. Showing! M-G-M's 'AN AMERICAN ROMANCE' IN TECHNICOLO. starring BRIAN DONLEVY IN PERSON CARMEN A MAYA JOE BESSER *±T VICTORIA Broadway & 46th St. Doors Open 9:45 A. M. • Continuous June Haver - Dick Haymes Monty Woolley IRISH EYES ARE SMILING' A 20th Century-Fox Picture in Technicolor Plus On Stage — RAY BOLGER - GRACIE BARRIE WALTER NILSSON - CARR BROTHERS PLUS LATEST 'MARCH OF TIME' BUY MORE RQX Y BONDS 50th St. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday avrd holidays by Qu'gley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News " or; London Publishing _ . 938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. 1%, Friday, November 24, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 3 NLRB Sets Dec. 17 ReVieW For Extras' Voting Los Angeles, Nov. 23. — The Na- tional Labor Relations Board has set an election for Sunday, Dec. 17 for extra players to vote their preference between the Screen Actors Guild, Screen Players Union, or neither, as collective bargaining agent. The voting will take place at the NLRB office here. Heeding protests by 10 studios that tome players eligible to vote would be ■kway at the time, the NLRB provided a procedure for absentee balloting. All extras employed 30 days or more in the past year are eligible to vote on the issue, long bitterly contested by the rival unions. The Thin Man Goes Home Extras in SPU Poll Hollywood, Nov. 23. — W. W. Rar ity and Co., public accountants, have been retained by the Screen Players Union to authenticate the extra play ers' balloting to determine awards for outstanding achievements in pictures, to be conducted in February. The SPU poll is similar to that of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which recently excluded ex tras from its list of professionals eligi- ble to vote in its annual canvass. Field Exploiteers of 20th Meet on 'Victory9 Field exploitation representatives of 20th Century-Fox will meet at the home office tomorrow to discuss plans for the national campaign of Moss Hart's "Winged Victory," according to Rodney Bush, exploitation manager. The sessions, which will continue over the weekend, will be conducted by Sidney Blumenstock, assistant ex- ploitation manager. Field men who will attend include : Spence Pierce, Leonard Allen, Bill Michaelson, Mike Weiss, Seymour Freedman, Wally Allen, Al Fowler, Al Winston and Ralph Stitt. Boston Sets Opening For Bing's 'John L.' * Boston, Nov. 23.— Milton Crandall has arrived in Boston to arrange for the premiere of "The Great John L.," produced by Bing Crosby and to be released through United Artists. The premiere is scheduled for sometime in January. Crosby and Bob Hope will be on hand for the opening. Prior to the premiere a banquet will be given for Massachusetts mayors and members of a 'citizens' commit- tee. Other events to tie up with the opening include athletic contests which will be held at the Boston Gardens and at which Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney are expected to appear. 3 New Companies Incorporate in N. Y. Albany, Nov. 23.— Three com- panies here have been incorporated, as follows : Monarch Pictures, Inc.! New York, with Mildred Mahon' Louise Hummel and Helen Zill as di- rectors; Anver Theatres, Inc., with Thomas Herman, Philip F. Schneider and Gertrude C. Herman as directors ; Dorsey Corp., directors of which are Belle V. Porter, Mindell Lustgarten and Marie Metzler. I (M-G-M) Hollywood, Nov. 23 T'S good to have Nick and Nora Charles and their screwball helter- skelterisms back again. Let's hope they stay after their three years' absence. William Powell, naturally, is Nick again. He is a bit older, of course, and a bit paunchier as he gracefully acknowledges to one of his child- hood neighbors at Sycamore Springs. Myrna Loy, naturally, is Nora again. She has those inescapable years added on, too, but a mere 36 months have detracted nothing from her looks and her charm, her fre- quently shaken faith in her fictional husband's sanity and her unflinching confidence in his ability to unravel crime at its most baffling. Asta, the famous wire-haired terrier, seems to have stopped the calendar in its or his, tracks completely; he's still quite a show on his own. As a matter of fact, the original story by Robert Riskin and Harry Kurnitz, based on the characters created by Dashiell Hammett, is ingeni- ous, clever and bright. The Thin Man had to be returned after bis long siesta. It's done neatly by taking him into the country to visit his parents. The purpose is a vacation and, while they don't precisely say so, it's the war and the shortage of liquor which puts Nick on a program of cider when memory recalls it once was something considerably different. Yet while the purpose was a holiday, there would have been no story and consequently no picture if crime hadn't raised its nefarious head. Crime obliges, in the usual shape of murder which is solved in due order. The motivation is well hidden until Nick demonstrates those terrible oil paintings are a cover-up for the plans of a new propeller factory which an enemy government would give eye teeth — one anyway — to get its hooks into. Suspicion, of course, is made to veer from one person to another and, in keeping with the requirements of solid mystery writing, finalizes on the person least of all suspected. That portion of the attraction is substantial in construction and bewilderments, but "The Thin Man Goes Home" does not rely solely upon straight murder and confusion. The zanie antics which were a hallmark of the earlier members of this series are on hand. This time, they are geared to the war and the home front. There is, for instance, a very funny episode in a crowded day coach and a panic sequence in which Nick rids himself of Nora by putting her in the hands of a rug-cutting sailor. What he puts her through is to see and to howl over, not to experience. Sometimes you get the fun from, the devastation of the dance itself. Much of the time it is by indirection in the form of large close- ups of Nick and his reactions. Either way, and both ways, it's uproarious. Riskin developed the screenplay from his collaborative original along with Dwight Taylor. The contagion traveled along the line from the cast, which includes Harry Davenport, Gloria De Haven, Lucile Watson, Helen Vinson, Leon Ames, Anne ■ Revere, Donald Meek, Lloyd Corrigan and Edward Brophy, to Richard Thorpe, the able director, and to Everett Riskin, the com- petent producer. M-G-M ought to be happy with this one. Exhibitors and audiences assuredly will be. Running time, 98 minutes. "G."* Release date not set. Red Kann Raibourn, Larsen To Address TEA 'G" denotes general classification. Myers Heads Canada Gov't Distribution Toronto, Nov. 23. — Robert E. Myers, former headoffice booker of Famous Players Canadian, has been appointed director of theatre distribu- tion for Canada and foreign countries by the National Film Board, of which John Grierson is commissioner. Myers has also been in charge of film distribution in the Canadian Navy and will retain that post. Seek Vote Change Hollywood, Nov. 23. — The shorts subjects branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has proposed to the rules committee that judging of shorts for the annual award be done by the Academy's full membership, which numbers 690, in- stead of by officers and the board of governors only as in previous years. 217 Additional Runs Buy Monogram Line Nine additional circuits comprising 217 theatres, have been signed for the Monogram program for 1944-45. Con- tracted were : Fox Midwest, with 94 theatres in Kansas and Misouri ; Har- ris-Voeller, with 14 houses in Idaho ; R. E. Griffith, 25 in New Mexico; H. J. Griffith, 27 in Kansas and Missouri ; Black Hills, 10 in South Dakota and Nebraska ; Joseph L. Lawrence, eight in Utah; Atlas Theatres, 11 in Colo- rado; Simons Amusement, 22 in Idaho and Montana ; Civic Theatres, five in Denver. Donovan, Sarnoff Go Up Washington, Nov. 23 — President Roosevelt has promoted Col. David Sarnoff, RCA president on leave of absence, and William J. Donovan, formerly of RKO counsel, to the rank of Brigadier General. Baldwin with Vanguard Jack Goldstein, Eastern director of publicity and exploitation for David O. Selznick's Vanguard Films, has ap- pointed Ted Baldwin, formerly in charge of promotion work for Colum- bia Pictures, as a member of his staff. Baldwin will assume his new duties on Monday. Highlights of the first annual con- ference of the Television Broadcast- ters Association, Inc., to be held at the Hotel Commodore here Dec. 11- 12, will be panel discussions on the role of films and the theatre in tele- vision. Paul Larsen of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers is chair- man of the theatre panel and William Morris of the Morris Agency will present performer side of the issue. Among speakers will be Paul Rai- bourn, Paramount, whose subject will be: "How Theatres Can Use Television," Ralph Austrian, RKO, and Ralph Beal, RCA Laboratories, who will speak on "Television Broadcasting as Related to Theatre Television." Stars Participate Stars of screen, radio and stage who are scheduled to participate in discussions include: Ed Wynn, Gar- son Kanin, Walter O'Keefe, Jessica Dragonette, Richard Mandel and Leo Horowitz. Dorman D. Israel, vice president of Emerson Radio and Phonograph Corp., is in charge of arrangements for the discussions. Representatives of seven of the nine television stations currently operating will address another panel discussion. The group will be headed by Samuel H. Cuff, general manager of Du- Mont Television station WABD, New York, and will also include Rob- ert Gibson, General Electric station WRGB; Comm. William Eddy of Balaban and Katz station WBKB ; Klaus Landsberg of Television Pro- ductions, Inc., station W6XYZ ; Harry R. Lubcke of Don Lee station W7XAO; Paul Knight of Philco's WPTZ ; • and John T. Williams of NBC's station WNBT. Mrs. Jarmila Kennedy will be secretary of the panel. ASCAP Not to Have Own Headquarters The board of directors of the Amer- ican Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers on Wednesday rejected a proposal to move from its present site at Radio City to a three-story building at Park Avenue and 59 St. Rejected building had formerly housed the Anderson Art Galleries. The Radio City lease continues for another year, until late 1945, but ASCAP has no other plans, even a year hence for moving, it was said. Originally the board had considered 21-year lease on the Park Avenue building. Warners Books PRC The Warner circuit in New Jersey and in the Albanv-Buffalo territories has booked 1944-45 PRC product. Delay Selecting WAC Distribution Head _ Members of the distributors' divi- sion of the War Activities Committee, at a meeting here on Wednesday, failed to select a new division chair- man to succeed Ned E. Depinet whose term will expire at the end of the year. A further meeting will be held next Monday. The annual meeting of the WAC will be held here next Thursday. Hickey to 'Classics' Atlanta, Nov. 23. — Walter T. Hickey, formerly with Monogram Southern exchanges, has joined Film Classics here, under John W. Mang- ham, to cover this territory. Business is re alhr Somethin • . . because ti\ First engagement — Pittsburgh — soared past "Sweet Rosie O'Grady"! And that's the swift pace it has set in 39 other spots to date! "Big box-office!" —Film Daily "Will be hailed by exhibi- tors and audiences!" — Hollywood Reporter "Do extra exploitation — it's big!" — Showmen's Trade Review "Expertly fashioned!" Wm. — The Exhibitor "Packs plenty entertain- ment!" —Daily Variety . . .far ahead in hits with LAURA " • "WILSON" in Technic* CENTURY-FOX *eture9s something wonderful I in Technicolor CARMEN MIRANDA • MICHAEL O'SHEA • VIVIAN BLAINE "The Cherry Blonde" in "SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS" with Phil Silvers • Sheila Ryan • Perry Como • Glenn Langan • Directed by LEWIS SEILER • Produced by IRVING STARR • Photographed in Technicolor • Screen Play by Robert Ellis, Helen Logan and Frank Cabrielson • Based on the Musical Comedy Book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields • Cole Porter Songs Music and Lyrics New Songs by Jimmy McHugh and Harold Adamson • Dances Staged and Directed by Nick Castle USH EYES ARE SMILING " in Technicolor and rfTHE SONG OF BERNADETTE" SMASH 'EM WITH THE SIXTH WAR LOAN! 6 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 24, 1944 Kingsberg Plans 123 War Bond Premieres in N. Y. Warner Cites Theatres' Aid In Army Gift (Continued from page 1) atre owners of America for their part in making the gift to Army Relief pos- sible in his report to Gen. Marshall. "The sum could not have been raised without the magnificent and wholehearted cooperation of the thea- tre owners of the country who are responsible for a substantial portion of the total," the report said, explain- ing that "Thousands of theatres held special premieres, total proceeds from which were paid into the Army Fund. Exhibitors of the country not only showed the picture at terms favorable to AER but also gave the picture ex- tended playing time and generally handled the picture in such a manner as to bring the greatest possible re- turn to AER," Warner said. Warner also paid tribute to Irving Berlin, author of "This Is the Army" ; Michael Curtiz, director of the film, and the artists who participated in the film. He cited for special tribute the many Army officers and enlisted men whose "splendid cooperation and wholehearted efforts were so impor- tant to the success of the production." 'Accounting Due AER' Stressing that "in times of war, when so many are called upon to give so much, anything that we at home may do is negligible compared to the sacrifices of the men and women at the battlefronts," Warner said that he nevertheless felt that "an account- ing was due the officers and men who carry on the great work of AER and to the thousands of theatre owners who gave a part of their receipts to AER and to the millions of theatre- goers who paid admission to see the picture." In his report,. Warner disclosed that the original intention of the company was to give 50 per cent of the profits from the film to AER, but it was subsequently decided to turn over 100 per cent of the profits to AER, an act "enthusiastically approved" by the com- pany's board of directors. Wodehouse Arrested P. G. Wodehouse, 63, British author and humorist, who was in Hollywood for a year as a writer, and several of whose stories have been filmed, has been arrested in Paris on charges of aiding the Germans by his broadcasts from Berlin in 1941, it was reported here in dispatches from Paris. It is also reported, that through interven- tion of the British Government, he may be released by French police pro- vided he leave France. Loew's, Ltd. Dividend Toronto, Nov. 23. — For the first time since 1921, Marcus Loew Thea- tres, Ltd., here, which operates two local houses, has declared a dividend on common shares. The company will pay one dollar per share on Dec. 30. The current regular dividend of $1.75 for the quarter-year has also been de- clared on preferred shares, likewise payable at the end of this year. The first series of War Bond Pre- mieres in theatres of all the major circuits and many independent houses in the New York area has been set by the industry's local War Activities Committee, of which Malcolm Kings- berg is chairman. These premieres, which bring fea- tures to local theatres before their regular engagements, are presented at a special performance to which ad- mission is obtainable only through the purchase of Sixth War Loan Bonds in theatres. Besides 57 already set, and the 16 special premieres for children, the committee members, Charles C. Mos- kowitz, James M. Brennan, Sam Renzler and Edward Rugoff, expect that the theatres will have about 50 additional bond premieres. Upstate N. Y. Well Organized for 6th Albany, Nov. 23.— C. J. Latta, Warner zone manager, is chairman of the industry's upstate bond drive com- mittee, and Clayton G. Eastman, branch manager for Paramount, is chairman of the distributors' commit- tee. Working with Latta are : Sid Som- mers, Milton Schosman, Saul Ullman, Joe Shure, Charles Smakwitz, Neil Hellman, Guy Graves, Sid Dwore, William C. Smalley, Charles Gordon, Andy Roy, Sid Kallet, J. Myer, Louis W. Schine, Jim Papayanakos, William Benton and Henry Grossman. Heavier Concentration On Chicago Premieres Chicago, Nov. 23. — Twenty-five Bond Premieres, against 36 in the last drive, have been set for the Sixth War Loan campaign here, in order to give each premiere a more concen- 'Creek' Cracks All Newman Records Kansas City, Nov. 23. — "French- man's Creek" broke all records for the Newman with a score of around $29,000, even overstepping the big- record made by "Going My Way." Estimated receipts for the week ending Nov. 21-24: "Hail the Conquering Hero" (Para.) ESQUIRE— (800) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $9,400). "Together Again" (Col.) "Shadows in the Night" (Col.) MIDLAND — (3,500) (40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $14,000). "Frenchman's Creek (Para.) NEWMAN— (1,900) (4Sc-65c) 7 days. Gross: $29,000. (Average: $10,000). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RICO) ORPHEUM— (1.900) (45c-65c) 3rd week. Gross: $112,000. (Average: $10,000). "Dangerous Journey" (ZOth-Fox) "A Wave, a Wac and a Marine" (MonoJ TOWER— (2,000) (45c-65.) 7 days. Stage show. Gross: $10,500. (Average: $9,400). "Hail the Conquering Hero" (Para.) UPTOWN— (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Average: $5,600). FAIRWAY— (700) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,800. (Average: $1,600). Censors Appoint Berrier Philadelphia, Nov. 23. — Mrs. Edna R. Carroll, chairman of the Pennsylvania State Board of Censors, reports that Joseph Berrier has been named officer in charge of inspection, violation and enforcement. Berrier was once associated with the board, re- signing in 1936. trated promotional buildup, Larry Stein, drive publicity chairman, re- ports. At a meeting of the 25 man- agers of the premiere houses, Stein outlined the campaigns. The Chicago Herald - American, Hearst daily, has subscribed to back the premieres. The Navy will supply captured Jap materials for display in all 25 theatre lobbies, while the Army will furnish jeep rides to bond buyers on premiere day in the neighborhoods of the premiere theatres. Loop pre- mieres will be held in the State-Lake, Palace, and Oriental. California Owners and Newspaper Combine Drive Los Angeles, Nov. 23. — Theatres of Southern California and the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner have set a goal of 550,000 individual war bond sales, 50,000 more than their quota during the Fifth War Loan Drive, as a joint effort for the sixth. Combining the resources of the 650 houses in this area and the paper, purchasers of war bonds in theatres will witness previews as well as personal appearances of stars, attend network radio broadcasts, stage shows, auctions and other special events. Gus Metzger is in charge of the combined campaign. W. F. Crockett Buys $25,000 in Bonds William F. Crockett, vice chairman of the industry's Sixth War Loan drive, has purchased $25,000 of bonds. Crockett, a partner in the Bayne- Roland Theatres, Virginia Beach, Va., and president of the Virginia MPTO since 1937, pledged the purchase at the Sixth War Loan 'Statue of Lib- erty' in Times Square. U. S. Gives Guide to Salaries of Actors (Continued from page 1) gle picture will not be recognized as the basis for increasing the weekly salary he received from another com- pany and vice versa. As an example, the Bureau cited a flat deal with "X" Corp. under which an actor receives $10,000 for the pic- ture, on which he was expected to be and actually was employed only four weeks. The actor's last employment was for the "Y" Corp. at a salary of $1,000 a week, and the bureau held that approval by the salary stabiliza- tion unit of the deal with "X" may not be deemed to be approval for an increase in the actor's weekly salary rate from $1,000 to $2,500. "It appears that there is no fixed relationship between the amount paid on a daily or weekly basis to an em- ploye and the amount which he might be paid when the salary payment is for the completed job," the bureau explained. "Accordingly approval of an application for payment by the completed job will not be deemed to be an approval of a daily or weekly salarv rate for an employe for . the purpose thereafter under the specific assignment rule at a daily or weekly salary rate in excess of the daily or weekly salary rate theretofore estab- lished or approved for such employe." New Building Code Seen as Impediment (Continued from page 1) of the new zoning revisions proposed by the City Planning Commission. Dowling, whose organization also represents film distribution and ex- hibition interests, including M-G-M, Paramount and 20th Century-Fox, later told Motion Picture Daily that plans for proposed film theatres on Broadway, between 45th and 46th Streets ; on the empty site next to the Roxy Theatre ; another on 53rd St. and Sixth Ave., and others, would be nullified if the zoning amendments in their present form are adopted. Claiming that the zoning amend- ments would deprive buildings of 31 per cent of their ground space, Dowl- ing said that it would be impossible to erect new theatres on sites at pres- ent inhabitated by existing buildings as the owners of the land, utilizing 100 per cent of the ground area, would not willingly sacrifice such a high per- centage for new buildings. Similarly, he pointed out, in those vacant lots where theatre buildings are projected, a high, towering building would of necessity have to be erected to get back the value which the property would be deprived of if almost one- third of the ground area were sacri- ficed because of the new zoning amendments. These high buildings would be unfeasible for theatre struc- tures, said Dowling. Last week, Leo Brecher, mid-Man- hattan theatre operator, attacked the proposed amendments, using as an ex- ample the difficulties which he would face in erecting a new theatre, now in blueprint form. He said that his new house would have to be slashed from a plot area of 7,500 feet to 5,- 875 feet. The Board of Estimate is expected to vote on the proposed zoning amendments Nov. 30. If no action is taken, they automatically become law on Dec. 1. Cleveland Will Have Two Chief Barkers Cleveland, Nov. 23. — Local Vari- ety has elected two chief barkers to serve, Meyer Fine of Associated Cir- cuit and M. B. Horwitz of Washing- tun Circuit. Election of the two men was agreed upon to meet the demands of running theatres and conducting a successful club. Tony Stern, Warner Theatres, was elected first assistant chief barker; I. J. Schmertz and Edwin R. Bergman, both of 20th-Fox, were reelected treasurer and secretary, respectively. Outgoing barker is Bernard Kranze, RKO. Lambs Honor Vitale The Lambs Club will honor Joseph Vitale, now in RKO's "None But the Lonely Heart," at a theatre party to- night at the RKO Palace here where the film is playing. Jack Whiting and Ward Wilson are in charge of ar- rangements. Palmeri in WB Sales Vincent Palmeri, formerly manager of Warner's Merritt Theatre, Bridge- port, Conn., has been transferred to the distribution department in the home office. He will probably be as- signed to the foreign department. Friday, November 24, 1944 motion Picture daily 7 Boom On for O 'Donnell (Continued from page I) dent that O'Donnell's name, when submitted, will win the election. A business session will precede the Humanitarian Award dinner to be held tomorrow evening in the May- flower Hotel at which the award will be designated for Secretary of State Cordeu Hull, for his peace efforts, before a representative group of more than 5UU dignitaries from the amuse- ment world and from Washington political and social life. In the ab- sence of Secretary Hull, who is con- fined to a hospital, the award will be accepted by Under-Secretary of State Edward R. Stettinius. Presentation of the award will be made by Albert Kennedy Rowswell, chairman of the Humanitarian Awards Committee, who will be in- troduced by John H. Harris, 'big boss' and founder of Variety Clubs. O'Donnell will be toastmaster. A round of festivities has been planned for the visiting delegates, ac- cording to Carter Barron, chairman of the banquet committee, culminat- ing in a dinner-dance at the Hotel Willard Saturdav evening, sponsored by Washington Tent No. 11, at which the announcement of the new national officers will be made. Another event will be the induction of Sammy Baugh, Redskin football star, as hon- orary member of the Dallas tent dur- ing the Redskins' football game at Griffith stadium on Sunday. Streamlined this year to conform to U. S. Government requests to conserve transportation and hotel facilities, each Tent has sent only a limited number of 'barkers' to repre- sent them at this war-time gathering during which they will discuss past and future cooperation with the vari- ous war activities groups of the indus- try and a continuation of Variety's charitable work. The national tent is represented by O'Donnell, Harris. Carter Barron and Earle Sweigert, assistant national chief barkers; Marc Wolf, dough guy ; Lou Rome, property master ; Chick Lewis, publicity director; and James G. Balmer, ceremonial barker. French Get Request For Industry Visas (Continued from page 1) of the French Ministry of Information here is understood to be acting as a consultive to the consulate. Not long ago, the State De- partment announced that nine coun- tries previously blocked off by the war, have been declared open to civil- ian travel without the requirement of military approval, including most of France. The Department warned, however, that travel facilities to and in these countries are severely lim- ited, and only trips by Americans con- tributing to the war effort would have a chance of clearance through the De- partment, it was said. Areas for which military permits are no longer required include : Mo- rocco, Algeria. Tunisia, Libya. Syria, Lebanon, Turkey. Cyprus and those parts of France which are no longer a scene of military operations. "3 Is a Family (Continued from page 1) ment required to keep the infants going. Lots of other couples drop in sooner or later, all of them impending fathers and mothers. A son, Arthur Lake, and his wife, Jeff Donnell, are on the verge of parenthood, too; in fact, it's an epidemic. They live downstairs, are threatened with eviction, are about to move in with the parents and what sizes up as a neat cross-section of the United States Navy. Ruggles is a Milquetoast sort of fellow, but an endearing one. He's handy with a diaper and a baby bottle. He is not so handy with his investments, but this time and when all seems lost, his latest 'flier' returns him $5,000 for $2,500. Anyway, babies are well on the way all over the apartment. The twins are believed lost or kidnapped. The maid problem passes through a daily change- over and a daily crisis, climaxed by the slap-happy appearance and perform- ance of the well-rounded Hattie McDaniel. She rates No. 2 for laughs. No. 1 is John Philliber who is the decrepit, fossil-like Dr. Bartell who can't see very well, who walks into closets, knocks over furniture, thinks 1944 is the Victorian era, but who manages to deliver one baby at home because the hospital has its S.R.O. sign out, too. Philliber is a running gag, but this actor, who died a few days ago, is so funny in his odd characterization that howls will greet him, beyond the shadow of any doubt. The film is mad. It is a telescoping of all the inconveniences and the upsets which, for one reason or another, confront the civilian population in these times of war. But it is hilarious and entertaining to an extreme and probably the best hammer-at-the-ribs comedy to hit the screen since "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek." Therefore, the credits automatically must include Harry Chandlee and Marjorie L. Pfaelzer for their screenplay and Edward Ludwig for his fast, well-paced and appreciative direction. Advertising-wise, there ought to be values in stressing that four members of the cast of "Stage Door Canteen" figure in this. They are : William Terry, Cheryl Walker, Fred Brady and Margaret Early. All the principals evidence competence and skill. Running time, 80 minutes. "G."* Release date not set. Red Kann "Hi, Beautiful9' (Universal) Hollywood, Nov. 23 MARTHA O'DRISCOLL and Noah Beery, Jr., who turn in consistently good performances, deserve better material than that afforded by this vehicle. Miss O'Driscoll sings three songs with presence and charm, and a few more would have added to the picture's effectiveness. The screenplay, by Dick Irving Hyland, who is also the associate producer, as based on a story by Eleanore Griffin and William Rankin. It is a tale of young love, without much to recommend it in the way of novelty or inter- est. The dialogue, too, misfires. Leslie Goodwins' direction, and a supporting cast which includes Hattie McDaniel, Walter Catlett and Tim Ryan, are largely responsible for the entertainment. Running time, 64 minutes. "G"* Release date, Dec. 8. Thalia Bell Hollywood *"G" denotes general classification. By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Nov. 23 LT.-COL. SAMUEL BRISKIN has been awarded the Army's Legion of Merit. . . . Diana Lynn will be starred in "Feature for June," which Paramount purchased recently. . . . John Hodiak will have the male lead in "The Red Quarter" at 20th Century-Fox. Joseph Stanley Pen- nell has been signed to do the screen- play. • Dr. Edouard Friscliauer and Count Degenhard Wormbrand have joined Gustav Machaty's newly- formed independent company, Gong Productions. . . . Paramount has given Ann Thomas, Broadway comed- ienne, a long-term contract. . . . Harry James and his orchestra have been signed by 20th Century-Fox for the forthcoming color musical, "Kit- ten on the Keys." The bandleader will have a featured acting role in the film. • Henry Levin will direct "The Fighting Guardsman" for Colum- bia. "Out of the Fog," for which he was previously announced, has been assigned to director William Castle. . . . Universal has picked up its option on the services of David Bush. . . . Craig Reynolds has been added to the cast of "The Lost Weekend" at Paramount • "No Leave, No Love," an original by Charles Martin, which will star Ginny Simms, has been added to Joe Pasternak's schedule for early pro- duction at M-G-M. . . . Walter Goetz's next assignment at Republic will be "Tell It to a Star." . . . Anita Louise has been named by Columbia for one of the top roles in "The Fighting Guardsman." . . . Charles R. Rogers has embarked upon a na- tionwide search for an unknown to play the title role in "The Varga Girl." RKO Trend Toward Musicals: Dozier (Continued from page 1) present production policy is to keep the costs of pictures down as a bul- wark against falling off of box office returns." RKO has two films coming up on the subject of rehabilitation of returning servicemen, according to Dozier. The first, "Enchanted Cot- tage," already in production, mod- ernizes the Sir Arthur Wing Pinero play written at the end of the last war ; the second, "Tomorrow Is Here," is to be made with the co- operation of the Army. Dozier pointed out that there is bet- ter screen material in current Broad- way plays than in many years. He added that the producers are not in a hurry to sell their plays to film companies, attributing this fact to the tax situation. Cadman to Monogram Portland, Ore., Nov. 23. — R. J. Cadman, formerly with Universal in San Francisco, has become Monogram branch manager here. M-G-M TRADE SHOWINGS NEW DATES! New York - New Jersey Territory Only M-G-M Screen Room — 630 Ninth Ave. 'MAIN STREET AFTER DARK' ( Tuesday November 28 'NOTHING BUT TROUBLE' 1 9:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. 'NATIONAL VELVET' THIS MAN'S NAVY' 'MUSIC FOR MILLIONS' Tuesday December 26 10:30 A. M.& 2:30 P.M. Tuesday January 2 9:30A.M.and 1:30 P.M. 1V* r ;< o (JCTURES V CaryGrant Miss Ethel Barrymore BARRY FITZGERALD June duprez • jane wyatt GEORGE COULOURIS • DAN DURYEA ROMAN BOHNEN • KONSTANTIN SHAYNE Produced by David Hempstead * Directed by Clifford Odets Screen Play by Clifford Odets • From the novel by Richard Llewellyn ALTON COOK, N.Y. World Telegram: "An enduringly great picture . . . 