Scanned from the collections of The Library of Congress AUDIO-VISUAL CONSERVATION at The LIBRARY af 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 I? A^ n©W iiOiriS *^diniCK""cjjreA of to assume charge of distribution for all David 0. Selznick's enterprises throughout the world. Agnew confers with Barney Balaban today to determine his departure date from Paramount with which he has been identified for 24 years. Selznick releases through UA and Agnew will work closely with Grad Intimate in Character international in Scope Independent in Thought C The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -IFDAILY 9 J/OL. 85. NO. 65 NEW YORK. MONDAY. APRIL 3. 1944 FULLEST INDUSTRY CO-OP FOR Circuits Lukewarm to War Areas Theater Plan THE WEEK TS REVIEW ITOA Proposals By L H. MITCHEU STATE CONTROL: ITOA of New York has prepared a bill calling for state control of the film industry- through the creation of an M. P. Practices Board, but only as "a last resort" if the proposed revision of the N. Y. consent dceree does not do away with unfair trade practices, 31 of which are listed in its an- nouncement of the proposed bill. . . Allied and unaffiliated exhibs. have expressed agreement with MPTOA Prexy Ed Kuykendall's decree pro- posals. HAYS' REPORT: MPPDA Prexy Will Hays' annual report called trade barriers "vicious censorship" and asserted that U. S. pix ask only to compete on a basis of artistic worth; remarked further that comedies are up sharply as melodramas decline in popular favor; that features are be- ing shortened for classroom use; noted a 24 per cent jump in pay of extras last year, totalling $4,190,060; that 27,000 miles of film were ship- ped daily without a fire loss; that 2,270 film titles were registered dur- ing 1943, bringing the total to 42,- 000. EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Death list included John J. McGuirk, for- merly president of the Stanley Co. of America and of First National Pictures; and Mort H. Singer, head of the Singer Circuit in the Mid- West. . . Films' golden jubilee will be celebrated by the industry ex- tending over a period of nine months. William Fox is planning to re-enter the film field as producer, distribu- tor and exhibitor. . . In response to Red Cross officials' request, more than 5,000 theaters pledged to con- tinue Red Cross collections over the week-end. . . William F. Rodgers, in a trade press interview, asserted there is no remedy for trade prob- lems in legislation, and pleaded for unity. Exhib. organization leaders (Kuykendall, Myers, Brandt) ex- (.Continued on Page 10) See Liability on Hands At War's End; Equipment Also An Adverse Factor Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Exhibition interests, especially those operating large units, appear to be lukewarm to the Government's recommendations for new theaters in communities that have mushroomed due to war industries, according to information compiled here. Because the new houses would be constructed in war boom areas, industry sources see only a temporary demand for amuse- (Continucd on Page 10) Carnegie Hall Story From Morros for UA A picture based on the history of Carnegie Hall in New York will be produced by Boris Morros for distribution through United Artists, Moi-ros announced at a press lun- cheon Friday. Picture, which will be designed to be a musical festival with the richness of the hall's tradi- tions, will require approximately 18 (Continued on Page 10) To Examine WB. MPPDA Execs. In Hillside Suit Executives of Warner Bros, and Vitagraph will be examined on April 10 and MPPDA representatives on April 21, according to notices of examinations before trial filed in N. (Continued on Page 10) Flood Brings Film Deliveries hy Boat Memphis — Film delivery by boat was in progress by Film Transit- at the week-end to provide service to thea- ters at Columbus, Miss., as a result of raging flood waters which washed out bridges and covered miles of high- ways. Local exchanges reported late Fri- day that up to that time no thea- ters had been required to close in the flooded territory because of lack of film. Counter-Proposals on Studio Pads Today Submission of counter-proposals by the film companies in the negotia- tions with the 11 lATSE studio unions for new agreements to re- place those that expired on Jan. 1 will start this morning at the New York offices of Pat Casey, producers' labor contact, four weeks after the opening of talks between company and union spokesmen. The session will be interrupted (Continued on Page 9) Arthur's EDC to Handle New Productions Only St. Louis — All pictures to be dis- tributed by Harry C. Arthur's Ex- hibitors Distributing Corp. will be new subjects produced for the com- pany, Arthur said last week in deny- (Continued on Page 9) BriL in IS mm, Mexican Drive Planning to Exploit Non -Theatrical Market Perry Again President Of New England Indies Boston— All officers of Independent Exhibitors, Inc., were re-elected last week when at a meeting the mem- bers voted to re-affiliate the unit with national Allied. Officers are Francis Perry, presi- (Continued on Page 5) Mexico City (By Air Mail)— Brit- ish exploitation of the 16 mm. horne movie, non-theatrical market in Mexico and other Latin American countries in the post-war period is being carefully planned. British spokesmen in this city are assuring Mexican movie fans that, upon the return of peace, they will be offered the opportunity to buy (Continued on Page 9) Drive to Start June 12; Skouras and Aides to Get Gov't Thanks on Thursday Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The biggest War Bond drive yet — the Fifth War Loan Drive — has been definitely scheduled for June 12-July 8, it was revealed this morning. Over-all goal, as earlier announced, will be 16 billion dollars, two billion more than in the last drive. The pix industry again will be called upon for the fullest co-opera- tion, it was said, with the quota of Bond sales to individuals raised above the gigantic total sought for during the last drive. The individ- ual Bond sales total has been set (Continued on Page 5) Philly Tlieaters Gef C" Manpower Rating ifftt Philadelphia — A solution to the hiring problem in theaters was seen here last week through a co-opera- tive agreement arrived at by the United States Employment Service which placed motion picture estab- lishments in the "C" classification in the Manpower Budget Plan. Under the terms of the agreement, (Continued on Page 10) Standing Room Isn't For the Bus Patrons Muncie, Ind. — Intersection of Adams and Mulberry Streets here is a bus stop, and also locale of the Rivoli Theater whose lobby passeng- ers are accustomed to use as a wait- ing room in inclement weather. But the Board of Public Works and Safety, following a hearing on com- plaint of fire prevention inspectors, has nixed the practice. At session, counsel for the bus company sug- gested that theater's ticket window be moved inside the lobby to pro- vide waiting facilities for the pas- sengers. Leonard Sowar, stand's manager, proposed moving bus stop away from theater, and this will probably be the solution. 7 "afe Monday, April 3, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 65 Won., April 3, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN : : : : : : Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, III., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardoui St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FIIVANCIAL (March 31) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 141/2 143/8 141/2 + Vi 183/4 181/2 185/8 + Vb Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . East. Kodak 1 do pfd 1 Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount ' )0 (0 $5 pfd .^th Century-Fox 20th Cenjfury-Fcx pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures Universal Picts. vtc. . 4'/r 4 4 19% 193/, 193/R bl r/8 1663/4 1663/4 79 179 179 201/4 201/4 201/4 61% 6M/7 6 11/7 2i3/4 251/, 253/4 9 8'/s 9 93 921/4 921/4 ^41/4 23% 233/4 313/4 311/4 3iys i2y8 123/8 121/2 BONDi MARKET ly? 13/8 11/7 2% 21/7 21/7 141/r 141/r 141/r 33/4 33/4 33/4 24 24 24 231/2 223/4 231/8 — % + % + 1/4 + V2 + % + 'A - V4 + Vs + % + Vs — Vs + 1/4 + V2 + Vs Trade Leaders at Rites For McQuirk in Philly Philadelphia — With many industry figures among the mourners, fun- eral services for John J. McQuirk, 73, foi-mer president of and board chairman of the Stanley Company of America and one-time president of First National Pictures, will be held this morning at Our Lady of Victory Church. Interment will' fol- low in Holy Cross Cemetery. NEWMAN SINCLAIR silent 35mm Camera Wanted or other spring driven camera Alpha Film Laboratories 6000 Fimlico Road, Baltimore 9, Md. H Tlie Uroadway Parade H Picture and Distributor Theater Kings of the Ring (Martin Lewis) — 11th week World The Song of Bernadette (Twentieth Century-Fox)— 10th week Rivoli Passage to Marseille (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 7th week... Hollywood Lady in the Dark (Paramount Pictures) — 7th week Paramount The furple Heart (Twentieth Century-Fox)— 4th week Roxy Shine On, Harvest Moon (Warner B.-os. Pictures)— 4th week Strand Voice in the Wind (United Arrists-Ripiey-'Monter) — 3rd week Victoria The Fighting Seabees (Republic Pictures) — 3rd week Globe See Here, Private Hargrove (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 3rd week Astor AM Baba and the Forty Thieves (Universal Pictures) — 3rd week Palace The Impostor (Universal Pictures) — 2nd week Criterion The Heavenly Body (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Hctures) — 2nd week Capitol Women in Bondage (Monogram Pictures) — 2nd week Gotham Cover Girl (Columbia Pictures) Music Hall Her iPrimitive Man (Universal Pictures) Loew's State Fly by Night (Paramount Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York (Blazing Frontiers (Producers Releasing Corp.) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (RKQ Radio-Walt Disney) Manhattan ♦ tOKt:tiJi\ LAMUJAiMli: tEATLRES ♦ Ave Sin Nido (CLASA-Mohme) Belmont Ukraine in Flames (Artkino Pictures) Stanley Journey Through Sweden (Scandia Films) — 4th week 48th St. Theater ♦ tLl'lJltE OPEISII^GS ♦ Four Jills and a Jeep (Twentieth Century-Fox) — April 15 Roxy Uncertain Glory (Warner Bros. Pictures) — April 7 Strand Lost Angel ( Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — ^April 8 Criterion Rationing (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (Pictures) — April 8 Globe Broadway Rhythm (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (c) Capitol Up in Mabel's Room (United Artists) (c) Gotham The White Cliffs of Dover (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) (a) Music Hall Going My Way? (Paramount Pictures)- April 25 Paramount The Yellow Canary (RKO Radio Pictures) (c) Palace Knickerbocker Holiday (United Artists) (c) Victoria Resurrection (CLASA-Mohme)— April 7 ; . ■ .Belmont The Man of the Forest (Scandia Films)— April 8 (a) 48frh St. Theater Resort Flirts (Scandia Films)— April 8 (a) 48th St. Theater (a) Dual bill. (b) Re-issue. (c) Follows current bill. 400 at Chicago V. C/s Dinner for Film Pioneers Chicago — Pour hundred attended the Variety Club pioneers' dinner Friday night at the Blackstone Ho- tel honoring Chicago and downstate film veterans. Dr. Preston Bradley was the principal speaker. Johnnie Jones, chief barker, presided. Silent tribute was paid to the memory of Mort Singer and George Schaeffer who passed away during the week. Many filnti veterans were here from other cities. Honored guests at the dinner were Sam Abrahams, Harry Grampp, Luding Schindler, Abe Bartelstin, Edward Harris, Simon Simansky, Frank Smith, Steve Bennis, Aaron J. Jones, Morris Choynski, Gus Kerosotes, George K. Spoor, Harry Tague, Sam Levin, Charles Fecher, Norman Field, Harry Lubliner, Frank Thielen, Pop Goldson, Tom Murray, Elizabeth Netter, Frank Gazzola, A. W. Roth, F. U. Young, Sam Schiller, Senator Scott Lucas, Leo McCar- thy, PRC, Walter Ranson, Harold Mirsch, Ned Depinet, all RKO; Mr. and Mrs. Nate J. Blumberg, Nate Wolf and Julius Lamin of Cleveland. Companies File Answers In Schoenstadt's Action Chicago — Answers to the Schoen- stadt circuit's Picadilly Theater anti-trust action have been filed by Federal Theaters, Warner Bros, sub- sidiary. Answers are expected this week from RKO, Loew's and Uni- versal. Case has been referred to Judge Charles MacDonald for an early hearing. Montreal Juve Admission Case to Trial April 13 Montreal — A motion declining the jurisdiction of the court made by a defense counsel in the case of two officials of the Verdun Palace The- ater charged with admitting minors to motion picture performances was dismissed Friday by Judge Edouard Tellier. His Honor maintained that the Provincial regulation governing the admittance of children under 16 years of age into theaters had been well established. After the continuation of the case was fixed for April 13, Hellman Swards, defense counsel, announced that he would file a writ of pro- hibition before the civil court. Two from WB in April; "Mark Twain" on May 6 Warners April releases will be "Shine On, Harvest Moon" on the 8th and "Uncertain Glory" on the 22nd. Advanced-price release date of "Adventures of Mark Twain" is set for May 6. "Cover Girl" Holds Over In Virtually All Spots Holdovers or moveovers for "Cover Girl" are following record-breaking openings in virtually all situations, with grosses that insure the picture will be the top money maker in Co- lumbia's history, the home office re- ported Friday. In its first week of pre-release en- gagements, "Cover Girl" has piled up grosses that outdistance last year's outstanding "The More The Merrier" by as much as 100 per cent, it wras said. Lt. Hess's Mother Dead Scranton, Pa. — Mrs. Mary Hess, mother of Lt. William Hess, former assistant manager of the Rialto, Scranton, is dead. i\EW YORK THEATERS -RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL—? 50th St. & 6th Ave. RITA HAYWORTH— GENE KELLY 'COVER GIRL" in Technicolor Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchestra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600 lATtSt MARCH ^ of TIME RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL PARAMOUNT'S "LADY IN THE DARK" In Technicolor In Person XAVIER CUCAT AND BAND DEAN MURPHY PARAMOUNT TIMES SQUARE ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS "UNCERTAIN GLORY" IN PERSON: TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAIVD OPENS 9 A.M. B'WAY & 47th St BUY BONDS! HUMPHREY BOGART IN WARNERS' PASSAGE to MARSEILLE ''''"'"' ''HOLLYWOOD Midnight Opens 10 A.M. - B'way 51st MH P'WAY & 47th St. Maria MONTEZ.Jon HALL.Turhan BEY 'ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES' ON SCREEN 1st N. Y. Showing HER PRIMITIVE MAN' starring LOUISE ALLBRinON ROBT. PAIGE IN PERSON LEO CARmiO Earl 'Father' HINES and ORCHESTRA OTHER BI6 ACTS tiildtm ic A ijit' new/ one mm^^ Unfary-Tpx ^f^rrk ^g ^ma 0. ^IHSOH \ \\\ \ \ *^fi ^M %/ wcroff Wciylfiifw M N ■*" .- w and Robert Bailey Marc Lawrence E. J. BallantJne Mona Maris Tonio Selwart Directed by LOTHAR MENDES Produced by ROBERT BASSLER Screen Play by Kenneth Garnet, Fred Niblo, Jr. and Richard Macaulay Original Story and Adaptation by Ladislas Fodor Dances Staged by Geneva Sawyer CENTURY-FOX GIVE WAR BONDS PREFERRED SELLINir, TIME! Monday, April 3, 1944 ^di^ DAILY ullest industry th Loan (Continued from Page 1) at six billion, with half to be raised through the sale of series "E" Bonds. The goal for series "E" was the same during the last drive, but the goal for sales to individuals was only $5,500,000,000. Actual sales record in the last drive included Bonds to the value f 5.3 billion sold individuals, with he three billion goal for series "E" Bonds oversubscribed. A luncheon meeting with Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr., is tentatively set for Thursday, Charles P. Skouras, "Rick" Ricket- son and B. V. Sturdivant to be his guests. It was learned Friday that the Treasury chieftain intends to of- fer formal thanks during this lun- cheon here to the trio of Westerners for their leadership of the industry in the Fourth war loan drive. Special certificates and campaign books will be presented each of the leaders. Perry Again President Of New England Indies {Continued from Page 1) dent; Harold Stoneman, first vice- president; Warren Nichols, second vice-president; Walter Mitchell, sec- retary; W. L. Bendslev, treasurer, and Arthur Howard, business man- ager. Executive committee includes Na- than Yamins, chairman; Frank Bosc- ketti, J. E. Charbonneau, Richard Flora, Kenneth Forkey, Allard Graves, Fred Greene, Francis Lydon, Joseph Mathieu, Morris Pouzzner, Daniel Murphy, George Ramsdell, Samuel Resnik, Phil Smith, Mayer Stanzler and William Viano. Lustig-"U" Suit Over Trial of the $500,000 breach of contract action brought by William Lustig against Universal has been adjourned to May 12. 415 "Tunisian" Bookings In Metro has 415 bookings as of Fri- day for "Tunisian Victory," set for April 28 release. Sam Katz Maurice ("Red") Kann George Jessel Duncan Renaldo Heath Cobb ▼ ▼ ▼ WASHINGTON • • • The nation's capital was "Dr. Wassell" conscious over the week-end as Paramount presented the official Governmental and diplomatic preview of Cecil B. De Mille's "The Story of Dr. Wassell" Event took place Saturday night in Constitution Hall with top ranking officials of all departments of the Government in attendance as well as newspaper, magazine and trade press representatives The showing was sponsored by the U. S. Navy and all pro- ceeds of the preview, approximately $25,000, went to the Navy League's Red Crass Fund for 1944 De Mille headed a Hollywood group which participated in an impressive ceremonial presentolion program on the stags of the Hall before the showing of the picture, arrangements for the prologue having been supervised by Bob Weilman, managing di- rector of the Broadway Paramount ▼TV • • e AMONG THOSE INTRODUCED to the audience of 4,000 was Commander Coijdon M. Wassell, the Arkansas country doctor who brought his handful of wounded survivors from the bat- tered U. S. S. Marblehead through 1,500 miles from Java to a happy ending in Australia His heroic exploits won him the Navy Cross Also introduced was Signe Hasso, who plays the featured part of Bettina, a Dutch nurse, opposite Gary Cooper, the picture's star Admiral William D. Leahy, USN, chief of staff to the Com- mander in Chief, luas one of the honored guests De Mille in a brief address revealed that a percentage of the revenue from the distribution of the film will be donated by Paramount to the U. S. Navy Emergency Relief Fund His speech was broadcast Official Washingtoii recalled that President Roosevelt's "fireside chat" radio tribute to the then Lt. Comdr. Wassell in April 1942, was what inspired De Mille to make tlie fncture, a fnoject that was in work the minute the broadcast ended T T ▼ 9 • • THE BIG WASHINGTON preview was handled in ex- pert fashion under the guidance of Bob Gillham, Al Wilkie and their home office staff Others who attended included: Admirals Reich- muth. Parks, Cook, Pace, Metcalf, Moreell, Woodard, Malloy, Hipp, Byrd, Fisher, Lctnd, Eaton, Stuart, Tarrant, Richardson, Donohue, Chalker, Jacobs, Hussey, Combs, Badger, Andrews, McCormick, Farber, Bunker, Pyns, Bloch, Baldwin, Sheldon, Lowe, Yamell, Bass, Purnell, Taussig, Cochran, Howard, Davis, Gorman. Watson, Robinson, Bieri, Brand, Dunfield, Pitts, Hart, cmd Delaney General Vandsgrift, Commandant of the U. S. Marine Corps; and Generals Hershey, Surles, Hall, Peck, Lull, Campbell, Harper, Cramer, Dunlop, HanseU, Ingles, Kuter and Vandenberg Stephen Early, press secretary to Presi- dent Roosevelt; General Edwin M. Watson, military aide to the Presi- dent; Judge Samuel Rosenman, Presidential advisor; Lowell Mellett, former chief of the Bureau of Motion Pictures of the Office of War In- formation and aide to President Roosevelt; Robert Sherwood, head of the Overseas Division of the OWI; James F. Byrnes, Economic Ad- ministrator; Fred M. Vinson, War Stabilization Director; William Hassett, White House secretary Chief Justice Stone of the U. S. Supreme Court, and Justices Roberts, Black, Reed, Frankfurter, Douglas, Mur- phy, Jackson and Rutledge Members of the Cabinet, including Secretaries Hull, Morgenthau, Attorney General Biddle, Secretaries Walker, Ickes, Wickard, Jones, Perkins, and Michael J. McDermott, special assistant to Secretary Hull and others ▼ T ▼ • • • AVEN(.E PEARI. HARliOR! COminG and Goinc FRANCIS S. HARMON goes to Nsw Haven today to address an Advertising Cijb luncheon meeting at the Hotel Garde. on the Coast today ESSE L. LASKY is due fiom New York. NED E. DEPiNET and MR. and MRS. NAT J. BLUMBERC were in Chicago Friday to attend the funeral of Mort Singer. EDWARD EVERETT MORTON, who has just finished his role in "Cinderella )ones" at the Warners' studio, is due in New Yoik early this weak from the Coast. JACOB WILK, Eastern story chief for Warner Bros., was in Wilmngton, Del., on Saturday to look over the trycut o' the new Lilian Hellman play, "The Searching Wind," produced by Her- man Shumlin. FRANCES FENTON, national magazine con- tact in the Metro home office, left Friday to go overseas for the American Red Cross. S. J. GREGORY, of the Alliance circuit, has returned to Chicago from a month's tcur of the W;st Coast. MURIEL BABCOCK, editorial director of the Ideal Women's Group magazines, has returned from the Coast. JOE LEE, home office rep. for Twentieth-Fox has been making a tcur of Western Michigan with EDDIE WESTCOTT, local rep. DAVID G. ARTHUR, assistant general mana- ger of F & M, St. Louis, has gone to the Coast where he will await a call from the USMC. HENRY HALLOWAY, Missouri circuit operator, has left for a Mexican vacation. . JULES FIELDS of 20th-Fox's exploitation de- partment, left Friday for Denver. EDWARD AARON is vacationing at Asheville, N. C. NAT LEVY, Eastern division sales manager for RKO, leaves Wednesday for a brief trip to Montreal on routine business for the company. TERRY TURNER, RKO exploitation chief, leaves tonight for Montreal to set the cam- paign for the Canadian premiere of "Snow White." BORIS MORROS left over the week-end for Hollywood. Mo. Constitutional Meet Blocks Return of Games Jefferson City, Mo. — All hope that the way might be opened through the Missouri Constitutional Conven- tion for a legal revival of Bank Night, Screeno and other theate;.' games was knocked out when the Convention by a vote of 48 to 18 de- feated a proposal to eliminate from the proposed new constitution a pro- hibition against the legislature au- thorizing lotteries or gift enterprises for any pui'pose. WEDDinG BELLS Lt. Joseph Gould, who left the UA publicity department for the Army, was married at the Ritz Carlton here to Betty Dorsay of Forest Hills. Lt. Gould, former SPG prexy, is now stationed at Indiantown Gap, Pa. Scranton, Pa. — Announcement has been made of the engagement of Kathryn Smith, an employe of the Comerford Theaters, to Pvt. Edward J. Raffelt. I 'Mk THATSTARTLE ROADWAY... Walter \A/'\n< ?-'>^ IMPRESSIVE! Times TOP «07-i •^/'m w/ '^>' M joorno ^\.Amenca'f^ er tH6R0^^*'- VAero U-^r\bo;^ VOICE IN THE WIND starring francis lederer with Sigrid Gurie • J. Edward Bromberg • J. Carrol Naish and Alexander Granach • Produced by Arthur Ripley A RIPLEY-MONTER production wmmir mnR mwsmx "^ ""m mwft mm mm MMMaawaMMig # \|otv ©VJ ^Vk^ 1^ "2^^'stSS. Wor/d-Tele gram ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE PICTURES OF THE DECADE! Cue Magazine coM^tiO!}«;- ••''"' wt ^^1^ -1 "W4ff/>i AH Look m M • -OFFICE VOICE jmiiTrn jiDTirji DAILY Monday, April 3, 1944 R. (. Campaign Ends On Optimisfic Note With nation-wide exhib. co-op. on an unprecedented scale, the indus- try's 1944 Red Cross campaign closed officially last night on a high note of optimism. Scattered field reports received up to late Friday by Joseph Bernhard, national chairman, encourage the hope that the much higher quota set for pic theaters would be fulfilled. Complete official reports of collec- tions are expected within the next few days. Some will be delayed, it was pointed out, due to a number of theaters continuing collections a full two weeks. Collections in Cinema Circuit houses, for the first seven days of the drive, were 98 per cent greater than for the comparable period in 1943, it was announced Friday by James B. Zabin, general manager. Cinema group was among those con- tinuing their collections for a sec- ond week-end. Studios' Drive Response Points to a New Record ■West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Response of the stu- dios in the 1944 Red Cross Drive not only will exceed last year's total, but also will top the record War Chest total, according to Arch Reeve, secretary of the industry's Western Public Information Commit- tee. Returns up to but not including Friday (March 31) showed 22,116 individual subscriptions, an increase of about 1,000 donations over the 1943 Red Cross campaign. Corpo- rate subscriptions up to the same time were $40,000 above the last War Chest figure, which set an all- time high for contributions to war causes. RKO and Warners studios have turned in 60 per cent and 45 per cent gains, respectively, over their 1943 amounts, Reeve stated. Auto Accidents Bring Severe Hurts to Two St. Louis — Jimmy Bradford, vet- eran Columbia salesman, was seri- ously injured when a truck forced his machine off the highway while he was en route to Festus. York, Neb. — Harry Fick, who was being transferred from Omaha to Seattle by Ross Federal Service, was involved in an auto accident near here in which his wife was seriously injured and his car demolished. L. A. Rassler will replace Fick at Omaha. Rep. Superman Trial May 5 Republic Productions' $50,000 breach of contract action against Detective Comics, Inc. and Super- man, Inc., has been restored to the N. Y. Supreme Court calendar and set for trial May 5. AMERICAN RED CROSS ■ ATlOltL ■IlDOSAITtIt VtlliaOTOII IJ.D. C. March 29, 19U lir. Don UeJrAsreau General Manager Film Daily 1501 Broadway New York, New York Dear Mr. Mersereau: Through the courtesy of Mr. Harry Goldberg, Campaign Manager for the 1944 motion picture industry's Red Cross Week, I have reviewed a number of your publications which so generously supported our 1944 War Fund cam- paign. While additional time will be required before the final results of the industry' s efforts are made known, we are fully cognizant of the outstanding support Flli! DAILY accorded this worthwhile project. With this in mind I hasten to express to you the gratitude of our entire national organization for your helpfulness which, in the final analysis, \mquestionably will prove a real factor in the success of the industry's magnificent cooperation. Sincerely yours. lovsrard Bonham Director of Public Relations YOUR RED CROSS IS AT HtS SIDE (I Legion Protests Halt Venereal Pix Release Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Responsibility for the action of the U. S. Public Health Service in withdrawing its sponsor- ship of general distribution of the Walter Wanger short on venereal disease, "To the People of the United States," is placed by the Service on the Legion of Decency. Dr. Thomas Parran, the Surgeon General, released a letter to Wanger in which he said the Legion objected to the film because "it fails to stress the fact that promiscuity is the prin- cipal cause of venereal disease." Legion further opposed theatrical release of the picture on the ground that it would "pave the way for a flood of pictures by producers who do not hesitate to avail themselves of every opportunity for lurid and pornographic material for financial gain." Stewart Moves to Metro Russell Stewart, fomtierly film critic of the Washington Daily News and more recently with Warners, joins Metro's publicity department today. Chennault Hails Industry Gifts of 16 mm. Films Maj. Gen. C. L. Chennault, com- mander of the 14th Air Force, has written from China expressing his "gratitude" to the industry for its gift of 16 mm. prints of cuirrent pix to the Army's Overseas Motion Pic- ture Service. "For some time now," penned Gen- eral Chennault, "I have wished to express my gratitude to the motion picture industry for the films which are sent to China for exhibition to Fourteenth Air Force Personnel without charge. "They are shown everywhere, from our main bases in the big cities of Free China, to the airfields in the little towns on the fighting front. They are enjoyed everywhere and constitute a real contribution to the well being of my men." TO THE COLORS! Macgowan Joins Para. West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Kenneth Macgowan, who has given up his producer post at 20th-Fox, is joining Paramount as a producer and will be given his first assignment shortly. * COMMISSIONED * ROBERT H. WILSON, Palace. Jackson, Mo., commissioned a lieutenant (j.g.), USN. * ARMY * fDWARD O'CONNOR, projectionist, Capitol, Springfield, Mass. J. L. ETHERIDCE, owner of the Majestic, Joliet, III. and Luxe, East Peoria. DU.o.WARD P. SENSING, Crescent Amusement Co., Nashville. )ACK THOMPSON, Paramount salesman, De- troit. j. A. BRACKEN, Warner contact manager, New England. DOUGLAS D. DESCH, RKO office manager, Dal- las. F. K. DALTON, booker, RKO, Dallas CLIFF WOOD, head shipper, RKO, Dallas. FRED MILLER, RKO home office, LENNY BLUM, photostat department, RKO home office. GEORGE KESSLER, theater publicity, RKO home offir.?. ED KESTENBAUM, theater publicity, RKO home office. ROY LARGO, still department, RKO home of- fice. GENE COLEMAN, assistant manager, Capitol > Scanton, Pa. TED LEVY, Warner Theaters, Chicago FRANK LENGENFELDER, Warner Theaters Chi- cago. )AMES FLY, booker. Paramount, Memphis. * NAVY * J. E MOORHEAD, owner, Granada, Oxford, Neb. m Monday, April 3, 1944 DAILY Counter-Proposals on Studio Pads Today (Continued from Page 1) in the afternoon to permit James C. Petrillo, head of the American Federation of Musicians, to be heard on the demands of the Musicians \Mutual Protective Association, Lo- /)cal 47, AFM, one of the seven AFL groups that are signatories to the basic agreement. The musicians represent the sole basic-agreement group whose proposals were not dis- cussed with the producer represen- tatives when the demands of the seven AFL international unions were presented at Casey's office. With the exception of Local 695, sound technicians, the lATSE unions had all their final proposals in the hands of the producer representa- tives at the close of Friday's ses- sion of the conference. The last groups to present their demands to the producers were Local 44, prop- erty men, and Local 727, laborers. Proposals of Local 728, electricians, among which is understood to be one asking for jurisdiction over all lighting in connection with studio television activities, were among those taken under consideration on Friday by the producer spokesmen. It was reported that, except for certain general proposals, agreement had been reached by both sides on the demands of Local 165, projection- ists; Local 683, laboratory technic- ians; Local 659, cameramen, and Local 706, make-up artists and hair- dressers. F & M and Loew's to Split Columbia Pix in St. Louis St. Louis— C. D. Hill, Columbia manager, has closed a deal with Harry C. Arthur, Jr., of Fanchon & Marco, under which the three F & M first-runs will show one-half of the current Columbia line up, or a total of 22, while the St. Louis Amuse- ment Co. chain of 20 houses, under F & M management, will use all of the 44 Columbia pix for subsequent- runs. Loew's State and Loew's Orpheum, will show the other half of the Co- lumbia product first-run this season, while the Ansell Brothers-Shuchart Circuit will retain the Columbia product for second and third-runs. Last year none of the F & M-St. Louis Amusement Co. houses used Columbia product. Absorbs Univ. White Collars Universal office workers affiliated with the American Federation of Office Employes, Local 20940, AFL, on Saturday were absorbed by Mo- tion Picture Office Employes, Local 23169, AFL, which represents all white collars at Warner Bros. The action was taken in a move to place all AFL white-collar workers in the local film industry in a group by themselves. Some 150 office workers were afi'ected. 50c, Stamps and Tax Receipt, All for FDR iVashington Bur.. THE FILM DAILY Washington — President Roosevelt received Cecil B. De Mille, pro- ducer of "The Story of Dr. Wassell," and Dr. Corydon Wassell in his — White House study Friday. De Mille gave FDR three pres- ents — a half dollar, the tra- ditional De Mille gift to the per- son he considers who has made i the most note- worthy contri- bution to a pic- ture; a set of 16 Dutch East Indies stamps for the President's personal collection and a tax re- ceipt from De Mille's collection of clay tablets from Drehem, dating back 4,000 years. CECIL B. DE MILLE Briiisli in 16 mm. Drive in Mexico (Continued from Page 1) English motion-picture projectors and screens at a price within the reach of all. Purchasers of the equipment, it is added, will be priv- ileged to rent full-length, first-class pictures for a nominal fee. The plan is described as part of a drive to step up the distribution of British films throughout Latin Amer- ica after the war. It is opposed by local theater-owners, who see it as a direct menace to the Mexican mo- vie industry. Arthur's EDC to Handle New Productions Only (Continued from Page 1) ing reports that EDC would release approximately 30 Samuel Goldwyn past productions. As has been announced, Ar|hur said EDC will function along the lines of the old First National com- pany and will finance pictures for leading producers and established stars. 13-CitY So. California Debut for "Mark Twain" M^rsf Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Warner Bros, and Fox West Coast will stage a Southern California preview premiere for "The Adventures of Mark Twain" in 13 theaters simultaneously in Southern California area May 5. Theaters to be incliided in the opening are located in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Pedro, Fresno, Long Beach, San Diego, Pomona, Riverside and Ba- kersfield. Will Open Booking Offices New Haven — Flora Cohn, former booker and office manager at RKO here, is now booking for the Pequot, New Haven, and Parkway, Bridge- port, and will open an office for simi- lar service in the city. PRC's L. A. Branch Wins PRC's Los Angeles branch took first place in the company's six-week collection and billing drive, Leo Mc- Carthy, sales manager, announced Friday. New Orleans was second and Washington third. Drive started Feb. 12 and ended with the week of March 20. No. 11 Outstanding Industry Personalities LIKE the tree of contemporary literature, Consolidated Film Industry's president and managing director, grew in Brooklyn. After emerging from public and private schools, he attended Columbia University. Became sales executive, American Tobacco Co. and Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. Struck out along little- blazed paths of the young film field by organiz- ing Republic Film Labs in 1918 and dittoed the following year with Allied Film Labs Assn. Three years thereafter he hatched Consolidated Film Industries, Inc. In 1935, tradition has it, he heard inspirational voices (probably singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic). Result: What is to all practical-minded industry-ites the nnith major company. WHERE there's smoke, there's fire. In the smokiest of cities, and we do mean Pitts- burgh, ivas born this flaming personality whose humanitarianism has actually outweighed his fame as a leading film figure. Is known from coast to coast and border to border (and beyond) as the founder of the Variety Clubs of America, whose National Chief Barker he is. Georgetown University is his alma mater which he attended at about the time that Harry Costello's educated toe was writing gridiron history. Succeeded his distinguished political father as mainsprifig of the Harris Theaters which have operated under his command, except for brief Warner jurisdic- tion in the immediate post-sound era. RCA SERVICE CO.'s prexy was born in Glasgow (Montana, not Scotland). While attending high school, he shelved high his Ijooks to join Army Medical Corps in World War I. In 1928 graduated from School of Engineering, Milwaukee. In interim, was with the electrical department of the Great Northern R. R. at St. Paul. Then began his industry career as he became a field engineer for RCA Photophone. In 1939, after series of promotions, was named man- ager of Motion Picture Division of RCA Mfg. Co. Has worked in so many sectors of U. S. that he is an authority on the American Scene. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. ■■i IC IW' DAILY Monday, April 3, 1944 THE WEEK US REVIEW ITOA Proposals {Continued from Page 1); pressed agreement with his views on unity. . . Si Fabian buys into the Wilmer & Vincent circuit, and will become its president, operating 20 theaters. . . Two trade unions are fighting for jurisdiction over studio SEND IT ALONG Someone in the film industry you know who is now serving in the armed forces either at home or overseas, will appreciate this "Week in Review" digest of ma- jor FILM DAILY stories. So won't you please clip it and send it along? television lighting — lATSE electric- ians. Local 728, and IBEW Local 40. . . Manpower problems of film manufacturers were declared to be up to draft officials. . . PRC Pro- ductions will make 10 of PRC's an- nounced 24 features for 1944-45. Philly Theaters Get C" {Manpower Rating rrrrr {Continued from Page 1) film theaters wishing to hire non- operating personnel (ushers, clean- ers, cashiers, etc.) will clear them physically to Unit C-3 with Form OD-151 (198) a. Applicants referred by theaters to the USES for clear- ance will be exposed to orders from "A" and "B" employers and an at- tempt made to refer them to essen- tial or locally needed employment. Applicants who cannot be referred to an essentially or locally needed employer will be referred back to the theater which sent them in for clearance with Forms USES-508 and 508-1. Theaters will refer to the USES with Form OD-131 (168) workers for whom they have no open- ings or whom they do not wish to hire. IN NEW POSTS ROSE MARIE EICKFNLAUB, secretary to I. H. Baron, Warner Theaters, Chicago. NADINE FAECES, booker, PRC, Cleveland. MRS. ). E. MOORHEAD, manager, Granada. Oxford, Neb. RUTH WATERBURY, Photoplay staff, Holly- wood. BERNICE McCORMICK, film inspector. United Artists, Buffalo. BILLY DORBAND, second assistant. United Ar- tists Theater, Chicago. LARRY WILLIAMS, assistant manager. State Lake, Chicago. TED CALANTER, M-C-M exploitation represen- tative, Seattle. HOWARD HERTY, M-C-M exploitation repre- sentative, Hollywood. MARVIN SHIPMAN, relief manager. Associated Theaters. Detroit. BALDY BALDASSARI, manager, Roseland State, Chicago. To Examine WB, MPPDA Execs, in Hillside Suit (Continued from Page 1) Y. Federal Court Friday by Hillside Amusement Co., operator of the May- fair, Newark. Examinations, to be held in the offices of Hays, Podell & Schurman, attorneys for the plain- tiff, are in connection with the Sher- man Act suit brought against eight majors and their subsidiaries. FPC Raises IP's Bid For the Assets of HUT Toronto — Odeon Theaters of Can- ada and Famous Players have made rival offers to purchase the Capitol, Palace and Savoy Theaters in Ham- ilton owned by Hamilton United The- aters, Ltd., which is now operated under lease by Odeon effective until Aug. 31, 1951, according to state- ment by Paul Nathanson. Bids will be considered by HUT shareholders at a meeting today. Famous Players' offer is $831,931, but is said to be contingent on pos- session not later than Sept. 15, 1946. Nathanson's bid through the com- pany known as Theater Properties (Hamilton) Ltd., is $711,881 and in his letter to shareholders Nathanson claimed Odeon operation brought an operation profit of over $40,000 in each of the past two years while Famous Players had an operating profit of $4,793 in 1940 when the theaters were under the control of that cixxuit, with the same basic property rentals. Adoption of MPA's Group Insurance Plan Is Seen Adoption of the Motion Picture Associates group insurance plan was indicated by the membership of the charitable organization at a special meeting on Friday at the Hotel As- tor. The plan, which was offered to the members by Morris Sanders, head of the MPA, is now in the hands of the group's directors. The insurance, which would be in addi- tion to the MPA death benefit, would be offered to new members as part of their membership. Further details on the insurance plan will be presented to members of the organization at their next luncheon meeting on May 1. 1 7- Year-Old Helpers for Booth Spots in Memphis Memphis, Tenn. — Minimum age of persons serving as "helpers or ap- pi'entices" to motion picture opera- tors will be lowered from 18 to 17 by an amendment to a city ordinance nassed on first reading by the City Commission. The Mayor explained the age was being lowered because motion pic- ture operators are having difficulty finding boys to serve as helpers. At the same time, the ordinance was amended to require licensed op- erators to be 21. The age formerly was 18. « R E V I E lU S »i^i'^13 I MHXtl[)£l l-ytJCJB-y » ^ l» I' Ron 13 I S T 2 I S T 2 nw N YCr, .a^Js^^ \Ji^imaie in Character iniernaiional in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -IFDAILY' "^L. 85, NO. 66 NEW YORE. TUESDAY. APRIL 4. 1944 TEN CENTS "UNITY" VIA COURT DECREE, CLARK IDEA Movie Patrons Taking New Federal Tax in Stride No Dent Made in Normal Business on First Week- end, National Check Shows ' While it appears to be too early to get a true reaction to the new Federal admission tax which went into effect on Saturday, reports from the field indicate that the box-of- fices of the nation, especially in the key cities, showed little or no slump in business during the first three days of the tax. Because of the Easter holidays and the Lenten sea- son, many theater men said they could not consider this an average period and therefore could not gauge (Continued on Page 7) St. Louis Stagehands Asl( Police Protection ',' St. Louis — The WLB hearing on the stagehands' wage increase case was resumed at the Federal Bldg. yesterday with city police and a county sheriff's deputy guarding the homes of five officers of the St. ;^Louis Theatrical Brotherhood Local 'No. 6. These precautions were taken (Continued on Page 6) Navy Relief May Get $400,000 via "Wassell' The Navy Emergency Relief Fund will receive between $300,000 and $40'0,000 as its share of the gross of "The Story of Dr. Wassell," it was estimated by Cecil B. De Mille, its (Continued on Page 3) Juvenile Attendance Restriction Proposed Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY Washington — The Federal Securi- ty Agency's National Advisory Police Committee on Social Protection, in special report on juvenile delinquency, suggests that children unaccompanied by adults be denied theater admis- sion after 9 p.m. and that unescorted children should be denied admission to the balconies. Twentieth Century-Fox Going All-Color For Short Subjects on 1944-45 Program All of 20th-Fox's short releases for 1944-1945 will be in color, it was learned yesterday. This applies to both Movietone and Terrytoon items. Almost three fourths of the company's shorts program for the new season already is completed. The budget for the 1944-1945 product is 25 per cent above that for 1943- 1944. Taken separtely, the Terrytoons will cost 18 to 20 per cent more than those turned out for the current season. Army Pictorial Top Spot to Col. Munson IVashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Col. Lyman Munson, former head of the Information Bu- reau, Army Morale Services, has succeeded Col. Kirk B. Lawton as head of the Signal Corps' Army Pic- torial Service. Col. Munson quie'tly moved into Col. Lawton's office last Friday, with Col. Lawton scheduled to leave soon for London, "under sealed orders." It is believed he will have direct charge of the Signal Corps combat camera crews cover- (Continued on Page 7) UA to Open Six Foreign Pub. Branches After War West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — In an effort to supply a more effective and timely public- ity service on its pictures in for- eign countries. United Artists plans to establish centrally located branch offices of its foreign publicity de- partments, according to Walter Gould, the company's foreign sales (Continued on Page 7) Anti-Blind Cliecking Measure in Jersey Anti-blind checking measure has been hoppered in the New Jersey State Assembly at Trenton. Spon- sored by N. C. Young of Cape May, the Bill, No. 181, has been referred to the Labor and Industries Commit- tee. In general, measure is along the lines of those which were introduced in several state legislatures a year ago. While 10 other measures hoppered recently would affect the industry, they are not specific in their applica- tion to the trade. Extend War Insurance On Theaters; No Charge War-damage insurance policies on theaters and coast studios in force on March 31, are being extended au- tomatically for another twelve months without the payment of ad- ditional premiums or other charges, it was learned yesterday. No action will be required upon (Continued on Page 3) \ Unions Win Concessions Following Negotiations with Producers Eaton New Trial Motion Will be Argued April 20 Memphis, Tenn. — Counsel for John W. Eaton, owner and manager of the Peabody theater, will argue a mo- tion for a new trial in Criminal Court here on April 20. Eaton was convicted of involuntai'y manslaugh- (Continued oh Page 6) Labor groups belonging to the AFL-affiliated Conference of Studio Unions yesterday were in possession of important concessions as result of negotiations with film companies for new agreements to replace those that expired on Jan. 1. The sessions between Conference and producer spokesmen got under way on Satur- day at the New York offices of Pat (Continued on Page 2) Would Be Glad to Discuss Proposals But Without a Commitment, He Declares Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — -If the motion pic- ture industry wants a unity program and can work out trade practices among its own branches, why doesn't it include them in the New York consent decree and have the force of the courts behind them, Tom C. Clark, Assistant Attorney General, asked yesterday when questioned about recent unity "feelers." Re- calling that Thurman W. Arnold, Clark's predecessor as head of the anti-trust division had kayoed the UMPI plan as an unlawful combina- (Continued on Page 3) Dale Agnew Leaves Para. Not Yet Set Effective date of the resignation of Neil Agnew as vice-president in charge of distribution for Paramount and as a director of the company to join David O. Selznick remained to be set last night. Agnew, who has been serving as (Continued on Page 6) Franchise Tax Law Change Aids Out-of-State Firms Albany — Governor Dewey has ap- proved the Bewley bill entirely re- vamping the franchise tax law on business corporations. The bill re- flects advantages to corporations or- (Continued on Page 6) Filnis Mean Home To Yanks at Front Movies mean home to American troops in combat areas, Maj. Gen. Frederick H. Osborn, director of the Morale Services Division of the Army, tcid a nation-wide radio audience tuned in for the "We, the People" program Sunday. Back from the Pacific front, General Osborn said the industry's gift pix were drawing audiences of 3,000 and 4,000 in dis- tant outposts where Old Glory flies. d^ niEi DAILY: Vol. 85, No. 66 Tues., April 4, 1944 lOCents JOHN W. ALICOATE DONALD M. MERSEREAU CHESTER B. BAHN Publisher General Manager Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. v. by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. T. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Ireasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York tl nn° °?-^ ^^"' t """As. $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should r™lij'"' °!:^er. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY. 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117 9-.7118. 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address." Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W.. Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO. 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA-Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo' Apartado 8817, Mexico. D. F. Conference Unions, Producers in Accord I'llVAlVCIAL (Monday, April 3) ; NEW YORK STOCK MARKET , . „ High Low Close Col. Picts.vtc. (21/2%) I814 18 18 Columbia Picts. pfd. . . 405^ 405/8 40% Con. Fm. Ind.. 4 3% 4 -|- Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... I91/2 19 191/2 + East. Kodak 167 1663^ 1663^ — Loew's, Inc 61 61 61 Paramount 253^ 25% 251/4 — RKO 85/8 8I/2 85/8 — RKO ?6 pfd 92 901/2 901/2 — ;0th Century-Fox ... 24 231/2 233^ — 20th Century-Fox pfd. SW/s 311/2 313A + Warner Bros 123/3 121/4 123/3 — NEW YORK BOND MARKET Par. B'way 3s55 92 92 92 + NEW YORK CURB MARKET Net Chg. Monogram Picts 334 33^ Radio-Keith cvs. ... 13^^ 13^ Sonotone Corp 23^ 2% Technicolor 1378 1334 Trans-Lux 33^ 35^ Universal Pictures . . 24 24 Universal Picts. vtc. 233^ 23 33/4 - 13/8 — 25/8 — 133/4 — 35/8 — 24 23 — % See Tenn. Exit of Troops Cutting Crowds, Not Gross Nashville, Tenn. — Army maneuv- ers in Middle Tennessee termi- nated Saturday and departure of men in uniform will affect theater attendance. Nashville theaters, par- ticularly on week-ends, have been crowded with soldiers from the ma- neuvers area admitted at half price. However, managers of the uptown houses, mostly affected, believe that gross box-office will not be greatly hit. Civilian patronage at full prices is expected to increase. Two "U" Auditors Quit F. W. Franke and George M. Ja- cobi, traveling auditors with Uni- versal, have announced their resig- nations. (Continued from Page I) Casey, studio labor contact. Some 6,000 studio workers are affected. Topping the list of demands won by the Conference unions was one that wages be increased to the 15 per cent maximum allowable under the Little Steel formula— an aver- age of five per cent in most instances. The increase augments a 10 per cent boost obtained by the Confer- ence group in 1941. Vacations with pay were among the other benefits granted by the producers. The Conference was ac- corded official recognition by the companies as bargaining agent for its member unions. The union spokesmen were un- derstood to have obtained approval from the producers of a job-classi- fication program prepared by Motion Picture Painters, Local 644; Screen Office Employes Guild, Local 1391, and other groups within the Confer- ence. All concessions granted by the producers are retroactive to Jan. 1, when the old two-year agreements expired. Expected to Sign Today The points on which both sides were in agreement will be placed before the producers in written form today, when the employers are ex- pected to sign the accord. It was re- ported yesterday that the Confer- ence representatives were firm against signing any understanding extending beyond Sept. 1, 1945. Conference groups represented at the huddles were Machinists, Local 1185; Set Designers, Local 1421; Po- licemen and Guards, Local 193; Jani- <-ors, Local 99; Screen Cartoonists, Local 852, the Screen Publicists Guild and Story Analysts Guild (readers), the last two with no local designations, being recent recruits to the Conference ranks. The only member union of the Conference that was not represented in the talks was laboratory tech- nicians, Local 683, the sole Confer- ence aroup having lATSE aflSliation. The laboratory workers are among the group of 11 lATSE studio locals for which negotiations are being con- ducted at Casey's office. Conference Reps. Present The Conference is represented by Herbert Sorrell. its president; D. T. Wayne, its vice-president; Glenn Pratt, business agent of the Screen Office Employes Guild, and George Bradley. Sorrell expects to return to the Coast tonight. As negotiations for new agree- ments for the lATSE locals were re- sumed yesterday at Casey's office it was renorted that the Alliance groups had lost their fight for a pension plan calling for producers to set aside annually a sum equiva- lent to five per cent of their payroll. It became known at the same time that onlv four big points still re- mained to be settled in the negotia- tions between company and lATSE American Tele Society Hears Engineers April 11 American Television Society, meet- ing at the Hotel Capitol on April 11, will hear Peter C. Goldmark, CBS chief television engineer; Mil- ton Walsh, RCA television engineer; A. H. Rosenthal, Scophony chief tele- vision engineer; William B. Still, president of the Jamaica Radio & Television Corp.; Dorman D. Israel, Emerson vice-prexy, and Dr. Thomas Goldsmith, Jr., DuMont Labs, re- search director. Tuesday, April 4, 1944 Mono. Cuban Distributor Plans Exchange System Orbe Films, distributors of Mono- gram product in Cuba, will open sev- eral other branches throughout its territory in addition to the principal office in Havana, according to Luis Sanchez Amago, managing director, who is in New York for conferences. Amago said he anticipated a profit- able season due jointly to the favor- able situation created by the new sugar crop and the improved quality of Monogram pictures. Empress, Minneapolis, Files "Some-Run" Squawk Claiming that Loew's has refused to license product on some-run, the Empress Amusement Corp., operat- ing the Empress Theater, Minneap- olis, has filed a demand for arbitra- tion in the Minneapolis tribunal. Complainant asks that Loew's be ordered to deliver product to the Empress on the run requested. Lt. Yentes of 20th-Fox Falls on Cassino Front The War Department has announc- ed the death on the Cassino front of First Lt. Robert Yentes, 26, 1^^ formerly employed at the 20th- 1^5 Fox exchange here. A brother also is in the service. Yentes' home was at 2002 Ave. S, Brooklyn. Geehan Arrives for 50th Anniversary Talks William Geehan, assistant to M. J. Fitzgerald, president of the Fox- Wisconsin circuit, arrived yesterday for preliminary parleys on the in- dustry's 50th anniversary celebra- tion. Fitzgerald heads the exhibi- tors' participation in the jubilee. Al Steen Hospitalized Al Steen, associate editor of The Film Daily, undergoes a foot opera- tion in Kew Gardens Hospital this morning. COrninG and Goinc BRIAN DONLEVY today starts a week's tou- of Army and Navy hospitals in the State of Washington. GLORIA STUART and HILLARY BROOKS will make personal appearances at Army and Navv hospitals in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee Missouri and Kansas from April 8 to 16. LYNN MERRICK and BETTY ALEXANW yesterday opened a 10-day tour of service h« pitals in Texas under the auspices of USO-Cari Shows. SHEILA RYAN and K. T. STEVENS are call- ing on hospitalized service men in New Mexico Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma. JULES LAPIDUS, Eastern division sales manager for Warners, left last night for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Republic's president, JAMES R. GRAINGER and Eastern district sales manager, MAXWELL GILLIS, left yesterday for Washington, to re- turn Thursday or Friday of this week. LIEUT. CHARLES TOMASINO, of the White Way and Victory, New Haven, in on leave from Tennessee. ED PUKOFF, public relations director for CORONET and ESQUIRE magazines has arrived in Hollywood to study the motion picture scene. WALTER BLAKE of the Blaine-Thompson ad- vertising agency, is back from the Coast. Plaintiffs May Close in Pickwick Trial Thursday New Haven — Saul Rogers, counsel for the plaintiffs in the Pickwick anti-trust damage suit trial before Judge Carroll Hincks, expects to close the plaintiffs' case by Thurs- day. At yesterday's hearing, with the jury not present, the court permit- ted the retention in evidence of the 1931 contract by which Fox Metro- politan Playhouses turned over 60 theaters in metropolitan New York alone to Skouras Theaters, and the 10-year franchise agreement by Skouras Theaters with 20th Century- Fox executed in 1931. spokesmen. They were understood to involve seniority rights, griev- ance machinery, contract length and travel time on location calls. Discussions on all proposals pre- sented by the 11 lATSE locals wound up last night, with submission of answers by the producers delayed until today, or possibly later. DeVry Corp. to Celebrate Pix's 50th Anniversary Chicago — DeVry Corporation will mark the 50th anniversary of films April 14 with a celebration at the Chicago Service Center. Mayor Ed- ward Kelly, Governor Dwight Green and other celebrities are expected to participate. A huge birthday cake will be distributed to service men after the celebration. 1, oe! > hi ite: It re l-C i u o^' '■'^''tman Richard Rosson Rosemary Lane Leo the Lion Gene Reynolds Major Arthur B Krim bi : Tuesday, April 4, 1944 TOH rnu DAILY Unity via Court decree, Clarlc Idea (Continued from Page 1) '*|tion, Clark said such trade organi- ^j.ations "generally have a tendency I to branch into affairs which bring jfj^ijem in conflict with anti-ti'ust laws." iT piark is no longer head of the ' I ^ti-trust division, but since he was assigned to handle the films case by •;' ;he Attorney General, Wendell Berge, aow head of the division, appears ,:ertain to rely on his advice. iiKi Clark said he would like to see incorporated within a new decree Uiiuhe ideas he supposed would be a ■lljpart of any unity pact which might "'be drawn up. He would not say ';hat he would oppose any such move, ^^^ut he asserted he would be glad to I ;alk to those behind such a plan, 'but 1,1,^ won't commit myself," he added. To Confer With Distribs. Within the next two weeks, Clark !xpects to confer with distributor •epresentatives in a move to ascer- ;ain what further concessions he can )btain for inclusion in a new de- ;ree. On the basis of the findings, t is believed, he will shortly reach ellji decision as to whether the Depart- ijinent of Justice will proceed with its [tliiuit or enter other similar actions toirmtside New York and carry through 5. vith them. During the next 10 days, said 18 vlark, he intends to re-examine per- t. -onally the various suggestions for K'.'i new decree which have come to ,. lim from both exhibitors and the I) distributors. A compendium of ex- i libitor proposals and suggestions {; egarding the draft submitted in yl'anuary by the distribs. went out . .bout 10 days ago to the distribs, ]lark said. This was prepared by I : ibert L. Wright, his associate with- .1 the department, and Clark hopes hat distributor sentiment will be iretty much crystallized by the , 'me he discusses the matter with 1 , nem. He said he was not sure 1 j '/lom he would contact, remarking s] .j.t he had heard Joseph H. Hazen, . ' Varners vice-president who has 1 een serving as liaison, may be in ijhe Army shortly. i\ Contract Complaints ' I A major complaint of exhibitors, ! aid Clark, "is that the contracts I re so varied." He mentioned the ; I-G-M conti-act, where the price j ^ stipulated after the contract is i ,gned, explaining that a standard i intract — as proposed by MPTOA— •ould "go a long way toward meet- ig some of the objections." He I poke also of "other practices which ; e can't reach by law," mentioning j -eferred playing date problems and le increased number of percentage be, and once again repeated that 2 would prefer to see everything at into the decree. »Price agreements achieved through unity pact might be violations of te anti-trust laws, Clark suggested, id added that experience has shown lat industry committees in other dustries "after working up volun- rO THE COLORS! * PROMOTED * CAPT. MONROE GREENTHAL, formerly UA, to Major. MAJ. JAMES STEWART, AAF, promoted to opera- tions officers of a Liberator bomber group England. • NAVY * WILLIAM ROWLAND, assistant manager, Rivoli Toledo, O. THEODORE TESCHNER, manager, Loew's Valen- tine, Toledo, 0. PAUL CHAPMAN, Paramount salesman, Dallas. JACK SCHACHTEL, assistant to Lou Caudreau RKO home office. HARRY MARKHAM, short subject department RKO home office. RUSS FACHINE, MCA vice-president, Chicago. RAY MARKS, Comerford Theaters, Willkes- Barre, Pa. JOHN FARRELL, Comerford Theaters, Wilkes- Barre^ Pa. MAURICE JANOV, treasurer. Vanguard, Holly- wood. LEO MACHOL, Vitagraph, New Haven. Navy Relief May Get $400,000 via "Wassell" (.Continued from Page 1) producer, at a press breakfast in Washington Sunday. He explained that a percentage of the distribution revenue would be donated to the Navy Relief Fund. DeMille said that "Dr. Wassell" was his most expensive picture, hav- ing cost, with prints, $3,100,000. It is slated to open at the Rivoli on Broadway on July, after a world pre- miere in Little Rock, Ark. De Mille now is busy preparing a prologue to "The Sign of the Cross" which is to be re-issued this season. De Mille exploited his own pic last night on the Lux Radio Theater program over CBS, program origin- ating in Washington where De Mille and his party were guests of area exhibs. at a Variety Club luncheon. At a reception at the Dutch Em- bassy, De Mille was the recipient of the Royal Order of Orange-Nassau. Extend War Insurance On Theaters; No Charge (Continued from Page 1) the part of the policyholder to make the extension effective. Carl W. Baker Dead Lansing, Mich.— Carl W. Baker, director of the orchestra in the Glad- mere theater here for 15 years, died in University hospital, Ann Arbor, after a 15 months' illness. Take Griffith Deposition Earle Beatty of Loew's legal de- partment yesterday identified rec- ords of the company in depositions being taken in connection with the Griffith anti-trust case. tary fair trade practice codes, fre- quently run into difficulty." "Discriminations creep in, trade practices which step on the toes of one group or another," he said. Again he suggested that the fair trade practice ideas originating with- in the industry would best be in- cluded in the decree. i Roshon Locates in N. Y. C. Russell C. Roshon, 16 mm. distrib- utor has moved executive offices from Pittsburgh and is now located in the RKO Building, Radio City. The company has 16 exchanges throughout the country, including the Pittsburgh exchange, which re- mains. B. H. Cosner Dies Gary, Ind. — Bayless H. Cosner, projectionist in Gary and Hammond for 30 years, died in Mercy Hospital. He originated Camp 133, named for the official number of the stage- hands union, a summer camp be- tween Cedar Lake and Lake Michi- gan, where industryites lived each year from May until late Fall. Nxh 12 Outstanding Industry Personalities WRITE your own biographical description of this film baron, president of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. JJis career and accomplish- ments, which would require volumes to record, furnish the key story of the Age of Sound Films. Launched commercialization of such pictures with his brothers. Came to the U. S. from Poland when he was six years old. Had sig- nificance of his arrival been divined, it would have been front page news. A flaming patriot he has spread through his company's features and shorts the gospel of the American way of lile to the four corners of the earth. This con- tribution to world-wide democracy in his greatest production." FROM his early youth. Crescent Amusement Co.'s president lias delivered the goods, and literally. His dad had a bakery and ice cream business down Nashville loay, and this lad was, ■io to speak, in charge of much distribution. But he loas attracted to the exhibition end of pix, starting one of the city's first theaters. He grad- ually expanded his holdings to one of the na- tion's biggest chains. Is one of Tennessee's most public-spirited men and a member of many civic and fraternal organizations. Folks rightly call him Colonel, for that is his rank on the staff of the State's Governor. FROM Williams College, where the Grand Old Royal Purple waves, comes this stalwart (ask linemen who opposed him on the gridiron), now wearing the royal purple as Paramount's publicity and advertising director. Toting his sheepskin from the Berkshires, he became mer- chandise manager for Montgomery Ward Co. Suljscquently served with Victory Talking Ma- chine Co. and as vice-president of Tiger Oil Co. Flare for public relations fitted him admirably for ad managership of Brunswick. Became asso- ciated with Paramount in 1925, graduated from Theater Managers' School and took on manage- ment of Fenway Theater. Then handled Para- mount's account with Hanff-Metzger Advertising Agency, and later continued to so do with Lord & Thomas. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. \k.Vooidrt. "^ -i/ 'The Memphis Belle' Technicolor Saga of Our Heroes. Book It Nowl he Produce!^ the Director and most of the Casablanca'' Cast are together and beating Xasabfanca now in K-*-y^ ^-J^^ (Ji)(pKHJLnj, 7. *:^S-.''^--'^ &;^*|PFP JACK L WARNER, Execuf/ve Producer "^i^^^^"^ jf'ws;'- HUMPHREY BOGARLn'PASSAGE TO MARSEILLE A HAL B. WALLIS Prod'n ' . CLAUDE RAINS • MICHELE MORGAN • PHILIP DORN • SYDNEY GREENSTREET- HELMUT DANTINE- PETER LORRE-GEO. TOBIAS Screen Ploy by Casey Robinson i Jock Moff.H • From o Novel by HirOrtoH hu MIP.i-IAFI P.IIRTI7 Chos. Nordhoff & Jomet Normon Hall- Music by Max Steiner LUI CUICU UJ ITIIV/linUL. WUI\II<. w> ^•^ ma Tuesday, April 4, 1944 St. Louis Stagehands Asl( Police Protection (Contintied from Page 1) after Leroy Upton, the union's pres- ident, informed the police he had received several telephone calls Sat- urday night warning him '"to stay away from the WLB hearing Mon- day if you know what is good for you." Upton said the same voice made each of the calls. He requested protection for himself and William Kosted, union vice-president; C. 0. Newling, financial secretary; W. W. Spear, recording secretary, and El- mer Moran, business agent. Featured witnesses for the the- ater owners yesterday were Ralph W. Baur and Henry H. Klaverkamp, stagehand members of Local B-2, a sister union of Local 6, who told of being forced to pay 15 per cent of their wages as dues to Local 6 al- though regular members paid only five per cent. Their testimony large- ly followed much the same lines as the petition in the two suits for a total of $102,250 they filed against officers of Local 6 in the Circuit Court here late in February. Bauer claimed he was forced to pay $2,250 and Klaverkamp $4,500 in excess union dues over a period of 10 years. They stated they hau been unable to obtain employment as stagehands^ since last August when they attempted to get a re- fund on the excess dues payment. ^anciiise Tax Law Change Lids Out-of-State Films '■^Continued from Page 1) gaftized under laws of other states and- J^ciiig business in New York State.;: It is of particular interest to the" amusement industry where a lai^e number of motion picture and th^trifcal concerns are chartered un- der .laws of other states. tmlike many other kinds of busi- ngs, the tax for the privilege of doing business by a corporation is pa^sfor "in advance," the tax be- ing computed on the basis of the business of the year before. Under the new law, the foreign or other state company will pay a tax only on the moneys actually invested in this state, or the income derived therefrom. MfEDDinG BELLS Scranton, Pa. — Mildred Ann Mc- Dermott, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo McDermott, of Scranton and Bermuda, was married in Baltimore to Technical 5/c John Paul West, who prior to his enlistment was an employe of Comerford Theaters here. IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Ann Corio and Bob Williams have announced their forth.- coming marriage. A Reporter's Report • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Is Maj. Arthur Loew headed( ior the OWI Overseas? ... • It's now Maj. Monroe Greenthal For- mer U A publicity-ad chief's promotion come through yesterday The major now is chief of the motion picture branch of the Army In- du."-' ^1 Services Division. . . • Hal Wallis isn't leaving Warners, re- gai m. \ of what Hedda Hopper reported Sunday Hal's termer has i/~i.'^ors to run so there. . . • Gracie Fields makes her first c 'Appearance of the season in the metropolitan area at the Skoura& '"je Theater next Tuesday night. . . • The Army has a tentati' ^cret>^tii Paul Ackerman, who heads Para, foreign de- partment t „ ninoi" ■ * Hope Hunter (Selma R. Koplin) is leaving Evelyn Gerst ■'iates to join the OWI Overseas Branch as a fea- ture writer. . , ling I -es Farmer has been committed to the Western State Hospital . ^ icoom. Wash., at her mother's request. . . • Didja know thai Com. Robert Montgomery was a recent blood donor in Portland, Oret, and was unrecognized? ... • Gus S. Eyssell on behalf of the Radio City Music Hall was the recipient of American Red Cross flags, presented by the American Red Cross in well-merited recognition of the Hall's participation in the 1944 War Fund drive. . . • lames Bracken, contact manager of the WB theater office in New Haveri. was feted by associates at the Racebrook Country Club on the eve of service induction Among Jimmy's farewell gifts was a nifty wrist wotch ▼ ▼ ▼ m 9 9 ON AND OFF THE RECORD: Didja know that per- centage deals on shorts are being negotiated? . . . « Don't take seriously those reports the State Department is talking post-war film problems with Allied governments at this time. . . 9 Shuberts are on a theater-acquiring spree; current deals in work include one for the National. . . 9 To Paulette Goddard Phil M.'s own Order of Ap- plause {with Two Palms), to go along with that Army citation for being the first American woman visiting China to entertain U. S. troops. . . • And the same Order to Maj. Jimmy Stewart, promoted from a squadron commander to operations officer of a Liberator bomber group in England. . . 9 Is it news that PRC dips into the dye vat for the first time with the Jack Schwarz production, "The Enchanted Forest"? ... • Para., RKO and 20th-Fox publicists will all help promote the twin premiere of "The Private Life of Dr. Paul Joseph Goebbels" in Minneapolis and St. Paul on the ZOth. . . ▼ TV • • • CUFF NOTK: Warners' "Adventures of Mark Twain" had its world premiere Sunday at the Warner Theater, London, before an audience of Yanks, and cables yesterday termed its reception, "terrific" Mark Twain Books for Soldiers Society backed it offi- cially to promote Anglo-American relations Credit Warners' Max Milder with arranging the show. . . • Speaking of "Mark Twain" that frog-jumping contest Warners has cooked up for local boys clubs at Manhattan Center on the 29th is a "natural" No. One leaping wart-back authority Al Jermy is coming on from California to judge it. • Still speaking of "Twain," didja know that Warners have nine more biog. pix heading for screens, to wit "Rhapsody in Blue" (George Gershwin); "Life of Will Rodgers," "Silver Lining" (Marilyn Miller), "Singing in the Wilderness" (John James Audubon), "Mister Broadway" (Sime Silverman), "Night and Day" (Cole Porter); "This Love is Ours" (Sergt. Al Schmid, USMC), "Sometimes I'm Happy" (Vincent Yourmans) and the saga of Helf ]!torgan, imtitled at this moment \v T ▼ pkih 9 A VENGE PEARL HARBOR! Date Agnew Leaves Para. Notjfet Set ^Continued from Page 1) a juror in a criminal case for the past six weeks, was unable to con- fer with President Barney Balaban yesterday, as anticipated, but may be able to do so today. Case which Agnew has been hearing went to the ( jury yesterday. Meanwhile, thei'e was lively spec- ulation in trade circles as to Ag- new's successor as Paramount's dis- tribution chief, with the names of Charles Reagan, assistant general sales manager, and George J. Schae- fer, WAC chairman, both mentioned. At Paramount yesterday, it was said that Paramount's executive committee probably would make the choice, while the Board would fill the vacancy on the board when it officially occurs. In a statement confirming Ag- new's resignation to join Vanguard, Balaban said that the Paramount or- ganization wishes Agnew every suc- cess in his new association. Agnew's supervision of sales for Vanguard Films and Selznick Inter- national in no way affects the re- leasing agreement through United Artists of Selznick interests, which own 25 per cent of UA, it was point- ed out yesterday. Agnew will work in close co-operation with Grad Sears, vice -president in charge of UA dis- tribution. First picture to be handled by Ag- new will be "Since You Went Away," which will be followed by "Double Furlough," with Ginger Rogers and Joseph Gotten, "The House of Dr. Ed- wardes" and "The Life of Sarah Bernhardt" starring Ingrid Berg- man. Eaton New Trial Motion Will be Argued April 20 (.Continued from Page 1) ter by a jury after 17 hours' delib- eration folio vving his trial on a sec- ond degree murder charge. Eaton was indicted as a result of an explo- sion at his theater Aug. 17 last in which a maintenance man, Elroy R. Curley, was killed. Eaton, when arraigned for sen- tence, was given no more than 30 days in the workhouse. The explosion, allegedly occurred when Eaton substituted methyl chloride in the air cooling system which was designed exclusively for freon, after that product had been "frozen" by the WPB. HUT Shareholders Vote To Accept Bid of TP Toronto — It was announced last night at the meeting of shareholders of Hamilton United Theaters, Ltd., held in Toronto earlier in the day had voted to accept the offer of $711,000 by Theater Properties (Hamilton) Ltd., for important the- ater buildings in Hamilton, Ont., in preference to the $831,000 bid from Famous Players Canadian Corp. Tuesday, April 4, 1944 Army Pictorial Top Spot to Coi. Munson DAILY (Continued from Page 1) ing' the common European invasion. Col. Munson, before the reorgani- zation which created the APS last year, was in charge of the film op- ,-Nerations of the Special Service Di- ; Vision, and under his direction the ''^^'Why We Fight" series was turned out by Cols. Frank Capra and Eman- uel Cohen. Status of his executive officer, Lt. Col. Frank Cahill, formerly of War- ners, was not definitely known here, although it was believed he will con- tinue in his present post. Col. Charles Stodter, assistant director under Col. Lawton, will remain at his post. Col. Stodter was liaison man for the Signal Corps in Holly- wood for some time, working with the Research Council of the Acad- emy. Assignment of Col. Lawton to Lon- don is believed to indicate that the Army intends to go "all-out" in an effort to provide first-rate combat coverage in the "big show" ahead. Three high-ranking officers — includ- ing Col. R. Ernest DuPuy— are al- ready in London, working under Gen- eral Dwight Eisenhower, and one of them will probably serve as liaison for the commercial newsreel pool cameramen. Take New Tax Baie in Stride No Dent Made in Normal Film Attendance properly the effect of the new levy, but early reports from Film Daily field representatives who have checked their respective territories reveal that no dent has been made in normal business. Broadway business continued at (Continued from Page 1) Nashville — A 12-hour bus strike, which ended yesterday, clipped week-end business in all 21 local theaters from 30 to 50 per cent, while in other affected communi- ties, varying drops were reported. Major local theaters had prev- iously lost heavily because of withdrawal of soldiers from the Tennessee maneuver area. 60 Ushers in Hub Suburb Strike for 50% Increase Boston — Sixty ushers in Maiden theaters, suburb of Boston, struck for higher wages over the week-end. All are high school boys. They de- manded 60 cents an hour instead of 40 cents now being paid. Managers quickly sent out a call to old-time employes and to women relatives of men in service and went through a big week-end without apparent trouble. Striking ushers have no union but organized themselves into I coherent band last week. They ■,ave been notified their demands ivill be heard before a conference of managers this week. There was jio apparent difficulties in any of i --he theaters and none were picketed. a high level. The new Easter show at the Music Hall pulled in $75,000 in four days and is heading for a $120,000 week. Other houses re- ported business normal. In St. Louis, the increased Fed- eral tax failed to retard patronage, Sunday was bright and most the- aters there did exceptionally well in face of Palm Sunday and church activities. tendance despite new taxes and Palm Sunday. Downtown patrons not only accepted raised prices with- out kicks, but also contributed gen- erously to holdover Red Cross col- lections. Only house experiencing a business drop was one in the col- ored district. Memphis Snaps Back In Memphis, Saturday business was slow but was back to normal on Sunday despite heavy rains. Palm Sunday and tax. Manager; ok for a dull week due to Eas<- * nd not to the new tax. In Madison, Wis., t' -c holiday test for the new, 'jsion tax showed a drop-ojIMjCavenile at- tendance. Adul^ ^ ■ "jnd business was firm. _;rrTr=r A survey r__ ^ 'ximately one third of D VpCf leaters brought the unanim -*'*»»'.xion of managers IN NEW POSTS OU IJErNHEIMER, booker, )oe Stern Theaters, Chrcago. . V. WHITMAN, B & K managerial staff, Chi- cago. *"il MOYNAHAN, chief publicity writer, The March of Time. '■«^*u^'^^^^'-'- s'liPP'ng department, 20th-Fox. Omaha. OB HARRINGTON, operator, Orpheum, Omaht 'AYNE STEVENS, Brandeis Theater, Omaha. *« SCHUSTER, Admiral Theater manager, Omaha. d* *'"^^'''''°NC, Warners home office publicity , ""Ti- "OWELL, assistant manager, Rivoli, Toledo, 0. ^^I^ACE RUCKER, Paramount salesman, Dal- No Dent in Omaha Not the slightest dent was felt in Omaha theaters, according to Wil- liam Miskell, Tri-States district manager, and P. Mcllvaine of the Brandeis circuit. Business was nor- mal at the Omaha, Paramount and Orpheum Theaters. "The raise wasn't much and peo- ple felt it was part of the war ef- fort," Miskell said. Grosses in all Boston theaters were above average for the week- end and managers said there were few, if any, complaints from patrons who filled long lines at the box-of- fices. Managers appeared surprised at the absence of unfavorable reac- tions. Downtown deluxe houses re- ported business on Sunday at 15 per cent above that of a week ago. Large neighborhood theaters report- ed business slightly above normal. Increased prices failed to show any change in business at Des Moines theaters over the week-end. Tri- State Theater Corp. executives re- ported that box-office receipts were normal. Some exhibitors feel, how- ever, that upped prices will affect week-day business. Baltimore Biz Normal In Baltimore, first-run theaters reported no ill effects from the new tax. Managers said that some pat- rons were slightly confused at the new prices but business was normal and probably would have been bet- ter if it hadn't been for heavy week- end rains. Neighborhood managers said the only complaints received were those from the children. Cleveland patrons were warned in advance via trailers of the new tax and they accepted the higher admis- sions without complaint or comment. Downtown and neighborhood the- aters reported average week-end at- I that the nt 'fr had practically no effect on wet " v;nd business. Increase in neighborhood prices is so small as to be negligible, according to David Newman, counsel for Co-operative Theaters of Michigan. First-runs showed no drop attributed to the tax, although som<9 slump may have been caused by Hoiy Week. Managers of the 19 United Detroit Theaters re- ported they received no complaints. In Stride in Rochester Rochester, N. Y., patrons took the rncreased Federal tax in their stride and business, according to manag- ers, was as big as ever. Tax boost had little or no effect, it was said, and there were very few complaints. Pittsburgh theater operators felt it was too early to get a true effect of the new tax because of Holy Week when secondary pictures were being shown. However, there was no seri- ous decline in downtown attendance. Managers said the effect of the new tax would be determined better in two weeks. In Minneapolis territory, theaters did the usual near-capacity week- end biz and there were no complaints from patrons over the slight tilt in total admission prices. In Buffalo, both downtown and nabes reported business on par or better, with one small community circuit reporting grosses up 20 to 50 per cent better than a year ago. Week-end attendance in Albany compared very favorably with the similar Lenten period last year. In the Dallas territory, business held firm. In some instances, chil- dren appeared at box-offices with only a dime, due to misunderstand- ing. Houses absorbed the difference for the once. With only one new feature open- ing last week in a major downtown Washington house, it was dif- ficult to judge the effect of the new tax scale. The veek-end was good downtown, howe ar, and the consen- sus was that the new scale has not meant any great falling off. Nabes UA to Open Six Foreign Pub. Offices (Continued from Page 1) manager. First office to be started under this plan will be in Mexico City with Leonard Daly, who has been a member of home office foreign publicity in charge. Following the war, Gould plans to establish six publicity offices in the Near East, Far East, Latin Amer- ica, and the continent. The branch publicity managers, American- train- ed, would be expected to adapt UA publicity material to local needs. were not seriously hurt, it appeared. Hollywood Biz Normal Circuit and first-run operators in Hollywood reported that the new Federal tax did not affect business adversely and that the week-end at- tendance was normal. They report- ed that public is tax-conscious and that there were very few complaints. Some neighborhood exhibitors also reported normal business, but Rob- ert H. Poole, executive secretary of IMPTO of Southern California and Arizona, said the real effect of new tax could not be learned for two weeks inasmuch as this week's busi- ness should be exceptionally good due to the Los Angeles schools be- ing closed for the Easter vacation. Chicago theaters, both circuit and independent, reported few complaints from the increased amusement tax. Business, despite Palm Sunday, held in good volume. B- & K reported standout business at its Loop houses, especially at the UA Theater, which opened with "A Guy Named Joe," and the Chicago Theater, which is showing its first horror film, "The Uninvited." RKO reported increased tax not hurting its business. No immediate effects of the new Federal admission tax were notice- able in Milwaukee for the week-end business. Managers report the tax is taken favorably and no changes were visible in grosses as compared with pre-tax figures for similar shows. The attitude of theatermen IS one of complete satisfaction at the result. FEfllfllE TOUCH EVELYN MILES, booker's stenographer, Para- mount, Memphis. MRS. TRESTON SELLERS, organist. Oriental, Chicago. MRS. MARGARET STEINHARDT, assistant mana- ger, Rialto, Brooklyn. ZONA BOSEK, booker's stenographer, Warners, Omaha. IRENE KOSIET, Paramount hello girl, Omaha. DORIS WILLIS, utility clerk, 20th-Fox, Seattle. RHODA WATERS, ad sales staff, 20th-Fox Seattle. BEA DAVIS, biller, 20th Century-Fox, Seattle. ETHEL DONKIN, office staff, 20th-Fox, Seattle. MARGARET CUSTAFSON, assistant cashier, 20th- Fox, Seattle. WARNER BROS/ TRADE SHOWINGS OF ERROL FLYNN • PAUL LUKAS in 44 UNCERTAIN GLORY MONDAY, APRiL 10, 1944 ?f CITY PLACE OF SHOWING ADDRESS TIME Albany Warner Screening Room 79 N. Pearl St. 12:30 P.M. Atlanta RKO Screening Room 191 Walton St. N.W. 2:00 P.M. Boston RKO Screemng Room 122 Arlington St. 2:00 P.M. Buffalo Paramount Sc. Room 464 Franklin St. 2:00 P.M. Charlotte 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 308 S. Church St. 10:00 A.M. Chicago Warner Screening Room 1307 So. Wabash Ave. 1:30 P.M. Cincinnati RKO Screening Room Palace Th. Bldg. E. 6th 7:30 P.M. Cleveland Warner Screening Room 2300 Payne Ave. 8:00 P.M. Dallas 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 1803 Wood St. 2:00 P.M. Denver Paramount Sc. Room 2100 Stout St. 2:00 P.M. Des Moines 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 1300 High St. 12:45 P.M. Detroit Film Exchange Bldg. 2310 Cass Ave. 2:00 P.M. Indianapolis Paramount Sc. Room 116 W. Michigan 1:00 P.M. Kansas City 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 1720 Wyandotte St. 1:30 P.M. Los Angeles Vitagraph Sc. Room 2025 S. Vermont Ave. 2:00 P.M. Memphis Paramount Sc. Room 362 So. Second St. 11:00 A.M. Milwaukee Warner Th. Sc. Room 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 2:00 P.M. Minneapolis 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 1015 Currie Ave. 2:00 P.M. New Haven Warner Th. Proj. Room 70 College St. 11:00 A.M. New Orleans 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 200 S. Liberty St. 2:00 P.M. New York Home Office 321 W. 44th St. 2:30 P.M. Oklahoma 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 10 North Lee Ave. 1:30 P.M. Omaha 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 1502 Davenport St. 1:00 P.M. Philadelphia Vine St. Sc. Room 1220 Vine St. 11:00 A.M. Pittsburgh 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 1715 Blvd. of Allies 2:00 P.M. Portland Star Screening Room 925 N.W. 19th Ave. 2:00 P.M. Salt Lake. 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 216 East 1st South 2:00 P.M. San Francisco Republic Sc. Room 221 Golden Gate Ave. 1:30 P.M. Seattle Jewel Box Sc. Room 2318 Second Ave. 2:00 P.M. St. Louis S'renco Sc. Room 3143 Olive St. 1:00 P.M. Washington Earle Th. Bldg. 13th & E Sts. N.W. 10:30 A.M. 'r//-» Mem/^/ NEWARK, N. J. Sales Olficfe in Principal Cenlfrs \i Wednesday, April 5, 1944 uri DAILY Further Terms of Union Auord Told (Continued from Page 1) bor contact, who conducted the hud- dles between the producer and union spokesmen. The sessions opened on Saturday. In addition to five per cent wage -increases, vacations with pay, official ^cognition as the bargaining agent ^)r its naember unions and approval of a job-classification program — con- cessions made public on Monday — the Conference got a favorable an- swer to a proposal that hospitaliza- tion costs be met by the employer in all cases of sickness or accident suffered ^n location. Win Military Seniority The union representatives also won their demands for recognition of military seniority in instances where workers are called to the colors and clarification of arbitration clauses for all member unions. The produc- ei's further agreed to grant paid sick leaves to workers in certain classifications. One group of em- ployes who definitely will benefit un- der this concession will be white col- larites associated with the Screen Office Employes Guild. Other con- cessions are expected to be worked out on the Coast after the Confer- ence spokesmen return to Califor- nia. The Conference met defeat on two points — guarantee of a week's wages for each call, including re- muneration for holidays, and the establishment of two extra holidays, Washington's Birthday and Armis- tice Day. Pact to Pun to Sept. 1, 1945 It was agreed that such conces- sions as might be turned down by the War Labor Board when contracts are submitted to it for approval would be granted by the producers without further negotiation immed- iately upon liberalization of the Wage Stabilization Act. The new agreements, which will run to Sept. 1, 1945, will be drawn up on the Coast. Representing the Conference in the negotiations were Herbert Sor- rell, its head; D. T. Wayne, its vice- president; Glenn Pratt, business agent of the Screen Office Employes Guild, and George Bradley, vice- president of the Building Service In- ternational Union. Sorrell and Wayne returned to the Coast yes- terday afternoon. Pratt is sched- uled to depart tomorrow. Bradley went home over the week-end. Meanwhile discussions on counter- proposals offered by the producers in their negotiations with the 11 lATSE locals continued at Casey's office. Among the lATSE proposals that were the center of discussion were paid sick leaves, paid vaca- tions, a more extensive arbitration machinery, and pay for time spent in traveling to and from locations. Dissatisfaction was expressed by some lATSE representatives yes- terday with the alliance leadership TOTHECOLORSI SAM CEISEN, Columbia home office publicity staff. ir MMInTeS if DON HOFFEND, stage hand, Rochester, N. Y. DORIS Hill, contract clerk. Paramount, Des Moines. * US AAF * A/C DICK TAYLOR, accessory managtr. Uni- versal, Seattle. * seaJees * TOMMY FLYNN, assistant electrician, Loew't, Rochester, N. Y. * WAVES * GLORIA LOBELL, bond clerk, Warner Theaters, New Haven. CARROLL SINSHEIMER, receptionist, 20th-Fox, Cleveland. KATE BODNER, accounting department, RKO home office. CARROLL SINSHEINER, 20th-Fox receptionist, Cleveland. — • — * MARINES AUXILIARY * ETHEL HATTIE, biller at 20th-Fox, Seattle. Pikcwick Defense Calls A Plaintiff Witness New Haven — Introduction of plain- tiffs' evidence in the Prefect The- aters' (Pickwick Theater, Green- wich) anti-trust suit against the majors, was interrupted yesterday to allow the defense to call on one of the plaintiffs' witnesses, Clar- ence Loewe, secretary-treasurer for Prefect from 1935 to 1940, who is now an independent real estate bro- ker, to avoid recalling him at a later date. Loewe testified that in 1937 bonuses in the sum of $1,300 were paid al- though the profit for the year was but $10,658, and that the following year, when the company's loss was $14,134, no bonuses were paid. Defense stressed the point that in 1938 the home office charges to Pre- fect, for the operation of the Pick- wick and the Greenwich Theaters was $7,000. A letter from Edwin Peskay, op- erator of the Pickwick, to Morris Joseph, Universal branch manager in New Haven, written in August 1939, was introduced in evidence. The letter stated that Pickwick lost $25,000 between July 1938 and June 1939 in actual cash, with no salar- ies drawn and with no home office charge. Loewe further testified that in January 1938, Peskay authorized a lettei', written by Attorney Norman Nicholson, to Columbia, Warner Bros., Paramount and Metro, threat- ening to bring suit if no amicable adjustment of clearance difficulties was reached. Chi. Operators Hearing May 22 Chicago — Attorney A. Solomon says Judge Julius Miner will hear the case against John Smith and other deposed officials of the opera- tors' union, May 22. over the delay in arriving at an ac- cord with the producers after four weeks of huddling. Mills Co. Gets WLB Order Chicago — The Mills Company, Soundies manufacturers, was direct- ed by WLB to be bound by CIO members clause at its Palmer Street factory. Two other company plants have AFL bargaining rights. The order grants five to 10 cents an hour advances, to second and third shifts. Assigns "Delinquent Daughters" M^cst Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — American Productions, Inc., headed by Donald C. McKean and Al Herman, have been assigned the production reins on PRC's "De- linquent Daughters," starring Mar- tha Tilton, from an original by Mar- tin Mooney and screenplay by Ar- thur St. Claire. No. 14 Outstanding Industry Personalities Soft 4fau iux4m tUe4fi — THIS film leader might well chuckle to him- self when F. D. R. is referred to as "The Flying President," for, in that capacity for Re- public, he "sales" through the air with the greatest of ease, always coming back to his New York desk with baggage augmented by numerous and choice contracts for his organization's prod- uct. Is the joy of our airlines, and exhibitors as well. Counts friends among latter in the thousands. While he produces revenue for Republic, his son is a "revenue" producer of pix out Hollywood way. HERE you see the promotional genius who out-Barnums Barnum. His main titles in the industry are (1) director of advertising and publicity for the House of Warner, and (2) vice-president of Vitagraph, Inc. 'Tw^ns he luho innovated the so-called "junket" in con- nection with motion picture premieres. There would be no paper shortage in the country today if the neiuspapers, magazines, et al, which have carried the countless stories and potent fids he has hatched were culled in a single pile. Served superlatively as field direc- tor of First Victory Drive, nation-wide theater Bond-selling campaign. WHAT the Dodgers are to Ebbet's Field, the Randforce chain is to the exhibition field over Brooklyn way. Here is the president of the circuit, although you'll rarely find him in his home office these days. Ever since the war Ijroke out, he has given his services spontaneously to national welfare and international humanitarian causes. Trade folks would rather hear him speak at industry functions than almost any other individual. Has knack of cloaking vital subjects with priceless humor to get points over, thus making difficult jobs a pleasure to do. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. THE SON ...a great y in every one Everywhere the story's the some on this Greatest of the Great Ones from CENTURY-FOX THE INDUSTRY'S PROUDEST OFFERING "THE MEMPHIS BELLE" TECHNICOLOR SAGA OF OUR AIR HEROES. BOOK IT NOW! 5 OF BERNADETTE j^\ Box-Office Champion, Motion Picture Herald ^x-office picture bf its first engagements! NEW YORK— 11th week of Standing Room Only at the Rivoli! CHICAGO — Smash opening week — smash second week — smash third week — smash fourth week! SAN FRANCISCO — Town's top hit — holds over — then moves over! WASHINGTON — Opening day topped all the big ones of the last 6 months! LOS ANGELES — Total run of 23 weeks at three theatres and still going strong! DENVER — Year's biggest 20th hit at two theatres — moved over to third! CINCINNATI — Four week, S.R.O. engagement leads all competition! SAN DIEGO — Day and date sensation in two houses — moved over to third PHILADELPHIA — Lines, lines, lines— as picture holds over for fourth week BALTIMORE — Sock engagement extended to fifth week to accommodate crowds! KANSAS CITY — Day and date in three theatres and a triple smash ! ST. LOUIS — It's tremendous in third big week ! Sl*^'''*'^.*. ^^^^^^^^-"•"SNHHBIP, ,]B^. 'Tampico" with Edward G. Robinson, Lynn Bari, Victor McLaglen 20th-Fox 75 Mins. MELODRAMA WITH WAR BACK- GROUND IS STRICTLY ROUTINE OFFER- ING. ^ tale of love and espionage laying no cwm to distinction, "Tampico" is purely formula stuff. Developments come fast and furiously with small regard for plausibility or consistency. The film's saving grace is the presence in the chief roles of Edward G. Robinson, Lynn Bari and Victor McLag- len, whose names will have to carry the show. Fans whose standards are not too high will derive some pleasure from the ro- mantic moments between Robinson and Miss Bari and react favorably to the few exciting incidents in the footage. Produced in slapdash manner by Robert Bassler, the picture was directed by Lothar Mendes with little inspiration. He rarely is able to lift the acting above the com- monplace despite the availability of some first-rate performing talent among the players. The action takes place in Tampico, Mex- ico, and aboard the oil tanker of which Robinson is captain. Robinson and Miss Bari, a dancer from the states, are thrown together when she is saved from the sea with a boatload of survivors from a ship torpedoed by a Nazi submarine. The girl's marriage to the captain heads for the rocks when she is suspected of giving the Germans information resulting in the sinking of Robinson's ship. The gal is in a spot because at the time of her rescue she was unable to present any means of identity, having lost all her belongings. Dis- graced, Robinson sets out to track down the Nazi agents, discovering in the course of his investigation that his wife had nothing to do with tipping off the Nazis. Who should be the villain but McLaglen, Rob- inson's best pal and first mate. The fact that at no time is there the slightest hint as to McLaglen's true character makes the ending hard to accept. The film closes .with McLaglen dead and Robinson and Miss Bari reunited. The screenplay of Kenneth Gamet, Fred Niblo, Jr., and Richard Macaulay, based on a story by Ladislas Fodor, is not always clearly developed. It must be said to the credit of Robinson, Miss Bari and McLaglen that they play sincerely. They fight hard to overcome the indifferent material at their disposal. CAST: Edward G. Robinson, Lynn Bari, Victor McLaglen, Robert Bailey, Marc Law- rence, E. J. Ballantine, Mona Maris, Tonio Selwart, Carl Ekberg, Roy Roberts, George Sorel, Charles Lang, Ralph Byrd, Louis Hart, Paul Kruger, Martin Cichy, Constance Ro- manoff, Oscar Hendrian, Antonio Moreno, Nestor Paiva, Muni Seroff, Juan Varro, Ben Erway, Helens Brown, Martin Garralaga, Margaret Martin, David Cota, Arno Frey, Chris-Pin Martin, Trevor Bardett, Peter Helmers, Otto Reichow, Ludwig Donath, Rudolph Lindau, Jean Del Val, Hans Von Morhart. CREDITS: Producer, Robert Bassler; Di- rector, Lothar Mendes; Screenplay^ Ken- neth Gamet, Fred Niblo, Jr., Richard Macau- "Rosie, the Riveter" with Jane Frazee, Frank Albertson, Vera Vague Republic 75 Mins. MODEST COMEDY IS LIVELY ENTER- TAINMENT THAT SHOULD GET GOOD RECEPTION FROM FAMILY TRADE. "Rosie, the Riveter" is an unpretentious comedy dealing with the wartime housing shortage. Always lively, the film, turned out by Armand Schaefer, supplies the kind of fun that goes over well with family audiences, which ought to react favorably to the gags and comedy situations in which the picture abounds and to the boy- and-girl angle of the plot. Involved are four war workers, Jane Frazee, Frank Albertson, Ve^ Vague and Frank Jenks. Miss Frazee is the Rosie of the title. When she and her pal. Miss Vague, attempt to rent a room they run into Albertson and his buddy, Jenks, who are after it, too. There being no other rooms available, the four agree to share the place, the girls, who work days, having it evenings and the boys, night workers, using it days. The two factions are con- stantly clashing. Albertson makes a play for Miss Frazee from the start, but she re- pulses him because she is engaged to Frank Fenton, the personnel manager of the plant where she works. A lot of the humor springs from Miss Frazee's efforts to keep her fiance, a stuffed shirt, from discovering the living arrangements. In time the girl loses interest in the guy and returns Al- berton's affection. Speed is the essence of Joseph Santley's direction of the Jack Townley-Aleen Leslie screenplay, derived from "Room for Two," Dorothy Curnow Handley tale that appeared in the Saturday Evening Post. Peppy acting is contributed by Miss Frazee, Albertson, Miss Vague and Jenks. Miss Frazee has one big song number in a production sequence at the finish. The tune, by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb, bears the title of the film. Miss Vague steals the scenes she is in. CAST: Jane Frazee, Frank Albertson, Vera Vague, Frank Jenks, Lloyd Corrigan, Frank Fenton, Maude Eburne, Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, Louise Erickson, Ellen Lowe, Ar- thur Loft, Tom Kennedy. CREDITS: Associate Producer, Armand Schaefer; Director, Joseph Santley; Screen- play, Jack Townley, Aleen Leslie; Based on story by Dorothy Curnow Handley; Cam- eraman, Reggie Lanning; Musical Director, Morton Scott; Song, Redd Evans, John Jacob Lceb; Film Editor, Ralph Dixon; Sound, Earl Crain, Sr.; Art Director, Rus- sell Kimball; Set Decorator, Charles Thomp- son; Dance Director, Dave Gould. DIRECTION. All Right. PHOTOGRA- PHY, All Right. lay; Adaptation, Ladislas Fodor; Based on story by Ladislas Fodor; Cameraman, Charles Clarke; Dance Direcfoi-, Geneva Sawyer; Art Directors, James Basevi, Albert Hog- sett; Set Decorators, Thomas Little, Al Orenbach; Film Editor, Robert Fritch; Spe- cial Effects, Fred Sersen; Sound, W. D. Flick, Roger Heman; Musical Score, David Raksin; Musical Director, Emil Newman. DIRECTION, Ordinary. PHOTOGRA- PHY, Good. "Cowboy and the Senorita" with Roy Rogers Republic 78 Mins. LATEST ROGERS FILM SHOULD DE- LIGHT WESTERN FANS; ACTION AND MUSIC NICELY COMBINED. "Cowboy and the Senorita" gives the Roy Rogers fans new cause to rejoice; for here is a mixture of song and vigorous western action that is a ten strike. No Rogers film has given more attention to music. In fact so prominent a part does the music play in this film that one can almost overlook the story, which unravels a rather familiar western plot. The film contains six extremely attrac- tive tunes, several of which have been ef- fectively staged. Rogers has four big song numbers, the title song, "What'll I Use for Money?" and "The Enchilada Man," all by Ned Washington and Phil Olman, and "Bunk House Bugle Boy," by Tim Spencer and Bob Nolan. "The Enchilada Man," around which is built a lavish and colorful production number at the end of the film, is a novelty tune of unusual merit. It is easily the standout song in the film. Other tunes heard are Consuelo Velazquez' "Be- same Mucho," sung by Dale Evans, and "Round Her Neck She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," by George A. Norton, Mary Lee's one big number. Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers lend assistance in putting over several of the songs. This time Rogers concerns himself with preventing the villain (John Hubbard) from grabbing a mine bequeathed to young Miss Lee by her pop. The girl's cousin (Miss Evans) is on the verge of disposing of the mine to Hubbard in the belief it is worth- less when in reality it is rich in gold. To help Miss Lee foil the villain Rogers gets a job on Miss Evans' ranch. He has a tough time proving to Miss Evans that Hubbard is a louse because the lady hap- pens to be engaged to the guy. But at the end he has Hubbard neatly exposed for what he is. Under the first-rate direction of Jos- eph Kane the cast delivers excellent work. Rogers is at his best, so are the Misses Lee and Evans. Guinn "Big Boy" Williams and Fuzzy Knight team to provide the com- edy relief, of which there is plenty. Gor- don Kahn did the screenplay from a story by Bradford Ropes. Harry Grey discharged his duties as associate producer extremely well. CAST: Roy Rogers, Mary Lee, Dale Evans, John Hubbard, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Fuzzy Knight, Dorothy Christy, Lucien Lit- tlefield, Hal Taliaferro, Jack Kirk, Cappella and Patricia, Jane Beebe and Ben Rochelle, Tito and Corinne Valdez, Bob Nolan and Sons of the Pioneers. CREDITS: Associate Producer, Harry Grey; Director, Joseph Kane; Screenplay, Gordon Kahn; Based on story by Bradford Ropes; Musical Director, Walter Scharf; Songs, Ned Washington, Phil Ohman, Con- suelo Velazquez, George A. Norton, Tim Spencer, Bob Nolan; Cameraman, Reggie Lanning; Film Editor, Tony Martinelli; Sound, Vic Appel; Art Director, Fred A. Ritter; Set Decorator, Charles Thompson; Dance Director, Larry Ceballos. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. "Detective Kitty O'Day" with Jean Parker, Peter Cookson and Tim Ryan (HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW) Monogram 63 Mins. COMEDY WHODUNIT HOLDS PLENTY OF LAUGHS; JEAN PARKER SCORES. Here is a new Jean Parker, giving a sparkling performance as a light comedienne. She enacts the title role and has excellent assistance from Peter Cookson, a promis- ing newcomer; Veda Ann Borg, Tim Ryan, Edward Gargan, Douglas Fowley, Pat Glea- son, Herbert Heyes and Olaf Hytten. William Beaudine guided the comedy whodunit for a maximum of laughs. Linds- ley Parsons provided good production values. Tim Ryan and Victor Hammond concocted the screenplay, based on Hammond's orig- inal story. When Jean Parker and her boy friend, Peter Cookson, learn they are suspected of murdering their boss, Edward Earle, Jean turns amateur detective and begins to out- sleuth a pair of wacky detectives, Ryan and Edward Gargan. Following Earle's death, Veda Ann Borg's boy friend, Doug- las Fowley, is found slain. Fowley is fol- lowed in death by Olaf Hytten, Earle's but- ler. Jean and Cookson discover that Herbert Heyes, Earje's lawyer, has committed the murders, and when he tries to kill them, Ryan and Gargan come to their aid. CAST: Jean Parker, Peter Cookson, Tim Ryan, Veda Ann Borg, Edward Gargan, Doug- las Fowley, Herbert Heyes, Pat Gleason, Olaf Hytten. CREDITS: Producer, Lindsley Parsons; Di- rector, William Beaudine; Production Man- ager, William Strohback; Author, Victor Hammond; Screenplay, Hammond and Tim Ryan; Cameraman, Ira Morgan, ASC; Art Director, E. R. Hickson; Musical Director, Edward Kay; Editor, Richard Currier. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. Wellston Theater Bums St. Louis — A fire caused by a short circuit in the projection room destroyed the Wellston theater, Well- ston, St. Louis county yesterday. John Caporal, president, Wellston Amusement (Company, valued the building at $115,000 and equipment at $30,000. Wellston Fire Chief Fred Folkinghorne said building and contents are total loss. "Dark" Dates Equal Prints With bookings to absolute print capacity, approximately 200 engage- ments of "Lady in the Dark" will blanket important key cities over the Easter holidays, Charles M. Rea- gan, assistant general sales man- ager, said yesterday. Cleveland Time Switch May 1 Cleveland, O. — The city remains on Central Time until April 30 al- though 100 other Ohio cities set their clocks ahead on the first. ^ DtaY: Wednesday, April 5. 1944 Red Cross Receipts Doubling 1943 Figure {Contiiuied from Page 1) theaters which did not extend their drive beyond the original one week, show an average of better than $300 per theater taken in. Since this initial group embraces a large number of the smaller houses, and a considerably higher average is expected to be shown by the bigger theaters and the many which con- tinued their collections through a second week-end, it is estimated the final figure should be at least dou- ble last year's amount from the film industry. The theaters division of the Brook- lyn Red Cross War Fund campaign will "more than double" its $75,000 quota, Mrs. Ruth Nathan, chairman of the Booths and Theaters Commit- tee of the campaign, announced yes- terday. Loew's Red Cross "Gross" To Hit $350,000 Mark Total collections in Loew's The- aters in the 1944 Red Cross cam- paign will amount to approximately $350,000. To date, checks have been received for $333,937, with reports from a number of Loew houses in- complete. Last year Loew's collec- tions were $195,953. Loew's State, Norfolk, leads the circuit this year with a total of $11,820, with the Cap- itol, N. Y., in second place with $10,- 535. Runner-up was Loew's Capitol, Washington, reporting $8,568. Kx Set for N. Y. Strand "Between Two Worlds" and "Make Your Own Bed" will tenant the New York Strand in that order upon the exit of "Uncertain Glory" which starts Friday. WEOOinG BELLS Cleveland — Beatrice Hollander of the Warner theater booking depart- ment has announced her engagement to Manley Cohen of this city, just back from overseas service to enter Officers' Candidate School. Seattle — Charlotte Nagle, former- ly with the ad sales department of 20th Century-Fox, was married a few days ago to Lieut. Eggleman, U. S. A. Seattle — Helen Schneider, of Seat- tle's Film Row, has announced her tnarriage to William B. Roush, now in the Army, and formerly with Blair's Rendezvous on Film Row. They were married in Salina, Kan. Seattle — Jane Hawkins, biller at Warners' exchange, returned from her vacation in Eureka, Calif., with a new name: Mrs. Nellis. Husband is a paratrooper. Technicolor Profii Up 300 Earns $1,103,704 in Company's Record Year (.Continued from Page 1) into account, of $370,355.17. Thus the 1943 net is approximately three times greater than during the prev- ious year. Net earnings per share of capital stock of Technicolor, Inc., for 1943 was $1.22 as against 41c in 1942. During 1943, which was a record year for the organization Techni- color shipped 125,773,775 feet of positive prints, whereas in 1942 the shipments amounted to 82,367,181. Net sales of products and services for 1943 amounted to $9,292,927.20. This figure compares with $5,797,281.44 and does not include royalties re- ceived from licenses under patents nor commissions received from the affiliated company. Technicolor, Ltd. Latter's profit and loss statement (not consolidated) for the year ended Nov. 30, 1943, supplemented by cabled report, indicated a net profit of 24,529.16.7 from the year's oper- ations, exclusive of a write-off of 27,201.14.2 of preliminary expenses and development expenditures incur- red in prior years. Surplus Balance $1,092,106.63 Surplus balance of Technicolor, Inc., and Technicolor Motion Pic- ture Corp., at Jan. 1, 1943, amounted to $1,092,106.63, which amount, added to the 1943 net of $1,103,704.31, less the 50c per share dividend paid dur- ing the span in aggregate amount of $450,464.25, gave a balance at Dec. 31, 1943 of $1,745,346.69. During 1943, a total of 28 fea- tures were made in Technicolor, in addition to a large number of shorts. Additionally, Technicolor continued to make prints on a wide range of subjects for Office of Co-ordinator of Inter-American Affairs, OSS, OWI, War Department, Navy De- partment, the Treasury, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, etc. Prints in quan- tity also went to various divisions of the Canadian Government. A group of 37 feature pro- ductions, 14 of whicli have not yet been assigned titles, are either being photographed cur- rently in Technicolor or in prep- aration, the report states. In a letter to stockholders, dis- patched by Dr. Herbert T. Kalraus, Technicolor president and general manager, in behalf of the board of directors, it was asserted that the present demand for Technicolor pro- ductions is far in excess of 1944 capacity, and consequently the doub- ling of capacity for post-war oper- ations has been suggested by cer- tain top production executives in Hollywood, but such expansion can- not, it is pointed out, materialize un- til priority and manpower restric- tions are lifted. Box-0fl5ce Value Admitted I The stockholders were also told that there seems to be no other color process available now capable of giving the industry the increased volume it desires, and that there is no longer any substantial diverg- ence of opinion on the point that Technicolor has a very considerable box-office value for many kinds of motion pictures. Some producers and distributors are, the letter declared, thinking in terms of a rapid conversion of the industry 100 per cent to color, but the majority of them, including Technicolor's largest customers, hav- ing in mind a possible post-war slump in box-office receipts and other factors, are concerned at pres- ent only with a step in that direc- tion, namely, doubling their present usage of Technicolor, it was said. Loew's Passes 100 Million ' Heavy Campaign Behind Mark in War Bond Sales Rep. "Lady and Monster" Display copy will break in all the New York dailies tomorrow as part of the elaborate campaign be- hind the local opening at the Rialto Friday of Republic's "The Lady and the Monster." Radio spot announcements are be- ing employed on Stations WOR, WNEW, WMCA, and WOV. Three thousand one-sheets are being posted in all the New York subways. Steve Edwards, Republic's direc- tor of publicity, is now in Boston where he is working with Louis Newman of the Trans-Lux Theater on a campaign to herald the open- ing there on April 12. (Continued from Page 1) chase of War Bonds and Stamps, it was disclosed yesterday at a pre- Fif th War Loan drive planning meet- ing. Since June 1, 1942, when Loew's theaters became issuing agents for Bonds, the theaters, plus Station WHN, have sold $70,960,223.35 in Bonds and Stamps, of which $56,- 586,390 was in "E" Bonds and $8,- 826,368 was in "F" and "G" Bonds. In addition, employes of Loew's have bought $12,537,730 in Bonds, making a total of $83,497,953.35. The company's purchases of $17,- 250,000 during the Fourth War Loan and $9,590,000 during the Third War Loan, bring the grand total to $109,497,953.35 from June 1, 1942 to Feb. 29, last. Harry Thornton Dead Springfield, 111. — Harry Thornton, 71, dean of Springfield's theater managers, is dead. Quebec Juve Ijw Under Court Attack 'Ticture Sense" for Tele Writing for television requires the development of a picture sense, Rich- ard Hubbell, tele writer-director and author, told the Radio Writers Guild at a meeting last night. I ~1 J -LS 1 Z (Continued from Page 1) a field exclusively within the juris diction of the Federal authorities namely, in the field of criminal law The writ was issued on the appli- cation of M. H. Swards, attorney foi the Verdun Palace Theater, andjs directed against the King, rf sented by the Quebec Attorney-v. eral, all the judges of the Court of Sessions, and the Recorders of Mon- treal and Verdun. Its immediate effect halts all proceedings now pend- ing in the Court of Sessions against Benjamin A. Garson, theater ex- ecutive, and Howard Elliott, man ager of the petitioning theater, who are charged with breach of the Que- " bee Moving Pictures Act by admit- ting to the theater children under 16 years of age. Raymond Noel and Laurent Drouin appeared for the Attorney-General and opposed issue of the wTit of prohibition mainly on the ground that the Court of Appeal in 1929 rendered judgment holding that the moving pictures act did not create a criminal offense, and was, there- fore, constitutional. Swards replied that the act com- plained of in its entirety, was crim- inal law within the meaning of sub- section 27 of the British North Amer- ica act, 1867, as it created a new of- fense punishable by confiscation, fine or imprisonment and made offenses triable before a court of criminal jurisdiction and was subject to pro- cedure in criminal matters. As regards the contention that the Court of Appeal judgment of 1929 must rule in that instance, Swards ' ' pointed out that subsequent to this ruling, in 1931, the Privy Council held that criminal law meant crim- inal law in its widest sense; that it certainly was not confined to what i^ was criminal law by the law of Eng- ! , land or of any province of 1867. No power was extended to the legisla- ture, the Privy Council ruling con tinued, to make new crimes nor coula it be discovered by reference to any standard but one, namely: is the of- fense alleged prohibited with penal consequences? Judge Cousineau said he was aware of the judgment of the Court of Appeal and in his opinion it left the moving pictures act open to attack on new grounds. Therefore, his ; Lordship added, the temporary writ' of prohibition asked for would issue | and all proceedings taken in the Court of Sessions would be suspend- ' ed pending final decision on the ques- tion of the constitutionality of the moving pictures act. STORK REPORTS Norwich, Conn. — Joseph Miklos, manager of the Warner Palace, is father of a sev^-pound »haby girl., xs HJ.-»7-'7M nz^ sNcn xoncioki ci ci H p ■1ST FL ^^O^^' nW 4 ATH ST A^ Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -IF DAILY OL 85. NO. 68 NEW YORK. THURSDAY. APRIL 8, 1944 TEN CENTS $12,900,000 ESTIMATED 20TH-F0X NET May Place Film Mfrs. On Super -Critical List Editorial Scraich'pad . . . jottings ^^^^..^ By CHESTER B. BAHN ^^^^^^ rXTREMELY healthy, that financial re- ^ port for the year issued to Technicolor's stockholders this week by Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus ...And bulwarking the 300 per cent jump in net for 1943 — a jump which brought the company's earnings to $1,103,- 704 after all charges and deductions — is the fact that the prospects for 1944 are exceedingly bright ...On the feature side, Dr. Kalmus pointed out that no less than 37 pix are either currently being photo- graphed or are in preparation, and that of the 37, 14 are still to be assigned titles. . . . A bit of checking and you find that titled features in production embrace "At Night We Dream," (Ccl.); "Bring On the Girls," (Para.) ; "The Climax," (U); "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," "Wilson," (20th-Fox); "Kismet," 'Meet Me in St. Louis" and "National Vel- vet," 'all Metro).... In preparation are: "Belle of the Yukon" and "It's a Pleasure," (RKO-lnt.); "Caroline," (U); "Montana," (WB) ; "The Robe, " "Spanish Main" (RKO) ; "Something for the Boys," "Thunderhead," "Where Do We Go from Here?", (20th- Fox); "Ziegfeld Girl," "Son of Lassie," (Metro), "Tonight and Every Night," (Col.); "Treasure Girl," ( RKO-Goldwyn) . . ..A more than merely impressive line-up, that. . . . Incidentally, a rapid calculation shows some 14 others completed features in Technicolor to be released. . . Whether the screen one of these days will be all-color remains to be seen. ... Meanwhile, the number of Technicolor pix grows, both as regards fea- tures and shorts... In the instance of the latter, there is significance, surely, in the decision of 20th-Fox to make all shorts for 1944-45 in Technicolor, as this paper dis- ci sed Tuesday. • • THERE will be many explanations advanced ' in the trade — will be? they are! — for the engagement by David 0. Selznick of Neal Agnew to assume charge of distribu- tion of all Vanguard and Selznick Inter- national productions throughout the world ..Maybe there's a clue of sorts to be found in the rich array of talent under c ntract to Vanguard, a separate corporate entity with its own star list, and Selznick Vanguard has under contract Shirley Temple, Ginger Rogers (for "Double Fur- lough," now shooting as the company's first), Rhonda Fleming, Tessa Brind, Jane Devlin, Dorothy Mann, Neil Hamilton, Eric Sinclair, Guy Madison, Dare Harris, Garry Moore, (Continued on Page 2) WPB, WMC Execs. Confer With WAC Rep. on Raw Film, Lab. Manpower Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— Lincoln V. Burrows, WPB pix chief, and Claude R. Col- lins, local WAC representative, met yesterday with WMC officials in a further effort to work out a solution to the serious manpower drain fac- ing the manufacturers of raw film and film laboratories. Yesterday's meeting, held in Collins' office, was largely a matter of review and study preparatory to the submission before the new inter-agency committee here (Continued on Page 6) All But 2 lA Locals Complete Negotiations Negotiations on proposals pre- sented by all but two of the 11 lATSE studio locals for inclusion in new agreements to replace those that expired on Jan. 1 were report- ed completed at the close of yester- day's session between producer and (Continued on Page 6) WB District Managers Meet Here April 20-21 Ben Kalmenson, WB general sales manager, has called a two-day meet- ing of district managers for April 20-21 at the home office to discuss current matters relating to sales and (Continued on Page 6) MANDEL ON WAC DRIVE PUBLICITY Will Serve Under Alperson for Recruiting Campaign West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Harry Mandel, WAC Public Relations chairman for the New York area, will serve as pub- licity director of the industry's re- cruiting campaign for the Women's Army Corps, Ed- ward L. Alper- s o n, campaign chairman, an- nounced here yes- terday. The cam- paign is scheduled for the week of May 11-17. With the cam- paign high on the roster of the War Department, n e- gotiations are on with Col. Curtis Mitchell, Chief of the Bureau of Pub- (Continued on Page 7) Says Vanguard Will Tighten Ties With UA West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Daniel T. O'Shea, president of Vanguard Films, issued the following statement relative to (Continued on Page 7) $2,250,000 Better Than 1942 Profit Despite Huge Increase in Year's Taxes HARRY MANDEL FWC May Expand Holdings OCR Okay Expected to Care for War Workers Mitchell, Loew Booker, Dies; Rites Tomorrow Funeral rites for Fred Mitchell, 71, veteran of "talking pictures" 20 years before sound revolutionized the industry, who died at his home, 182.5 Riverside Drive, late Tuesday, will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow from (Continued on Page 6) Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Conference of John Eberson, OCR theaters consultant with Russel McCullough and Elmer Hanks of Fox-West Coast, yesterday was seen here as an indication FWC may be interested in expansion of its circuit in order to provide facili- ties for war-swollen sections on the West Coast. In addition, several (Continued on Page 4) A combined net profit estimated at $12,900,000 after all charges was reported yesterday by 20th-Fox for the corporation and all subsidiaries, among them National Theaters Corp. and Roxy Theater, Inc., for the year ended Dec. 25, 1943. This showing was more than $2,250,000 better than the $10,609,000 net earned in 1942 despite estimated income and excess profits taxes of $23,800,000 last year as against only $7,460,000 the previous twelvemonth. Consolidated net profit before Fed- eral taxes and minority interests (Continued on Page 7) Artists and Record Fields for Robbins Robbins Music Co., in which Loew's holds a 51 per cent interest, is entering the artists bureau field as well as the record biz, it was learned authoritatively yesterday. Through the medium of the Rob- (Continued on Page 6) Urge Abolition of Censorship in Ohio Cleveland — Criticism of Ohio's Board of Censorship has broken into the open via a letter from M. B. Horwitz, operator of the Washing- ton Theater Circuit, printed in W. (Ccntinued on Page 5) Pa. Censor Receipts Over Twice the Budget Philadelphia — Receipts from gross reviewing fees amount to approxi- mately $165,000 annually, more than twice as much as the budget of $62,500 a year, the State Board of Censors' report reveals. The record shows that an average of seven productions are rejected in the 1,850 reviewed each year, and an average of 164 films undergo about 388 de- letions annually. ^ DAILY Thursday, April 6, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 68 Thurs., April 6, 1944 10 Cents )OHN W. AUCOATE DONALD M. MERSEREAU CHESTER B. BAHN : : Publisher Scraich^pad jottings General Manager : Ed j for Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays ;and Holidays at ISOl Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120. 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FINANCIAL (JVednesday, April 5) NEW YORK STOCK Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Col. Picts. pfd Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . East Kodak 1 do pfd Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'wajf 3s55 NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs. . . . Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . Universal Picts. vtc. . High 18 ' MARKET Net Lovir Close Chg. 18 18 4 19'/2 66 '/4 1 4 4 19'/8 191/8 — % 653/4 165% — Vi 611/8 257/8 8% 921/4 243/4 321/8 123/4 BOND 611/8 611/8 -f % 251/2 253/4 -I- 3/8 83/4 87/8 + Vs 911/2 92 + 1/2 241/4 241/2 .+ 3/g 317/3 321/8 + 1/s 121/2 123/4 + 1/4 MARKET CURB MARKET V/2 23/4 141/2 33/4 24 227/8 13/8 13/8 23/4 23/4 141/4 141/4 + 1/4 33/4 33/4 + Vb 24 24 + Va 225/8 227/8 4- Vs Cukor to Direct "Winged Victory" IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — George Cukor reports to 20th-Fox to direct "Winged Vic- tory." "Willkie Withdraws Candidacy Wendell L. Willkie announced yes- 'terday the withdrawal of his can- didacy for the presidential nomina- tion on the Republican ticket. Rodgers Bests Cold William F. Rodgers, Loew vice- prexy and distribution head, re- turned to his desk yesterday after two days' absence due to a cold. (Continued from Page 1) Willard Jillson and William Terry .... Selz- nick talent also available to Vanguard, in- clude Ingrid Bergman, Joan Fontaine, Vivien Leigh, Jennifer Jones, Joseph Gotten, Dorothy McGuire, Alan Marshal, Kim Hunter, Jane Powell, Elizabeth Ives, Joan Roberts, Gordon Oliver and Carl Gose....On the directorial side, Vanguard already has John Cromwell and William Dieterle, and Selznick, Alfred Hitchock, Robert Stevenson and Axel Gruen- berg — If^ going on from there, you surmise that D. 0. S. has some mighty ambitious plans for expanded activity, you won't be out of line at all. Red" Silverstein Joins OWI for Overseas Stint Maurice "Red" Silverstein, for the past year stationed in Rio as Uni- versal's home office representative, has been granted a leave of ab- sence by the company and will join the OWI for an overseas assignment, it was learned yesterday. Silverstein has arrived in New York from Brazil, his wife, the for- mer Betty Bryant, Australian screen star, and son accompanying him. Arnold Picker of Columbia also is slated for an OWI assignment, it was learned yesterday. Goldwyn Sets Big Radio Budget for "Up in Arms" West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — James A. Mulvey, vice- president and Eastern representa- tive for Samuel Goldwyn, left for New York yesterday after three weeks of conferences with the pro- ducer on the Coast. Executive meet- ings in interim resulted in appro- val of the largest radio budget Goldwyn has yet appropriated for one of his productions and decision to launch an immediate advertising campaign throughout England for "Up in Arms" and Danny Kaye, it was announced by William Hebert, director of. advertising and public- ity. Radio expenditures will be gov- erned by special situations, the bud- get remaining flexible, and local time being bought in all key spots for transcriptions. File Motion for New Tackson Park Trial Chicago — Myles Seeley, attorney for the plaintiffs in the Jackson Park Theater case, filed a brief yesterday supporting his motion for a new trial in Judge Michael Igoe's court. Claude Lee to Florida Claude Lee, Para, director of pub- lie relations, leaves today on a 10- day visit in Florida. Lee wdll con- fer with officials of Florida State Theaters, associated with Para- mount, including Frank Rogers, B. B. Garner and M. C. Talley, in Jacksonville, and he will also visit a number of the principal cities in the state. FWC Execs, in Capital; Morgenthau Hosts Skouras Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Three Fox-West Coast officials were in Washington yesterday discussing circuit problems with Government officials, and Charles P. Skouras, head of the cir- cuit, arrived last night for a lun- cheon scheduled for today with Treasury Secretary Henry Morgen- thau, Jr. Skouras, B. P. Sturdivant and "Rick" Rieketson will today re- ceive formal thanks from the Treas- ury for their industry leadership during the Fourth War Loan Drive. Russell McCuUough and Elmer Hanks, FWC purchasing heads, con- ferred on equipment problems with Allen G. Smith, WPB theater equip- ment chief, and John Eberson, OCR theaters consultant. W. H. Lolier, FWC tax consultant, was also in town, discussing tax matters at the Treasury. Detroit Film Delivery Wage Increase Denied Detroit — The Regional War La- bor Board has turned down the joint application of the local film carriers, covering both city and state route, and the Teamsters' Union, for a gen- eral wage increase. It is considered possible the ruling may be appealed here. The union sought an increase of $2.50 per man, retroactive to last May 1, as well as provision of time and a half for overtime over 40 hours per week. $120,000 for "Cover Girl" In First Music Hall Week Columbia's "Cover Girl," produced by Arthur Schwartz, rolled up a gross of approximately $120,000 in its first week at Radio City Music Hall, it was reported last night. Fig- ure is exceptionally high in view of the fact that the pic bucked Holy Week and yesterday's freak snow storm. Atlas Board Renamed; Vote Stock Retirement Wilmington, Del. — All members of the board of directors of Atlas Cor- poration were re-elected at the an- nual meeting of stockholders held here today. The stockholders also voted to re- tire 44,567 shares of Atlas common stock held in the company treasury at the end of 1943. Mono. Pictures Reports 6-Month Net of $178,612 West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Monogram Pictures reports for the six-month period end- ing Dec. 24, 1943, gross earnings after provision for employes' bonus but before provision for Federal taxes of $178,612.32, This compares with $92,050.02 for the same period a year ago. ' IVEW YORK THEATERS ; — RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL - 50th St. & Mi Avi. RITA HAYWORTH-GENE KELLY 'COVER GIRL' Technicolor for Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchcitra T 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle <-4<00 • PARAMOUNrS "LADY IN THE DARK" In Technicolor In Person XAVIER CUCAT AND BAND DEAN MURPHY PARAMOUNT TIMES MUARE BEGINNING FRIDAY, APRIL 7 ERROLL FLYNN IN PERSON: PAUL LUKAS in "UNCERTAIN GLORY- TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAND OPENS 9 AM. B'WAY & 47th St. BUY BONDS! HUMPHREY BOGART IN WARNERS' PASSAGE to MARSEILLE ''-'""''HOLLYWOOD Midnight Opens 10 AM. - B'way 51st Kay Carole . Martha Mitzi FRANCIS * LANDIS RAYE * MAYFAIR "FOUR JILLS IN A JEEP" PLUS ON STAGE- HARRY RICHMAN - The DE MARCOS BUY MORE D^W BONDS i%^A I 7th Ave. & 50th St. B WAY & 47th St. Marie MONTEZ.Jon HALL*Turh«n BEY 'ALf BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES' ^ 1 ON SCREEN 1st N. Y, Showing 'NONE SHALL ESCAPE' t with MARSHA HUNT IM PERSON ALLAN JONES Nappy FEUON Dich BUCKLEY Added Attrotlion CANADA LEE THE 800G OF BERPflDETTE PICTURE s,. RIVOLI ! A 20th CENTURY-FOX PICTURE CONTINUOUS Doors Open 9:30 A. M. B'WAY & 49th 1429 CONTRAC IN FIRST 7 DAYS! HOTTEST THING IN FILMS TODAY! SENSATIONAL t« TUNISIAN VICTORY" •V *, READY! SET! FIRE! BROADSIDES OF SHOWMANSHIP! Invasion Fleet in action! Storming the Beaches! Fall of Casablanca, Oran, Hill 609!' Blasting the Mareth Line! Americans' Surprise Move! More! ASK M-Q'M NOW! The Governments of the United States and Great Britain present "TUNISIAN VICTORY" • The Invasion and Liberation of North Africa • An Official Record Produced by British and American Service Film Units • Distributed by the British Ministry of Information • A Metro -Goldwyn- Mayer Release. 