'None But The Lonely Heart' is a title that will keep reappearing on movie marquees for years and years." BOSLEY CROWTHER, N.Y. Times: "A film of haunting moods and desperate yearnings . . . Such a sensitive and warmly revealing and poetically lovely film that one may feel wonder and amazement at seeing it on the screen . . . Will be remembered — and revived — long after many current favorites are forgotten." WANDA HALE, N.Y. Daily News: "A satisfying adaptation of Richard Llewellyn's fine novel. The acting by the star, Cary Grant, and his distinguished support, Ethel Barrymore and Barry Fitzgerald, goes deep into the heart." ARCHER WINSTEN, N.Y. Post: "It provides that rarest of novel experiences, characters and events which are not predictable . . . Highly recommended to all people who want to see fresh new movies." HOWARD BARNES, N.Y. Herald -Tribune: "Cary Grant is wonderful. Ethel Barrymore is magnificent, and Barry Fitzgerald, George Coulouris and all the others are superb." ROSE PELSW1CK, N.Y. Journal-American: "Gary Grant and Ethel Barrymore give brilliant performances." WALTER WINCHELL: "A dramatic symphony in tune with your emotions, „ BONDS BUY BOMBS! SOCK EM WITH THE 6th! 10 Motion Picture Daily Friday, November 24, 1944 Despite Brooklyn, Noel Coward Holds Toronto, Nov. 23. — With the con- troversy over what Noel Coward said about Brooklyn in his latest book be- ing widely publicized, it was interest- ing locally that his "This Happy Breed" continued at the Uptown Theatre for a third week for an ex- pected $9,300 gross. Topnotchers were "The Impatient Years," at the Imperial Theatre, and "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," at Shea's, both of which pointed to $13,300. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 23 : "Mr. Winkle Goes to War" (Col.) EGLINTON — (1,086) (18c-30c-49c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $4,000). "The Impatient Years" (Col.) IMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $13,300. (Average: $12,800). "Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G-M) "Babes on Swing Street" (Univ.) LOEW'&-(2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60a-78c) 6 days. Gross: $11,200. (Average: $11,200). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (28th-Fox) SHEA'S — (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $13,300. (Average: $12,800). "Mr. Winkle Goes to War" (Col.) TIVOLI— (1,434) (18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $3,900. (Average: $4,400). "This Happy Breed" (British) UPTOWN — (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 3rd week. Gross: $9,300. (Average: $9,800). Rites for Mrs. Deaner San Francisco, Nov. 23. — Funeral services were held here Tuesday for Mrs. Frances Deaner, editor in the drama department of the Examiner. Mrs. Deaner, former head of the mag- azine and foreign publicity department at 20th Century-Fox in Hollywood, died after a brief illness. Interment was at Petaluma. 'Together9, 'Whistler9 Play a Nice Tune Denver, Nov. 23. — "Together Again" on a dual at the Denver led the field this week with a gross of $22,500 while the Paramount showing, "Alas- ka" and a re-release of the "Kid from Spain" was second with $13,900. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 20-23: "The Conspirators" (WB) "Babes on Swingstreet" (Univ.) ALADDIN— (1,400) (3Sc-4Sc-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $5,600. (Average: $5,600). "The Sign of the Cross" (Para— re-release) DENHAM— (1,750) (35c-45c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average: $9,000). "Together Again" (Col.) "The Mark of the Whistler" (Col.) DENVER— (2,600) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $22,500. (Average: $15,000). "Together Again" (Col.) "The Mark of the Whistler" (CoL) ESPUIRE— (740) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $6,750. (Average: $4,500). "Alaska" (Mono.) "Kid from Spain" (Re-released) PARAMOUNT — (2,200) (35c-45c-74c) 7 dav,s. Gross: $13,900. (.Average: $9,300). "Since You Went Away" (UA) RIALTO — (900) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days on a moveover. Gross: $6,150. (Average: $5,000). W. B. Manager Buys 2 Phila, Theatres Philadelphia, Nov. 23. — Robert Nisenson, manager of Warner's Nixon and former representative for Warner Bros, in Germany, has pur- chased the Roxy and Boro, neighbor- hood houses here, from Samuel H. Stiefel. Nisenson is a brother-in-law to Harry Warner. Stiefel, who still operates the Carmen here and other theatres in the East, recently left for California to enter the production field as head of Mickey Rooney, Inc. $28,000 in 'Frisco For 'Private Affair' San Francisco, Nov. 23. — "Mar- riage Is a Private Affair" took the lead here this week with an estimated $28,00 at the Fox. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 21-23: "Bowery to Broadway" (Univ.) "The Great Mike" (PRC) ORPHEUM— (2,440) (45c-65c-85c) 4 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $15,- 0CO). "Abroad with Two Yanks" (UA) "When the Lights; Go On Again" (PRC) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $14,500). "None But the Lonely Heart" (RKO) GOLDEN GATE— (2,850) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, 3rd week. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $21,000. (Average: $27,000). "Waterloo Bridge" (M-G-M) WARFIELD— (2,680) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $27,500. (Aver- age: $25,000). "Something for the Boys" (2ftth-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (2,748) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $26,000. (Average: $20,000). "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) "My Buddy" (Rep.) FOX— (5,000) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $28,000). "Laura" (20th-Fox) "Shadow of Suspicion" (Mono.) STATE— (2,308) (45c-64c-85c) 7 days, on a moveover from the Paramount. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $13,000.) "The Conspirators" (WB) "End of the Road" (Rep.) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (45c-65c-85c) 7 days, on a moveover from the Fox. Gross: $13,000. (Average: $12,000). 'Marriage Private9 Is Public's Choice Buffalo, Nov. 23. — Thanksgiving week will see the top spot going to "Marriage Is a Private Affair" at the Buffalo with an anticipated $16,000. Others were off. The weather here is cold and rainy. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 25 : "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) BUFFALO — (3,489) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 6 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $17,400). "The Very Thought of You" (WB) "Dark Mountain" (Para.) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (40c -50c -60c -70c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,900. (Aver- age: $16,200). "The Coth Fear" (Col.) LAFAYETTE— (3. f40c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $7,900. ("Average: $12,400). 'Marriage9, 'Saddle9 Hold A gainst Weather Omaha, Nov. 23. — Making the best of a rather poor week were "Mar- riage Is a Private Affair," hitting $10,100 at the Paramount Theatre, and "Tall in the Saddle" and "Johnny Doesn't Live Here Anymore," dualed at the Brandeis. Weather was chilly and rainy. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 22-23: "Tall in the Saddle" (RKO) "Johnny Doesn't Live Here Anymore" (Mono.) BRANDEIS— (1,200) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $7,700. (Average: $6,400). "Arsenic and Old Lace" (WB) "Dark Mountain" (Para.) OMAHA— (2,000) (44c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week for "Arsenic and Old Lace," on a moveover from the Paramount. Gross: $7,- 400. (Average: $8,400). "The Big Noise" (ZOth-Fox) ORPHEUM— (3,000) (44c-55c-70c) 7 days. M'ilton Britton's orchestra on the stage. Gross: $12,400. (Average: $14,900). "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (2,900) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $10,100. (Average: $11,700). 'Princess' and 'Wolf Double L. A. Averages Los. Angeles, Nov. 23. — "The Princess and the Pirate," coupled with "My Pal Wolf," was off to vir- tually double-average business in the Pantages-Hillstreet tandem, getting $62,000 where $33,800 is par. "Laura" and "Three Little Sisters" were strong in the Chinese-Fox Wilshire- Loew's State-Uptown foursome. Final checkup of receipts disclosed that "Since You Went Away" grossed $224,818 in its recent four-week, run at the Egyptian, Los Angeles and Ritz, beating the four-week record of the next highest grosser by more than $20,000. Estimated receipts for the week ended Nov. 22: "Laura" (20*h-Fox) "Three Little Sisters" (Rep.) CHINESE— (2,500) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $14,900). "Mrs. Parkingtom" (M-G-M) EGYPTIAN — (1,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $16,500. (Average: $15,000). "Laura" (20th-Fox) "Three Little Sisters" (Rep.) FOX - WILSHIRE - (2,300) (50c-60c-85c- $10°500)7 dayS' Gr0ss: $13>°°°- (Average: "Strange Affairs" (Col.) "Underground Guerrillas" (Col.) HAWAII — (1,000) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,000. (Average- $5,700). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO) "My Pal Wolf" (RKO) HILLSTREET— (2,700) (50c-60c-80c) 7 days. Gross: $31,000. (Average: $18,500). "Laura" (ZOth-Fox) "Three Little Sisters" (Rep.) LOEWS STATE — (2,500) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $34,500. (Average: $29,300). "Mrs. Parkin rtc-n" (M-G-M) LOS ANGELES— (2,096) (50c - 60c - 85c - $1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $27,000. (Average: $25,000). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO) "My Pal Wolf" (RKO) PANTAGES— (2,000) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $31,000. (Average: $15,300). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) "National Barn Dance" (Para.) •PARAMOUNT HOLLYWOOD— (1,407) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 4 days. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $11,900). "Till We Meet Again" (Para.) "Natior.al Bam Dance" (Para.) PARAMOUNT DOWNTOWN — (3,595) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 4 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $19,500). "Mrs. Parkingtom" (M-G-M) RITZ— (1,376) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,500. (Average: $12,- 500). "Laura" (20th-Fox) "Three Little Sisters" (RepO UPTOWN — (1,716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) -7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average: $10,500). "The Very Thought of You" (WB) WARNER HOLLYWOOD — (3,000) (50c- 60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,905. (Average: $16,700). "The Very Thought of You" (WB) WARNER DOWNTOWN — (3,400) (50c- 60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: S1S.610. (Average: $18,700). "The Very Thought of You" (WB) WARNER WILTERN — (2.200) (50c-60c- 80c-$1.00) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $11,- 914. (Average: $15,800). To Honor Joe Brown Jack Benny, Rudy Vallee, Orson Welles and other screen personalities will participate in Joe E. Brown's "Stop or Go" radio show Sunday night in tribute to Brown who is ob- serving his 44th anniversary in show business. The veteran comedian, now 53, has traveled 100,000 miles during the nresent War entertaining Fight- ing Forces as a memorial to his son, Capt. Don E. Brown of the AAF, killed in a plane crash. 21 WORDS THAT SPELL CHRISTMAS BOND SALES! • PUT THIS MESSAGE IN YOUR 6th WAR LOAN LOBBY "The War Bonds You buy this Christmas Speed the Christmas when you may say- Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards Men" • Ross Federal Service, Inc. Jap bomb splashes in sea, astern of American carrier. Official U. S. Navy Photograph. Join the Navy cameramen and see the war Death by night. Inferno-like glare illumines a battle in the central Solomons. Official U. S. Navy Photograph. Seasoned gunners hold their ears as a U. S. battleship pours shells at point-blank range. Official U. S. Navy Photograph. THE Navy's in at the beginning of every big show. And right up front where nothing can get between them and their pictures, you'll find the Navy's Combat Photography Units. In the Navy, as in all the armed forces, combat photography owes much to "the movies." The movies have sent a lot of their young cameramen to war. Many of those too old to go have served as instructors, turned "green" kids into capable cameramen in an amazingly short time. And of course movie men with movie methods edit, cut, and mold separate "shots" into finished productions that help plan and fight the war . . . that provide the very best kind of training films . . . and that bring the war to us at home. The Navy combat cameramen's pictures are the basis for an illustrated his- tory of war at sea such as the world has never seen. Eastman Kodak Company Rochester, N. Y. J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Distributors Fort Lee Chicago Hollywood °ne Of a series ol advertisements by KODAK testifying to the achievements of the movies at war j\ Irolleyhong RecordingLlangs t EudWi f 27 -Month Petrillo Battle By buazer s 'eter Kihss make only a capella recor naled for quiet, a ™!1, backgrounds. 111 |le at ee or to If- n- nd tul n red light flashld. Vaughn Monroe had been "the greatest star-ted his bafcn on the down- j*aid- civilian Duyers bern ibeat, and at tw\ity-eight seconds bf wf ?lanls fekl»* re past 1:43 p. m.\sterday the |irsti*lay. during working hour RCA Victor instrumental phono- i graph recordings m twenty-seven 1 months were unde\ way. I The offering, atluned to the jive lans and timed n»r the Christ-, imas trade, was '\h& Trolley Song," with blonde Ivlirylin Duke as vocalist with Mr, Mmiroe. Miss 'Duke sang at the stuwo at 155 i£ast Twenty-fourth Str\et minus ! shoes and stockings.. "Jl*w Shellac shortage w when the Federal governn: cut companies to 20 per pre-war use, Mr. Desfor present allotments are ba per cent, swelled by reel of old recor Ss. ScUcj. ords are ajraie- ' Lity May Boost •J ml could have so little in common. Cleavage TracedRgj C. I. O. Wt\ Within Con?; the other In any { No. 1 ON THE HIT PARADE! 'The Trolley Song" blazes a box-office trail for "MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS"! WORLD PREMIERE ST. LOUIS— NOV. 22nd BROADWAY PRESENTATION ASTOR THEATRE— NOV. 28th M-G-M'S TECHNICOLOR fOY MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS" GETS NATIONWIDE FAME AS ITS HIT PARADE TUNE THE TROLLEY SONG" HITS THE HEADLINES/ IT'S ALREADY No. I ON THE HIT PARADE, AND NO WONDER THEY PICKED IT FOR THE FIRST RECORDING! WHAT A BUILD-UP FOR M-G-M'S GREAT SHOW/ MOTION XTURE DAILY Alert, to thei^tion Picture Industry lOL. 56. NO. 101 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1944 TEN CENTS Roosevelt in Tribute to Film Industry Variety Banquet Held; War Effort Citation By SHERWIN KANE Washington, Nov. 26. — Presi- dent Franklin D. Roosevelt paid tribute to the industry and to the Variety Clubs of America Friday night in a communication read to more than 500 guests assembled at the Mayflower Hotel to honor Sec- retary of State Cordell Hull, given the annual Humanitarian Award by Variety Clubs. The communication was read by James F. Byrnes, form- er Supreme Court Justice and aid to President Roosevelt, as part of the ceremonies of the evening. It was addressed to Carter Barron, general (Continued on page 6) Report Progress on New Building Code "Satisfactory progress" is being made on a revised building code for theatres and places of public assembly in all parts of New York State ex- cept New York City, according to a representative of the New York State Labor Department's advisory commit- tee which has been holding meetings. The next meeting will be held Friday, Dec. 1. Representatives of the industry on the committee include Henry Ander- son, Paramount; Martin J. Tracey, Century Circuit; Theodore Junge, al- ternate for Harry Moskowitz, Loew's and Glen H. Humphrey of projection- ist's Local 337. Ramish, Founder of FWC, Dies at 82 Los. Angeles, Nov. 26. — Adolph Ramish, 82, has passed away at his home here. He was born in Grass Valley, Cal., Aug. 19, 1862. He pioneered in exhibition, financing pro- duction companies also. With the Gore Brothers and Sol Lesser, Ramish founded West Coast Theatres, now Fox West Coast. He became a First National franchise holder ; also once backed Charles R. Rogers. Variety Club Stills Executive Activity Home office executive func- tioning was practically at a standstill here starting last Wednesday. The Thanksgiv- ing holiday shuttered all of- fices on Thursday, and the next day witnessed one of the greatest mass migrations of industry executive manpower, to Washington, for the annual Variety Clubs' 'Humanitarian Award' dinner. Nearly every top executive made the trip, with scores of lesser lights accompanying them. $31,097,641 Tax in Month Films Worth 2 Billions Average weekly attendance at film theatres in the U. S. is approxi- mately 95,000,000, and there are about 16,793 theatres in the country, with about 2,000 closed, according to the International Motion Picture Alma- nac, just out, published by Quigley Publishing Co. The volume discloses that 193,222 are employed in exhibi- fion, distribution and production, earn- ing $343,033,763 per year. Capital in- vestment of theatres, studios and dis- tribution facilities amounts to $2,050,- 000.000. The Almanac has some 12,000 biographies in its 'Who's Who' sec- tion, and more than 1,000 pages of facts and figures on industry per- sonnel, structure and activity. A main division of the volume, arranged in 15 sections, is devoted to the far-flung, diversified contributions of the film business to America-at-War. Washington, Nov. 26. — Admission tax collections by the Treasury De- partment resumed their upward trend in October, on September ticket sales, after having declined seasonally the preceding month, jumping from $29,- 042,668 to $31,097,641, it was an- nounced here Saturday by the Internal Revenue Bureau. Collections in Oc- tober last year were $16,499,395. Collections in the third New York (Broadway) district, which dived from $5,000,000 in August to $1,463,- 000 in September, recovered heavily last month, totaling $4,873,946. Oc- tober, 1943, collections were $2,043,- 582. Collections for the first ten months of 1944 were $239,149,479, compared with $136,293,040 for the correspond- ing period in 1943. Manpower Is Midwest's No. 1 Postwar Need Exhibitors in Good Shape on Equipment Rank Opens Odeon To All British ' By PETER BURNUP London, Nov. 26. — J. Arthur Rank, i announcing formally here at the week- end his "association" with Odeon | Theatres of Canada, emphasized that ■ the circuit would be used as an outlet ' not only for his own films but for all British product, "with quality and suitability the only tests." The British Board of Trade, Rank | said, had asked him to do everything ! in his power to obtain Canadian dis- tribution, and it is understood that the BOT had a hand in the wording of the weekend statement, which charac- (Continued on page 6) 'Henry the Fifth 9? {Two Cities'] London, Nov. 26 PREVIEWED by the press prior to its gala premiere at the Carlton Theatre tomorrow night for the benefit of the Commandos Benevo- lent Fund, this anxiously awaited $2,000,000 color production, shown at a time when J. Arthur Rank is challenging the world as a producer, demonstrates that Great Britain, despite outworn studio equip- ment, the manpower shortage and the perils of bombing, is able to turn out a film not only magnificent in all technical points but also showing a revolution in production technique as startling as Walt Disney s best. Disregarding the belief, based on past Hollywood efforts, that Shakes- peare is box-office 'poison,' Laurence Olivier, the producer, director and star of "Henry the Fifth," has disdained the ancient theatrical fetish of the sacredness of the Shakespearean convention and, regarding the bard only as an unexcelled fashioner of a magic ring of words has compounded that same magic in a superb synthesis of color, sound and movement. It is infinitely finer than anything previously made m Ln- (Continued on page 6) By SAM HONIGBERG Chicago, Nov. 21. — Assuming that theatre equipment becomes available within the next several months, demands for it among ex- hibitors in this territory will not be as heavy as had been anticipated. On the other hand, as soon as the acute manpower situa- tion eases, exhibitors in this area will swamp with offers all competent ushers, doormen, cashiers, assistant managers and managers they can reach. Generally, the current equipment picture in the 300-odd theatres is quite bright. Freon is in demand, some re- placements parts for sound systems and projectors are needed, but so far no theatre has had to close for lack of suitable operating equipment. I. Brotman, independent exhibitor (Continued on page 7) Johnston Arranges For New Financing Monogram has completed plans for the underwriting of 100,000 shares of preferred stock, at $10 a share, to net the company approximately $860,- 000, which will be added to working capital and also used for the reduction of present accounts payable and for production. Emanuel and Company, New York, will underwrite. It will be that company's first motion picture (Continued on page 6) Exhibitors Selling Bonds in 30 Plants Los Angeles, Nov. 26. — Scope of the Los Angeles Examiner's Sixth War Loan alliance with 650 Southern California theatres broadens here with the announcement by Earl Rice, chair- man of the joint effort's 'War Indus- try Plants Bond Premiere Committee,' working under the supervision of ex- hibitor state chairman Gus Metzger. that bond-sales groups composed of theatre personnel are now on duty at industrial plants selling war bonds to (Continued on page 3) 2 Motion Picture daily Monday, November 27, 1944 Personal Mention KARL HOBLITZELLE, president of Interstate Circuit, Texas, is in New York for a week's conference at Paramount. Mrs. Morris Alin, wife of the edi- tor of Universal's house organ, "Pro- gress," gave birth to a girl, Thanks- giving day, in Woman's Hospital New York. • Lt. Julius Gordon^USN, president of Jefferson Amusement Co., of Tex- as, associated with Paramount, and now on active duty, is a New York visitor. • Leo J. Mc Carthy, general sales manager of PRC, will leave today for a three week tour of exchanges. He will return to New York Dec. 18. • Eddie Bracken, actor, and his wife, Connie Nickerson, former actress, are the parents of a girl, born in Santa Monica, Cal. • William Z. Porter, Western trav eling auditor for Monogram, has re turned to Hollywood from Chicago and Indianapolis. • Norman Elson, vice president of Trans-Lux Theatres Corp., will leave New York today for Toronto, to be gone a week. Nelson Rockerfeller, Co-ordina- tor of Inter-American Affairs, left Caracas, Venezuela, at the weekend for New York. Harry Maizlish, general manager of KFWB, Warner radio station in Los Angeles, is in New York for a week. Ben Kalmenson, general sales manager for Warner Bros., has re- turned to New York from the South. • Larry Golob, Warner Eastern pub- licity head and Delmer Daves, direc- tor, spent the weekend in Philadel- phia. • Joseph Pasternak, M-G-M pro- ducer, arrived in New York from the Coast at the weekend. Harold Zeltner of M-G-M's sales force in Buffalo, returned there from New York yesterday. • Moe Horowitz, Cleveland indepen- dant circuit operator, arrived in New York at the weekend. • Ralph H. Clark Canadian man- ager of Warners, has left for Winni- peg, Vancouver and Victoria. • Jules Lapidus, Eastern division manager for Warners, will leave today for Washington. • Oliver H. P. Garrett, has left here for Hollywood. Tradewise By SHERWIN KANE THIS department is inclined to share with Ed Kuyken- dall the doubt expressed in his recent MPTOA bulletin that "maybe" the effort to attain unity within this industry "is unrealistic and too much to hope for." We cannot, however, agree with his reasons. "Unity with the producers and distributors," Kuykendall wrote, "doesn't seem to work out very well. Maybe it isn't in the cards. Too much conflict of interests, too much self-inter- est in Hollywood and New York, too much wrangling and fighting over film prices." Well, maybe. But it seems to this corner that so long as exhibitors themselves cannot get together to face and endeavor to solve their mutual problems no one need look much farther than that for reasons why industry unity, at least between exhibi- tion and distribution, never has been attained. • The record of attempts to es- tablish a code of industrial con- duct for exhibition and distribu- tion from the days of the 5-5-5 Conference up to (but not in- cluding) the last attempt by the so-called United Motion Picture Industry, is a record of failure, the roots of which, if not the seed itself, derived from ex- hibitor disunity. This is not to say there were not other factors which contributed to the failure of unity efforts, but no other single factor involved would have prevailed had there been exhibitor unity to begin with. The UMPI plan, of course, was nipped, while in full flower, by the Department of Justice, and it is just as well to point out at this juncture that had there been exhibitor unity ahead of UMPI it is quite unlikely that the Department would have been hanging around the indus- try at the time to turn thumbs down on the organization's completed trade practice pro- gram. It was exhibitor dis- unity which whistled up the cop after exhibitor disunity had played the leading part, time and again, in frustrating the ap- plication of cooperative codes. For that reason it is difficult to share another hope voiced by Kuykendall in his bulletin of Nov. 21st, to wit: "Unity among exhibitors may be quite possible to achieve . . ." The bulletin does not explain why. Doubtless, many who read it will wonder whether Kuykendall enjoys possession of some secret information point- ing to an impending revolution of exhibitor thinking and action. This hardly seems likely, how- ever, for, two paragraphs fol- lowing the statement quoted above, and under the heading: "Organized Disunity Among Exhibitors," his bulletin points out a quite a number of the more common manifestations of division within exhibitor ranks and nowhere suggests that they are on the wane or are likely to be within the predictable fu- ture. His only prescription is MPTOA's all-inclusive, repre- sentative organizational form as a rallying point for regional ex- hibitor organizations which now or in the future may see fit to place exhibitor unity foremost. This department cannot es- cape the impression that if this is the sole basis on which hope for exhibitor unity must rest at this time, that unity is as far away now as ever it was and will be no swifter in its ap- proach. No disparagement of MPTOA or its organizational form, which has several obvi- ous and undeniable advantages, is intended. In fact, it is quite apparent that if ever exhibitor unity is to be attained, it will have to be through some such organizational pattern as that provided by MPTOA, which in- vites the independent and the af- filiated to foregather together, each with an equal voice in the family council, and not through any organization which per- petuates exhibitor disunity by arbitrarily proclaiming that the interests of independent and af- filiated are unassimilable and ir- reconcilable, thereby automati- cally disqualifying one or the other of the important segments of ( xhibition. • It is merely to proclaim the obvious to say that no new hope of exhibitor unity is of- fered at this time by MPTOA, for its organizational form has been in existence these many years, inviting an unheeding ex- hibitor body to enter and be saved. The fact that over the years exhibition has not sought its salvation through MPTOA or "any other similar organiza- tion that offered sanctuary to the champions of union, is testi- mony that organizational form alone is not enough for the at- tainment of unity. There is where the problem must be met if ever it is to be solved. Coming Events To Dec. 1 — American Federation of Labor conference, New Orleans. To Dec.16 — Sixth War Loan Cam- paign. Nov. 27-28— Allied of Texas 25th annual meeting, White-Plaza Ho- tel, Dallas. Nov. 29 — Canadian Picture Pi\ Hollywood, Nov. 27. — C. L. Men- ser, vice-president of National Broad- casting, has turned over a one-hour show as part of the war bond film rally to emanate from here Dec. 6. The show, matching the one held re- cently at Madison Square Garden in ew York, will feature top screen rs from all studios. Menser advised Harry Brandt, ..chairman of the industry's Sixth War Loan Committee, that the NBC pro- gram will go on the air from 11 :30 to 12:30 P.M., EWT, for the East- ern part of the nation and from 10 to 11 P.M. PWT for rebroadcast to the West. Mann Holiner, radio producer, who was placed on the inactive list by the Army as a Major, will direct the program for the industry, with Cornwell Jackson, radio chief of the Office of War Information here, act- ing as co-ordinator of stars and writ- ers. Ted Lloyd of 20th Century-Fox, ra- dio chairman for the Sixth War Loan Drive, has arrived from New York to handle details on the program. WAC to Hear Davis, Other U.S. Chiefs {Continued from page 1) pictures, and Maj. Orton Hicks of the Army Overseas Motion Picture Service. George J. Schaefer, WAC chair- man, will preside at the "open" lunch- eon meeting, and Francis S. Harmon, WAC coordinator, will introduce the guests. Industry speakers will be : Harry Brandt, chairman of the indus- try's Sixth War Loan committee ; Ned E. Depinetj chairman, distribu- tors division; Jack Alicoate, chair- man, trade press division ; Joseph Mc- Conville, chairman, foreign managers division; S. H. Fabian, chairman, theatres division ; John C. Flinn, coor- dinator, Hollywood division, and Os- car A. Doob, chairman, public rela- tions division. A report will be read for Walton C. Ament, chairman of the newsreels division. The theatres division executive committee is scheduled to meet in a morning session, with the luncheon opening the joint meeting. A silent tribute will be paid to members of the industry who have given their lives for the United Nations, and resolutions of appreciation will be given to Arthur L. Mayer, former 'VAC executive, and Stanton Griffis, now deputy commissioner and com- missioner, respectively, for the Red Cross in the Pacific Islands area. On the agenda for the joint meet- ing will be nominations for a slate of WAC officers for 1945. A new chairman of the distributors' divi- sion, succeeding Depinet, will also be announced. Ross Adds Quinn, McCoy Joseph A. Quinn, ex-FBI operative, and James E. McCoy, ex-lieutenant of New York City police, have been appointed special assistants to War- ner Baader, Ross Federal director of field investigators, according to D. A. Ross, general manager. Both will operate in the eastern division in co- operation with Jules Weill, division manager. O'Donnell Reelected Chief Barker of NaVl Variety {Continued from page 1) master, the latter succeeding J. Louis Rome of Baltimore. The following local Variety Club barkers were elected national canvass- men representing their respective Clubs: Tent No. 1, Pittsburgh, Harry Finestein; Tent No. 2, Colum- bus, Bill Pancake ; No. 3, Cincinnati, Allan Moritz; No. 4, St. Louis, Harry Crawford ; No. 5, Detroit, Alex Schreiber ; No. 6, Cleveland, Meyer Fine ; No. 7, Buffalo, R. T. Murphy; No. 9, Albany, C. J. Latta ; No. 10, Indianapolis, Carl Niesse ; No. 11, Washington, John Allen; No. 12, Minneapolis, Al Steffes ; No. 13, Philadelphia, Jack Beresin ; No. 16, Omaha, E. J. Rubin; No. 17, Dallas, Claude Ezell ; No. 18, Dayton, Roy E. Wells ; No. 19, Baltimore, Lauritz Garman ; No. 20, Memphis, M. A. Lightman ; No. 21, Atlanta, Jack Dumestre ; No. 22, Oklahoma City, Ralph Talbot; No. 23, Boston, Albert Kane; No. 24, Charlotte, H. H. Everett; No. 25, Los Angeles, Charles P. Skouras ; No. 26, Chicago, Jack Kirsch. The 10th annual meeting of Na- tional Variety Clubs will be held in New York on June 21-23, 1945. For outstanding contributions to charity during the past year, Dallas Tent No. 17 was awarded a plaque by the Charity Citation Committee, comprising "Chick" Lewis, Chairman, J. J. Fitzgibbons and E. I. Rubin. In nine years, the Dallas tent raised and expended in excess of $450,000 for various philanthropies. Also appointed to office were Lewis, re-designated national director of public relations; James Balmer, national ceremonial barker, and Johnny Maloney, chairman of the "Heart" committee. National representatives appointed were : H. H. Everett, supervising At- lanta, Memphis and Charlotte tents and delegated to organize tents in New Orleans and Florida ; James O. Cherry, supervising Dallas, Omaha and Kansas City ; C. B. Akers, Okla- homa City and delegated to organize Salt Lake City and Des Moines ; James Balmer, supervising Pitts- burgh and Boston; Allan Moritz, Cincinnati and Columbus ; Earle Sweigert, Washington, Philadelphia and Baltimore; C. J. Latta, supervis- ing Buffalo and Albany ; Irving Mack, supervising Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit; Jack Beresen, su- pervising Cleveland and Dayton and organizing tents in New Haven and Springfield, Mass. ; Charles Skouras, supervising Los Angeles and dele- gated to organize tents in Seattle, Portland, Denver, San Francisco and Milwaukee. A. K. (Rosey) Rowswell was again appointed chairman of the Humani- tarian Awards Committee. It was announced that Variety will open a New York business office in the near future, probably in the Para- mount Building, and that club rooms for the use of members visiting in New York also will be established. The latter may be in the Hotel Astor. Variety does not have a New York tent, despite the fact that many from that city are identified with Variety and many more Variety members visit the city frequently. National Legion Pledge on Dec. 10 {Continued from page 1) 429 films between Nov, 1943 and Nov., 1944. Of the total reviewed, Monsignor McClafFerty reported, 191 pictures, or 44.52 per cent, were in Class A-I, or "unobjectionable for general patron- age" ; 184, or 42.89 per cent, were Class A-II, "unobjectionable for adults"; 51, or 11.89 per cent, were Class B, "objectionable in part," and three pictures, or 0.70 per cent, were Class C, "condemned." Decline Revealed These figures, it was said, reveal a decline from the previous year in the percentage of Class A-I pic- tures. In 1943, Class A-I films rep- resented 52.16 per cent of all films re- viewed. They reveal an increase in the percentage of Class A-II films, to 34.40 per cent of all those reviewed. There was a slight decrease in Class B films, from 12.53 per cent, while films classified Class C, were 0.91 per cent in 1943, against 0.70 per cent in 1944. The following members of the Bishops' Committee on Motion Pic- tures were present at the meeting : Bishop Francis P. Keough, Provi- dence, chairman ; Bishop John F. Noll, Fort Wayne ; Bishop Joseph H. Albers, Lansing, and Bishop Bryan J. McEntegart, Ogdensburg. N. Y. Shortages Concern Texas Allied Meet Dallas, Nov. 27. — The first day's meeting of the Texas Allied Theatre Owners here today was devoted to in- formal discussions by members on labor and material shortages, film prices and curtailed product. The in- dustry's cut from 400 to 259 features came under discussion also. Fifty members attended, with Col. H. A. Cole presiding. H. M. Richey, assistant to William Rodgers of the M-G-M home office, spoke on the companies' curtailed raw film stock quotas, saying it was the aim of M- G-M and the other companies to deal fairly with all exhibitors alike. He said that if the war was over quickly this would be alleviated, but as long as the war was on exhibitors and distributors would have to live with the situation. No decisions were made on the is- sues at the meeting. Publisher Macy in State Dept. Post {Continued from page 1) er County Publishers, Inc., which op- crates a group of newspapers, and also is co-owner of radio station WFAS. The international informa- tion division is responsible for the Department's interest and participa- tion in the dissemination overseas of information through the media of films, radio and certain publications. Holiday Business Brings Big Week To B'way Theatres Outstanding business over the four- day Thanksgiving holiday is generally leading New York first-runs to ex- cellent grosses this week, following a period of spotty receipts. "Together Again" at Radio City Music Hall, "And Now Tomorrow" at the Para- mount, "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" at the Capitol and "Dark Waters" at the Globe are among those registering top grosses. With a record four-day figure of $86,000, Music Hall expects $130,000 for the first week of "Together Again," with a stage show. "And Now Tomorrow," plus a stage show featuring Glen Gray and his Casa Loma orchestra, is expected to bring a terrific $97,000, for its first week at the Paramount, ending tonight. Charles M. Reagan, Paramount dis- tribution head, predicts the film will be a top Paramount grosser. The Capitol expects a gratifying $80,000 lor the second week of "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" and a stage presenta- tion headlining Jimmy Dorsey and his band, with Henny Youngman. Business in the first week exceeded early expectations with over $80,000 recorded instead of the $75,000 indi- cated earlier. "Dark Waters" brought the Globe over $30,000 in its first week, which is splendid; the film will continue. $73,000 for 'Irish' The Roxy will end a third and final week of "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and a stage show, with about $73,000, which is moderate. "Something for the Boys" and a "Cafe Society" stage show featuring Pearl Primus, Jimmy Savo and Alildred Bailey will open at the Roxy tomorrow. The Strand expects a strong $44,000 for its second week of "The Very Thought of You," with Abe Lyman and his band headlining the stage show ; the combination will continue. The second week of "None but the Lonely Heart" is expected to bring the Palace about $29,000 ; the film will hold over. "To Have and Have Not" is holding up well at the Hollywood, with $33,000 expected for the seventh week. The final six days of 14 weeks of "Kismet," ending Sunday night, brought the Astor $12,000. "Meet Me in St Louis" will open there today. "Frenchman's Creek" is giving the Rivoli about $35,000 in its 10th week ; it, too, will continue. "Bowery to Broadway" will open at the Criterion tomorrow with "Lost in a Harem" expected to bring $23,000 for its third and final week, ending tonight. "Brazil" is doing moderate business at the Republic, with $10,000 expected on the second week. "Sum- mer Storm" is holding up excellently at the Gotham with $11,000 expected for a sixth week. The Rialto expects a moderate $9,000 on the week with "One Body Too Many" ; the film will not hold. "Enter Arsene Lupin" will open at the Rialto Friday. "Wilson" will conclude its Broad- way run on Dec. 5 at the Victoria after playing an initial eight weeks at the Roxy. The 10th week at the Vic- toria is expected to bring a quiet $6,750. Martin Toohey, Publicity State Chair- man and Exhibitor State Chairman of Rhode Island for the Sixth War Loan! IT'S A FINE TO BE IN ! 100% participation in War Bond Premieres - 100% participation in Free Movie Day. Look at Rhode Island's record — then get busy to make your own measure up to it. If Rhode Island can do it 100% — so can you! SMASH 'EM WITH THE SIXTH IN EVERY STATE OF THE U.S. A. This message was prepared and inserted in the trade press by: Columbia Pictures Corp., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Paramount Pictures Inc., 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, November 28, 1944 OWI Restores French Operations to Companies Divorcement Seen As Advantage for Distribution: Agnew (Continued from page 1) has a tougher job getting his pictures booked in key cities, who has to catch his bookings in between others to which affiliated theatres are commit- ted, theatre divorcement would open up release channels a little better," Agnew said. Sales of pictures singly, which most distribution executives in New York . are agreed will result from the Gov- ernment's proposed decree amendment prohibiting the "tying" of one feature to another, was characterized by Ag- new as an uneconomic and impractical distribution process. The cost of selling would be prohibitive, he declared, and the industry couldn't cover ground fast enough to provide efficient, re- gional release, should such a selling system result. Releases would be severely retarded and congestion would increase. Single billing of pictures would bring about an increase in buying cir- cuits, with theatres banding together to buy, and eventually powerful buy- ing combines might be created that would defeat the Government's aims. Arbitration Beneficial Agnew had praise for those provi- sions of the decree which require dis- tributors to show their product to the exhibitor before selling. The arbi- tration setup, as now constituted, was also beneficial, he said. Box offices throughout the country have sustained a decrease of about 10 per cent, Agnew said, which could be attributed to a slight diminishing of war production. The trend toward independent pro- duction will continue, Agnew added, with the economic factor encouraging talent to make such a venture. Even in the postwar, this trend will pro- ceed, but many who are now on the fringe and are getting by because of the times will be swept away. Vanguard will soon establish repre- sentatives in London and Paris, and possibly Australia, to supervise the company's foreign business, he said. Studio space shortages, the tight color film situation and a lack of suitable story properties are the only limiting factors to Vanguard's production, as there is no dearth of talent, he said. The company will move into its new offices about Dec. 10 or 15, at 400 Madison Ave., here. Form Managers Guild San Francisco, Nov. 27. — Bay area theatre managers and assistants of the Golden State Theatre and Realty Corp. and of San Francisco Theatres, have formed the Motion Picture Theatre Managers' Guild, to operate as a division of the CIO's United Office and Professional Work- ers of America, Local 34, according to William Piehl, West Coast re- gional director of UOPWA. REEVES SOUND STUDIOS, INC. 1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. 19 Circle 6-6686 Complete Film and Disc Recording Facilities (Continued from page 1) ments have been completed to hand over to the companies, as of this week, accountings of film revenues which have accrued to date from films exhib- ited by the PWD. The OWI has, from time to time, reported to the companies on these monies, notably in the cases of North Africa, Italy and France. The companies have agreed, the announcement said, to distribute OWI documentaries in France for the Gov- ernment and to give those Govern- ment films the widest possible dis- tribution through U. S. company facil- ities. With return of distribution in France to the companies, which move was forecast in Motion Picture Daily last Sept. 20, the problem of how to transfer film funds from France to the U. S. still looms as unsolvable in the near future. The French, it is believed, would be re- luctant to permit transfer of any rev- enues, accumulated in francs, to the U. S. because of the complicated ex- change question. U. S. distributors, however, are still confronted with the problems of how to get key European representa- tives abroad, of actual physical re- constitution of their exchanges in France, and of chaotic transportation, a stumbling block to efficient distribu- tion. Distribution in Italy still remains in the hands of the PWD. French Production May Be Cooperative French production may become co- operative, if the plans of Jean Pan- leve, director of the film section of the French Ministry of Information, are adopted by the government, Rich- ard de Rochemont, March of Time producer and president of France For- ever, declared here yesterday in an interview. De Rochemont recently re- Griffith Trust Trial Set for March 12 (Continued from page 1) ants with undue court room advan- tages. Vaught ordered Wright to prepare specific answers to the defense ques- tions by Jan. 27, 1945. The defendants now listed include Griffith Amusement Co., and Consoli- dated Theatres, Inc., both with head- quarters in Oklahoma, and West-Tex Theatres, Inc., and Griffith, Inc., both of Dallas. 'Princess' Charms Chi. Chicago, Nov. 27.— Samuel Gold- wyn's "The Princess and the Pirate" grossed $19,000 in its first four days at the 1,200-seat Woods Theatre here. The first week's gross is running at the record rate of 340 per cent of average for the house. Weitman' s Mother Dies Funeral services were held at the Park West Chapel here yesterday for Zelda Weitman, mother of Robert M. Weitman, managing director of the Paramount Theatre. Mrs. Weitman died of heart failure at the home of her daughter here Sunday. turned from six weeks in Paris to line up two MOT subjects, which material, he said, would be made available to the newsreel pool. Pan- leve advocates participants in produc- tion sharing in profits. Panleve is also desirous of seeing French films sold on a percentage basis instead of outright, with pro- ducers getting a guarantee, de Roche- mont said. There has- been some talk in France of appointing a general sales representative for the U. S. who would handle all French product here. Thirty-one theatres have reopened in the center of Paris, the MOT pro- ducer said, up to Nov. 17, with the Allied command operating another half-dozen houses for troops. Admis- sion prices are up 40 per cent, de Rochemont said. Official Newsreel The French government intends to put out an official newsreel for France which would preclude the 20th Cen- tury-Fox, M-G-M or Paramount newsreels and the French companies from issuing their own newsreels in France. At the termination of hos- tilities, de Rochtmont said, the gov- ernment reel will probably be with- drawn and private newsreels will be allowed to resume. The French are very short of raw stock, the MOT producer said, and are being aided by the British and Americans. Big problem facing the French in- dustry, de Rochemont said, is that of passing on film personnel and giv- ing them a "clean bill" on collabora- tionists A Committee for Purifica- tion of the Cinema Industry has been formed which inspects all who have been in the business since 1940. Many prints will be needed for dis- tribution in France because of poor transportation, but U. S. companies can look forward to extended runs, he said. Para, Officials at Blank Dedication (Continued from page'V) mount ; Leonard Goldenson, Para- mount vice-president and theatre ex- ecutive ; Karl Hoblitzelle, president of Interstate Theatres, Dallas ; R. J. O'Donnell, Interstate's general man- ager, and John Friedl, president of Minnesota Amusement Co., Minne- apolis; also W. G. Gehring, Western sales manager for 20th Century-Fox. The broadcast ceremonies will be covered by M-G-M, Paramount and 20th-Fox newsreeels. The hospital is the gift of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Blank in memory of their son. Blank is president of Tri-States Theatres Corp., and of Central States Theatres. The hospital is said to be the only one in the country to con- tain mural decorations by Walt Dis- ney. Accepting the hospital for the peo- ple of Iowa will be Gov. B. B. Hick- enlooper, U. S. Senator-elect. Hornblow Heads Ass'n Hollywood, Nov. 27. — Arthur Hornblow, Jr., has been elected pres- ident of the Free World Association of Hollywood, succeeding Dudley Nichols, whose term recently expired. Independents Aided By Decree: Hazen (Continued from page 1) and their affiliated circuits had a monopoly of screen time has been completely answered by the abolition of block booking and blind selling and the selling of films after they have been completed," Hazen said here yes- terday. The result is better represen- tation of independent product, he said.| Advance trade showings, Hazen contends, place the quality product of independents on a more or less selling par with films produced ■ by major studios. Hazen also pointed out that since the decree major producers have extended loaning of talent to other producers. Hazen probably will not participate in the forthcoming decree action of the Department of Justice. He is due to return to Hollywood in January when he and Wallis probably will put two additional films into production. "Don't Ever Grieve Me" is definitely set as the first of the two but "When- ever I Remember," which was origi- nally planned for production in En- gland by Wallis, might also be made in Hollywood. In that event, Hazen said, a fifth film will be made in En- gland sometime next Spring, giving the production unit five films during its first year releasing through Para- mount. Hazen plans to accompany Wallis to England. New Conciliation Plan from FP-C (Continued from page 1) ing the general principle of trade conciliation, it was learned here to- day. For the proposed Ontario board, the company recommended that any two members of the Motion Picture Theatres Association of Ontario be eligible for appointment to concilia- tion cases and not two independent exhibitor members of that association as stipulated in the draft of the code now under consideration. This asso- ciation is made up of circuit associ- ates or partners and independent the- atre owners. The code as drafted provides for eight board members, consisting of two distributors, two circuit repre- sentatives, two independent owners from the Ontario Council of Inde- pendent Exhibitors of Canada and two independent exhibitors named by the MPT A of Ontario. Famous Players has objected to limitation of MPT A representation to independents, which would mean such appointees could be circuit men or otherwise, it is under- stood. Famous Players does not object to Odeon representation for circuits, while Odeon Theatres of Canada and its affiliates hold membership in MPTA of Ontario as well as the Famous Players group. Army Paper Lauds Stars Hollywood, Nov. 27. — The CBI Rounduip, Army newspaper in the Far Eastern theatre, which last month charged prominent stars with "dog- ging it,' today praised two stars tour- ing that area, Pat O'Brien and Jinx Falkenberg. from MOTION PICTURE HERALD the Great Journal of the Great Industry 8 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, November 28, 1944 'G. V Finally Starts; 44 in Work on Coast Hollywood, Nov. 27. — After sev eral months of inactivity, production has been resumed on Lester Cowan's "G. I. Joe." Six other features also went into work and eight were com- pleted. The total in work stood at 44. Production scene follows : Columbia Finished: "The Crime Doctor's Trap" (formerly "Untitled Crime Doctor"). Shooting : "A Guy, a Gal and a Pal," "A Thousand and One Nights," "Leave It to Blondie," "One Against Seven," "Men of the Deep." M-G-M Finished: "Son of Lassie." Shooting : "Alter Ego," "Weekend at the Waldorf," "Without Love," "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes," "Hold High the Torch," "Valley of Decision." Monogram Started : "Fashion Model," with Robert Lowery, Marjorie Weaver, Tim Ryan. Shooting : "Make Way for Kelly." Paramount Shooting: "The Virginian," "Scared Stiff," "The Lost Weekend," "The Love Letters," "The Affairs of Susan," "Duffy's Tavern." PRC Finished: "Crime, Inc." Shooting : "Barber of Red Gap." RKO Radio Finished: "The Wonder Man" (Goldwyn) ; "The Body Snatcher." Started: "The Spanish Main," with Paul Henreid, Maureen O'Hara, Walter Slezak, John Emery, Nancy Gates, Jack LaRue. Shooting : "Along Came Jones" (International); "Invisible Army," "The Enchanted Cottage." Republic Finished : "Three's a Crowd," "Swingin" on a Rainbow," "Jealousy" (Gustav Machaty). Started: "Behind the Ship" (cast not announced) ; "Lone Texas Ran- ger," with Bill Elliott, Alice Flem- ing, Bobby Blake, Helen Talbot. Shooting : "Earl Carroll Vanities," "Johnny March" (Walter Colmes). 20th Century-Fox Started: "First, Last and Always," with Fred MacMurray, Lynn Bari, James Gleason ; "The Bullfighters," with Laurel and Hardy. Shooting : "A Bell for Adano," "Molly, Bless Her," "Circumstantial Evidence," "A Royal Scandal." United Artists Resumed Shooting : "G. I. Joe" (Cowan), with Burgess Meredith, Robert Mitchum, Jack Reilly, Wally Cassell, Bill Murphy, Freddie Steele. Shooting: "A Walk in the Sun" (Bronston), "Blood on the Sun" (Cagney), "Bedside Manner" (An- drew Stone). Universal Shooting : "Romance, Inc.," "Sa- lome— Where She Danced," "Here Come the Co-Eds." Warners Shooting: "Hotel Berlin," "The Big Sleep," "San Antonio." Reviews Main Street After Dark (M-G-M) Hollywood, Nov. 27 TN 57 minutes, this attraction is M-G-M's first offering in the cause of streamlined features to accompany attractions with mileage, whether its own or some other distributor's. The preference, obviously, is all for its own. This latest experiment in rounding out the show — there were the Roach Streamliners, of course — terminates in the middling-to-less division. Jerry Bresler produced well. Edward Cahn, the director, had competence in his cast, which includes Edward Arnold, Selena Royle, Hume Cronyn, Dan Duryea and an interesting newcomer of potentialities named Audrey Totter. But story values are too thin and those 57 minutes too long to carry this melo- dramatic yarn of a criminal mother, her two sons and daughter and her daughter-in-law all of them outside the law. The opening is slow and laden with incidental detail which adds footage and piles on running time without progressing the plot. There are repetitive scenes at headquarters where service men who have been 'rolled' for their wallets are questioned. There is no developed reason for the hostility between Miss Royle and Miss Totter. "Main Street After Dark" is constructed of the same material out of which M-G-M made its successful "Crime Doesn't Pay" series. The results, in three minutes less than an hour, do not parallel the values obtained when approximately 20 minutes were the limitation. Thus, while this would have been a member in superior standing in two reels, it fares decidedly less for- tunately in five. Wallet-snatching, a bank murder and how both are solved through the use of fluorescent powder and ultra violet rays make up the shallow story line. Arnold, as minion of the law, runs the gang to earth through scientific meth- ods, but not before Duryea is killed. Running time, 57 minutes. "G."* No release date set. Red Kann Hollywood "Blonde Fever" (M-G-M) MASQUERADING behind this lowly title is a delicious high comedy of the Ferenc Molnar school, cleverly adapted, in fact, by Patricia Coleman from a Molnar play and neatly turned out to delight the discriminating, under Richard Whorf's talented direction. Happily from a box office standpoint, the undiscriminating should relish it also, for the authors face nothing deeper than the infatuation between a fading cafe owner and his budding cigarette girl, and their plight is shown as enor- mously funny in spite of being just a little sad. Philip Dorn and Gloria Grahame, in these roles, have some wonderful scenes : she resisting his sophis- tication ; he, her charms — and both pursuing in odd moments when resistance is low. Mary Astor as his understanding yet fighting wife balances the picture to perfection, while' Felix Bressart, who tends bar, rounds it out with the droll commentary of one quieted by age. The show remains, however, to be stolen, again and again, by Marshall Thompson, the young girl's boy friend, a fledg- ling waiter, essence of awkward youth, who flies into a blaze when anybody uses the word 'callow.' The slim plot, a mere frame for sturdy dialogue, turns on a winning lottery ticket, which changes hands several times and which proves the key to the blonde's affections. William H. Wright produced the film handsomely. Nataniel Shilkret's music score is good and of unusual importance. And the costumes supervised by Irene should not and will not escape attention. Running time, 69 minutes. "G."* Release date not set. Tom Loy *"G" denotes general classification. A scap Wins Suit On Neb. Royalties Omaha, Nov. 27. — Two suits which sought to recover approximately $350,000 in royalties paid to Ascap by adio station WOW here and 24 lead- ing Nebraska hotels and restaurants, were dismissed in state superior court today by Judge James Fitzgerald. Trial of the actions was held here last June, with Louis D. Frohlich of Schwartz and Frohlich, New York, representing Ascap. The actions to recover the royalties paid to Ascap were brought after the Supreme Court had upheld several sections of the state's so-called anti- Ascap law. 'Tokyo' Sold Separately "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" will be sold separately as a special, Wil- liam F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales manager for M-G-M, announced here yesterday. Exclusive Spanish Theatre for Texas San Angeleo, Tex., Nov. 27.— The 'immediate construction, if possible, and postwar building if priorities are withheld, of a 1,000-seat theatre for the exclusive showing of Latin-Amer- ican films, was announced here today, by John D. Jones, Concho Theatre manager. Cost of the theatre will approximate $50,000. Decision to build was reached after a meeting here of C. V. Jones, general manager of Robb and Rowley, and John Row- ley of R. and R.'s Dallas office. In making the announcement, John Jones declared, "In view of the grow- ing Latin-American population here, and the improvement noted in Span- ish-language pictures, we feel that the new departure is warranted." By THALIA BELL Hollywood, Nov. 27 tT ERBERT J. YATES, president A J of Republic, has authorized in- creased expenditure for musical films at that studio. During the past two- and-a-half years, Republic's budget for musicals has been upped several hunx dred percent. Two major production of this type are now in work : "Earl Carroll Vanities" and "Song of Mex- ico," which is being filmed there. • John English will direct "Utah," the next Roy Rogers Western at Re- public. . . . Glen Langan has been added to the cast of "The Dolly Sis- ters" at 20th Century-Fox. . . . Ed- ward Lilley has been signed to direct Universal' s "Gift of Gab" story of a radio announcer. • Marjorie Weaver has been signed for the feminine lead opposite Rob- ert Lowery in "Fashion Model," which William Beaudine will direct for Monogram. . . . Senorita Fely Franquelli, ballerina, has been en- gaged by RKO Radio for the top feminine role in "The Invisible Army," which stars John Wayne. . . . Richard Sale, who wrote "Not Too Narrow, Not Too Deep," which M-G-M produced under another title with Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, has been signed to a long-term writing contract by Para- mount. McCarthy to Meet PRC Managers Managers of the newly-acquired PRC exchanges Fred Scheuerman, Cleveland ; Harry Bugie, Cincinnati ; William Flemion, Detroit ; Lew Lef- ton, Pittsburgh ; Harry Stern, Los Angeles ; Jack Adams, Dallas ; and Harry Rogers, Omaha-Des Moines, will be in individual conferences with Leo J. McCarthy, general sales man- ager, who left New York yesterday for a tour of exchanges. He will be gone until Dec. 18. Trade Show 'Caballeros' "The Three Caballeros," Walt Dis- ney feature, will be trade shown nationally by RKO on Dec. 11. Lefton's Exchanges Retain Personnel Cleveland, Nov. 27. — Announcing the sale of his franchises in Cleve- land, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and De- troit to PRC Pictures, Nat Lefton declared that the personnel of each office will remain unchanged. Lefton will devote his time hereafter to his building business and other outside interests. Lynch Joins Birdwell Ware Lynch has joined the New York office of Russell Birdwell and Associates as an account executive. He was formerly with Lennen and Mitchell, Philip Morris, Arthur Kud- ner, American Museum of Natural History and the Hotel Pierre. For the past year he has been w'th Gen- eral Electric in Bridgeport, Conn. New Wharf Theatre Boston, Nov. 27. — A new Wh^rf Theatre, to play films and legiti- mate shows, will be erected on the site of the old Provincetown Theatre on Cape Cod. Lady Ambrose Gosling, former Margaret Hews, who once owned the Provincetown, will sponsor the project. First in [Radio jN Accural and Impartial MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert, tion Picture Industry |VOL. 56. NO. 103 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1944 TEN CENTS Mixed Needs in Capital for Postwar Period Freon and Manpower Are Cited As No. 1 Needs By AL SHERMAN Washington, Nov. 28. — "Let home offices worry about post-war planning" is the tenor of a survey conducted by Motion Picture Daily here to determine postwar needs of theatres and exchanges. This is especially true of exchange man- agers. However, among theater op- erators it develops that the one item given the most postwar consideration is freon gas. Carter Barron, Loew's Theaters division manager, -placed that item as No. 1 need. Frank Boucher, general manager for Kogod- Burka Theaters, agreed. And re- plenishment of staffs is the No. 1 need of exchanges. Of exchange men approached only one, Sam Galanty, Columbia's Mid- east division manager, committed {Continued on page 9) Schenck Reports 19 'Dimes' Chiefs Nicholas M. Schenck, national chair- man of the 1945 March of Dimes drive, to be conducted in theatres dur- ing the week of Jan. 25-31, received yesterday 19 more acceptances of state drive chairmanships from exhibitor- leaders. Seven were reported Monday. The new acceptances follow : Carter Barron, John J.. Payette, co- chairmen, District of Columbia ; Jack Kirsch, Maurice M. Rubens, Illinois ; Harry Katz, K. T. Collins, Indiana ; (Continued on page 10) OWI Names Perkins Aide in Far East Robert Perkins, Universal manager in Manila and Japan prior to the war, has been named by the Office of War Information overseas branch to assist Michael Bergher in a Far Eastern film operation which is in the process of formation, it is understood. Perkins, prior to his association with Universal, was with Paramount in Shanghai and Manila. He was repatriated on the Gripsholm in 1942 and served in the Army for two years, having just been honorably dis- charged. He is the son of James Per- kins, Far Eastern division manager for Paramount MGM Plans 3 Video Outlets Loew's has filed applications with the Federal Communications Commis- sion for permission to construct three television stations, one each in New York, Washington and Los Angeles, to involve an estimated minimum out- lay of $1,000,000. General Electric equipment is specified, with high-defi- nition transmission indicated. M-G-M Studios, Inc. seeks the Los Angeles outlet which would be as- signed to Channel No. 8 (162-168 megacycles), while Marcus Loew Booking Agency seeks Channel 17 (282-288 megacycles) for New York and Channel No. 8, in Washington. Applications were filed through Her- bert L. Pettey, director of WHN, Loew's New York radio station, and Herbert Bingham, Washington attor- ney. Warner Bros, has pending an appli- cation for permission to construct a television station in Hollywood and has already acquired property upon which to build a station. Paramount already has extensive in- (Continued on page 9) Ritchey, Out of Navy, Back with Monogram Norton V. Ritchey, who for the past two years has served as a lieu- tenant in the Navy, has been placed on inactive status and has rejoined Monogram as vice-president in charge of the foreign department. Mrs. N. Witting will continue as his assistant. Bob O'Donnell Still Owes Blank a Steer Des Moines, Nov. 28.— A. H. Blank is still waiting for Robert J. O'Donnell of Dallas to pay off a Texas steer on that Fifth War Loan bet of last Summer when O'Donnell wagered a steer against Blank's Iowa hog that Texas would beat Iowa in war bond sales. Blank and Iowa won. O'Donnell, however, is not welching — neither he nor Blank can get together enough red points required by the OPA to slaughter the prize. 10,354 Bond Events Set A total of 10,354 special events have been booked by theatres for the Sixth War Loan Drive, including 3,254 'Bond Premieres,' 772 'Children's Premieres' and 6,328 'Free Movie Davs.' The figures include pledges up to last week, and many territories that show few premieres are now active lining up others, not definitel- booked. Indications are that the sixth drive is well ahead of the fifth in these special events. Of the Bond Premieres, 1,016 are in towns of less than 7,500 popula- tion, as are 297 of the Children's Premieres. The distributors committee of the (Continued on page 10) Only 15 Actual War Films For the Turn of the Year Urges Film Stamp On Christmas Mail Citing the recent issuance by the Post Office Depart- ment of the commemorative stamp honoring the 50th an- niversary of the commercial film industry, as "a very sig- nificant occurrence in the public relations of our indus- try," Claude Lee, Paramount executive, yesterday urged every employee in the indus- try to use only the commem- orative stamp on Christmas cards, and on correspondence generally, as a contribution in this public relations pro- motion. Distributors are approaching the turn of the year with less than a dozen and a half "top" war films ready for release, to be released early in the year or in planning or pro- duction stages at their studios in Hollywood. The number is the lowest since the ominous days before Pearl Harbor. And of the group several are not classified as out-and-out war films, but, rather, are postwar reha- bilitation themes or servicemen's stories without actual fighting. Among the top war films ready for release or planned for early release in 1945 are: M-G-M's "30 Seconds Over Tokyo," 20th Century-Fox's "Winged Victory" and "Sunday Din- ner for a Soldier," and Columbia's "One Against Seven," based on the play "Counterattack," and RKO's (Continued on page 10) Divorcement To Take Years, Says D. of J. May Be 2 Years Before Supreme Court Gets Case By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington, Nov. 28. — A number of years may be required for the disposition of the distribu- tor-owned theatres if the Govern- ment is successful in its effort to di- vorce them through expansion of the film consent decree, it was said here today at the Department of Justice. Even if trial of the suit is started in the near future, as desired by the Government, at least two years is seen required to get it to the point of a Su- preme Court decision. Assuming a decision favorable to the Government, it would then be (Continued on page 10) Industry Fund May Perpetuate MPSA Hollywood, Nov. 28. — Plans for establishing the Motion Picture So- ciety for the Americas as a permanent organization, wholl^ financed by the industry, will be discussed by the so- ciety's board of directors, comprising heads of all studios, at a special meet- ing Dec. 7. Set up as a liaison between the stu- dios and the Coordinator of Inter- American Affairs, the society faces possible dissolution at the end of the fiscal year, June next. Harold Hop- per, society president, will be chair- man of the meeting. 