'The Uemphii Btlle' — Technicolor Saga of Ovr Air Heroei. Book It Now! Fox West Coast May Expand Its Holdings (Continued from Page 1) other circuit operators are believed to have conferred with Eberson and George McMurphey on the same mat- ter within recent weeks, although there is no confirmation forthcom- ing from OCR. One of the big question marks of circuit participation in the OCR pro- gram of providing a large group of new theaters — temporary and semi- permanent— is the attitude of the Department of Justice toward such expansion. Heretofore, only a hand- ful of the 100 or more applications for new construction have been from big circuit operators, and among those applications approved only two ar three of the operators were affiliated with large circuits. The question is reported to have been put to Tom Clark by one of the defendants in the New York anti- trust case, and the Assistant Attor- ney General is reported to have made it plain that although he op- poses circuit expansion strongly, he is impressed with the need for addi- tional screen facilities for war work- ers. This statement is interpreted to mean that if a need is shown to exist and no independent operator makes application he would probably not oppose approval for a circuit operation. There has been no indication here of any unusual activity in the OCR program during the past few weeks, with a distinct lag in applications for new construction rumored. Thus far no applications have been con- sidered, it is believed, from individ- uals not already in the theater ex- hibition business or in working agreement with experienced opera- tors. The general uncertainty regard- ing the war future has tended to slow down the program until there is some definite indication regarding the effect of demobilization on pres- ent population centers, buying pow- er, etc. There is believed to have been no action either on the ad- mitted interest of OCR in putting up theaters with Government funds for lease to private operators. J. C. Nugent Dudley Nichols Walter Huston Thursday, April 6, 1944 ▼ ▼ ▼ A Reporter's Report • • • TODAY'S HOT TIP: Don't be surprised if the Spitz- Goetz International Pictures lines up an important distribution figure for its top sales spot today ▼ TV • • • BEST EXPLOITATION Stunt of the. Year (to dote): Tuesday night's unprecedented snow storm that hit the metropolis in striking co- incidence with the opening of the RKO-Disney "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at Brandt's Manhattan! ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • THIS AND THAT: F & M Stageshows, Inc., has leased space in the Paramount Building and will soon be a new F. D. neigh- bor Roxy rolled up a record Red Cross collection of $21,162.59 in 19 days Metro's Pete Smith short, "Seventh Column," has won the Beyer Memorial Safety Award It's the third time a Metro short has been so honored Produced by the Charles M. Storn Co., ad agency, tele's most ambitious variety show was telecast over DuMont's W2XWV last night with Danton Walker as emcee Skouras The- aters' "You Judge the News" Radic Forum over WINS Saturday will ponder, "IWiat Kind of Peace Do We Want?" Program will have Dean Alfange, Prof. Arthur Upham Pope and Guenther Reinhardt • Paramount might like to know that the Patchogue (L. /.) USO Club plans to celebrate "Hitler's Last Birthday" ( his 55th) on the same day Wotta chance to tie in "The Hitler Gang" that offers! • Universal's home office is slated for still another expansion The directors will have their own board room on the 12th floor, in- cidentally. . . • Arthur W. Eddy is now handling publicity for Pro- ducer Sam Marx. . . • Dennis O'Keefe gets his Army physical Satur- day Actor is 36, married, with two youngsters and a third ex- pected. ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • LO! LO! LO!: One of the oldest names in show business yet one of the most mispronounced L-o-e-w's! Over at the Loew Theater publicity department yesterday there were teoring of hair and gnashing of molars! It seems that Loew's State Theater having a first-run opening of "None Shall Escape" bought a lot of spot radio cmnouncements on many minor stations. Bang! The an- nouncers on several of the stations blithely proclaimed "Lowie's State Theater" using the well-known mispronounciation of the name Fifteen years ago, when Oscar Doob became advertising director of Loew's, one of his first "new-broom" discoveries was the fact that the name Loew's was pronounced Low-ies by millions of movie fans and even by some Loew employes! So Doob set about setting the public right he invented and used the advertising slogan "Lo, and Behold!" Alas, the ad readers must have figured it a mis- print. They still talked of "Low-ies!" Then other slogans were tried: "Loew's For Good Shows" — but the New Yorkers still said "Lowies for good shows!" Even "Loew's — the high in entertainment" had little ef- fect. Recently, the publicity boys took another stab at the Lowies vs. Loew's gag. The N. Y. ads now carry in big caption letters: LO! LO! LO! And 10 days later, the radio aimouncers blast forth Lowies' State Theater. ▼ T ▼ • • • WHICH REMINDS US of the time Doob was with David Loew and met a friend. "Meet Mr. Loew," introduced Doob. "Oh, glad to meet you, Mr. Loew. My family always goes to Lowies!" ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR COminC and Goinc LOUIS B. MAYER and his story adviser, LILY MESSINCER, arrive from the Coast Saturday. J. ROBERT RUBIN is expected to leave shortly for Atlantic City. M. N. WOLF, New Haven and Boston district manager tor Metro, was in New York yesterday ALEX L. HILLMAN, fan magazine publish'' is back from a four-weeks' business trip to foi Coast. 4, WILLIAM FOX has returned from the Coast. CHARLES R. ROGERS is here from California. LEO SPITZ is in New York. EDWARD A. GOLDEN is scheduled to return to Hollywood tomorrow. GLENN PRATT, business agent of the Screen Office Employes Guild, Coast white-collar union, returns home today after the completion of talks with producer representatives on new agreements for groups affiliated with the Con- ference of Studio Unions. TOM CONNORS, 20th-Fox distribution boss; „ ANDREW W. SMITH, JR. the company's East- " ern sales manager, and C A. HILL, the latter's executive assistant, went to Philadelphia yester- day. ARTHUR KELLY, is expected to return to New York from the Coast this week. VINCENT SHERMAN, Warners' director, who has been in the East for the past two weeks, plans to leave New York this week-end on his return to the Coast. JULIUS J. and PHILIP G. EPSTEIN, Warners' producers and playwrights, whose new stage comedy, "Chicken Every Sunday," opened on Broadway last night, expect to return to the Coast next week. CECIL B. DE MILLE arrives in Chicago today from Washington. CLAUDE LEE leaves today for a 10-day Florida visit. LT. COL. WILLIAM WYLER and ALEC MOSS were in Memphis last night for the multiple opening of "Memphis Belle." MRS. CECIL B. DE MILLE arrives today from Washington for a two-week stay. LEONARD GOLDENSON, vice-president in charge of Paramount Theater operations, was grounded in Reading, Pa., yesterday on the way in from the Coast by Plane. JOHN C. FLINN goes to Washington today from New York. WARREN SLEE returned to Chicago today. JACK ^LINN, M-C-M Western manager, now at Mt. Clemens taking a rest, leaves for the West Coast shortly on inspection tour. Mrs. Thomas G. Winter Dies West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— Mrs. Thomas Gerald Winter, who was director of the De- partment of Public Service for the Association of Motion Picture Pro- ducers from 1939 to 1942, died yes- terday at her Pasadena home after an illness of several years duration. "Memphis Belle" Takes Off Memphis— "The Memphis Belle,'' Paramount-released, bowed in at the Malco here last night after a day of civic and patriotic activities. Four- reeler starts regular runs immed- iately in city's other first-runs. THEATER DEALS Roland, N. C— J. D. Mclntyre has bought the Roland from J. W. Mc- Millan, who will continue to own and operate the Latta, at Latta, S. C. Thursday, April 6, 1944 13^ DAILY Theaters Averaging $400 for R. C. Fund First 3,600 theaters reporting col- lections in the industry's 1944 Red Cross Drive averaged close to $400 each, campaign headquarters re- -^"^ted yesterday. [j^his average amount was a sub- stantial improvement over the fig- ure from the first batch of reports received Monday from about 1,700 theaters, which included only those houses where the collections were confined to a single week. With the arrival of additional reports from theaters that extended the drive through a second week-end, it is ex- pected that a further improvement :in the average will be shown. Returns yesterday included John J. Payette's report on the District of Columbia area, which took in $85,- 528 or nearly double the 1943 fig- ure. Payette, co-chairman of the local exhibitor committee for the Red Cross Drive, also pointed out that in personal solicitations, against a. quota of $10,000, a total of $17,- 000 was collected from theater and exchange personnel, with another $500 possible. C. J. Latta, zone manager for Warner Theaters in the Albany ter- ritory, reported $20,788 collected in 24 Warner houses under his juris- diction, compared with approximate- ly $10,000 last year. Arthur Frudenfeld of RKO The- aters, Cincinnati, Exhibitor chair- man of the local exchange area, re- ported $58,850 for 156 houses that have sent in their returns to date from that territory. Lou Golding, Exhibitor chairman in Albany reported for Si Fabian's upstate theaters, in Cohoes, Cats- kill, Albany, Troy and Schenectady which collected $16,475 in the 1944 Red Cross campaign, against ap- proximately $8,000 last year. Broadway's Capitol took in $10,- (585 — which is approximately dou- ble what it took in last year. Ra- dio City Music Hall reported $16,- 062, also ahead of last year. Fred Schwartz of Century Circuit reported approximately $35,000 against $18,134 collected last year. Don Jacocks stated that his zone of Warner houses in New Jersey con- sisting of about 50 theaters col- lected for the March of Dimes $46,- 000 and last year they gave to the Red Cross $35,000. This year they turned in $67,000 for the Red Cross Drive. Harry C. Arthur, Jr., Exhibitor chairman for the St. Louis area re- ported a collection fo $92,549 against last year's collection of $34,000. This is for 112 theaters and includes Southern Illinois which turned in $10,917 and Eastern Missouri $7,- 415. Arthur stated that is the larg- est amount turned in for any drive and this does not include individual employe and exchange area contri- DUtions. TO THE COLORS! * PROMOTED * 2ND Lt. JACK M. COETZ, son of Jack Coetz, Du Art Film Laboratory, promoted to 1st lieutenant, USA. * ARMY * JAMES EASSON, manager, Falms-State, Detroit. BUD FRIEDMAN, Warner exchange, Cleveland. BARNEY CARFINKLE, owner. Main Theater, Cleveland. HAROLD CONRAD, Orpheum, Wilkes-Barre^ Pa. CECRCE TATE, Kingston, Kingston, Pa. JOHN STAPLES, owner, Franklin, Siggott, Ark. NORMAN FAIR, owner. Fair, Sommerville, Tenn. * NAVY * W. B. PITTS, Metro salesman, Detroit. tDDI€ WHITFORD, projectionist, Elmwood, Syra- cuse. ART FROST, manager, Oriole, Detroit. WILLIAM A. KOZAREN, exploiteer. United De- troit Theateis. NICK WARREN, manager, Criterion, Durham, N. C. E. G, OCBURN, office manager, Warners, Char- lotte. if^ marinTes ^ HOWARD SPIES, booker. Co-operative Theaters of Ohio, Cleveland. Urge Abolition of Censorship in Ohio (ConHnued from Page 1) Ward Marsh's Plain Dealer column. Horwitz suggested that censorship of war films, approved by Govern- ment authorities and run without profit by theaters, be eliminated. "Why do we have to have the Ohio board censor something that our Army has approved and wants the public to see?" Horwitz quer- ied, and "Why should the state make a profit on war films when no one else makes any?" Marsh backed Horwitz' stand and called on the Department of Educa- tion to act upon the suggestion. "And if such action is not taken," he said, "I trust that those in power will continue to ask these questions until the situation is remedied." Later in the week, Pete Wood, ITO of Ohio secretary, wrote to Marsh to advocate the elimination of censorship on all motion pictures instead of merely on war films. He held that there has been a vast improvement in films since the Ohio censorship law was enacted and pointed out that two individuals are now telling Ohio's 6,822,021 resi- dents just what and what not kind of motion picture fare they shall see. Indie Producers Society Mourns Myron Selznick H'rsf Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Members of the So- ciety of Independent Motion Picture Producers have passed a resolution mourning the death of Myron Selz- nick. Resolution, hailing the late agent as "the friend and wise coun- selor of the independent producer," termed him "a powerful and con- structive force" in the industry. Copies of the expression have been sent to David 0. Selznick, a mem- ber who was not present, his mother, Mrs. Florence Selznick and Myron Selznick's daughter, Joan. Rites for Sig Marcus West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Funeral services were held yesterday for Sig Marcus, 48, who was executive aide to the late Myron Selznick and who died of pneumonia following a paralytic stroke. Howard Craven Recovers Detroit— Howard Craven, manager of Exhibitors' Service Company, film carriers, is back after recover- ing from injury caused by mashing a finger in an automobile fan. Mrs. Jule Craven, who is an active part- ner in the business, is on the sick list with arthritis. No. 15 Outstanding Industry Personalities HE'S UA's president, and for many years has been in the very top ranks of the entertain- ment world's legalists, hence possesses complete industry savoir faire. His name completes the title of a famous law firm, the first two mem- bers of the triumvirate being the Messrs. O'Brien and Driscoll. He's a native New Englander, having been born in North Brookfield, Mass. Was educated at Holy Cross in Worcester, and then at Fordham University where he studied law. To each alma mater he is intensely loyal, and wags assert that the schools broke off ath- letic relations so as not to embarrass him. HE'S roar of Leo, being vice-prexy and execu- tive in charge of promotion for Loew's, Inc. Even his pen resounds. Witness his screenplays and lyrics of top-flight merit. His versatility confounds his fellow man. For example, at a pre-iuar FILM DAILY Golf Tourney he com- peted on links in fine style; dittoed in tennis competition; had most of the 200 attending the event around Iiitn as he gave brilliant ping-potig exhibition; and had kibitzers aghast at his potent game of bridge. Down in the locker room, they gathered to see him swim the 100 meters free style, but there wasn't enough water in the shower bath. ONE of nation's and industry's staunchest home front fighters is this president of Brandt Theater Circuit. His natal day is ap- propriately same dat as Washington's. Wher- ever and whenever there's a war fund campaign you'll find him the busiest of the B's on roster thereof. Organization committee of WAG, di- rector of American Theater Wing's board, chair- man of Greek War Relief show, member of Officers Service Glub's board, and ad infinitum. For many years has carried the crusading ban- ners of the little theaterman, and has done so in a big way. Among them, as well as among the trade's titans, he is deeply admired and respected. They can easily be identified by referring fo the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. O'VmILY: Thursday, April 6, 1944 Place Film Mfrs. on Super-Crltkal List! (Continued from Page 1) of a proposal that film manufactu- rers be placed on the super-critical list which is to be drawn up some time this month. The committee meets again next week. Inclusion of this list will provide the industry with firm grounds for demanding consideration locally, al- though there will be no relaxation in efforts to obtain consideration di- rectly from the local manpower of- ficials in areas where film is manu- factured or processed. Strong rec- ommendations from the Army and the Navy will be placed before the inter-agency committee, but there is no assurance that the film manufac- turing industry will be included. In the meantime, the situation for Hollywood studios begins to look even blacker. It is almost certain that the age under which all occu- pational deferments are disallowed will be raised from 26 within a few more weeks — probably to 29. This is in line with what Selective Service Director General Lewis B. Hershey has desired all along — no occupa- tional deferments at all. WMC Di- rector Paul V. McNutt has stood firmly for job deferments. All But Two lA Locals Have Finished Negotiations REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS "South American Front — 1944" (March of Time) 20th-Fox 17 Mins. Very ReveaUng The latest March of Time issue imparts to Americans a lot of time- ly information about the South American situation. The short pro- fesses to tell the "inside story" of political developments in Argentina and discloses the factors that con- spire to advance Brazil's bid for first place among the nations of the South American continent. The picture makes a brief but ef- ficient survey of the Brazilian scene, often taking on the aspect of a trav- elogue. Included in the footage is an accounting of Brazil's aid to the United Nations' war effort. The interest is highlighted by the inclu- sion of many glimpses of Brazilian life and ways. At the moment this film takes on great importance. "Eagle vs. Dragon" Universal 20 Mins. Different This film account of the training of an eagle for hunting purposes makes a most unusual short subject, one that is instructive as well as entertaining. The eagle, the prop- erty of Dan and Jule Mannix, who appear in the film and serve as nar- rators, is pitted against the giant dragon lizard of Mexico, which the bird is taught to capture alive. The various phases in the training of the eagle and the manner of attack- ing the prey are depicted in remark- able camera shots. Exciting and thoroughly absorb- ing, the footage, filmed in excellent Technicolor that catches all the beau- ty of the Mexican scenery, was di- rected by Paul R. Thoma. John H. Green deserves high praise for the camera work. Joseph O'Brien and Thomas Mead produced the film, a rare subject. Nominate Dan Halpin For ATS's President (Continued from Page 1) union representatives at the New York offices of Pat Casey, studio la- bor contact. Still to be completed are the cases of Local 695, sound technicians, and Local 727, laborers. All day yesterday was given, over to negotiations on demands made by Local 4, property men. The main points that have yet to be cleaned up are seniority rights, length of agreement, sick leaves with pay and payment for time spent to and from locations. Further rumors on the dissatisfac- tion of some of the labor men at the huddles over the way the negotia- tions were being conducted by the lATSE leadership were prevalent yesterday. The speed with which the Conference of Studio Unions and the basic-agreement group of studio locals conducted their negotiations was contrasted to the long-drawn out sessions devoted to negotiations on proposals of the lATSE locals, which have been holding sessions with the producer representatives for more than a month. Drop "Madcap Models" Titie "Madcap Models" is being drop- ped as title of the Paramount ser- ies of George Pal Puppetoon shorts. Pay Tilts Retroactive 65 Wks. Omaha — Republic branch oflSce employes here, members of Local F-47, will receive pay boosts of from $2 to $7 weekly retroactive for 65 weeks. American Television Society at its meeting on May 11 will vote on the following slate proposed by the Nominating Committee and such other candidates as may be proposed by membership petitions: President, Dan Halpin; Vice-Pres- ident, Ray Nelson; Treasurer, Don McClure; Secretary, Kay Reynolds; Directors, Norman D. Waters, George T. Shupert, David Hale Halpem, Prof. Edward C. Cole, Lela Swift, Charles Keinman and J. Raymond Hutchinson. 24,804 Persons Have Been Members of SAG tVcst Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Pat Somerset, assis- tant secretary of Screen Actors Guild, testifying at the NLRB hear- ing on SPU's request to be adjudged the bargaining agency for extra players, said that since the start of the Guild 24,804 persons have been members. That includes the pres- ent membership plus those who have left to join the armed services, and for other types of work. Somerset also testified that film extras are properly taken care of and have the privilege of transfer- ring from "B" to a membership if a higher rating is warranted. He disclosed the fact that "B" member- ship, which takes in the extras, has been closed since 1938, and that any- one seeking to become a "B" mem- ber must bring a letter from the head of a studio saying his services were needed by that studio. Testifying earlier, Aubrey Blair, former executive secretary of the Junior Guild of SAG, had charged that the 1938 contract was not for the best interests of extras. Canadian Commons Hears Attack on Film Board Ottawa — Tendency of the Nation- al Film Board to publicize Soviet Russia instead of Canada was sharp- ly criticized in the Canadian House of Commons when Rodney Adamson, Px'ogressive - Conservative member for York West, declared there is a feeling that the board is devoting itself to a type of propaganda "far beyond what was intended." He said there was a growing suspicion that the board had become propagandist for a type of socialist and foreign philosophy whereas formerly it was merely an instrument for Canadian government propaganda. Major-General Lafleche, Minister of National War Services, said he would be glad to look into the mat- ter, if supplied with the names of the films to which Adamson objected. He would view the pictures himself. Clarence Gillis, CCF member of Cape Breton South, and Fred Larose, Labor-Progressive member for Mon- treal-Cartier, defended the Film Board's Soviet pix. Chertok Replaces Wallis on Pic West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Warner Bros, an- nounced that Producer Jack Chertok has been assigned the production reins on "The Conspirators," picture currently in production with Hedy Lamarr and Paul Henried in the leads. The picture was formerly handled by Hal B. Wallis. Two in Legion's Class B Legion of Decency has placed "Moon Over Las Vegas" (Universal) and "Up in Mabel's Room" (UA- Small) in its Class B. Artists and Record Fields for Robblns (Continued from Page 1) bins Artists Bureau, Ltd., just or ganized, the company will seek to develop its own bands and talent. Bookings will be handled throu^i": established agencies, it is understc(for A second Bobbins subsidiary jiii.^. formed is the Lion Record Co., which will engage actively in the record field. Trademark, a Lion, has been registered internationally, it was said. Deal is in work for 15 pressing machines, indicating quick action. New ventures are headed by Wal- lace Downey, well known in the rec- ord field. Mitchell Loew Booker Dies; Rites Tomorrow Saloway Offices Moved Flora Saloway, authors' represen- tative, has moved her offices to 17 E. 42nd St. (Continued from Page 1) the Walter Cooke Funeral Chapel, 190th St. and Jerome Ave. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Pleasantville. Mitchell, who entered film biz as a lecturer with a one-reel film of the famous Dreyfus Case, organ- ized, with Marcus Loew and David Bernstein, the Humanova Company in 1907. This group of actors talked the various parts in silent films be- hind a transparent screen, thus giv- ing the public its first actual 'talk- ing pictures'. The vocalizing of the films did not catch on too well, and Mitchell became manager of the People's Film Co., a state rights exchange, owned by Loew and Bern- stein. In 1914, he became film book- er for Loew's New York theaters, a position he retained until his death. He had suffered from heart disease for nearly 10 years. Mitchell is survived by his widow and a son, Fred Holland Mitchell, U.S.N. WB District Managers Meet Here April 20-21 (Continued from Page 1) distribution. Field executives com- ing in for the sessions include: Norman Ayers, Eastern District; Robert Smeltzer, Mid - Atlantic; Charles Rich, Central; Harry A. Seed, Midwest; Hall Walsh, Prairie; Ralph L. McCoy, Southern; Henry Herbel, West Coast; Wolfe Cohen, Canada. Among home office execs, participate in the meetings over by Kalmenson, are Sachson, Roy Haine's, Jules Mort Blumenstock, A. W. berg, Norman H. Moray, Ed and I. F. (Mike) Dolid. who will presided Arthur Lapidus, Schwal- Hinchy, Has 1,750 in Armed Services Chicago — The Chicago Musicians' v union now has 1,750 members in h the armed services, throughout the fc world. Pj. ^^ Thursday, April 6, 1944 ^ DAILY Estimate 20tli-Fox Net of $12,900,000 (Continued from Page 1) ir-ii amounted to an estimated $38,100,- to 000 in 1943, compared with $18,069,- i!. 000 in 1942. Deduction for minority ?: Interests was $1,400,000 last year. jji JNet earnings after deducting divi- uia^ds on prior preferred and pre- 0,, f erred stock are equivalent to $6.50 3: per share on the 1,742,000 shares of 3tc; common outstanding. fe The majority stock interest in Na- Kotional Theaters was purchased by i,20th-Fox July 9, 1943, and on that j date National became a wholly- il-i owned subsidiary. Prior to then { - 20th-Fox owned only 42 per cent of i National Theaters. The earnings of National from Dec. 26, 1942, to July 9, 1943, have been estimated at $2,- 000,000, and during that period no dividends were declared. The $2,- 000,000 consolidated net profit of National prior to July 9, 1943, is >j 'treated as profits made prior to the jji|,date of acquisition, and after de- ji ducting this amount from the esti- mated combined net profit for the js; entire year, the estimated net profit jft carried to consolidated surplus will jj.be $10,900,000. After deducting ijljjdividends on prior preferred and ,' preferred stock this will amount to ;i $5.37 a share on the 1,742,000 shares J.I. of common stock outstanding. National Theaters is not consoli- dated in the 1942 figures. However, a dividend of $756,000 was received from National in 1942 and is in- cluded in the income of that year. ^j For the fourth quarter of 1943 jj'the estimated consolidated net profit . of 20th-Fox after all charges was ."$3,700,000, compared with $3,343,- °' 849 for the third quarter of 1943 and rt|;$3,353,071 for the fourth quarter of 1942. I Hollywood Two-Reeler Plugs Dominion's Loan » Toronto — "The Shining Future," j ^, special two-reeler produced at the Warner Studio, Hollywood, in co- operation with the War Activities Committee and the Screen Actors i- Guild has been delivered to J. J. Fitzgibbons, chairman of the Can- t;|:adian Motion Picture War Services t;l;Committee, for use in the Sixth Vic- i. tory Loan. 7 O'Neil Into Anned Forces KrlVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Eugene R. O'Neill, as- J isistant to Col. Jason Joy, public re- ;ij Jations director at 20th-Fox, has re- jr signed to go into the armed services. WEDDinG BELLS j>|' Charlotte, N. C. — Mrs. Rosalie Hedgepath of the State theater staff married Pvt. Joe Fischl of Morris Field. IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS CLIFF HENNINCSON, Monogram head booker, Des Moines. JUNE SCHERCL, biller, National Screen Service, Buffalo. CESAR RpJEK, assistant shipper, RKO, Buffalo. HOWARD HERTY, M-C-M exploitation repre- sentative, Los Angeles. TED CALANTER, M-C-M exploitation represen- tative, Seattle. ED KOECEL, manager, Broadway, Cape Girar- deau, Mo. RAY CATO, manager, State, West Frankfort, III. AL SFARCUR, manager. Grand, OuQuoln, III. ROBERT SHUFELT manager. Globe, Christopher, III. R. W. NEPTON, Warner contact manager, Nev» England zone. RUSSELL H. STEWART, M-G-M home office publicity staff. JAY ZIMMERMAN, office manager, M-C-M, St. Louis. JERRY O'NEILL, typography department, j. Walter Thompson Agency. EARL BEAMAN, treasurer. Vanguard, Holly- wood. MARCUS LEVIN, assistant manager, ?enn, W'ilkes-Barre, Pa. GEORGE WELSCH, manager, Roman, Pittston, Pa. BOB KELLY, manager, Sterling, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Says Vanguard Will Tighten Ties WItli UA (Continued from Page 1) various rumors which have been given circulation. "It must be apparent to everyone that the recent activities of David 0. Selznick Enterprises have indi- cated plans for a greatly expanded operation. However, Vanguard is a 25 per cent owner of United Ar- tists and has a long-term releasing deal with that company, and we have no plans contemplating any change in this status. Indeed, Neil Agnew, our new vice-president in charge of distribution, will be in Hollywood next week for meetings with us and with Edward C. Raftery and Grad- well L. Sears, executive heads of UA, looking toward ways and means of planning to still further the United Artists program, and to- ward utilizing our assets for the benefit of its program as a whole. "As to Hal B. Wallis, both Selz- nick and I have the highest regard for his producing abilities and can- didly we would welcome the opportu- nity to have him associated with us. When we heard of the difficulties be- tween Wallis and Warner Bros., we advised Wallis of our interest, if and when he should become avail- able, and Wallis advised us that he would be glad to talk to us at such time, but that he was still under contract." Defer Hearing on Schine Motions to Next Monday Buffalo — Hearings on a motion by the Government to have a trustee appointed for the nine Schine the- aters not disposed of as ordered May 19, 1942, and a counter motion by Schine Chain Theaters, Inc., seeking relief from the order, were post- poned in U. S. District Court yes- terday until Monday. The matter will be taken up then along with a recent application by the Schine firm for permission to purchase the Liberty Theater in Cumberland, Md. Mandel Named on WAC Drive Publkity (Continued from Page 1) lie Releations' Pictorial Branch, to secure the services of a former film star now in the service, to appear in a special trailer. It is expected that permission will be granted for this in the next few days. This is the second time that the Alperson-Mandel combination has functioned in an all-out WAC proj- ect, their previous effort being United Nations Week last year, in which more than $1,625,000 was raised for the relief of America's al- lies. Mandel already has been meeting with various military officials con- nected with recruiting in the Wo- men's Army Corps, so that a special campaign book can be prepared. This book, Mandel said yesterday, will be shipped to exhibitors well before the campaign begins. Two Television Units Hold Meetings Today The future of television, particu- larly as it affects broadcasting, will be discussed at two luncheon meet- ings here today under the auspices of the Radio Executives Club and the General Electric Co., respectively. Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith, vice- chairman of the Radio Technical Planning Board, will speak on "Tele- vision Opportunities" at the luncheon session of the Radio Executives Club at the Shelton Hotel, and Dr. Walter R. G. Baker, vice-president in charge of General Electric's elec- tronics department, will discuss post- war television at a GE invitation luncheon for the press at the Wal- dorf-Astoria Hotel. "Snow White" Draws Queues Walt Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," opened for a run Tuesday at the Manhattan to stand- ing room only with queues stretching a block long all through the day, according to Robert Mochrie, RKO Radio general sales manager. At- tendance was more than 60 per cent adult. H€LLy>V€€0 DIGEST SIGNED DARRYL HICKMAN, termer, Paramount. KENNETH MacGOWAN, termer. Paramount. HAROLD YOUNG, director, "Mexican Fiesta," Jack Schwarr-PRC. ROBERT LOWERY, new option. Monogram. CHILLI WILLIAMS, termer, RKO. CAPT. GLENN MILLER, USA, post-war termer, 20th:Fox. LAURA Z. HOBSON, writer termer, M-G-M. DONALD WOODS, termer, Warners. LAURA Z. HOBSON, writer termer, M-G-M. KAY SCOTT, termer. Paramount. HELEN WALKER, another year. Paramount. FREDERICK GRAHAM, termer, Columbia. EDWIN lUSTUS MAYER, screenplay, "The Czar- ina, 20th-Fox. ASSIGNMENTS GEORGE lESSEL, producer, "The Naked Genius," 20th -Fox. EUGENE FORDE, director, "Rendezvous," Colum- bia. LAURA Z. HOBSON, story, "Remember When," M-C-M. JAMES BASEVI, production designer, "Double Furlough," Vanguard. MARK LEE KIRK, art director, "Double Fur- lough," Vanguard. Court Orders Snowdon Contempt Proceedings Montreal — Because a poster ad- vertising "Princess O'Rourke" ap- pearing in the lobby of the Snowdon theater after Justice Cousineau in the Superior Court had issued an interim injunction to prevent the theater from showing Warners-First National pictures, the Court has is- sued a writ ordering the United Amusement Co., Ltd., George Gane- takos, John Ganetakos and Harry Stephen to appear in court on April 11 and show cause why they should not be condemned for contempt of court. The contempt of court proceed- ings came as an incident in a lengthy court battle in which Kent Theaters, Ltd., attempted to estab- lish a right to show Warner Bros- First National Pictures before they were shown in the Snowdon, oper- ated by United Amusements. In connection with the contempt proceedings the United Amusement officials said that the appearance of the poster complained of in a frame announcing "next week's attraction" was a mistake. The court refused the explanation and ordered the the- ater company officials to appear and try and justify the breach of the court's order. FEfnmE TOUCH EMMA HELWIG, booker. Co-operative Theaters, Detroit. VIRGINIA SEGUIN from secretary to exploiteer, 20th-Fox, Chicago. MRS. NORMAN FAIR, manager. Fair, Somerville, Tenn. MRS. JOHN STAPLES, manager, Franklin, Pig- gott. Ark. MRS. FRANCES PAUMER, secretary, Warners' Charlotte. EVELYN FRIEDMAN, office manager. Community Circuit, Cleveland. The Welding Belles Ring Out A Riot Of Rhythm And Revelry The Gayest Musical Laugh-Hit Of The Season! THE ' KlYb I tK ^^ / \ with i JANEFRAZEE i FRANK AlBERTSON VERA VAGUE FRANK JENKS • LLOYD CORRIGAN MAUDE EBURNE • CARL "ALFALFA'- SWITZER • ARTHUR LOFT I Joseph Santley - Director • Screenplay by Jack Townley — Aleen Leslie Based on the Saturday Evening Post Story "Room For Two" by Dorothy Curnow Handley EPUBLIC PICTURE Par^ Jf^timates Its 1943 Net at ^6,077,000 Intini^^ m Character Inierno^^nal in Scope Independent in Thought {See Columns 2-3 Below) ■ The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old & 85, NO 69 NEW YORK, FRroAY. APRIL 7, 1944 TEN CENTS NAME REAGAN PARA. DISTRIBUTION HEAD GE Predicts 100 Post -War Television Stations Company Engineers Have invented a Revolutionary Type of Electronic Tube i Keynoted by the prediction ihat from three to five years if ter the war there will be some 100 active stations serving 67,000,- )00, exclusive of the so-called satel- ite stations which will be estab- ished in smaller communities, Gen- jral Electric Co. yesterday unveiled Its post-war television plans at a (Continued on Page 6) Fag Pittsburgh Area Mso 'Locally Needed' The War Manpower Commission )f the Pittsburgh labor market area las designated the activity of film listribution there as "locally needed," was announced last n'ght by Ned L. Depinet, chairmt-n of the WAC Distributors' Division. The classifi- (Continued on Page 8) CJassidy Forms Producing ■So.; "Green Mansions" 1st >.Vrst Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — .James B. Cassidy, for- mer New York publisher and adver- tising manager, has launched James Cassidy Productions, Inc., and (Continued on Page 8) A" ack Biame ''Honored 100" Winners JV^xt Weeh Winners of the Fourth War Loan's "Honored Hundred" contest are ex- pected to be announced next week, Robert W. Selig, assistant campaign director in charge of the competition, announced last night. They will go to Washington early in May as guests of the Treasury to serve on a special advisory committee for the Fifth War Loan drive. Each of the managers also will receive many other honors as a result of their Bond-sell- ing prowess Selig said. EXHIBS. PLAY ROLE IN WM. FOX CO. To Participate as Stockholders, Getting in Return Franchise to Book Entire Season's Product By LOU PELEGRINE FILM DAILY Staff Writer The exhibitor will have an oppor- tunity to play an important part in the operation of a film company when William Fox, founder of that erstwhile amusement empire known as the Fox Film Corp., returns as an active force in the industry as head and guiding spirit of a new pro- ducing-distributing organization of international scope the formation of which was announced by the former picture magnate on the Coast last week before his return to New York after a two-month sojourn in the screen capital. Such was the disclosure made yes- terday by Fox in an interview in which he discussed the plans and. de- sign of his company, a co-operative venture which will be called the Fox Pictures Corp. Fox said that, in line with the co-operative policy of the company, (Continued on Page 6) 2 New Types of Tele Equip. Under Study Two or more types of theater tele- vision projection equipment, in ad- dition to the systems already demon- strated, are under study or develop- ment. Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith said (Continued on Page 7) Report Seattle Exchange Employes All Resign Seattle — In an action believed to be without industry precedent, all back room employes of local ex- changes were reported last night to (Continued on Page 8) Allied Board Meets In Philly May 17-18 National Allied's directors will convene May 17-18 in Philadelphia at a hotel yet to be designated for the annual Spring meeting, it was an- nounced vesterday. Parley will mark the first to be presided over by the (Continued on Page 6) Companies and 11 Studio Unions Near Pact Accords Given Five- Year Contract And Elected a Vice-Presi- dent to Succeed Agnew Election of Charles M. Reagan to a Paramount vice-presidency and approval of a five-year contract with him as general manager of dis- t r i b u t i o n for Para, product in the U. S. and Canada by the company's direc- tors were an- nounced last night toy Presi- dent Barney Bal- aban, following a board meeting yesterday after- noon. Reagan, assis- tant general sales manager of the company since 1941, steps into by Neil Agnew, Accords between film companies and the 11 lATSE studio locals with which they have been negotiating new agreements to replace those ex- (Continued on Page 8) Para, Sees $16^077^000 Net Compares with 1942 Earnings of $14,631,650 Argentina Lifts Ban On Two RKO Anti-Nazi Pix Buenos Aires (By Cable) — Initial results of the revised attitude of Argentine censors toward U. S. mo- tion pictures was the licensing yes- terday for general exhibition in this country of two of the most contro- (Continued on Page 6) Paramount yesterday estimated its earnings for the year ended Jan. 1, last at $16,077,000 after interest and all charges including reserves provided for contingencies and esti- mated provision for all Federal nor- mal and excess profits taxes. This amount includes $1,552,000 repre- senting Paramount's direct and in- direct" net interest as stockholder (Continued on Page 12) CHARLES M. REAGAN the post vacated (Continued on Page 3) Schine Deal in Md. Before Court Monday Buffalo — The Government yester- day was granted permission by Fed- eral Judge John Knight to subpoena four persons from Cumberland, Md., for appearance in Court Monday in connection with renewal of the anti- ( Continued on Page 8) Morgenthau Thanhs Shouras for Drive With the locale switched from Washington to New York, Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr., formally ex- pressed the Treasury's thanks to Charles P. Skouras for his leadership of the industry's Fourth War Loan drive. At the same time, the Na- tional Theaters prexy was presented with a gigantic campaign scrap book, now on view at the New York Roxy. I y/nORE EqVtPMElST fiV PROSPECT — Tl/RiV TO TODAY'S EQUIPMENT NEWS SECTION, PAGES B-ll Friday, April 7, 1944 Vol. 85,No 69 Fri., April 7, 1944 lOCents JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133- Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FINANCIAL J.' (Thursday, April 6) ^^ NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 141/2 HVi HVz + 1/2 Am. Seat Col. Pitcs. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . East. Kodak 1 do pfd Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Picts. vtc. . 4 4 4 191/8 191/8 19'/8 67 166 167 -f 11/4 205/8 201/4 205/8 -f 1/4 611/4 61 611/4 -f i/s 257/8 255/8 25% 9 87/8 87/8 24% 241/4 24% -^' ' Vs 321/8 317/8 317/8 — l/g 123/4 125/8 12% BOND MARKET 917/8 917/8 917/8 — 1/8 CURB MARKET 4 3% 1 Vi 1 Vz 2% 25/8 4 -t- 11/2 -f 25/8 141/2 143/8 143/8 + 35/8 35/a 231/2 231/2 231/2 23 223/4 223/4 35/8 - Philly Allied to Hear 20th-Fox Parley Results Philadelphia — Sidney E. Samuel- son, Morris Wax, Milton Rogasner, Charles Moyer, and Sam Resnick, comprising a committee of the Al- lied Independent Theater Owners of Eastern Pennsylvania, Inc., met with Tom J. Connors, A. W. Smith, Jr., Clarence Hill, Sam Gross, and A. J. Davis of 20th Century-Fox here at the Warwick Hotel to discuss mutual problems. The exhibitor committee will present a complete report at a general Allied membership meeting next Wednesday. Majors' Motion to Oust Camrel Suit Is Denied Federal Judge John Bright yester- day denied the eight major film com- panies, defendants in a triple-dam- ages action for alleged violation of the trust act, their motion for dis- missal of the Camrel Co. suit. Com- plaint charges that the defendants monopolized the distribution of prod- uct in the Jersey City area by giving first-run to their theater chain af- filates while the Cameo Theater, Jer- sey City, of which Camrel is land- lord, is able to get only fourth-run. Rosyl Amusement Co., which op- erates the Cameo, served a further bill of particulars on Skouras The- aters Corp., one of the theater chain defendants in the company's suit against 22 defendants, including the eight majors. The company charged that Skouras signed its own form of contract under the alleged conspir- acy and dictated to the distributor defendants the clearance schedules covering the Cameo Theater runs. Burkett Signs Rambeau As Tugboat Annie Star West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — James S. Burkett has set Marjorie Rambeau to star in his new series of features to be based upon Tugboat Annie, heroine of the Norman Reilly Raine short stories which originally appeared in the Saturday Evening Post. Under an arrangement made with Raine and Warner Bros., which has controlled rights to the stories, Burkett has obtained 21 shoii; stories. He has signed George Callahan to write the screenplay of the initial picture, as yet untitled, with starting date ten- tatively scheduled for early July. Miss Rambeau will appear in the role originated by the late Marie Dressier. Burkett is dickering with Charles Winniger to play the part originally handled by Wallace Beery in the first of the M-G-M series. Burkett will make two Tugboat An- nie pictures a year under his sched- ule. He is now arranging a major company release. Schwalberg Leaves WB , For IP Berth on April 30 A. W. Schwalberg, for the last 14 years supervisor of exchanges for Warners leaves the company April 30 to join International Pictures, headed by William Goetz and Leo Spitz, as Eastern rep., it was an- nounced yesterday by Ben Kalmen- son, general sales manager for War- ners. Schwalberg has been connected with Warners for the past 18 years, his first two as head of the contract department. He also has been a vice-president of Vitagraph, Inc., the Warner distributing organization, for the past two years. Successor to Schwalberg as ex- change supervisor is expected to be announced by Kalmenson within the next week. Mike Dolid and Bernie Goodman are understood to be in line* 800 More Theaters Report R. C. Collections Up 100% Red Cross receipts from theater collections continue to' be at least double comparable to 1943 figures, it was indicated from reports from another 800 theaters received at campaign headquarters yesterday. John Rugar, Salt Lake City chair- man, wired Joseph Bernhard, that $45,000 collected by 112 theaters re- porting was two and a half times 1943 receipts. Newsreel Theaters' five Metropolitan area houses took in $8,158 this year against $4,554 last year, S. R. Martin, treasurer, reports. J. Meyer Schine, reported that 135 of his theaters collected $65,000 compared with $15,000 in 1943. I. J. Hoffman, reported from New Ha- ven that up to Wednesday the ter- ritory had taken in $49,826, com- pared to 1943's $25,290. A. Joseph DeFiore, Delaware chairman reported $15,000 for the state's fewer than 30 theaters against very little reported last year. Zeb Epstein, Strand, Broadway, reported $10,875 against $5,419 last year, while Fabian Theaters reports $7,- 185 for the Fox and Paramount The- aters, Brooklyn, and $3,443 the Fab- ian Staten Island houses. Harry Arthur reported from St. Louis that with two more days to go receipts are $132,660 compared with 1943's $60,000 total. COminG and GOlil& "Memphis Belle" Day-Date In 14 Broadway Theaters Paramount has booked "The Mem- phis Belle," four-reeler Technicolor combat report of the U. S. Eighth Army Air Force, into 14 Broadway houses next Thursday, Charles M. Reagan, assistant general sales man- ager, announced yesterday. Deals for the OWI film, distrib- uted by Paramount on a non-profit basis, were made by Milton Kusell, district manager, and Henry Han- del, branch manager, in co-operation with the WAC metropolitan theater committee. Houses to show the film for a week are the Paramount, Roxy, Astor, Strand, Hollywood, Criterion, Globe, Manhattan, Gotham, Palace, Rialto, Loew's State, Embassy Newsreel and Trans-Lux Newsreel Theaters. Picture opens the same day that the Metropolitan, Strand and Fox The- aters, Brooklyn, on May 4 starts over the RKO Metropolitan circuit, and a week later in Loew subse- quents. Hilgers Leaves 20th-Fox Managership in Dallas Dallas — Clair Hilgers has resigned as branch manager of 20th-Fox here to become associated with the Leon circuit in the purchase of the Craw- ford Theater, El Paso, from C. C. Dues. He will manage the house and help buy film. TOM CONNORS, 20th-Fox distribution boss and ANDREW W. SMITH, JR., the company' Eastern sales manager, yesterday returned t( the home office from Philadelphia. CHARLES EINFELD, Warner advertising-put licity chief, leaves Hollywood for the East c Tuesday. WILLIAM C. GEHRINC, Western sales ger of 20th-Fox, is back from a visit of the exchanges in his territory. vOI CHARLES P. SKOURAS Is expected in Wash ington Monday from New York. SOLLY GOTTLIEB, Metro sales manager i Pittsburgh, is here on a week's vacation. NATHAN E. GOLDSTEIN, president of Wes> ern Massachusetts Theaters, a Paramount as sociate, left for Boston yesterday following New York visit. EDGAR MOSS, Philadelphia district manage for 20th-Fox, is en route to Florda to recuper ate from an operaton. JAMES MULVEY, Samuel Coldwyn, Inc. vice president, is en route from the Coast. EMANUEL "MANNY" MANHEIM goes t Syracuse today, returning over the week-end. EDWARD L. ALPERSON, general manager o RKO Theaters, arrives from the West Coas on Monday to set plans for theater obser ance of Women's Army Corps Recruiting Week May 11-17. ETHEL BARRYMORE is on her way to Schenec tady from the Coast. GINNY SIMMS arrives from the Coast Satur day morning for p.a.'s at the Capitol Theata in conjunction with "Broadway Rhythm," whici opens there April 13. SICNE HASSO gets in from Washington toda/ Jj remaining In town until April 12. EILEEN O'CONNELL of the 20th^Fox rad department has returned from a 10-day vaca tion in New Hampshire. LEO YASSENOFF, Columbus theater builde and operator is at the Waldorf-Astoria. MRS. MORT SINGER, her son MORT, JR. and JERRY NATHAN have returned to Beverl Hills from Chicago. WILL SINGER returns t Omaha tomorrow. CECIL B. DE MILLE, COMMANDER WASSELL SIDNEY BIRDWELL, FRANK WHITMORE an GLADYS ROSSEN, secretary, left Chicago Fri day for Hollywood. II Singer Stockholders to Meet Chicago — It is reported that stock; holders in the late Mort Singer i circuit of theaters will meet short ly to decide on the future manage ment of the theaters. It is reportec here that Cleveland law firm of Ull man, Berne & Gordon represents -^ the estate. ''' nicl Irene Castle Neal Hart Sadie Petreanu April 8 Mary Pickford April 9 Sharon Lynn Jeff Lazarus Allen Jenkins William C. Stuber Lii Ji ( : Friday, April 7, 1944 DAILY Name Reagan Para. Distribution Head (Continued from Page II :who resigned earlier this week to become vice-president in charge of world-wide distribution for David Q. Selznick's enterprises and Van- brd Films. In making the announcement of Reagan's appointment, Balaban said: "The executives of this organiza- tion are proud to announce the pro- motion of Charles M. Reagan and we are equally proud of a company that can produce men of his calibre. Reagan has been with Paramount 'Since 1920 and I have known and ad- mired him ever since he became af- filiated with the organization. I know the entire industry will join with us in wishing him success in his new duties." Reagan, a native of Lawrence- [burg, Ind., atended Notre Dame Uni- versity and joined Paramount as a salesman at Cincinnati in 1920. He was promoted to the branch man- agership of Indianapolis in 1922 and in 1925 advanced to district manager supervising Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Louisville, In 1932 he was transferred to Chicago as district ■manager in charge of Chicago, De- troit, Milwaukee and Indianapolis. Two years later he was summoned to the Paramount Home Office as ^Western Division sales manager. The Film Daily on Tuesday men- itioned Reagan as Agnew's probable successor. Tie mich. Vandalism To Secret Kid Group Detroit — The possibility that a sub- stantial portion of the vandalism which has afflicted State theaters in recent months may be the result of an organized gang of youths is seen in the apprehension of a group of youths in Jackson, by the Michi- gan State and local police. The group had a secret society known as "The State," with known affilia- tions in Chicago, and possibly on a more widespread basis. Theater tie- up came in the form of a letter from a Chicago member describing his activities in punching holes in chairs. Agnew Leaves Para. Today; \Goes to Coast for Parleys Neil Agnew, Paramount vice-pres- ident and director, terminates his long association with the company late today just prior to his depar- ture for Hollywood to assume his new post of vice-president in charge af world-wide distribution for Van- guard Films and the David O. Selz- nick enterprises. * Agnew is scheduled to confer on ^he Coast with Selznick and Daniel T. O'Shea, Vanguard prexy, with iiscussions centering largely on dis- tribution plans and sales policy for 'Since You Went Away" which UA will release. U. S. and Britisli Pix Assured Dutcli Entree Assurances that American and British product would return to the Dutch screens in place of the Nazi proprganda films as soon as the Ger- mans were driven out of Holland were given yesterday by Charles J. M. Welter, former Netherlands m"n- ister of colonies, following his in- duction as chairman of the newly- created temporary committee of film examiners for that country. Welter told British and American film men present at the 'nstallation that their releases would be wel- comed by the committee. Prior to the Nazi invasion. United States product was the chief source of Dutch film fare. The French ran a good second. The committee's functions, he stated, hinge upon an article of the Dutch Film Act which prohibits the showing of movies "calculated to de- base morals or likely to disturb law and order." This would immediately rule out most German films now being exhibited; for, in addit'on to the obvious Nazi propaganda pieces, the invader has flooded the Dutch market with products such as "I'll Take Care of Your Wife," "Stag Night" and the "Stratagem of Love." ^'■Vest Coast Bui Hollywood lew's arrival David 0. Sel nent on a \gnew may i.s his repres I UA vice-pr Questioned cau of THE FILM DAILY — Pending Neil Ag- on the Coast next week znick declined to com- published report that go on the UA board entative and be named esident. regarding a report WEDDinG BELLS Lincoln, Neb. — Sgt. Richard S. laesly, USA, former manager of the )xford Theater, Philadelphia, and ielen Buote, one time Warner Cir- uit employe, were married here. Chi. Film Council Okays Pic Industry Exhibit Chicago — President C. R. Holton of the Films Council says the directors voted to endorse the film industry exhibit at the Rosenwald Jackson Park Museum. They are now seek- ing the approval of Will Hays. The Illinois Women's Club, through its film chairman, Mrs. J. R. Cheeser, endorses the plan. The Films Council will celebrate the films' 50th anniversary at its April 21 meeting with George Spoor as the speaker. published in a New York daily news- paper that Hal B. Wallis has made a deal with Selznick representatives of the latter said the Vanguard statement issued Wednesday still holds good and that no deal has been made. First Fflm Made for Tele Chicago— Will Bishop. M-G-M pub- licity director, announces that the first film made for television pres- entation titled "Patrolling the Ether" will be sho\\-n April 10 to the trade by Zenith Television station W9XZV. Hold Gilson Rites Today Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today for Mrs. Marion J. Gil- son, wife of Charles E. Gilson, vet- eran March of Time cameraman, in the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, Yonkers. Mrs. Gilson died at the couple's residence, 47 Cumberland Drive, in that city on April 3. No. 16 Outstanding Industry Personalities San ifjou M^Cutne iUe4n — TWENTIETH CENTURV-FOK piesideiU and one of a Irio of brothers which has lit- erallv answered stirring lyric call of Lord Bvron who wrote: "Of the three hundred grant but three . . . To make a new Tiierniopvlael"' I his member of trio was educated in his native Greece's schools and theological seminar\. In I". S. attended Jones Commercial College. St. Louis, and other business schools of nation. First job was in I'laiuers Hotel. St. Louis. In- \ested sax iiigs therefrom in Olxmpia llieater. Now is an ace filmland leader. In 1942 became president of Greek War Relief Assn. So iuteii- M\e has been his support of .\llied cause thai it moved one observer to remark: "He's a Initcd Nation in himself"! M <.)]\l. \r(neess It this strategic pastime has efjuij>ped his house with trophies. Is a cixnl engineer by training, liis higlier education liax'ing been imparted at Vau- dcrbilt and Cornell Universities. Has been iu the exiiibition field since 1925, and knows "What the Public Wants," which was title of his ad- dress before the .Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1932. Is one of most flam- ing champions of indie theatermen's rights. OST men arc known b\ tlieir names. Others by their initials, such as M F.D.R. But here you see a man who en- jovs unicjue distinction of being known 1)\ his .Nfonograra. He is president of the latter. Began his career as a journalist, switched to banking and real estate in his native Iowa. Found rapidlv growing film- land a tempting field of endeavor. Be- came one of its standout members. In 1931 he organized and became president of Monogram Pictures Corp. of 20 fran- chise holders and 39 affiliated exchanges. In 1937 expanded its facilities and boosted capitalization to 1,000,000 shares of stock, at the same time opening its own branches in Neu- ^'ork, Philadelphia and AVashing- lon. They can easily be identified by referring to the J 944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. \ ■')& .,,<«*«1»*«*^, c w Cr*'Ku3 Friday, April 7, 1944 Institutes Reservation Plan for Purchase of Post-War Tele Equipment (Continued from Page 1) press luncheon in the Waldorf-As- toria. It was pointed out by organiza- tion spokesmen that today there are nine tele stations operating in five cities, and applications for some 40 more are currently with FCC. In the period of from 18 months to two years after hostilities cease, it is therefore assumed that the number of tele stations will number some 50 and be serving an audience of at least 30,000,000. Highlights of GE Plans Highlights of the GE disclosures included the following: (1) Company engineers have invented a revolutionary elec- tronic tube, now being widely used in war applications, which will make possible radio relay- ing of tele and FM programs for quick post-war expansion of these services; (2) Organization has just in- stituted a reservation plan for the purchase of post-war tele broadcasting equipment which will help prepare for an orderly transition from wartime to peacetime manufacture and help workers keep jobs; (3) GE is planning to install an experimental "two-way" tele relay network between New York and Schenectady as soon as man- power and materials are avail- able, and set-up will permit complete interchange of pro- grams; (4) Company plans to make new type tele receivers avail- able to markets where such broadcast services now exist as soon as Government authorizes (prices for such sets will range from $200 and up, based on pre- war price levels) ; and (5) Company will supply com- plete tele broadcasting system equipment. It was- also revealed that an order has been placed by the New York Daily News this week with GE for post-war delivery of complete equip- ment for a 40-kilowatt tele station to be located in the local building of that newspaper (a similar order for 40-kw. tele equipment was placed with GE recently by the Chicago Tribune). Envisioned at the luncheon was an eventual national network of tele stations, first established in large cities and linked by either direct ra- dio transmission, coaxial cable, or both, and the nation finally blank- eted by the establishment of the so- called satellite stations, — the latter GE Outlines Its Tele Plans at Press Luncheon Allied Board Meeb In Philly May 17-18 EXHIBS. PLAY ROLE IN WM. FOX CO- To Participate as Stockholders, Getting in Return Franchise to Book Entire Season's Product (Continued from Page 1) exhibitors operating one or more the- aters would be invited to partici- pate in the enterprise as stockhold- ers, obtaining in return a franchise to play the firm's films under deals covering an entire year's product. To Operate Along FN Line The \yords of the one-time head of the Fox Film Corp. recalled that not since the establishment of First National have exhibitors had an in- terest in the operations of a pro- ducing-distributing company. First National was organized by a group of exhibitors as a means of assur- ing themselves of a fiow of desir- able product. Fox asserted that his idea was to bring together in one family a per- i manent group representative of I every branch of the industry. As- ' sociation with his company would be strictly on a co-operative basis, he said. All connected with the firm on a permanent arrangement would be stockholders in the company, re- ceiving for their services salaries plus a share in the profits from whatever source. Fox said that the company would strive to engage per- formers, directors, writers and other talent on a long-term basis. A per- son engaged for an individual film would participate in the earnings of only that one picture, according to Fox, who said that the producer would have no place in his set-up. No Capital From Outsiders "None of the capital of outsiders will be sought by us," asserted Fox. "We want in our organization only those who can contribute to the good of the company as a creative enterprise. We want none asso- ciated financially with us whose roots are outside the industry." Fox was emphatic in saying that no bankers would have a voice in the operation of the company. The board of directors of the com- pany will be composed of represen- tatives of every branch of the busi- ness, it was disclosed. Fox said he had been prompted to organize his company on a co-opera- tive basis in the belief that "co-op- erativeness is coming along very fast not only in the film business but in every line." Options 1,500-Acre Tract The home office and the distribu- tion personnel will be housed on the Coast, where Fox has taken an op- tion on a 1,500-acre tract in Los Angeles County as a studio site on which construction will be begun when materials become available. Only an exchange and a company representative would be maintained in New York, Fox said. According to Fox, the decision to locate the distribution offices on the Coast was motivated by the fact that the producing and distributing- ends of the business are closely tied in with each other. Fox said he already was lining up talent from every branch of the in- dustry, adding that he would make every effort to acquire "the finest directors, writers, players and other talent in the business." He refused to divulge the identities of those as- sociated with him in setting up the new company. All that Fox offered to say about the company's program was that the firm "hopes to make and distribute 25 or 26 pictures a year." having much less elaborate equip- ment and smaller staffs than the master stations. A model of such a master station was on display at the press luncheon, and was unveiled following addresses by Dr. Walter R. G. Baker, vice-president of GE; Rob- ert S. Peare, manager of broad- casting, Schenectady; James D. Mc- Lean, commercial engineer for the company; and A. A. Brandt, general sales manager of GE's electronics department. Needs Entertainment, News Co-op Entertainment and news busi- nesses will do the programming, Mc- Lean asserted, and pointed out that if the new science form is to be fully successful it will need the closest teamwork of these two fields plus equipment, tele research, engi- neering and advertising. As mat- ters now stand, he said, "we don't know all the answers," but it was clear from his talk that the two major applications of tele will be Broadcast Television as an advertis- ing, entertainment and informative medium, and Industrial Television for private and commercial uses. Films were recognized at the ses- sion as an important aspect of tele. Point was made that, aside from the network uses of films, small commu- nities, such as those served by the satellite station, could see local news and commercial films taken on 16 mm. film and telecast within an hour of shooting, and that this could also be accomplished in behalf of local advertisers and commercial interests. Ask Time to .Amend Bill Chicago — Attorney Lester Murray for Thalia Theater plaintiff is asking for more time to file an amended bill, covering block-booking, mini- mum price admissions, and the Chi- cago booking system in Judge Wil- liam Campbell's division of the Fed- eral Court. (Continued from Page 1) ^ new prexy, Martin G. Smith, 6r Ohio. ' ^ The main item of business will be a consideration of the status of the consent decree and plans for future action in reference thereto. As usual, the meetings w'll be open to a limited number of observers and consultants, but due to an accumula- tion of purely organization business, the directors will hold one closed session. Directors have been invited to sub- mit questions of general interest to their respective territories for in- clusion in the agenda. Those who are planning to attend are requested to inform Sidney E. Samuelson of their space requirements so that reservations can be made as soon as a hotel has been selected. fe Argentina Lifts Ban On Two RKO Anti-Nazi Pix (Continued from Page 1) versial anti-axis films to come out of Hollywood. Pictures are RKO's "Hit- ler's Children" and "Behind the Ris- ing Sun," both of which had been banned previously. Action by the government censor, announced without comment, came as a complete surprise to local film cii'cles. Leon Bi'itton, RKO Radio managing director, announced that premieres of both pictures will be held shortly in Buenos Aires with showings in other Argentine cities to follow immediately. (Reversal of the foi-mer Argen- tine position on the censorship of U. S. motion pictures, following rep- resentations by the Chilean ambas- sador to the Argentine government, was exclusively reported in The Film Daily of March 30). William H. Barnes Dead Rochester ■ — William H. Barnes, one-time movie actor, died here yes- ^I terday. THEATER DEALS Charles City, la. — Central States theater Corp. of Des Moines, headed by A. H. Blank, has taken over the management of the Gem. The the- ater has been owned by Mrs. Ollie Mae Norman for the last 25 years and she retains ownership of the | building. Jack Kuech, manager of the Gem theater, and his brother-in-law, have also disposed of their theater inter- ests at Sac City, Cherokee and Storm I Lake to the Pioneer Theater Corp. of Minneapolis. ie- Friday, April 7, 1944 M' DAILY: NewTypes of Theatrical Tele Equip. Under Study Dr. Goldsmith Holds Tele Wide- Angle Thea- ter Projection Ready (Continued from Page 1) r jterday at a meeting of the Radio JiEecutives Club of New York. fc His comments on theater televis- e ion came as a result of one of the e questions submitted by Murray Grabhorn, president of the RCE, 5 which formed the basis of an address ; on television opportunities. Dr. A television seminar, covering all phases of the subject, will be available to members of the Radio Executives Club of New York, it was announced at a luncheon meeting yesterday. Seminar, to be started in May, will be dis- cussed at the April 20 meeting of REC. DR. A. GOLDSMITH Goldsmith stated that application of television to wide-angle theater pro- jection is ready and that some of the proposed new systems seem promising. Use Both Film and Live Talent Dr. Goldsmith believes that both ' motion pictures and live talent will be used in television produc- tion and each may well have its own preferred sphere of special appli- cation. He listed as film advant- ages the rephoto- graphing of im- perfect perform- ances, selection of the best parts of each performance and the possibility of syndication of programs even before a television network is es- tablished. A wider variety of sets and locations was listed as another advantage of film. Advantages of live talent, Dr. Goldsmith holds, are their news value, spontaneity, and suspense, particu- larly in news happenings. He noted that some interesting results have been obtained by combining live ac- tion scenes with specially photo- graphed motion picturse. Prices of television receivers, even for small pictures, are not likely to fall below $100 for some years. Dr. Goldsmith estimated, and probably will start between $150 and $250 and extend upward to $400 or more. He emphasized that these figures are merely rough estimates in terms of 1942 dollars. Improved Circuits Developed Improved circuits are being de- j veloped for war purposes and these ! may prove of value in commercial ; television. Dr. Goldsmith noted, and improved tubes will find use in post- WHO'S WHO IN HOLLYWOOD A RTHUR RIPLEY. (Arthur DeWitt Ripley). Producer-Director-Writer. Born ** in New York City, 1895. Educated in public and High School. Got his first job at the age of 12, playing a trumpet in a four-piece orchestra in a small night club. Went to work for the Kalem Motion Picture Company in 1909 cleaning negative. Later was elevated to a newly created job known as the "cutter." In 1912 went to work for Vitagraph Company as a cutter, and later became head cutter. In 1916, came to Holly- wood with Rex Ingram, the director, and became head cutter for Universal, then to Fox for one year, and then to Metro. In 1921, was given "Alias Jimmy Valentine" as his first directorial assignment by Metro, he was so bad they fired him in the middle of the picture. When another director had finished the picture, Metro hired him back to cut the picture. Returned to Universal as a cutter, and remained to become Irving Thalberg's editorial supervisor. Next went with Mack Sennett, and for three years wrote gags for Harry Langdon. Spent a short session writing and directing for Sennett and RKO Radio. Tired of movie business and went to New York and directed the stage play, "Oscar Wilde" and Zoe Akins' play, "Happy Days." Returned to Hollywood and joined Pro- ducers Releasing Corporation, and directed two pictures. Following these he wrote the story "The Voice in the Wind," and, with Rudolph Monter, pro- duced the picture as well as directed it. United Artists saw the picture and immediately made arrangements to release the film. Stands, 6, 1. Weighs, 165. Eyes, brown. Hair, black. 'Target for Tonight" Pilot Missing in Action The AP in a London cable yester- day reported that Group Capt. P. C. Pickard, pilot of the "F for Fred- die" in the RAF film "Target for Tonight," was listed as missing in action. His last target was not dis- closed. Columbia Board Names Two Asst. Controllers Columbia's board at a meeting held Wednesday appointed Bernard Birnbaum and Arthur Levy assis- tant controllers. war television cameras and receiv- ers. He emphasized that the pres- ent shortages of men and materials limit the installation and operation of new television transmitters and the sale of new receivers or parts. Dr. Goldsmith noted that the A. T. & T. plan for the development of a national network is estimated to require from 1945 to 1950 for completion. Answering a question on the use of higher frequencies for television. Dr. Goldsmith reminded listeners that the recently organized Radio Technical Planning Board will in time recommend to the FCC, the pub- lic and the radio industry, a set of system standards for each division of the radio field and a number of frequency allocations for each radio service. Electronic color television, under development before the war, has not been fully worked out in practice, but doubtless will be effectively ac- complished in the post war-years, Dr. Goldsmith believes. Says SAG Collected $350,000 for Extras IV est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Screen Actors Guild has collected approximately $350,000 in claims for "B" members of ex- tras since 1937, according to John Dales, Jr., executive secretary, tes- tifying at the NLRB hearing on SPU petition for jurisdiction over extras. This amount does not in- clude adjustments obtained on sets. He said there are four different types of pools, from which studios obtain extras and actors; first pool, consist- ing of approximately 3,500 extras who work consistently; second pool, approximately 2,000 people who work as day players, 70 per cent of whom are "A" junior members of Guild; third pool, consisting of 600 to 700 freelance players, majority of whom are "A" members and the balance "A" junior members, plus a few "B" members; fourth pool, consisting of approximately 300 stock players and 300 to 350 long-term players. Dales testified there are 353 star or featured players in the industry. At yesterday's hearing Pat Som- erset, assistant executive secretary of SAG, testified that during past six years approximately 50,000 per- sons have sought to join the Guild, but have been refused membership. Murray Kinnell, who was an ex- ecutive on SAG's standing commit- tee, said the committee had been es- tablished in 1939 to make a study and survey of the extra situation in effort to solve extras' problems. ■i€LLyW€CD DIGEST SIGNED DEAN STOCKWELL, termer, M-C-M. MANTAN MORELAND, new option, Monogram. ROSS HUNTER, termer, Columbia. KATHLEEN McCLEOD, termer, M-C-M. CEORGE MATHEWS, termer, 20th-Fox. ASSIGNMENTS EARL WOODEN, interior set decorator, "Double Furlough," Vanguard. LAURA Z. HOBSON, screenplay, "Remember When," M-C-M. LEON GORDON, producer, "Remember When," M-C-M. CASTINGS WALTER BRENNAN and WALTER SUEZAK, "Sylvester the Great," Samuel Coldwyn-RKO; ELEANOR PARKER, "The Very Thought of You," Warners; CAROLE LANDIS, "Having and CLIFTON WEBB, "Laura," 20th-Fox: PECCY ANN GARNER and DOROTHY McCUIRE "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," 20th-Fox; GRACE McDonald, "See My Lawyer," "Universal; DARRYL "HICKMAN, "Two Years Before the Mast," Paramount; NINA FOCH and JESS BARK- ER, "Rendezvous," Columbia. WALTER BRENNAN, "Sylvester the Great," Samuel Goldwyn; JEAN BATES, "Crime Doctor's Rendezvous," Columbia; JANIS CARTER, "Hero's Girl," Columbia; BOB CROSBY and FAY Mc- KENZIEj "The Singing Sheriff," Universal; LLOYD NOLAN, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," 20th-Fox; J. CARROL NAISH, ANN CWYNNE and GEORGE ZUCCO, "The Devil's Brood," Universal; JAMES ELLISON, "The Desert Hawk" (serial), Columbia; HOBART C^VANAUGH, "Louisiana Hayride," Columbia; REGIS TOOMEY, "Dark Mountain," Pine -Thomas, Paramount; STANLEY RIDOES "Double Furlough," Vanguard; DANA ANDREWS, ''Laura," 20th-Fox. Cordoba to Star in Mex. Pic West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Arturo De Cordoba, Paramount star, will do a picture for CLASA Studios in Mexico in August or September following com- pletion of "A Medal for Benhy" for Paramount. The Mexican deal will represent the consummation of a commitment prior to his contract with Paramount. CLASA's product- tion will be determined after the submission of a script for his ap- proval. Charles W. York Stricken Portland, Ore.— Charles W. York, 63, veteran theater manager, is dead from a heart attack. Title Fred Allen Film West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — "Fickle Fortune" has been selected by Producer Jack H. Skirball as the tentative title of his Fred Allen picture for United Ar- tists release. Col. Promotes Henry Levin West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Henry Levin, former Broadway stage director, who has been dialogue director at Columbia, has been promoted to a full director- ship. It's "Look to Your Children" While RKO has switched the title of "Dangerous Age" to "Look to Your Children," national tradeshows will take place on April 18 as sched- uled. Columbia Sets 63%c Dividend Columbia's board has declared a quarterly dividend of 68% cents per share of the $2.75 Convertible pre- ferred, payable May 15, to stock- holders of record, May 1. i ,1W DAILY Friday, April 7, 1944 Schine Deal in Md. Before Court Monday (Continued from Page 1) trust Suit against Schine Chain The- aters, Inc. The four who will be summoned are Edward Magruder of the Garden Theater: Grace M. Fisher and R'ch- ard Schuette, both of Maryland The- ater and Frank R. Blaul, 309 Green St., Cumberland. Judge Knight also approved sub- poenas for executives of Schine Chain Theaters, Inc., requiring them to bring with them documents re- lating to the ^ale of Schine interests in nine theaters in Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky and New York. Schine is seeking to purchase a Maryland theater but is required to have permission of the court before the deal is consummated. The Government three weeks ago frowned on the proposition, suggest- ing the theater be sold to independ- ent interests, rather than to the Schine Chain. Monday, Schine. counsel will move for invalidation of the divestiture section of the temporary court or- der affecting further expansion of the theater cha'n. At the same time the Government will ask ap- pointment of trustees to operate and maintain theaters not yet disposed of by Schine as required by the court order. Maurice Feldman, New York at- torney, is in Buffalo now perusing the court's file on Sch'ne litigation. He will be present in court Monday. Cassidy Forms Producing Co.; "Green Mansions" 1st (Continued from Page 1) will make two pictures per year for a major release. His initial produc- tion will be "Green Mansions" by W. H. Hudson, to be made in Tech- nicolor and budgeted at $2,000,000. A substantial portion of "Green Mansions" will be filmed on location in South America at the invitation of the Latin Americas. Companies and 11 Studio Unions Near Pact Accords (Continued from Page 1) pired Jan. 1 were virtually completed yesterday at the New York offices of Pat Casey, studio labor contact. Sound teclmiciahs and laborers were the last groups on whose demands arguments were heard; Several moot points still remain to be cleared up. One has to do with seniority rights; the other, with payment for time spent to and from locations. Further discussion^; on these will be held today. "Snow White" Booked in ChL Chicago — Tom Gorman, RKO dis- trict manager, reports "Snow White" booked into the RKO Palace, start- ing April 22, for an ejxtended run. "Ali Baba" goes in tomorrow. Netvs o' the Day • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Nominated as New York's busiest visitor from the Coast: Dave Epstein In from Hollywood, Dave is making the 'rounds of the magazines — Collier's, Look, Life, etc. — in behalf of the top talent he represents A very fruitful mission, too, as the future will establish Incidentally, don't be surprised if Dave himself inspires an article in a national mag. one of these days Plenty of color in his background. . . • Al Santell, who has just finished work on Jules Levey's "The Hairy Ape," has acquired rights to Samuel Baker's play, "The Merry Dear," and a releasing deal is in negotiation, . . • Rene Clair is reported eyeing "Mr. O'Malley," PM's great and different cartoon strip, with a view to filming. . . • Jane Withers, in our midst, celebrates her 18th birthday next Tuesday. . . • "Manny" Manheim, erstwhile film writer now on the Frank Sinatra radio show, visits Syracuse, the ol' home town, over the week-end Shades of the Manheim-"Carky" Brown Bugle! There WAS a paper, eh, "Manny?". . . • Moe and Curly Howard and Larry Fine, Colum- bia's Three Stooges, signed a new three-year pact yesterday. . . • Betty Bryant, Australian screen star until her marriage to Maiurice "Red" Sil- verstein, is headed for a Universal pix career when "Red" reports to the OWI for overseas service. . . • Prexy Leo F. Wolcott of Allied- Independent Theater Owners of Iowa-Nebraska bestows still another orchid on Loew's Bill Rodgers in his current bulletin Wolcott hails Metro's 10 re-issues, advertising aid to needy theaters and company's sales policy. . . • Walt Disney has a hunch that "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" on this trip out will gross $2,000,000 That would bring the aggregate to $10,000,000 ▼ T T • • • CUFF NOTES: J. Arthur Rank recently presented Parlia- ment with complete projection equipment for both Lords and Com- mons There might he an idea there. . . % Gloria Swanson is staying East to star on "A Goose for the Gander" slated for a Chicago try-out in June So that Hollywood deal is cold. . . 9 Henry Ziskin hosted the press and radio at a cocktail party yesterday at his New Paramount Restaurant, 138 W. ASrd St. . . • William Gaxton and Dan Healy will emcee the Ziegfeld Ball at the Waldorf- Astoria a week from tomorrow. . . • Newest comedy with a Hollywood setting, "Public Relations," bowed in last night at the Mansfield Dale Eunson wrote it and they do say you can identify some widely known Coast figures in the characters. . . • Eddie Cantor gets in from the Coast on the 2^rd. . . • RKO's Edgar Kennedy stays East for five weeks of p.a.'s. . . • Scoop Prod., new company set up under Robert Velaise, will distribute Noel Meadow's "One Inch from Vic- tory" Feature was put together at Pathe by Maurice Lev from captured Nazi pix made on the Russian fronts. .... .There's a com- mentary and narration by Quentin Reynolds Para, will send "Duffy's Tavern" before the cameras on July 1 or thereabouts ▼ T T • • • EAST-WEST: Hal Wallis is due in our midst a week from today. . . • Jules Levey is another coming in next week; he'll bring with him a print of "The Hairy Ape". . . • Speaking of Jules, he loses Irv A. Fein, publicity and advertising director, to the Army on the 15th; spot will not be filled. . . • Current issue of Liberty spotlights Sam Goldwyn with "Goldwyn's Golden Touch," by Edward Hutchings, Jr. • And speaking of Goldwyn, "Simone," by Leon Feuchtwanger, which he'll use as a Teresa Wright vehicle, will be the Literary Guild's tome for August. . . • Walt "Cartunes" Lantz is at work on his first "live action" pic, "Enemy Bacterio," for the U. S. Bureou of Aeronautics ▼ ▼ ▼ • ^ • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! Tag Pittsburgh Area Also locally Needed' (Continued from Page 1) cation was approved yesterday b:s Frank L. McNamee, Regional Di! rector of the WMC for Pennsylvan: New Jersey and Delaware. It foil by a little more than three wee' similar directive covering the e: changes in Philadelphia. Depinet disclosed that Bam- berger has prepared or is pre- paring similar applications for i Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francis- co, Washington, Albany, Atlan- ta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, In- dianapolis, Milwaukee, New Haven, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Salt Lake City and Charlotte, which will be filed with the WMC Area Direc- tors by the WAC Distribution Chairman after meetings to ac- quaint all exchanges with plan and procedure. The Pittsburgh application wai signed by the branch managers o: all the national distributing organi zctions as well as the executives 0: the indie exchanges, a total of 14i These represent 397 workers of* which 63.22 per cent are women. Under the Budget Manpower Plan* new system of labor priorities ad- vocated by the WMC and already ip effect in Pennsylvania, film distr:-- bution was placed in the group of industries permitted to hire only, males or females, 18 years of age oil over, honorably discharged veter^ ans of World War II, or part tim^ workers. It is expected that with the desig-j nation now accorded of "locally! needed^" the exchanges will be grouped with the more essential in-! dustries which have been allocated! a "hiring quota" of mature workersij based on their labor turnover plus' military withdrawals. s Report Seattle Exchange Employes All Resign ,,| (Continued from Page 1) have tendered their resignations en masse, effective at the week-end. Move results from the exchange workers demands for a 10 per cent wage increase, it is understood. Issue has been brewing for somel time and twice before, it is reported, the lATSE has stepped in. If the difficulty is not adjusted and the resignations stand, service out of the local exchanges from Sunday on will be disrupted. Col. Western in Top Houses i "Cowboy Canteen," first of the'j two special westerns to be released! by Columbia this season, has been; booked to play more than 50 of thel nation's first-runs. Sam Rosen 111 Philadelphia— Samuel Rosen, Mon- ogram manager, sjs ill in Mt. Sinai Hospital. • • * NEW YORK. FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1944 • • * • COV'T SEEN SET TO OKAY MORE EQUIPMENT Needs of Exhibitors Revealed by NTS Survey PLAIN TALK . . . about equipment =^ hy GEORGE H. MORRIS ^===i Equipment Editor, THE FILM DAILY I N the light of official Washington's own principle and example with respect to the need for post-war planning, and the encouragement being given to civilian chan- nels to emulate such action so that the transition into peacetime will bring the least chaos to our economy, it appears only proper to raise the question now as to what Uncle Sam intends doing about motion pic- ture projectors, which will inevitably return to this country in the wake of our gallant fighting men whom they have served so well in mechanical purveying both instruc- tion and screen entertainment. Understandably, the manufacturers of such projectors, along with their distribu- tion agents, are disturbed over prospects that the units will find their way when all the shooting is over, into the hands of fly- by-night vendors as was the case with much World War I material, and thus com- pete both cheaply and detrimentally against the first-hand products of the very or- ganizations which made them. THIS problem's solution is not one which 1 ' can be loosely postponed or pooh- i poohed. It is one which calls for the ap- I plication of license and not liberty. It calls for a practical and not a theoretical answer. Many of the 16 mm. projectors I are taking a terrific physical beating in : their duties overseas. Conditions under which they are operating are extreme, and ; to the everlasting glory of their manufac- i turers they are proving the rugged quality which has been built into them. Upon their homecoming, they will need careful re- building or reconditioning. This should be done by their original manufacturers, and not by anyone else. If they are rehabili- tated by others, whose conscientiousness and particular skill, can be assumed logically to fall short of that possessed by the maker, considerable economic harm and injustice can result. There should be, — and this corner hopes there will be — , a constructive and im- mediate course set by proper Governmerit channels to liquidate current industry mis- fContinued on Page 10) Every Theater, Among the Thousands Queried, Says It Must Make Purchases Recently completed nation-wide survey conducted by National The- atre Supply Co. definitely indicates, it is reported by Walter E. Green, organization's president, that exhibi- tors' post-war equipment require- ments will far exceed all predictions to date. As a result of the data com- piled by company's representatives in personal interviews with thou- sands of independent theater own- ers and circuit executives, Green states, "we have been able to draw a very accurate 'blue print' showing (Continued on Page 10) Exhibs. Urged To Seek OCR Regional Counsel Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Representatives of the Office of Civilian Requirements are available in 13 regional WPB of- fices to assist exhibitors in main- taining their services, and George (Continued on Page 10) J. A. Ball Joins DuPont In Consultative Capacity Wilmington, Del. — Photo Products Department, E. I. du Pont de Ne- mours & Co., announces the associa- tion of J. A. Ball as consultant. A (Continued on Page 10) SECOND "E" STAR GIVEN TO DEVRY Personnel Warmly Praised By Army-Navy for War Aid Chicago — A second white star for its Army-Navy "E" Flag, denoting continued production excellence for the war effort on the part of its personnel, has just been award- ed to DeVry Corp. here. The organization i s the only one in the nation to be thus honored for the manufacture of motion picture sound equipment and secret elec- t r 0 n i c training devices incorpor- ating motion picture projection prin (Continued on Page 11) WILLIAM C. DeVRY Building Code Inaction Sets Off Row in Toledo Toledo, O. — Slov^rness of City Coun- cil's citizens committee in recom- mending a new building code has aroused criticism of the Chamber of Commerce, which points out that two fires last January causing loss of $1,000,000, could have been pre- (Continued on Page 11) Technicolor Eyeing Future Plans To More Than Double Its Facilities Three Notables Inducted By Projectionists' Club Allen G. Smith, WPB Theater Equipment Section's chief; William F. Canavan, a former president of lATSE and MPMO; and Thad Bar- rows, for nearly 30 years lA Local 182 president, Boston, were inducted as honorary members of the 25-30 (Continued on Page 10) West Coast Bujcau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Technicolor has in the foreground of its post-war plans, which may not have to wait until the actual end of hostilities if the Government decides to modify pres- ent building regulations, the con- struction of a new plant addition which will house the most modern equipment including mechanical and scientific advances made during the (Continued on Page 10) Substantial Boost Asked; Amount for First Quarter Disclosed as Increased Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — With official appro- val not expected for another week or two, WPB and OCR equipment of- ficers are confident that their pro- posals for a substantial boost in pro- duction for civilian production for the rest of this year will be approved in their entirety or with only minor deletions. Although there is reason to believe the critical manpower sit- uation is, in part at least, respon- sible for the delay, they do not ex- pect their recommendations to be cut down at all sharply. In the meantime, it was learn- (Continued on Page 11) Johnston Predids Vast Building Wave At least 1,000 new motion picture theaters will be built in the United States as soon as post-war condi- tions permit, according to informa- tion gathered by W. Ray Johnston, Monogram president, who returned (Continued on Page 10) General Aniline & Film Shows Larger Net in '43 General Aniline and Film Corp.'s 1943 report shows a net income of $3,624,800 after all charges, includ- ing $9,003,562 taxes and $1,000,000 (Continued on Page 11) "I/" Mahes It Easy To ''Follow the Boys" Universal has equipped itself with the largest sign in company's local promotional annals. The sign, lo- cated at Broadway and 47th St., clarions the New York engagement of "Follow the Boys" at the Cri- terion Theater. Area aggregates more than 1,500 sq. feet. South- ern section of the sign measures 15 X 35!/4 feet, and that facing west fs 15 X 66 2/3 feet. 'i 10 EQUIPMENT NEWS Friday, April 7, 1944 A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre- hensively covering the equipment field, pub- lished every second week by Wid's Filmi and Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York City. John W. Alicoate, Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B. Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipmeni Editor; West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk, Bureau Chief. PLAIN TALK . . . about equipment ;( Continued from Page 9): givings so that post-war planning by pro- jector manufacturers can go ahead. ONE of the basic assurances these man- ufacturers should receive is that they can have first-shot at buying back projec- tors of their own making at a fair consid- eration. Another element which might prove prac- tical is to ration the rebuilt or recondi- tioned projectors on a basis mutually satis- factory to the Government and the manu- facturer, with the latter's dealers also hav- ing a voice. In the circumstance where any dealer wishes to market the back-from- the-war projectors, he should be obliged to sell to consuming channels an equal or greater number of the new post-war ma- chines. \A/1TH0UT some plan, both the domestic ^^ and export business of the manufac- turer will suffer. The problem persists even if the well-intentioned suggest that the used projectors be kept out of this country by vending them elsewhere in the world. There IS a way for solution, if there is the WILL. Exhibitors Urged to Seek OCR Regional Counsel (Continued from Page 9) W. McMurphey said yesterday that exhibitors are urged to call upon these field men who will often be able to give effective assistance in providing adequate manpower, equip- ment and supplies, and aid in solv- ing problems concerning construc- tion and provision of new facilities. Theater operators are likewise urged to seek the assistance of these fipld men whenever they have prob- lems that interfere with maintenance of their services. i^riPERM ASTON EJ^ ANCHOR CEMENT • Permanently Anchors Loose Charts • Sets Within Ten Minutes SOLD EVERYWHERE BY DEALERS SQUARE S5.00 Per Kit, F.O.B. Chicago FENSIN SEATING CO., 68 £. 13th St. Johnston Predicts Vast Building Wave (Continued from Page 9) to Hollywood this week after a swing around the country. In a seven-week trip, Johnston visited New York and 11 other ex- change centers in the United States and Canada, and in each city was guest of honor at a luncheon given for leading exhibitors of the terri- tory covered. "General reaction of the literally hundreds of exhibitors with whom I talked," said Johnston, "is that the end of the war will bring no diminu- tion of the near-capacity business now being done by theaters in all parts of the country. The public has formed the theater-going habit as never before in the history of the country, and there is the further consideration that the normal build- ing of new theaters will have been suspended for what may be a con- siderable number of years. The catching-up period should bring an unprecedented amount of new con- struction. As an incident of his trip, John- ston was made an honorary member of the Variety Club in Dallas. Three Notables Inducted By Projectionists' Club (Continued from Page 9) Club, projectionists' organization, here at the regular monthly meeting this past week-end. Canavan and Barrows were represented by prox- ies. P. A. McGuire, of Simplex, pre- senting the honorary gold card from the Club to Smith, spoke of latter's wide experience in filmland over a quarter of a century which made him an extremely efficient Govern- ment official. Replying, Smith praised the invaluable co-operation extended to the Government by the projectionists' conservation activities which aided WPB to see that no the- ater shuttered because of lack of parts, repairs and essential equip- ment. Lester B. Isaac, Loew's director For Excellence in the Produc- tion of Motion Picture Sound Equipment, DeVRY Alone Flies the Army-Navy "£" Flag with Two Stars When Peace comes, DeVBY wlU b« first with the finest in ' 35 mm. Motion Picture Sound Equipment and ' other precision eiectronic devices. DeVST COR- i PORATION. 1111 Arm- Itage, Chicago 14, Hi. DeVRY«! Hollywood . CHICAGO • New fork Theater Was formal But In Name Only! Memphis — A bombardment of hail on the Normal Theater's roof was a bit too realistic for the audience watching the heavy bombardment on the screen as "Guadalcanal Diary" unfolded. Patrons' excitement died down only when the hail was fol- lowed by unmistakable rain. Roof of the theater was badly damaged by the hail which wrought In this city a damage estimated at $1,500,- 000. Teciinicolor Plans Expansion of Plant (Continued from Page 9) present war. Although this expand- ing of physical facilities is con- servatively represented as a pro- posal, it is known in well-informed circles here that the move is in the cards much more definitely than that. The 1944 output of Techni- color features will certainly double that of 1943, and, during this past year, the company's existing facili- ties were at capacity. With cur- rent customers surfeiting the or- ganization with requests for the medium, the new plant is the only possible answer, and must be at least double the present one's capacity. When the new plant is built and in operation, Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus and his associates envision shutting- down the present plant just long enough for reconversion, so that it also can embody all the new devel- opment and improvements. With Technicolor now enjoying record acceptance, and the principal movie makers convinced that the in- dustry will go 100 per cent color in the not distant future, there is every possibility that the new plant ex- pansion by the firm will be consid- erably more than the mere 50 per cent which "blueprints" now call for. of pi'ojection and sound, and aide to Smith, talked of early mistakes in allotment of essential material to theaters and complimented Smith on his wartime service to the industry. He also spoke of importance of con- tinued co-operation from projection- ists and advised them to keep fully posted regarding today's needs, and changes which will doubtless take place in filmland after the war. Fire Destroys Iowa House Wilton Junction, la. — The interior of the Cozy Theater, operated by Kenneth Wagner, was destroyed by fire which broke out just after the auditorium had been emptied follow- ing the first show. Loss was esti- mated at $5,000 covered by insur- ance. The blaze was believed to have started from an overheated projec- tion machine. Theater had been recently redecorated. Huge Equip. Marltet Certain After War (Continued from Page 9) that their houses will require a large quantity of new projectors, sound systems, lamps, generators, recti- _ fiers, lenses, chairs, carpet, marfr quees and ventilating and cooling equipment." He added that NTS found no the- aters in which at least one major item of equipment will not be urg- ently needed just as quickly as war- time restrictions are lifted and it becomes available. "In our talks with exhibitors," he asserted, "we were amazed to find so many planning to break ground for new theaters. Sites have been selected and purchased, plans drawn, and showmen await only the green light to start building. This theater planning includes not only the latest type of streamlined theater struc- ture, but also one or more Drive-in theaters in many good sized cities and towns. It is safe to say that never in the history of the industry have the requirements of theater owners been so immediate and so great." NTS, now that exhibitors have disclosed what they will need in the post-war period, will arrange its manufacturing and delivery sched- ules to enable provision of all the equipment they want with the least possible delay when peacetime pro- duction is resumed. Green declared. J. A. Ball Joins DuPont In Consultive Capacity (Continued from Page 9) pioneer in the field of color photog- phy, Ball of recent years has been consulting engineer for McGraw Colorgraph Co. and Walt Disney Productions, both of Burbank, Calif. Until 1939 he was vice-president and technical director of Technicolor Mo- tion Picture Corp. Ball, who owns a number of pat- ents and is a frequent contributor of articles on photographic proces- ses to technical journals, will con- tinue his residence on the West Coast. LET'S HELP YOU conserve your present equipment with PRECI- SION replacement parts for all standard 35mm. projectors. FREE: Send TODAY for our complete parts cat- alog, giving us name of dealer serving your community. WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY 2509 Soutli State St ChlMio. III. Friday, April 7, 1944 ml DAILY EQUIPMENT NEWS 11 Confident of More Equipment Olcays ^ (Continued from Page 9) ed yesterday that the amount of projectors and sound systems made available for civilian use during, the first quarter of this year was substantially increased last month. The schedule called for 100 projectors and 50 sound systems. Actually released were more than twice that many pro- jectors and three times as many sound systems. This extra equipment came as the result of a cutback in the needs of the military and was turned back to WPB for distribution. Although it could have been given to lend-lease, FEA or some other agency, WPB channeled it for civilian use in this country. Allen G. Smith, WPB theater equipment chief who is presumably the man responsible for this nego- tiation, was unavailable for com- ment, and it could not be learned which branch of the service had turned the material over to him. As regards theater equipment manufacturers, the manpower situ- ation is uneven, with the outlook in different localities. Production is certain to be affected in areas of acute labor shortage, but it is un- certain whether the national pro- duction will suffer greatly. Several manufacturers — particularly of sound equipment — are also engaged in turning out Radar equipment and other products, the name of which cannot be revealed, for the armed services, and it appears that they are assured of their key men for this work regardless of the age of these men. These same men are also employed partially in several plants on sound equipment suitable for civ- ilian use. Although production of equipment for civilian use comes af- ter military work in all these plants, it is likely that they will be able to continue doing some civilian work. It is possible, although WPB is hopeful it will not be necessary, that schedules will be reassigned among manufacturers in order to permit those in less critical labor areas to up their production to bal- ance the lost production in tight labor areas. This is felt to be tough on those companies in the critical No More Loose Chairs! Parmanantly uiehon Iom« tkalr* to eonerets floon In tan mlnutM. COMPLETE KIT AND INSTRUC- TIONS . . . tS. f.*.b. Chlcaot. CHAIR • PARTS FOR ALL MAKES OF CHAIRS GENERAL CHAIR CO. 1308 Ellttn An. CHICAGO. ILL. Strooch Family's Theatrical Vocation Is Complete, — But It's^ Only Partially Uniform Stage debut of Geraldine Stroock in "Follow the Girls" at local Century completes participation of the family in the theater. Her sister, Gloria, is cast member of touring company of George Abbott's "Kiss and Tell," currently in St. Louis. Her mother, Bianca, styled clothes for "Voice of the Turtle," "Doughgirls," "Ove 21," "Tomorrow the World," "Wildflower" and "Decision," and is now dressing "Rebecca." Her father, James, is Brooks Costume Co. president, which organization has costumed literally hundreds of Broadway shows and other big attractions. Her grandfather, Ely, is head of Brooks Uniform Co. and, between Government contracts, uniforms for staffs of practically all first-run film theaters hereabouts. Thus the Stroocks are running neck and neck with the Barrymores. General Aniline & Film Shows Larger Net in '43 (Continued from Page 9) provision for special accruals due to wartime operations. This is equal to $4.95 a share on the outstanding common A stock and compares with a revised profit of $3,374,217, or $4.61 a share, for 1942, when taxes were $5,4B4,533. The previously re- ported profit for 1942 was $3,483,- 467, the difference of $109,250 repre- senting the net refund on negotia- tion for that year. areas, and the practice will be em- ployed only as a last resort. Aside from those plants turning out vital military equipment, it is believed, there are few important workers under 26. The plants will, of course, feel the increased drain on their labor supply, but are not expected to suffer exceedingly. Clark declared yesterday that the matter of circuit expansion in order to fill temporary wartime recreation needs was brought to him several weeks ago via telephone by "some- one at OCR." He said his caller promised to bring to him a list of San Francisco Bay areas where new theaters were indicated, but had never shown up. "It seems to me there ought to be plenty of indepen- dents who'd like those theaters," Clark said, "certainly enough of them tell us that." In the event that local need is shown, however, and there appears to be no independent applicant, Clark said he thought "something could be worked out for the circuit." SEEKINO A DEPENDABLE SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR YOUR THEATRE TICKETS? . INTERNATIONAL OFFERS: Dependable service . . . Low cost . . , 47 years' experience serving theatres, stadiums, amusement parks, etc. We can supply your needs. Roll, machine folded, reserve seats, etc. Write for samples, prices or other information. Oellvery free Maine lo Virginia, INTERNATIONAL TICKET ^i COMPANY 52 GRAFTON AVE, \^/ NEWARK, N, J. Salft Ofticri in Principal Centers Building Code Inaction Sets Off Row in Toledo (Continued from Page 9) vented had such a code been in effect earlier. The present code, passed in 1929, does not take into account changes in construction materials and methods. However, George Schoonmaker, City manager, said that because of the strictness of the model code un- der consideration, businessmen whose enterprises it would hurt would be the first to object, so that public hearings will be scheduled before the code is submitted to Council. O'Brien To Harrisburg Scranton, Pa. — Bill O'Brien, for- mer Scrantonian, an attache of the Altec Service Corp., has been trans- ferred from the Newport News, Va., teiTitory to Harrisburg. Second "E" Star is Given to DeVry Corp. (Continued from Page 9) cipals developed by DeVry's founder, the late Dr. Herman A. DeVry, in- ventor of the portable motion pic- ture projector and pioneer in the field of visual education by means of movies. In a letter to William C. DeVry, company's president, C. C. Bloch, Admiral USN (Ret.), chairman of the Navy Board for Production awards, stated, in part, '"The men and women of your plants have con- tinued to maintain the high stand- ards they set for themselves when they were originally awarded the Army-Navy 'E'. They may well be proud of their achievement," he added, "The additional white star, which the renewal adds to your Army-Navy 'E' flags, is the symbol of appreciation from our armed forces for your continued untiring effort and support so necessary for victory." We are in the market for Used opera chairs in any quantity. We also can use any quantity of standards only. What have you? CHICAGO USED CHAIR MART 844 South Wabash Ave. Chkafo, III. J E KYLL o» HYDE .... On the screen, the same man can be a Dr. Jekyll or a Mr. Hyde. In your projection booth as tvell, equipment can be hero or villain! It's up to you whether your equipment acts -or just acts up. For better all around help, get Altec . . . it's the service of specialists. >miuiJlJ,llu,l,JHII.L'« 250 West 57lh Street, New York 19, N. Y. THE SERVICE ORQANIZATION OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY 12 :^ l^riday, April 7, 1944 D4ILY I Cowdin Calls for Slash in Over-all Tax Burden ! Universal Board Chairman Asks a Maximum Post-War Levy of 31 Billions Yearly CHEEVER COWDIN Para, Sees $16^077^000 Net Compares with 1942 Earnings of $14,631,650 Philadelphia — Reduction of the over-all tax load by about one-half, with a maximum post-war load of 31 billion dollars annually for Fed- eral, state and local purposes, was advocated last night by J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the Universal board, speaking before the Temple Uni- versity Institute on Tax Policies. Cowdin de- clared that the present tax load of 45 billions for Federal Govern- ment and 10 bil- lions for State and local government is a war ne- cessity and cannot be continued af- ter the war. "Its effect on our fis- cal policies would be disastrous," he said. Other highlights in the tax pro- gram proposed to the Institute were reduction of individual Federal in- come taxes to one third of present rates and a simplied levy on a dol- lar amount, with relief espec'ally for the white collar class and es- tablishment of a single flat rate of 25 per cent on corporate income, with concessions for new and small companies. Urges War Debt Tax The Universal chairman would set up a special war debt tax to yield nine billion dollars annually the first few years and to average three billion annually for 100 years. Gov- ernment competition with private business would be elijninated and the Federal budget brought into balance immediately at the close of the war. Other recommendations included avoidance of Government experi- mentation as a means of solving business dislocations; simplification of the SEC operating system to en- courage venture capital, and curb- ing of group advantages and favori- tism in all fiscal planning. "It must be apparent to all," he concluded, "that we cannot have full employment unless business generally is prosper- ous and profitable; that we can- not have fair prices for our agriculture products unless people are employed and have the money with Which to buy; that our Government cannot have its revenue requirements unless our people are occupied and prosperous. It is impera- tive that the sharp differences which have been fostered be- tween groups end and that they work together for common (Continued from Page 1) in the combined undistributed earn- ings for the year of partially owned non-consolidated subsidiaries. Earnings for the year ended Jan. 2, 1943, were $14,631,650, including $1,506,214 share of undistributed earnings of partially owned non- consolidated subsidiaries. Earnings for the quarter ended Jan. 1, last are estimated on the same basis at $4,422,000. These earnings do not include $354,000 representing the amount of dividends received by the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries from non- consolidated subsidiaries in excess of Paramount's direct and indirect net interest as a stockholder in the combned earnings of such subsidi- aries for the quarter, such excess representing a partial distribution of share of earnings of previous quarters. Earnings for the corresponding quarter ended Jan. 2, 1943 were $5,- 353,000, not including $447,000 on a s'milar basis. Such fourth quarter 1942 earnings included the Com- pany's share of film rentals and earnings of subsidiaries operating in England, Australia, New Zealand and India applicable to the first nine months of 1942 to the extent not previously reflected in earnings dur- ing that period due to restrictions on remittances then in effect. $4.28 Per Share on Common The $16,077,000 of estimated com- bined consolidated and share of un- distributed earnings for the year represent $4.28 per share on the 3,752,136 shares of common stock outstand'ng on Jan. 1, which com- pares with $4.74 per share for the year ended Jan. 2, 1943 on the 2,- 933,717 common shares then out- standing, after providing $728,706 for dividends on the then outstand- ing first preferred shares. Estimated combined consolidated and share of undistributed earnings of $4,422,000 for the quarter ended Jan. 1, 1944 represent $1.18 per share on the 3,752,136 shares of com- mon stock outstand'ng, which com- pares with $1.76 per share for the quarter ended Jan. 2, 1943 on the 2,933,717 common shares then out- standing, after providing $182,177 for accrued dividends on the then outstanding first preferred shares, but included the additional film rent- als and earnings from England, Aus- tralia, New Zealand and Ind'a as aforesaid. Bacher Will Produce "The Gay Illiterate" West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — William A. Bacher has been assigned to produce a film- ization of Louella Parsons' autobiog- raphy, "The Gay Illiterate," for 20th-Fox. objectives. Without this co- operation there is grave ques- tion whether we can have per- manent pdrosperity." Universal's Directors Re-name Officer Slate Universal's board at its annual meeting held at the home office yesterday elected the following of- ficers. J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the board; N. J. Blumberg, presi- dent; Charles D. Prutzman, vice- president and general counsel; John J. O'Connor, vice-president and as- sistant to the president; William A. Scully, vice-president; Joseph H. Seidelman, vice-president; Clifford Work, vice-president; S. Machno- vitch, treasurer and assistant secre- tary; Edward Muhl, assistant sec- retary; Adolph Schimel, assistant secretary; Eugene F. Walsh, as- sistant treasurer; Harold S. Brews- ter, assistant treasurer; iMargaret M. Sullivan, assistant secretary and assistant treasurer. Court Asks Bearing of Pool On Pickwick Suit Trial IH NEW POSTS JOHN CARTER, booker, 20th-Fox, Memph^ SEBE MILLER, booker. Paramount, Dallas, t,. BOB CILCORE, booker. Paramount, Memplw^ DEL LAWLER, art director, B & K., Chicago. FRENCH MILLER, sales force, M-C-M, St. iouis. J. H. ZIMMERMAN, office manager, M-C-K4- St. Louis. ky WILLIAM PRASS, M-C-M exploitation represeriC tative, Denver. BERT iBASSINGER, assistant shipper, M-C-M, Omaha. JAMES McCANN, of Chicago, pinch-hitting as salesman, M-C-M, Omaha. TED GALANTER, expioiteer, M-C-M exchange, Seattle. E. |. PIRO, sales staff. Universal, Seattle. BERNIE KAMINS, publicity director, Sol Lesser iProductions, Hollywood. AL STANLEY, manager, Columbia, St. Helens. Ore. MIKE LEE, manager. Monogram, Kansas City. HENRY CLOVER, manager. Monogram, New Or- leans. DAVID FIELD, motion picture editor. Shopping News, Chicago. ■ r New Haven — Following comple- tion of the 450-page deposition of George Skouras in the Prefect The- aters anti-trust suit, plantiffs in- troduced the deposition of John J. O'Connor, Universal vice-president and former RKO Theaters' film buy- er and general manager. This is to be followed by the deposition of Wil- liam Whitman of the Bronx Leas- ing Corporation and will probably extend the plaintiffs' case into five weeks. Judge Carroll Hincks interrupted the reading of the deposition yes- terday in an attempt to clarify the bearing of a large mass of exhibit material introduced regarding pool- ing arrangements of Skouras with RKO, Century and other theaters on the alleged conspiracy between the defendants and Skouras against the operators of the Pickwick and Greenwich Theaters. Attorneys were asked to state their claims. Saul Rogers for the plaintiffs claimed the pooling ar- rangements, whether involving the Bronx, Long Island or iManhattan was one link in the picture of the alleged conspiracy and so increased Skouras' buying power that it in- fluenced distributors to squeeze the Pickwick. Joseph Berry for the defense Selznick Agency Will Not Merge with Feldman-Blum IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Lester W. Roth, at- torney for the estate of Myron Selz- nick, last night issued a statement which says in part: "There is no truth to the report of a merger of the iMyron Selznick Agency with the Feldman-Blum office. Mr. Charles K. Feldman has been exceedingly kind, as have so many other promi- nent agents, in his proffers of help and his advice to the executors; and Mr. Feldman is in agreement that the agency should be maintained. "Many excellent offers have been declined. That a continuance of the pioneer Selznick agency's long ca- reer is desirable has been indicated by the unprecedented demonstration of loyalty by fully 95 per cent of the clients, as well as by the gener- ous and even enthusiastic co-opera- tion of all the industry's leading agencies." claimed the Skouras pools described were for the most part negotiated in 1932 before the existence of the plaintiff Prefect Theatres were legal business transactions not connected with the defendants' dealings with the Pickwick. Trial resumes Tuesday. TO THE COLORS! if PROMOTED * WALTER STARCK, USA, formerly Warner The- ater, Milwaukee, to captain. * ARMY * DENNIS CAFLIN, advertising production mana- ger. Republic home office. )€RRY N. LUBIN, Warner Bros, contract depart- ment, goes into the A-my today. * NAVY * ROLAND HAYHES, manager, Oxford, Philadel- phia. - « — ic MARINES ^ MARVIN SAMUELSON, Warner exchange, Cleve- land. n J 15 I Z 3 A N IS HXtr-t/M JJ Z SNC3 i ±DnCIC]fcl cl cl H Goldi W. Suit: lAi^i^BMSM I ^s.i*f>t* %A# arMArc» ^lai^. Philadelphia — Federal Judge William H. Kirkpatrick in a 17-page decision filed here lOiamdn looses YY drnerS OUIl. Saturday found for Wamers and the eight majors, defendants in the $1,350,000 triple- damage anti-trust suit brought by William Goldman. Suit had charged a monopoly of all first-run situations here, and was predicated upon Goldman's alleged inability to obtain first runs for his Erianger. Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old > L 85. NO. 70 NEW YORK. MONDAY. APRIL 10. 1944 TEN CENTS STATE DEPT. PREPARES FOR PIX PARLEYS Mexico Faces Production's Virtual Stoppage Mexican Workers Confed- eration to Try to Arbitrate Actors Conflict with Union Mexico City (By Air Mail) — A virtual stoppage of new film production is indicated in the decision of the Mexican Producers Association to close every studio in the country until the conflict between actors and their unions is settled. Order does not affect 11 pictures in production and one which was about to be started. DiflBculties started as a minor re- (Continued on Page 7) WB Theaters Raise $500,000 for R. C. Red Cross collections in more than Warner Circuit 400 theaters approxi- mated $500,000, the largest circuit figure reported to date in the indus- try's 1944 Red Cross Drive, it was stated Friday at local campaign 'Continued on Page 4) Contempt Order Fought In Kent-Snowdon Case Montreal — For the first time in a ong fight in the Superior Court over Driority rights for moving pictures jetween the Kent theater Ltd., and (Continued on Page 7) Theater Decorates Front of the House Chicago — The local Loop area has its first femme spieler in Mary Naughton whom Jones, Linick & Schaefer have stationed outside their McVickers Theater to stimulate the public parade up to the box office. Mary is bedecked in a nifty green and gold uniform, and is both decora- tive and effective. She's the envy of many women patrons for the reason that no matter what she says, or how repetitiously. — nobody argues with her. BERNE TO HEAD SINGER CIRCUIT Cleveland Associate of Founder Elected to Presidency Joseph M. Berne of Cleveland, 0., was elected president of the Mort H. Singer Theaters Corp. to succeed the late Mort H. Singer, veteran circuit operator, at a meeting of the corporation's board of directors here Friday. The Singer comprises some 36 houses in Iowa, Louisiana, M i n- nesota and Neb- raska. Operating headquarters are m a i n tained in Chicago. In addition to Berne, who has been the com- pany's secretary, other corporate of- (Ccntinued on Page 5) Will be Ready to Initiate Conversations with Friendly Governments in "About Three Months"; All Consular Offices Requested to Report on Present Conditions By ANDREW OLDER Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The State Department's telecommunications di- vision, charged with responsibility for international pix market- ing aid, will be ready to initiate conversations with friendly Governments on pix affairs "in about three months," — about July — , Fran- cis C. DeWolfe, chief, said at the week-end. In the meantime his of- fice is continuing to work out its own ideas on the subject, to gather industry thoughts on it, and to study the world picture and the situation in individual countries. All U. S. consular offices (Continued on Page 7) Reciprocal Releasing U. S.-Soviet Deal JOSEPH M. BERNE Dallas Papers Make Drastic Space Cuts Dallas — Drastic space reductions for film advertising have been insti- tuted by the News (morning) and Times-Herald (afternoon), Dallas' (Continued on Page 5) West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — A deal is pending whereby the Soviet film industry and a major American company will launch reciprocal distribution of their product in both countries. Films ac- ceptable to peoples of the 16 Soviet republics and the United States will be distributed. Exhibition rights on American product purchased will be for five years. Michael Kalatozoy, special rep- resentative of the Soviet film indus- try in the United States, is handling negotiations for U.S.S.R. and has negotiated a deal with Samuel Gold- wyn for "North Star," "The Little Foxes" and "The Hurricane." To promote friendly relations with (Continued on Page 6) Erect First Studio Here To Make Tele Color Pix First studio to be constructed in New York especially for the produc- tion of color films for television use is now being built atop the Scribner (Continued on Page 4) WB in Air SItow Innovaiion Original Oboler Programs to Plug ''Twain' "Patrohng the Ether" In Five-City Tele Bow The fii'st television premiere of a motion picture will be broadcast in key cities across the country, at 8 p.m. today when M-G-M's two-reel special, "Patroling the Ether," will (Continued on Page 3) A series of five 15-minute re- corded programs of specially writ- ten material by Arch Oboler will be used by Warners as part of the ad- vance campaign on "The Adventures of Mai'k Twain." Programs, part of the campaign being carried out un- der Mort Blumenstock for the 200 theater day-and-date special pre- ( Continued on Page 4) Theater Biz Steady Under Tax's Impact Business is holding up under the increased admissions and excise taxes, latest reports received from Film Daily field correspondents in- dicate. Doubling of the Federal tax on (Continued on Page 3) Our Pix on Latin America Called "Superficial" Washincitoii Bureau of THE FILM DAILy Washington — Travelogue and edu- cational films on Latin America pro- duced for theatrical showing have been "general and superficial" and (Continued on Page 6) WB Theaters Tooh in $421,806 For ''Dimes" March of Dimes collections in Warner Theaters totaled $421,- 806.60, it was announced Friday by Joseph Bernhard, general manager of the Warner Circuit. Check for the entire amount, minus deductions paid to local chair- men, was turned over Friday to Wal- ter Vincent, national treasurer of the March of Dimes. Monday, April 10, 1944 |^ Vol. 85, No. 70 Mon., April 10, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer ; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, ISOl Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118. 