2 2,8 2 5 'Free-Gift Features Overseas War Activities Committee head- quarters here yesterday disclosed that 22,825 feature prints and prints of 24,- 359 short subjects have been sent to the Army Overseas Film Exchange for showing to troops since inception of the program by the industry. This week's delivery of the 16-mm gift-prints includes M-G-M's "Strike (Continued on page 10) Reviewed Today Review of "Belle of the. Yukon" appears on page 9. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, November 29, 1944 Insider's Outlook By RED KANN Col. Cole Reelected By Allied of Texas Personal Mention OSCAR A. DOOB, Loew Theatres director of advertising and pub- licity, has received a gold coin from the Canadian government inscribed, "Canada Thanks Oscar A. Doob" in recognition of his Canadian War Loan work. • Lt. (j.g.) Myron N. Blank, ex- ecutive of the Tri- States Theatre Corp., on leave, and his wife, are in Des Moines for the dedication of the Raymond Blank Memorial Hospital for Children on Dec. 3. • G. Ralph Branton, general man- ager of Tri-States Theatres Corp., has been named to the general committee to launch a $2,000,000 campaign for Drake University at Des Moines. • Benjamin Y. Cammack, RKO Southwestern district manager, has been married in Oklahoma City to Julia Mary Sims. • Stuart Legg, editor of the World in Action films, has just returned to Canada from England and France. He will come to New York later this week. • Dave Bader, 20th Century-Fox trade press representative, has been elected to the board of governors of the 20th Century-Fox Family Club. • Joel Bezahler, home office assis- tant to J. E. Flynn, M-G-M Western sales manager, will leave here Friday on a Western business trip. • Gracie Allen christened a tanker at Chester, Pa., yesterday and donated the $1,000 bond given her as a prize award to workers. • Rose Klein of the M-G-M home office statistical department, is vaca- tioning- in upper New York State. • Howard Kummerly, manager of Warner's Lane, Philadelphia, will take a leave of absence due to illness. • B. B. Kreisler, vice-president and general manager of Lester Cowan productions, is in Washington. • E. K. O'Shea, M-G-M Eastern sales manager, will leave New York for Jacksonville Dec* 5. • Don Jacocks, owner of a circuit in New England, will leave for Boston from New York today. • Edmund Goulding, Warner Bros, director, arrived in New York yester- day from the Coast. • Tom Donaldson, M-G-M Boston branch manager, leaves New York for Boston today. • Bob William of the Warner Studio publicity staff is in New York for about a week. • George Trendle of Detroit is in New York. Hollywood, Nov. 28 KEY to the lowdown on the reconstituted situation at Paramount is in the opener of that 41-word statement which told of a new contract for Henry Ginsberg under which he "as- sumes full charge of the manage- ment and operation of the Para- mount studio, including all its production activities." The opener read, "Barney Balaban and Y. Frank Freeman an- nounced," etc. Nothing of the accidental is party to this, for it was Free- man who insisted with Balaban that the only way to run the lot was to filter all authority through one individual. No de- tours, no branch-offs. No noth- ing, except one central execu- tive. ■ How it came about is inter- esting. Until a few months ago, Para- mount had no outside producers. There is a difference between the setups under which the Cecil B. De Mille and the Pine- Thomas units operate. There is a surface autonomy which trav- els along with both of them. De Mille makes his pictures under his own name on the home lot. The two Bills — Pine and Thomas — make theirs off the lot and under their own name. In both cases, complete financing is met by the parent company. This column earlier had re- ported the Hal Wallis and the Buddy De Sylva arrangements. Wallis, never previously with Paramount, now is a partner; he and Paramount share finances. De Sylva, the former executive producer, has put up money, too. This places both producers in business with Paramount and sets up a relationship which is not matched by De Mille and Pine-Thomas. The breakaway from the old- line policy of self-controlled pro- duction, .which developed with the Wallis and De Sylva situa- tions, created rumblings which echoed sufficiently loud to be heard on the outside. Whereas there, perhaps, was more under- standing in the instance of De Sylva because he had been with the company, the same measure of comprehension did not always exist in the instance of Wallis, who had not been with the company. It took its form on the in- sistence of Freeman, moreover. It was he who persistently main- tained with Balaban that Gins- berg must have complete and unquestioned say. Freeman maintained there was no other way of going about it. Because Balaban came to Hollywood to effect the necessary arrange- ments, he was perfectly willing to abide by what Ginsberg wanted and what Freeman in- sisted Ginsberg ought to have. The deal, thereafter, was agreed upon in a night conference. ■ The natural speculation trail- ing all this is what about Free- man ? If it is Ginsberg who will run production complete, what will Freeman be doing? The answer is this : He will continue, as he has until now, to represent the board of directors at the fountain head : production. He will confer, collaborate, advise with Ginsberg, as in the past. Balaban says Freeman's status is absolutely without impairment of any description, that he is what he was before : the general overseer, a sort of elder states- man and the contact point be- tween the studio and the home office. But on production and its varied manifold decisions, Gins- berg is the man. ■ In the delicate see-saw of stu- dio versus creator relationships and in these days when many feel they are working for glory, not dollars, it should precipitate no surprise that dissatisfaction threatened in other directions. Ginsberg, who became produc- tion head after De Sylva stepped down, was thoroughly aware of this. He knew what his prob- lem was. He expected at the outset, and he is aware now, that the need for tact, diplomacy and balanced judgment will run to unbounded lengths. ■ Since it appears to be com- pany policy to stay at its present juncture insofar as outside units may be concerned, the problem confronting him, as the execu- tive running production, simply becomes one of keeping all pos- sible hands happy and all pos- sible heads steady under condi- tions new to Paramount. The dictates of proper administra- tion, of course, make it required to collaborate closely with both Wallis and De Sylva. The dic- tates, however, impose identical requirements for other produc- Dallas, Nov. 28. — Closing a two- day session here today, Allied Theatre Owners of Texas re-elected Col. H. A. Cole president; Rubin Frels, H. S. Leon, B. R. McLendon, Mrs. Martha McSpadden and R. N. Smith, vice-presidents, and A. W. Lilley, secretary-treasurer. The directors are Otto Schmid, Will Dorbandt, L. C. Tidball, H. R. Bisby, Lee Bell, Henry Sparks, P. V. Williams, Phil Isley, Lonnie Legg, W. J. Cheshire and H. Ford Taylor. ' The Texas group unanimously ap- proved National Allied's consent de- cree recommendations to the Federal government. The threat of television had many members worried, but Cole stated he did not think theatre men need worry for another five years at least, due to the fact that it would be some time before mechanical bugs were worked out of the new medium, and that clearing up the commercial angles would take still more time. Schancer Quits 20th Kay Schancer, secretary to Jules Fields, publicity manager of 20th Century-Fox here, has resigned, ef- fective this week. She had been with the company for the past 11 years. ers who work directly for the company. This can be more of a job than any straightaway account may suggest. ■ At any rate and unless it were to be clearly established that he — Ginsberg — was the spigot through which every phase of production management and op- eration were to flow, more diffi- culties than had already asserted themselves might have proven inevitable. It is not unduly difficult to en- vision how this might work. If 'X' wanted something or other from Ginsberg, who felt it inad- visable to grant, hypothetically 'X' might have tried blandish- ment on Freeman. 'X' may not have gotten anywhere, but in the very bypassing of Ginsberg for Freeman — could be in reverse as well — were the seeds of diffused authority at the top. In any or- ganization as large as Para- mount, this is not desirable from the viewpoint of management. ■ Therefore, it became obvious that action was necessary. Ac- tion was what brought Balaban West, and action followed in short order. The two unexpired years of Ginsberg's contract were tossed aside and a new seven - year agreement deter- mined. It is being set up on the basis of the formal announce- ment, vesting in him full charge. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President: T. J Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor: Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life BIdg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup. Editor, cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York. N. Y.. under the act of March 3. 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign: single copies, 10c. Judy Garland gets no privacy for sparking when little sister Margaret O'Brien invades the Cozy Corner cy ir- in er ■ CLANG! GOES THt "THE TROLLEY SONG" a nationwide hit is just one of the seven great melodies— merry ones, romantic ones! a he ;u- c V "THE TROLLEY SONG" a nationwide hit is just one of the seven great melodies— merry ones, romantic ones! tBW sr. ^S^SSggSS^ , .W-G-Vl's^^oe ***f S soon \ove sous* i ^ j£m> I _ LITHO USA Wednesday, November 29, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 9 Review "Belle of the Yukon" (International-RKO ) Hollywood, Nov. 28 RANDOLPH SCOTT, Gypsy Rose Lee, Dinah Shore and Bob Burns stack up as names for any exhibitor's marquee. He. gets them, plus competent support by way of Charles Winninger, William Marshall, Robert Armstrong, Guinn (Big Boy) Williams and Florence Bates in "Belle of the Yukon." But that's not all. He also gets a color-musical laid on with a lavish and splashing hand, in a locale which other big-scale musicals have not yet in- vaded: the Alaska of Robert W. Service. That makes it a time when the country was raw-boned, when trigger-fingers were constantly alert to the draw and when dance halls, hard-likker and life at large were rough and tumble. Atmospherically, producer-director William A. Seiter recognized his op- portunities and met them with a genuine degree of professional accomplish- ment. He depended upon his comedy and his story involvements for a screen- play written by James Edward Grant who, in turn, based his handiwork on a story by Houston Branch.. The results are mixed and uneven. When it is a musical, "Belle of the Yukon" stands representatively along- side the long line of its noteworthy predecessors. When it is a comedy or melodrama, it encounters the obstacles commonly met when a musical stops its singing and dancing and gets into story. Had there been more emphasis on the musical and less on the plot in this case, such a switch in emphasis probably would have added to the sum total. Miss Lee, for instance, does the "Every Girl Is Different" number, her only one, in the style with which she is identified. It is amusing and well- done, but there is not enough of Miss Lee in that same mood. Most of the time she is called upon to act. It is Miss Shore, with that appealing, throaty voice, who does the chief vocalizing and does it with her usual competence and efficiency. "Sleigh Ride in July" is her best number of three, but the other two are good. Story-wise, there is Scott, confidence man settled in Malamute as a scene of easy pickings. Assorted confederates include Winninger and Burns. Miss Lee, up from Seattle with her girls, to play the Emporium, knows Scott and his tendencies from earlier and romantic experience. Intersections of the plot find Marshall, in love with Miss Shore and vice versa, also in trouble with the police. The snarls are finally cleared away and the shady life fore- gone in the finals. Marshall gets Miss Shore and it is suggested Miss Lee may have gotten Scott. At any rate, all hands appear happy. Cast values and size make this a ballyhoo attraction. Its color and its background lend themselves to advertising and general handling in kind. Consistent and sustained "plugging" probably will assert their need and their value. Running time, 84 minutes. "G." Release date, Jan., 1945. Red Kann Kilroe Writes on Copyright Law An extensive lecture on copyright laws and copyright history of the United States, England and France, given last Friday before the Prac- ticing Law Institute by Ed- win P. Kilroe, has been pub- lished and is now being dis- tributed by Kilroe, who is copyright adviser to 20th Cen- tury-Fox and chairman of the copyright committee of the MPPDA. 1 Award Reversed, Clearance Reduced Nominal 21-day clearance which the State theatre, Saugus, Mass., is sub- ject to after the following first-run Lynn theatres : Warner, Paf amount and Olympia, has been restored by the New York Appeal Board, following its reduction by arbitrator John Daly of the Boston tribunal, to 14 days, the American Arbitration Association has reported here. State Theatre origin- ally filed a clearance complaint against the five consenting companies. Richard B. Rubin is the operator of the State. Other terms of the arbitrator's award were sustained by the board: dismissal of the complaint insofar as it pertained to the supply of product by Warners to the Warner, Lynn, and by the Paramount to the Para- mount and Olympia, Lynn, stands ; and no clearance shall be granted to the Granada, Strand and Mystic thea- tres in Maiden over the State as to pictures with respect to which the State is subject to clearance in favor of Lynn theatres ; and the maximum clearance over the State which may be granted to Maiden theatres on pictures with respect to which the State is not subject to Lynn theatre clearance shall be 14 days. New England Theatres, Massachu- setts Amusement, Middlesex Amuse- ment and Melrose Theatre Co. inter- vened. Buffalo Case At the same time, the AAA report- ed that the Genesee Theatre, Buf- falo, operated by Basil Bros. Theatres, has had its clearance reduced to seven days after the Baily Theatre, operat- ed by Dipson Theatres. Basil in its clearance complaint against the five consenting companies in the Buffalo tribunal asked that the 14-day clear- ance after the Baily be eliminated. Dipson Theatres was an intervenor. PRC in New Brunswick St. John, N. B., Nov. 28.— PRC has opened a sales branch here cover- ing the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. James Kalfas, former salesman at company's Mon- treal branch, has been named man- ager. Canadian Pioneers' Meet Toronto, Nov. 28. — Canadian Pic- ture _ Pioneers will hold its annual meeting tomorrow at the King Ed- ward Hotel here. Clair Hague, presi- dent, will preside. Membership is now 300. "G" denotes general classification. M-G-M Plans Three Television Outlets (Continued from page 1) terests in television through DuMont television and Scophony, and Para- mount's Balaban and Katz has a sta- tion in Chicago ; 20th Century-Fox has an interest in Scophony through General Precision Equipment. RKO's current interest in television is in the programming field through RKO Television Corp. TBA Expects Record Turnout At Meeting A record attendance is anticipated at the first annual conference of the Television Broadcasters Association at the Hotel Commodore here Dec. 11-12, based upon the advance regis- trations that have already been re- ceived at TBA offices, that organiza- tion reports. Plans for the two-day event are nearly complete with advertising agency executives and television pro- ducers listed to participate in panel meetings. Discuss WLB WageBoost Film exchange operational heads and representatives of the IATSE will meet here this morning to dis- cuss several applications for wage in- creases and job classifications for ex- change office and service workers which have been approved by the Re- gional War Labor Boards. Haskin Will Direct For Wallis-Hazen Hollywood, Nov. 28. — Byron Has- kin, who recently resigned as head of Warner Bros, studio special ef- fects department, has been signed by Hal Wallis-Joseph Hazen Produc- tions as a director and in an execu- tive capacity. Haskin, a cameraman before tak- ing over Warners' special effects de- partment, seven years ago, is said to have recently developed a new color l>rocess. Besides Haskin, Wallis' production staff now includes Jack Saper, production and business man- ager, Martin Jurow. in charge of talent, and John Mock, story editor. Para. Partners in N.Y. f or W AC Meet Paramount's theatre partners are expected in New York for the annual meeting of the War Activities Com- mittee here tomorrow, among them R. J. O'Donnell, Earl J. Hudson, Karl Hoblitzelle, Robert B. Wilby, John Balaban, Sam Pinanski, John J. Friedl and William K. Jenkins. 25-Cent GPE Dividend Directors of General Precision Equipment Corp., here yesterday de- clared a dividend of 25 cents per share on capital stock, payable Dec. 15 to stockholders of record Dec. 6. Mixed Needs in Capital for Postwar Period (Continued from page 1) himself to a planned post-war pro- posal of needs. Galanty mentioned that a serious need is expanded quarters. Walker and Dunlop, local realtors, have blueprints under way for modernizing the quarters of all film companies in the Film Building, among them Columbia, 20th Century- Fox, National Screen, United Artists and Monogram. "In addition to expanding quar- ters," added Galanty, "we have under consideration additional equipment, especially routine office items such as desks, adding machines, typewriters and new lighting fixtures. Another important part of post-war plans calls for vitally needed extra help." Jake Flax, franchise holder for Re- public, insists that while he has no definite plans for post-war planning, one postwar item he intends to follow is the re-hiring of those who left for military service. The general consensus among other exchange operators is that emphasis on post-war planning will be to re- plenish staffs, depleted because of the war, but that other factors of equip- ment, etc., must be referred to home offices. Freon First Speaking typically for Washington theaters, Loew's Carter Barron as- serted that post-war plans would in- clude the purchase, first, of freon, then of new lamps and late projec- tion equipment. Next to freon, the major need of Kogod-Burka Theaters is new houses, according to Frank Boucher, general manager for the circuit. With one theater already under construction, and another planned, K-B has definite plans for increasing ■ its scope in the Washington area. "We are planning what I would call complete business areas, provid- ing shops, parking lots, cocktail lounges, a theater, perhaps a bowling alley and other community needs," Boucher disclosed, adding: "We still are not certain what types of equip- ment we will want, because technical advances make it almost impossible to tell at this moment. However, we do know that our theaters will have provision for television programs, and will undoubtedly use the latest in cathode lighting systems. For post- war needs we have set aside a reserve fund to cover such requirements." Legion Classifies Four New Pictures The National Legion of Decency has classified the following new films : Class A-2, "Army Wives," Monogram, and "The Missing Jur- or," Columbia ; Class B, "Faces in the Fog," Republic, and "Together Again," Columbia. NBC to Fete Burns National Broadcasting will give a press reception for Bob Burns at the Hotel Ritz-Carlton tomorrow evening, following a rebroadcast of the regu- h- Bob Burns air show. 10 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, November 29, 1944 10,354 Special Events Set for 6th Loan Drive Divorcement Seen Taking Many Years {Continued from page 1) necessary to develop a practical plan for disposal of the theatres, and that plan, Department officials emphasize, must conserve the investments of the present owners, yet sterilize their con- trol. It was freely admitted that diffi- culties might attend the quick disposi- tion of the houses, as has been the" case in the efforts of the Schine Cir- cuit to sell theatres it was required to release under a Court order. If the houses cannot be moved into new ownership quickly, it is possible they might be placed under trustees. Department officials said there will be a lot of difficult details to work out if the final Court decision requires divorcement, and it may be a matter of years before the houses are all in new hands. Only 15 War Films At Turn of Year (Continued from page 1) "Betrayal from the East" and "China Sky." Forthcoming films dealing with themes related to the war but not necessarily classifiable as out-and-out war films include: M-G-M's "This Man's Navy" and "Woman's Army," Warner's "Pillar to Post," and United Artists' "Tomorrow the World" and "I'll Be Seeing You." Top war films either in the plan- ning stage, in production or com- pleted but not set for release include: Paramount's "Medal for Benny," the Paramount-Hal Wallis "Love Let- ters," United Artists-Lester Cowan "The Story of G-I Joe," and 20th Century-Fox's "Bell for Adano" and United Artists's "Blood on the Sun." Sanders Remains as MP Associates Head At a meeting of Motion Picture Associates held at the Astor Hotel here, yesterday, Morris Sanders, president, was renominated president unanimously. Election will take place in mid-December, at which time plans for a dinner will be discussed. Other nominations were : Jack Ellis, vice-president; Matthew Cahan and Howard Levy, second vice-president; Saul Trauner, Morris Fraum, Charles Penser and Morris Kutinsky, treasur- er, secretary, financial secretary and sergeant at arms, respectively. Say Wodehouse Not Held Both French and British officials have denied reports, attributed to British Broadcasting Corp., that P. G. Wodehouse was being put in a French concentration camp, press dis- patches from Paris said yesterday. The British novelist, some of whose works have been filmed, is allegedly in a suburban clinic. James C. O'Neill Dies James C. O'Neill, 68, screen actor for nine years in the early days of the industry and a staff member of Actors Equity until 1939, died Mon- day at his home here. Services will be held in St. Malachy's church Fri- day, and burial will be in the Actors Fund plot at Kensico Cemetery. O'Neill was a trustee of the Fund. (Continued from page 1) War Activities Committee for the Sixth War Loan Drive, has decided to give branch managers more lati- tude in connection with 'Projection Room Premieres.' Hereafter, as an incentive to selling extra premieres, each manager will make available any production for which there are prints available at the exchange at that time. Trade Press Publishers Get 'Medal of Honor' Motion picture trade paper publish- ers will be guests of the drive com- mittee at a Sixth War Loan luncheon at the Monte Carlo here today, and each will receive the industry's 'Medal of Honor' for efforts on be- half of the campaign. Among those attending will be Martin Quigley, Quigley Publica- tions; Jack Alicoate, Film Daily; Jay Emanuel, Jay Emanuel Publications ; Abel Green, representing Variety; Charles Lewis, S howmeri s Trade Re- view, Ben Shlyen, BoxOffice, and Moe Wax, Film Bulletin. Attending the luncheon, in addition to the publishers, will be Harry Brandt, national chairman for the drive ; William F. Crockett, vice- chairman ; Ned Depinet, chairman of the distributors division ; Leon Bam- berger, assistant to Depinet ■ S. H. Fabian, head of the theatre division ; Max A. Cohen, in charge of special events : John Hertz, Jr., national pub- licity director ; Max Youngstein, pub- licity co-ordinator ; Herman Schleier, assistant to Brandt ; Herb Bero- and the three war heroes representing the Treasury Department : Lt. Col. Ros- well R. Rosengren. Capt. Raymond W. Wild and Lieut. Lewis R. Largey. A similar function will take place in Hollywood, with honors bestowed upon Pete Harrison, Harrison's Re- ports; Arthur Ungar, Daily Variety and William Wilkerson of the Holly- wood Reporter. Ted Lloyd of the na- Fabian Executives At Rites for Liner Funeral services for Irving L. Lin- er, 48, general manager of Fabian Theatres on Staten Island, were held yesterday at Riverside Chapel here. Liner died Sunday of a heart ailment. Liner had started with Fox Film Corp., and then went to Adams-Para- mount theatres in New Jersey, for 12 years, before joining Fabian, in 1938. He was a veteran of World War I. His widow and two brothers survive. Several members of the Fabian circuit in Albany came here for the funeral, including Sol Ullman, George Seed, Joe Shure, Milt Schlosberg and Joe Saperstein. Hyman L. Levy Dies Des Moines, Nov. 28. — Hyman L. Levy, operator of the Strand, Oel- wein, la., is dead of a heart attack. He is survived by two sisters: Mrs. A. H. Blank and Mrs. B. W. Pru- singer, both of Des Moines. Grace Moore's Father Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 28. — Richard L. Moore, department store executive and father of Grace Moore, screen and operatic star, died at his home here after a brief illness. tional committee, representing Brandt, will make the presentations in Holly- wood at the same time as those in New York. Tomorrow 'Journal' Day in Times Square Harry Mandel, publicity chairman for the War Activities Committee, New York area, has set a series of newspaper-sponsored days for the film industry's Statue of Liberty in Times Sauare. The first of these is New York Journal- American Day, tomor- row, when many of that paper's writ- ers and cartoonists will appear in addition to an 'in person' show ar- ranged by James Sauter executive director, United Theatrical War Ac- tivities Committee, and the entire Roxy Theatre stage show. 'Creek' to Net Bonds $1,200,000 in Phila. Philadelphia, Nov. 28. — "French- man's Creek" will realize $1,200,000 in war bonds for its premiere here, the Warner theatre circuit closing down its downtown Aldine on Thursday evening, Dec. 14, to permit the Phila- delphia Chapter of Hadassah, wo- men's Zionist organization, to sponsor the special screening. Bert Sanford Reports $55,000 Buy for Altec Altec Service has bought $55,000 worth of treasury Notes in support of the industry's Sixth War Loan Drive, Bert Sanford, Altec Eastern division sales manager, yesterday in- formed Harry Brandt. Para. Buys $3,000,000 Bonds For Sixth Drive Hollywood, Nov. 28. — The Holly- wood War Finance Committee dis- closed today that the first film corpo- ration here to purchase bonds in the Sixth War Loan Drive is Paramount, which has purchased $3,000,000 worth. Para, to Show Block No. 3 on Dec. 14-15 Paramount will trade show its 1944- 45 third block on Dec. 14 and 15 in all exchange centers. "For Whom the Bell Tolls," being released for popular prices ; "Practi- cally Yours," and "Dangerous Pas- sage" will be screened on Dec. 14 ; "Here Come the Waves" and "Double Exposure" will be shown on Dec. 15. Marintette Rites Held Palatka, Fla., Nov. 28. — Funeral services were held this week for Joseph Marintette, for the past 15 year with Florida State Theatres here and in Sanford. Marintette, who died Friday, was once with Consolidated Film Exchange and Universal. In- terment was in Sanford. Kuhl's Son Killed Des Moines, Nov. 28. — Funeral services were held recently at Green- field for 2nd Lt. Robert L. Kuhl, son of Lawrence A- Kuhl, owner of the- atres at Corning and Greenfield. Lt. Kuhl was killed in an airplane crash near Abilene, Tex. 'Irish Eyes' Holds; $11,300 in Second Toronto, Nov. 28. — "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" repeated at Shea's The- atre for an expected $11,300, this be- ing the only holdover of the week. "The Conspirators" is expected to bring $11,800 to the Imperial, while $11,200 is in sight at Loew's for "An American Romance." Estimated receipts for the wee" ending Nov. 30 : "Sweet and Lowdown" (20th-Fox) "The Big Noise" (ZOth-Fox) EGLINTON — (1,086) (18c-3Oc-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average: $4,000). "The Conspirators" (WB) IMPERIAL — (3,373) (18c-3Oc-42c-6Oc-90c) 6 days. Gross: $11,800. (Average: $12,- 800). "An American Romance" (M-G-M) "LOEWS— (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days. Gross: $11,200. (Average: $11,200). "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (ZOth-Fox) SHEA'S— (2.480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,300. (Aver- age: $12,800). "Sweet and Lowdown" (20th -Fox) "The Big .Noise" (2ttth-Fox) TIVOLI— (1,434) (18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $4,900. (Average: $4,400). "Summer Storm" (UA) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) UPTOWN— (2.761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $8,800. (Average: $9,800). VE-Day to Increase Troop Show Needs Hollywood, Nov. 28. — Germany's capitulation will increase the need for morale-building entertainment for our troops abroad, according to William Dover, back from two years supervis- ing USO-Camp Shows overseas, who said : "General Eisenhower and members of his staff remember the low spirits of our soldiers who had to remain abroad for long periods fol- lowing the armistice, and are awake to the fact that the morale problem will be much more serious following the collapse of Germany in this war." Dover praised the Hollywood Vic- tory Committee and the War Ac- tivities Committee for their part in supplying entertainers and films. The talent executive will rejoin the Feldman-Blum agency as director of the writer and scenario departments. Schenck Reports 19 More 'Dimes' Chiefs (Continued from page 1) John B. Carroll, Maine ; Frank J. Damis, Walter Reade, New Jersey; A. M. Russell, Montana; Milas L. Hurley, New Mexico; L. C. Griffith, Oklahoma; Robert H. Poole, Califor- nia; Harry C. Arthur, Jr., Missouri; John Rugar, Utah ; Fred J. Schwartz, New York ; Ted Schlanger, Pennsyl- vania ; Melvin Morrison, New Hamp- shire, and A. H. Blank, Iowa. 22,825 'Free-Gift' Features Overseas (Continued from page 1) Up the Band" and "Meet Me in St. Louis" ; Paramount's "Dark Moun- tain" ; Warners' "To Have and Have Not"; RKO's "None but the Lonely Heart" ; Universal's "Bowery to Broadway" and "Hi, Beautiful" ; Re- public's "Brazil" and PRC's "Swing Hostess." Fire Destroys Webster Webster, Fla., Nov. 28. — The Webster Theatre, operated by H. F. Hughes, has been destroyed by fire. MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert, Picture Industry VOL. 56. NO. 104 NEW YORK, U. S. A., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1944 TEN CENTS New Theatres Badly Needed In Southeast Wide Construction Waits For Postwar Release Atlanta, Nov. 29. — Heavy new theatre construction in the South- east is the No. 1 contemplation of both large and small circuits im- mediately after peace, Motion Pic- ture Daily learns in continuing its survey of the prime postwar needs of exhibitors of the country. In addition, many circuits and independent operators hereabouts are tense to hear word of Governmental release (Continued on page 6) No Increase Seen For Projectors; But No Closings Schneider a Warner V-P and Director Samuel Schneider has been elected a vice-president and director of War- ner Brothers, it was disclosed yester- day by Harry M. Warner, president, following a meeting of the board of direc- tors held here late Tuesday at the home office. S c h n e i d - drfs election fills the vacancy caused by the resignation of Joseph Hazen, last summer. Schneider has been with War- ners since its incorporation in 1923. He began in the accounting department, advanc (Continued on page 7) Washington, Nov. 29. — Prolonga- tion of the war in Europe, intimated in London today by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, is expected to have no adverse effect upon the pro- duction program for theatre booth equipment, Allen G. Smith, chief of the War Production Board theatre equipment division, said here today. While it is doubtful that the pro- gram for the first quarter of next year, shortly to be determined, will provide for any increase in the output of projectors, no cut from present levels of production is anticipated, Smith indicated. Gratified that he has been able to (Continued on page 6) Monogram's Profit Sharing Approved Monogram has obtained ap- proval from the Treasury's Wage Stabilization Board and the War Labor Board for a 20 per cent profit-sharing plan for employees in the Washington exchange. Appli- cations are also pending for approval for other exchanges wholly operated by Mono- gram. Scaling Downward Raw Stock Claims Washington, Nov. 29. — War Pro- duction Board officials this week are meeting with representatives of the Army, Navy, Office of War Informa- tion, Foreign Economic Administra- tion and other claimants for raw stock, to discuss their requirements for the first quarter of next year. De- termination of the allocations for the film industry and the various Govern- ment agencies is expected to be made at the end of next week. While officials concerned have not (Continued on page 6) WLB Passes Wage Boosts Regional War Labor Boards have approved job classifications with mini- mum-maximum wage scales and 10 •per cent retroactive wage increases for several hundred exchange workers in Cincinnati, New Orleans and Den- ver. Approval in Cincinnati covers class- ifications, wage scales and increases for office workers and a 10 per cent increase for service workers while Denver and New Orleans apnrovals are for 10 per cent increases for film shippers, inspectors and poster clerks. Increases are retroactive to Dec, 1942. Exchange operational heads of the film companies and IATSE represen- tatives yesterday signed additional WLB applications for 10 per cent in- creases for service workers in New York, Buffalo and Albany exchanges. Call Off CIAA Film Unit Transfer to Hemisphere Samuel Schneider 35 of 48 States Set for 'Dimes' The organization of a network of state chairmen to lead the 1945 March of Dimes drive, under national drive chairman Nicholas M. Schenck, is breaking a record for speed, it was disclosed here yesterday by Ernest Emerling, promotional director of the drive. Within 48 hours after Schenck wired his appointments, acceptances covering 35 of the 48 states have been (Continued on page 6) Chicago Will Honor Kirsch on Friday Chicago, Nov. 29.— Mem- bers of Illinois' buying and booking circuit and local Film Row will honor Jack Kirsch, head of the circuit, at a din- ner at the Blackstone Hotel Friday, with proceeds going to La Rabida Hospital, which is supported by the local Variety Club, of which Kirsch is the new chief barker. Ar- thur Davidson of the Calo Theatre, is chairman of the affair. Kirsch is also president of Allied of Illinois. Must Decide Divorcement, Berge States But U. S. Willing to Compromise Elsewhere By MILTON LIVINGSTON The Department of Justice is will- ing to compromise on any phase of a new consent decree except that of theatre divorcement, Assistant U. S. Attorney General Wendell Berge, head of the anti-trust division, indi- cated in an interview here yesterday with Motion Picture Daily. Berge was in New York from Washington on matters pertaining to international cartels. Since the consenting companies have indicated they, too, would be unwilling to compromise on divorce- ment, a court trial seems certain. The government will ask the Federal Dis- (Continued on page 7) Cites Trade Press For Unity in Sixth Motion picture activities of the Of- fice of the Coordinator of Inter- American Affairs will continue in- definitely under the present setup in- stead of being transferred tomorrow to Hemisphere Films, as expected, it was learned here yesterday. A CIAA spokesman told Motion Pic- ture Daily that although several plans have been discussed to perpetu- ate portions of the film program of the CIAA, nothing definite has been set at this time. One of the main stumbling blocks in any plan for transferring to Hemi- sphere, which was established 18 months ago to cooperate with the CIAA, it is understood, is the degree of Government status that can be giv- en the organization. The CIAA is a (Continued on page 6) With the presentation of the indus- try's 'Medal of Honor' to motion pic- ture trade paper publishers at yester- dsv's luncheon at the Monte Carlo here, Harry Brandt, national chair- man for the Sixth War Loan Drive, said : "The complete unity throughout the industry as it now exists could not be possible without the support of the industry's publishers." Among -ublishers or representa- (Continued on page 7) Booking 4AssV Is Rank's French Aim London, Nov. 29. — Following this week's announcement that distribution in France had been returned to pri- vate companies, French government circles have expressed concern over widely circulated reports that J. Ar- thur Rank might buy control of the French Gaumont circuit of some 20 theatres. These rumors, spokesmen for Rank (Continued on page 6) Reviewed Today Review of "Enter Arsene Lupin" appears on page 6. Motion Picture daily Personal Mention FCC Post-War Radio Report in Mid- Jan. WRAY JOHNSTON and Mrs. . Johnston left here for the Coast yesterday. Lt. Marvin Grieve, Army pilot and former Warner publicist, is visit- ing New York from Hill Field, Utah. He holds a Presidential Citation with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 11 clusters, the French Croix de Guerre with palm, awarded by General De Gaulle, and three stars for European, African and Italian combat service. • Faye Emerson, screen actress, will be married at the weekend to Col. Elliott Roosevelt, the President's son, now on leave in Hollywood after commanding the Allied Photographic Service in Italy and Sicily. • Burton Holmes was honored at a party last week given by the Interna- tional Lyceum at the Bismarck, Chi- cago, which marked his 50th anniver- sary in the film travelogue field. • Sam Shain, assistant to Spyros Skouras, 20th Century-Fox president, and Mrs. Shain, are parents for a second time, a son having been born yesterday at the Lenox Hill hospital. • Arthur Stern, former manager of the Essaness Liberty Theatre, Chi- cago, and son of Emil Stern, circuit's treasurer, has been injured in Italy. • Bill Boley, account executive of Buchanan Advertising Agency, hand- ling the Paramount account, is back at his desk after a siege of illness. • George Burrows, vice-president and treasurer of Monogram, will remain another week in New York before departing for the Coast. • William Guthrie, head of War- ner's studio location department, left for the Coast yesterday from Phila- delphia. • H. A. Hughes, of the Webster Theatre, Webster, Fla., was seriously hurt in a fire in his theatre last week. • Lou Kaufman, Warner Theatres executive, is back in New York from a trip to Cleveland. • Walter Branson, RKO's Western division manager, is in Chicago this week on business. • Bernard Goodman, assistant super- visor of Warner Bros, exchanges, left for Atlanta yesterday. • Sidney Hull and Mary Fields, of J. Arthur Rank's producing com- panies, have returned to England. Washington, Nov. 29. — Federal Communications Commission, delayed by the bulk of testimony taken during its recent hearings,* and, further, by changes in its own setup, is not ex- pected to complete its report on post- war television and radio allocations until the middle of January. The State Department will use the report as a basis for international dis- cussions to be held next year, and had asked the FCC to submit its findings and recommendations by Dec. 1 ; it has been impossible to work the com- plicated material into a survey of pos- sible post-war 'conditions and program needs within that time. The report will also cover television, and the needs of the motion picture industry for frequencies. Para, Partners End 3-Day Meeting Here Paramount theatre partners con- cluded three days of meetings here last night with a dinner at 21 Club, at which Barney Balaban, Paramount president, and Leonard Goldenson, vice-president in charge of theatre op- erations, presided. Business meetings were held at the Hampshire House. Most of the partners will remain in New York to attend the annual meet- ing of the War Activities Committee at the Warwick Hotel today. Several will also attend a meeting here to- morrow at which reorganization of the Will Rogers Memorial Fund will be discussed. Among those at last night's dinner, in addition to Balaban and Golden- son, were : Postmaster General Frank C. Walker, R. J. O'Donnell, John Balaban, J. J. Friedl, Earl Hudson, W. K. Jenkins and a number of Para- mount home office executives. Mexicans Concerned By Hollywood Plans Mexico City, Nov. 29. — The Na- tional Cinematographic Industry Chamber, of which Jesus A. Grovas, producer, is president, has announced that it is preparing a program to pro- tect the native industry from inroads of Hollywood companies which plan to produce here in Spanish and En- glish. The Chamber is also said to be con- cerned about reports that Hollywood interests plan to build studios at Mon- terrey. AMP A Will Meet Today Associated Motion Picture Adver- tisers will meet here today at the Hickory House at a closed luncheon session for members and the trade press, to discuss its forthcoming din- ner commemorating the industry's 50th anniversary. John Joseph, Universal advertis- ing-publicity director, has left for the Coast, with stop-overs en route. Morris Alin, editor of Universal's "Progress," is the father of a daugh- ter. Hope Receives Medal Philadelphia, Nov. 29. — The Poor Richard Club here announces that Bob Hope will receive the club's 1944 gold medal for achievement at the annual dinner in January. Gardner and Nedley In New MGM Posts M-G-M has made two promotions in its field sales force, William F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales manager, has announced here. Sam Gardner, branch manager in Salt Lake City, has been promoted to head the Los Angeles office, succeeding the late Clayton V. Lynch. Carl Nedley, salesman in Omaha, has been promot- ed to manage the Salt Lake branch. Nedley left New York yesterday for Omaha to close his affairs there and will take over in Salt Lake City on Dec. 11, while Gardner will report to Los Angeles the same week. Monogfm Franchisers On Coast for Meet Hollywood, Nov. 29. — Herman Rifkin, Monogram Boston franchise holder, arrived here today for the an- nual stockholders' meeting on Dec. 6. Arthur C. Bromber"- of Atlanta ; Lon T. Fidler, Denver ; William Hulburt, Detroit; and C. W. Tramne. Milwau- kee, will arrive at the ->'-~ekend. At the meeting, to be presided over by W. Rav Johnston, president, who left New York yesterday, election of board members will take place. Murray's Trust Suit Postponed to Jan. 3 Chicago, Nov. 29. — The conspiracy suit filed in Federal court here by Thomas Murray, former operator of the Thalia Theatre, against distrib- utors and Balaban and Katz, has been postponed by Judge Holly to Jan. 3. Murray claims he was forced to sell his theatre because of lack of suitable product, and alleges the de- fendants were responsible. New Delay on First Alperson Production Edward Alperson, independent pro- ducer who is to release through 20th Century-Fox, has arrived in New York for a short visit to seek addi- tional story material to be used in his production plans. Alperson said this week that he does not expect to start production on "Black Beauty," his first, before February or March due to what are described as "outdoor climatic condi- tions" in California. Dickerman's Circuit Sold, He Retires , Minneapolis, Nov. 29. — Harry Dickerman, veteran exhibitor, has disposed of his five theatres in Minne- sota and Wisconsin to Donald Gutt- man, and has announced his retire- ment, to make his home in California. Theatres disposed of are the Al- hambra and Northtown, Minneapolis ; Roxy and Arcade, St. Paul ; Grand, Durand, Wise. LaRoche to Give Plans Chester j. LaRoche. vice-chairman of Blue Network, will discuss the web's future plans at a luncheon at the Hotel Waldorf Astoria here to- morrow for representatives of the trade press and daily newspapers. Thursday, November 30, 1944 WAC'sThird Annual Meeting Here Today Third annual meeting and luncheon of the War Activities Committee takes place today at the Hotel Warwick here. Members from the field of the WAC executive committee and its Theatre Division executive committee are in New York to hear a report on 1944, plans for 1945 and to listen to addresses by Basil O'Connor, ElmeJ Davis, Ted R. Gamble and other? George J. Schaefer, WAC chairman, will preside, with WAC executives Francis S. Harmon, S. H. Fabian, Herman Gluckman and Walter T. Brown participating. Other guest speakers at the lunch- eon will include: Brig. Gen. Robert L. Denig, Marine Corps ; Col. Curtis Mitchell, chief of Army Pictorial Ser- vice, Bureau of Public Relations, sub- stituting for Major Gen. A. D. Surles ; Stewart Brown, Red Cross ; Taylor Mills, head of the OWI motion pic- ture bureau ; Capt. Gene Markey, Bu- reau of Motion Pictures, office of the Secretary of the Navy; Major Orton Hicks, Army Overseas Motion Pic- ture Service. Warner Brothers Buy 'Life with Father9 Warners have bought the screen rights to "Life with Father," Oscar Serlin's stage production which has been running at the Empire Theatre here since Nov. 8, 1939, it was learned yesterday. Terms are said to include a down payment of $500,000 against a 50-50 division of the net film prof- its. The studio expects to make a picture of "Gone With the Wind" proportions and anticipates a gross of more than $20,000,000. RKO Finances Play RKO has paid $40,000 for a six- month option on Edward Chodorov's new play, "Common Ground," to cover cost of the stage production, which Edward Choate will present. Screen rights are not involved in the deal. Mass. Clearance Is Cut to Seven Days Henry M. Channing, arbitrator in the Boston tribunal, ruling on a clear- ance complaint against the five con- senting companies by Canton Amuse- ment Co., Inc., operator of the Strand, Canton, Mass., has declared that max- imum clearance which may be granted to the Norwood and Guild, Norwood, over the Strand, shall be seven days, the American Arbitration Association reported yesterday. The arbitrator also ruled that no clearance shall be granted to the State, Stoughton, over the Strand. In- terveners were G. A. Jiles Co., opera- tor of the Norwood and Guild, and Stoughton Theatre Co., operator of the State. PRC Gets 'Victory' Toronto, Nov. 29. — PRC has ac- quired Canadian rights to Scoop Pro- ductions' "One Inch From Victory." Quentin Reynolds narrated. MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. CAM?* i LYWOOD CANTEEN HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN ACK&R$o«$^ ^(mutDahtme BeitE DAvif tes,. 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"Soon, many millions of other Americans will make the same happy discovery . . . when they see the Warner Bros, picture HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN. Tor in HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN, the warmth and generosity of our Industry shines through every scene, and lights up the pic- ture's wealth of entertainment as mere Kleig-lights never could. ^ Mf-CASE FOR THIS INDUSTRY'S GREAT HEART Tm sure youll be interested to know that a large share of Warner s profits from HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN will be turned over to tne Canteen, to help us all carry on and enlarge our work of entertaining service men. "And Tm glad that the happiness our Canteen has given to so many fighting men may now De shared by America's motion-picture public/' President and Co-Jounder of the Tiollywood Canteen for Service !Men 6 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, November 30, 1944 Review "Enter Arsene Lupin" (Universal) Hollywood, Nov. 29 UNIVERSAL'S new. find, Charles Korvin, has ample opportunity to dis- play his charm in a my6tery-drama of mounting interest. The young man should receive a warm welcome from feminine fans. In this picture he is teamed with Ella Raines, who wears clothes to advantage and is not called upon to do much acting. J. Carrol Naish contributes another of his note- worthy portraits as Ganimard, a French detective. The original and ingenuous screenplay, by Bertram Milhauser, is based on a character created by Maurice LeBlanc, a suave thief, who specializes in art treasures, jewels and vintage wines. In pursuit of his profession he encoun- ters Miss Raines, owner of a fabulous emerald whose possession puts her life in danger. The thief, overcome by her charms, not only restores the emerald, but saves her life, on several occasions. Although the ending sees the lovers parted and the hero on his way to jail, the impression is conveyed that the next in the series will present him as a free man, ready for further adventures. Ford Beebe produced and directed. Running time, 72 minutes. "G."* Release date, Nov. 24. Thalia Bell Drop CIAA Deal With Hemisphere (Continued from page 1) Government agency, it is pointed out, whereas the activities of Hemisphere could only be quasi-official as present- ly contemplated. Nelson A. Rockefeller, head of the CIAA, has stated that his agency's numerous functions would eventually be transferred to permanent Govern- ment agencies to continue the "Good- Neighbor policy." Hemisphere, though not a Government agency, has loomed as a possible successor to the CIAA film activities for some time. It was recently reported that ap- proval of the transfer of CIAA film activities to Hemisphere on Dec. 1, had been given by the Department of State and the Bureau of the Budget with the film division continuing op- erations in New York and Washing- ton under Hemisphere auspices. Con- gress has allocated $2,000,000 for films to the CIAA for the year end- ing June 30, 1945, $1,000,000 of which was to be transferred to Hemisphere to continue operations between Dec. and June, 1945, and after that Hemi- sphere was to call upon private funds for the continuation of the film pro- gram. Leshin Leaves Para. Hollywood, Nov. 29. — E. D. Lesh- in, Paramount producer, has obtained a release from his contract, tinder which he produced four pictures in the past two years. He will announce new plans after a vacation. Leshin was a member of Paramount's pro- duction unit for some years. *"G" denotes general classification. 35 of 48 States Are Set for 'Dimes' (Continued from page 1) received. Additional acceptances from state chairmen were received yester- dav as follows : W. F. Crockett, Virginia; E. J. Schulte, Arkansas;' Arthur Lehman, Mississippi; A. M. Russell, Montana; Paul Schlossman, Michigan ; M. C. Cooper, North Dakota; Fred Dolle, Kentucky; E. M. Faye, Rhode Island ; M. C. Talley, Florida ; Toney Sudekum, Tennessee; R. M. Ken- nedy, Alabama; Julius M. Gordon, Texas. No Rise Seen for Projectors: Smith (Continued from page 1) make good on his promise, backed by top WPB officials, that no theatre would be permitted to close for lack of booth parts, Smith said there was nothing in the picture at this time in- dicating that the future needs of ex- hibitors, which are becoming heavier as time goes by, could not be met. So far, no great advantage has been taken of the board's "spot authoriza- tion" plan under which manufactur- ers having manpower and machinery and able to secure materials from ex- cess inventories can produce for civil- ian consumption if such operations do not interfere with their war orders. Only one application, for permission to produce 200 rectifiers, has been ap- proved. Booking 'Ass'n' Is Rank's French Aim (Continued from page 1) have indicated, are without founda- tion. E. T. Carr, representing Rank, left only today on a delayed visit to Paris, the most likely outcome of which is seen as a booking "associa- tion." A high authority at the French em- bassy here stated today that his gov- ernment was opposed to handing over control of French theatres to any 'out- side' interests. Scaling Downward Raw Stock Claims (Continued from page 1) made public the requests of the vari- ous claimants, it is understood that the total of all claims is considerably in excess of the anticipated supply, and the conferences no- - going on are aimed at scaling them down where such action is possible. Currently the film situation is 'holding its own,' it was said today by Lincoln V. Bur- rows, Photographic Section chief. Mutual Board to Meet Mutual network's board of direc- tors, shareholders and executive com- mittee will gather for their fourth meeting of the year at the Hotel Am- bassador here Dec. 9. New Theatres Badly Needed In Southeast (Continued from page 1) of equipment and chairs and materials and manpower that will permit of remodeling, which is badly needed in prac- tically all sections of this ter- ritory. In fact, there are very few projection machines in the area that do not need consider- able over-hauling. Typical of the widespread Southeastern plans for new theatres are the following: H. B. Meiselman, Charlotte, op- erating the Strand, Wallingford ; Strand, Lenoir City ; Strand, Rock- ingham ; Manor, Wilmington, and two theatres in Fayettesville, all in North Carolina, states that his post- war plans call for a new theatre in Charlotte, where he recently pur- chased the Roosevelt Hotel property, to construct a $250,000 theatre build- ing. H. F. Kincey of the Wilby-Kincey circuit, will also construct a theatre in Charlotte, to seat 2,250. It will be the fourth largest building at the intersection of the main part of the city. To Spend Million Frank E. Jones, Atlanta realtor, advises that he represents clientele in the industry who plan to spend from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 for theatres in both North and South Carolina. Lam Amusement Co., operating in Rome, Cedartown, La Grange, Ho- gansville and Newman, Georgia, has postwar plans to build additional theatres and to remodel throughout, with new equipment, seats and stage equipment installed. Crescent Amusement Co., Nashville, also has post-war plans to build one or two large theatres in Nashville. The Knoxville Planning Commis- sion has granted permission to Jack Comer and W. E. Drumbar to con- struct a "Drive-In." Amusement En- terprises will build a theatre in a Ft. Payne, Ala., shopping center. Lucas and Jenkins report construction will begin shortly after Dec. 1 on a house in Columbus, Ga. ; while Savannah Theatres has received bids for the postwar construction of a theatre in that city. WPB Sees No Building Before End of War There is no possibility that wartime controls over civilian construction can be rescinded prior to the ending of the European War, A. J. McComb, director of the new construction bu- reau of the War Production Board, told members of the Producers Coun- cil, at the second session of their semi- annual conference in the Roosevelt Hotel here. Builders cannot expect much change so long as the mannower shortage in critical industries continues, McComb stated. Yuletide Party Dec. 16 The Warner Club's annual Christ- mas Party for juvenile relatives of employees will be held at the Holly- wood Theatre Saturday morning, Dec. 16, Martin F. Bennett, club president, has announced here. 21 WORDS THAT SPELL CHRISTMAS BOND SALES! • PUT THIS MESSAQE IN YOUR 6th WAR LOAN LOBBY "The War Bonds You buy this Christmas Speed the Christmas when you may say — Peace on Earth,Good Will Towards Men" • Ross Federal Service, Inc. Thursday, November 30, 1944 MOTION PICTURE DAILY 7 U. S. Will Not Compromise On Divorcement: Berge Cleveland Improves, Led by 'Lonely' Cincinnati, Nov. 29. — Improved returns appear on practically all fronts. RKO's Albee will collect approxi- mately $15,500 with "None but the Lonely Heart," while "Marriage Is a Private Affair" will yield around $9,000 at RKO's Grand. "The Prin- cess and the Pirate" is high among the holdovers, with $7,000 indicated at RKO's Lyric. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 29-Dec. 2: "None but the Lonely Heart" (RKO) RKO ALBEE— (3,300) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $15,500. (Average: $13,500). "Together Again" (Col.) RKO CAPITOL— (2,000) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show; 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $10,000). "Dead Men's Eyes" (Univ.) "The Missing Juror" (Col.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (30c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $2,200. (Average: $2,400). "Marriage Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) RKO GRAND— (1,500) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $9,000. (Average: $6,500). "Laura" (29th-Fox) KEITH'S— (1,500) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week, following initial week at the Al- bee and a moveover at the Grand. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $5,000). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO- Goldwyn) RKO LYRIC— (1,400) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, 4th week, following two weeks at the Palace and a moveover at the Lyric. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $5,000). "The Douighgirls" (WB) RKO PALACE— (2,700) (44c-50c-60c-70c) 7 days, plus a Saturday midnight show. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $13,500). "Something for the Boys" (2©th-Fox) RKO SHUBERT— (2,150) (44c-SOc-60c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Albee. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $5,000). 'Parkington' Goes $10,000 Over Par Baltimore, Nov. 29. — Major at- tractions, combined with favorable weather, gave boxoffice figures a strong boost here this week. Less im- portant shows are about average. "Mrs. Parkington" is taking $25,000 in its first week at the Century. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 30: "Mrs. Parkington" (M-G-M) CENTURY— (3,000) (35c-44c-55c and 60c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $25,000. (Aver- age: $15,000). "Bowery to Broadway" (Univ.) KEITH'S— (2,406) (35c-40c-50c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $15,000). "Laura" (20th-Fox) NEW— (1,581) (30c-40c-60c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $8,000. (Average: $9,000). "The Doughgirls" (WB) STANLEY— (3,280) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $18,000). "Together Again" (Col.) HIPPODROME — (2,205) (35c-44c-55c-65c) 7 days. Stage show: Georgie Kaye, Marion Colby", Stan Kramer, Six Marvelettes, Cole- man Clark. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $18,500). "Brazil" (Rep.) MAYFAIR-(1,000) (35c-54c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average: $6,500). Vallee Back in Films Hollywood, Nov. 29.— Rudy Val- lee's first screen appearance since his. recent honorable discharge from the Coast Guard will be in the Paramount Pine-Thomas production of "People Are Funny," in which Vallee will co- star with Jack Haley. Art Linkletter, star of the radio show on which the film will be based, has also been signed for a feature role. Earle Brown, Actor, Dies Hollywood. Nov. 29. ■ — Earle Brown, 72, character actor of screen and stage, died here. He had been in the film business for 20 years, and formerly was with United Artists. (Continued from page 1 ) trict court here next Tuesday to set a hearing date on its petition for an amended decree, including the divorce- ment of affiliated theatres within a three-year period. Berge pointed out that even if ne- gotiations were to be instituted by the companies with the Department of Justice for a new decree embodying all the issues involved in the New York anti-trust suit except the dives- titure issue, the Department would nevertheless not delay in bringing the divestiture issue to trial immediately. If the court were to approve the in- stitution of such a move, the distribu- tors and the Department of Justice might possibly arrive at a revised con- sent decree, subject to court approval, on all the issues involved in the anti- trust action except divorcement, and trial on that issue still would be pressed, he said. Berge revealed that representatives of the distributors were in Washing- ton a few weeks ago for a conference with the Department, but that there was no discussion of the issues or of a possible compromise other than per- haps a query as to whether the De- partment would be willing to delay court action while further attempts for a compromise were made. He said that the Department is willing to All Buffalo First Runs in Smash Week Buffalo, Nov. 29. — It looks like a smash week here, with all houses recording above-average. "And Now Tomorrow" and "Kismet," at the Buf- falo and Great Lakes, respectively, will probably lead. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Dec. 2 : "And Now Tomorrow" (Para.) "The National Barn Dance" (Para.) BUFFALO— (3.489) (40c-50c-60c-70c) 8 days. Gross: $23,800. (Average: $17,400). "Kismet" (M-G-M) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (40c -50c -60c -70c) 8 days. Gross: $21,000. (Average: $16,200). "Marriaee Is a Private Affair" (M-G-M) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (40c -50c -60c -70c) 9 dav^, 2nd week, on a moveover. Gross:, $12 800. (Average: $9.7001. "The Prints and the Pirate" (RKO) TWENTIETH CENTURY — (3 000) (40c- 50c-60c-70c1 7 days. Gross: $18,800. (Aver- age: $12.2001. "Together Again" (Col.) "Ever S'ticp Venus" (Cel.) LAFAYETTE — (3.000) (40c-50c-60c-70c1 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $12,400). Kraker Heads Legion Philadelphia, Nov. 29. — Jack Kraker, manager of the local Ross Federal office, has been elected com- mander of American Legion Variety Post, No. 713, succeeding I. Epstein, manager of Atlantic Theatres. Other officers are Albert M. Cohen, senior vice-commahder ; Joseph Carlin, jun- ior vice-commander ; Max Levin, ad- iutant ; Leo Berisin, treasurer ; Eddie Gabriel, chaplain, and Mike Weiss and Eli Epstein, sergeants-at-arms. Lanigon, Actor, Dies Philadelphia. Nov. 29. — Joe Lani- eon, for 25 vears a vaudeville per- former who plaved in theatres from Coast to Coast, died at his home here todav. meet with the distributors but will not delay its pending court action. Berge said the Department expects the court to set a hearing on its de- cree petition for early in January. A definite procedure for trial of the di- vorcement and other issues of the anti- trust suit will probably have to be set by the Court since- the action will in- volve the introduction of evidence and the testimony of witnesses, Berge in- dicated. The Department has no particular preference for any method of selling films as long as the selling method is one entered into voluntarily by both parties in a free and competitive mar- ket, Berge pointed out. He ex- pressed doubt that the distributors would be forced to sell one film at a time to avoid possible charges that the licensing cf one film was made con- tingent upon the licensing of another, where more than one film at a time was sold. Berge indicated that divorcement is so fundamental a part of the Depart- ment's views of the industry that little attention may be paid in court to the non-theatre owning companies, Uni- versal, Columbia and United Artists, although they are named as defend- ants in the original anti-trust suit, and that sales and distribution prac- tices in themselves are secondary Government concerns to affiliated theatre operation. Cites Trade Press For Unity in Sixth (Continued from page 1) tives present who received the award were : Martin Quigley, Quigley Pub- lication^; Jack Alicoate, Film Daily; Jay Emanuel, Jay Emamiel Publica- tions; Abel Green, Variety; 'Chic' Lewis, Shotimien's Trade Reviezv; Ben Shlyen, Boxoffice, and Moe Wax, Film Bulletin. Others presented with the medal were: Ned E. Depinet, Leon Bamberger, W. F. Crockett, Roy Disney, John Hertz, Jr., Si Seadler, Max A. Cohen, Herman Schleier, Max Youngstein, Herb Berg, Lt. Col. Roswell R. Rosengren and Lt. Lewis R. Largey, all working on the Sixth . Bond Recording Caravan Tours Washington Washington, Nov. 29. — The 'Bond Recording Caravan,' an activity of the industry's Sixth War Loan Drive, is now in the second half of its tour, vis- iting theatres in the District of Col- umbia. It is eauipped with a comnlete voice recording outfit, and each bond purchaser may make a record which can be sent to a person in the Armed Forces. When the caravan appears at a the- atre, a group of bond writers is on hand to fill orders. Managers are also arranging individual festivities in front of each theatre. Homeier on Tour 'Skippy' Homeier, 12-year-old actor in Lester Cowan's "Tomorrow — the World," has begun a trip to 20 cities in conjunction with special previews of the film, contributing his services to the Sixth War Loan Drive. L. A. Builds Tomorrow' To $47,500 Los Angeles, Nov. 29. — Exploita- tion stressing Alan Ladd lifted the take at the two Paramount theatres to $47,500, against a $31,400 average, and "Dough Girls" sold solidly for $54,650 in the Warner threesome, which aver- ages §51,200. Weather continued favorable. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Nov. 29 : "Something for the Boys" (20th-Fox) "When Strangers Marry" (Mono.) CHINESE — (2,500) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $12,700. (Average: $14,900). "Mrs. Parkington" (M-G-M) EGYPTIAN— (1,000) (50c-6Oc-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,800. (Average: $15,000). "Laura" (20th-Fox) "Three Little Sisters" (Rep.) FOX - WILSHIRE — (2,300) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,900. (Average: $10,500). "Strange Affair" (Col.) "Underground Guerrillas" (Col.) HAWAII — (1,000) (5Oc-6Oc-8Oc-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $2,000. (Average: $5,700). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO) "My Pal Wolf" (RKO) HILLSTREET — (2,700) (50c-60c-80c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $20,000. (Average: $18,500). "Something for the Boys" (20th-Fox) "When Strangers Marry" (Mono.) LOEWS STATE— (2,500) (50c-60c-85c- $1.00) 7 days. Gross: $28,000. (Average: $29,300). "Mrs. Parkington" (M-G-M) LOS ANGELES— (2,0%) (5Oc-60c-85c-$1.0O) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross': $20,000. (Aver- age: $25,000). "The Princess and the Pirate" (RKO) "My Pal Wolf (RKO) PANTAGES-(2,000) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $19,000. (Average: $15,300). "And Now Tomorrow" (Para.