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St W I. HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. Briefs for WLB Panel In St. Louis Wage Case St. Louis — Briefs in connection with the hearing on an application by Theatrical Brotherhood Local 6 — lATSE for a 15 per cent wage in- crease will be filed within the next 10 days by Harry C. Barker, attor- ney for the union, and Russell Hardy, special counsel for the St. Louis Exhibitors Committee. Testimony before a three-man WLB trial panel was completed a week ago. Case is now being considered by the panel which, after briefs have been filed, will submit their recom- mendations to the regional WLB in Kansas City. Allied Unit and Finkel Retain Additional Counsel Pittsburgh — Supplementing the appearance of 0. K. Eaton and N. M. Katz, J. Roy Dickie, of the law firm of Dickie, Robinson & McCan- ney, has been retained by the Allied AMPTO of Western Pennsylvania and William Finkel as additional counsel in the suit brought by seven distributing companies, charging fal- sifying of statements on percentage pictures by William Finkel and the Carson Amusement Co., operating the Arcade and Colonial theaters here. Para. Commercial Dept. Slated to do a Fadeout Paramount's commercial depart- ment will be dropped as soon as two or three subjects which remain to be completed are out of the way, it was learned Friday. H The Broadway Parade S Picture and Distributor Theater The Song of Bernadette (Twentieth Century-Fox)— 1 Ithi week Rivoli Passage to Marseille (Warner Bros. Pictures)— 8th week Hollywood Lady in the Dark (Paramount Pictures) — 8th week Paramount Voice in the Wind (United Artists-Ripley-Monter) — 4th week Victoria See Here, Private Hargrove (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 4th week Astor AN Baba and the Forty Thieves (Universal Pictures)— 4th week Palace The Heavenly Body (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 3rd week Capitol Women in Bondage (Monogram Pictures) — 3rd week Gotham Cover Girl (Columbia Pictures) — 2nd week Music Hall Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (RKO Radio-Walt Disney) (b) — 2nd week. . .Manhattan Four Jills in a Jeep (Twentieth Century-Fox)." Roxy Lost Angel (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) Criterion Uncertain Glory (Warner Bros. Pictures) Strand None Shall Escape (Columbia Pictures) Loew's State The Lady and the Monster (Republic Pictures) Rialto Rationing ( Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) Globe Lumberjack (United Artists) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York I Live on Danger (Paramount Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York ♦ FOREIGiV LANGUAGE FEATURES ♦ The Ukraine in Flames (Artkino Pictures) — 2nd week Stanley Resurrection (CLASA-Mohme) Belmont Glie Uomini nella sua Vita (d) World The Man of the Forest (Scandia Films) (a) 48th St. Theater Resort Flirts (Scandia Films) (c) 48th St. Theater ♦ FKJTVRE OPE]%i]%GS ♦ Broadway Rhythm (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — April 13 Capitol Up in Mabel's Room (United Artists-Edward Small) (c) Gotham The White Cliffs of Dover (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) Music Hall Going My Way? (Paramount Pictures) — April 26 Paramount The Yellow Canary (RKO Radio Pictures) — April 13 Palace Knickerbocker Holiday (United Artists) — Victoria The Whistler (Columbia Pictures) (c) Rialto Follow the Boys (Universal Pictures) (a) Criterion The Hitler Gang (Paramount Pictures) (c) Globe Between Two Worlds (Warner Bros. Pictures (c) Strand Buffalo Bill (Twentieth Century-Fox) (c) — Roxy (a) Dual bill, (b) Re-issue, (c) Follows current bill. (d) Italian language version of Columbia's "The Men in Her Life." a: O'Shea, Richey, Simons To Attend Ingram Fete Memphis — E. K. "Ted" O'Shea, M-G-M Eastern sales manager, Hen- derson M. Richey, M-G-M exhibitor relations head, and M. L. Simons, editor of the Distributor, will at- tend the exhibitor luncheon to be tendered Louis C. Ingram, newly appointed M-G-M manager, at the Peabody Hotel on April 17. In addition to these three home office executives, Charles E. Kess- nich, Southern district manager with headquarters in Atlanta, will attend. Ingram was sales manager at the Atlanta office for 20 years. He suc- ceeds J. F. Willingham who is now manager of the St. Louis office. Cleveland Exhibs. Fete Krasne and Boasberg Robert Mochrie, general sales man- ager of RKO Radio Pictures; Nat Levy, Eastern division manager of the company, and Harold Mirisch, chief booker and buyer for the the- ater department, departed for Cleve- land last night to attend the testi- monial dinner to be given by exhibi- tors in that area tonight for B. G. Krasne, newly appointed Eastern Central district manager, and Charles Boasberg, Metropolitan dis- trict manager of the firm and captain of the 1944 Ned Depinet drive. The party is due back Wednesday for the final Depinet drive meeting at the New York exchange. cominG nno come HARRY M. WARNER gets in this week from the Coast. JESSE L. LASKY, Warner producer, is en route from the Coast to Denver and Chicago for appearances with "The Adventures of Mark Twain." He will continue on to St. Louis and New York. LOUIS B. MAYER and FRANK ORSATTI and JACK POTTER of the M-G-M studio press staff, have arrived from the Coast. NUNNALLY JOHNSON has arrived on the Coast from New York, reporting to Interna- tional Pictures. ASHLEY DAWES, of General Electric's tele- vision staff, has returned to Schenectady, fol- lowing a business visit to New York. HAL HORNE, 20th-Fox ad-publicity chief, and JACK GOLDSTEIN, the company's publicity manager, left for the Coast Friday for con- ferences with Joseph M. Schenck, Oarryl F. Zanuck and Harry Brand, studio publicity di- rector. ROBERT BENCHLEY leaves the Coast Wed- nesday for New York where he will remain a month. ETHEL BARRYMORE arrived in New York on Saturday. LT. COL. HAL E. ROACH, AAF, has ar- rived in New York from Washington, for a stay of several days. He is accompanied by MRS. ROACH. LEO YASSENOFF, Ohio theater operator and builder, returned to Columbus over the week- end. WENDELL L. WILLKIE, 20th-Fox board chair- man, returned to New York Friday. LEO CARRILLO returned to the Coast over the week-end. JOHN BALABAN has returned to Chicago from Palm Springs. HARRY SEED and TED TOD of Warners are back in Chicago from the Twin Cities. Choice for Reagan's Aide Still to be Made by Para. Charles M. Reagan, who on Thu^- day was elevated from assistant gen- eral sales manager to general sales- manager of Paramount to replace Neil Agnew, said on Friday that no decision had been reached by the company on his successor. Gorey Opposing Olsen Chicago — Frank Gorey heads t]^/.. opposition slate challenging 1 Frank Olsen regime in the stag hands union. NEW YORK THEATERS : — RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL— r 50th St. & 6Hi Ave. | RITA HAYWORTH— GENE KELLY j "COVER GIRL" r j'\ , : Technicolor ; Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchestra I 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600 | PARAMOUNT'S "LADY IN THE DARK" In Technicolor In Person XAVIER CUCAT AND BAND DEAN MURPHY PARAMOUNT TIMES SQUARE ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS in "UNCERTAIN GLORY" IN PERSON: TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAI\D OPENS 9 A.M. B'WAY & 47th St, BUY BONDS! HUMPHREY BOGART IN WARNERS' PASSAGE to MARSEILLE '-''<^j:^ur'' HOLLYWOOD Opens 10 A.M. - B'way 51 st B'WAY & '47th St. Maria MONTEZ.Jon HALL.Turhan BEY 'ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES' ON SCREEN 1st N. Y. Showing ^NONE SHALL ESCAPE' with MARSHA HUNT IN PERSON ALLAN JONES Happy FEtTON Dich BUCKLEY Ac/derf Attraction CANADA LEE 'A Monday, April 10, 1944 ^ DAILY >CA and Detroit OI(ay \s Censorsliip Guide Mount Clemens, Mich. — Accept- mce of existing industry censorship IS prima facie evidence of a film's )eing satisfactory is under consid- eration for the new local censorship irdinanee now before the City coun- >|>il here. The now projected form of ]e ordinance would allow the Po- iee Department to let a film go on he screen ''as is" if it has been ap- -|.>roved by the MPPDA's PCA as well IS by the Detroit police censor. This is, in effect, the situation in ill other Michigan cities, where no ocal censorship laws exist. The De- r-oit censor's verdict is accepted i oractically without question by film _ companies as applicable to the rest )f the State as well. The Mount Clemens ordinance )rings in the industry's own censor- ship setup on the Coast as well. It vould still permit review of a spe- ;ific picture considered objection- ible, even if passed by both groups, )ut it is believed that the actual ci- -ation of films for review would be, n practice, confined to the few not listributed through established in- lustry channels, and that it would )bviously ban "smoker" films and ;he like. i: 'Patroling the Ether" [n Five-City Tele Bow (Continued from Page 1) je televised over stations WNBT, >Jew York; WRGB, Schenectady; VVPTZ, Philadelphia; W9XZV, Chi- ;ago, and W6XA0, Los Angeles. James Lawrence Fly, chairman of -,he FCC will appear before the NBC :elevision cameras here to introduce ;he film, which dramatizes the war- ime activities of the Radio Intelli- ?ence Division of the FCC. The event will be preceded by a iinner at the French Cafe in Rocke- :eller Center for Fly, G. E. Sterling, .•hief of the RID, and the New York ind trade press film critics, who will •eview the picture as it comes over ;he television receivers. Similar gatherings of film critics are being irranged in Chicago, Philadelphia ind Los Angeles. George Artiss Tom Ceraghty Joseph Moskowitz Tim McCoy Nick Stuart Lou Rydell Harold S. Bucquet Dorothy Lewis Versatile Pic Biz Recruits for Army Oscar A. Doob, industry public re- lations chairman for WAC, in urging fiis national publicity comntittee members to get behind the War Dept.'s appeal to the motion pic- ture industry to help recruit WAC's, says "You're a recruiting officer for the Army now." In his letter to the Public Relations Directors, Doob asks them to jot down and rush all practical ideas to hiarry Mandel, na- tional publicity director for "2nd Anniversary WAC Recruiting Week," May 11-17, inclusive, for campaign bock he's preparing. Mandel can be reached at War Activities Headquar- ters, 1501 Broadway, New York City. Tlieater Biz Steady Under Tax's Impact (Continued from Page 1) theater admissions made no notice- able difference in Charlotte theater attendance, managers report. Wil- by-Kincey Theaters, largest group, kept children's admissions at nine cents, with a slight increase in at- tendance as other theaters advanced admissions to 12 cents. One house said there was a slight decrease in attendance partly due to Lent. Richmond theaters made no ad- vance of increased prices and there was no appreciable drop off in busi- ness. Close observation by manag- ers has failed to show anyone walk- ing away from box-offices. San Francisco first-runs report no serious trouble with the new lev- ies and very few complaints. How- ever, neighborhood operators claim- ed many gripes from patrons but no financial loss. Increased business was the only effect of new taxes, Seattle first- and second-run operators report. There was some adverse comment by stu- dents. Seattle is a defense area with plenty of money for shows. No hotel rooms are available and service men pay any price for a resting place in a theater. In Chicago, it was said that busi- ness held up generally, and, in many instances, capacity was the rule. Query Film Transportation. Men on Ticket Black Mart FBI agents investigating the black market in railroad transportation are understood to have been ques- tioning transportation men for the film companies in this city and Chi- cago. Mass. Park-In to Open Springfield, Mass. — The Park-In theater at Riverside Park in Aga- wam, which was closed most of last season, reopens Saturday week-end shows with Edward J. Carroll, man- aging. Nazis Holding S/Sgt. Riley Little Rock, Ark. — S/Sgt. James W. Riley, AAF, former personnel manager of Robb & Rowley The- aters, is reported a prisoner of war in Germany. He had variously be'en reported as missing in action and killed in action. Arbitrator Dismisses Schuyler Theater's Case Clearance complaint filed by Schuyler Theater, Inc., operator of the Schuyler Theater, Manhattan, against Loew's, RKO and 20th-Fox, has been dismissed by Arbitrator Joseph R. Kelley. No. 17 Outstanding Industry Personalities 3aH. 4f044, Home. iUe4*i — HIS career, which culminated in the presiden- cy of Loew's, Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Loew subsidiaries generally, is one of film- land's most inspiring success sagas. Came to America from his native Russia at age of nine with parents and brother, Joseph. Lads' first job was as errand boys in a drug store, and became pharmacists with their own stores. En- tered amusement park business which led them into infant film industry. Our hero pictured here has not only made vital cinema history, but has made his name synonymous with good deeds, high on the list of which is leadership of March of Dimes drives. THIS, former director of publicity for the Boy Scouts of America does many good deeds every day promotionally for 20th-Fox, zuliose director of publicity and advertising he is. His film industry experience is so wide and intense that he is master of all trade ramifica- tions. Has been on publicity end of production, distribution and exhibition; was general man- ager of Far West Theater Circuit; and president of Home Theater Circuit. Was recipient of American Spectator Award for best advertising in any field. Has served prominently and well as exec, for Walter Wanger, UA, Walt Disney, and exceptionally so for 20th-Fox where his genius and drive are part and parcel of every film's merchandising. FIRST time he produced a picture, Columbia's "Cover Girl," he hit the jackpot. In 1943 contributed lilting songs to "Thank Your Lucky Stars" for Warner Bros., where he is now a pro- ducer. Is one of America's most renowned com- posers of the popular school, and, speaking of schools, he grabbed his arts degree at New York University, switched over to Columbia for his M.A., and then completed his law studies back at NYU. But a barrister he was not to be for long, although he was admitted to the New York bar and practiced in the metropolis for four years. There was too much music in his soul, and in 1928 began writing professionally. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. IHEi DAILY Monday, April 10, 1944 WB Theaters Raise $500,000 for R. C. (Continued from Page 1) headquarters. This sum compares with $250,000 taken in by the War- ner houses for the Red Cross in last year's campaign. The Philadelphia area exhibitor chairman Earl Sweigert, reported to Joseph Bernhard of Warners, nation- al industry chairman, is expected to triple last year's figure. On the ba- sis of returns up to Friday, Red Cross receipts by theaters in five counties comprising the Philadelphia territory are estimated at $250,000, compared with $80,000 for the same group last year. Later figures on the Loew Circuit, Oscar A. Doob advised, place the to- tal collections in those theaters at $347,000. New York Paramount Theater col- lected $13,408.41 in 13 days, more than double last year's figure, ac- cording to Robert M. Weitman, man- aging director. Canton 0., theaters broke all rec- ords to raise $7,500 or 187 per cent of their goal in the Red Cross War Fund campaign. Delaware's theaters exceeded their Red Cross quota for 1944 raising a total of $15,035.44 of the goal of $15,000 which was set for them. The report was made by A. Joseph DeFiore, chairman of the general state committee who announced that Loew's Aldine, Wilmington, led in the collections with a total of $3,- 401.39, followed by the Warner, Wil- mington, which turned in $3,065.92. Theaters in Kent and Sussex county raised $3,654.56. Red Cross collections in the seven Trans-Lux Theaters in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Bos- ton, totaled $14,138.23 during the re- cent drive compared with $10,483.63 last year, Norman W. Elson, vice- president, reports. Basil Bros. Files Case For Kenmore's Colvin Buffalo — Basil Bros, has filed a clearance complaint in behalf of the Colvin Theater, Kenmore, against RKO protesting clearance granted Shea's Kenmore, Kenmore, and Shea's North Park, Buffalo, over t^e Colvin. Plaintiff asks to play RKO pictures 30 days after Buffalo first- WEDDinC BELLS Green Cove Springs, Fla. — Mrs. Sadie Avant of Palatka became the bride of Charles Brewer, manager of the local Clay. IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Red Skelton and Mur- iel Chase have applied for a mar- riage license. A Reporter's Report • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: First. Lt. George Scher. Signal Corps, ioimer iilm publicist (UA, Universal, etc.), is now oiiicer in charge of the Signal Corps Message, Fort Monmouth's corking service weekly. . . • G. B. J. Frawley, Para exec, and prexy of the New York A.C., has been appointed delegate-at-large to the A.A.U. and thus becomes a member of its Board of Governors. . . • Harry Ellerbe, stage actor, departed Coastwards at the week-end for a Warner screen test . . • Larry Brooks, Copacabana singer, is on the Coast for a similar pur- pose. . . • Jody Hutchinson, singer-dancer, also heads for the Burbank testing cameras this week. . . • Peter Shayne, former prexy of the Chicago operators union, just out of the hospital, leaves for a Phoenix, Ariz, sojourn on Thursday. . . • En route to Phoenix, too, is Frank Howard, widely known in the Michigan industry as Co-operative The- aters' veteran booker. . . • That voice heard on radio spot announce- ments for Rep.'s "The Lady and the Monster," belongs to Raymond Edward Johnson, the Inner Sanctum's "Your Host, Raymond". . . • Mich- ael Todd gets in from Hollywood Wednesday. . . • Mae West follows in the not-too-distant future, and Mike's "Catherine the Great," starring La West, will be done in the East rather than on the Coast as first planned. . . • Sol Lessor's daughter, Mrs. Morris Pfaelzer, of Phila- delphia, now on the Coast, will represent the pix colony on the UCLA Pan American Fiesta Committee. . . • Portland, Me., trade feted lohn M. Divney, manager of the Maine, at the Falmouth Hotel prior to his departure for Navy service. . . • Harry G. Brewer, projectionist at the Detroit Paradise, is the new Exalted Ruler of the local BPOE lodge. . . • Edward Small has set a late May starting date for "Bella Donna". . . • Charles Cohen rejoins Herb Crooker's department at Metro today. ▼ ▼ ▼ 9 « • THIS AND THAT: Mart Blumenstork and staff can take a bow for that admirable special "Adventures of Mark Twain" folio. . . . It's not only impressive, but it's more than that— it's highly useful Who was it who said, There's no substitute for service?. . . « Speak- ing of the unusual, didja note that "rolling in the aisles" double- spread used by Aletro for "See Here, Private Hargrove," in F.D.'s Friday edition? Smart, very smart, yet more than that— super- effective in catching— and holding— the eye. . . • Speaking of "Har- grove," the service comedy is mopping up not only here (at the Astor), but in other spots. . . • Troops overseas are going to see something maybe even YOU can't Meaning "Oklahoma" Sponsored by USO-Camp Shows, two companies will take the Broad- way smash hit on a tour of overseas bases And the G.I.'s will see it "for free" Phil M. tried to buy a couple of seats at the St. James Friday for May 17; no soap Best counter offer: sometime in June. . . • Greater New York Fund's 1944 campaign opens April 18 with a dinner at the Hotel Astor. . . • War Dept. and AAF are putting a heavy radio campaign behind "The Memphis Belle". . . O First outside company to lease the Chaplin studios on the Coast is Monogram which will shoot "Three of a Kind" there. . . # War- ners Strand has set Coast Guard's all-service musical show, "Tars and Spars," featuring Vic Mature, for May 5 opening Howard Dietz did the lyrics and skits for the show and Metro's Max Liebman di- rected T ▼ ▼ • • • ADDENDA: Jeffrey Bernerd is conducting a national juve- nile delinquency survey in search of fresh material for "Are These Our Parents?". ▼ T ▼ • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! Warner Bros, in Air Siiow innovation (Continued from Page 1) mieres the week of May 6, will rep- resent some $250,000 in radio time. Blumenstock pointed out that the programs set a precedent by using radio's own technique to sell a mo- tion picture and that the discs wj.'' consist of original material instei of adaptations of portions of tHe" screen story. Programs are the first recorded programs of their kind ever turned out by Oboler. Series will be started April 17 on a twice weekly basis, with the final program, to be aired just before the opening dates, to be followed by 30 specially prepared spot announce- ments and station breaks plugging the picture, local theater and play- date. As part of the promotion, Blaine- Thompson Advertising Agency has scheduled a series of ads on news- paper radio pages throughout the country, announcing the program both in advance and currently with the broadcasts. Exhibitors playing "Mark Twain" will be supplied with a radio coverage map, list of sta- tions and brochure explaining the broadcasts and the breakdown for local coverage. Publicity kits will also be sent to all radio stations in- volved for use in publicizing the pro- grams in their territories. Erect First Studio Here To Make Tele Color Pix (Continued from Page 1) Building for a syndicate consisting of Stanley Neal, former managing director of Revelation Pictures of London; Leon Leventhal and W. W. MacKee. The syndicate has just been form- ed to acquire the production rights of the Brewster color process, the deal including the United Kingdom, all British possessions, excluding Canada, Mexico and South America. Two Brewster cameras are being brought to New York from London for re-designing on this side and additionally, new cameras are being designed. Developing and printing technique is being worked out in a laboratory owned by Neal. Negotia- tions are also said under way to ac- quire other studio production facili- ties in Washington. Overseas distribution of tele color films will be via Associated Film- makers, it is said. Neal also heads the latter. STORK REPORTS New Britain, Conn — Patrick Mc- Mahon, operator of the State, New Britam, is father of an eight-pound baby boy. i Monday, April 10, 1944 WE' DAILY Berne Elected Prexy Of Singer Theaters (Continued from Page 1) ficers include J. M. Ulmer, vice-pres- ident; George W. Howe, treasurer and auditor, and Frank B. Smith, as- sistant secretary and treasurer. The new president has been asso- >>iated with the late Mort H. Singer Ance the formation of the Singer Circuit in 1933 and for more than 20 years has been active and is well known in the theater field. Berne announced Friday that no changes are contemplated in the op- II eration of the circuit. McMurphey Leaves On 2-Week Coast Trip Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — George W. McMur- ; phey, OCR recreation and amuse- . m^nts chief, left last night for a two-week trip to the Pacific Coast, [ where he will inspect local needs £ and confer with local industry peo- '; pie from Seattle down to San Diego. I One of the purposes of his trip will be to stimulate greater interest in J new theater construction. Although TO THE COLORS! •k COMMISSIONED ^ A. C. LYLES, AAF, former Paramount Studio publicist, Hollywood, commissioned a lieu- tenant. — • — * PROMOTED* CAPT. MONROE CREENTHAL, USA, former United Artists advertising-publicity chief, to major. MATTY FOX, USA, former Universal executive, promoted to warrant officer in London. ENSIGN JANE TALLMAN, WAVE, daughter of William Tallman, owner of the Ceramic, East Liverpool, 0., to lieutenant. WALTER STARK, AAF, former Warner Theaters chief of ushers, Chicago, to captain. — • — * ARMY * VIC BERNSTEIN, Monogram booking department head, Chicago. IRVING JACOBS, head booker, M-G-M, Pitts- burgh. EEDDIE MACHINSKI, M-G-M booker, Pitts- burgh. )0E SOMMERS, manager, Etna, Pittsburgh. HARRY CADUGAN, manager. Garden, Pitts- burgh. JERRY WINSBERG, Senate, Chicago. OCR considers the Pacific Coast one of the areas where new facilities are most needed, applications from that region have not been coming in as fast as the agency would like to see them. M. CARVAZIN, operator, Haymarket, Chicago. BOB BUSCH, manager, Jeffrey, Chicago. DAVID J. GOLDMAN, Progress Press, Chicago. AL STEFANIE, National Screen Service acces- sories man. New York. JULIUS POLINGER, National Screen Service ad- vance man, New York. BEN GOLDSTEIN, National Screen Service film traffic manager. New York. C. D. LbON, Leon Circuit, Dallas. LEE BELL, Clarendon, Tex. LONNIE LECC, Denison, Tex. LLOYD PULLEN, R. & R. suburban manager, Dallas. * NAVY * STANLEY GOLDBERG, Columbia head booker and office manager, Albany. EARL CORDER, manager, Cody, Cody, Wyo. TOMMY McMAHON, RKO salesman, Denver. ELMER WARDELL, head shipper, M-G-M, Denver. BUS CAMPBELL, Columbia salesman, Denver. JOHN NIRENBERC, manager. Liberty, Tacony, Philadelphia. HARLAN CROY, Alliance city manager, Frank- fort, Ind. CARL HEYL, assistant contact manager, War- ner Theaters, Chicago. JACK BETTIS, auditor, Leon Circuit, Dallas. — • — * MERCHANT MARINE * HARRIS KUNTZELMAN, 20th-Fox. Omaha. — • — * ACTIVATED * ENSIGN JACK ESSICK, USN, son of P. E. 'ts- sick of Scoville, Essick & Reif, to duty at Fort Schuyler, March 27. Dallas Papers Make Drastk Space Cuts (Continued from Page 1) only papers. Order reduces possible lineage for national distributors' ads from 1,200-1,500 lines to a maximum of 560 in the News and rejects all national film advertising in the Times-Herald. Theater advertising is reduced about 50 per cent in the News and to one inch per day, per theater, in the Times-Herald. Only exception is that the Times-Herald will amend its allowances slightly to increase the display for 30 Interstate houses on Thursdays only, but even this will be almost negligible. News continues its amusement editorial section but the Herald has virtually discontinued its section. Frank Starz, Interstate publicity director, reported that the circuit is not affected in other Texas key points except in Houston, where the Chronicle has set a limit of 140 lines per picture, including both distribu- tor and house copy. Monday, April 10, 1944 Redprocal Releasing U. S.-Soviei Deal (Continued from Page 1) the American industry, representa- tive films of American producers and directors will be shown at house of cinema workers in Moscow. The ser- vices starts this month with Charles Chaplin's outstanding productions. Leading- Russian directors and writ- ers will read papers on the comed- ian's work and garticipate in general discussions with the audience. Our Pix on Latin America Called "Superficial" (Continued from Page 1) their usefulness as educational me- dia is "extremely limited" the American Council of Education feels. In a book shortly to be published by the council, Keith E. Adamson of the State Department and Helen Hardt Seaton of the Council declared that in these theatrical films "the superficial, disjointed treatment gives little insight into the lives of the people and the films lack warmth and understanding." Ten theatrical productions selected for analysis "contribute comparative- ly little as a group" to better un- derstanding of Latin America, it was found, in comparison with the contribution of non-theatrical pro- ductions. Enthusiastic about the value of pix in cementing our ties with Latin America, the authors called for greater care in making these films. They call for extreme caution to be certain the productions are balanced and accurate and to eliminate any sort of bias either in the selection of footage or the commentary. Both theatrical and non-theatrical films on Latin America, they found, have not been balanced in any way — geographically or ideologically. They have been the result of a "pol- icy of opportunism in using pictor- ial material already available." They attribute this lack of co-ordination to the small financial return from this type of film. review; Of SHORT SUBJECTS Nearly All lA Proposals Agreed to by Studios Virtually all specific proposals of the 11 lATSE studio, locals for which negotiations for new pacts to replace those that expired on Jan. 1 are be- ing conducted at the New York of- fices of Pat Casey, producers' labor contact, had been agreed to contin- gent upon certain general points at the close of Friday's session be- tween company and union spokes- men. Discussion on the points at issue will be resumed today. The points include seniority rights, payment for time spent to and from locations and vacations with pay. The sound technicians continued with the presentation of their case on Friday. All other locals already have finished their arguments. RKO "News Front" (This Is America) 16 Vz mins. Effective The latest of the "This Is Amer- ica" series of shorts is an effective and highly interesting tribute to the members of the Fourth Estate who are serving as war correspondents all over the world. The film, a dra- matic depiction of the work being done by the men covering the con- flict, shows how they get their news and pictures, the hazards they must brave in obtaining it. All mediums of coverage used by war reporters are dealt with. The activities of the overseas branch of the OWI also come in for attention in the film, which was produced by Fredric Ull- man, Jr., very well indeed, with Lar- ry O'Reilly credited with the direc- tion and photography. "Hullaba Lulu" (Little Lulu) Paramonunt 9 iniiw. Highly Amusing Welcome indeed is the second in the series of Technicolor cartoons inspired by the character that in- livens the pages of the Saturday Evening Post. A fast little item peppered with gags that will appeal hugely to the youngsters, the short records Little Lulu's adventures at the circus. The kid makes quite a pest of herself to the delight of audiences. The footage contains some nice human touches. "A Night in Mexico City" Warner 20 mins. Highly Entertaining Here is an extremely diverting short that draws generously upon the warm, vivid music of Mexico for its entertainment. Filmed on the spot, the picture is vibrant with the strains of "Cielito Lindo," "Mi Ran- chito," "La Cucaracha," '-Estrellita," "Amapola," "La Feria de las Flores," "Tope lo que Tope." The talents of a variety of fine singers and instru- mentalists, notably the famous Ti- pica orchestra, are called upon in putting over the various songs. Many scenes of Mexican night life and native dances are included in the footage, which was directed and narrated by James A. FitzPatrick. Set this down as a positive treat for admirers of Mexican music. "Screen Snapshots" (Series 23, No. 7) Columbia 9 mins. Packs Interest For the latest of the series Di- rector Ralph Staub takes the audi- ence to Mexico for a look at the Mex- ican film industry. In its tour of the studios south of the Rio Grande the film provides glimpses of Mexi- can films in the making and intro- duces many of Mexico's stars to American filmgoers, among them be- ing Dolores Del Rio. The growing importance of the Mexican film in- dustry makes this short worth see- ing. Rep. Plans Its Biggest Adv. Drive on 'Man from Frisco' West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Republic plans one of the biggest newspaper co-operative advertising campaigns ever to be sold by that company for "Man From Frisco" starring Michael O'Shea, Anne Shirley and Gene Lock- hart. Film, produced by Albert J. Cohen and dealing with revolution- ary ideas of a modern shipbuilder, will have a tri-city premiere in San Francisco, Oakland and Richmond, Cal., in early May with run at Los Angeles and Hollywood Paramount theaters a day later. Francis A. Bateman, Western di- vision manager for Republic flies to Seattle today to meet James R. Grainger, to arrange for Northwest- ern premiere showings at Seattle, Tacoma and Portland to play day- and-date with the Los Angeles show- ings. Eastern premieres are being arranged for cities in which huge shipyards are located with the first Broadway showing before June 1. To Produce Pic for Republic West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Sydney M. Williams will produce "Next Comes Love" in- dependently and release it through Republic. Picture, which is sched- uled to go before cameras soon, will star Lupe Velez, and Lazzlo Vadney who wrote screenplay will a,lso di- rect. Official Washington To See "Tunisian Victory' iVashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — "Tunisian Victory," first joint U. S.-British production of the war, will be given a special press preview at the National Press Club tomorrow night with capital newsmen and high Government of- ficials in attendance. The picture, shortly to be released, was pro- duced under direction of Col. Frank Capra for the U. S. Army Signal Corps, and Major Hugh Stewart, for the British Army Film Unit. Speak- ers at the preview will include Field Marshal Sir John Dill, senior Brit- ish representative of the combined chiefs of staff; Lt. Gen. G. N. Mae- ready, commander of the British Army Staff; Lt. Gen. Alexander A. Vandergrift, U. S. Marine Comman- der, and other military officials of both countries. Frederic Malcolm, Actor. Dies Bedminster, N. J. — Frederic Mal- colm, 72, an actor on the legit, stage for 50 years, died at his home here last night. He was also a producer and director. He appeared with Jos- eph Jefferson in "Rip Van Winkle," and was with Lionel Barrymore in "The Coppe,r,h^ad." . He re,tired 10 years ago. His widow survives. Tighter Ordinance on Boiiers May Hit Det. Detroit — Twin revisions of the existing Detroit ordinances affect- ing boiler operation and I'efrigera- tion in theaters are under consider- ation by the Detroit Building De- partment, which considers the tech- nical preliminaries of such legisla^ ^ tion before it goes to the Counc: formally. The refrigeration ordi- ^ nance will probably not be taken up in detail until the boiler ordinance is under way. Increasingly rigid restrictions on theaters are embodied in the ordi- nance, and a series of conferences are planned to work out a possible compromise by leading theater own- ers. Under the new ordinance, opera- tion of low pressure boilers is re- stricted to men licensed for that post, and restricted to boilers under 15 pounds pressure and 100 horse- power, without auxiliary equipment. The license must be renewed an- nually, and may not be used by any person other than the one to whom issued. Attacking a present practice in many buildings, the new ordinance forbids the relief of the boiler op- erator by any unlicensed person, such as the manager for a limited time, and also forbids the operator . to leave to do any other work else- where in the building while on duty, Effectively, this allows his employ- ment only as a boiler operator dur- ing working hours. Stories Wallis Was to Make Are Re-scheduled West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Five properties on the current Warners' schedule have been assigned to producers by Executive Producer Jack L. Warner. Henry Blanke has been placed in charge of "Hotel Berlin 1943," the Vicld Baum novel. Herman Shum- lin, who will direct, arrives here May 1 to start preparations. Robert Buckner will do "God Is My (3o- Pilot," based on Col. Robert L. Scott's best-seller, with Robert Florey directing. Arthur Scliwartz will pro- duce 'Night and Day," the story of Cole Porter. Jack Chertok has been assigned to "The Conspirators," now shooting and will follow this with "The Corn Is Green," next Bette Davis starrer, which Irving Rapper will direct. "God Is My Co-Pilot," "Night and Day" and "The Conspirators" were among pix previously set for Hal Wallis. Sunday Pix in Newcastle Wilmington, Del. — The town of New Castle joined other communi- ties in Delaware in having Sunday "movies" with the local authorities granting permission to John Koziak, operator of the Earle Theater. Com- munity is situated near a large Army air base and also near large airplane factories. Monday, April 10, 1944 I3if(^ DAILY 4t^ Stale Dept. Prepares For Pix Parleys (Continued from Page 1) throughout the world were in- structed about six weeks ago to report on present pix conditions and the outlook for free entry of American films after the war situation. As jet, replies are not back — with the exception of one from Saudi Arabia, which has no commercial picture busi- ness. DeWolfe hopes replies to this circular, airmailed or wired every consular office, will be of great aid to him. In about three months, he said, he will be ready to talk pix with Great Britain, the Latin-Amer- ican countries and other friendly na- tions. As national governments are installed in liberated areas, he point- t : ed out, he can then begin discussions r with their representatives but not until these Governments are actual- ly set up and functioning. Direct negotiations at the peace-table will be necessary only with our enemies who are directly concerned with the ar- 1 mistice proceedings — the defeat- > ed countries. DeWolfe pointed out, however, that it is likely that the peace nego- tiations might see the writing of some form of overall plan — some principle for world-wide application regarding the free interchange of ideas, art and information which would set a pattern for pix nego- tiations. This will be extremely im- portant, he said, but the Department has no intention of waiting for this. Instead it will try to work out pix marketing problems with as many nations as it is practicable within a very short time. Clearance Award Appeal Filed by Calif. Exhib. Los Angeles — An appeal from a clearance award reducing the 49-day clearance of the Vogue over the Southgate, Southgate, Cal., to 42, provided the theater charges an .: adult evening admission price of at f least 2.5 cents-, exclusive of tax, has ■ been entered by L. W. Allen, opera- [: tor of the Southgate. ■ Luncheon for Colder His associates in 20th-Fox's press ■ book, art and advertising depart- f ments on Friday gave a luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria for Irving Gol- i der of the company's press book '■ staff on his leaving to join the Navy. THEATER DEALS ■ ' Wheeling, W. Va. — Plans are be- : ing completed for the reopening of _ the Colonial Theatre, dark for some . i time, by R. L. Green. Green former- s' ly managed the theater when oper- :ited by Sam Reichblum. Production Shortage in Mex,? Union Row May Make 3,500 Idle (Continued from Page 1) bellion of actors against their union leaders but is rapidly developing in- to a labor crisis menacing the en- tire Mexican film industry. Point- ing out that the producers have been caught in the middle of a labor struggle, Salvador Elizondo, MPA manager, called the moratorium on production "nothing more than a means of protection designed to safe- guard our members against sabot- age of any variety while difficulties exist among those working in the studios." He noted that the suspen- sion will last "just as long as the labor troubles." Observers point out that the production standstill will exist until at least the middle of this month when the national council of the Confederation of Mex- ican Workers is slated to meet in an effort to arbitrate the dis- pute. A previous peacemaking attempt on the Confederation's part ended in failure when the Union of Motion Picture Employes refused to abide by the parent body's finding that the union's actor members were en- titled to a local of their own. The actors, who had seceded from the union and set up an independent association, have agreed to return to the ranks of organized labor pro- vided they are allowed to have their own local — a condition granted them by the Confederation. But Enrique Solis, secretary of the UMPE made it clear that his organization not only will defy the Conferedation's ruling but will de- clare itself autonomous if it is nec- essary to retain control over the players. "We believe the actors fall within our jurisdiction," says Solis. "We represent 1,500 persons, including technicians, intellectual, and manual workers, and we have proven that we are familiar with the needs of the industry. For that reason, we reject a ruling which would divide and weaken us — handed down by the CMW in absolute misunderstanding of our problems. "We will use every recourse at our command to see that the results of 10 years of effort and sacrifice are not lost." One "recourse," whose use is openly threatened by Soils, is de- nial of the services of camera- men, scenarists, cutters, and other technicians — practically all of whom are unionized — ^to stu- dios employing the rebellious actors. According to unofficial reports cir- culating among the industry, the la- bor leader is also trying to obtain support of the Electricians' Union for a projected move to cut off the electrical current of theaters exhib- iting pictures which feature stars on the union blacklist. In the face of a situation of this kind, studio heads are conceded to have resorted to the only possible alternative when they closed up shop. While they freely admit that the shutdown may throw the local indus- try's 3,500 employes out of work, the actors put the blame for any re- sulting unemployment squarely on the shoulders of Solis, since it is he, not they, who declines to accept the CMW decision. Four spokesmen for the screen artists, Mario (Cantinflas) Mo- reno, Jorge Negrete, Pedro Ar- mendariz and Andres Soler, have issued a statement in defense of the players' stand. They hold that the question is not one of personal interest but concerns the actors' right to manage themselves. Statement claims that Solis keeps actor union members without voice or vote at meetings, without knowledge of financial arrangements, med- ical, old age or survivors' bene- fits, and that he holds that he does not have to account to mem- bers for anything. Statement denies alleged claims by Solis that the actors plot to con- trol other studio employes and as- sures workers or the players re- spect for their rights and liberty. Commenting on Solis' charge that professional labor leaders are try- ing to deprive Mexican film workers of their gains, statement said, "We leave it to our colleagues to deter- mine who are the true 'professional labor leaders' — we who have devoted ourselves exclusively to our art or those who, without doing a sti'oke of real work, possess ranches in Vera Cruz, town houses in the capital, and expensive limousines." Ayer Theater Demands End of All Clearance Boston — Ayer Playhouse Co., Inc., operator of the Playhouse, Ayer, has filed a clearance complaint against all five decree signers asking that all clearance over the Ayer be abol- ished. Named as interveners were the Metropolitan and Pljrmouth The- aters, Leominister; Fitchburg and Shea Theaters, Fitchburg, and the M & P Theaters in Lowell. Iowa-Neb. Unit Prexy Raps "Blind" Checking Eldora, la. — Striking out at "blind" checking of theaters, Leo Wolcott of Eldora in a bulletin to members of the Allied-Independent Theater Owners of Iowa and Nebraska, urged a boycott of percentage pictures as a cure for much "abuse." Wolcott declares, "It seems to us a simple cure for this sort of thing is to quit showing pictures until they can be bought flat." IN NEW POSTS ROGER WILLY, manager, Camden, Camden, Me. EDWIN O'CONNELL, manager. Regal, Franklin, N. H. BOB JOSEPHS, unit publicity man, "Guest in the House," Hunt Stromberg, Hollywood. WILLIAM H. KELLHAM, assistant manager, Al- bermarle, Brooklyn. OWEN KAUFMAN, assistant manager, Mayfair, Brooklyn. ENRICO FERRARI, assistant manager. Elm Brook- lyn. DAVID CHANDLER, unit publicist. Paramount Studio, Hollywood. DON BUTYETTE, Fine-Thomas unit publicity. Paramount, Hollywood. FLOYD SIMONTON, Paramount Studio publicity staff, Hollywood. JAMFS FEENEY, manager, Kingston, Kingston, Pa. BARNEY DREXINGER, manager, Luzerne, Luzerne, Pa. ). S. CARROLL, manager. Criterion, Durham, N. C. HERBERT FLETCHER, office manager, Warners, Charlotte. CHARLES COLLINS, manager, Riviera, Detroit. NICK FOREST, manager, Kramer, Detroit. STANLEY CELMER, manager, Rex, Detroit. THOMAS McCABE, Richard Condon Associates. ROBERT HUSSEY, Young & Rubicam advertising agency, Hollywood. Contempt Order Fought In Kent-Snowdon Case (Continued from Page 1) United Amusement Corp., owners of the Snowdon Theater, an incident in the case has been submitted to the Court of Appeals. A motion was presented before Justice St. Jacques in Chambers in the Court of Appeals on behalf of United Amusements, George Gane- takos, John Ganetakos and Larry Stephens for permission to appeal from a judgment of the Superior Court by which they were ordered to appear in court tomorrow and show cause why they should not be condemned for contempt of Court. Judgment was reserved. The contempt of court proceed- ings originated in the Superior Court after Justice Louis Cousineau had issued an order to United Amuse- ments and its officers to discontinue temporarily the showing in the Snow- don Theater of Warners films before they were made available to the Kent. While the order was in force, it was claimed, an advance announcement of the showing of the film "Princess O'Rourke" as "next week's" attrac- tion was made by a poster in the Snowdon lobby. Contempt proceedings were then launched by the Kent Theater, and after a long inquiry his lordship ordered the Snowdon officials to ap- pear and show cause why they should not be condemned for breach of the court order. From that judgment, permission to take an appeal to the Court of Appeals is now asked from Justice St. Jacques. To Speak on Pressbooks Preview Committee of New York, sponsored by Mrs. Jeannette W. Em- rich of the MPPDA, will be ad- dressed today on pressbooks by Theresa Stone, assistant to H. M. Richey at Loew's. I Tt LC]RrT E IBCinTH W I CK M 1= P l^n DUCT I CINS 2 i3 W4 AT H ST y' 'Wl >i ,rvtvs. Lt Manpower P Ration's ideal j the presence I McNutt. A program car- __^ite to the city, j the observance was | showing ofiittLe Metro- ■jfein Street] j^sons con- ,000 to the Rcf)* ,n to the Pala^ .roadcaSt bcj and the mo/ by the Nj «rt x-.,-*.^^s^^^iori/adcasting Company tl ^«X ^'iaBpJflBlir. program included brief .-t J \t\*^''*'\ir^or!a- Lynette Broan Bra^, d'*^^ la^ jGoldwyn-T Toda" ■■ ' tribi ICro :?l.. /er !ed D I Q news when AP, UP, INS, ^ ' ^^ photo services, newsreels, newspapers and magazine feature writers covered premiere event. >v, 'med by ing ■ the Edward Q I /^ broadcast over NBC net- •^ ' ^^ work of premiere ceremo- nies featuring (above) Mr. McNutt, Gov. Baldwin, Capt. Glenn Miller's A. A. F. Band. THE BIG SHORT A Story of the People for the People on the Main Streets of America An M-G^M 2'REEL SPECIAL Narrated by JOHN NESBITT The Company That Promised You Great Grosses with LADY IN | THE DARK, MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK, STANDING ROOM ONLY and THE UNINVITED Now Assures You That Cecil B. DeMille's THE STORY OF DR. W; In Technicolor "AND THE ANGELS SI THE HITLER GANG ft 4^SiP^\ I DOUBLE INDEMNITY ft THE INDUSTRY'S PROUDEST OFFERING "THE MEMPHIS BELLE" TECHNICOLOR SAGA OF OUR AIR HEROES. BOOK IT NOWl \ mmmm^mmfmmmmmmm^wmrwmp' SSELL 19 ?7 \; .f See April 1 5th M. P. Herald and Boxofflee for Schedule of Trade Showings by Paramount ANNA NEAGLE RICHARD GREENE NOVA PILBEAM • LUCIE MANNHEIM • ALBERT LIEVEN Produced & Directed by HERBERT WILCOX i f hated the lie she lived ... and hate followed her! Scorn and scandal made her loveliness a curse . . . because of a secret she dared not whisper! TCfl DAILY: Easier Parade Led To the Box-office (Continued from Page 1) by the show houses of the country. Glowing- business accounts came from circuits and independent operators alike. Locally many records were established by theater grosses, with the Broadway crowds estimated as the heaviest in years. The Warner circuit's Easter Sun- day business was said to be about eight per cent above that of last year, with new all-time records for a substantial number of houses. "Passage to Marseille," current Humphrey Bogart release, was held responsible for most of these rec- ords. The circuit's Strand on Broad- way reported equalling its all-time Easter Sunday record with the pre- miere showing of "Uncertain Glory." The RKO circuit's business was described as unusually good all over the country, definitely better than last year's. Thursday's business was called "very good"; Friday's "nor- mal"; Saturday's, "good"; Sunday's, "big," and yesterday's, "tremen- dous." Loew's reported a "very big" Eas- ter Sunday locally, with Saturday termed "not so good." Out of town business was termed generally "dis- appointing," Easter Day being "just another Sunday," as far as busmess was concerned. Where attractions were strong, business was reported all right but not what had been ex- pected. Paramount credited its "Lady in the Dark" with rolling up "tremen- dous" grosses in its opening engage- ment over the Easter holiday in im- portant keys throughout the coun- try Grosses were said to be run- ning as high as 50 per cent ahead of "Star-Spangled Rhythm," previous high grosser. The film starts an eighth week at the Paramount here today to set an all-time long-run record for the house. Schwolberg's Mother Dead Mother of A. W. Schwalberg died over the week-end. WEDDinG BELLS Harvey Burch, manager of War- ner's New York Strand, was mar- ried on Easter Sunday to Encarna- cion Diaz. Ceremony took place in Our Lady of Victory Church, Brook- lyn. Miriam Quirk of the Universal Home Office advertising and public- ity department leaves Friday for Alliance, Neb., where she will marry Lt. Charles N. Lockwood, Jr., AAF. Her friends at Universal are feting her Thursday. Following a three weeks' vacation she will return to her duties. G-2 Offices Reporting • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: "Memphis Belle" screening in the Loew projection room had a sequel when Marvin Schenck. Gene Picker, Charles Moss, Mike Rosen (all of Loew's) and Irv Warmser of Columbia contributed their blood at the Red Cross. . . •Sol Wurtzel is not joining Republic despite those reports, on the authority of Her- bert J. Yates Speaking of Republic, its 1944-45 program yriW run largely to musicals and action dramas. . . • Joe Shea undergoes another operation in Polyclinic Hospital today. . . • RKO hosts a cocktail party at the Hampshire House tomorrow for Joan Davis. • Bruce Gallup's in our midst. . . • Mlt Doushkess, of Metro's foreign dept., and Paul Ross, of the Billboard, are responsible for the book of a new musical, "Double in Hearts," which Jules Ames and Dr. Alexander L. Simson have teamed up to do on Broadway Jacob Gerstein, attorney, is the combo's legal light. . . • Is it news that RKO is dickering with Metro for Eddie Sutherland's contract? • That Para, directorship bestowed on Leonard Goldenson is the one vacater by Neil Agnew. . . • Tim O'Toole, Columbia's New Haven branch manager, is in St. Raphael's Hospital there as a result of a heart attack. . . • M & P Theaters' Harry Browning headed Boston's pre- Eoster cleanup campaign. . . • Charles Perry Weimer, takes off shortly for the We^t Indies, Central America and Mexico to shoot "Caval- cade of the Caribbean" in 16 mm. color. . . • His resignation with- drawn, Al Willkie stays at Paramount. . . • "Ted" O'Shea, Metro's Easter cleanup campaign. . . • Charles Perry Weimer takes off second appearance under the Selznick banner will be in "Double Fur- lough.". . • Mitchell Rowson's about to make a nevr deal. . . • Graphic, that USMC combat report of the aerial attack on Tnik last month, written by Pfc Burt B. Balaban, son of Paro.'s prexy, and just released to dailies Private Balaban, 22, is a combat photogra- pher with the Marines T T ▼ • • • WALL ST. JOURNAL reports that a new sort of "radar" has been perfected which spots fish and tells anglers which way they're headed Now if some scientist will only perfect radar to the point that it luill tell ivith whom an executive will sign ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • ODDS AND ENDS: Didja know that Loew's Theaters col- lected an average of $1.11 per seat in the recent Red Cross drive? • Richard De Rochemont and Mme. Genevieve Tabouis will appear on the Skouras Theaters' "You Judge the News" radio forum over WINS Saturday, discussing, "Is Gen. Charles De Gaulle's France's 'man of destiny?' and 'Is the National Committee of Liberation which he heads democratic?' "... • All right, seeing we're posing question, how about this, "Will the campaign slogan for the coming Wac recruiting drive be, a Wac for every lap? . . . • Toddy Pictures' musical "The Bronze Venus," starring Lena Home, is ready . . • Next issue of the March of Time, released on the 21st, is dubbed, "The Irish Question" Timely, what? ... • And thot applies equally to the Fun Film Library's new short, "Parade of the Past," as the industry pre- pares to mark its 50th aimiversary Friday. . . •A doff of the hat to Baltimore Variety Club, via its welfare committee, in sponsoring the Baltimore Police Boys' Club's first unit. . . • Chi. Theaters will join in plugging Noise Abatement Week starting on the 30th. . . .• Gen- eral move by newspapers to restrict mail subscriptions is reacting to the benefit of radio stations as theaters revamp schedules. . . • First editorial rap against American screen "propaganda" in Mexico is re- ported in Cine Mexican©, which finds them "boresome," "vulgar". ▼ T T • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! Tuesday, April 11, 1944 20tli-Fox Clarifies %, Autonomy Points (Continued from Page 1) Gehring, Clarence Hill, Sam Gross, and a local UMPTO committee in New York last week-end. Concerning percentage sellingjf Connors said, "if an exhibitor does ^ not have a profit on a 35 per cent or 40 per cent picture, and its over- head can be agreed upon, that man is entitled to an adjustment." Complete autonomy is given the local branch manager, as follows: (1) Adjustments are to be made | forthwith as regarded necessary and, (2) On the local branch man- ager is to rest entirely the question of adjustments, repeats, conditions of buying, if at all. If an exhibitor plays the current product, he can repeat shows at flat rentals if agreed upon, except for such pic- tures that are released each season carrying a percentage tag of which there has been a minimum of two pictures thus far this season. Connors assured the committee that allocations for the Philadelphia area were no higher than in other parts of the country, adding the company today was spending ap- proximately $27,000,000 for 28 or 30 pictures as compared to previous years of $18,000,000 for 52 pictures. Connors emphatically requested exhibitors to insist upon salesmen putting all promises in wTiting. Bcomett Tabackman Dead Bridgeport — Barnett Tabackman, 65, former operator for 10 years of the Devon Theater, Devon, died here at the home of Harold Tabackman, operator of the Bostwick here. An- other son. Max Tabackman, was for- merly operator of the Rivoli, West Haven. Televised Premiere MaUes Film History The first film premiere to be presented via television took place last night when "Patrolling the Ether," M-G-M short, was telecast by NBC over WNBT. The film also was televised over WRGB, Schenectady; WPTZ, Philadelphia; W9XZV, Chicago, and W6XA0. Los Angeles. James Lawrence Fly, FCC chairman, which co-operated in the making of the two-reeler, the story of the Radio Intelligence Division of the FCC, appeared before the television cameras to introduce the film. The telecast was followed by a dinner at the Ritz-Carlton for Fly, G. E. Sterling, chief of the RID, and the New York and trade press film critics. Tuesday, April 11, 1944 : Cr *^ DAILY Why Extras Can't MaJce Ends Meet IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — At the NLRB hearing on the jurisdictional dispute between SAG and SPU, Murray Kinnell, a Guild executive, gave the following _reasons why extras found going "tough in making ends meet with stu- dio pay checks; too many people competing for too little work; per- sons taking extra work because of physical or racial characteristics and who are not usable for all kinds of extra parts; lack of ability of some extras to wear dress clothes, or to play character parts such as college students, soldiers and other types. Kenneth Thomson, former ex-sec- retary of the Guild, testified that the Guild has a 10-year contract with producers running to 1947 and that the Guild could not call a strike without permission of the Guild board of directors and a 75 per cent vote of the membership. John Dales, Jr., executive secre- tary of the Guild, testified that the Guild yesterday mailed out checks of $10.50 each to 3,000 screen extra members as penalty payments by studios which were required to em- ploy non-Guild members in casting type extras for pictures during re- cent months. 250 Honor Boasberg and Eranze at Cleveland (Continued from Page 1 ) ored last night at a testimonial din- ner tendered them jointly at the Hollenden Hotel under the auspices of the Cleveland Variety Club. Affair, held to mark their recent promotions, was presided over by Lester Zucker of Columbia. Ar- rangements were handled by Meyer Fine and Moe Horowitz. Following the dinner, Boasberg left for New York to assume his new metropoli- tan post and to hold the final meet- ing of the Ned Depinet Drive of which he is the 1944 captain. Attending the dinner, among others, were Robert Mochrie, Nat Levy, Harold Mirisch, Al Kolitz, Stanley Jacques, M. E. Cohen, M. Lefko, Tom Baker, Marc Wolff, Man- ny Marcus, Maury White, Harry Davis, George Fetick, Jack Goldhar, Moe Duddleson, Harris Duddleson, A. G. Constant, George Delis, George Otte, Martin Smith, Ollie Brooks, Jim Sharkey, Jay Golden, Elmer Lux, Bob Murphy, and Max Yellen. Sharpe Leaves Columbia For NBC Finance Spot (Continued from Page 1) Waterhouse & Co. in 1925 as junior accountant, resigning in 1934 to be- come chief accountant for Colum- bia. He was made assistant con- troller of that firm in 1936 and con- troller in 1943. WHAT'S NEW IN Television Today Prexy Nicliolas M. Schencic of Loew's reported scrutinizing General Electric tele. • Is a GE-Farnsworth "wedding" in the cards? Wall St. is speculating. . . • RKO may mark time on Ralph Austrian's report until the issuance of the Radio Technical Planning Board's recommendations. . . • NBC plans to build its own tele shows. • Young & Rubicam preparing a plan of duration tele for its clients. . . • DuMont's new tele studio here is set for a May 1 opening. . . • GE expects femme announcers to come into vogue with tele With audiences seeing as well as hearing announcers, it's GE's hunch emphasis will be on pulchritude, a charming smile and an attractive personality The eye, GE folks point out, is far more critical than the ear. . . • Cecil B. De Mille is preparing for tele's advent by lining up the nucleus for a tele stock company Signed thus far are Carol Thurston, Renny McEvoy and Oliver Thorndike. . . • Chi. ad agencies are set to hop aboard the B & K tele bandwagon. Seattle Exchange Workers Call Off Mass Resignation (Continued from Page \) with their plans to resign en masse over a wage dispute. The employes changed their minds after a week- end discussion between exchange managers and union i-epresentatives. The employes were understood to have I'eceived a wire from Joseph Basson, special lATSE representa- tive, from New York advising against the move. Application for approvel of a 10 per cent wage hike acceptable to the employers is pending before the WLB. The workers have agreed to defer any further action until the decision of the WLB is made known. Wage increases would be retroactive to Dec. 1, 1942. The issue is being fought on a national rather than a local basis, with final action said to be dependent upon the outcome of a Philadelphia test case on April 25. Joseph Basson said here yesterday that he had received a wire from the employes involved in the Seattle dis- pute informing him they would re- frain from leaving their jobs. It further was learned yesterday that the exchange maintenance heads at the home offices had ap- pealed to the exchange workers not to take steps to resign their jobs until after the WLB hearing on the companies' applications for 10 per cent wage boosts. The hearing is scheduled to be held in New York. lA Studio Unions' Group Demands Next on Agenda (Continued from Page 1 ) eral proposals offered by the lA stu- dio unions as a group for inclusion in new agreements to replace those that expired on Jan. 1. At the close of yesterday's ses- sion at the New York office of Pat Casey, studio labor contact, only several points presented by the indi- vidual locals still remained to be settled. They had to do with senior- ity rights, the establishment of grievance machinery and several other contract clauses. The ques- "Up in Mabel's Room" To Get Midnight Preview With the Laffmakers of America hosting, UA will stage a midnight preview of the Edward Small pic, "Up in Mabel's Room" at the Gotham on Thursday. Audience will include Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey's clowns and film, radio and art celebs. Steinberg's Mother Dies Mother of Charles Steinberg, head of Warners new educational depart- ment, died over the week-end. Damages Assessed by Master in M-R Suits (Continued from Page 1) Theaters Company and seven major distributors (not including Columbia) alleged conspiracy, $51,670. Commonwealth Amusement Enter- prises, Inc. V. Colonial Theaters Co., Inc. and eight major distributors, alleged conspiracy, $21,714 (except Warners). Nashua Theaters, Inc. v. Colonial Theaters Co. and eight major dis- tributors, alleged conspiracy $56,193 (except Warners). Fidel Amusement Enterprises, Inc. V. Paramount and other major dis- tributors, alleged conspiracy $44,792 (except Metro, Warners, UA). Elite Amusement Enterprises, Inc. V. Paramount and other major dis- tributors, alleged conspiracy $30,796 (except Metro and UA). Standard Amusement Enterprises, Inc. V. Paramount and other major distributors, alleged conspiracy $4,- 526 (except Metro, 20th-Fox, and Columbia). The Master's report finding for the plaintiffs in the several actions was disclosed last September. George S. Ryan, local film attorney, repre- sented the Morse & Rothenberg in- terests. 10 Capital Party for Crobbe Washington — George Gill, local PRC manager, was host to the press yesterday at a cocktail party in honor of Buster Crabbe, PRO star, at the Variety Club. Crabbe is ap- pearing here in a water show. Forester to Write Garbo Script Hollywood — C. S. Forester, British writer of sek stories, has been signed to write the screenplay of a story which will deal with fighting women sailors in the Norwegian merchant marine. It will star Greta Garbo. No. 18 Outstanding Industry Personalities Qan ifou Kome. tUe*K— AN interesting coincidence in filmland is that FBO was a commercial progenitor of RKO, and today an astute gentleman who is RKO Corp.'s board chairman has exactly the same initials as the said progenitor or- ganization. It is by those initials that he is known to his intimates. Much of his start- lingly successful saga in big business could, in fact, be written in initials. This is parti- cularly true of his educational chapter. Wit- ness: At C. U. (Colorado University), he got his A. B. and thereafter annexed his L.L.B. and M.B.A. Holds numerous directorships, among them in A and FPC (American and Foreign Power Co.); UF (United Fruit); and ISC (Italian Superpower Corp.). Not only about him shines the aura of initials, but of numer- als stretched out to the left of the decimal point,— for he is one of America's top financiers. ' M ^^^^B|x ' BEHOLD the vice-president of UA, in charge of distribution. Flare for the latter was evidenced early in his brilliant career when he was associated with Wells-Fargo Express Co. Was born in Hannibal, Mo., where he is regarded pridefully as the good provider of screen fare, and successor to another native son who was the good provider of literary fare- Mark Twain. During World I, served with 35th and 77th Divisions, which can well account for his militant initiative and efficiency. While in high school he worked on the sidej as a mo- tion picture operator. Knows intimately every pertinent facet of filmdom, and every pertinent segment of filmdom knows him. DOMINANT figure in the British film in- dustry today, his post-war plans, already well formulated, contemplate film outposts by no means confined to either the Empire or the Commonwealth of Nations. Wit- ness the program announced for his recently chartered Eagle-Lion. Financing to assure ful- fillment of the international agenda presents no problem, for his fortune is well in the nine- figure bracket. Controls Odeon Theaters, Gau- mont British Pictures, D and P Studios and Gen- eral Film Distributors, among others, on "the tight little isle." Is substantially interested on this side in Universal, in addition to Eagle-Lion. Veteran of World War I in which he served in the Royal Artillery. A de- vout Methodist. Letters, "D.L., J.P." usually follow his name when it appears outside the film industry. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY. NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. Tuesday, April 11, 1944 DAILY R. C. Drive Figures Pass The $4,000,000 Mark (Continued from Page 1) in yesterday's mail was $134,000 from Nat Wolf, exhibitor chairman for the Cleveland territory. This amount was taken in by 244 the- aters, making an average of about $550 per theater. There are about 240 houses still to be heard from in that area. In the Greater Cleveland area, $39,544.90 was collected at the af- filiated circuit houses, while the in- dependent subsequent houses raised $27,320. Results ranged from 25 per cent to 50 per cent better than last year. A. H. Blank, Des Moines exhibitor chairman, advised Bemhard that two-thirds of the exhibitors in his territory had checked in a total of $65,000. Col. Arthur Frudenfeld, exhibitor chairman in Cincinnati, reported $115,248 for 327 theaters, with about 270 houses yet to come. From Dallas, Chairman R. J. O'Donnell advised that $61,780 had been raised in that city for the Red Cross including $26,817 from theater collections and $34,963 subscriptions by theater firms and employes. James O. Cherry, Lou Bissinger, Paul Thompson and J. J. Rodriguez comprised the collection committee. E. V. Richards, New Orleans ex- hibitor chairman, reported $46,292 for that city, including $35,045 from theater collections and $11,247 do- nated within the industry. First 22 theaters to report in the New Haven area, leaving only two unaccounted for, showed Red Cross collections of $14,807.84. The Capi- tol, Milford, more than doubled its last year's collection sending in $946, one of the outstanding reports for small houses. Charges D of J Made "Deal" With Big 5 Silver, Pioneer Michigan Theater Man, Dies at 83 Greenville, Mich. — ^Bert C. E. Sil- ver, 83, pioneer Michigan exhibitor, is dead at his home here, where he operated the Silver Theater from 1909 until 1937, when he sold the nronerty to the Butterfield Circuit. Under the Butterfield contract, a spe- cial seat was built for Silver at the rear of the right aisle and he was privileged to occuny it at anv time. Silver, who retired in 1937 after 73 years in show business, started as a child of 5 in the "Swiss Bell Ringers," managed by his father, and subsequently onerating dramatic and circus companies, which were Silver family ventures until 1916. One brother, De Lott Silver, was said to have originated the use of illus- trated songs in theaters about the time the Greenville house was opened. Deceased was four times mayor of Greenville, and re-elected supervisor only two days before his death. (Continued from Page 1) "practically nothing," to use the words of Wright who spent consid- erable time reviewing the case and litigation over the past two years. Schine counsel has been changed^ Willard S. McKay no longer beiif | connected with the case. Presenl counsel for Schine are Edmund M. McCarthy and Robert Friedman, both of New York, and Clarence M. Goodwin, Washington. Friedman openly accused the De- partment of Justice of "making a deal" with the Big 5 in bringing about the consent decree. "We want the same treatment that Paramount is getting under the ! consent decree," he said. "We've been discriminated against and in- timidated." Earlier Attorney Goodwin declared Judge Knight cannot proceed in the Schine case without "everyone in- volved" being in court at the same time, charging that distributors should never have been divorced from the proceedings. "Paramount owned the Paramount Theater in Glens Falls," he said. "Schine bought it, then the court's order made them sell it back. Why must Paramount and the rest of the Big 5 be per- mitted to continue purchasing the- aters and expanding when Schine cannot?" Counsel Attacks Decree Goodwin said he cannot under- stand why the Big 5 was freed from the original complaint against the Schine interests. "This is a corrupt bargain," he said. "It frees the five big companies from the juris- diction of this court and leaves Schine at its mercy. They can ac- quire theaters anywhere without go- ing into court to ask permission while we must come and show the acquisition of one theater is not con- trary to the public interest." The reference was to Schine's proposed purchase of the Liberty Theater in Cumberland, Md., from Thomas Burke. "We have 165 theaters, most of them in one-horse towns," he said. "Paramount has more than a thou- sand, 63 of them big ones. If there is to any restraint, it should be put on the Big 5." Judge Knight admitted at one point that it seemed unfair to him too that treatment accorded the large and small companies was so radical- ly different. "Seems to me they should all be treated on an equal basis," he said. Motions Not Acted Upon A motion was made by Schine counsel yesterday for modification of the divestiture clause, but it was not acted upon. Neither was a mo- tion for dismissal of the complaint nor a suggestion by the Government that a trustee be appointed to oper- 1 ate and maintain the 10 houses re- maining in possession of Schine which they were ordered to sell. : Tuesday, April 11, 1944 M*t! 11 To Clarify Effect of "Over 26" Today (Continued from Page 1) individual cases of workers under 26 for whom they seek deferment. In general, the industry was . pleased by the Saturday order, which at the very least postpones the date when the depletion of their present manpower pool becomes actually dangerous. Other parts of the industry also welcomed the week-end move on the part of General Hershey. Produc- tion benefits from it to a great meas- ure, and in most areas it is believed the stop order will permit distribu- tors and exhibitors to retain some personnel which was just about to be called. "We're going over the whole ground tomorrow," Lincoln V. Bur- rows, WPB pix chief said yesterday, "in order to be certain that we're not guilty of wishful thinking. It looks like a real break for us, even though it may be no more than a brief postponement. We want to get all the facts." TO THE COLORS! * PROMOTED* ENSIGN BETTY CLIXON, WAVES, formerly Warner Theaters, Chicago, to lieutenant (j.g.). — • — * ARMY * PETE PRINCE. M-C-M salesman, Charlotte. BERNARD MALATZ, Apollo, Chicago. BILL ROUSH, Blair's Rendezvous, Seattle. FRANK GILL, operator, Colonial, Seattle. NICK FU'DFARO, assistant manager, Colonial, Seattle. lACK HAMAKER, manager, Blue Mouse, Seattle. LOUIS LAVIN, Film Delivery Service, Chicago. JOHN BIDWELL, manager, Lincoln, Massiion, O. CUD DAVIS, booker. Co-operative Theaters, Cleveland. * NAVY * GERALD LLOYD, operator. Colonial, Seattle. FRITZ DEVANTER, operator, Macomb, Mt. Clemens, Mich. EARL NATZEL, operator. Hills, Rochester, Mich. BOB SrARKS, Film Truck Service, Detroit. H. M. GIBBS, operator. Plaza and Visulite The- aterSj Charlotte. M. E. FUNDERBURKE, Republic salesman, Char- lotte. * ocs"* JERRY McWHORTER, USA, formerly Warner Theaters, Chicago. 5 in Next Para. Block; Tradeshowings Carded (Continued from Page 1) Charles M. Reagan, distribution chief, announced yesterday. Reagan set tradeshowings as fol- lows: "And the Angels Sing," "Henry Aldrich Plays Cupid," April 20; Double Indemnity," 21st; "The Hit- ler Gang," "Gambler's Choice," 24th. An exception is that in Albany, "The Hitler Gang" and "Gambler's Choice" will be screened on the 25th. Unions and Guilds Urge Single Charities Drive Hollywood — Nearing close of their participation in the motion picture Red Cross campaign with an all- time record number of subscriptions "majors" of unions and Guilds un- der the guidance of labors' executive committee adopted a resolution urg- ing permanent charities committee to conduct but one-fund raising cam- paign within industry each year to embrace all appeals. Labors executive committee represents 34 unions and Guilds. H. J. Cliecking Bill Believed Sidetraciced (Continued from Page 1) chance that the latter will act, it is understood. New Jersey Allied is backing a new industry bill introduced by N. C. Smith, representative from Ocean City, which would legalize employ- ment of boys between the ages of 16 and 18 as ushers until 11:30 p.m. More Theaters Needed in Hollywood Area, Says OCR Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Field representatives of the OCR have reported that there is a need for new theaters in three areas surrounding the movie capital. War industries have occasioned need for additional screen facilities in Ventura county, Englewood and Bur- bank, California, the OCR revealed. Army Discharges Laemmle, Jr. Carl Laemmle, Jr., has received his medical discharge from the Army after 26 months in the service. He is going to the Coast for a week be- fore going to New Mexico for a long rest. YouVe heard of persons who are always getting in somebody's hair. Well— er— we're kind of that way too— except that we get in their eyes and ears. The smartest theatre brains of this country sign up a paper with us, that says practically: "We contract with you to go out and explore every eye and ear in this town; tell them what's on our screen, and do it effectively and completely." Sureenough, that's just what we do. P.S. We don't apologize for being in your own eyes right now as you read this ad. It's— er— a habit. nf^TtonatSfiiem SERVICE i^PMZB BUSY OFTHE IttDUSTRY SORIES • TRAILERS • intimate in Character Inieinaiional in Scope I Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -IFDAILY' Vol. 85, NO. 72 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1944 TEN CENTS M & B VOTING SHARES TO RANK, 20TH-F0X OWI Would Quit Distribution of Pix Overseas .Wants U. S. Companies To Handle Overseas Task, Says Robert Riskin By LOU PELEGRINE FILM DAILY Staff Writer The Office of War Informa- tion is taking measures to speed the restoration to America's private film interests of the busi- ness of distributing this country's screen product in all territory freed of Nazi control as soon as condi- (Continued on Page 10) Says MPTOA Decree Stand Misunderstood The MPTOA executive committee has never subscribed to the theory that there must be a new consent decree or a trial of the original anti- trust action by the Government, it was declared by Ed Kuykendall, (Continued on Page 3) $40,000 for Red Cross Via Brandt Collections Collections of approximately $40,- 000 during the Red Cross drive were reported yesterday by the Brandt circuit through its president, Harry Brandt. Collections averaged close (Continued on Page 3) Tele Will Celebrate Pix 50th Birthday Schenectady — Tomorrow night, eve of the 50th birthday of Edison's in- vention of the motion picture, Gen- eral Electric's tele station, WRGB, in celebration of the anniversary wifl present, at 9:30, Walter C. Simon, composer of the first music score ever published for a film. Simon, who has played in pic stands for over 45 years, will tell of infant stage in de- velopment of motion pictures and play "Musical Satire" accompaniment to showing of "The Great Train Rob- bery," first olot-movie, vintage 1903. It will be his tele debut. SKOURAS' DRIVE RECOMMENDATIONS Comprehensive Report Indicates Where Subsequent Film Campaigns Can Be Strengthened Drawing on its experiences in the Fourth War Loan drive, the cam- paign committee, in a comprehensive report signed by National Chairman Charles P. Skouras, makes a series of recommendations for future Bond selling and other industry war-fur- thering drives. Covering virtual- ly every phase of industry organi- zation, the report reviews the past drive, indicates where subsequent campaigns can be strengthened, and voices appreciation to the work- ers of the Fourth Loan. Topping recommendations for fu- CHARLES P. SKOURAS ture efforts, the Skouras report em- phasizes the care that should be taken in the selection of the nation- al chairman. The man for this all- important job, the survey indicates, should be drafted by the presidents of the major companies in co-opera- tion with the WAC and with the ap- proval of the Treasury Dept. "Once drafted," the report holds, "the chairman should be able to go to the industry well of personnel and resources for whatever may be needed to as- sure the success of the cam- paign." Streamlining of the entire War Loan drive organization via a study of the state chairmanships, is sug- gested, with immediate replace- ments of men made inactive by ill- ness, or other business and patriotic duties, made where necessary. Simi- lar action is recommended for pub- (C:ntinued on Page 9) Loew's to Have Two Reps. On G-B Circuit Thru Deal, London Sources Declare London (By Cable) — While official details are lacking, it is understood that the deal per- sonally negotiated by Spyros P. Skouras of 20th-Fox and J. Arthur Rank, Gaumont-British chairman, provides for the transfer of the Ostrer Brothers' voting shares in the Metropolis & Bradford Trust, the company that holds the voting control of G-B, to Rank and 20th- (Continued on Page 9) Jos. Bernliard Quits As MPTOA Director 20th-Fox and Ranic To do "Cluny Brown Twentieth-Fox yesterday closed a deal for the film rights to "Cluny Brown," English novel by Margery Sharp, for $100,000, and reports were current last night that it might (Continued on Page 11) Mexico to Subsidize Teciinidan Training Mexico City (By Air Mail)— The Mexican government will subsidize the training of technicians for the national industry, it is revealed by (Continued on Page 10) Jlajiiir Pix via ZOth-Fox Here? Coast Producers Said Cold to Overtures SMPE Will Hear Goldsmith And Price at Tele Forum Thomas J. Goldsmith, Jr., direc- tor of research of Allen B. DuMont Labs., will discuss "Recent Tech- nical Advances in Television," and Sherman Price of Filmedia Corp., (Continued on Page 3) London (By Cable) — Twentieth Century-Fox is likely to be the dis- tribution medium for J. Arthur Rank's British pictures in the U. S., informed Wardour St. quarters re- ported yesterday. Rank's plans to establish his own American system of distribution, disclosed with the announcement (Continued on Page 11) . Resignation of Joseph Bernhard as a director and trustee of the MPTOA and an effort on the part of Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA president, to have Bernhard reconsider his move were developments yesterday (Continued on Page 4) WPB Okays Construction Of McLendon Texas House Dallas — Issuance of AA3 priori- ties for building materials, and clearance for equipment items through the office of Allen G. Smith, WPB Theater Equipment Division's (Continued on Page 4) Botttber, *Tfce Barher,' Is As Strong As Bite Named "The Barker," a U. S. bomber has been dropping eggs on Berlin and other points of Fortress Europe. John H. Harris, chief barker of the Variety Clubs, discloses re- ceipt of a letter advising him that a reproduction of the high-hatted gent who symbolizes the organization will soon be carried on plane's fuse- lage, and requesting that a poster be dispatched as a guide. Harris says he hasn't learned identity of plane's pilot, but bomber is based in England. : ^'^ DAILY Wednesday, April 12, 1944 aB==THE niE NEttSliil [R or niMcoM ate All nit NEW. AllfHinMl Vol. 85, No. 72 Wed., April 12, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD. 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man. The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY — MarcoAurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. H!\A]VCIAL (Tuesday, April 11) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. Am. Seat Col. Picts.vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Plots, pfd Con. Fm. Ind 41/3 4 4 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd... 20% 20 201/8 East. Kodak I651/2 I651/2 I651/2 — 1 1/2 do pfd Cen. Tree. Eq 20 20 20 — V4 Loew's, Inc 61 ^g 61 3/4 61%+ Vs Paramount 263/8 26 261/4 + Vn RKO 83/4 85/8 8% — l/s RKO $6 pfd 92 911/2 911/2 20th Century-Fox ... 24 233^ 233^ — Vs 20fh Century-Fox pfd. 31% SlVi 31%+ Va 20th-Fox ppf 10334103 103 — Va Warner Bros 1234 125/8 1234 + % NEW YORK BOND MARKET Tar. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK CURB MARKET Monogram Picts 4 3% 4 + Va Radio-Keith CVS 13/8 13/5 is/g Scnotone Corp 2% 25/8 2% + % Technicolor H'/, 14 I41/4+ % Trans-Lux 31/2 31/2 SVi Universal Pictures Universal Picts. vtc. 221^ 221/8 221/2 + 1/2 To Sell "Wassell" Singly; Tradesho wings April 20-21 Special tradeshowings of "The Story of Dr. Wassell," will be held in all Para, exchange cities on April 21, with the exception of Chicago where it will be shown on the 20th, Charles M. Reagan, general man- ager of distribution for Paramount, announced yesterday. The picture will be sold on separ- ate contract, Reagan disclosed. All showings will be held in the- aters except in Washington, where it will be tradeshown at the Para- mount exchange projection room. In New York City, the screenings will be at the Normandie. Posthumous Award Made To Pvt. Frank McLoughlin Scranton, Pa.— Pvt. Frank J. Mc- Loughlin, former Strand employe, and brother-in-law of George Beat- tie, Paramount branch manager in Philadelphia, has been posthumous- ly awarded the Silver Star and a citation for gallantry by Col. Don E. Carleton, chief of staff of the Al- lied Forces in Sicily. Private Mc- Loughlin died after rescuing an in- jured comrade and while attempting to reclaim another soldier from a machine gun-sprayed battlefield. Greene, Jr., Named Head Of North-Central Allied Minneapolis — Henry Greene, Jr., has been elected president of North- Central Allied, unaffiliated organi- zation of Twin-City exhibitors. Greene's entire slate was elected which included A. A. Kaplan, first vice-president; Lyle Carisch, second vice-president; Harold Kaplan, treas- urer, and Martin Lebedoff, secretary. Donald Guttman, former presi- dent, remains as a member of the group. Roxy Usher Puts Nazi "Down At The Front" Sergt. William L. Miller, former chief usher at the New York's Roxy Theater, and now a gunner on a Marauder in the Italian campaign, has shot down an enemy Focke-Wulf in combat, it was reported from Naples yesterday by the Associated Press. Sherman and Singerman Named Kaufman Aides Irving Sherman and Sidney Sin- german have been appointed assis- tant managers of exchange opera- tions, under the supervision of Hank Kaufman, Columbia announced yes- terday. . Western Electric Board Officers All Re-elected At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Western Elec- tric Company held yesterday, all members of the board of directors were re-elected and at the ensuing directors' meeting all officers were re-elected. Sentence Zevin on April 17 The sentencing of Isadore Zevin, former secretary to George E. Browne, convicted ex-head of the lATSE, on charges of perjury in connection with the recent film ex- tortion case, was postponed yester- day in New York Federal Court to April 17. Zevin committed per- jury when he lied to the Federal Grand Jury investigating alleged racketeering in the film industry as to the whereabouts of the $1,500,- 000 special slush fund collected from members of the lATSE. Indie Operators Open Union to Service Men The executive board of the Inde- pendent Motion Picture Operators Union has adopted a resolution throwing open the group's member- ship rolls to discharged service men who are competent projectionists. The resolution, addressed to the American Legion here, asserts that "any veteran who served as a mo- tion picture projectionist and oper- ator in the service, has a certificate of ability from the Government and has or can secure a license from the City of New York, is eligible for membership." "It is our intention to provide po- sitions for them (discharged ser- vice men) in the theaters of this city as union projectionists," the resolution continues. "Through this medium we know that those released veterans will obtain positions in a labor field that assures them eco- nomic security not only during war- time but permanently." Radio Commentators Plug Para/s "Memphis Belle" Top radio commentators and news analysts yesterday pledged their support to the promotion of Para- mount's "The Memphis Belle," which opens in 500 key theaters on Friday. Those who attended the screen- ing and luncheon at Sardi's were John Vandercook, NBC; Major George Fielding Eliot, CBS; W. W. Chaplin and Caesar Schertzinger, NBC; Johannes Steel, WMCA; Wav- erly Root, WAAT; George Hamil- ton Combs, WHN; Charles Hodges, MBS, and John Gunther, Blue Net- work. Picture will be distributed on a non-profit basis for the OWI through the WAC. Boasberg to Hold Final Depinet Meeting Today Charles Boasberg, captain of RKO's Ned Depinet drive, will hold his final drive meeting this morning at the New York exchange and then will assume his new duties as Metro- politan district manager. Today's session will be attended by Phil Hodes, branch manager, and the en- tire excliange staff, as well as Rob- ert Mochrie, general sales manager, and Nat Levy, Eastern division sales manager. Drive is now in its 10th week and will end May 18. Grainger to Coast for Meets J. R. Grainger, president of Re- public, left yesterday for the Coast, with stopovers at Minneapolis, Seat- tle, and San Francisco. He will ar- rive in Hollywood on the 21st, and will remain there until the 28th. During this visit, he will conduct a sales meeting to be held at the com- pany's North Hollywood Studio. Grainger is not expected back in New York until the first week in May. cominc mi come HARRY THOMAS, Monogram Eastern division manager, left yesterday for a two-week tour of branches in Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburgh. CHARLES P. SKOURAS and SAM SHAIN go to Washington today. CLIFTON WEBB goes to the Coast from Min- ; neapolis Saturday night to report to 20tt(-Fox. - ROBERT BENCHLEY is due in New York on Saturday from the Coast. (AMES MULVEY, Samuel Coldwyn vice-presi- dent, has returned from the Coast. WALTER GOULD, United Artists foreign man- ager, is back from two weeks in Hollywood. ). K. McCUINESS, M-C-M studio executive, is due from the Coast April 22. JACK CUMMINCS, M-C-M producer, leaves the studio Sunday for a New York visit. GEORGE A. HIRLIMAN, Film Classics presi- dent, returns today from a tour of exchanges in Memphis, Atlanta and New Orleans. ]. FRANCIS WHITE, )R., Film Classics chief in North Carolina, leaves today en route back to Charlotte. FRED MEYERS, Universal's 'Eastern division sales manager, will be in Washington tomorrow and Friday. CHARLES SCHLAIFER, advertising manager of 20th-Fox, and LOUIS SHANFIELD, the company's art director, left yesterday for the studio to participate in production huddles. PEGGY CRAY, Republic studio hair stylist, returned to the Coast last night. She was here to attend the labor conferences between tfie companies and the lATSE studio unions. JACK FLYNN, M-C-M. Western manager, and WILL BISHOP, publicity director, leave for a 30-day Western inspection trip of M-C-M ex- changes. High Prices Commensurate With Pix Quality — Connors Cleveland — High prices are com- mensurate with present high grade product, Tom Connors told a group of 50 Northern Ohio exhibitors at a good-will luncheon held yester- day at the Statler Hotel. He prom- ised fair treatment and equitable adjustments by the local branch managers. An invitation to exhibi- tors to present their problems privately precluded an open discus- sion or question period. Connors and L. J. Schlaifer go to Cincinnati today. MacLellan Rites Held Funeral services were held Mon- day for Mrs. Carrie MacLellan, 73, mother of Mrs. Lou Lifton, wife of the Monogram advertising and pub- licity director. Services were held in Brooklyn. Jane Withers I ednesday, April 12, 1944 •ami DAILY Says MPTOA Decree Stand Misunderstood !) (Continued from Page 1) MPTOA president, in a bulletin which contended that the recent or- ganization stand on the decree was misunderstood in some quarters. Claiming that the MPTOA was being charged with proposals con- trary to its principles and policies, Kuykendall wrote that "we don't think the consent decree is any good and we seriously doubt that it can be patched up to make it any good, even if we ourselves were given a free hand to re-write it." The MPTOA also does not urge that the lawsuit be tried, Kuyken- dall said, asserting that any court decision would not help anybody. "Such a decision," he said, "could be no better than a consent decree at its best and could be even more destructive. MPTOA doesn't be- lieve that our serious economic and commercial problems can ever be solved by litigation, court decrees or court decisions. The best that a lawsuit can ever do is to redress a specific wrong to an individual. We think the suit should be discarded altogether. "The only point we would like to make is that, if the suit must go to trial, we recommend that it be di- rected against the real abuses and grievances that need correcting, not on theater divorcement which will accomplish nothing for the indepen- dent exhibitor, nor for the industry as a whole." Kuykendall said that it was recom- mended to Tom C. Clark, Assistant Attorney General, that if there should be another decree the fol- lowing points should be included: (i) a simplified standard contract; (2) selling six months' releases at one time with a 20 per cent cancel- lation and with all prices desig- nated; (3) no designated playdates; (4) no further circuit expansion; (5) a three-year decree; (6) ex- panded arbitration without lawyers, and (7) decree changes by either party. The proposals, Kuykendall ex- plained, were made by the unaffil- iated members of the MPTOA. Kuykendall said that MPTOA was not optimistic over renewed sug- gestions for a trade practice con- ference or a revival of UMPI on a simplified, improved pattern, "much as we agree that it is the only way these problems can be solved, and that eventually the industry will be forced to develop the leadership and intelligence that will make such a thing possible." Support for the national tax con- ference was urged by Kuykendall who criticized those organizations which did not give their full co-op- eration. Curfew in Newport, Ky. Newport, Ky. — A city curfew law bans all children under 17 from the streets after 10:30 p.m. I O THE COLOtlS: * DECORATED * LT. DICK KArPLER, USA, formerly Iowa Film Delivery, Des Moines, awarded the Order of the Purple Heart, in New Guinea. FRANK J. McLOUCHLIN, USA, formerly. Strand, Scranton, Pa., posthumously awarded the Silver Star and a citation for gallantry, in Sicily. * a'rmy * GUY CREATHOUSE, Elliot-Ward Theaters, Cin- cinnati. LEO SCHAPIRO, former operator, Guilford, New Haven. • NAVY* IRVING COLDER, 20th-Fox press book de- partment. SMPE Will Hear Goldsmith And Price at Tele Forum (Continued from Page 1) will speak on "The Scientific Ap- proach to Television Program Pro- duction" at the SMPE's tele forum at the opening session of the semi- annual conference at the Hotel Pennsylvania April 17. Army-Navy Day will be observed April 18 when officers of the armed forces will lead discussions on train- ing films and photographic science as applied to war needs. Thirty-six papers will be pre- sented during the three-day ses- sions by militai-y men, motion pic- ture engineers, and representatives of industries allied with the film business, according to W. H. Offen- hauser, Jr., chairman of the Papers Committee. No formal luncheon, dinner, or social events have been scheduled for this conference. $40,000 for Red Cross Via Brandt Collections (Continued from Page 1) to $800 per theater in the 40 houses. Other collection reports to date were received yesterday by Joseph Bernhard, national chairman, as fol- lows: Robb & Rowley, 95 theaters, $30,- 000; Wometco, 21 houses, $20,623 from patrons plus $1,500 donated by the circuit; Trans-Lux, seven theaters, $14,138; Salt Lake City area, $45,195 for 112 theaters, with reports still to come from 145 houses; Buffalo, $29,960 from 71 theaters, with 210 houses as yet un- reported; Albany, $51,548 for 128 theaters, with another 88 theaters still to report. Highest average collection to date for a large circuit is shown in the final figure for 106 Warner Bros, theaters in Philadelphia, with re- ceipts totaling $138,482, or more than $1,300 per theater. N. Y. WB Post for Jaffe Leo Jaffe has been appointed su- pervisor of buildings for Warners New York City properties. Jaffe comes in from Pittsburgh where he was connected with Warners' Clark Building. Mrs. Lowell Heath Dead Indianapolis — Film Row was sad- dened by the death of Mrs. Lowell F. Heath, 40, from a heart attack. She had managed the Bradford Film Transit Co., during the absence of her husband, who is in the Govern- ment service in Florida. T. Scott Goebel Stricken Bristol, Tenn.-Va.— T. Scott Goe- bel, manager of the Cameo Theater here, suffered a stroke at his home in Holston Hills. Goebel was re- moved to the King's Mountain Me- morial hospital and his condition is reported as fair. No. 19 Outstanding Industry Personalities rOft 4f044^ 44xi4ne tke4fi' BACK in 1936, Universal's board of directors acquired a new chairman. Here he is. He's also chairman of Us executive committee. From outset of his regime, things began to happen which rocketed organization into its Golden .4ge. When St. Patrick's Day comes around each March, the Patron Saint of Eire has to share honors with this aristocratic and kindly gentleman whose birthday it is. His personal democracy and humanism are well known to all his associates and employes. He is a director of numerous large corporations in the nation, and his judgment and counsel assays high in the realm of business and finance, prominently including sophisticated Wall Street. HERE'S the answer to James Russell Lowell's lyric query, "What is so rare as a day in Jiuic?" On a balmy day in that very month, Sir Stork, making his distribution rounds, delivered this rare distribution and sales exec to his family home in Camden, N. J. Harmoniousness of the blessed event was prophetic of the vocation the infant lad was to some day essay in the dynamic pic biz,— said vocation being harmony. In 1924 he joined Loew organization, and is now its vice-prexy in charge of sales and distribution. Has made M-G-M's slogan, "The Friendly Com- pany," a fact. Has also exemplified much of the action inherent in the War Activities Committee title, and has consistently burned the midnight oil in support of luar's winning. NOW we present to you the president and managing director of Radio City Music Hall Corp., whose single film house is so big that the trade thinks of him as a circuit operator. Was born in Kansas City, Mo. When he was 17 years old, he entered fihiidom, working for the Isis Theater there and concurrently attending high school. After ascending the celluloid ladder to the point where he was city manager, in charge of the New York Paramount, Brooklyn Para- mount, Rivoli and Rialto, for Paramount-Publix, he was beckoned to join Radio City Theaters. Now he's top man. Has so many friends in the industry that he couldn't get 'em into the Music Hall's some 6,200 seats. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. ; V^ MIIV Wednesday, April 12, 1944 Says SAG Collected 386,997 for Extras West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— More than $386,997.78 involving 6,000 claims of 41,668 ex- tras has been collected by SAG dur- ing the past seven years, Jack Grant, head of extra talent claims depart- ment of the Guild, testified at the NLRB hearing in the SAG-SPU dis- pute as to vi^hich organization should be the bargaining agency for extras. Of the more than 24,200 extras that worked last year, Murray Kinnell said, only about 2,500 made a living doing it. Howard Philbrick, of Central Casting, testified that figures for 1943, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, show placements through Central Casting for extra talent totalled 331,684 man-days of work, for a grand total of $4,190,060.25, which includes over- time and adjustments. The average daily wage was $12.63 and average daily placements 1,080. He showed that average daily wage for extras had increased from $9.02 in 1936 to $12.63 for 1943. WPB Okays Construction Of McLendon Texas House (Continued from Page 1) head, paves the way for the con- struction of a new 800-seat film house within the limits of this city, in order to serve the area surround- ing the North American Airplane plant. This is the first official grant under the OCR survey for new theaters in war activities areas to come to Texas, and has been given by OCR and WPB to B. R. McLen- don of the Tri-States chain, with home offices in Atlanta, Tex. Smith's clearance, it is pointed out, does not guarantee delivery of the material and equipment author- ized. These must be found in stock or available from manufacturers, but the clearances have been issued for all items other than chairs. Availability of the latter depends upon ability to locate them as such stock is scarce in new condition. McLendon purchased theater's site, filed papers with local WPB office, went to Washington to expe- dite matters, and finally returned there with Col. H. A. Cole to assist on deal. Cole previously had made a survey of procedure in these cases, and, after two days of conferences, they returned here with all neces- sary papers. Immediate construc- tion of house is planned, with Bob Euler, McLendon's local circuit booker, in direct charge. THEATER DEALS Columbia, S. C. — E. J. Haley, owner of the Booker theater in Rocky Mount, N. C, has taken over the local Carver. Both are Negro theaters. ' ' When the Boys Come Bach • • • PERSONNEL DEPARTMENTS of iilm companies report that the problem of returning service men is beginning to develop odd angles The boys, released irom service, largely do not want their old jobs back They instead are using the 90-day period olter dis- charge to shop oround for new and better jobs They feel the country owes them better opportunities than they had before leaving In other instances, those men who apply for their old jobs re- fuse to take them unless the pay is Jumped materially One porter returning to a neighborhood house demanded a $15 per week increase and would accept no less Under the Selective Service law, em- ployers must give back to returning service men their old jobs, if it is at all possible, at the current wage level for that job Reports in- dicate that movie companies are trying religiously to take care of ex- fighters but the attitude of some of the boys is complicating the read- justments Parenthetically, the N. Y. Times yesterday reported that a Genesee County survey of 3,000 indicated only half of men in ser- vice want their old jobs back ▼ TV • • • THAT SURVEY, by the way, was conducted by the Committee for Economic Development's local group in up-state Batavia, which addressed the inquiries to service men and women from Genesee County both here and overseas Yesterday after- noon, at the Biltmore here, the trustees of the Committee were hosts at a luncheon which attracted one of the most distinguished guest lists of American industrialists, business tycoons and publicists to assemble in at leat the war period Paul G. Hoffman, Stude- baker president and the Committee's chairman, presided, and speakers were Robert M. Gaylord, NAM president, and W. L. Clayton, As- sistant Secretary of Commerce Film industry's reps, at the af- fair included J. Cheever Cowdin, Francis S. Harmon, Chester B. Bahn, Glen Allvine, Paul Raibourne, Walter Ament, George Borthwick, Arthur Brilant, E. P. Genock, Arthur Mayer, Maur-'ce Bergman, Carl E. Milliken, Phil Williams ▼ ▼ T • • • HAS FILM BIZ a direct interest in the program of the Committee, which now has enlisted some 40,000 business leaders across the country? Yes, and how! For xmless American business goes forward in the post-war period — unless production and distribution are expanded to the point that there are jobs for the millions who will doff uniforms — the nation's box offices are in for unhappy days And if exhibition suffers, so must and will distribution and production That's axiomatic ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • THERE IS ANOTHER important factor involved, how- ever The American film industry has grown great because, amon," RKO. PAT O'BRIEN, two more pictures, RKO. ASSIGNMENTS HAROLD ADAMSON and JIMMY McHUCH, song. Bob Hope pirate comedy, Samuel Coldwyn. HOLBROOK TOOD, tilm editor, "Double Fur- lough," Vanguard-UA. JACK CROSS, producer, "All Brides Are Beauti- ful," RKO. FRANCES HIGHLAND, screenplay, "All Brides Are Beautiful," RKO. LOUIS KING, director, "Thunderhead, Son of Flicka," 20th-Fox. LEWIS SEILER, director, "Something for the Boys," 20th-Fox. BENJAMm STOLOFF, director, "Rip Goes to War," 20th-Fox. HAL WALKER, director, "Out of this World," Paramount. PHIL ROSEN, director, "Murder Chamber," Monogram. , • CASTINGS RAY MILLAMD, "Olympia," Paramount; MOR- RIS ANKRUM, "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," M-G-M; EL BRENDEL, "Mexican Fiesta," Jack jchwarz-PRC; J^FF DONNELL, untitled Kay Kyser, Columbia; DICK iPURCELL, "Dark Mountain," line-Thomas, Paramount; DANA ANDREWS, "Laura," 20th-Fox; KONSTANTINE SHAYNE, "None But the Lonely Heart," RKO; EDGAR BUCHANAN, "That Hunter Girl," RKO; RUTH VALMY, ALMA CARKOLL and BETTYE ALEX- ANDER, "Sylvester the Great," Samuel Gold- wyn; OLIN HOWLIN, "Double Furlough," Van- guard-UAj MARGARET HAMILTON and RUTH WARRICK, "Guest in the House," Hunt Strom- berg-UA; FLORENCE AUER, GLEN WALTERS, FLO WICKS, JEAN FENWICK and GIL PER- KINS, "Abroad With Two Yanks," Edward Small- UA; FRED ASTAIRE and GENE KELLY, "Zieg- feld Follies," M-C-M; FRANCES RAFFERTY, "Mrs. Parkington," M-G-M; HENEL STANLEY, "Thrill of a Romance," M-C-M. JESS BARKER and NINA FOCH, "Crime Doc- tor's Rendezvous," Columbia; REGIS TOOMEY and ELISHA COOK, JR., "Dark Mountain," Pine- Thomas, Paramount; CLIFTON WEBB and JUDITH ANDERSON, "Laura," 20th-Fox; GEOROE De- NORMAND and GEORGE FORD, "Abroad With Two Yanks," Edward Small-UA; DICK POWELL, "Farewell My Lovely," RKO; ELLA RAINES, "Tall in the Saddle," RKO; IDA LUPINO, PAUL LUKAS and SIDNEY CREENSTREET, "One Man's Secret," Warners; DONALD WOODS, "Roughly Speaking," Warners; TALA BIRELL, "Mrs. Park- ington," M-C-M; HELENE STANLEY, "Thrill of a Romance," M-G-M; HOWARD FREEMAN, "Victory Caravan," Columbia; FRANK ORTH, "The Impatient Years," Monogram; JEAN PARK- ER, EDMUND LOWE and MARJORIE RAMBEAU, "The Girl Next Door," Monogram. STORY PURCHASES HARRISON HOWELL'S "Should a Daughtw Tell?", Monogram. A. J. CRONIN's "The Green Years," M-G-M. MELCHIOR LENGYEL's "Typhoon," 20th-Fox. WILLIAM IRISH'S "Deadline at Dawn," RKO. LEONARD SPIGELGLASS's "No Place LIkt Home," 20th-Fox. LEONARD SPIGELGASS's "No Place Like Homt," 20th-Fox. WILLIAM IRISH'S "Deadline at Dawn," RKO. ENSIGN CHARLES MARQUIS WARREN't "Only the Valiant," William Cagney-UA. KAY BOYLE'S "Avalanche," RKO. ARTHUR CAESAR'S "I Accuse My fartnts." Alexander-Stern, PRC. HAIWY LEON WILSON'S "Merton of the Mov- ies," M-G-M. ed out in continuity, be selected for specific_territories to meet with field workei's, or that meetings be con- ducted in the six or eight principal cities, to which representatives in surrounding areas would be invited. Report holds that there is still much educational work to be done in the field and only through constant meet- ings can it be hoped to spread the word, inspire leadership, and effi- ciently carry through the job. Some thought is recommended to the tapping of the Negro theater field for Bond sales and Bond Pre- mieres in future drives. Report indicates that in many states War Bond chairmen and organizations are operating on insufficient budgets and that many important regional lead- ers avoid responsibility of the chairmanship because they know they must use personal funds to complete the job. Each chair- man, state, county, city or town- ship should devise ways and means to raise sufficient money to develop and conduct an ef- fective drive. Recommending continuation of the campaign to add theaters to the list of issuing agents, committee held that every theater should be either an issuing agent or a sub- issuing agent. An abundance of exhibition neWs, wired to the national publicity di- rector, and released to the trade pa- pers via existing methods is held as the ideal method of informing the public and related War Bond selling agencies of the industry's effort in a drive. Report suggests that the press book for the next drive be prepared well in advance and the much new material which in the past rarely passed beyond the state chairmen, be included. It is claimed that the press book for the Fourth Loan was a rewrite of the third, second and first drives, due mainly to a lack of time for preparation because suffi- cient notice was not given of the national chairmanship. Other sugg«stions in the Skou- ras committee report were that John C. Flinn be considered to produce the trailers for future drives because of his fine job on the Fourth Loan; that Rich- ard Walsh, president of the lATSE again write projection- ists asking that they assume responsibility for the showing of drive trailers; that each of the newsreel companies select ap- propriate scenes from their news issues that lend themselves to remarks by commentators; a suggestion that trailers might in the future be spliced to news- reels, and that drive kits be sent to every war activity- pledged theater with payment requested on the basis of "pa- triotic appeal," with the price raised to $1 to cover the esti- mated 10 per cent loss by fail- ure or refusal to pay. M & B Voting Shares To Rank, 20th-Fox (Continued from Page 1) Fox, with Loew's to have two rep- resentatives on the theater circuit. Skouras and Rank are expected to affix their signatures to the legal documents involved in the deal this week. It was learned yesterday that the slight hitch that had devel- oper in the extended negotiations had been straightened out, and the principals had reached full agree- ment. Provisions of the deal, it was said here, have been okayed in New York by the interested parties. Skouras is returning to the U. S. shortly, cancelling his plans to visit Cairo and other points on his orig- inal itinerary. Rank's General Cinema Finance Corp. in October, 1941, completed arrangements for the acquisition of the three Ostrers' holdings of 5,100, or 51 per cent of the "A" voting shares in the M & B Trust, which in turn holds a controlling interest in G-B. However, 20th-Fox, in as- sociation with Loew's, owns 49 per cent, and by virtue of its contract holds veto power on the transfer of Ostrers' holdings. Until Skouras went to London, Rank interests had made no formal move to transfer the Ostrers' stock. It was pointed out that Rank had control of the board of the M & B Trust, the im- portant factor. Should 20th-Fox and Rank share in the Ostrer voting stock, as the London cable reports, obviously 20th-Fox holdings would be stepped up. RKO Golf Tournament At Westchester May 16 RKO's golf tournament, with War Bonds and Stamps as prizes, will be held May 16 at the West- chester Country Club. J. A. Farmer and Dick Gavin head the ticket com- mittee. might Just As Well Mdke It Retroactive We t Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Because public squawks at phoney Morse code in film attractions, Arnold Pressburger, producer of Rene Clair's "It Happened Tomorrow," engaged a former tele- grapher to portray the role. When Clair, who knows the code very well himself, saw the scene, he asked for a retake, explaining: "That fellow tapped off something about Roose- velt running fcr a fourth term. This picture is laid in 1890." 10 ^ Wednesday, April 12, 1944 DiULY OWI Would Quit Pix Disfrlbulion Overseas (Continued from Page 1) tions permit it, according to dis- closures made yesterday by Robert Riskin, chief of the OW's overseas film division, at a trade-press con- ference following his return from a four-and-a-half-months' survey of the European scene. Riskin indicated that the OWI was averse to shouldering any long- er than it had to the responsibility of distributing American screen product overseas. He expressed the hope that the OWI soon would be relieved of this burden. Distribs. Should Handle the Job "It is most desired that the com- panies take film distribution off our hands," asserted Riskin, who added that the OWI was planning to turn over to the companies the film dis- tributing job in all Italian territory now in Allied control. He said that the idea originally was to make the switch once the Allied forces took Rome, an idea based on the assump- tion the Italian campaign would move according to schedule. It was pointed out that North Africa was the only territory wrested from the Germans in which film distribution already had been placed in the hands of company representatives. Riskin said that the money realized from the distribution of American films in Italy was be- ing deposited by the Psycholog- ical Warfare Branch of the OWI (which handles the phy- sical distribution of the pic- tures) in a special account for all the American companies, to be held in trust for them until they took over distribution from the OWI. According to Riskin, cash derived from the exhibi- tion of our films in Italy would be made available to our distrib- utors only when commerce was restored between the Italians and American people and the exchange rate in Americal dol- lars again went into eflfect. The PWB already has started to set up its machinery for the Eu- ropean theater, Riskin revealed, with the pattern now applied in Italy to be followed in the instance of every country freed of Nazi domination. Riskin said there was a possi- bility that Maj. Arthur Loew might be placed in charge of the distribution of American films intended for showing in the European theater, operat- ing from headquarters in Lon- don. Many more films additional to the 40 now available for showing in Italian territory have been prom- ised the OWI by the industry, Ris- kin asserted, with foreign versions being prepared for use in every country liberated by the Allies. He said some of the pictures would be dubbed while others would have for- eign subtitles. Riskin asserted that, REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS "Flicker Flashbacks" (No. 7) RKO 10 mins. Good Footage from three oldies is in- cluded in the latest of the series. The first item contains scenes from an early Charlie Murray comedy in which the comedian is seen as a plumber. Next are shots from an Edison film, one of the earliest screen efforts. This episode conveys a moral in a manner that stirs only laughter today. The short winds up with a melodramatic bit that strikes modern minds as very funny. Audi- ences will derive much entertain- ment from this film. "South American Sway" (Melody Masters) Warner 10 mina. Musical Warmth A delightful serving of South American musical themes. Joe Reichman's band renders "Cachita" after a warm, catchy interpi'etation of "Gotta Have My Rhythm." "Mex- ican Magic" is the contribution of the Emil Coleman aggregation, which is followed by the Carl Hoff orches- tra in a highly effective treatment of "When Yuba Plays the Rhumba on the Tuba." The final number heard is "Negra, Baila La Conga," served up sizzling by the Serenad- ers. Pickwick Counsel Expects To txid Jilvidence This Week New Haven — As result of the scrap in 1934 between RKO and Skouras, the latter withdrew use of its Fox franchise in White Plains. "Every- thing was in a mess," according to John J. O'Connor, former RKO chief booker whose deposition was heard in the $5,450,000 Pickwick-Green- wich anti-trust suit. Then RKO and Skouras "smoked the pipe of peace," regained the benefit of the Fox franchise in White Plains and brought other theaters together, and the Embassy, Portchester, was re- turned to Skouras with the Strand which was tied to it. A new pooling arrangement be- tween Skouras and RKO involving theaters in Manhattan and Long Island and the return of the Em- bassy to Skouras was described by O'Connor as a remarriage. Contracts with Paramount, RKO, Pathe, Warner Bros., Columbia, Universal and First National were introduced to show that when RKO operated the Pickwick, 1930 to Syracuse First-Runs 5c Apart on Prices Syracuse — Local first-runs are using separate admission rates, with Keith's and Eckel charging 60 cents after 5 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday respectively, while Loew's State and Paramount have a 55 cent top. Richard Puicell Dies IV est Coast Bureau of THE 1*1 LM DAILY Hollywood — Richard Purcell, 45, veteran feature player, died at the Riviera Country Club from a heart attack, accoi'ding to the coroner's report. 1932, it had first-run over Portches- ter and some times day-and-date with the Stamford operator before RKO. The Pickwick Amusement Co. had contracts seven days after Stamford and Portchester. Deposition of William Whitman of the Bronx Leasing Corp., was also read into the record. Saul Rog- ers, plaintiffs' attorney^ says he will finish this week. although the OWI preferred dubbed films for showing in Italy and else- where, only a few pictures were be- ing so treated, most of them being titled. The British at present have 12 pictures available for screening in Italy. According to Riskin, Hollywood pictures for screening in Italy were being picked with an eye to their presentation of the American scene in a favorable light. He said that results had proved the OWI's meth- od of selecting the film entertain- ment to be "tremendously effective." Shuns Obvious Propaganda The OWI was shunning obvious propaganda in the feature films earmarked for showing to the Ital- ians, Riskin said. "The Italians have been living with propaganda for so long that they can smell it a mile away," he explained, adding that the propaganda job was being left to shorts and newsreels. He referred to the 40 films prepared for the Italian market as "the most potent psychological medium" em- ployed in winning over the people of Italy to our cause. Riskin reported that the Italian people, who hadn't seen American films for some five years, were heav- ily patronizing the 300 houses pres- ently in operation in the Allied- held portion of Italy, with attend- ance expected to grow as gradually more theaters are made available for the exhibition of our screen product. The PWB was entrusted with the job of setting theater scales for all houses playing American- made films, special reduced prices being established for uniformed per- sonnel. It was Riskin's view that what American distributors were able to get out of the Italian market while the war was on couldn't be meas- ured in mere dollars and cents. The companies, he pointed out, should remember that the exhibition of their product in Italy was helping the war effort and promoting a bet- ter understanding of America and the American people on the part of the Italian population. Mexko to Subsidize Teciinician Training (Continued from Page 1) the Department of Public Education. As the opening step of what is believed will be a general policy, the Federal bureau has announced a grant of 30,000 pesos to the Mexican Academy of Motion-Picture Arts and Sciences. The funds will be used to begin a complete reorganization of the Academy's activities. With government financial aid, it is planned to divide the Academy in- to sections with facilities for turn- ing out sound engineers, lighting ex- perts, make-up men, scenario writ- ers, and other specialists needed by local studios. The task of eflFecting the proposed transformation will be directed by Celestino Gorostiza. He will be as- sisted by a staff which will include Carlos Pellicer, head of the aesthe- tic instruction division of the De- pax-tment of Public Education; Al- fredo Gomez de la Vega, well-known Mexican actor; and Javier Villaurru- tia. Members of the industry here view the project as a move toward the eventual replacement of foreign tech- nicians by Mexican nationals. 10 Cameramen in Italy Killed in Action — Capra Washington — Of the 150 service cameramen covering the Italian campaign for the American forces, 10 have already been killed in ac- tion, Col. Frank Capra said yester- day. Col. Capra told guests at a cocktail party given by the British Information Service prior to the press preview of "Tunisian Vic- tory" last night, that the camera- men covering this war are suffering heavy casualties. Concerning "Tunisian Victory" Capra said, in answer to a question from a guest at the party, that he noted that the picture is not good box-office. "I guess I've lost my box- office touch," Capra said, smiling. He said he was doubtful of the box-office value of the film mainly because it is appearing so long af- ter conclusion of the "Tunisian cam- paign. Subsequent service films cov- ering specific campaigns will be much more timely, much more speed- ily prepared, Capra promised. Chas. Morrison to Manage Myron Selznick Agency Hollywood — David 0. Selznick, special administrator of the estate of his late brother, Myron Selznick, announced the appointment of Charles Morrison to represent him in the continuance and perpetuation of the Myron Selznick Agency. Mor- rison, who is owner of the Mocambo, Hollywood night club, is a former prominent New York agent. He will take over the Selznick Agency intact. Wednesday, April 12, 1944 11 DAILY 20th-Fox and Rank To do "Cluny Brown"! (Continued from Page 1) be a joint production venture of the company and J. Arthur Rank. Deal was consummated on this side at the direction of President Spyros P. Skouras after he had talked with the author in England, it was said. CBS Resumes "Live" Tele Shows Over WCBW May 5 CBS' television Station WCBW, New York, will resume a limited production of "live" programs be- ginning May 5. Temporarily at least, these productions will be lim- ited to two hours a week, replacing the Friday evening transmission of movies. Four CoL Kx for Troops Four new Columbia films have been delivered on 16 mm. prints to the Army Overseas Motion Picture Service for shipment to the troops abroad. Pix are "Cover Girl," 'Once Upon A Time," "Jam Session" and "Nine Girls." IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS H. V. FICK, manager, Ross Federal Service, Seattle. L. L. RESSLER, Ross Federal manager, Omaha. EDWIN A. FITZPATRICK, Ross Federal man- ager, Washington. ROBERT SASSAMAN, service manager, Ross Fed- eral, Atlanta. MARCUS SMITH, service manager, Ross Fed- eral, Charlotte. JOE COLDBURC, Alliance Circuit city manager, Frankfort, Ind. M. WHITMAN, manager, Senate, Chicago. BRAZ ALDERMAN, manager, Bay, Panama City, Fla. BILLY WILSON, manager, Athens and Dreka Theaters, Delnad, Fla. FRANK GREENWALD, booker. Co-operative The- aters, Cleveland. JAMES ARTHUF SALMANS, manager, Lincoln, Massjlon, O. E. J. PIRQ, salesman, Unversal, Seattle. BARNEY SLAUGHTER, salesman. Republic, Char- lotte. JAMES KIMMICK, operator, Macomb, Mt. Clem- ens, Mich. BILL LENNINCTON, operator. Hills, Rochester, Mich. H. B. SELLERS, field checking supervisor, War- ners, Cincinnati. DICK COHEN, manager, Lincoln, New Haven. IRVING SHERMAN, assistant manager, exchange operations, Columbia. SIDNEY SINGERMAN, assistant manager, ex- change operations, Columbia. BOB ADAMS, salesman, Adams Exchange, Dal- las. PETER BENDICK, assistant manager, Capitol, Hazleton, Pa. JACK AYER, assistant manager, Orpheum, Wilkes- Barre, Pa. OSCAR KANTO, Warners, Cleveland. MARC EICHENBERC, Warners, Cincinnati. J. H. KELLEY, branch manager. National Theatre Supply, Cincinnati. EDWARD R. PLACE, RCA department of public information. Indies Book "U" Percentage Pix Chicago — Local Universal ex- change reports 100 Chicago indepen- dent theaters have signed percent- age contracts for "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," "Follow the Boys" and one other unnamed Uni- versal special. It was previously re- ported that the indies were refusing percentage bookings. Dismiss Contempt Proceedings Montreal— Contempt of court pro- ceedings against George Ganetakos, John Ganetakos and Larry Steph- ens, United Amusement Corp. offic- ials, were dismissed yesterday in Superior Court. Justice Louis Cou- sineau announced that Kent Theater Co. had desisted from an earlier judgment against the trio and they were liberated. Rank Pictures via 20th Cent.-Fox Here! (Continued from Page 1) some time 'ago of the formation of Eagle-Lion Films, Ltd. to operate world-wide, are understood here to have been completely disorganized by inability to line up Hollywood producers to contribute to the Rank American program. (Hollywood reports, published yes- terday, were to the effect that Rank has entered into negotiations with Hal Wallis to head American pro- duction for him. Such a deal, if con- summated, would go far to solve Rank's American problem. Wallis, Loyd Wright, his attorney, and Ar- thur W. Kelly, Rank's U. S. Eagle- Lion rep., are scheduled to confer here late this week). Presumably, the 20th-Fox distri- bution deal would be set prior to the return to the U. S. of Spyros P. Skouras, 20th-Fox prexy, now on this side. Rank and Skouras have conferred at length. Meanwhile yesterday Skouras closed a deal with Maj. Reginald Baker for American rights to "San Demetrio," Ealing Studio's produc- tion with Walter Fitzgerald and Ralph Michael. I: r'"^3i TtLEN all vine I^ERSClNiL 2iJW44THST NYC 2 2NI3 PL «•■' a his is the fabulous story of a fabulous guy . . . and the wonderful things that happen to him.,, and to YOU! A timeless tale of today whimsically woven of romance and tenderness . . . laughter . . . and that thing called "heart". . . GRANT - ALEXANDER HALL'S % \ i^it. nC3 wpon^ MftiB « JMETBMIR lAMES GLEASON-IED DONAIDSO Screen play by Lewis Meltzerand Oscar Saul Directed h ALEXANDER HALL - A COLUMBIA PICTURE '^S A OffCC -IN-A-LIFETIME SHOW FOR THAT OnCE -IN-A-LIFETIMI BUSINESS! UA Buys Kordd*s Stock Hollywood — Over some opposition UA's board of directors yesterday authorized purchase of Sir Alexander Korda's stock for $1,000,000. Korda had previously given his power of attorney to his local representative, Attorney Mendell Silverberg, and the deal is expected to be fully consummated before the week is over. Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -^L. 85, NO. 73 NEW YORK, THURSDAY. APRIL 13, 1944 TEN CENTS DISTRIBUTORS STIFFEN CHECKING CLAUSE Crockett Urges Another Try for Unity Program Reeiing 'Round -- WASHINGTON =^ B7 ANDREW H. OLDEB = WASHINGTON WHETHER he has stopped to ponder the matter or not, the exhibitor who operates a main street house in Chippewa Falls, Wis., has a definite stake in the prob- lem of foreign distribution of American pix and its satisfactory solution. The simple truth is that the ease with which the U. S. industry can market Holly- wood product abroad is highly imp:rtant to every domestic exhibitor. There are two personal reasons why this is so — first, the effect upon the price of his product, and, second, the effect u[)on pix coming into this country from abroad.... In the first case, distribs. are going to be able to make a profit at much smaller cost to the exhibitor for his product, if they can count on the foreign market. Post-war, there is a good deal of money to be made abroad by this industry. The more U. S. pix are shown in other countries, the greater the profit. The greater the profit, the less the rental price that needs be charged here in order to pay production costs and turn in needed prcduction and distribution profits. It's simple economics. • • THE other important factor is the amount ' of competition our products will have from abroad. So far as the exhibitor is concerned, that competiticn will be both helpful and harmful. The greater the com- petition, the tougher job he will have sell- ing his own programs; the greater the competition, the stronger will be his bar- gaining position with the distributors.... There will be vastly improved British pro- ductions— and hardly a theater will not at s me time within a few years after the war show a British production. .. .In addi- tion, there is a vast foreign-language mar- ket in this country. French films, Rus- sian films, German films, Swedish films, Italian films and others will all be profitably shown far more commonly than they were before the war. The entry of these films into this country is largely dependent upon what is worked cut to provide American films free access to foreign theaters Hollywood is ready and willing to compete with any nation in the world, and there is little question that it will maintain its superior position for manv years to come. Our production leaders have developed the best film-mak- fContinued on Page 2) Virginia Leader Asserts Industry Could Profit By Past Unity Failures A second effort to establish a unity program would have a definite advantage over the first attempt be- cause of the ex- perience gained and the time to do it is now, in the opinion of William F. Crock- ett, head of the MPTO of Vir- ginia. "U n i t y or an agreed solution of trade prob- lems is not only possible but nec- essary for the continued p r o s- perity of our in- dustry," Crockett told The Film Daily. "The friction that exists to- (Continued on Page 6) WILLIAM CROCKETT WPB Deferment List "Minor" Pix Vidory Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Although it is the- oretically possible for film manu- facturers to obtain deferments for employes under 26 years of age, the cases will have to be "awfully, awfully strong," WPB picture chief, Lincoln V. Burrows, said yesterday. Film manufacturing and developing (Continued on Page 6) HAZEN LEAVES WB SATURDAY Resigns as Vice-President and Director of Company Joseph H. Hazen, Warners' vice- president and director, yesterday confirmed trade reports that he had submitted his resignation to the company, effec- tive Saturday. Any further statement, it was said, would have to wait upon the acceptance of Ha- zen's dual resig- nation by the Warner board. Meeting of the directors may take place before the end of the week, or if not then, early next week. Hazen's move did not come wholly as a surprise, one recent report in Washington (Continued on Page 4) JOSEPH H. HAZEN New Laws Restrict Stoclcholders' Suits Albany — Two bills designated to combat a "veritable racket" in the field of minority stockholders suits (Continued on Page 4) ArguMnents on Apr, 24 Court Orders Briefs; Trial Starts May 19 11 lATSE Studio Unions Seek Five-Year Contract A five-year contract with a pro- vision calling for its reopening an- nually on wages was sought yester- day by spokesmen for the 11 lATSE studio unions in their negotiations (Continued on Page 6) Buffalo — Federal Judge John Knight yesterday adjourned until April 24 arguments between oppos- ing counsel in the Schine Chain The- aters anti-trust suit. He ordered briefs filed before that date. Trial is scheduled for May 19, having been adjourned from May 19, 1942. The two-year adjournment was (Continued on Page 7) RevampedVersionProvides For Reps, to Have Hourly Access to the Box-Office In a new move to stamp out check- ing frauds, distributors are report- ed revising the phraseology of the contract clause which provides that distributors' representatives shall have access to the box-office, it was reliably reported yesterday. As the clause has read for years, it is stipulated that the distributors' representatives shall have such ac- cess "at all times." In the revamped (Continued on Page 7) Name McDonald Field Chief for Wac Drive Charles B. McDonald, RKO home office executive, has been named field director for the second anniversary Women's Army Corps recruiting drive by Edward L. Alperson, chair- man. McDonald will keep in close (Continued on Page 6) R. C. Collections Show 251% Tump in St. Louis Red Cross collections in the St. Louis territory theaters showed an increase of 251 per cent over the 1943 campaign, it was reported yes- ( Continued on Page 7) hicensed Bingo Cuts Gatnes in Cleveland Cleveland — Licensed Bingo, which went in effect Monday, has cut down the number of games in opera- tion from more than 60 to about 25. Ten organizations were given a clean bill of health as complying with the law passed last September which permitted charity - sponsored Bingo when played in buildings that meet fire regulations. Green light was also given orally to some 15 ad- ditional operators whose credentials are still being reviewed. A bill to license Bingo was passed in February by the City Council and was spon- sored by the Mayor, Frank J. Lausche. I« T Thursday, April 13, 194J DAILY Vol. 85, No. 73 Thurs., April 13, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU CHESTER B. BAHN : : General Manager : : : Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; AI Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph VVilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, HI., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardoui St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— MarcoAurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. F1J\A]^CIAL (Wednesday, April 12) NEW YORK STOCK Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2%) 18 Con. Fm. Ind 4 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . 20l^ East. Kodak ISSi/z 1 Gen. Prec. Eq 20 Vs Lcew's, Inc 61% Paramount 2S'/i RKO $6 pfd 917/8 20th Century-Fox . . . 23% 20th Century-Fox pfd. Sl'/g Warner Bros 12% NEW YORK CURB Monogram Picts 4 Technicolor 14% Universal Pictures . . , 231/2 Universal Picts. vtc. . 221/2 MARKET Net Low Close Chg. 18 18 — i/g 4 4 20 20 — Vb 651/2 I651/2 193/4 19% — 1/4 61 61 — % 251/2 251/2 — % 91% 91% + 3/8 — 231/2 — 1/4 313/4 — 1/8 121/2 — H 231/2 311/2 12'/2 MARKET 3% 3% 141/4 141/4 23 23 22% 22% "Bernadette" Advanced Prices Stay Till Jan. 1 "The Song of Bernadette" will not be shown at any theater prior to Jan. 1, 1945, at any scale of prices less than at the present es- tablished advanced admission pol- icy, it was said yesterday by Tom Connors, vice-president in charge of world-wide distribution of 20th-Fox. A. Donald Ackard Dead Pittsburgh — A. Donald Ackard, for many years head projectionist for the J. P. Harris Theater, died in Florida. His body was brought back to Pittsburgh for burial. MOO ttoiACi t c A nortcwN logM ium [xcmanci onninnKM sctvia cominG flno coinG LOUIS B. MAYER has arrived in New York. HARRY M. WARNER is a New York visitor. HAL B. WALLIS and his attorney, LOYD WRIGHT, arrive tomorrow from the Coast. THEO JUNG, of the Loew's construction de- partment, is inspecting the Poli theaters in Bridgeport, New Haven and Waterbury. RALPH BELLAMY has gone to the Coast for a role in the screen version of "Guest in the House." CONSTANCE IBENNETT, accompanied by her personal manager, JULES ALBERTI, will go to Washington on Friday to appear at a meeting preceding the opening of the Fifth War Loan Drive. JOHN J. BYRNE, Metro district manager with headquarters in Detroit, and FRANK DOWNEY, Detroit branch manager, arrived yes- teiday for home office meetings. E. K. (TED) O'SHEA, M-G-M Eastern sales manager, plans to leave today for Memphis with H. M. RICHEY and M. L. SIMONS. I. J. HOFFMAN, Warner Circuit zone mana- ger for Connecticut, is in New York from New Haven. JOHN TURNER and LESTER KRIECER, film buyers and bookers for Warner Theaters in Philadelphia area, are in New York for a few days. DON jACOCKS, Newark zone manager for Warner Circuit, is back from a brief vacation. LOUIS W. SCHINE and GUS W. lAMPE of the Schine home office were Syracuse visitors^ WALLY ALLEN of 20th-Fox, is in Syracuse for "The Song of Bernadette." PAULETTE CODDARD is scheduled to return to the United States in a few days from India, having cut short her tour of American service posts in the China-Burma theater of operations. WILLIAM CARGAN and KEENAN WYNN are other members of her troupe who are set to return to the States. RICHARD FELDMAN, manager of the RKO- Schine Keith's, Syracuse, is en route to Holly- wood on vacation. JAMES BRENNAN, RKO Eastern zone manager, heads for Syracuse shortly. LES ALLEN of RKO-Schine Keith's, Syracuse, is a New York visitor. CHARLES E. KURTZMAN, Loew's Eastern Division manager, is in Syracuse. MARGO arrived from the Coast yesterday. R. J. "BOB" O'DONNELL arrives today from Dallas. SI FABIAN and ED SCHREIBER of the WAC return today from Washington. CHARLES P. SKOURAS and SAM SHAIN are due back today from Washington. A. L. PRATCHETT, Paramount's general man- ager for Central America, has returned to Mexi- co following home office conferences. EARL ). HUDSON, president of United De- troit Theaters, and JACK KEEGAN, circuit's buyer and booker, are in town. JAMES MURPHY, arbitration tribunals direc- tor, returns today from Detroit. DIRECTOR MITCHELL LEISEN leaves Holly- wood for New York Saturday. Newsreels Spotlighting Films 50th Anniversary The special issues put out by the five newsreels in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the film indus- try were shown at a special screen- ing yesterday in the Universal pro- jection room. Among those pres- ent was Arthur S. White, who ap- neared in "The Life of an Amer- ican Fireman," made in 1903. Scenes from this film appear in all the newsreels. Also shown was a spe- f^ial issue of Columbia's "Screen Snapshots" tracing the history of the industry since its founding. The concerted publicity campaign on the industry's jubilee celebration which is being handled by Richard Condon, Inc., has resulted in cover- age up to the present in more than 20 national magazines, all the fan publications, major wire services and photo syndicates as well as local papers. "White Cliffs" Next at M. H. Metro's "The White CliflFs of Do- ver" goes into Radio City Music Hall immediately following the cur- vent run of "Cover Girl." Seligman Gets Rights Leo Seligman has acquired U. S. distribution rights to the Italian and French versions of Columbia's "Men in Her Life." WANTED: Trustworthy secretary to publicity manager. Must be competent in telephone conversa- tion. Capable for all-round secretarial work — good opportunity for advancement. Salary $35.00 a week. In replying please state present position and past experience. Write Box 191, Film Daily, 1501 Broadway, New York City. Reeling 'Round - - WASHINGTON (Continued from Page 1) ing plant in the world, and at the same time are willing to learn from other nations. As Hollywood progresses, however, other na- tions are bound to do likewise. .. .The motion picture art, which has made such gigantic strides in the past 25 years, is due for ancther period of breath-taking progress. And the motion picture business is certain to keep pace all the way. I OCALLY, Warners and Columbia got to- ■~ gather to give "Cover Girl" a really outstanding campaign here. Over 9,000 lines of gratis newspaper space was given the local "cover-girl" contest, which had some 1,300 local entries. In addition, there were department store and music store tie-ups, with numerous display windows, with the Hecht Company, a department store, devoting 2,219 lines of display adver- tising to the contest. .. Columbia's Ted Baldwin and Warners' Frank La Fake (the film opened at Warners' Earle and Ambas- sador) rate credit for the terrific job. Boasberg Inducted Into His New RKO Radio Berth Charles Boasberg yesterday was inducted formally into his new post as Metropolitan district manager for RKO Radio, succeeding Robert S. Wolff who has been transferred to England as managing director. Boas- berg, who had just completed a 37- day tour of exchanges in the inter- est of the Ned Depinet drive of which he is captain, held his final drive meeting at the New York exchange. XEW YORK THEATERS -RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL- 50th St. & 6tli Ave. RITA HAYWORTH-GENE ICELLY "COVER GIRL" _ J"! , Technicolor Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchestr»^| 1st Me7Z. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4<(Ljf PARAMOUNT'S "LADY IN THE DARK" In Technicolor In Person XAVIER CUCAT AND BAND DEAN MURPHY PARAMOUNT TIMES SQUARE ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS in "UNCERTAIN GLORY" IN PERSON: TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAIVD OPENS 9 A.M. B'WAY & 47fh St. BUY BONDS! HUMPHREY BOGART IN WARNERS' PASSAGE to MARSEILLE '''"'"'"''HOLLYWOOD Midnight Opens 10 A.M. - B'way 51st Kay Carole . Martha Mitzi FRANCIS LANDIS RAYE * MAYFAIR "FOUR JfLLS fN A JEEP" PLUS ON STAGE- HARRY RICHMAN - The DE MARCOS BUY MORE BONDS P^^%# 7th Ave. & ■^V^^ I 50th St. P'WAY & 47th St. Anna NEAGLE • Richard GREENE H YELLOW CANARY M HELD OVER — 2nd WEEK ON SCREEN St N. Y. Showing "NONE SHALL ESCAPE' MARSHA HUNT IN PERSON ALLAN JO>NES Happy FEITOW Dick BUCKLEY Added Atlracfion CANADA LEE THE SONG OF BERNADETTE CONTINUOUS "Sr DoofsO(i«i9:30».M. BWAY & 49th ST. ^^ Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, Herbert Marshall, Bonita Granville 0 f^mic! Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Gotten Lucille Ball, Dick Powell ,/» ^^^ki^/ ^^f^ Lionel Barrymore, Van Johnson, Marilyn Maxwell Van Johnson, June AUyson, Gloria DeHaven, Jose Iturbi, Jimmy Durante, Harry James, Xavier Cugat, Gracie Allen, Lena Home and many more The industry's frroudesi offering 'The Memphis Belle' technicolor saga of our air heroes. Book it now<" ■ W"^ DAILY Thursday, April 13, 1944 MPA Board to Meet * The Motion Picture Associates' group-insurance plan and post-war problems as they are likely to af- fect the charitable organization are scheduled for discussion by the group's board of directors at a lun- cheon meeting at the Hotel Dixie tomorrow. Barry Heads Y & R Pix Division John F. Barry, former Minoco Productions executive who recently joined Young & Rubicam, is head of the advertising agency's newly cre- ated motion picture division which will be in charge of the production of films for theatrical, non-theat- rical and television purposes for the company's clients. No. 20 Outstanding Industry Personalities 3a*i 440*i ttatne' tUent — IF Film.land were a monarchy, here is its unchallenged Queen, with the very democratic name of Smith. Embarked on her stage career at the ripe old age of five. When eight years old, was already a veteran actress. Made screen debut in "Her First Biscuits" in very early 'teens. Soon became known as "America's Sweetheart" the world over. Wears imperishable diadem as one of the industry's truly greats. Tremendously versatile, as not only her stage and screen accomplishments testify, Ijut also her flare for radio and as an authoress. Above and beyond, she has been tagged by the sage and discriminating as one of the most able busi- ness personages in her profession. One of the founders of United Artists, and always a key factor in its affairs. H/5 job on the Paramount lot is to provide the necessary physical and artistic channels so that each of his company's pix or combination thereof will be the best show in town. In other words he's Paramount's vice-president in charge of studio operations. His wide and well-deserved reputation for being dynamic can well be traced to his profession, electrical engineer. Is graduate of Georgia School of Technology, Atlanta. First associated with Paramount when that company acquired S. A. Lynch Enterprises. Came to home office early in 1933, subsequently rising to post of vice-prexy in charge of theater opera- tions, and in 1938 to current (also appropriate for an electrical engineer) position. Has served with distinction as president of Association of Motion Picture Producers. ONE of those rare individuals deserving designation of Persistent Progressive or Perpetual Pioneer. Is ad-publicity director for RKO Radio. Journalist, screen writer, pro- ducer's representative, theater manager, mer- chandising expert, sportsman, — are among his skills and attributes. Credo is that there's always a better way of doing things, and that a boy shouldn't be sent to do a man's errand. Witness the tremendous power and scope of his film merchandising. Has host of "firsts" to his credit. Among them was his gearing of theater ad space in his locale to shout out loud, in contrast to the "pip-squeak" school of amuse- ment advertising then prevailing generally. They can easily be identified by referring to the 7944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOtl^VWOOD BLVD. Hazen's Leaving WB tffedive Saturday (Continued from Page 1) suggesting he was headed for an Army pose. In 1942, Hazen as the industry's liaison man, took an orien- tation course at t'ort LeavenwortJa, i^an. In trade circles yesterday, nowever, there was considerable speculation on Hazen's possible af- tiiiation with anotner company. Hazen, it was learned, had con- ferred with President H. M. War- ner following the latter's arrival irom the Ooast early this week, prior to submitting his resignation. Hazen had been re-elected a direc- tor at the recent stockholders' meet- ing and subsequently was renamea a vice-president. He has filled the latter post since 1937. The retiring WB exec, joined the company in 1927 on the legal siae, navmg been in the ofiice ot Thomas & I'riedman, prominent law firm, in recent years, Hazen has playea an important role in the industry's relations with the Department ot Commerce and the Department ol Justice. He served as trade liaison with the former in 1939 and subse- quently was a member of the legal committee which negotiated the New York consent decree. More recently, he has been the liaison between major company counsel engaged in new decree ne- gotiations and Tom C. Clark, Assis- cant Attorney General. There was lively speculation last night as to whether he would continue under some arrangement in the latter ca- pacity or whether he would be re- placed. Decree negotiations are fast approaching the decisive stage, it was pointed out. Should a new liaison be designed, trade circles mentioned Austin Keough of Paramount as the likely choice. Keough also has been a key man in the conferences. - Hazen's further industry service in late years has included member- ship on the so-called "Committee of Six," a legal group of three Eastern and as many Western lawyers es- tablished to study and revamp trade activities. * SHORTS * "Screen Snapshots" (No. 9— Series 23) Columbia 9'/2 mins. Fine Record of Pic History As its contribution to the observ- ance of the golden jubilee of the motion picture industry Columbj has put together a special release the ''Screen Snapshots" series shorts that carries tremendous in- terest for everyone, especially the old-timers, who will be overcome with nostalgia as scenes from the early films pass before their eyes. The footage offers a collection of well-selected film strips recording the development of the industry from the days of the Edison Kineto-! scope to the present. Among those seen are May Invin, John Rice, John Bunny, Flora Finch, Clara Kimball Young, Sidney Drew, Maurice Costello, D. W. Griffith, Bobby Harron, Lillian Gish, Lionel Barrymore, Mary Pickford, Harry Carey, Blanche Sweet, Mabel Nor- mand, William S. Hart, Ford Ster- ling, Mack Sennett, Wallace Beery, Gloria Swanson, Leatrice Joy, Ag- nes Ayres, Rudolph Valentino, Ja- net Gaynor, Charles Farrell, Al Jol- son, May Robson, John Barrymore,] Carole Lombard, Gary Grant, Rosa- lind Russell, Edward G. Robinson,] Irene Dunne, Humphrey Bogart, Jean Arthur, Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth, James Stewart, Hedy Lamarr, Mickey Mouse, Sam Wood, Robert Z. Leonard, Raoul Walsh, Irving Cummings, Richard Wallace, Edward Sutherland, Alfred Green, Edward H. Griffith, George Mar- shall, William Seiter, Cecil B. De- mille. Ralph Staub has done a good pro- duction job on the short, which should get a lively audience reaction. New Laws Will Restrict Suits by Stockholders (Continued from Page 1) against corporations have been signed by Governor Dewey. One bill bans suits unless the plaintiff was a stockholder at the time of the transactions he complains of, and the other provides that a plaintiff must own five per cent of the corpora- tion's stock or shares with a value of 150,000, unless he puts up secur- ity for court costs and attorney's fees. Asserting such actions have re- sulted in "great abuse and malodor- ous scandal," Dewey said "secret settlements — really pay-offs for sil- ence— have been the subject of copH mon suspicion." '■ To Talk Group Insurance Cincinnati — The Cincinnati Cin- ema Club will meet Saturday at the Variety Club, to discuss group in- surance covering health and acci- dent, for the entire membership. Ross Williams, RKO, is prexy. "Negro Soldier" Press Book A special press book on the 45- minute Army film, "The Negro Sol- dier," has been prepared by the WAC with the co-op of the SPG, and will be rushed to exchanges handling the film. ^^h^^ Malcolm S. Boylan Lillian Perrin i RiVEL WITH R05IE! . . . as she welds her way to Victory in a merry melee of wrenches and wenches! THE ^i'W^ BASED ON THE SATURDAY EVENING POST STORY "ROOM FOR TWO" BY DOROTHY CURNOW HANOLEY B RIVETER JANE FRAZEE FRANK ALBERTSON • VERA VAGUE FRANK JENKS •TlOYD CORRIGAN MAUDE EBURNE«CARL ^'ALFALFA'' SWITZER ARTHUR LOFT JOSEPH SANTLEY— Director SCREENPLAY BY JACK TOWNLEY-ALEEN LESUE I C P I C T U R Thursday, April 13, 1944 Crockett Urges New Attempt for Unity (Continued from Page 1) day between different branches of this industry cannot continue as it now is without many additional re- quests for both Federal and state control." Crockett said he felt that such control would be very harmful to the industry, but "with so many ex- hibitors only feeling what they con- sider unfair trade practices forced upon theni, such requests are bound to result." A consent decree, he continued, is necessary at this time to satisfy the Government and if a reasonably satisfactory decree were entered, it would restore the con- fidence of many exhibitors in their hope for an agreement setting forth fair trade practices. "Had unity's first effort been suc- cessful, the consent decree might have been abolished instead of re- newed," Crockett said. "I believe the failure of unity's first effort was due to the fact that some partici- pants at that time lacked the neces- sary faith or belief in the advant- ages to be derived from such a pro- gram by all branches of this indus- try." Commenting on W. F. Rodgers' recent statement regarding another unity attempt, Crockett said it not only reflected the tremendous amount of time and thought that he has given to the advantages of self-con- trol of the industry, "but looks into the future with the foresight of how this industry will be crippled and eventually stifled if legislative or Government regulation is forced or permitted to control its operation." RKO Out in Force at Party For Departing Joan Davis RKO Radio hosted a party for Joan Davis in the Cottage Suite of the Hampshire House yesterday af- ternoon, prior to her return to Hol- lywood. Among those present from RKO were: Ralph B. Austrian, Edward Alperson, Charles Boasberg, Arthur Brilant, Walter Branson, Leon Bam- berger, William H. Clark, Ned E. Depinet, Walter Derham, Frank Drumm, James Dunn, John Farmer, Harry Gittleson, Robert Hawkinson, Harold Hendee, Michael Hoffay, Malcolm Kingsberg, Harry Michaels, Harold Mirrick, S. Barret McCor- mick, Bob Mochrie, Rutgers Neilson, Frank Norman, Michael Pollet, Col. Richard Patterson, Jr., N. Peter Rathvon, A. A. Schubart, Sol Schwartz, Irving Shifrin, Terry Tur- ner, Garrett Van Wagner, Arthur Wille, J. Miller Walker, Maj. Les- lie E. Thompson, Gordon Youngman and Kenneth Umbreit. Jack Haley, Cy Wills, George Mat- thew Adams, Alton Cook, Burton Rascoe, A. 0. Dillenbeck, Otis Gurnsey, Jr., Lester Brody, Wanda Hale, Julia McCarthy, Jack Brian, L. L. Stevenson and Bill Vallee were among the other guests who also embraced editors and staffers of the industry press. • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Damon Runyon's improving fol- lowing an operation at Memorial Hospital. . . • Joe Shea's second bout with the surgeon was deferred 24 hours at Polyclinic. . . • Frank Rosenherg, Harry McWilliams and the Columbia exploiteers rate a doff of the lid for their "Cover Girl" job Latest feather in their cap is a nine-window display in a principal Kansas City dept. store, worked out with Loew's Midland- . . • John H. Harris has been re- appointed a member of the board of Western State Penitentiary by Gov. Edward Martin of Pennsylvania. . . • Jack K. Adams, founder of the Dallas exchange bearing his name, steps back into har- ness when his son and namesake dons a uniform. . . • Perc West- more, turning author, is completing a book on the art of makeup. . . • Prexy Nicholas Napoli of Artkino has set "No Greater Love" for a tour of the RKO met. circuit. . . • That check which Bridgeport, Conn., friends presented Morris Rosenthal on his departure to pilot the New Haven Poli has gone to the Red Cross . . • Is it news thot Louis de Rochemont's first feature assigiunent at 20th-Fox is "Boomer- ang," South Paciiic naval thriller by Com. William Chambliss, erst- while of the 20th-Fox exploitation dept.? ... • Add Alexis Smith to list of celebs, who will attend the May 3 local bow of Warners' "Adventures of Mark Twain" at the Hollywood. . . • N. Y. U., marks the 34th anniversary of Twain's death with Hall of Fame cere- monies on the 21st; Jesse L. Lasky and Fre.dric March will participate. • Phil Gravitz, New Haven Metro booker, is marking his I4th year with Leo the Lion. . . • Uncle Sam has tagged both Anthony and Donald Mungello who operate the Mary Ann in Burgettstown, Pa ▼ TV • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! Eastman Gives 300 Silent School Pix to EB Films A gift of 300 silent classroom films by Eastman Kodak Co. and plans for expanded production fa- cilities by Encyclopedia Britannica Films, Inc., were announced yester- day by Eastman and Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., following a meet- ing of the EB board. Robert M. Hutchins, president of the Univer- sity of Chicago, accepted the gift and pledged the co-operation of the University to the film company. William Benton, chairman of the EB board, noted that Britannica Film Co. is now in a position to of- fer both silent and sound teaching motion pictures. He added that pro- duction facilities are being expand- ed and that Stephen M. Corey, pro- fessor of educational psychology of the University, is on leave for full time work on production plans. E. H. Powell, president of EB, an- nounced that E. E. Shumaker will continue as president of the film company and that the encyclopedia's research facilities will be made avail- able to the film company. The Eastman gift of its library of instruction films signalizes its retirement from the teaching film field, Adolph Stuber, vice-president, revealed. He called attention to the late George Eastman's interest in the field, dating back to 1923, and the production of the nearly 300 Name Charles McDonald Field Chief for Wac Drive WPB Deferment List "Minor" Pix VidorY (Continued from Page 1) and printing labs are included as "programs under WPB authority" on the new critical list released Tues- day. Inclusion on this list, however, is a minor victory. The important work must be done in the field, Burrows explained. It is there that Selective Service officials must be sold on the importance of the work done by these youngsters. WPB field men will countersign applications for defer- ment for these workers, but even there it is the judgment of state and local draft officials which matters most. This whole setup was discussed Tuesday by Burrows, a group of film manufacturers and WPB and Selective Service representatives. The technical phases of procedure to obtain deferment was outlined to the industry representatives. In the meantime, the serious man- power situation has caused some concern at WPB regarding the pro- gram for production of 35 mm. booth equipment. The ban on expansion of civilian production quotas in la- bor shortage areas, announced yes- terday, will affect several manufac- turers of this equipment. It is not believed that it will be serious enough to cause a cutback in the ex- panded program which WPB is ex- pected to announce within another week for the remainder of 1944, but there is cause for concern. 11 lATSE Studio Unions Seek Five- Year Contract (Continued from Page 1) contact with state and area chair- men and has set up headquartei's at the War Activities Committee office in the Paramount Bldg. Eddie Dowden of Loew's publicity department will assume the role of public relations director in New York for the drive. Campaign is sched- uled for May 11-17. Alperson met in Washington yes- terday with Col. Oveta Gulp Hobby, director of the Women's Army Corps and worked out the details of the en- rollment drive. Others attending the meeting were Col. Curtis Mit- chell, Col. Jay Noel Macy, Harry Brandt and Harry Mandel. Arthur Pat West Dead West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Arthur Pat West, 55, veteran screen and vaudeville play- er, died in his home in Van Nuys. He leaves a widow and two daugh- ters. subjects to test the educational value of motion pictures. "It can now quite safely be said that the place of motion pictures in the field of visual education is firmly estab- lished," he concludes, "and the East- man Kodak Co. can bow out." (Continued from Page 1) with the film companies at the New York offices of Pat Casey, studio labor contact. The pact would re- place that which expired on Jan. 1. The producer representatives are expected to submit their answer to- day. Accord was reached yesterday on the question of seniority. Other than contract length the only other im- portant points still to be settled are group insurance and grievance ma- chinery. The possibility was seen yester- day that the conference would wind up this week. Agnew Back Next Week To Wind Up Para. Biz Neil Agnew, recently named sales chief for David 0. Selznick will re- turn from the Coast next week and spend several days at Paramount winding up several items of busi- ness which were unfinished when he stepped out as general sales man- ager. Charles Reagan will move into Agnew's office when the latter checks out. Dix in Columbia Series IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Columbia will star Richard Dix in a series based upon radio's thrill show, "The Whistler." Thursday, April 13, 1944 IMfl DAILY Distributors Stiffen Cliecicing Clause (Continued from Page 1) version, the phrase is dropped in favor of the specific "every hour." The changed clause, it is under- stood, will make its appearance in contracts which will be tendered exhibitors for the next company .flocks. " — Meanwhile, provisions of the new ''Revenue Act banning the frequently resorted to practice of switching ticket rolls in the box-office are slated for strict enforcement as a result of a ruling in a late Treas- ury Department decision. Import of such enforcement in checking is obvious. New York SPG to Name Carl Rigrod Successor Election of a second vice-president as successor to Carl Rigrod, who recenily left RKO Radio to join the Donahue & Coe agency, will take place at a general membership meet- ing of the Screen Publicists Guild of New York at the Hotel Piccadilly tonight. TO THE COLORS! * PROMOTED* JACK TURK, USA, formerly Roxy Theater, to corporal. VERNON HAMMER, USMC, formerly Roxy ser- vice staff, to corporal. WALTER CORWEY, USA, formerly assistant treasurer, Roxy, to corporal. * ARMY * IRVING JACOBS, supervising booker, M-C-M, (Pittsburgh. EDDIE MACHINS, head booker, M-C-M, Pitts- burgh. IRVING A. FEIN, advertising-publicity director, Jules Levey Productions, Hollywood. RALPR BANCHART, RKO publicity department, Chicago. • NAVY* JOHN M. DIVNEY, manager, Maine, Portland. ROBERT SUNDELL, chief of service, Loew's State, Syracuse. Governor Dewey Vetoes Ehrlich Child Actor Bill Albany — Governor Dewey has ve- toed the Ehrlich child actor bill. In disapproving bill he said: "The bill is so drastic in its breadth that it would permit em- ployment of children in many occu- pations concerning which there is great doubt in my mind as to wheth- er children should ever be employed. On the other hand, there seems no reason why children who possess unusual talents and where there is need for them to exercise those tal- ents, should be denied development and inspiration of participation. I recommend reconsideration of prob- "Soldiers Without Guns' For Public Exhibition Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Plans are under way now for the Army's two-reel film "Soldiers Without Guns," to be given public release through the WAG. Made originally as a morale film for civilian war workers,»it will be used in Army industrial installations be- fore being publicly shown. The film has also been seized upon by War Department personnel of- ficers for exploitation as an aid to the recruiting of civilian war work- ers for departmental jobs. lem and preparation of much more modest and safeguarded bill." Sciiine Arguments Hearing on April 24 (Continued from Page 1) accompanied by a temporary order which prevented Schine from acquir- ing any theaters without court sanc- tion and which directed Schine to dispose of 16 theaters it had acquired since filing of the Government's complaint. Six of the 16 theaters were sold, mostly to former opera- tors. Ten still remain in possession of the Schine chain and its attor- neys are now seeking modification of the divestiture clause so these houses need not be sold. R. C. Collections Show 251% Jump in St. Louis (Continued from Page 1) terday by Harry Arthur, chairman for the area. In his preliminary re- port to Joseph Bernhard, national chairman, Arthur revealed that the territory patrons contributed $161,- 595 in the recent campaign, com- pared with $45,164 last year. 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APRIL 14. 1944 TEN CENTS O'DONNELL WILL PILOT 5TH LOAN DRIVE iMore Exhib. Leaders Endorse New Unity Try I I j ;Wolcott is "All for It"; ;;Need Joint Action to Find a pommon Way — Reeve :i Endorsements of W. F. Rodgers' .^^recommendation for another try at ■h unity plan were made yesterday l^py Henry Reeve, president of the I'rexas Theater Owners, Inc., and "Leo F. Wolcott, president of Allied jrheater Owners of Iowa-Nebraska. * Wolcott said he was "all for it" il;ind had worked hard in the past to "ichieve it, but he admitted frankly :-;hat he was skeptical, because ^ 'those elements which scuttled irCJMPI are more firmly entrenched C;oday by top-heavy profits from -practices most unpleasant to the ''rank and file of exhibitors." ^ (Continued on Page 11) > _ 1894-1944 — Wol- irr riocally Needed' iPleas in D. C, L. A. Applications to have motion pic- J^ture distribution in Los Angeles and ^Washington designated as "locally 'needed" have been filed with the War : Manpower Commission, Leon Bam- ^berger, who is handling the matter ^for Ned E. Depinet, WAG distribu- ?tion chairman, said yesterday. Simi- - lar applications in other exchange I (Continued on Page 10) ^ _ 1894-1944 — ;Five-Year Pact Said Granted Studio Unions Agreement on a five-year contract reopenable after two years or at the end of the first should the Wage Stabilization Act be liberalized was understood to have been reached yesterday by spokesmen for the film (Continued on Page 11) machines Will Suh for Candy Counters Chicago — As a result of the acute labor shortage, one of the largest circuits in this territory is preparing to discontinue candy counters and will substitute automatic machines. THE INDUSTRY MARKS SO Years oi Progress "piFTY years ago, April 14, 1894, the first moving pictures were exhibited to the public and today every theater in the United States that shows a newsreel will be a part of the celebration of this event. To commemorate this golden an- niversary, each of the five news- reel companies have featured in their current releases nostalgic subjects which call attention to the birth of the motion picture industry. Only a few hundred people witnessed the first pictures that moved through the 10 Edison Kinetoscope machines set up in a reconverted shoe store at 1155 Broadway on that memor- able April date. Today, millions of moviegoers throughout the nation will see scenes of the early days and this contrast alone is indicative of the industry's great growth. In these days of pooling of sub- jects due to war conditions, the newsreel editors have shown great ingenuity in the variety of subjects selected for these fiftieth anniver- sary clips. For example, the M-G-M News of The Day reel carries 500 feet of nostalgic material featuring Arthur S. White, now 84 years old, first screen actor who appeared in (Continued on Page 7) Doubt UA Korda Stock Going to Seiznick IVcst Coast Buieau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Authentic sources here believe there is little possibil- ity of UA disposing of Sir Alexan- der Korda's stock to David 0. Seiz- nick. They point out that Gharles (Continued on Page 10) — 1894-1944 — FPC Reports Earned Surplus of $6,100,000 Toronto — Famous Players Ganad- ian Gorp. closed the year 1943 with an earned surplus of $6,100,000 af- (Continued on Page 6) WPB Asks So. Calif, indie Seating Survey Wrst Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — At the request of J. Walter Blair, representative of the War Production Board, officials of ITO of Southern Galifornia and Ari- ( Continued on Page 3) — 1894-1944 — Einfeld Arrives Today For Home Office Talks Gharles Einfeld, director of ad- vertising and publicity for Warners, arrives in New York today from the Goast for home office confer- (Continued on Page 10) New Basis for Arihur^s EDC Franchise Holders' Revenue from Exhibition Eight Dates Set for Coe; In Baltimore Wednesday Gharles Francis Goe, counsel for the MPPDA, will resume his speak- ing engagements for the industry in Baltimore next Wednesday when he will address the Advertising Glub on a subject titled "The Screen (Continued on Page 6) The motivating influence behind the formation of Exhibitors Distrib- uting Gorp. is to provide pictures for theaters on a basis never before attempted, it was said yesterday by Harry G. Arthur, founder of the project. The franchise holders of the new company, Arthur explained, would derive their revenue from ex- hibition instead of distribution, in- ( Continued on Page 11) John J. Friedl and Rich- ard M. Kennedy Will Be Associates in Campaign and National Robert J. O'Donnell, general man- ager of Interstate and Texas Gon- solidated Gircuits, Ghief Barker of the Variety Glubs, iaas accepted the post of general chairman for the industry's parti- cipation in the forthcoming Fifth War Loan, Si Fabian, chairman of the WAG'S Theaters Division announced yester- day. Associated with O'Donnell in the drive, which will take place June rqbert j. O'DONNELL 12-July 8, will be John J. Friedl, president and general (Continued on Page 6) — 1894-1944 — Exiiib. Anniversary Committee Forming Fifteen acceptances have been re- ceived from exhibitors to serve with Harold Fitzgerald, Fox Wisconsin Theaters, Milwaukee, on the Nation- al Gommittee to Gelebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Movies, it was announced yesterday by Glen AU- vine, secretary of the Eastern Public Information Committee. • Fitzgerald, as chairman, will have (Continued on Page 6) Buying and Boohing Combine for Philly? Philadelphia — Organization of an indie exhibitor buying and booking combine is under advisement by Al- lied's Eastern Pennsylvania unit, it was learned yesterday, in the wake of a meeting here on Tuesday. Sug- gestion that the possibility of launch- ing such a project be studied found support, it is understood, and sub- ject is expected to come up again at the next unit session. rifu DAILY: Friday, April 14, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 74 Fri., April 14, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, S516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, III., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FIl^AIVCIAL (.Thursday, April 13) NEW YORK STOCK Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2% Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Thd Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak do pfd Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO . .' RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. 20th-Fox ppf Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures Universal Picts. vtc. . . High MARKET Net Low Close Chg. ) 18 17% 18 4 191/2 1641/2 1 4 4 19'/2 191/2 — 1/2 641/2 1641/2 — 1 197/8 607/8 251/4 85/8 913/4 231/2 313/4 1021/2 1 121/2 BOND 195/8 193/4 60 1/2 605/8 251/8 83/8 913/8 251/4 — 83/8 — 913/8 — 231/8 233/8 313/8 313/8 — 021/2 1021/2 — 123/8 .123/8 — MARKET CURB 37/8 13/8 31/8 14 31/2 227/3 22 MARKET 37/8 37/8 13/8 27/8 137/8 33/8 13/8 31/8 + 1/4 137/8 — 1/4 _ 31/2 223/4 223/4 — 1/4 215/8 217/8 — 1/4 1894-1944 — Arbitrators Weighing SPG-Majors Decision Arbitration hearings on the wage clause in contracts betweem the Screen Publicists Guild of New York and the film companies had ended yesterday. A decision is ex- pected shortly. WANTED: Trustworthy secretary to publicity manager. Must be competent in telephone conversa- tion. Capable for all-round secretarial work — good opportunity for advancement. Salary $35.00 a week. In replying please state present position and past experience. Write Box 191, Film Dally, 1501 Broadway, New York City. Allied Head Lauds Metro For its "America Speaks" Tribute to M-G-M for its produc- tion and distribution of the "Amer- ica Speaks" series was paid to W. F. Rodgers by Martin Smith, pres- ident of Allied. "You did an excellent job," Smith said in a letter to the Metro sales chief, "in not only producing and releasing these subjects, but in se- curing such a record circulation for them. The result in money turned over to the American Red Cross speaks for itself. Please accept my heartiest congratulations." — 1894-1944 — NLRB Opens Hearings On Local F-51's Petition Hearings have opened before the NLRB on the petition of Local F-51, lATSE, AFL, for a new election for a bargaining agent to represent of- fice workers at the 20th-Fox ex- change. White collars at the com- pany's exchange are now repre- sented by the Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild, Local 109, CIO. Local F-51, which repre- sents all exchange office workers in this area who are under lATSE jurisdiction, disputes the right of SOPEG to speak for the white col- lars at the 20th-Fox local branch. — 1894-1944 — 20th-Fox Tenth Block Held to Two Features "Pin-up Girl" and "Bermuda Mystery" will comprise 20th-Fox's block 10, ■ it was announced yester- day by William J. Kupper, the com- pany's general sales manager. The films will be shown to the trade at all exchange centers from April 19 through 21. They are set for May release. — 1894-1944 — Metro Sponsoring Gossip Air Show in Detroit Detroit — M-G-M has signed a con- tract with WWJ for sponsorship of the radio gossip program broadcast at 12:40 p.m. by Herschell Hart two days a week. Hart, who is amuse- ment editor of the Detroit News for- merly did an evening broadcast of picture previews for M-G-M for 52 weeks, which ended in November. — 1894-1944 — B & K, Great States Report War Loan Sales Chicago — B & K reported the sale of War Bonds in the sum of $6,000,- 000 at its theaters. B & K em- ployes bought $125,000 worth of Bonds as personal investments. Great States Circuit reported the sale of $9,800,000 in Bonds during the Fourth War Loan drive, bring- ing the total sales for the two cir- cuits to $16,000,000. Local B-51 Raising Funds For N. Y. Labor War Chest Film Exchange Employes Union, Local B-51, which represents ex- change backroom workers in this area under lATSE jurisdiction, has opened its second annual fund-rais- ing drive for the benefit of the New York Labor War Chest of the La- bor League for Human Rights, AFL. The campaign will last 10 weeks. The executive board has named President Lou Johnson, Vice-presi- dent Lenard Brooks, Secretary Gerard Lee and Treasurer Harold Marenstein to represent the union at a meeting of special department locals of the 10th district of the lATSE to be held in Albany on Sun- day to elect a delegate to the con- vention of the Alliance, which opens in St. Louis on May 29. — 1894-1944 — 6,147 "Memphis Belle" Contracts in Two Weeks Contracts totaling 6,147 have been signed in two weeks for "The Mem- phis Belle," four-reel Technicolor OWI subject being distributed on a non-profit basis by Paramount, Charles M. Reagan, general man- ager of distribution, reported yes- terday. Picture opens today in 500 key city houses. All clearance has been waived so that the film will receive the widest possible circula- tion in the shortest possible time and WAC territorial committees are backing its showings. — 1894-1944 — Local 306, Operators, Elects Gelber Delegate The membership of Local 306, op- erators, has elected Herman Gelber, its president, and the following as its 12 delegates to the biennial con- vention of the lATSE to be held the week of May 29 in St. Louis. Samuel Kaplan, Benjamin Scher, Morris Kravitz. Harry Storin, Na- thaniel DoragofF, Charles Beckman, Herman Boritz, Joseph D. Basson, James Ambrosio, Edward Stewart and Frank Inciardi. — 1894-1944 — First U. S.-Made Pic for Rank Starts in 90 Days H'rst Coast Bureau oi THE FILM D 4ir V Hollywood — Although he would not disclose any details, Arthur W. Kelly, now associated with J. Ar- thur Rank, said the first American production to be made for Rank would go into work within 90 days. Kelly flew to New York last nigth. — 1894-1944 — Col/s Pix Anniversary Short on View Today Columbia's Screen Snapshots, No 9, Series 23, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the motion picture mdustry, will be featured on the programs of the nation's first- run theaters starting today, open- ing day of the industry's current celebi'ation. The reel was produced and directed by Ralph Staub cofliinc and coinc i Y. PRANK FREEMAN, Paramount studio chie leaves the studio today for a New York trip. J. J. SHUBERT is in Miami, returning in aboi 10 days. ' NAT WOLF, zone manager for Warner Theaj ters in the Cleveland territory, arrived in Ne York yesterday for a few days. E. Z. WALTERS, comptroller of Altec ^ „ vice, is back at his desk in New York followi^'J ' business trip to the Coast. ton iaii m C. I. CARRINCTON, president of Altec Sei' vice, has arrived in New York from Hollywood.! Call Sail TOM CONNORS and L. ]. SCHLAIFER will al mc tend the Chicago meeting of 20th-Fox distrie T salesmen's meeting Monday. — 1894-1944— >" Rushing Pension Plans Ik To Obtain Tax Benefits *^* iRa Film companies planning employ ■ pension plans are rushing to com 2'. plete their formulas to avoid th' j risk of forfeiting tax reductions L' The Treasury Department has warn , »,, ed all companies to file their pen:„' sion trust applications with the Bu' _ reau of Internal Revenue for quali ^' fication and that delay until late ii 1"^- the year might prevent the substan **■ tial tax reductions which are al ""= lowed. fif — 1894-1944 — Will DeVry to Speak at 50th Anniversary Party Chicago — Will DeVry will bfj"?^ among the speakers at the motior «i pictures' fiftieth anniversary partj '•'' at the Chicago Service Men's Cen- '^ ter this morning. His company wil' ^^■ present 80 five-pound cakes to the 8" soldiers and sailors attending the ceremony which will be presidec over by Mrs. Edward J. Kelly, wife b of the mayor and managing direc- iir tor of the Center. "' — 1894-1944 — To Arbitrate Krim Case \i m iriv: Detroit — Paul Voorheis, forme attorney-general of Michigan, has been named arbitrator in the case brought by the Krim Theater o Highland Park. Hearing has beenbn et for May 2 Ittio: fclj ij," April 14 . The Film Industry Claire Windsor Jane Weinberg Lee Tracy John Howard Ken Aneser George Schhiuger Roger Imhof -. , April 16 n ■ 9''3pl'n Fifi D'Orsay Paul Sloane Douglas McPhail :Friday, April 14, 1944 l3iS^ DAILY WPB Asks So. Calif. Indie Seating Survey :i (Continued from Page 1) :ona are conducting a survey per- taining to seating capacity, tSTPe of vperation and reaction of indepen- jnt exhibitors in 21 defense towns ' h acute defense areas in Southern California. Greater Los Angeles, jan Diego and San Bernardino are .imong cities included in the survey. They explained to Blair the runs •wned by independent exhibitors up- in which the operators had predi- ated their investment and stated hat in most instances patronage in .reas mentioned constituted not to xceed 40 per cent of their total ca- •acity, thus proving that new the- j.ters in most of the areas were not Jeeessary, that practically all of the heaters had no matinees except on laturdays and Sundays and that the eating capacity was being unused. ITO representatives have re- uested that after the survey has iCen made, if WPB insisted upon .lore seats in any given area, that he independent exhibitor in that ituation should have first right and rivilege to provide necessary seats. 'hey explained that independent perators did not want unnecessary leaters as "white elephants," exist- jig after war is over when normal jDnditions will be resumed. Robert |.[. Poole, executive secretary of ITO, jnd, Hugh Bruen will leave for j/ashington earlv in May for con- prences with WPB officials. — 1894-1944 — lormon to Speak in Wash, it Pix Jubilee Luncheon Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Francis S. Harmon, /■AC executive secretary, will key- 3te the special meeting Tuesday, of le Washington visual war workers, he luncheon meeting, at the Ho- il Washington, will be devoted to le "Fiftieth Anniversary of the ■otion Picture Art and industry." armon's topic will be "The Motion icture in the Service of Democ- icy." OWI pix chief, Stanton Griffis, >ill preside. "R. F. D." Al Rosenthal, assistant poster clerk in the Boston branch tells how dif- ficult it is to obtain help. One pros- pective shipping dept. applicant was interviewed by AI, who, incidentally, is a discharged veteran of World War II, in spite of his youth (he's 19 years old). "Do you know what R.F.D. stands for?" querried Al. The interviewee gulped for a min- ute then replied: "Why sure. That stands for Ranklin Felano Doosevelt!" P. S. The job is still open! TO THE COLORS! ^COMMISSIONED ^ I. H. YACKNESS, USN, formerly clerk Detroit Arbitration Tribunal, commissioned an en- sign. • NAVY* FRANCIS LIGHT, operator, Rosedale, Detroit. * U"? AAF * ALBERT BETHKA, RKO-Schine Keith's, Syracuse. Philly Allied to See How 20th-Fox Policies Work Out Philadelphia — Dissatisfaction with the attitude of 20th-Fox on so-called "must percentage and preferred playing time" was expressed at a meeting this week of Allied of East- ern Pennsylvania following presen- tation of the report of the special committee which had conferred here with Tom Connors and other com- pany executives. In addition, the report of another exhibitors' meeting with 20th-Fox was heard. From the floor, it was contended that prompt adjustments are not the answer to basic overselling. Some criticism was also voiced of proferred adjustment on 35-40c pix condition- ed on an agreed reasonable overhead for the theater. The general feeling was to await developments, and see how the poli- cies announced by Connors work out in practice. The committee was au- thorized to continue its efforts. Three routine amendments to the constitution and by-laws were ap- proved, and a report made on man- power, employment, and sei'vice maintenance in the territory. Forty-five theater owners, repre- senting and owning about 150 the- aters, were present at the session. Tom Connors, 20th-Fox distribu- tion chief, was absent from the city yesterday and hence unavailable for comment. — 1894-1944 — Defense Disputes Figures In Pickwick Trust Action New Haven — The defense yester- terday challenged certain figures of the plaintiff in the Pickwick anti- trust action against the major com- panies. The day was devoted to the questioning of William Cutler, ac- countant for Edward Peskay, who filed the suit over the alleged in- ability to get product for the Pick- wick Theater in Greenwich. The figures involved were those showing the actual operation of the house as against estimated figures for the period of April, 1938, to April, 1941, if the house had en- joyed the same unrestrained market such as RKO allegedly had when it operated the theater. — 1894-1944 — No Transfer Difficidties Cincinnati — Cincinnati exchanges report little or no transfer difficul- ties in shipping prints. While truck- ers are handicapped due to induc- tion of drivers, etc., the situation is being met and prints get through. Doyle Overseas for OWI Ross Doyle, M-G-M publicity city editor, reports to the OWI Monday for overseas service. Before joining M-G-M, Doyle was War Editor of the New York World-Telegram. He will be succeeded by Russell Stew- art, formerly of Warners. Metro Changes Screenings Metro has switched tradeshow- ings of "Three Men in White" from the 24th to the 28th, those of "Gas- light" from the 28th to May 5, and "Two Girls and a Sailor," set for projection room showings on the 24th, will be sneak-previewed in theaters instead the same night. No. 21 Outstanding Industry Personalities 3a*t MM iia*m tUe*K — SO much an integral part of motion pic- tures is he that much of their history is the history of himself. Came to the U. S. from his native Hungary at the age of 16. It took more than literal vision to see the possibilities in crude motion picture con- trivances. He had that vision which eventually elevated him to international renown from his initial enterprise, partner- ship with the late Marcus Loew in the penny arcade, and "their sense turned into millions." Developed many of the great cinema stars of the silent era, following his establishment of Famous Players Film Co. in 1912. Has always been a pivot, around which industry destinies have revolved. He is chairman of Paramount's directorate. Actually he belongs to all filmdom which reveres him deeply and tenderly. IiV your identification of this cinematic stalwart, don't be misled by the fact that his given name is Frank, and J. his middle initial. At 2 this writing, his most recent starring role was in "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Is one of the | industry's very top flight actors, an eminence 1 attained from a modest beginning, namely, participation in amateur productions in high school and while attending Iowa College, out 7 Grinnell way. Worked as a film extra for a ^ year and then grabbed a role in an indie two- reeler. Thereafter, his rise was meteoric. So '^g,,..^^..^ magnetic is his name in the celluloid J^ingdom that its very presence is virtually a gilt-edge y guarantee of huge grosses. Popularity in his profession is just as keen as among his millions l_ of fans. HE knows how to put the most into pic- tures. Therefore, knows how to get the most out of them. On the first count, he has written, titled and edited many screen offerings and directed a batch of others, his efforts having been in behalf of major and leading indie companies. On the second count, he is one of the trade's most potent promotionalists and occupies the niche of East Coast advertising and publicity solon for the House of Warner. Just missed having his birthday fall on Christmas, Santa having come down the chimney a matter of a day before the Stork. Possesses tremendous drive, fine judgment, and an infectious sense of humor. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18. N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. TRAP TALK- . x%^ .c^'* <# .€sn J^^' \^« # liAARj CHARLOTTE w/fh^HUBBARj^ ^X^!^-"' r^" ^^♦^ («5?* .> Based on Ihe Stage Success, "Up in Mabel's Room", by Otto Harboch and Wilson Collison • Screen Adoptation by Tom Reed • Directed by ALLAN DWAN • Released thru United Artists Friday, April 14, 1944 DAILY O'Donnell To Pilot Fifth Loan Drive JOHN J. FRIEDL (Continued from Page 1) manager of the Minnesota Amuse- ment Co., and WAC chairman of the Minneapolis Exchange Area; and Richard M. Kennedy, associated ■with R. B. Wilby in Alabama and Tennessee theater operations and WAC Exhibitor Chairman for Ala- bama. O'Donnell, who headed the Na- tional Copper Salvage Cam- p a i g n for the WAC last year, and who is Ex- hibitor Chairman of the Dallas Ex- change Area, ar- rived in New York yesterday to confer with WAC officials Leonard Golden- son, Francis S. Harmon, Oscar A. Doob, and John Plinn, WAC Hol- lywood Division Co-ordinator. Within the next few days O'Don- nell goes to Washington to meet with Theodore H. Gamble, head of the War Finance Committee of the Treasury, in a series of conferences to discuss campaign plans. Iowa-Nebraska Starts 5th Drive Plans Monday Des Moines, la. — Getting an early start on the Fifth War Loan drive, A. H. Blank, WAC chairman for Iowa and Nebraska, has called a meeting of Iowa exchange film man- agers for next Monday, to set up plans for the campaign. — 1894-1944 — FPC Reports Earned Surplus of $6,100,000 (Continued from Page 1) ter registering record operating profits of $1,348,450 equal to $3.13 per common share compared with $1,276,719 in 1942. Taxes totaled $2,434,124. State- ment listed $2,276,021 net working capital. IN NEW POSTS FENTON CRESSER, Samuel Coldwyn Studio pub- licity staff, Hollywood. FRANK LAMPE, assistant, Schines' Piqua, Piqua, O. DON HINES, chief of service, Loew's State, Syracuse. JOHN J. MacARTHUR, doorman, Loew's State, Syracuse. AMOS LEONARD, salesman, Paramount, Albany. JOE HARTMAN, salesman. Paramount, St. Louis. DICK SAWYER, manager, Happy Hour and Novel- ty, Syracuse. WILLIAM CRAINER, salesman, Monogram, Pitts- burgh. JACK FESHLER, assistant manager, Lyric, Bridge- port, Conn. JOE BERNSTEIN, shipper, Universal, Cleveland. ▼ T ▼ The Laff-Makers Meet • • • BANG-UP STUNT, that UA "Laif Makers of America" mid- night preview of Ed Small's "Up in Mabel's Room" at the Gotham last night before on audience comprising the creom of the country's comics Funsters of screen, stage, radio, the circus and even of the news- paper comic pages were there in force In fact, 'twould take a page or two to list the names, and. alas, there's paper rationing these days The fun started in the lobby mfh a broadcast over station WNEW. from 11:45 p.m. to 12 midnight Martin Starr, head of UA radio department, handled the microphones, and Senator Ford. Jimmy Durante, Milton Berle. Jay C. Flippen. Sophie Tucker, Fred and Paula Stone and Harry Hershiield all made radio "appearances". .... .Fol- lowing this, and amid much flashing of photographers' bulbs, a scroll was presented to George McManus of King Features, creator of Jiggs and the Bringing Up Father cartoon strip, by the Laff Makers of America. "Jiggs. as the Laff Maker of 1944" was the inscription on this impressive piece of parchment After this, the screening of "Up In Mabel's Room." (the "reel" business of the evening) was attended to ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • THIS AND THAT: Wait till you see the corking^ color pix illustrating "The Lion in Technicolor" in the next issue of Metro's "Lion's Roar" Gorgeous! ... • Have you noticed that display copy for the various Brandt circuit houses now carries the prefix, Brandt's"? ... # James S. Burkett reportedly is considering an of- fer from Anglo-American's Louis Johnson to produce his "Tugboat Annie" series in England And we've been hearing for months how British studio facilities are at a premium! ... % David O. Selznick fires his opening salvo {full page) in behalf of "Since You Went Away" in the May first issue of Life. . . • Sack Amusement Enterprises will distribute Spencer Williams' all-Negro religious fea- ture, "Go Down, Death.". . • PRC will book "Minstrel Man" to co- incide with theater dates of Benny Fields, who stars Early June premiere, probably in Milwaukee, is contemplated. . . # Spring is- sue of the Westsider, N. Y. business mag, is devoted to the film in- dustry's golden anniversary By -liners include Will H. Hays, H. M. Warner, Glen Allvine, Howard Dietz, Edmund Reek, George Dembow, Harold McGraw ▼ T T • • • CUFF NOTES: That popcorn shortage is getting tougher and tougher Circuits are already drawing heavily on reserves. . . • Astor Pictures has enrolled its entire staff in Group Health Co-op. . , .That Laff Makers stunt cooked up by UA in behalf of Edward Small's "Up In Mabel's Room" is too good to pass out of the picture after last night's midnight screenings at the Gotham Americans can stand a laugh or two these days. . . • Recommended reading: "Post-War Planning Now." latest transition study published by the N. Y. Joumol of Commerce Send a quarter for it to the Journal at 63 Park Row. • The Theater Guild marks its 25th anniversary next Wednesday. • Lt. Ragnar land — Jeffrey Lynn to Hollywood — is now a staff officer of a Mitchell squadron, based in Italy. . . • NBC telecasts from the cir- cus at Madison Square Garden tomorrow night and again on the two succeeding Saturdays. . . • Maj. William H. Clothier, former Hollywood cameraman, heads the Ninth Air Force combat camera unit which will cover the coming European invasion for the newsreels • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR!. ▼ T T Exhib. Anniversary Committee Forming (Continued from Page 1) the assistance of M. S. McCord, Lit- tle Rock; Harry F. Shaw, New Ha- ven; Frank H. "Rick" Ricketson, Denver; J. L. Cartwright, Tampa, Fla.; Frank Larson, Idaho Falls Ida.; Jules Rubens, Chicago; H. 7 I Jameyson, Wichita, Kans.; JomJ' Friedl, Minneapolis; E. L. Kuykea dall, Columbus, Miss.; Elmer Rho- den, Kansas City; Ben Amsterdam,! Camden, N. J.; George Tucker, A1-: buquerque, N. M.; Ed Fay, Provi- dence, R. I.; Fred Larkin, Sioux Falls, S. D., and John Danz, Seattle. Other acceptances are expected and will be announced shortly, the committee reports. — 1894-1944 — Eight Dates Set for Coe; In Baltimore Wednesday (Continued from Page 1) Turns Half a Century and Looks Ahead." On Thursday he will ad- dress the National Congress of the Daughters of the American Revo- lution in New York. Other engagements scheduled for Coe include Minneapolis, April 25; Kansas City, April 26; Dallas, May 4; Oklahoma City, May 5; Denver, May 10, and St. Louis, May 16. Themes will be keyed to the 50th anniversary of the industry. — 1894-1944 — "Uncertain Feeling" Rights to Guaranteed fi Guaranteed Pictures Inc., has ac- quired world-wide re-issue rights to "That Uncertain Feeling," a Sol Lesser production originally dis- tributed by United Artists. Com- monwealth Pictures Corp., will han- dle the 16 mm. distribution. THEATER DEALS I T & J Theater Corp., headed by Jeanne Ansell, has leased the Tif- fany Theaters, Tiffany St., Art, Southern Blvd., both in the Bronx and Manhattan, Manhattan, on a long-term basis. Spanish films will make up programs at the Art and Manhattan theaters, while the Tif- fany will continue English-language programs. Berk and Krumgold ne- gotiated the leases. Rankin, Pa. — David Fineman and Robert Lieber, heretofore theater managers for the Fineman & Sha- piro Circuit, have taken over the Ritz Theater here, formerly oper- ated by A. Sleisinger. The theater has been closed for renovation and repairs and will reopen by May 1. Tacoma, Wash.— Fred Gamble has taken over the Rex Theater, former- ly operated by Martin Steffin. Friday, April 14, 1944 m ByuiY Film Industry Marks 50 Years of Progress Today Theaters oi Nation Join In Golden Jubilee Thru Special Newsreel Subjects (Continued from Page 1) •'The Life of An American Fire- man," Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, i'»l^idow of the Wizard of Menlo Park, I -fid Will H. Hays, MPPDA presi- dent, as well as Lillian Russell, glamour girl of the gaslight era, and Teddy Roosevelt with his Rough Riders. Movietone News chose scenes of the Prince of Wales in , 1903, Broadway and the horse car PASS THIS ALONG Editorial writers and motion picture editors of your home town newspapers will be interested in this tabloid chronicle of the in- dustry's early days, and THE FILM DAILY is glad to make it available to them for such reprint or comment use as they may elect. '' in 1896, fashions of the era, sports events and other early scenes. The Universal Newsreel traced the early ' developments of the movies, show- ing a film made in Edison's fam- ous "Black Maria" studio. Gentle- man Jim Corbett boxing with Mr. Courtney, suffragettes marching for their ballots and the belles in the Easter parade at the turn of the century. Paramount News spans the 50 years of motion picture progress with scenes of the early Kinetoscope movies, "What Demoralized the Bar- ber Shop," shots of McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt as well as show- ing the part motion pictures have in the present war, with a forecast by President Barney Balaban on the shape and functions of movies in the post-war period. Pathe News restores to view historic films from the Library of Congress archives, including Broadway in 1896, the .funeral of President McKinley, Ted- dy Roosevelt's inaugural parade and scenes of William S. Hart, Clara Kimball Young, Charles Chaplin and Pearl White. 50 Years of Progress I The brief history of motion pic- I'tures which follows gives ample rea- ; son why every one in the industry should be proud of the progress made j during these 50 years. I As early as 1830, scientists had ; experimented with devices for re- :ording motion in progress — there was the Periphanoscope, the Zoe- I trope, the Zoopraxiscope and other machines — but it was not until Thomas A. Edison had perfected his i Kinetoscope and George Eastman had i leveloped flexible film that motion j pictures were ready to be shown to ' ;he public. The 10 Kinetoscope ma- ! ;hines, which had been intended for j jxhibition at the World's Fair in j Chicago in 1893, were not finished j n time so the first exhibition was lelayed until April 14, 1894. Curi- j )usly enough, the first opening was I preview, a custom in vogue today. Andrew M. Holland, who was the NOTABLE DATES IN FILM ANNALS 1894 — First showing of motion pictures in Edison Kinetoscope. Site was a former shoe store, at 1155 Broadway, N. Y. C. 1896 — First censorship: Delorita's "Passion Dance" banned in Atlantic City. 1897 — John P. Harris and Harry Davis open the first Nickelodeon, in Pittsburgh. 1902 — First "Electric Theater" opened in Los Angeles; admission 10 cents. 1903 — Edwin S. Porter, an Edison cameraman, stages the first film story, "The Life of an American Fireman"; then followed "The Great Train Robbery," the first suspenseful plot, forerunner of the adventure film. 1905 — Three brotiiers, Harry, Sam and Jack Warner buy a projector and a print of "The Great Train Robbery," and go into the roadshow exhibition field. 1907 — ^Exterior shots of William N. Selig's "The Count of Monte Cristo" are filmed in Los Angeles — the first West Coast production. D. W. Griffith turns to the screen from the stage, develops new film methods, including the closeup, flashback, fade-out and dissolve. 1909 — First color motion picture in Kinemacolor process, introduced in London by C. A. Smith and Charles Urban and later shown in New York. 1913 — The first "sex" picture, "Traffic in Souls," produced for Universal — costs $5,750 and grosses about $450,000. 1914 — The first deluxe movie palace opens — The Strand Theater in New York City; Mack Sennett produces the first feature length comedy, "Tillie's Punctured Romance," with Charlie Chaplin and Marie Dressier. 1915 — "The Birth of a Nation," produced by D. W. Griffith, opens in Los Angeles under the title "The Clansman." 1916 — Charlie Chaplin signs contract for $10,000 a week plus bonus of $150,000; Adolph Zukor signs Mary Pickford for two years with a guarantee $1,040,000, plus bonus of $300,000— flowering of the fabulous movie salary era. 1918— Industry's first daily newspaper, "WID'S, now THE FILM DAILY, appears on May 8. 1922 — ^Will H. Hays resigns as Postmaster General to organize the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, following unfavorable publicity and scandals involving film stars; Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation demonstrates new product, stock listed on New York Curb. 1924 — Lee iDe Forest makes two-reel talking film of Lincoln's Gettysburg address. 1926 — Warner Brothers, show "Don Juan," using sound, at New York premiere; RCA also perfects sound film device. 