^ PARAMOUNT HOLLYWOOD — (1.407) (50c-60c-8Oc-$1.0O) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $11,900). "And Now Tomorrow" (Para.) PARAMOUNT DOWNTOWN — f3,595) (50c-60c-80c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $29,500. (Average: $19,500). "Mrs. Parkington" (M-G-M) RITZ— (1.376) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross : $13,300. (Average: $12,500). "Something for the Boys" (20th-Fox) "When Strangers Marry" (Mono.) UPTOWN — (1,716) (50c-60c-85c-$1.00) 7 days. Gross: $11,200. (Average: $10,500). "The Doughgirls" (WB) WARNER HOLLYWOOD — (3,000) (50c- 6Oc-80c-$l.O0) 7 days. Gross: $18,485. (Aver- age: $16,700). "The Doughgirls" (WB) WARNER DOWNTOWN — (3,400) (50c- 60c-80c-$L00) 7 days. Gross : $19,551. (Aver- age: $18,700). "The Doughgirls" (WB) WARNER WILTERN — (2,300) (50c -60c- 8Oc-$1.0O) Gross: $16,614. (Average: $15,800). Schneider a Warner V.- P. and Director (Continued from page 1) ing through various executive posts to the position of assistant to Harry Warner. In this capacity, which he has filled for several years, Schneider has han- dled financial matters, corporate ac- tivities in general and served in a liaison capacity between Warner and the distribution, production and the- atre departments of the company. Markbreit Leaves Times Chicago, Nov. 29. — Hank Mark- breit, amusement advertising manager for the Chicago Times, has resigned to become vice-president of Poppers Supply Co., which services theatres with confections. Leonard Soli, form- erly Markbreit's assistant at the Times, succeeds him as amusement manager. "CAN'T HELP SINGING" has just aWt every element tbat a memorable, entertaining picture must Lave. No comment need be made about Deanna Durbin in Tecb- nicolor for tbe first time; no comment need be made about tbe wonderful Jerome Kern music and tbe deligbt- ful E. Y. Harburg lyrics; no comment need be made about tbe remarkably fine cast brougbt togetber in tbe picture. It is only important to say at tbis point tkat "CAN'T HELP SINGING" is one of tbose unique productions wbicb combines all tbe fascinating elements tbat insure an entertainment masterpiece. DAVID BRUCE LEONID KINSKEY RAY COLLINS JUNE VINCENT ANDREW TOMBES THOMAS GOMEZ Directed by FRANK RYAN Produced, by FELIX JACKSON Assoc. Producer FRANK SHAW Music by JEROME KERN Lyrics by RBftRBURG en Play by LEWIS R. FOSTER and FRANK RYAN • Story by John Klorer and Leo Townsend in "Girl of trie Overland Trail" by Samuel J. and Curtis B. Warshawsky • A UNIVERSAL PICTI"" II VOL. 56. NO. 105 MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1944 TEN CENTS Rank Centers Control of All Production To Spend $20,000,000 in The Next Twelve Months By PETER BURNUP London, Nov. 30. — On Dec. 6, J. Arthur Rank proposes to an- nounce the formation of another company, to be known as Produc- tion Adminis- tration, Ltd., of which, like all the other com- panies he has pro moted, he will be chair- man. Function of the new con- cern will be to control not only all the p r o m o t ion- al and propa- ganda services of his widely spread produc- tion activities, but also their finance and contractual obligations. Rank has committed himself to the {Continued on page 3) J. Arthur Bank Legion Replies to Report Distortion The office of the National Legion of Decency, through the executive secretary, the Very Rev. John J. Mc- Clafferty, expressed, yesterday, con- cern over impressions which had been caused by headlines appearing in cer- tain newspapers relative to the report of the Legion of Decency to the Bish- ops' Committee on Motion Pictures. Monsignor McClafferty said that (.Continued on page 3) Lasky, MacEwen In New Company Hollywood, Nov. 30. — Jesse L. Lasky and Walter MacEwen will leave here today on the Superchief enroute to New York for conferences with three distributors regarding the release of an unannounced number of films which a newly-formed company, Jesse L. Lasky Productions, will make. Lasky will produce independent- (Continued on page 8) Zoning Rules Become Law The City Planning Commission's proposed amendments to New York's zoning ordinances, having been by- passed by the Board of Estimate here yesterday, which failed to vote and filed them instead, will automatically become law tomorrow. The amend- ments, which film industry witnesses have described as limiting the size of all future theatre and other buildings here, have been highly controversial and have produced a stream of op- position testimony by witnesses at public hearings. Robert Dowling of the New York City Citizens Zoning Committee, tes- tifying last week, declared that he knew of several proposed theatres, construction of which could not pro- ceed on the basis of the new zoning revisions. He claimed that the zon- ing amendments, the goal of which is said to provide more air and light in areas of future buildings, would de- prive buildings of 31 per cent of their ground space, thus making it impos- sible to erect new' theatres on sites (Continued on page 8) Chaplin Can Sue Vanguard in N.Y. Albany, Nov. 30. — The Court of Appeals held here today, in a 5-2 de- cision, that Charles Chaplin could sue Vanguard Films, Inc., in New York State for an accounting of $1,000,000 of alleged profits from film transac- tions. Louis Frohlich of Schwartz and Frohlich, New York law firm, represented Chaplin. Also by a 5-2 vote, the court at the same time reversed a lower court rul- (Continued on page 3) W. B. Sends MPPDA Resignation Letter A letter giving notice of Warner Bros, intention to re- sign from M. P. Producers and Distributors of America was sent to the association here yesterday. The letter is reported to have said that the company will continue its membership in the Associa- tion of M. P. Producers, Hol- lywood. Schaefer, Harmon And Gluckman Are Reelected by WAC George J. Schaefer was reelected chairman of the War Activities Committee at the annual meeting at the Hotel Warwick here yesterday. Francis Har- mon was re- elected vice- chairman, and Herman Gluck- man, treasurer, all to serve un- til Dec. 31, 194S. The nomina- tion of Schaef- er, Harmon and G 1 u c k- man, by a com- mittee c o m - posed of Bar- ney Balaban, Herman Rob- bins and Harry Brandt, was unani- mous. S. H. Fabian was reelected chair- man of the WAC theatres' division at a meeting held at WAC headquarters (Continued on page 8) George J. Schaefer Seek U.S. Films to Follow Australian Troops Afield Services Cite Films, Ask Continued Aid Trust Suit Expenses Are Tax-Deductible Washington, Nov. 30. — Com- panies involved in anti-trust suits can charge costs of de- fending themselves as ordi- nary and necessary business expenses, in making federal income tax returns, the In- ternal Revenue Bureau holds. A plea for additional American films for Australian soldiers, with the hope, however, that distribution will be left in the hands of the Australian industry, was made at the Harvard Club here yesterday by; Senator Rich- ard V. Keane, Australian. Minister of Trade and Customs, speaking at a luncheon in his honor given by the international department of the MPPDA. Commenting on the fact _ that in New Guinea many friendships' have (Continued on page 8) Annual WAC Meet Hears Tributes for War Work Officers of the Army, Navy, Marines, Office of War Informa- tion, Red Cross and the Treasury paid tribute to the industry's war efforts during 1944 and called upon the industry to sustain and accelerate this effort during 1945 "since the war is far from won," at the annual meet- ing of the War Activities Committee at the Hotel Warwick here yesterday. Stressing that the motion picture is the most effective form of propaganda in stimulating the war effort, the representatives of the various services — including Elmer Davis, director of the OWI; Capt. Eugene Markey of the motion picture branch of the Of- fice of the Secretary of the Navy ; Col. Curtis D. Mitchell of the Army Bureau of Public Relations ; and Brigadier General George L. Denig of the Marines — all cited the need to "rekindle public support in the war program through films." Davis paid tribute to the industry (Continued on page 8) 20th-Fox's 39-Week Net $9,487,929 Consolidated net profit, after all charges, of $9,487,929 for the 39 weeks ended Sept. 23, 1944, was re- ported here yesterday by 20th Cen- tury-Fox for the company and sub- sidiaries, including National Theatres and the Roxy Theatre. This amounted to $4.67 a share, after deducting divi- dends on prior preferred and con- (Continued on page 8) State Dep't Moves May Benefit Films Washington, Nov. 30. — Probable reorganization of both the State and Commerce Departments, widely re- ported here, would affect motion pic- tures and particularly their distribu- tion in postwar foreign markets. A reorganization of the State De- partment by Edward R. Stettinius, Jr., newly appointed Secretary, would be certain to increase the Department's (Continued on page 8) 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, December 1, 1944 Personal Mention Herman Rifkin, Boston, bought 2,- 200 shares through Monogram Pic- tures, Inc., for a total of 17,625 shares ; Norton V. Ritchey bought 100 shares to give him a total of 4,567 shares ; Howard W. Stub- bins sold 700 shares held through Monogram Pictures California, leav- ing it with 7,523 shares ; he also sold 500 shares held through Monogram Pictures NW, ending its holdings ; Charles W. Trampe, Milwaukee, bought 1,000 shares through Mono- gram Midwest Film Co., giving him a total of 2,300 shares. Only three other film companies reported for October, the most exten- sive transactions being in a series of sales totaling 4,100 shares of Warner Brothers common by Albert Warner, which left him with 227,450 shares. A report on Radio Keith Orpheum showed the sale of 850 shares of com- mon by Frederick L. Ehrman, direc- tor, leaving him with 1,000 shares, and the sale of 800 shares of 20th Century-Fox common was reported by Robert Lehman, director, leaving him with 1,500 shares. A belated re- port on Columbia Pictures showed the sale in September by A. Montague of 2,000 common stock warrants, leav- ing him with 3,880. NICHOLAS M. SCHENCK, president of Loew's, will leave for the Coast today to see new M-G-M product and confer with Louis B. Mayer. • Donald S. _ MacLeod, M-G-M of- fice manager in Indianapolis ; A. J. Mayer, Pittsburgh office manager, and Edward Susse, Albany office manager, will leave today for their respective territories after a week in New York. • Carl Nedley, M-G-M branch man- ager in Salt Lake City, will leave to- day for Omaha from New York. He will wind up his affairs in Omaha and report to Salt Lake City. • William Zoellner, M-G-M Atlan- ta branch manager, and Louis C. In- gram, Memphis manager, will arrive in New York Monday for a week's visit. • Edward Dietz, Loew's vice-presi- dent in charge of advertising and pub- licity, will leave for the Coast next week. • Carl Floyd and Lukie Stein, of Stein and Floyd Circuit, have returned to Florida after a business trip to Washington. • Frank Melford, producer, left for the Coast yesterday. Hunt Stromberg arrived in New York yesterday from Hollywood. C GORDON LIGHTSTONE, gen- y eral manager of Paramount Film Service of Canada, and Mrs. Lightstone, are in New York. • Elinor J. Repass, daughter of Charles Repass, manager of the Crown, Hartford, Conn., was married to Merchant Marine James Godart yesterday. • G. Ralph Branton, general man- ager of Tri-States Theatre Corp., will return to Des Moines Sunday af- ter a week in Chicago and New York. • Theodore R. Black, counsel for Republic, and Mrs. Black, are the parents of a son, Stephen F., born at Woman's Hospital here. • Sid Blumenstock, assistant exploi- tation manager of 20th Century-Fox, left New York last night for Dayton. • Stanley J. Mayer, 20th-Fox branch manager in Des Moines, will leave there today for New York. Dick Conners, former Motion Picture Daily correspondent in Al- bany, dropped by yesterday. • Joe Pasternack, M-G-M producer, is in Philadelphia. • Carey Wilson, M-G-M producer, will leave here for the Coast on Mon- day. Loew, Lewin to Form Producing Company Hollywood, Nov. 30. — David L. Loew and Albert Lewin today an- nounced their intention to form a new producing organization following the latter's completion of his M-G-M contract. No release for their prod- uct has yet been set. They were part- ners in 1939, producing "So Ends Our Night." Lewin will leave for New York to- morrow on the Superchief. Schreiber from WAC To Condon Monday Ed Schreiber, for the past two years national director of publicity for the War Activities Committee, will leave Dec. 4 to join Richard Condon, Inc., public relations agency, as vice- president in charge of motion pictures. Condon handles accounts of Colum- bia, Paramount, United Artists, RKO- Pathe, Russian Government films, "50th Anniversary of the Motion Pic- ture Industry," and others. Johnston, Broidy, Carr, Ritchey in Mono. Stock Deals Philadelphia, Nov. 30. — Officers and directors of Monogram Pictures Corp. were active traders in the stock of their company in August, Septem- ber and October, it is disclosed by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its monthly summary. In August, the SEC report showed, Alton A. Brody, director, sold 1,000 shares of - common, leaving him with 3,000 shares, and in September How- ard W. Stubbins, director, sold 917 shares held through Monogram Pic- tures NW, leaving him with 500 shares ; he also bought 600 and sold 1,294 shares through Monogram Pic- tures California, leaving him with 8,- 223 shares in that holding. The October reports showed that Steve Broidy bought 1,700 shares and sold 500 shares, increasing his hold- ings to 6,800 shares; Trem Carr sold 3,000 shares, reducing his holdings to 2,167 shares; Arthur Bromberg, At- lanta, bought 2,600 shares, leaving him with 30,639 shares. William B. Hurlbut, director, bought 700 shares through Monogram Pictures, Inc., giving him a total of 1,400 shares; W. Ray Johnston bought 3,667 and sold 1,600 shares, leaving him with 19,791 shares ; he also bought 900 and sold 300 shares through Monogram Pic- tures, Inc., leaving it with 600 shares. Other Deals To Show Fund Trailer More than 500 theatres in this area are expected to show "A Right Christ- mas," trailer produced by RKO for the National War Fund campaign. The short, which features Vera Zorina, was produced at the Pathe Studios here. The War Activities Committee will handle distribution. Bombay Film Man Here Hollywood, Nov. 30. — H. Chaud- hury, representative of Bombay Talk- ies, India producing company, is en route to New York following a week's stay here where he conferred with ex- ecutives of Technicolor, Magnacolor and Cinecolor regarding the introduc- tion of color to. India. Lesser -Todd Deal Off; May Produce On Own The proposed deal between Sol Lesser andd Michael Todd whereby Lesser would produce some of Todd's plays for the screen, has been called off. Todd, however, is continuing his negotiations with United Artists of- ficials, seeking a release on three planned productions, which he will produce himself. Todd will start production on the Coast in mid-February, if he can se- cure release. Halper, Goodman to Expedite RWLB Plea David Halper, associate of Judge Mathew M. Levy, IATSE counsel, left here yesterday for Atlanta where he will be joined by Bernard Good- man, Warner Bros, assistant super- visor of exchanges, in an effort to ex- pedite Regional War Labor Board ap- proval of wage increases and job classifications for both exchange office workers and service workers in Atlan- ta, Charlotte and Memphis exchanges. PRC 5th Anniversary Will Begin March 1 Hollywood, Nov. 30.— PRC will observe its fifth anniversary for five weeks beginning March 1, it was an- nounced here today by Leon From- kess, president. The five-week ob- servance will be preceded by a heavy advertising campaign. 'Tub Thumpers of America' Started Boston, Nov. 30.— The Tub Thump- ers of America, an organization of press agents and newspapermen and women, has been formed in Boston, and is expected to become a national institution with chapters in large cities. Purpose of the organization is to promote the status of press agentry and public relations work as a pro- fession, and to keep it on a high plane ; also, it will emulate the Grid- iron and Cheese Clubs in their works, and "render public service to civic, state and national institutions." First officers elected are : Harry Browning, chief tub thumper; Al Fowler, chief bill poster; Marjorie Spriggs, chief swindler ; James King, Ben Bartzoff, Arnold Van Leer, the blackball trio ; Joe Di Pesa, honor- ary membership committee ; Joe Lon- go and Abe Bernstein, special awards committee. There are 21 charter mem- bers, and immediate plans are being laid to extend to other cities. Charters will be granted where 25 members or more apply for a chapter. AMPA Will Meet on Alternate Thursdays The Associated Motion Picture Ad- vertisers met here yesterday at the Hickory House, where members heard a welcoming address by presi- dent Martin Starr, and agreed to hold meetings on alternate Thursdays in- stead of sporadically as it has been this season. The AMPA Bulletin will be re- vived, with Ed McNamee of National Screen as editor. Also discussed was whether AMPA should confine the theme of a contmplated dinner to the 50th anniversary of films. Twenty-six Ampaites are now in the Armed Forces and it was agreed to carry them free of dues until they are out of service. Present member- ship has 57 paid through next May, with $269 balance in the bank. A Christmas party will be held during 'ate December. Next meeting will be Dec. 14. Dennis Africa-Bound On 8-Month Trip Armand Dennis, producer, now in Florida, is completing arrangements for his next expedition which will take him to the Belgian Congo and French Equatorial Africa for about eight months. Dennis plans to leave hortly after Jan. 1. Natives and animals filmed on his last trip resulted in "Dark Rapture," which 20th Century-Fox is currently distributing. Show 'Belle' Dec. 12 National trade showings of Inter- national's "Belle of the Yukon," to be released through RKO, will be held Dec. 12. No new screenings were set for New York and Los Angeles where the film has already been shown. 9T 9? PIPTyR.E, DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sundav and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor;- cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Lo., Inc. Other Quigley Publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. Friday, December 1, 1944 Motion Picture Daily 3 Burnside Liaison on Coast for Rank First move in J. Arthur Rank's announced plans to initiate an inter- change of talent between Hollywood and London is the appointment of William H. Burnside as his produc- tion liaison between Hollywood and London, Arthur W. Kelly, president of Eagle-Lion Films of the U. S., announced here yesterday. Burnside, in an interview at Eagle- Lion's New York headquarters, add- ed that his immediate job will be to sign up stars, writers, directors and technicians for all of Rank's produc- tion uriits. He revealed that Rank has not yet made any production deals in Hollywood but that such arrange- ments will be forthcoming in the fu- ture. He also disclosed that he will buy equipment for all the Rank studios. Prior to his joining Rank, Burnside was Hollywood liaison officer of the British Ministry of Information. He will open headquarters in Beverly Hills and will leave for Hollywood tomorrow. Sometime in January or February he will journey to England and may return to the U. S. with Rank, who plans to visit America this Winter. /. Arthur Rank Centers Control of Production {Continued from page 1) expenditure on production of not less than $20,000,000 in the next 12 months. Managing director and, as such, dic- tator of all the Rank advertising, pro- duction .budgeting, contracts for the hire of actors, authors, studio-help, and so forth, will be F. L. Gilbert, a civil servant who has held senior of- fice in the Establishments Division of the Treasury. On the board of the new concern will sit Barrington Gain — clearly des- tined to be the financial controller of all Rank's enterprises — and represen- tatives of the three major Rank pro- duction outfits : Two Cities, GainsfJor- ough, Independent Producers. The master plan, as Rank will re- veal at his Dec. 6 meeting, calls for a complete revolution right down to the studio-base of operations. Allocation of studio stages will be as follows : Gainsborough's plant at Shepherds Bush will be handed over to G. B.- Instructional and will be operated by Mary Field, in the production of her films for Rank's Boys and Girls (Films) Clubs, in the making of in- NEW YORK THEATRES HELDOVER 3rd WEEK BRAZIL co-starring TITO GUIZAR VIRGINIA BRUCE featuring EDWARD EVERETT HORTON ROBERT LIVINGSTON VELOZ and YOLAN DA FORTUNIO BONANOVA and ROY ROGERS (King of the Cowboys) as Guest star A REPUBLIC PICTURE Midnite kepudUl b;t Shows w ■# ». i w Bet co 5-9647 THEATER 5 1 st & 52nd PARAMOUNT presents "jf Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek' » 11TH WEEK— RIVOLI W BROADWAY AND 49TH STREET 7f PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50TH STREET &. 6TH AVENUE Irene 4. Charles DUNNE T BOYER TOGETHER AGAIN' with Charles Coburn A Columbia Picture SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 CARY GRANT "None But theLonely Heart" WITH MISS ETHEL BARRYMORE BARRY FITZGERALD ^^^^^^^^Tj^^^^^^^lfiPerson Alan Laaa ^ glen gray and the Loretta Young in PARAMOUNT'S "AND NOW TOMORROW" Casa Loma Orchestra ANDY RUSSELL JERI SULIAVAN SON & SONNY WALLY BROWN and ALAN CARNEY NOW PLAYING AT MUSIC HALL INSIDE CHINA TODAY Squar^ CARMEN MIRANDA — MICHAEL O'SHEA "something" for The boys" A 20th Century-Fox Picture in Technicolor JIMMY SAVO — MILDRED BAILEY — Plus On Stage — EXTRA! PEARL PRIMUS BUY MORE w%f\ wy 7th Ave. & BONDS KUAI 50th St. ON SCREEN SPENCER TRACY 'THE SEVENTH CROSS' IN PERSON LANI MclNTIRE and ORCH. ALLAH- o HENRY CROSS DUNN **J VICTORIA Broadway & 46th St. Doors Open 9:45 A. M. • Continuous structional and propaganda films and such like endeavors. The shortly to be de-requisitioned Pinewood Studios will be shared be- tween Gainsborough and Independent Producers. Del Giudice's Two Cities' teams will function at Denham, where, however, there are prior contractual obligations to Sir Alexander Korda and to RKO Radio. It is the intention that some stages at Denham will be available to producers not within the Rank orbit. Spencer M. Reis, managing direc- tor of D. and P. Studios, Ltd., will be general studio controller ; Hector Coward will be in immediate charge at Pinewood; A. W. Watkins, at pres- ent chief cound engineer, in charge at Denham. Reserve Plants Gainsborough's second plant at Is- lington and — probably — the even smaller Riverside Studios, will be held in reserve for minor Rank ven- tures, or for any emergency arising when a production does not maintain its working schedule. Rank's producers will be encour- aged, more even than now, to work out novel ideas, for Rank feels that freed of financial responsibilities they will work with greater zest. Once a production notion has been approved and budgeted, and the necessary floor space allocated, the producer will have nothing more to do with finances or with the publicizing of his endeavor. He will go to Gilbert, suggest that he retain a certain writer or film editor, or star. If those individuals are available, Gilbert will negotiate their contracts. Mexican Owners to Arbitrate Problems Mexico City, Nov. 30.— Third an- nual convention of the National Asso- ciation of Motion Picture Impresarios, whose membership includes most of the owners of Mexico's 1,036 theatres, adopted a resolution providing for the establishment of a committee to ar- bitrate all problems confronting ex- hibitors. Officers elected to serve for 1944-45 include : Antonio Osio, president ; Manuel Espinosa Iglesias, vice-presi- dent ; Manuel Angel Fernandez, treasurer ; Francisco Somonano, sec- retary. Emilio Azcarraga, who re- signed as president, was elected con- selor. Bennett, Wildberg in Deal Constance Bennett, producer-star, and John Wildberg, lawyer and play producer, will jointly produce a stage play in the Spring of 1945, according to Jules Alberti, Miss Bennett's man- ager. Miss Bennett, now producing "Paris Underground," will be starred in the play. Walter Brandt Dies Cleveland, Nov. 30. — Walter J. Brandt, former Warner city salesman, died yesterday following a heart at- tack suffered while he was attending a show at Keith's East 105th St. Theatre. Brandt retired a few years ago because of poor health. He is survived by his son, Capt. John War- ner Brandt. Legion Replies to Report Distortion {Continued from page 1) the headline which appeared in one paper, "Movie Morals Worse, Say Catholic Bishops," was not a correct reporting or interpretation of the fact of the presentation of the report of the Legion of Decency to the Bishops' Committee. He continued, such a head- line seems to reflect an extreme and exaggerated interpretation of the sta- tistics, and the tendencies indicated by the statistics, in the report of the Le- gion of Decency submitted to the Bishops' Committee. The Bishops' Committee on Motion Pictures did not make the statement which forms part of the headline. The Bishops' Committee made no state- ment. Catholic weekly newspapers in re- porting Jhe fact of the presentation of the report of the Legion of Decency to the Bishop's Committee did not carry such headlines. The Catholic News, of Nov. 25, carried the headline : "Bishops' Com- mittee Asks Legion of Decency Pledge's Renewal." The San Fran- cisco Monitor of Nov. 2b carried the headline : "429 Films Reviewed in Past Year by Legion of Decency." The Catholic Herald Citizen, of Mil- waukee, dated Nov. 25, carried the headline : "Legion Lists Year's Films." Report Nov. 15 The report of the Legion of Decency was made to the Bishops' Committee on Nov. 15. The story of the submis- sion of the report was given the same day to the press representative of the National Catholic Welfare Confer- ence. The story was not given to the NCWC press representative in time to reach the Catholic weeklies of the Nov. 18 date. The NCWC news ser- vice sent out the story on Nov. 17 for release by the Catholic newspapers of the week of Nov. 20. Most Catho- lic weekly newspapers bear end-of- the-week publication dates. The story appeared in Catholic weeklies under dates of Nov. 24 and 25. The release to the secular press which was made by the bureau of in- formation of the NCWC was syn- chronized to the publication dates Nov. 24 and 25 of the Catholic week- lies. Chaplin Can Sue Vanguard in N. Y. {Continued from page 1) ing which would have permitted Chaplin to bring a similar accounting against David O. Selznick Produc- tions, Inc. Chaplin has held that the $1,000,000 involved in the proceedings was made by Selznick Productions and Selznick from leasing actors and technicians and rights to three films, "Keys of the Kingdom," "Claudia" and "Jane Eyre," to 20th Century-Fox. The decision permits Chaplin's at- torneys to examine Selznick before trial of the action. Bly, Shea Partner, Dies Cleveland, Nov. 30.— D. B. Bly, veteran Conneaut, O., exhibitor, and nartner in the Shea circuit, died here Tuesday. YOUR CHRISTMAS and open on Christmas that big, wonderful box-office package. SMASH 'EM WITH THE SIXTH WAR LOAN! THE RWH» „ a, the crowds ^hen \.ook aT je Over >oK' .. .'ThW Sec°nd . t lan M-G"M | see Thtnv Mnact»ons Van 1 3rd^eeWonaTe ,, fULHE^ .„hasset,o»-«-e HI v i — \n St 100,5 . . Prem\ere and : '• formate u a,v hAiB* «a" , This year HOPPV NeW s,.wEr. storfng Dec ChrH.mos*-«beCel ., ..^tneC party I" monV , SeCopds Overly IP MB ■vovcvo 8 Motion Picture Daily Friday, December 1, 1944 U. S. Pictures for Australian Troops Services Praise Films: Ask War Aid Continued (.Continued from page 1) been formed by Americans and Aus- tralians at jungle picture shows, Sena- tor Keane said : "I hope that as our army goes further afield, you will make it possible for film units to go with them. If it happens that no American troops are fighting in the immediate vicinity, we hope this will not cause lessening of the films sup- plied." In Keane's party at the luncheon were : David Baily, William Dunk, Louis McGregor, F. McNeill Ack- land, chairman and executive secre- tary, MPPDA of Australia, and Al- bert M. Doyle, American Consul General, Amsterdam, Holland. Representing the foreign depart- ments of producer-distributor compa- nies and the international department of the MPPDA were: Fayette W. Allport, John J. Glynn, R. K. Hawk- inson, Col. Frederick L. Herron, John W. Hicks, Joseph S. Hummel, C. A. Kirby, William Levy, Vladimir Lis- sim, Irving Maas, Karl G. Macdon- ald, Ben Miggins, Carl E. Milliken, T. P. Mulrooney, Jack Segal, J. H. Seidelman, Harold L. Smith, M. A. Spring and George Weltner. State Dep't Moves May Benefit Films (Continued from page 1) jurisdiction in the foreign economic field. It is believed likely that some or all of the units of the Foreign Eco- nomic Administration may be absorbed by the State Department. Develop- ment of a new world-wide network of American trade representatives, here- tofore shared by the Commerce De- partment with the FEA, might be un- dertaken by the State Department, observers believe. Ultimate realign- ments also may place the Office of Co- ordinator of Inter-American Affairs in either one or the other of the De- partments. The industry has long sought more active representation and cooperation in foreign markets from the State De- partment. Developments now in the making may go a long way" toward providing them, it is believed here. Dembow to Golden Productions Monday Sam Dembow, Jr., whose resigna- tion as vice-president of Paramount Theatres Service Corp. becomes ef- fective today, will formally become a member of Golden Productions as president in charge of the company in the East on Monday. Edward A. Golden, slated to be chairman of the board of the new company, will leave here in about ten days for the Coast where he will make his headquarters. The company plans to produce three pictures in two vears, with an estimated budget of $3,000,000. Lantz Considers Features Hollywood, Nov. 30. — Walter Lantz, producer of "Cartunes" for Universal distribution, is canvassing exhibitors for their opinions of his plan to produce cartoon subjects, some of them combining "live" action with pen-and-ink material, in 40 to 50-min- ute length for exhibition in the sec- ondary spot on dual bills. (Continued from page 1) for coming to the support of the OWI in producing, distributing and exhibit- ing OWI and Government "how-to- win-the-war" messages, after the OWI budget for this purpose was curtailed. He stressed that the 1945 emphasis in OWI-suggested films will be to have the public continue its war effort until the war is won and then to treat with the organization of the victory. He asked the industry to continue its "enormously valuable cooperation" in 1945. Capt. Markey cited the need to make the public understand, through films, that they must continue to work together to win the war. There are 10,000,000 Japs to be killed after victory in Europe, he declared. He appealed for a continuation of films that reflect a realistic attitude toward the war and inform the American pub- lic of what is going on. Brig. General Denig paid tribute to combat teams from the industry which made pos- sible such films as "The Battle for the Marianas"; he cited the work of Sgt. Burt B. Balaban, son of Barney Balaban, in aerial photography. Sgt. Bala- ban was present. Col. Mitchell expressed the grati- tude of the Army for the industry's aid in getting war information behind the headlines to the masses through films. Among the films which the industry will be asked to distribute for the Army in 1945, he said, are a trailer to tell American workingmen that the job to defeat Japan calls for 100 per cent effort ; a film tentatively titled "B-29's Over Tokyo" ; a film showing what the Yanks did in France ; one dealing with General MacArthur's in- vasion of the Philippines, and a film showing how cooperation between air and ground forces helped to dislodge the Nazis in Italy. Major Orton Hicks, distribution chief of the Army's Overseas Motion Picture Service paid tribute to the industry for its 16mm gift films, pointing out that the Army now has over 5,000 projectors overseas and 22,825 feature prints of 833 different film programs. Basil O'Connor, chairman of the American Red Cross cited the value of film showings in aiding morale of wounded soldiers at the front and paid tribute to the industry's cooperation in the Red Cross drives. Ted R. Gamble, national di- rector of the War Finance Di- New York's Zoning Rules Become Law (Continued from page 1) at present inhabitated by existing buildings because the owners of the land, now utilizing 100 per cent of the ground area, would be reluctant to sacrifice such a high percentage for a new building. Leo Brecher, mid-Manhattan thea- tre operator, has also attacked the zoning amendments, citing that he would encounter difficulties in erect- ing a proposed new theatre. He said that the new house would have to be slashed from a plot area of 7,500 feet to 5,875 feet. vision of the U. S. Treasury, stressed that the industry has contributed the greatest single selling job on war bonds and appealed to film company presi- dents to back up their men who are participating in this job. A budget of $180,000, the same as this year, was approved for next year to continue the work of the War Ac- tivities Committee, to be collected in thirds from producers, distributors and exhibitors, Herman Gluckman, national WAC treasurer, reported. Ned E. Depinet reported on the ac- tivities of the WAC distributors' divi- sion; $100,000 was voted at the meet- ing for the industry's participation in a Seventh war loan drive of the Treasury ; John C. Flinn reported on the activities of the Hollywood divi- sion; John W. Alicoate cited the con- tributions of the trade press ; and Har- ry Brandt reported on progress in the industry's Sixth War Loan participa- tion. Fabian, head of the WAC theatre's division, reported that his division had voted at a meeting held earlier to have the nation's theatres participate in the Red Cross drive in March 1945 and had pledged to continue to back any project that the group was called upon by the Government to support. He said that a resolution had been adopt- ed calling for a discontinuance of dis- cussion as to whether the WAC should be continued after the war. Appreciation Vote Resolutions of appreciation of the work of Mayer, Stanton Griffis and Flinn were offered by George J. Schaefer, WAC chairman. The meet- ing was opened with a silent tribute to the members of the industry who have given their lives for the United Nations. Harmon called for a rededi- cation of the industry's activities in the war effort in 1945. Others present at the meeting included Will H. Hays, Nicholas Schenck, Barney Balaban, Spyros Skouras, N. Peter Rath- von, Major Albert Warner, Jack Cohn, Adolph Zukor James R. Grainger, Grad- ivell L. Sears, William F. Rodgers, Tom Connors, Charles M. Reagan, John J. O'Connor, Joseph Bernhard, Malcolm Kingsberg, Leonard Goldenson, C. C. Mos- towitz, R. J. O'Donnell, R. B. Wilby, Karl Hoblitzelle. Earl Hudson, Sam Pinanski, Lee Newbury, Martin Smith, Sam Morris, E. T. Gomersall, Sam Rinzler, Phil Reis- man, Carl Leserman, Oscar Doob. George Dembow, Herman Robbins, Robert Moch- rie, William Crockett, Jay Emanuel, Abe Montague, Major Monroe Greenthal, Pvt. David Lipton, Leon Bamberger, Walter Vincent, Dan Michalove, Taylor Mills, Harry Lowenstein, Claude Lee, Tom Baily. Edward Schreiber, Walter Brown and representatives of the trade press. Lasky and MacEwen In New Company (Continued from page 1) ly at whatever studio distributes his product. MacEwen, former Warner and Paramount producer, is Lasky's partner in the venture, and vice-presi- dent of the new company, of which Lasky is president. Lasky told Motion Picture Daily that he has commitments from two ranking stars, to be named later, and will acquire story properties during his stay in the East. His last film was "Rhapsody in Blue," unreleased Warner picture, in which he owns an interest. Schaefer, Harmon Reelected by WAC (Continued from page 1) in New York yesterday morning. Leonard Goldenson was elected treasurer of the division, succeeding Arthur L. Mayer. E. V. Richards was reelected co-chairman and Joseph Bernhard was reelected honor- ary chairman. John Cromwell was elected chairW man of th^ Hollywood division of the , WAC, it was reported at the meeting by Harmon, and E. J. Mannix was re- elected vice-chairman'. Tom Baily was elected to succeed John C. Flinn as coordinator of the Hollywood di- vision. Executive committee mem- bers of the Hollywood division who have been reelected include : Bert Allenberg, Y. Frank Freeman, Trem Carr, ICenneth Thompson and Walter Wanger. Elected to the Hollywood division executive committee are Fred Beetson, Harry Brand, Emmet Lavery and George Murphy. John W. Alicoate was reelected as head of the WAC trade press divi- sion here. New chairmen of the distributors' division, now headed by Ned E. Depi- net ; the foreign managers' division, headed by Joseph McConville, and the public relations division, headed by Oscar A. Doob, will be selected soon. 20th's 39-Week Net $9487,929 (Continued from page 1) vertible preferred stocks, on 1,742,840 shares of common outstanding. Consolidated net profit, after all charges, for the third quarter, ended Sept. 23, was $3,149,496 compared to earnings of $3,471,835 for a similar period last year. Gross income from film rentals and theatre receipts amounted to $127,- 796,826 for the 39-week period. Divi- dends and rents from tenants and oth- er income brought gross income to $132,666,188. Exchange operations and theatres expenses, amortization of production and other costs and par- ticipation in film rentals amounted to $98,181,539. Provision for Federal taxes amount- ed to $21,605,000 for the 39-weeks period. Consolidated net for the 39 weeks of 1943, which did not include Nation- al Theatres and Roxy Theatre, was 17,187,098, or $3.49 a share. National Theatres became a wholly-owned sub- sidiary on July 9, 1943. Film Accessories Going Overseas Distributors yesterday approved a request of the U. S. Army for one sheets, press books, stills and other accessories to go with films shipped to its 21 Army exchanges overseas. Un- certainty of movements had hindered sending any material before, but now with so many posts stationary, the Army desires to publicize its film shows in advance. At a discussion held yesterday among distributors' promotional heads, it was agreed that since many pic- tures shown overseas are exhibited before press books, one sheets and other accessories are prepared, it will be necessary to present the newest films without promotional material. MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert. Picture Industry VOL. 56. NO. 106 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1944 TEN CENTS Grosses Spurt; 4th Highest WeekThisYear Average $18,494 at 132 Key Downtown Theatres After two months of slight re- cession, box office receipts at 132 key-city first-runs took a spurt dur- ing November and especially last week, when an average-per-theatre gross of $18,494, the fourth highest of the year, was registered, according to reports from Motion Picture Daily field correspondents. It was the best seven days since the week ending Sept. 8-9, which showed $18,775. With the exception of one week in the middle of the month, November averages continued to run substan- tially ahead of November of last year, the greatest gain coming in the first week : $16,708 compared with $14,078 for the corresponding period in 1943. Following that, the 1944 av- erage dipped slightly, to $16,049, then (Continued on Page 7) Strike Halts Para. St. Louis Delivery St. Louis, Dec. 3. — Seventeen mem- bers of the AFL Film Exchange Em- ployes' Locals B-l and F-l went on strike at the Paramount Film Dis- tributing Co. branch here Friday in an effort to force three St. Louis County neighborhood theatres to hire union operators and stagehands. The strike prevents delivery of Paramount Pictures to theatres in Eastern Mis- souri and parts of Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas. The number of Para- mount films shown in this area is between 15 and 20 per cent of the total bookings, it is estimated bv Maurice Schwartz, local manager. The employees refused to work af- ter Paramount permitted deliver)- of (Continued on Page 7) Roosevelt, Hays in RCA 25th Tribute Tribute to radio's wartime achieve- ments was voiced by many, and underscored by a message from Presi- dent Roosevelt, at the 25th anniver- sary dinner of RCA Friday night at the Waldorf-Astoria here. Speakers included Major Gen. H. C. Ingles, Chief Signal Officer, United States Army ; Rear Admiral Joseph R. Red- man, director of Naval Communica- ( Continitrtl on Page 71 20th Starts Sales Meet The mid-Winter sales meeting of 20th Century-Fox will start at the Hotel Astor here today, with Tom Connors, vice-president in charge of sales, presiding. The meetings will continue through Wednesday or Thursday. Spyros Skouras, president, will de- liver an address, on Wednesday, with Connors conducting the meetings, and daily sessions being handled by W. (Continued on page 8) Rathvon Will Head Red Cross Drive Washington, Dec. 3. — N. Peter Rathvon, president of RKO, has ac- cepted the national chairmanship of "Red Cross Movie Week" during the 1945 Red Cross War Fund campaign in March, it was announced here todav bv Colby M. C h e s - t e r, chairman of the next Red Cross cam- paign. Rathvon will direct and coordinate the efforts of the industry's War A c t i v i t ies Committee on behalf of the campaign. Rathvon, who has taken (Continued on page 8) N. Peter Rathvon WLB Sets Dec. 15 For Bonus Filing Dec. 15 has been set by the Regional War Labor Board here for the filing of applica- tions by companies intending to pay employee Christmas bonuses. Applications are not required for bonuses up tr> $25 or in the same amount or percentage of bonuses given last year, which do not need WLB approval. Loew's is the only company to date, of the several which usually give holiday bonuses which has announced a pay- ment this year. Rodgers Asks Unity Now to Aid Post-war "Immediate unity between exhibitor and distributor is essential now, if the industry is to present a united front to post-war problems," William F. Rodgers, M-G-M vice-president, in charge of sales, told Motion Pic- ture DAily at the weekend. "The industry will face many problems in the post-war, of which little can be predicted," he said. The M-G-M executive said that he is working on several plans to in- crease exhibitor attendance at trade showings but had arrived at no defi- nite conclusion as yet. He said that M-G-M had derived no special bene- fits from the recent streamlining of its sales contracts, but had simplified them for the convenience of the ex- hibitor. Nothing essential had been cut from the contracts. Blue Invites Industry Television Cooperation Breen's Contract Is Extended 3 Years The contract between Jo- seph I. Breen, Production Code Administrator, in Holly- wood, and the MPPDA, was extended on Friday for three additional years, and Breen has been designated a vice- president of the organization, headquarters of the MPPDA reported on Friday. Breen al- so has been named a director of the Production Code Ad- ministration. The Blue Network, at the weekend, invited film companies intending to eventually participate in television, to C « perate with the Blue in developing that media. Policies along those lines we e outlined on Friday by Chester J. I.aRoche, vice-chairman of the net- work at a luncheon-meeting with the press at the Hotel Waldorf Astoria here. LaRoche said that the Blue will in- terchange television ideas with film companies and that the "network de- sires to work with the companies and learn about their future plans in tele- vision. He said that the Blue could help the companies promote their films (Continued on Page 7) Government May Seek Interim Decree Justice Dept. Is Ready For Tuesday Hearing By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington, Dec. 3. — Designa- tion of a date for trial of the film consent decree case is expected to be asked of the New York Federal District Court on Tuesday by the Department of Justice, when argu- ment is scheduled to be heard on the Department's motion for modi- fication of the decree. The major point of the Gov- ernment's action, it is reiter- ated at the Department of Justice, here, is to secure dives- titure of distributor-owned the- atres, and since that issue will require several years before a (Continued on page 8) Warner Resignation Long A-Brewing Warners' action of late last week in giving notice of its intention to resign from the M. P. Producers and Dis- tributors of America was reported at the weekend to have been the result of an accumulation of differences ex- tending over a period of several years, rather than of any single current or recent development. The company maintained official silence on the incident; so did (Continued on Page 7) Vanguard to Aid UA Producers for 25% David O. Selznick's Vanguard Films has been making offers to Lnited Artists producers offering them facilities and supervision in pro- duction in return for 25 per cent of the profits. First producer set-up to accept the offer is Ripley-Monter. making "Look Homeward Angel," which will be made under the Vanguard supervision. Negotiations are proceeding with sev- eral others, it is understood. Reviewed Today Review of "Guest in the House" appears on page 8. 2 Motion Picture Daily M onday. December 4. 1944 Personal Mention Tradewise . . . By SHERWIN KANE Goodfried Aide to Williams at U. A. Rex Williams, head of United Artists' exploitation, has appointed Robert Goodfried his assistant, at the same time announcing several changes in field personnel. Goodfried has been handling premieres and field openings for United Artists for more than a year. Fred Joyce of Chicago was named exploitation supervisor in the Chicago- Minneapolis - Milwaukee - Indianapolis areas, with Harold Evans and Homer Lambert as assistants ; Manny Pear- son will handle Cleveland-Detroit- Cincinnati, assisted by Ken Renaud. Other appointments are: Charlie Shaw, Philadelphia; David Polland, Washington ; Hubert Scott, St. Louis : Al Lake, Los Angeles; Lew Maren, San Francisco; Willard Coughlin. Seattle ; William Lewis, ' Dallas-New Orleans, and Eddie Bonns, Atlanta- Charlotte. Ben Hill was named to the Southern exploitation staff. Phil Engel, Boston exploiteer, will super- vise New England and New York- state, working with Al Gorsorl and Paul Morris. 'Life With Father' From WB in 1947 Warners, on Friday, confirmed its purchase of "Life with Father" for a $500,000 advance against royalties which are understood to run as high as 50 per cent, after two-and-one-half years of negotiations with Oscar Serlin, the play's producer; Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, its au- thors, and Mrs. Clarence Day, widow of the writer upon whose sketches the comedy is based. The picture, in color, will not be released, however, until 1947, with Lindsay, Crouse and Mrs. Day aiding in production. The play, in its five years, is said to have grossed some $8,000,000. i JOSEPH M. SCHENCK left New »J York for the Coast at the week- end. • Spyros Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox, and his assistant, Sam Shain, left for Washington at the weekend. Skouras is considering a trip to London and possibly Greece shortly after Jan. 1. • Antoinette Spitzek, Eastern pub- licity director for Walt Disney Prod., is convalescing at Manhattan General Hospital, following a major operation, Friday. • Nicholas M. Schenck, president of Loew's, has cancelled his scheduled Coast trip and will remain in New York for the present. • Ben Kalmenson, Warner general sales manager, left over the weekend for the Coast, with a stopover in Chicago. • Walter Branson, RKO western division sales manager, will return to New York today from a tour of his territory. • Sir Alexander Korim and Ben Goetz, MGM British production heads, are en route here from London. • Sam Katzman, Monogram pro- ducer, has returned to Hollywood from New York. • N. Peter Rathvon, RKO presi- dent, left for the Coast over the week- end. • Will Yolen of Warner Bros, pub- i i\~iiy 3id.il will ICaVC Lmidv IKJl X\l L) al ly . • Joe Roberts, of Vanguard Pictures Eastern publicity staff, is in Chicago. A LTHOUGH self-admittedly All of which would appear to Capt. Gene Markey is no demonstrate that the industry's silver or even aluminum-tongued service to the nation cannot be orator, the sincerity with which terminated when the war is won, he delivered his message from that, in fact, peace will bring Washington to the industry with it the need for new ser- made his remarks as impressive vices to the nation and the as any heard at the luncheon world that this industry is best which featured the annual meet- equipped to perform. There can ing of the War Activities Com- be no demobilization in the the- mittee here last Thursday. atres, the studios, the exchanges. Markey explained that before the executive offices and the leaving Washington for New War Activities Committee (even York he had asked whether there though its label be changed ) on was any message for the mo- V-E Day or V-J Day. tion picture industry. "Tell • • them," was the reply, . "what Food for exhibitor thought is Admiral Mitscher said; 'We've to be found in some of the state- gOt to kill ten million Japs'." ments which Assistant U. S. Implicit in that message is Attorney General Wendell Berge the reminder that the war job made concerning Department of of every American is far from Justice views of the consent de- being ended. It is the continuing Cree, when interviewed by Mo- job of the industry and its War tion Picture Daily in New Activities Committee to help York last week, impress that fact upon the The Department, Berge said, American people. ;s willing to compromise with # decree companies on virtually anything except the divorcement Markey observed that he has of affiliated theatres. The state- found an "appallingly selfish at- ment goes a long way toward titude on the home front, par- substantiating the beliefs of ticularly where money is spent many in the industry that the freely.^ It amounts," Markey Department is vastly more inter- said, "almost to an indifference ested in pursuing that ole debbil to the war." "monopoly," the reigning favor- "The American people will ite of the Attorney General's have to pull together better than court, than it is of effecting they have been if the war is to trade practice reforms of direct be ended soon," he said. "The a.nd immediate benefit to exhibi- war against the Japs could drag ^on and distribution. If trade on for longer than any of us like practice benefits result from the to think. Our people need a real- chase, or if they do not, that is istic view of the war. I'm afraid quite incidental to the first ob- they don't have it. The motion jective, for, the trade belief is, picture industry can do more trie philosophical Department is than any other to supply it." committed to the theory that if "monopoly" can be found out and laid low, all other ills either Elmer Davis, head of the Of- disappear automatically or are fice of War Information, also of no consequence. The Depart- emphasized the need for con- ment, this trade view holds, tinuation of industry aid, and looks upon the integration of declared that that need would production and distribution, on exist even in the postwar period. *e one hand, and exhibition on In addressing the luncheon the other as the form, if not the meeting Davis said: "We hope substance, of monopoly, for the continuation of your tre- • mendously important help in Yet, how few, proportionately, many vital postwar activities. are the exhibitors who expect or The American people must be hope to benefit in any manner told what kind of a world they from affiliated theatre divorce- must help patch up and get go- ment, should ever it occur. It is a ing again, and what their gov- legalistic issue, not a trade pan- ernment is doing about it. The acea, and therein lies the hope- world must be educated to win lessness of beneficial trade prac- the peace." tices emerging from this or anv Motion pictures, Davis said, other prosecution, will be among the most impor- What the majority of exhibi- tant agencies in the effort to ac- tors want eventually will come complish those essential postwar from within the industry, not aims- from edict or decree. Autry Says Induction Voids Republic Pact Los Angeles, Dec. 3.— Gene Autry contended in Superior Court here at the weekend that his contract with Republic was automatically terminated by his induction into the Armed Forces in August, 1942. Nathanson to Chicago Chicago, Dec. 3. — Nate Nathanson, United Artists branch manager in Milwaukee, will succeed Sid Rose as head of the local UA branch, in Janu- ary. Rose will move to Los Angeles to take over the branch there; it has been vacant for six months. Bob Allen, UA salesman here, will suc- ceed Nathanson in Milwaukee. Knudsen Screening Host Dayton, Ohio, Dec. 3. — Lt. Gen. William L. Knudsen was host to Army Air Force officers and industrial leaders at a dinner and special screen- ing of 20th Century-Fox's "Winged Victory" in the Van Cleve Hotel here Friday. Schenck Names Eight More 'Dimes' Heads Roster of state chairmen for the in- dustry's 1945 March of Dimes drive will be completed this week, Nicholas M. Schneck, drive chairman, disclosed here at the weekend, announcing at the same tme eight additional accep- tances, as follows : Albert Finke, Oregon; Frank New- man, Washington ; J. Myer Schine, Northern New York; Elmer Rhoden, Kansas ; Charles Skouras, Robert Poole, George Mann and Albert Law, California co-chairmen ; and, par- ticipating for the first time, Alaska chairman Robert Peratrovich. Music Educators Meet Preview of the Jerome Kern-E. Y. Harburg score of Universal's "Can't Help Singing" was a feature of Sat- urday's Fall meeting of the In-and- Abo;ut Music Educators Group of New York. Guest speaker at the gathering, held at the Plaza Hotel, was Deems Taylor, who discussed "The Influence of Motion Pictures on Music Education." MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief ; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. 2 "WW motion Picture Daily Monday. December 4, 1944 remember the names •>-■•• i ■ — JE|JVNE ( RAIN * VIVIAN BLAINE % I ft - Monday, December 4. 1944 Motion Picture Daily 7 Grosses Spurt to $18,494, 4th Highest Week in '44 (Continued from pane 1 t to $15,7ol, after which it climbed to $10,477 and finally to last week's, high of the month. , "Since You Went Away" led the field for the second straight month, with "Laura" in the runner-up position. Tied for third were "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," "Marriage Is a Private Affair" and "Mrs. Parkington." Close on the heels of these leaders came "The Princess and the Pirate," "I Love a Sol- dier" and "The Conspirators." while almost as strong were "Mr. Skeffington," "The Master Race," "An American Romance," "Rainbow Island," "Arsenic and Old Lace," "Casanova Brown," "Tall in the Saddle," "Together Again,'' "And Now Tomorrow" and "Frenchman's Creek." Composite key first-run boxoffice reports, compared with the correspond- ing weeks last year, follow : Roosevelt, Hays in RCA 25th Tribute (Continued from page 1) tions. and Col. David Sarnoff, presi- dent of RCA. Dr. James Rowland Angell, pub- lic service councellor of the NBC, served as toastmaster, and Lowell Thomas was master of ceremonies. Among guests was Will Havs, =- MPPDA president. Y' President Roosevelt's message, said : "I wish you and all members of the RCA family continued success in pioneering. With television as a new postwar industry of great promise in the fields of employment, entertain- ment and education, I know that under your guidance and vision RCA will continue to contribute to the eco- nomic and cultural values created by radio." Col. Sarnoff disclosed that a few hours earlier the board of directors had approved an RCA pension-retire- ment plan for service prior to Dec. 1, 1944 and life annuities for RCA em- ployes based on equal contributions from the employes and the company- after that date. The plan became effective Dec. 1 subject to approval by stockholders and the U. S. Treasury. RCA's board of directors also voted dividends of 87^4 cents per share for the period from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 on first preferred stock, payable Jan. 2 to stockholders of record Dec. 11, and a 20 cents per share dividend pay- able Jan. 30 to holders . of record Dec. 15. "\JIM..S» -> ;»< ;>••.' Ed Schreiber Feted At WAC Luncheon The War Activities Committee on Friday honored Ed Schreiber at a luncheon at the Hotel Astor upon his resignation from the WAC, as of Dec. 1, to become vice-president in charge of films at Richard Condon, Inc. Schreiber headed the WAC pub- licity department since its inception two years ago. Speakers included: Francis S. FJar- mon, WAC coordinator; Si H. Fab- ian, WAC theatres division head ; Harry Brandt, Sixth War Loan in- dustry chairman ; Jay Emanuel, Sixth War Loan coordinator, and Condon. Walter T. Brown, who succeeds Schreiber, was toastmaster. Blue Invites Industry Video Cooperation (Continued from page 1) by telecasting trailers to homes having television receivers in the postwar. Film companies are also offered facili- ties of the Blue to promote new films through IS minute-television shows in the nostwar. The Blue expects to open a television department and to begin producing in about two weeks. Goldberg Starts New Post Lou Goldberg has taken over as geneial manager of the Staten Island Fabian circuit of seven theatres, suc- ceeding Irving Liner, who died last week. Goldberg was formerly New York zone manager for RKO. Lt. Fitzgerald Killed Milwaukee, Dec. 3.— Lt. Richard H. Fitzgerald, U.S.A., was killed in action Oct. 26 at Leyte. He was the sun of Harold J. Fitzgerald, head of Fox Wisconsin Amusement Corp, 1944 Average Week No. of Total Per Ending Theatres Gross Theatre Dec. 31-Jan. 1.... 135 $2,213,500 S16.396 Jan. 7-8 117 2,417,7M> 20,664 Jan. 14-15 134 2,040,700 15,229 Jan. 21-22 149 2,311,400 15,513 Ian. 28-29 147 2,365.200 16,090 Feb. 4-5 153 2,512,2a 16,419 Feb. 11-12 137 2,220,000 16,211 Feb. 18-19 155 2,459,8CO 15.870 Feb. 25-26 161 2,760,100 17,144 March 3-4 147 2,397,100 16.307 March 10-11 147 2,463,400 16.758 March 17-18 153 2.661,100 18.761 March 24-25 150 2,487,700 16,585 Mar. 31-Apr. 1... 152 3,025.000 13,329 April 7-8 153 2,340,600 15,298 April 14-15 143 2,506,800 17,530 April 21-22 148 2,564,200 17,326 April 28-29 130 2,090,900 16,084 Mav 5-6 143 2,238,700 15.655 May 12-13 146 2,338,700 16,018 Mav 19-20 162 2,417,000 14,926 Mav 26-27 155 2,349,400 15,157 June 2-3 143 2,242,500 15,683 Tune 9-10 141 1,938,000 13.752 Tune 16-17 135 1,934,400 14,322 Tune 23-24 136 2.002.8CC 14,726 Tune 30-July 1.... 126 2,178,300 17,288 Yulv 7-8 145 2,490.900 17.178 July 14-15 144 2,228.500 15,478 Tulv 21-22 148 2,321,400 15,685 July 28-29 135 2,245,400 16.632 Aug. 4-5 141 2,324,500 15,777 Aug. 11-12 148 2.355,200 15.913 Aug. 18-19 153 2,514,100 16,433 Aug. 25-26 141 2,516.800 17.850 Sept. 1-2 127 2.313,600 18,217 Sept. 8-9 144 2,703,600 18,775 cept. 15-16 158 2,638,200 16.697 Sept. 22-23 146 2,505,900 17.164 Sept. 29-30 156 2,640,700 16.927 Oct. 6-7 136 2,411.500 17,732 Oct. 13-14 152 2,457.200 16.165 Oct. 20-21 157 2,641,300 16.824 Oct. 27-28 145 2,450,900 16,902 Nov. 3-4 139 2,322,400 16,708 Nov. 10-11 140 2.246,900 16.049 Nov. 17-18 145 2,285.300 15.761 Nov. 24-25 150 2.471.600 16,477 Dec. 1-2 132 2,441,200 18,494 Overseas Stars on 6th War Loan Air Show Hollywood. Dec. 3. — 'Hollywood stars who have been overseas will be featured on a one-hour, Coast-to- Coast, Sixth War Loan radio show-, "The Show Goes On," on Dec. 6, via NBC, the Hollywood Victory Com- mittee of the War Activities Com- mittee announced at the weekend. Among those who will appear are : Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Paulette Goddard, Ann Sheridan, Edgar Bergen, Al Jolson, Frances Langford. Jerry Colonna, Fred As- taire, Ingrid Bergman and Jack Benny who will be picked up enter- taining servicemen in a hospital. The industry's Sixth W ar Loan Com- mittee is sponsoring the broadcast. Dillon, Scenarist, Dies Word reached here at the weekend of the death in Los Angeles of Robert A. Dillon 55. scenarist and former serial editor for Universal. He is sur- vived by two brothers, Maurice and Edward, a staff member of the New York Daily Xcivs. 1943 Average Week No. of Total Per Ending Theatres Gross Theatre Jan. 1-2 151 $2,813,506 $18,632 Jan. 8-9 154 2,424,300 15,742 Tan. 15-16 .'. 149 1,830,500 12,285 Jan. 21-22 127 1,448,600 12,981 Jan. 29-30 127 1,789,500 14,091 Feb. 5-6 126 1,743,000 13,040 Feb. 12-13 132 1,919,000 14,588 Feb. 19-20 139 1,885,900 13,568 Feb. 26-27 149 2,005,200 13.458 March 5-6 142 1,933,400 13,615 March 12-13 151 1,944,600 12,878 March 19-20 143 1,968,300 13,764 March 26-27 147 1,938,200 13,185 April 2-3 123 1,785,800 14,519 April 9-10 147 2,029,100 13,803 April 16-17 147 1,868,500 12,711 April 23-24 158 2,006,200 12,634 Apr. 30-May 1.... 154 2,284,200 14,184 May 7-8 161 2,168,400 13,468 May 14-15 161 2,053,700 18,967 May 21-22 158 2,096,200 13,267 May 28-29 155 2.036,600 13.139 June 4-5 169 2,289,700 13,548 June 11-12 166 1,865,873 11,240 Tune 18-19 163 1,961,600 12,034 June 25-26 168 2,125,300 12,650 July 2-3 164 2,133,800 13,010 July 9-10 153 2,433,700 15,906 July 16-17 151 2,109,400 13.970 Julv 23-24 155 2,185,100 14,097 July 30-31 164 2,347,900 14,316 Aug. 6-7 138 2,032,400 14,727 Aug. 13-14 166 2.302,200 13,869 Aug. 20-21 153 2.341.600 15.304 Aug. 27-28 175 2.681.500 15,322 Sept. 3-4 163 2.559,900 15,705 Sept. 10-11 168 2.926.000 17.417 Sept. 17-18 165 2.4^6.300 14.887 Sept. 24-25 175 2.588.200 14.790 Oct. 1-2 166 2.473,800 14.902 Oct. 8-9 173 2,595,800 15.005 Oct. 15-16 167 2,544,600 15,237 Oct. 22-23 163 2,479,000 15,209 Oct. 29-30 179 2,608,800 14,574 Nov. 5-6 170 2.393.200 14,078 Nov. 12-13 166 2,467,100 14,862 Nov. 19-20 132 2,134,500 16,163 Nov. 26-27 145 2,259,600 15.583 Dec. 3-4 138 2,333,900 16.912 Strike Halts Para. St. Louis Delivery (Continued from page 1) a film to the Osage theatre in Kirk- wood and the Ozark theatre in Web- ster Groves. Later, the Kirkwood Amusement Corp., operator of the Kirkwood the- ater, filed an injunction suit in Federal Court to force film deliveries, alleg- ing the distributors breached their contract by failure to deliver. Defendants are Warner Bros. Pic- tures Distribution Corp., Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. ; 20th Century-Fox Film Corp., and Monogram Pictures. All three theaters employ non-union operators. The Ozark has been picketed for four years. Lt. Steinberg Dies Hartford, Dec. 3. — Edith Hoffman Steinberg, daughter of I. J. Hoffman, Warner zone "manager for "New En- gland, was notified at the .veekend of the death in action of her husband, Lt. Gerald Steinberg, whu was serv- ing with Gen. Patton's 3rd Army. Warner Resignation From MPPDA Long A-Brewing (Continued from page li MPPDA officials. Under the associa- tion's by-laws, a resignation does not become effective until six months after notice of intention to resign has been given. Accordingly, Warners will remain a member of the MPPDA at least until May 30, 1945. In 1937, a similar situation pre- vailed Warners than discontinued payment of membership dues to the MPPDA but did not resign. After an interval of several months, payments were resumed. The company also has served notice of its intention of withdrawing from the Association of M. P. Producers. Hollywood, but will continue to sub- mit its pictures to the Production Code Administration for code seals and its advertising matter and stills to the Advertising Code Administra- tion for clearance. Both units are ad- juncts of MPPDA. The services of the PCA are available to non-mem- bers at a "nominal" fee based on pro- duction costs of individual pictures submitted to it. General Reasons Laking official confirmation, it was reported that the Warner letter to MPPDA attributed the company's action to general, rather than specific, reasons ; making references to dis- agreements on policies of the associa- tion and also to differences between itself and member companies of the association, and contending that the association had not resolved either source of dissatisfaction. Warners re- portedly concluded the letter with the statement that the company would continue to cooperate individually with other companies in matters per- taining to public welfare. In the East, among issues reported- ly causing recent dissatisfaction in the Warner camp were newly proposed raw stock allocations which the com- pany regarded as unduly penalizing it, and developments pertaining to the Federal consent decree, particularly with reference to affiliated theatre | divorcement moves of the Depart- ment of Justice. In the West, dissatisfaction was re- ported to have been engendered by difficulties the company is said to have experienced with the Screen Actors Guild in talent arrangements for "Hollywood Canteen," as well as by more individualistic differences with other production companies. Little credence was given in New York to the reports emanating from the Coast that dissatisfaction with labor policies and negotiations under the studio basic agreement with the international unions played an im- portant part in the Warner action. Rites for Mrs. Goldsmith Albany, N. Y., Dec. 3. — Funeral services were held last week at the Sons of Abraham Synagogue for Mrs. Emma Goldsmith, 73, mother of Arthur Goldsmith, special represen- tative for RKO in Cleveland. Mrs. Goldsmith, who died at Albany Hos- pital, was prominent in Jewish groups and philanthropic organizations. {Copyright, 1944 Quigley Publishing Co.) Motion picture Daily Monday, December 4, 1944 Government May Seek Interim Decree {Continued from page 1) final decision by the U. S. Su- preme Court could be obtained, the Department may ask the District court in New York to issue an interim decree em- bodying other trade 'reforms' sought in the motion filed by the Government last Aug. 7. About six weeks' notice of the hear- ing probably would be given, provid- ing time in which the Department and the companies might come to an agree- ment for a consent decree on trade practices. If such an agreement can- not be made, the Department expects to ask the court to deal first with those practices, render an opinion and decree and then go into the question of divorcement. Assistant U. S. Attorney-General Wendell Berge, in charge' of the anti- trust division, indicated that the mat- ter of an interim agreement may be taken up with the distributors. While much depends upon the position the companies will take, Berge said, there are some points they may be willing to concede and others which can be included on a temporary basis. First Issues If the companies are not willing to accept such an interim arrangement, it may be possible to have those issues tried before the question of divorce- ment is taken up, Berge intimated. Through such an arrangement, he pointed out, independent exhibitors would .be given the protection they have been seeking, while the Govern- ment and . the distributors fought out the question whether the latter are to be permitted to own theatres. Berge repeated, definitely, that the Department's policy has been deter- mined and that he and Attorney-Gen- eral Francis Biddle are in agreement that the case shall be 'fought to a finish,' with the opening gun to be fired Tuesday, when an agreement will be sought on the procedure to be followed. It the argument is not heard on Tuesday, Berge said, it will be because Federal Judge Henry God- dard, and not the Government, decrees a delay. Robert L. Wright, Special Assistant to the Attorney General, in charge of the Department's film unit, will appear before Judge Goddard. Will Decide Arthur Hearing Date Today Counsel for Harry Arthur, the Gov- ernment and the five decree consenting companies will confer todav with Fed- eral [udge Henry W. Goddard in U. S. District Court here on a new hearing date for Arthur's action to intervene in the Federal anti-trust suit against the companies. The Ar- thur case was set for hearing tomor- row but Judge Goddard is engaged in trial of another case and a postpone- ment may be necessary. John Caskey of counsel fur 20th Century-Fox is scheduled to repre- sent the companies at the conference with Judge Goddard today and As- sistant U. S. Attorney General Rob- ert L. Wright is expected here from Washington as the Government's rep- resentative. Russell Hardy is attorney for Arthur. Review 9> Guest in the House (Hunt Stromberg-United Artists') FROM the stage play of the same name, Hunt Stromberg has conceived, in "Guest in the House," a superior film in the genre of those psychological dramas that are so much in vogue. His version is considerably enhanced by such sturdy assets as superb production, Lee Garmes' outstanding photography and the subtle scoring of Werner Janssen. Anne Baxter, Ralph Bellamy, Aline MacMahon, Ruth Warrick, among others, register handsome perform- ances : John Brahm's direction is painstaking. It all adds up to definite box- office. ■ ' Miss Baxter's memorable characterization of a wan-faced neurotic with a heart condition who insinuates herself into the graces of the exuberant household of Ralph Bellamy, an artist, by playing upon their pity, and then uses this pity to indulge in poisonous intrigue, will earn for her an abundance of cordial hatred from numerous audiences. Behind her surface mask, as the helpless invalid, lurks a diseased mind corroded by her evil desire to win Bellamy. Carefully she plants the seed of suspicion in the impressionable brain of Connie Laird, Bellamy's daughter, until it mushrooms into a dark thing that grips the entire household. After she has driven Marie McDon- ald, Bellamy's shapely model, from the house, and helps to estrange Bellamy and Ruth Warrick, his wife, Miss Baxter really comes into her own. Like an evil tropical flower she blooms, nursed by the damage she has wrought in other peoples' lives. Shamelessly she thrusts herself at Bellamy, proclaiming her love for him, until he recoils in horror. Once the mask is torn from her, the family braces itself and decides to expel her. But she has one trump card left, her hold on Scott McKay, Bellamy's brother. Despite her contempt for him, she pro- fesses to love him. Her own neuroticism destroys her when she flees in terror at the fear of the fluttering wings of a bird. _ Ketti Frings' screenplay, from the play by Hagar Wilde and Dale Eunson, provides opportunity for a fluent performance by Bellamy who presides over a merry household until the blight of Miss Baxter's arrival. Miss Warrick is his gay spouse; Jerome Cowan is enjoyable as a family friend and Percy Kilbride and Margarat Hamilton provide some of the comedy. Only fault to mar an otherwise fine production is the somewhat over-length, some 121 minutes, but this is a minor criticism which should not prevent the film being accorded top playing time. Stromberg has another winner. Running time, 121 minutes. "G"* Release date, Dec. 8. Charles Ryweck *"G" denotes general classification. Para. Partners Will LeaveHere This Week Several Paramount theatre partners who' were in New York for confer- ences with Leonard Goldenson, Para- mount vice-president in charge of the- atre operations, and to attend the an- nual meeting of the War Activities Committee, will have left for their respective cities by early this week. Already departed are : W. K. Jen- kins and R. B. WTilby, Atlanta, and John Balaban, Chicago. Others at- tending the meetings were : Karl Hob- litzelle and R. J. O'Donnell, Dallas; E. V. Richards, New Orleans ; John J. Friedl, Minneapolis; J. J. Fitzgib- bons, Toronto; Earl Hudson, Detroit, and Sam Pinanski, Boston. Rathvon Will Head Red Cross Drive part (Continued from page 1) in Red Cross work in the past, will direct the entire motion picture industry in its nationwide theatre soli- citation for funds during the drive. Last March, under the direction of Joseph Bernhard, of Warner Thea- tres, the industry raised approximate- ly $7,000,000. Jack Banner Promoted Lt. Jack Banner, USMS, has been advanced to the rank of Lt. Com- mander and has been assigned to tem- porary duty in New York as Regional Public Relations Officer. Following this assignment Banner, who formerly conducted a radio column titled Banner Lines in Motion Picture Daily, will return to Washington where he is assistant to the Chief Public Relations Officer. USMS. Zabin Forms a Film Div. for Grey Agency James B. Zabin, who recently re- signed as general manager of Cinema Circuit Corp., here, and who, prior to that, was active in film and theatre advertising for Buchanan and Co. is organizing a films division for the Grey Advertising Agency. 20th-Fox Starts Sales Meet Here {Continued from page 1) C. Gehring, Western sales manager; A. W. Smith, Jr., Eastern sales man- ager, and L. J. Schlaifer, Central sales manager. Attending the meetings will be all of the division, district and branch managers from the U. S. and Canada, including Herman Wobber, Coast . vision manager, and Harry G. BF^l' lance, Southern division manager. Home office officials and executives who will be on hand will be : W. C. Michel, Hal Home, Martin Moskow- itz, Jack Sichelman, William J. Clark, Jack Bloom, E. H. Collins, Clarence Hill, Charles Schlaifer, and Roger Ferri. Also Paul Terry and Harvey Day of Terrytoons ; March of Time's John Wood, Phil A. Williams, Richard De Rochemont and Howard Black. General sales manager W. J. Kup- per, at present in Los Angeles re- cuperating from a recent illness, will be the only sales executive absent. District managers attending will in- clude : Edgar Moss, Paul S. Wilson, Philip Longdon, E. X. Callahan, J. J. Grady, J. H. Lorentz, George M. Bal- lentine, W. E. Scott, M. A. Levy and Sydney Samson, the latter from Can- ada. Lee's Widow Wins Insurance Claim Albany, Dec. 3. — The Court of Ap- peals here has unanimously upheld the lower courts, and granted the wid- ow of Arthur Lee, former film execu- tive, double indemnity against the Guardian Life Insurance Co. for his accidental death ■ in the crash of a Clipper near Spain in 1942. The in- surance company had offered to pay single, claiming that Lee, as a pas- senger, was not entitled to double in- surance. Fitelson and .Lee's widow. Mayers represented M-G-M TRADE SHOWINGS NEW DATE! MUSIC for MILLIONS" NEW YORK- NEW JERSEY and LOS ANGELES TERRITORIES ONLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12th i M-G-M SCREEN ROOM NEW YORK 630 9TH AVE. 10:30 A. M. & 2:30 P. M. iac akipciitc ( AMBASSADOR THEATRE LOS ANUtUb | AMBASSADOR HOTEL - 2:30 P.M. MOTION PICTURE DAILY Alert, tion Picture Industry VOL. 56. NO. 107 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1944 TEN CENTS President Asks 100 Leaders to 'Dimes' Confab Calls Capital Meeting For Tuesday, Dec. 19 One hundred industry leaders have been asked to attend a conference at the White House, with President Roosevelt, Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 19. Under leadership of national chairman Nicholas M. Schenck, the meeting will be attended by the state chairmen and national executive com- mittee of the motion picture 1945 March of Dimes campaign. It is said that the President's re- (Continued on page 10) 20th Opens Winter Convention Here The first day of 20th Century-Fox's Mid-winter sales meeting, at the As- tor Hotel, New York, got under way yesterday with Tom Connors, vice- president in charge of sales, presiding. Meetings will continue for a week. Personal greetings to the division, (Continued on page 10) See Grierson Trip On Production Plan Toronto, Dec. 4. — John Grierson, manager of the National Film Board of Canada, is in Hollywood on busi- ness of an important nature, but his office in Ottawa stated today that his visit there was merely routine. How- ever, there is a rumor that Grierson is following up his recent proposal for (Continued on page 9) 100 T elecasters Now for Postwar Television Broadcasters Associated predicted here yesterday that 100 television stations will be operating in at least 29 states just as soon as wartime restrictions on materials are relaxed Three additional applica- tions for television stations were filed with the FCC last week bringing the total num- ber of commercial applica- tions pending to 91. Decree Date Set Dec. 20 Petition of the Department of Jus- tice to modify the industry consent decree, and the application of Harry Arthur's St. Louis Amusement Co. to intervene in the proceedings, will be heard by Judge Henry W. Goddard in the New York Federal Court on either Dec. 19 or 20, with the latter date the more likely. Both were sched- uled to be heard today — but Judge Goddard is engaged in another trial which will run the balance of the cur- rent week, necessitating a postpone- ment of the industry cases. John Caskey, of counsel for 20th Century-Fox, acted as spokesman for consenting companies at a conference yesterday with Judge Goddard, which resulted in the setting of the new hear- ing date. Robert L. Wright, special assistant to the Attorney General, re- quested the postponement, since on • (Continued on page 10) National Conference Tribute to Willkie J. Robert Rubin, Loew executive, chairman of the amusement division of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, yesterday presided at a luncheon at the Astor Hotel here with a committee of 30 and set preliminary plans for an industry-wide luncheon on Dec. 15 at the same hotel. It is planned to have several prominent speakers for the occasion, which will be a memorial tribute to the late Wendell Willkie. At yesterday's luncheon were Will (Continued on page 10) Four from Lasky at A Million Apiece Chicago, Dec. 4. — The new Jesse Lasky-Walter MacEwen producing company will make four $1,000,000 films during 1945, the producers jointly disclosed here during a stop- over while en route to New York. Lasky said one of his first productions will be based on the career of Mother Cabrini. PRC in Hollywood has a similar theme on its schedule. Yule Shopping, Cold Cut N.Y. Grosses; 6 St. Louis' Is Big Early Christmas shopping and the cold spell is cutting some current grosses at New York first-runs. Out- standing of the new arrivals is "Meet Me in St. Louis," at the Astor, which brought a big $37,000 gross on the first seven days ending last night, de- spite the length of the picture, which is holding the house to one less show daily. The Capitol, with "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" and a stage bill featuring Jimmy Dorsey and band and Henny Youngman, is headed for a good third week's gross of $70,000 on the basis of $45,000 taken in on the first four days ; it will continue. Radio City Music Hall, with "Together Again" and a stage presentation, expects a light $100,000 on the second week on the basis of $65,000 taken in on the (Continued on page 10) "Hollywood Canteen 9? [Warner Bros.] Hollvzvood, Dec. 4 QMASH! Sockeroo! Wow! Showmen in a hurry don't have to know any more about "Holly- wood Canteen." If they want to call it a day, they've read enough. But if they want to know why, here's why : "Hollywood Canteen" tells the facts behind Hollywood's internation- ally known pride and joy: the place where the greats and near-greats do their stuff seven nights a week for the uniformed men of the United Nations. No one can compute how many millions know about the Can- teen and, knowing about it, will want to see it. Now, the fact this entertainment colossus is about the Canteen is one thing. It is entirely another that the facts never get in the way of the name-power which drives the dynamos or in the way of the mild, but pleasantly handled, romantic story which winds through and around the name acts. Two soldiers are invalided home from the South Pacific. Robert Hutton's dream girl is Joan Leslie ; Dane Clark's is practically any girl. They (Continued on Page 7) Strike Closes 12 St. Louis Area Houses Projectionists Act After Para. Exchange Walkout St. Louis, Dec. 4. — With seven more theatres in St. Louis and St. Louis County closing today, a total of twelve houses have now been darkened through the sympathetic ac- tion of projectionists following Fri- day's strike of 17 members of the AFL Film Exchange Employes' Locals B-l and F-l at the Paramount Film Distributing Co. branch here. Meanwhile, Federal Judge Rubey M. Hulen has taken under advisement the injunc- tion suit filed by the Kirkwood (Continued on page 10) 4A's Support SAG In Extras' Vote Hollywood, Dec. 4. — The Ameri- can Federation of Labor's Associated Actors and Artistes of America (the 4A's) has thrown its support behind the Screen Actors Guild in the latter's contest with the Screen Players Cnion for the votes of extra players in a (Continued on page 10) Nominate MacLeish And Rockefeller Washixgtox, Dec. 4. — Nelson Rockefeller, Coordinator of Inter- American Affairs, and Archibald MacLeish, Librarian of Congress, were today named as two of three As- sistant Secretaries of State, nominated by President Roosevelt to assist Sec- (Continued on page 10) Nine Reviews Today In addition to "Hollywood Canteen," reviewed in adjoin- ing columns, today's issue carries reviews of the follow- ing: "The Falcon in Holly- wood," page 7; "Nothing. But Trouble," "My Gal Loves Mu- sic," "Cyclone Prairie Rangers" and "Trigger Law," page 8; and "End of the Road," "Swing in the Saddle" and "Army Wives," page 9. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, December 5, 1944 Personal Mention JACOB WILK, Warner Eastern production manager, has a new suite of offices at the North end of the home office building. • George A. Hirliman, president of. International Theatrical & Television Corp., will return from the Coast in a month. He will -produce "Flamingo Road" on Broadway. • Roy Haines, Warners' Western and Southern division sales manager, left last night to visit Midwest and Southern exchanges. • J. J. Donahue, Paramount Central division manager, will leave tomorrow for sales meetings in Cincinnati and Indianapolis. e Perry Spencer, Universal South- ern publicity manager, has returned to Atlanta from New Orleans and Memphis. George A. Smith, Paramount Western division manager, left yes- terday for Kansas City and Des Moines. • Sigwart Kusiel, Columbia Brazil- ian manager, arrived in New York over the weekend from Rio de Janiero. • Maurice White, general manager, and Nick Shafer, of United The- atres, Cincinnati, are in New York. • Arthur C. Bromberg, president of Monogram Southern exchanges, At- lanta, has left there for the Coast, e Jack V. Sheehan, Walt Disney Productions executive, is in New York from Hollywood. • Frank N. Phelps, Warner The- atres executive, left last night for Boston. • Vincente Minelli, M-G-M pro- ducer, is in New York from Holly- wood. • John K. Jenkins, president of As- tor Pictures, Dallas, is visiting in At- lanta. • J. J. Maloney, M-G-M Central di- vision sales manager, is in Cleveland. • Bernard Goodman, Warner assist- ant supervisor, is visiting Atlanta. • Arthur Greenblatt, Monogram district manager, is in Cleveland. • Jules Rieff, Columbia auditor, is in Cleveland. Franchise Suit Set For Dec. 11 Trial Rathvon on Coast Hollywood, Dec. 4. — N. Peter Rathvon, RKO president, arrived here today to organize the Coast for the forthcoming Red Cross "Movie Week," of which he is the national industry chairman. An application to examine Samuel Rinzler, circuit optrator, and Ray Moon, of 20th Century-Fox, before trial, has been taken under advisement by Justice Lloyd Church in New York Supreme Court, in connection with a suit by Leader Theatre Corp., opera- tor of the Leader Theatre, Brooklyn, against 20th-Fox and the Randforce Circuit. Case has been marked for Dec. 11 trial. Plaintiff charges Randforce with keeping its franchise for 20th-Fox product which it possessed on the Leader, prior to the theatre's sale to plaintiff, and shifting the franchise to another theatre in the Randforce cir- cuit. Suit seeks to determine whether a franchise may be shifted from thea- tre to theatre. British See Boycott In 'Fanny9 Banning London, Dec. 4. — A storm of pro- test has broken here over the alleged banning of the Gainsborough produc- tion, "Fanny By Gaslight," by the M. P. Producers and Distributors of America. Some newspapers view in the move an American endeavor to boycott British films, and J. Arthur Rank, production executive, is indig- nant, describing "Fanny" as "a great moral lesson." A London report that the Crown Film Unit's color production, "West- ern Approaches," had been banned by the MP PDA was denied here yester- day by the British Information Serv- ices, a BIS spokesman reporting that the film had not been submitted to the association. Goldberg to Set Up Key City Offices Jack Goldberg, president of Televi- sion Motion Pictures Co. here, reports that plans have been completed by his organization to open branches in key cities for the distribution of his com- pany's product. Goldberg said that he did not expect to actually distribute until the post-war, but will install representatives in the various terri- tories to handle preliminary work and establish contacts with local advertis- ers to whom the pictures will be leased for local telecasting. Exchanges will open in January in Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Cleveland. Zanuck to Broadcast From Nobel Dinner The fourth American Nobel Anni- versary dinner, to be held at the Hotel Astor on Sunday, will feature radio addresses on the contributions of mo- tion pictures, radio and the press toward "Education for Peace in the Post-war World." Mutual will broad- cast the speeches from 10:30 to 11 P.M. Darryl F. Zanuck, vice president in charge of production, for 20th Cen- tury-Fox, will speak on influences of motion pictures. Johnston Affirms Offer of MPPDA Los Angeles, Dec. 4. — The Los Angeles Examiner yes- terday in a Washington dis- patch reported that when Eric Johnston, president of the U. S. Chamber of Com- merce, was asked whether re- ports that he had been of- fered a high post in MPPDA were correct, Johnston re- plied: "Yes, it's true." Reports within the industry for the past several months have been that Johnston is being sought for an impor- tant Hollywood or Washing- ton post with MPPDA after his contract with the U. S. Chamber expires, next year. DeMille' s 'Flame' Is Out; Too Expensive Production of "The Flame," as the next to he produced by Cecil B. De Mille, has been called off by DeMille and Paramount, the company an- nounced here yesterday. "The reason for abandoning this subject was the tremendous cost that confronted De Mille Productions and the Paramount Studio in bringing the picture to the screen." Reported anticipated cost had been placed at $5,000,000. It was felt b-- DeMille and Paramount that the high cost involved would "not war- rant continuance of the project," it was said. Monogram Files with SEC for Preferred Philadelphia, Dec. 4. — Monogram Pictures Corp. filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement covering the proposed issuance and sale of 100,000 shares of per cent cumulative con- vertible preferred stock, $10 par value. Emanuel & Co., New York, is the principal underwriter. The company would apply the pro- ceeds to working capital, $300,000 ear- marked for the reduction, of current liabilities and the remainder for the production of low and medium-cost motion pictures. Private Services for Mrs, A. Rot hacker Hollywood, Dec. 4. — Private fune- ral services were held at Forest Lawn today for Mrs. Aileen A. Rothacker, wife of Watterson Rothacker, vice- president of Quigley Publishing Co. on leave of absence to the Office of War Censorship, of which he is West Coast director, in Hollywood. Mrs. Rothacker, who died Friday night after a long illness, is also sur- vived by one daughter, Mrs. Eugene R. O'Neil; one brother, W. C. Ald- ous, and four grandchildren. Rank May Use Lawrence, London, Dec. 4. — Appointment of Jock Lawrence, West Coast publicist, to handle publicity for J. Arthur Rank's British films in the United States has been taken under advise- ment by Rank. NEW YORK THEATRES HELD OVER 3rd WEEK BRAZIL co-starring TITO GUIZAR VIRGINIA BRUCE featuring EDWARD EVERETT HORTON ROBERT LIVINGSTON VELOZ and YOLANDA FORTUNIO BONANOVA and ROY ROGERS (King of the Cowboys) as Guest star A REPUBLIC PICTURE REPUBLIC BBr Midnite Shows co 5-9647 THEATER 5 1st & 52nd RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50TH STREET & 6TH AVENUE Irene 4. Charles DUNNE T BOYER TOGETHER AGAIN' with Charles Coburn A Columbia Picture SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 NOW PLAYING AT MUSIC HALL INSIDE CHINA TODAY It PARAMOUNT presents + Joan Fontaine Arturo de Cordova 'Frenchman's Creek' . 11TH WEEK— RIVOLI . jC BROADWAY AND 49TH STREET B'WAY & 47th St. PALACE CARY GRANT "None But thelonely Heart" WITH MISS ETHEL BARRYM ORE BARRY FITZGERALD r Alan Ladd 1 Loretta Young in PARAMOUNT'S "AND NOW TOMORROW" L- In Person ~^ \ GLEN GRAY and the Casa Loma Orchestra ANDY RUSSELL JERI SULIAVAN SON & SONNY WALLY BROWN and ALAN CARNEY ON SCREEN SPENCER TRACY 'THE SEVENTH CROSS' IN PERSON LANI MclNTIRE and ORCH. ALLArTT HENRY CROSS DUNN MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Martin Quigley, President and Editor-in-Chief; Colvin Brown, Publisher; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor. Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, 20, N. Y. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York. ' Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President; Red Kann, Vice-President; T. J. Sullivan, Secretary; Sherwin Kane, Executive Editor; James P, Cunningham, News Editor; Herbert V. Fecke, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ave.; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Bldg., William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau, 4 Golden Sq., London Wl, Hope Burnup, Manager; Peter Burnup, Editor; cable address, "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1944 by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac, Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938, at the post office at New York, N- Y-, under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates per year, $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign; single copies, 10c. 1ST A FEW OF THE 6^000,000 PEOPLE w\o WERE TOLD TO "boy\onds AT YOUR FAVOR I THEATRE We promised to plug this slogan to your public fr campaign . . . and on the night of November 20, at in New York, 8 major shows over 4 major networks sage, "BUY BONDS AT YOUR FAVORITE TURE THEATRE, ALWAYS OPEN FOR INCLUDING EVENINGS, SUNDAYS AND that's only the beginning! Every person in the country will hear that slogan at least seven times more during the course of the drive. Be ready to meet the demands of patrons. MORE AMMUNITION THAN EVER BEFORE TO SELL MORE BONDS THAN EVER BEFORE IN THE SK coast to coast as part of the national big Madison Square Garden rally drove home the mes- MOTION PIC- BOND SALES, HOLIDAYS." And Sponsored by War Activities Committee of Motion Picture Industry 1501 Broadway New York City 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, December 5, 1944 Community Shows To Support Houses Described by its sponsors as the first national "better-films" movement to be undertaken since the beginning of World War II, the Cinema Guild has been formed here to operate, screenwise, on the same principles as the Book-of-the-Month Club in the publishing field. The acting committee is composed of Dr. Frederick Thrasher of New York University and director of the Metropolitan Motion Picture Coun- cil ; Samuel Gilburt of the film com- mittees of both the National Educa- tion Association and the Association of English Teachers ; Dean E. Fuller, counsel for the American Platform Guild; Mrs. W. W. Luman, chair- man of the Scarsdale (N.Y.) Motion Picture Council, and Mrs. Hettie Dy- renfurth, film-making explorer. Low- ell Thomas and Alfred Zala are listed among the honorary sponsors. No Competition The Guild proposes to establish units nationally for the showing of both selected entei tainment films pre- viously generally released and shorts on such topics as science, health poli- tics, economics and foreign countries. Attempts will be made to build up sources of supply from as many for- eign countries as possible, concentrat- ing on product which ordinarily would not reach theatres. "There is no intention of competing with regu- lar theatres, or distributors," accord- ing to the committee. Special children's programs will also be under- taken. Negotiations are understood to be in progress for a theatre in the Times Square area. The Guild also proposes to back theatres, especially in remote places, by guaranteeing a "Book-of-the- MontlV'-pledged audience. Enlist Exhibitors' Aid for Manpower Chicago, Dec. 4. — Mayor Edward J. Kelly has delegated local exhibitors to spearhead a drive to send more men into war plants suffering acute manpower shortages. During a meeting with the War Manpower Commission he told the committee to contact Jack Kirsch, president of Allied of Illinois, to pass word of the need to the 150 exhibitor members in this territory. Coast Honors Dover Hollywood, Dec. 4. — Over 100 in- dustry leaders and stars will honor William B. Dover at the Beverly Hills Hotel tomorrow, at a luncheon for his service with the USO com- mittee, and two years as USO Camp Shows coordinator in the European War Theatre. Among principal speakers will be Kenneth Thomson and Abe Lastfogel, head of USO Camp Shows. Screen "Sleuth' Today M-G-M's "Safety Sleuth," a short subject, will be screened this afternoon for representatives of the War De- partment's Safety Council, the Greater New York Safety Council and the New York Department of Health, as well as for Army and Navy officials at the M-G-M exchange here. It will be released in the "Pete Smith Special- ty" series. RKO Claims 1st Film Expressly for Video "A new step in television program- ming," according to RKO Television Corp., will be inaugurated Monday evening, Dec. 11, when the first mo- tion picture short made expressly for television will be telecast over station WABD, New York City, as part of a television demonstration at the ban- quet for the delegates to the first an- nual conference of the Television Broadcasters Association at the Hotel Commodore. Running six and one-half minutes, the subject, entitled "Talk Fast, Mis- ter," is based on an original by Clar- ence Buddington Kelland, and has a cast which includes Eddie Nugent, Royal Beal, Harvey Stephens, Ray- mond Greenleaf and Heather Mac- Lea. It was produced by RKO Tele- vision for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., Boston, at RKO Pathe studio here, under supervision of Thomas Hutchinson, production chief of RKO Television. To Televise Show For TBA Conference Thirty television receivers will be installed in the Hotel Commodore here next Monday evening to receive a special program of entertainment to be televised in connection with the banquet of the first annual conferences of the Television Broadcasters Asso- ciation. About 1,000 are expected at the banquet, which will highlight the first day's activities of the two-day con- ference. T P A Demonstrates Films' Television Use "What Part Will Films Play in Video" was discussed last night at a meeting of the Television Producers Association at the Hotel Des Artistes here. John Flory, film producer, explain- ed how stock film can be inter- woven with "live" action to overcome "the static presentation of the aver- age television show." Several demon- strations indicated how film can serve a television production. Kirsch Calls for WAC Continuance Chicago, Dec. 4. — Continuance of the industry's War Activities Com- mittee in the postwar is urged here by Jack Kirsch, president of Allied of Illinois, who, citing the Wac as "one of the finest exhibitor-distribu- tor organizations in the history of the industry," said that exhibitors and dis- tributors can operate along the lines of WAC on a local scale as a clearing house for all trade problems. Kirsch was honor guest of the local industry at a banquet at the Hotel Blackstone at the weekend. Eyssell Hosts Minnelli Vincente Minnelli, former scenic de- signer at Radio City Music Hall, now a film director in Hollywood, was the guest of G. S. Eyssell yesterday at a luncheon in the Music Hall's studio apartment. Among those attending were : Judy Garland, Arthur Freed, M-G-M producer, and Mrs. Freed, R. V. Downing, Fred L. Lynch, Leon Leonidoff, Russell Markert, Erno Rapee, Bruno Maine, Gene Snyder, Florence Rogge, Hattie Rogge and Willa Van of the Music Hall staff, all of whom were associates of Minnelli when he was at that theatre. As fast as the Photoplays reach the newsstand— the movie millions whisk them off! At a faster rate than other magazines in the field! That's leadership won solely by editorial merit: more text, more top-flight writers, more and better illustrators than any other magazine of its kind! SELLS UP TO 36% FASTER* THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE IN THE FIELD -•Established by a recent survey involving 4 consecutive issues covering sales at more than 20,000 newsstands. PHOTOPLAY FAVORITE OF AMERICA'S FIRST MILLION MOVIE-GOERS ABOUT JANE (WYMAN) AND RONNIE (REAGAN) — L. O. P. does it again! THE LADY AND THE CORPORAL— The Photo- play story that scoops Hollywood. -GOERS FOR JA^JJAR* ■ iouella O. Papons [h.s ls*e !, the Corporal^ — u Etsa Maxwell ^ri- *- «*• °' • . *c let „■;■■ . .Helen W 21 22 24 BING CROSBY'S— An in- vocation to America, as reverent as his sing- ing of "Silent Night." from Hitler o{ Eythe — june a Stranger ■ vitb Gene Kelly ee of Esther ^ill— H%ood for Youl .. ^t for Christmas". ; • ■ Adele Rogers St. Allyson Car ole handis Put G I. Dates Bergma,V^u^e Monocled O^J ^ . . . Charles Coburn Shanghated . . . . Fitzgerald-- l d Housekeep Truth About Holly Wat Should l Do?n -:ed by Claudette M^^SZ^ Ferformanee. Maxine Arnold Kate HoMday sidner Shdsky . Brian . ton McC Eleanor Barbara frank S. i/yi (fide* EISA MAXWELL -Daring to predict what the stars will do next. 29 Gloria He Haven - 31 William Ey** \\ LueiHeBall 34 Diana Lynn — J* Irene Manning 34 Jane Wyman 34 Rosalind Resell 34 Alexis Smith Beauty Brief BfJ^, Casts ADELA ROGERS ST. JOHNS — continues her charming series on new faces. Sammis, Editorial Director Western Marker ElainC ADaVenpart, Art Director pred - Elaine Ostertnan Hymie Fink, Cover: I»g»d Miss Stafi Photographer Hedy Lamarr 35 AnnSothem 35 Gail Patrick — 35 Kathryn Grayson. 35 Ann Sheridan 35 Greer Garson 38 Gene Kelly Esther Williams k 4 lnside SfiS »~ FasWons s photoplays'* w Adele Wb'tely E(J.tor ggggfl Sara '1 Contrib»ti-i Editor £gf Ruth Waterbury, ,her paui Hesse costume »y Bergmans SIDNEY SKOLSKY — The columnist who can write a biography in one word —writes 2186 in "That's Hollywood For You." FRANK S. NUGENT'S — adroit portrayal of the delightful old priest in"Going My Way." T^Qtk£JU