1927 — Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences formed in Hollywood; "The Jazz Singer," starring Al Jolson singing and speaking one line of dialogue, is a sensational success. 1940 — k''Cone With The Wind" in its first release period rolls up unprecedented domestic gross of $23,500,000 (estimated). New York concessionaire, Alfred 0. Tate, Edison's secretary and his brother Bertram, had the machines set up in the reconverted shoe store and had gone to the Holland House to have their dinner. As they studied their menus they looked out of the window and saw a crowd of curious people looking at the exhibit. Tate thought it would be a good idea to open the show long enough to get supper money so the three men folded their nap- kins and went across the street to start the first motion picture show in history. Opening the show was simple enough but closing it was an- other matter. The crowds kept com- ing until three o'clock in the morn- ing and when the exhibit was finally closed there was $120 in the till and a new industry had been started. The First Picture Show The first picture show consisted of two rows of five Kinetoscope ma- chines each, and for a peep into one row the customer paid 25 cents. If he liked the bits of vaudeville acts, Fred Ott's sneeze and other clips made at Edison's famed "Black Maria" studio, he could pay another quarter for a look into the other five machines. This Kinetoscope Parlor opened up the field for peep shows which sprang up in various parts of the country. It was not until April 23, 1896, how- ever, that the first moving pictures were thrown on a screen in a the- ater. On that date Thomas Armat's projector, the Vitascope, projected Kinetoscope pictures on a screen at Koster and Bial's Music Hall, Her- ald Square, New York. Within a few years traveling showmen were peddling motion pic- tures at street fairs, medicine shows and picnics in one hamlet after an- other. A scramble started to ob- tain equipment which was expen- sive and scarce. In 1902, Thomas L. Talley of Los Angeles inaugurated his electric theater devoted entirely to the showing of motion pictures. Soon after John P. Harris and his partner Harry Davis opened up a Nickelodeon in Pittsburgh and the three Warner Brothers, opened a theater in Castle, Pa. Nickelodeons became the rage everywhere and in a year there were 5,000 of them op- erating in the United States. There were over 100 in Pittsburgh alone. Carl Laemmle, opened two theaters in Chicago in 1906 thus getting his start in the motion picture business. With so many Nickelodeons in op- eration, the problem of supplying pictures became an important one. In 1903 Edwin S. Porter, an Edison cameraman, staged the first film story, "The Life of An American Fireman," which he followed with the famous "Great Train Robbery." The First Studio A tar-papered shack, which was erected on the Edison lot in West Orange, N. J. at a cost of $637.67, was the first motion picture studio in the world. Dubbed the "Black Maria" it was an open-air, black- lined stage built to revolve on a cir- cular rail so as to take advantage of sunlight for photographic pur- poses. Most of the early pictures were produced by Edison, Biograph, and Vitagraph. The latter was formed by Blackton, Smith and Rock in 1899 and they did their filming on the streets or on roofs of build- ings. Biograph used 400 arc lights to film the Jeffries- Sharkey fight at Coney Island on Nov. 3, 1899, that film being the first made under ar- tificial light. Some of those to get into early Outline oi Developments From First Nickelodeon To Talking Pictures production were George K. Spoor and William Selig of Chicago and Sigmund Lubin of Philadelphia. The development of the Cooper-Hewitt mercury vapor lamps made indoor studio shooting possible about 1906 when Biograph opened a studio at 11 East 14th Street. New York. The Biograph company in 1906 and Selig in 1907 were the first producers to invade Los Angeles. An 11-year war between Edison and Biograph ended in 1908 and these two leading producers joined with George Kleine, Vitagraph, Lubin, Selig, Essanay, Pathe, Kalem and Melies to form the Motion Picture Patents Company. Then came the war of the produc- ers. The independents, outstanding of which was Carl Laemmle and his Imp company, started raiding the star ranks of the licensed producers by offering large salaries. This was the beginning of the star system. Up to that time the names of the players were not used in publicity, the stars being known simply as the Biograph Girl or the Kalem com- edian. The Patents Company Exits In 1917 the Supreme Court ended the life of the Patents Company and it was at this time that a group of leading exhibitors formed the First National Exhibitor Circuit and went into production on their own ac- count. Chaplin, Pickford, Constance and Norma Talmadge and Thomas Ince were signed to make pictures for them. Before that the Keystone Company with Mack Sennett, Mabel Normand and Ford Sterling was or- ganized in 1912. The same year Adolph Zukor acquired the rights to "Queen Elizabeth," starring Sarah Bernhard and the era of the feature picture began. D. W. Grifiith revolutionized the production of pictures with his "co- lossal" production of "The Clans- man" in 1915. This picture better known as "The Birth of a Nation" cost upwards of $100,000 a huge sum in those days but insignificant in comparison with the $3,000,000 pictures of today. The great era of the silent pictures came at this time and with it such companies as Famous Players-Lasky Corp., Metro, Fox Film Corp., W. W. Hodkinson, Robertson-Cole, Selznick, Cosmopol- itan Productions formed by William R. Hearst and other producing or- ganizations. Array of Early Stars These companies developed fam- ous stars, including Douglas Fair- banks, Wallace Reid, William S. Hart, Dorothy and Lillian Gish, Mary Pickford, Wallace Beery, Thomas Meighan, Gloria Swanson, Florence Vidor, Mae Murray, Ru- dolph Valentino, Lon Chaney, George Arliss and Milton Sills, to name a few. Among the outstanding films of this period were "Tillie's Punctured (Continued on Page 10) I J*; K0' ■I' r-x. WALT DISNEY'S Pull Length Feature Production SnowWhite and tke SEVEN DWARFS IN MULTIPLANE TECHNICOLOR Distribofed by RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC. BOOK "THE MEMPHIS BELLE". TECHNICOLOR SAGA OF OUR AIR HEROES. ITS THE INDUSTRY'S PROUDEST OFFERING. It's the same old sensational success story everywhere! . . . In NEW YORK the Manhattan Theatre draws milling crowds amazing even for crowded Broadway. First week's business positively FABULOUS (Ask us for the almost unbelievable figures!) ... In OMAHA the Brandeis cracks all opening records to spearhead the success of a great area premiere . . . Likewise in the ROCHESTER area showing. Two theatres were needed in Rochester for the opening (and they could have filled a third). Century Theatre run phenomenal ... In SYRACUSE, the Paramount hits a new opening record, and the other theatres in the area hit a dizzy pace ... In the BUFFALO area premiere, the Twentieth Century Theatre opening hangs up a new record for paid admissions, with business everywhere else outstanding . . . In PROVIDENCE, with a Good Friday near-record open- ing, week end and subsequent business is soaring to the box-office stratosphere . . . Guess we'll be hearing the same from all the openings and holdovers this week and next from everywhere. Ho, hum, isn't it great to give everybody such a treat? -^■m K *•*"& ^^! 10 : W'VdaiLY Friday, April 14, 1944 rr Locally Needed" Pleas In D. C, L. A. (Continued from Page I) centers are being prepared as rap- idly as possible. The "locally needed" designations already have been granted in Phila- delphia and Pittsburgh. — 1894-1944 — B & K Stockholders to Meet Chicago — Annual meeting of B & K stockholders will be held next Tuesday. Einleld Arrives Today For Home Oiiice Talks (Continued from Page 1) ences on the launching of "The Ad- ventures of Mark Twain" and other Spring and Summer releases. — 1894-1944 — Final Briefs in Century Suit Final briefs in the injunction ac- tion brought by the Century Cir- cuit in an attempt to prevent the Empire State M. P. Operators from dissolving were submitted yesterday to Judge William R. Wilson in Kings County Supreme Court. The suit was an outcome of the merger of Local 306, operators, and Empire. Murphy Funeral Rites Will Be Held Tuesday The body of First Lt. William Murphy, brother of John Murphy of Loew's, who was killed when his fighter plane crashed at Napa, Cal., last Saturday, will arrive in New York tomorrow. Funeral will be held Tuesday morning from the home of his mother, Mrs. Lillian Murphy, 85-30 165th St., Jamaica, followed by a solemn requiem mass at 10 a.m. in the R. C. Church of the Immacu- late Conception, 178th St. and Wex- ford Terrace, Jamaica. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Dry Harbor Road and Metropolitan Ave., Queens. Doubt UA Korda Stock Going to Seizniclc ON ITS 50th BIRTHDAY. •• A LIGHT FOR THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY'S ANNI- VERSARY CANDLE Fifty years ago — on April 14, 1894 — the Motion Picture Industry was born in Holland Brothers* Kinetoscope "parlor" on New Ysrk's Broadway. From this humble beginning has grown an industry that is literally the eyes and the cars of the world — bringing to all mankind through schoolroom and theater a new concept, a better understanding, a more comprehensive hope and a more purpose- ful drive for a better and a higher Global standard of living. DeVRY is proud of the 31-year role it has played with the Industry. Proud that since 1913 — when the late Dr. Herman A. DeVry built his first motion picture pro- jector— the company which he founded has been an acknowledged leader in the contribution of inventive genius and skilled production toward that technical ad- vancement without which today's master- pieces of motion, sound and color would be im- possible. Today, DeVRY is applying the know- how gained in its 31 years of optical and electronic pioneering to the building of motion picture sound equipment and secret electronic training devices to speed Victory. When Peace returns, DeVRY will again be first with the finest in motion picture sound equipment — "E"-quipment that gets its name from the Army-Navy "E" for production excellence pennant under which it is being devel- oped. Meanwhile, DeVRY takes this opportunity to felicitate the Motion Picture Industry on iti Golden Anniversary and to wish it many happy and prosperous returns of a significant day in World history. DeVRY CORPORATION, 1111 Armitagc Ave., Chicago 14, Illinois. BACK THE ATTACK— BUY WAR BONDS Star awarded for cootin- ued excellence in the pro- duction of motion picture aound equipment. Y (Continued from Page 1) Chaplin, who has been at business odds with Selznick, would be sure to oppose such a move while Mary Pickford, one of the founders of UA, has a sentimental as well a! financial interest in the company and would not be inclined to sell her holdings. Deal with Korda calls for pay- ment of $1,000,000 in cash. Previous high mark for a UA interest was $650,000, the amount paid several years ago to Art Cinema Corpora- tion. It is understood that at board of directors' meeting Wednesday, Arthur W. Kelly entered a protest on behalf of Chaplin who contended UA should not buy the Korda stock but allow it to be sold to an outside party. The money will be paid to Korda by United Artists Prods., a UA subsidiary which was the out- growth of Walter Wanger Prods, which was owned 100 per cent by UA. Although it is considered only a formality, cabled approval is ex- pected from Korda today and au- thentic sources declared the "deal is 95 per cent certain." — 1894-1944 — Film Industry Observes Fifty Years of Progress (Continued from Page 7) Romance," with Charlie Chaplin and Marie Dressier, D. W. Griffith's "In- tolerance," "The Serpent," starring Theda Bara, "the Miracle Man," "Orphans of the Stonn," "The Cov- erad Wagon," "Ben Hur," "Prisoner of Zenda" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." On Nov. 25, 1924 the first Techni- color picture, "Toll of the Sea" was shown and two years later sound broke through the screen. Although Edison had worked out a combination phonograph and projector years be- fore, and sound pictures on film had been demonstrated by Lee DeForest in New York's Rivoli' theater in 1923. It was not until 1926, on Aug. 6, at the Warner theater in New York that sound really arrived. It was then that Warner Brothers' "Don Juan," synchronized with a musical score on discs was presented to the public. This was followed by "The Jazz Singer" and the fabulous era of mo- tion pictures began. — 1894-1944 — NSS Places Its Facilities At Service of Wac Drive y U Distributors in World's Principal Citiet WORLD'S MOST COMPLETE LINE OF MOTION PICTURE SOUND RQUIPMENT National Screen Service has again placed its facilities at the disposal of the motion picture industry, this time in the interests of Women's Army Corps Recruiting Week, May 11-17. All accessories, trailers, post- ers, burgees and other material for use by theaters in conjunction with the enrollment drive, will be made available through NSA. Friday, April 14, 1944 ^ 11 DAILY More Exhib. Leaders For Unity Attempts (Continued from Page 1) cott expressed the opinion that those interests would not give up those practices in the interest of unity. "Real unity of thought and pur- ose would be a Utopia if it could e achieved," Wolcott said. Reeve said that the thought Rodg- : ers has had on the subject for some time was a right one. "As we see it," he said, "the ob- ; jective cannot be realized by a group ; of exhibitors meeting and deciding : on certain needs and demands, not . a group of producers and distribu- \ tors setting up what they feel should be proper. A combined representa- I tion joined to find a common way, a ; mutual answer to the problems that ■ face us all are the right moves. We had best try for it, at least, if we are to survive in this very vital I and great industry." — 1894-1944 — Dr. Deer Stibs for Spoor Chicago— Dr. E. R. Deer of the : Hays office will substitute for . George Spoor, who is ill, as speaker . at the Chicago Better Films Coun- ! cil meeting today. Five- Year Pact Said Granted Studio Unions (Continued from Page 1) companies and the 11 lATSE stu- dio locals who have been huddling at the New York offices of Pat Casey, producers' labor contact, since March 6. The time lapse would be figured from the expiration date of the old pact, Jan. 1 of this year. The negotiations are expected to wind up this afternoon after the question of grievance procedure is settled. It has been decided to de- fer further discussion on the matter of group insurance for members of the lATSE studio unions until the return of their representatives and studio labor contacts to California. Later in the day, following the termination of the negotiations with the lA unions, the company repre- sentatives are scheduled to go into a huddle with James C. Petrillo, head of the American Federation of Musicians, on the demands of stu- dio musicians, who belong to the basic-agreement group of studio unions. — 1894-1944 — Ralph Abbett lU Seattle — Ralph Abbett, manager for Monogram Pictures, is ill as a result of a leg infection. Two Film Stars to Appear In Cadet Nurse Corps Pic Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Two HoUywod stars, Dorothy McGuire and James Brown, will appear in a one-reel film fea- turing the U. S. Cadet Nurse Corps, it was announced yesterday by Dr. Thomas Parran, Surgeon General of the U. S. Public Health Service. The film now known as "Reward Unlim- ited," will be released May 25, by the WAC. Other screen players who have contributed their services to the picture include Aline McMahon, Spring Byington, Tom Tully, and Jackie Jenkins. — 1894-1944 — Gov't Officials See "Main Street Today" Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — "Main Street To- day" the M-G-M short dealing with the manpower problem opened its Washington premiere here last night at Loew's Palace Theater with Manpower Director Paul V. McNutt, Under Secretary of Navy James V. Forestal, and Under Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson, the 12 Regional War Manpower directors from throughout the country and lo- cal and nearby State officials and civic leaders in attendance. Artliur Co. to Supply PIx on New Basis (Continued from Page 1) asmuch as the franchise holders will be leading exhibitors in each terri- tory. After the product has played in their own theaters, the pictures then will be available for other houses. While Arthur would not identify any of the franchise holders at the present time, he indicated that there would be nothing to prevent af- filiated circuit partners from becom- ing members of the organization. The country is more than 60 per cent sold as to franchises. The enterprise calls for a par- ticipating arrangement right down the line, from producer to exhibi- tor. Arthur said the company would be open only to the biggest produc- ers, directors and players in the business and that bids for participa- tion had been made by top names in the industry. The company, he said, would assist in the financing of the pictures. The organization will be in a position shortly to start supplying 12 pictures a year. M p 1= i^cnDUCT I c:ns 2n W4A-TH ST NYC 2 I ST FL ^' 0^ //^-^^Z A'jraP- ^gCOR«>5 <^'^ A51H5- //. \ ^USHEP T< ,..m:.-^ai^a^-- THe-TR'^^ ''i^- '/') ■^^> n. iest Pict-- t aCoU ^-l^rj Morti.- M^^^ ^J A Doots open \NttK Contir^ou^-,;-,;; Pricey. OlAO AD fR"" "TAe industryj (jroutJejt ojfermg 'The Memphis Belle' (schntoolor saga o/ our air heroes. Boofc it ?iow!** ot.o^^ luiimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old rOL 85, NO. 75 NEW YORK, MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1944 TEN CENTS ALL-INDUSTRY POST-WAR PARLEY URGED Defendants Win Verdict in Pickwick Trust Case Greenwich Theater Loses $5,000,000 Action After Judge Directs a Verdict New Haven — A verdict in favox- of the defendants was rendered Fri- day in the $5,452,575 anti-trust ac- tion brought by Prefect Theaters, Inc., operating the Pickwick The- ater, Greenwich. Federal Judge Carroll Hincks directed the jury to find for the defendants after the plaintiffs had completed their testi- mony. Edward Peskay, head of Prefect, filed the triple damages suit against the eight majors, Monogram, Repub- (Continued on Page 7) Bing Crosby Prods. Closes 1-Pi( UA Deal West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — United Artists has closed a deal with Bing Crosby Pro- ductions, Inc., for the release of "The Great John L." Crosby is president of the new organization and Frank Mastroly and James Edward Grant will produce the picture. Grant au- thored the story, and production will stai't no later than June 1 at Gen- eral Service Studios. Frank Tuttle will direct. Del Webb, prominent Phoenix (Continued on Page 7) Kalmenson Makes Five WB Field Appointments Ben Kalmenson, general sales manager for Warner Bros., an- nounces five new appointments in the sales department. Ray Smith, former salesman, has (Continued on Page 2) Loew Stoehholders Convene on June 6 Annual meeting of stockholders of Loew's, Inc., has been set for June 6 at the home office. Ratification of a proposed pension plan for em- ployes and the election of directors are expected to highlight the agenda. liUA WILL RETIRE KORDA'S STOCK Company Ownership to Remain in Hands of Pickford Prods., Vanguard Prods, and Charles Chaplin Personally West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Deal whereby UA ac- quired Sir Alexander Korda's stock for $1,000,000 was formally con- summated in London Friday. Korda's entire block of stock will be placed in retirement, leaving the corpora- tion ownership in hands of the Pick- ford Corporation, the Vanguard Corporation and Charles Chaplin personally. According to a statement by Ed- ward C. Raftery, UA prexy, refer- (Continued on Page 7) Sam Wood to Direct, Produce Play Here Sam Wood will arrive in New York within the next three weeks to make arrangements for a theater to personally produce and direct "Crail's Apothecary" in which he will star K. T. Stevens, Columbia's newest star who will be seen here shortly in "Address Unknown." Based on a magazine story by Lupton Semour, this tome was (Continued on Page 8) RKO Calling in 7% Pfd. At $110 Plus on June 15 Entire issue of RKO Corp. seven per cent cumulative convertible pre- ferred stock will be redeemed on June 15, it was announced following a board meeting last week. Redemp- tion price is $110 per share, plus (Continued on Page 2) Wallls Says Reports Of Deals Unfounded While a flood of offers have poured in on Hal B. Wallis since the Warner announcement of the abrogation of his contract — a contention which the producer questions — any report of his alignment with another company thus far is without foundation, Wal- lis told THE Film Daily Friday on his arrival from the Caast. Wallis, who expects to remain in (Continued on Page 8) Goldman Moves to Appeal In Philly Anti-Trust Suit Philadelphia— The William Gold- man anti-trust suit against War- ners and the majors was pointed towards the U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals Friday when William Gray, counsel for Goldman, filed notice to (Continued on Page 2) Pay Tilt tor Studio Unions Reclassification, Paid Vacations Granted Tele Technical Advances Highlight SMPE's Parley Television's technical advances will highlight a symposium on that sci- ence at the opening sessions today in the Hotel Pennsylvania of the three- dav 5.5th semi-annual conference of SMPE. Foremost film industry tech- nicians will hear papers by Thomas (Continued on Page 6) A five per cent wage boost for the rank and file of film workers belong- ing to the 11 lATSE studio locals was foremost among the concessions won by the unions in their talks with company spokesmen for new con- tracts to replace those that expired on Jan. 1, it was learned on Friday when the terms of the new agree- ments were disclosed at the close of negotiations at the New York office (Continued on Page 7) Plan Now, Einfeld's Idea; Believes Producers Should Take Initiative in Matter A round table conference among all branches of the industry for the purpose of mapping post-war plans was advocated at the week-end by Charles Einfeld, director of adver- tising and public- ity for Warner Bros., who ar- rived here from the Coast on Fri- day. Einfeld point- ed out that most of the other ma- jor industries al- ready were set- ting their courses for post-war plan- ning and he as- CHARLES EINFELD gg^tgd that the motion picture business should do (Continued on Page 2) Name Wac Recruiting Advisory Council A Motion Picture Industry Advis- ory Council has been created by Chairman Edward L. Alperson in connection with Women's Army Corps Recruiting Week, May 11-17, (Continued on Page 7) Film Carriers Will Ask For More Equipment Appeal to the proper Government agencies for the release of sufficient equipment and supplies to properly (Continued on Page 6) Diational Allied Meet Switched to May 24-25 Philadelphia — Dates for the an- nual meeting of National Allied's di- rectors here have been switched from May 17-18 to May 24-25, it w;s disclosed Friday. * POST-WAR TO BRMNG RECORD FiLM ATTEiVDAJVCE, SAYS WfHL e. BAYS— Tl/RIV TO PAGE 7 * m Monday, April 17, 1944 DAILY Vol. 85, No. 75 Mon., April 17, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher cominc nno come DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER 8. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at ISOI Broadway. New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, iSOl Broadway. New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28. Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred man. The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardout St W I HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco. Vir'tudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio C.alindo. Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FI]\A]\CIAL i (April 14) NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . East. Kodak do pfd 1 Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20Hi Century-Fox. . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. NEW YORK H gh Low Close 141/2 141/2 141/2 — 195/8 19% 19% + 81 181 181 ' + Net Chg. - 1/8 Monogram Picts. . Radio-Keith cvs. . . Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Picts. vtc. 60 1/2 25% 8 1/2 911/2 231/2 31% CURB 4 1% 31/4 141/8 31/2 22 60% 6OI/2 — 25% 25% + 8I/2 8I/2 + 911/8 911/2 -I- 233/8 23% .. 31% 31 3/4 + MARKET 3% 4 ^- 1% 13/8 ■ 31/8 31/4 -I- 133/4 141/8 -t- 31/2 31/2 . 213/4 22 + ARTHUR W. KELLY arrived in New York from the Cssst over the week-end. NATE J. BLUMBERG left Friday for the Coast. MITCHELL LEISEN arrives today from the Coast; he returns by May 1. DAVE EPSTEIN plans to leave for the Coast Wednesday. CHARLES P. SKOURAS is staying East for several days. MAURICE GRAD, director of sales promo- tion, leaves today for a tour of Columbia's West Coast exchanges in connection with the com- pany's "Dates to Win" campaign as well as other sales and liquidation matters. He will spend five weeks visiting Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Denver. E. T. COMERSALL, assistant general sales manager of Universal, and A. J. O'KEEFE, the company's Western division sales manager, are due back today from Florida. BEN LORBER of the Universal insurance de- partment is on a 10-day trip to New Orleans and Memphis. RODNEY BUSH, 20fh-Fox exploitation mana- ger, returned Friday from Boston. BOB KAUFMANN of the 20th-Fox exploitation dept., returned Friday from Norfolk, Va. SAM KESTENBAUM of PRC has returned to !he home office from Washington. BUSTER CRABBE leaves Washington today for New Orleans and from there goes to the Coast. NORMAN H. MORAY, Warners' short subject sales manager, returned to New York over the week-end from a Western and Southern tour lasting about a month. LEO SPITZ left for the Coast Friday. HAL WALLIS arrived Friday from Holly- wood. JOE BEZAHLER, of Metro's home office sales department, returns today from a week's vaca- tion. M. E. MOREY, Monogram home office execu- tive, has returned to New York from Philadelphia and leaves today for Boston. A. A. WARD, vice-president and general man- ager of Altec Lansing Corp., has arrived in New York to attend company conferences and the SMPE convention here. LOYD AVRIGHT, film attorney is expected today from Los Angeles. HERB iBERC returns to his UA desk from Flori- da today. HOMER SNOOK, saTees manager of RCA's Theater Equipment Section; H. ). BENHAM, commercial engineer; and R. H. HOLLEY, of the styling department, are back in Camden, N. J., headquarters after business trips in the Middle West. KARL BRENKERT, president of the Brenkert Light and Projector Co., was in Camden, N. j. for conferences at RCA's Theater Equipment Sec- tion. E. W. AARON, M-C-M circuit sales head, is due back late this week from a vacation in Asheville, N. C. Goldman Moves to Appeal In Philly Anti-Trust Suit (Continued from Page 1) appeal from the decision of Federal Judge William H. Kirkpatrick which found for the defendants. Judge Kirkpatrick in a 17-page decision found no proof of conspiracy by the majors. Goldman had asked $1,- 350,000 triple damages, predicatf upon his claimed inability to obta first-runs for his Erlanger. l) I\EW YORK THEATERS % John Lowell Named Clerk Of Tribunal in Detroit John L. Lowell has been appoint- ed clerk of the arbitration tribunal in Detroit, replacing Irvin H. Yack- ness, who has joined the U. S. Navy. Lowell at one time was clerk of the Milwaukee tribunal. Capt. Benjamin Overseas Capt. Robert S. Benjamin, for- merly of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamm & Krim, is on a mission overseas for the Army Pictorial Service. WANTED: Trustworthy secretary to publicity manager. Must be competent in telephone conversa- tion. Capable for all-round secretarial work — good opportunity for advancement. Salary 535.00 a week. In replying please state present position and past experience. Write Box 191, Film Daily, 1501 Broadway, New York City. Urge All-Industry Post-War Parley (Continued from Page 1) likewise. While he was not pre- nard to speak for any one branch of the industry, Einfeld indicated that the producers should take the initiative in such an enterprise. Matters such as the continuation of services now rendered to the Gov- ■^rnment by all branches of the busi- ness after' the war should be deter- vnined before hostilities cease, Ein- feld said. In other words, when the war is over the question will be "Where do we go from here?" He insisted that the industry should be organized to cope vdth a new era that is bound to materialize with the coming of peace. Einfeld said that the quality of oroduct coming from all companies was the highest in history and that business was at its peak despite the fact that almost 10,000,000 persons in the armed forces could not be considered revenue-paying custom- ers. Because the coping: of neace may create a new situation, it be- comes doublv important for the in- -iiistry to be prepared for condi- tions, Einfeld said. During his stay in New York. Einfeld will discuss promotional nlans for some of Warner Bros.' top-flight forthcoming product, in- cliidine; "Saratoga Trunk." "Rhap- sodv in Blue" and "The Adventures of Mark Twain." A meetine of Warner district managers will be held in New York on April 26 to consider sales plans for these pic- tures. RKO Calling In 7% Pfd. at $110 Plus (Continued from Page 1) accrued dividends of $1.46. As at June 30, 1943, there were 14,300 shares outstanding, less 6,871 shares eliminated on consolidation of ac- counts, with a balance sheet value of $472,900. Retirement reduces RKO capital stocks to 128,170 shares of six per cent preferred, less 4,000 shares in the treasury, and 8,000,000 shares of $1 par value common stock, of which 2,873,053 shares were out- standing on June 30, 1943. -RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL SOth St. fr 6th Av*. RITA HAYWORTH-GENE KELLY "COVER GIRL' Gala Stage Show - Symphony OrchMlra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle (-4600 in Technicolor PARAMOUNTS "LADY IN THE DARK" In Technicolor In Person XAVIER CUCAT AND SAND DEAN MURPHY PARAMOUNT /a'oA"E Kalmenson Makes Five WB Field Appointments (Continued from Page 1) been promoted to branch manager in Albany, succeeding Paul S. Kru- menacker, who becomes city sales manager in Pittsburgh under B. F. (Dinty) Moore. Jerry Wechsler, who has been city sales manager in Pittsburgh, goes to Boston in the same capacity un- der Bill Horan. In the home office, I. F. (Mike) Dolid has been formally promoted to succeed A. W. Schwalberg as super- visor of exchanges. Dolid will be assisted by Bernard Goodman, who is being promoted to assistant su- pervisor of exchanges. All changes become effective today. Ralph Clark takes over the spe- cial sales and contract duties for- merly handled by Dolid. ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS "UNCERTAIN GLORY- IN PERSON: TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAND OPENS 9 A.M. B'WAY fr 47th St. BUY BONDSI HUMPHREY B06ART IN WARNERS' PASSAGE to MARSEILLE ''\^JZ.'' HOLLYWOOD Opens 10 A.M. - B'way Sist B WAY & '47th St. Anna NEAGLE • Richard GREENE a YELLOW CANARY' HELD OVER — 2nd WEEK ON SCREEN 1st N. Y. Showing ^NONE SHALL ESCAPE' with MARSHA HUNT m PCRSOM ALLAN JONES Happy FEITON Dick iUCKlEV Addtd AHrottleit CANADA LEE N tt You and your Twentieth Century- Fox pictures f" III "SHAME ON YOU, LEO!" "Sorry folks, I knew it was terrific, but now 1 see that it's COLOSSAL, too! O ^^ "TWO GIRLS AND A SAILOR" with Van Johnson, June Allyson, Gloria De Haven, Jose Iturbi, Jimmy Durante, n oriP Allen Lena Home Harry James and His Music Makers with Helen Forrest, Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra wkh Una Ro'mav Tom Drake, Henry Stephenson, Henry O'Neill, Ben Blue. Carlos Ramirez, Frank Sully. Albert Coates. Donald Meek Amparo Novarro, Virginia O'Brien, Wilde Twins . Original Screen Play by Richard Connell and Gladys Kan .A Mmo-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture . Directed by RICHARD THORPE • Produced by JOE PASTERNAK A FRANK STATEMENT REGARDING CHANGE OF TRADE' SHOW PLANS FOR u TWO GIRLS AND A SAILOR" Last week we advertised it for trade-show screenings in Projection Rooms in all Exchange centers on April 24th. THEN CAME THE PRINT FROM THE COAST! It's the Greatest Musical of years! IT'S TOO BIG FOR A PROJECTION ROOM! {So We've Cancelled the Projection Room Screenings) IT WILL BE TRADE-SHOWN IN THEATRES! SAME DATE, APRIL 24^\ BUT AT NIGHT! WATCH FOR FURTHER DETAILS IN LETTER FROM YOUR M-G-M EXCHANGE! H'wood Film Colony Raises $644,557 for R. C. West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — With 22,715 subscrip- tions, members of Hollywood film colony raised $644,557.35 for the American Red Cross, which exceeds last year's total by $171,000. Outstanding Industry Personalities 3a4t 4fxut nxsAm tUent — "Mark Twain" Benefit Preview A benefit preview of "The Adven- tures of Mark Twain" at the Hol- lywood Theater, the night of May 2, under auspices of the Madison Square Boys' Club, will precede the Broadway world premiere of the Warner Bros, production. No. 22 SCREEN literature knows him as production head of 20th-Fox. Literature dealing with the screen in wartime knows him as author of that sizzling film record of our desert campaign's early phases, "Tunis Expedition." Personal saga in the conflict might be appropriately titled: "From Major Film Exec To Signal Corps Colonel." Went on the Army's inactive list in '43 to return to production duties. While visit- ing California with his parents, he sneaked away to earn 50 cents a day acting in the rapidly developing movies. He did some development of celluloid art himself by fostering, imme- diately after sound's advent, a new batch of stars for Warners. Then came 20th-century Picture, and subsequent "marriage" with Fox. Throughout the trade is justly regarded as a genuine genius. A REAL pioneer in exhibitor organization affairs, this gentleman is president of Allied States Association of Motion Picture Exhibitors and once was vice-president of the MPTOA. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Cornell and served 18 months in the U. S. Navy during World War I. He was born in Toledo where he operates five theaters with James A. Reidler and two with Skirball Brothers. Back in 1933 he resigned as president of the MPTO of Ohio to head the Independent Theater Owners of that state and he still holds that post, his re-election each year having become a tradition. WHILE lot o' folks in the exhibition field concern themselves with screen games as part and parcel of their programs, the gentleman pictured here is uniquely concerned with Check- ers in same field. He's prexy of Ross Federal Service, Inc., and Ross Federal Research Corp. Appropriately, he has had a checker-ed career, having run the gamut from food products, musical instruments, theater operation, film salesman, and motion picture executive. Now his sales and service organization has more than 30 branches and employs in excess of 3,000 workers. One industry alma mater is Para- mount, where he was assistant sales manager under Sidney R. Kent. Out where the tall corn grows is his birthplace. Oskaloosa, la. Missed by a matter of hours being born on the Fourth of July a la George M. Cohan. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. • • • LOW-DOWN: Here's the low-do¥m on the exit of 'Tour Girls in a Jeep" from the Roxy at the end of its second week Theerter's deal with Paul Whiteman's ork is responsible Under the commit- ment, the house must take Whiteman when ovailable That's this week And so the change of bill, with "BuHalo" on the screen and Whiteman on the stage Incidentally, 'leep" plus the Bich- man-Apollon-De Marcos stoge show, did $98,000 in the first Roxy week and the second's gross looks like SLOO.OOO Easter gross was a house record for Easter Sunday ▼ TV m m 0 THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Mimi Brown's Red Cross blood bank campaign at Loew's netted 76 donors during the last few weeks. . . • Bill Berns, erstwhile film commentator of WNEW, now in the Army, has been upped to T/3 and is heading for the School of Special Service at Washington & Lee University next month. . . • Didja know that Sam Marx has set Donald Crisp, Elsa Lanchester and Nigel Bruce for top roles in "Son of Lassie"? ... • Samuel French has published a dramatization by RKO's Emmet Lavery of "Murder in a Nunnery," from the Eric Shepherd novel. . . • Pfc Lee Francis Ruttle, USMC, former manager, director and producer, has graduated from the Camp Elliott Training Center Anti-Tank School. . . 0 If Leo Carrillo can get a six-months' leave from Uni- versal, he'll be seen in a new musical, "Very Early California.". . • Ben Feiner, Jr., transfers today to the CBS tele dept. as general programming assistant and director-writer. . . • Andrew Stone has already set "Sensations of 1946" for UA's 1944-45 program ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR Tele Technical Advances Highlight SMPE's Parley (Continued from Page 1) T. Goldsmith, Jr., director of re- search for Allan B. DuMont Labo- ratories, and Sherman Price, of Filmedia Corp., New York. Goldsmith's topic is "Recent Tech- nical Advance of Television," and Price's "The Scientific Approach to Television Program Production." Session this morning also includes discussion of the spectacular "Gun Sight Aiming-Point Cameras," by Capt. E. M. Watson, Army Air Forces, Wright Field, Dayton, 0. A special film taken in a plane during combat will illustrate the subject. Salient among group of papers at afternoon session will be that of T. W. M. Schaffers, of North American Philips Co., describing a new 35 mm. projector with new light source. Other papers will be presented by Harry R. Kimball of M-G-M's Coast studios; M. S. Leshing and T. M. Ingman of the 20th-Fox lot; Faurest Davis and Cyril F. Harris of Lock- heed Aircraft's plant, Los Angeles; W. R. Strauss, North American Philips Co., New York; and L. H. Walters of National Theatre Sup- ply's Cleveland branch, whose topic is "Some Factors in Drive-In Thea- ter Design." Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith and Clyde I R. Keith will chairman the morning Film Carriers Will Ask For More Equipment (Continued from Page 1) maintain essential film delivery by motor truck will receive considera- tion at the annual meeting of the National Film Carriers at the Aster Hotel May 15-16. Carriers across the country are reporting growing shortages of equipment, parts, tires and gasoline, vidth the situation fast reaching the point where alleviation will be a "must" if there is to be no break- down in service. A committee representing the dis- tributors will meet with the carriers at a luncheon on the second day of the meeting. New officers will be elected at the closing session. James P. Clark of Philadelphia is president- treasurer, Thomas W. Gilboy of 'Frisco is vice-president and Clint Weyer of Philadelphia is secretary. 20th-Fox May Re-issue Unit Chicago — "The Rains Came" and "Under Two Flags" will be 20th- Fox's May re-issue unit in this ter- ritory. and afternoon sessions, respectively, and Herbert Griffin, SMPE president, will deliver the address of welcome to delegates. W. C. Kunzmann is vice-president in charge of confer- ence arrangements. Monday, April 17, 1944 ^1^ DAILY 11 lA Studio Unions granted 5% Pay Tilt I (Continued from Page 1) 'at Pat Casey, producers' labor con- itact, who conducted the huddles. The hike brings total wage increases ac- corded the workers to the 15 per t>3§[t maximum allowable under the XJtle Steel formula. Affected are some 12.000 studio workers. [ Other benefits granted bv the com- nanies after negotiations that lasted for six weeks were two weeks' va- cation with pay, re-classification and upgrading of workers in certain brackets and recognition of the se- I niority principle. The last not only j makes it possible for a worker to retain his seniority riehts despite lav-offis but protects the iobs of those called to the colors. The ne- gotiators recognized the need of I changes in the groun-insuranee pro- visions to prevent loss of accrued benefits when a worker moves from one studio lot to anothei". However, they ae-reed to settle this matter on the Coast. Demands That Were Rejected Extra nay for location work, holi- days with pay and paid sick leave were chief among the proposals I turned down by the companies. I All contracts, which are retroac- j tive to Jan. 1 of this year, exnire j Jan. 1, 1949, and are reonenable I every two vears or at fhe end of the first year in case the Wage Stabili- zation Act is liberalized, with the I maximum not to rise above 25 per ; cent. [ The nossibility was seen on Fri- dav that the War Labor Board mieht take as much as two months before handintr down a decision on the ac- cord bptween the unions and the I comnanies. TTie contracts are sched- uled to be signed todav at Casey's offi'*e. TVo benefits obtained bv the 11 IAT«E locals will accrue also to stiidio workers bploncinsr to the Con- 1 ferpnce of Studio Unions and the basic-acreement g-ronn. In fact, the concessions eained bv ea^h oi" thp fbrpo gronr)s of unions will be sharpd bv t>>e other two. Asrreements with the Conference and basif-agreement "•"oups were reached earlier. Amono- th^m the three e-rouns of studio unions represent some 20.000 work- ers. The comnany representatives are William Travis William Holden Arthur Lake Raymond Gallagher ). S. Ward Anne Shirley Biggest Picture Attendance to Come After the War, Hays Tells Directors of MPPDA Motion picture audiences after the war will come fr:m every corner of the world in numbers never before dreamed of, Will H. Hays, MPPDA president, pre- dicted at an adjourned meeting of the board of directors on Friday, hiays said the studios were developing new story-telling methods which will be as revo- luticnary as the flash-back and the lap dissolve of the early days. He as- serted that significant technical advances made during the war would be re- flected in the pictures of tomorrow. Hays, in his report to the board, reviewed the history of motion picture exhibition, his report coming on the 50th anni- versary of pictures as an entertainment institution. Defendants Yidors in Pi(l(wi(l{ Action (Continued from Page 1) lie, Skouras Theaters and Fox Met- ropolitan Playhouses in April, 1941, charging inability to get product for the 2,000-seat Pickwick until several months after first-run in Stamford and Greenwich. On the opening day of the trial, March 7, Peskay testified that the clearance schedule for the Pickwick was 14 days after Stamford and seven days after Portchester, which in reality, he said, became 30 to 40 days after Stamford. Because of the clearance situa- tion, the plaintiffs alleged that the theater had been losing $25,000 a vear for six years and that a profit of $40,000 could have been earned in 1940 if there had been free com- petition. Case was considered an interesting one because the Depart- ment of Justice was reported to have nlanned to use the theater as its "guinea pig" in prosecuting the in- dustrv some years ago. At one time, a deal whereby Loew's was to have taken over the house fell through. The directed verdict came on the 20th day of the trial. The defense was prepared to call a number of witnesses this week. .Judge Hincks said he felt no conspiracy or anti- trust violation had been proven. Attomevs for the defense included Richard Morgan, Paramount; John Caskey. 20th-Fox; Harry Pimstein, RKO; Stanley Thomnson and Ben- iamin Melniker. Loew's. J. F. Ber- "V, Hartford attorney, worked with •:he defense legal staff. WB Signs Met. Diva Patricia Munsell, youthful Met- "ODolitan Opera star, has been placed ■^nder long-term contract by Warner Bros. scheduled to confer this week with James C. Petrillo. head of the Amer- ican Federation of Musicians, on the demands of studio musicians, the - only group under the basic-agree- ment for which negotiations are still to be completed. It was verified bv Petrillo on Fri- day that he is asking for permanent musical aggregations of 35 mm. men for all major studios. Casey will return to the Coast as soon as the Petrillo talks are ended. Most of the union and studio rep- resentatives who came on from the Coast for the labor conferences went back home over the week-end. UA To Piace Korda's in (Continued from Page 1) ring to consummation of the Korda deal, "this should end once and for all rumors that United Artists was for sale." It has often been printed in various publications that British interests were to take over the UA holdings starting with that of Korda. Acquisition of the stock by UA, which has been in existence for more than 25 years, will have no bearing on a change in policy or management. Ume Wa( Recruiting Advisory (ouncii (Continued from Page 1) with 32 trade leaders invited to serve. They are: Joseph Bernhard, Barney Bala- ban, Nate Blumberg, Jack Cohn, Tom J. Connors, Oscar A. Doob, Gus Eyssell, Si Fabian, Leonard H. Gol- denson, Ben Kalmenson, Harry Kal- mine, Carl Leserman, Abe Monta- gue, Rodney Pantages, N. Peter Rathvon, Charles Reagan, William P. Rodgers, Eddie Rubin, George J. Schaefer, Joseph M. Schenck, Nich- olas M. Schenck, Edward Screiber, William A. Scully, Si Seadler, Grad- well L. Sears, Spyros P. Skouras, Edwin Silverman, Kenneth Thom- son, J. R. Vogel, H. M. Warner, Richard F. Walsh and Peter J. Wood. Bmg Crosby Productions Closes One-Pic UA Deal (Continued from Page 1) financier, is associated with Crosby in his new venture. Tt LClRTi L I3C1RTH W I CK 2U W4 4X±1 ST N"" V d /dil^ Monday, April 17, H Wallis Says Reports Of Deals Unfounded (Gintinued from Page 1) the East for about 10 days, said that he expected to be joined here today by his counsel, Loyd Wright, who also is coming on from Holly- wood. Any statement on the status of his contract with Warners, Wal- lis said, would have to await Wright's arrival. "Frankly, I'm here for a change of scene as much as anything," Wal- lis said. "Naturally, I have received several proposals for deals, but I have also given some thought to in- dependent production. It is possible I may reach a decision as to my course before I return to the Coast, although at the present time, I doubt that." Trade reports. West and East, have linked Wallis' future variously with David 0. Selznick, with 20th- Fox, with Metro and with Interna- tional, the Spitz-Goetz producing company. Louis B. Mayer and Leo Spitz currently are in New York and it is taken for granted that Wal- lis will see both while East. /^ I s I — rr Chi. Ceremonies Mark Films' Golden Jubilee Chicago — Colorful ceremonies in celebration of the 50th birthday of motion picture exhibition were held here on Friday at the Chicago Ser- vicemen's Center. Participating in the commemorative program were State and city officials, together with reps, of producers, exhibitors, actors, equipment manufacturers and ser- vice men and women. To the members of the armed forces was entrusted the lighting and extinguishing of the 50 candles on a 50-pound birthday cake which was the gift of the DeVry Corp., pioneer equipment manufacturing firm, whose founder, the late Her- man A. DeVry, played a vital part in industry progress. Mrs. Edward J. Kelly, wife of Chicago's mayor and chairman of the Chicago Servicemen's Center, presided at the ceremonies. DAILY Moses Succeeds Rigrod As N. Y. SPG Vice-Prexy Vivian Moses of RKO Radio has been elected successor to Carl Rig- rod as second vice-president of the Screen Publicists Guild of New York. Rigrod resigned his SPG post when he quit the RKO Radio publicity department to join the Donahue & '^MJp In Arnns'^ Tops in Arwtn's Theaters RKO's Goldwyn production, "Up in Arms," led the box office procession in War Dept. theaters in March, the Army Motion Picture Service re- ported at the week-end. Other three top draws, in order of finish were Warners' "Passage to Marseille," Co- lumbia's "Cover Girl" and Loew's "The Heavenly Body." Rev. Brendan Larnen, O.P., Named to L of D's Staff The National Legion of Decen- cy announced Friday that Bishop Keough, chairman of the Episcopal Committee on Motion Pictures, vdth the approval of the New York Arch- diocesan Chancery Office and the Very Rev. Terence S. McDermott, O.P., S.T.Lr., Prior Provincial of Saint Joseph's Province of the Order of Preachers, has appointed the Rev. Brendan Larnen, O.P., assistant ex- ecutive secretary of the Legion. Father Larnen, a member of the Order of Preachers, is presently as- sociate editor of the Holy Name Journal. Sam Wood fo Direcf, Produce Play Here (Continued from Page 1) readied for filming last year ani when Wood joined Columbia unda an independent set-up, "Crail's Apo| thecary" was set at the top of^ list. Since then Wood have beeli*,/ fered $100,000 for all rights to tb story by William Goetz of Interna tional Pictures, Inc., with the pra^ viso that Wood woduld direct it. For sometime Wood has content plated directing a play on Broadwa and only last week concluded tha in this story he had a vehicle tha would justify his initiation as stage director. Wood is currently in the fina stages of directing "Casanovi Brown" for International, co-star ring Gary Cooper and Teres: Wright. Greenblatt in Philly Arthur Greenblatt, special home of fice representative for Monogram is pinch-hitting for Sam Rosen Monogram's Philadelphia brand manager, who is ill in Mt. Sina Hospital, Philadelphia. iBiimate in Character international in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -^DAILY OL 85, NO. 76 NEW YORK. TUESDAY. APRIL 18. 1944 TEN CENTS CLARK READY FOR DKJTRIB. DECREE TALKS Forecast Post -War Cuban Theaters for Majors Move Results from Growing Opposition by Mex. Pix; 4 19 Mex. Distribs. Operate By MARY LOUISE BLANCO FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent Havana (By Air Mail) — Probabil- ity that U. S. majors in Cuba will build iirst-run sbow windows in Hav- ijana as soon as war's end releases building material is seen by local in- dustry leaders as a result of the _ -growing opposition of Mexican and other Spanish language motion pic- tures. Cuban audiences have gone so wild (Ccntinued on Page 6) Ask 675 Projectors In Last Half of Year Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Authorization for the production of a greatly increased number of projectors and sound sys- tems for domestic theatrical use during the remainder of this year is expected momentarily at WPB. Per- mission has been asked by Allen G. Smith of the Theater Equipment Section and by John Eberson and (Continued on Page 6) Georgia Storms Delays Film Deliveries Slightly Atlanta — There was damage to theaters in the storm area of Geor- gia and South Carolina and but very slight delay in the delivery of some films. The Constitution Theater service (Continued on Page 7) Curfew Change Would Make Exhihs. Liable Milwaukee — If the Common Coun- cil adepts a recommendation of its Judiciary Committee, the city cur- few ordinance will be amended mak- ing theater operators liable to a fine ranging from $10 to $100 and up to 30 days in jail for violations. Ordinance forbids the presence of minors under 16 after midnight. Drive'in Theater Construction Boom Seen for Cities and Towns in Post'War Period At least one drive-in theater will be constructed in every good-size town and city in the U. S. during post-war period, L. H. Walters, manager of National Theatre Supply's Cleveland branch, asserted yesterday afternoon to SMPE's 55th Semi-Annual Ccnference delegates in an address titled, "Some Factors In Drive-In Theater Design." Proof that drive-in idea has come of age, Walters said, is evidenced via atti- tude of major film exchanges. Until a year ago a drive-in had to take whatever pix it could secure. "Now we find that exchanges have acknowledged their success and are supplying these theaters with films of greater entertainment value." The NTS exec, said that immediately after the war new and improved loud- speakers would be introduced, eliminating possibility of "spill-over" sound annoy- ance in communities where houses closely adjoin theater. Eagle-Lion's Plans Stand, Says Kelly The production and distribution plans originally announced for Eagle-Lion Pictures remain un- changed and the J. Arthur Rank or- ganization eventually will have its o'vvn exchange system in this coun- try, Arthur W. Kelly, president, said yesterday upon his return from Coast conferences. Kelly admitted that (Continued on Page 11) Jack L. Warner Heading East to Join WB Toppers IVcst Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Jack L. Warner is leaving for New York about May 1. With Harry M. Warner and Charles Einfeld already there from the stu- ( Continued on Page 11) Close Wat(h On Tele Being Kept by SMPE strong participation of SMPE in the currently evolving technical plans for post-war television was cited yesterday by Dr. Alfred N. Gold- smith, consulting engineer and a past-president of SMPE, and now vice-chairman of the Radio Tech- nical Planning Board. He commend- ed the Society for its television ac- ( Continued on Page 7) Petrillo and Producers Will Parley Next Week Negotiations between the film companies and James C. Petrillo, head of the American Federation of Musicians, on a new agreement for (Continued on Page 7) PA News Programs for Tele Filmedio to Produce; Inaugural Next Month 20th-Fox and Roxy Buy "The World's Front Page' In a further expansion of the film company's radio activities T^wen- tieth Century-Fox and the Roxy Theater have signed a one-year con- tract with station WMCA under which they will jointly sponsor in (Continued on Page 7) Presentation of news programs, offered by Press Association, Inc., radio affiliate of the Associated Press, will be inaugurated probably starting next month by television stations, it was disclosed yesterday by Sherman Price, of Filmedia Corp., which firm is now discussing a deal for making a survey of tele- ( Continued on Pagfr)3Jj j_ 5 Government's Future Course Depends on Out- come of These Parleys Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The Department of Justice has completed its study of the distributor and exhibitor pro- posals for a new consent decree and is ready to explore the matter in de- tail with the distributor-defendants, Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark said yesterday. Departure of Joseph H. Hazen, who resigned last week as a WB vice-president, from the negotiations has occasioned some delay in the setting of this meet- (Continued on Page 7) Walter Brown Named Assodate to Harmon Walter T. Brown, former executive secretary to ex-Governor Herbert H. Lehman of New York, has joined the War Activities Committee as a full-time associate to Francis S. (Continued on Page 11) Brandt Named Co-director In Field for Wac Drive Harry Brandt will serve as co- field director with Charles B. Mc- Donald in the Women's Army Corps (Continued on Page 7) Play New Selznick Pic On Roadshow Basis WeH Coast Buy., THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — David 0. Selznick's "Since You Went Away" will be played on a roadshow basis in all theaters where it is booked, ac- cording to a joint announcement by Gradwell L. Sears and Neil Agnew who have been conferring here for the past week. Dates and details of the exhibition schedule are now being set and will be announced shortly, but it was indicated that the new Selznick production will be handled in a manner generally simi- lar to procedure which rolled up for Selznick's "Gone With the Wind" the greatest gross in industry history. ! =3^ A fg SNCl I ± DHCinti cl cl W >1 3 I M HltlHEl 3 '■JU[)3 U Cf'V DAILY: Tuesday, April 18, 1944 Defer Hearing in Attack on Quebec Kid Admission Law Vol. 85, No. 76 Tues., April 18, 1944 10 Cents (OHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON — Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St , W. I. HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— FXeen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FI]\A]\CIAL ^ (.Monday, April 17) ^ NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High low Close Chg. Am. Seat 143/4 143/4 143/4 Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) 18 18 18 4- % Columbia Picts. pfd.. 421/2 413/4 421/2 + 1% Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.... 193/4 193/4 193/4+ Vs East. Kodak .164 I621/2 I621/2 — 2 do pfd Cen. Prec. Eq 193A 193^ I93/4 + 1/4 ioew's, Inc 6O1/2 6O1/4 601/4 — 1/4 Paramount 251/4 25 25 — Vs RKO 83/8 83/8 83/8 — 1/8 RKO $6 pfd 91 1/2 91 1/8 91 Va — % 20th Century-Fox . . . 231/2 231/4 233/8 — Vs 20th Century-Fox pfd 31 3^ 311/8 311/8— 1/2 20th-Fox ppf 1013/8 1013/8 1013/8 — 11/8 Warner Bros 123/8 121/4 I21/4 — M NEW YORK BOND MARKET Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK CURB MARKET Monogram Picts Radio-Keith CVS 13/8 ^3/a 13/8 Sonotone Corp 314 314 3i/8 Technicolor 141/4 133^ 14 Trans-Lux 31/2 31/2 31/2 .... Universal Pictures Universal Picts. vtc. 22 217/8 22 Para.-SOPEG Arbitration Talks Arbitration hearings in the dis- pute between the Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild, Local 109, CIO, and Paramount over job classifications for white coUarites opened yesterday at the company's home office. pMncn ■[film storage corpjI Ip W II V h ll 1600 B'WAY, N.Y.C- CIRCLE 6-0081-2-3-4 Montreal — Proceedings in the Su- perior Court in which is challenged the right of the Quebec legislature to pass a law barring children under 16 years from motion picture the- aters, met a preliminary attack yes- terday as the Crown contended that the proper procedure had not been taken. Writs of summons calling up- on persons to appear in the Super- ior Court are issued in the name of the Crown and the writ in the pres- ent case was irregular, it was sug- gested, because the King cannot summon himself to appear in court. Argument in the case was post- poned until April 21. The action is defended by the Que- bec Attorney General on behalf of the Crown and all judges of the Court of Sessions who are named as co-defendants. As regards the judges, the attorney general con- tends, only two of them had any- thing to do with the criminal case taken against two officials of the Verdun Palace Theater, on which the present "prohibition" proceed- ings in the Superior Court are based, consequently, the attorney general declares, the other criminal court judges cannot be ordered to desist from something they have never started. Further, the attorney general says he was not given a notice as required by law when the constitu- tionality of a statute is called in question in court proceedings. Metro Auditors to Hold Two-Day Session in N. Y. A two-day meeting of M-G-M auditors will be held at the Hotel Astor starting April 25. Among the field men who will attend are Arthur Sterling, Arthur Sklar, Thomas Grady, John Ash, Parke Agnew, Edward Urschell, W. Gilli- lan, Charles Bell, Carl Gentzel, Oli- ver Broughton, F.W.N. Beckitt and Miss G. Hawkins, in addition to home office executives. Cobian Buys 31 Goldwyn Films for Puerto Rico Thirty-one Samuel Goldwyn pro- ductions, spanning the releases from "Bulldog Drummond" to "The West- erner," have been sold to Rafael Ramos Cobian for re-issue in Puerto Rico. This is the third Latin-Amer- ican deal coverina: these Goldwyn Dictures. Henry R. Arias acted as aeent in all negotiations, the Puerto Rican deal having been closed by telephone. ^Oth-Fox Set with Pix For Five Months of '44-'45 iV^.t Const Bti-ea^' ^i TW5 FJT.M DAJTY Hollyvi'ood — Virtuallv all of 20th- Fox's releases for tV>e first five months of the 1944-45 season al- ready are completed, before the cam- eras or on the verere of being started. All releases for the present season are now out of the way. "Never a Dull Moment" On Stands in Late April Charles Francis Coe's new book, "Never a Dull Moment," will go on the stands late this month, the MPPDA counsel said here yester- day. Much of the book embodies Coe's experiences in the motion pic- ture industry and tells of his con- tacts with industry personalities. Coe starts an extensive speaking tour tomorrow when he addresses a representative audience in Baltimore. At the conclusion of the tour in mid- May he will return to his law office in Palm Beach. Kent Theaters Renews Rule Nisi Application Montreal — Kent Theaters, Ltd. has renewed application for a rule nisi against United Amusement Corp. and three officials of the Snowdon The- ater in order to have them declared in contempt of court and fined for alleged breach of an interim injunc- tion which restrained them from giving the Snowdon prior-run over the Kent Theater in the exhibition of Warner product. Battle Front Premieres Set for "Going My Way' Paramount's "Going My Way," starring Bing Crosby will have its world premieres on all battle fronts on April 27. Combat units will see the picture before its showing to the public anywhere, as 65 16 mm. prints are being rushed to 20 overseas Army exchanges. IT. S. premiere is set for the Paramount Theater on Broadway May 3. Oboler's "Twain" Platter Via WABC In New York WABC will broadcast the series of five quarter-hour Arch Oboler plat- ters in Warner's campaign on "The Adventures of Mark Twain" in the New York Metropolitan area. First broadcast will be heard tonight at 6:30, followed by four others on suc- cessive Thursdays and Tuesdays. "Lady in Dark" Plays to 875,000 in 8 N. Y. Weeks The first pic to go that distance, Para.'s "Lady in the Dark" starts its ninth week at the N. Y. Paramount today. Pic played to about 875,000 admissions in eight weeks, and will stay a tenth, then giving way to "Going My Way." New Film Classics Units Two new Film Classics exchanges were announced yesterday by George Hirliman, president. The inew com- panies will be operated by John Mangham, who heads Film Classics of Atlanta and will be known as Film Classics of Louisiana, covering the New Orleans territory, and Film Classics of Tennessee, covering the Memphis area. COfflinG and GOIHG DARRYL F. ZANUCK arrives from the Coast next Monday. TOM CONNORS, distribution head of 20th- Fox., is scheduled to return from his exhibitor conferences on Saturday. He will be in Chicago today and tomorrow. MAURICE BERGMAN, Eastern publicity-ad- vertising chief for Universal, left for Chicaex yesterday; he returns Friday. \l JESSE L. LASKY is in St. Louis. LOU GOLDBERG, of 20th-Fox's exploitation department, returned yesterday from Denver, where he spent the last two weeks. BUDDY O'TOOLE, is in New Haven on fur- lough from the Navy to visit with his father Tim O'Toole, Columbia manager, confined to St. Raphael's Hospital. WILLIAM GREEN, Des Moines, Metro publicist, is in Chicago pinch-hitting for WILL BISHOP, now on a Western trip with JACK PLYNN, West- ern division manager. LEO McCAREY gets in this week from the Coast. MARY ASTOR arrives today from Hollywood. ADOLPHE MENJOU is in New York. NATE SPINCOLD and ABE MONTAGUE have returned from Hollywood. JAMES MELTON, leading Met. tenor goes to the Coast May 15 to begin work on "Ziegfeld Fellies" and "Showboat," at Metro. CECIL B. DEMILLE leaves Hollywood next Friday for Little Rock, Ark., and a two-theater premiere of "The Story of Dr. Wassell." LT. GILBERT S. BAHN, AAF, son of FILM daily's editor, arrives today on leave from Lowry Field, Colo. NATHAN GOLDEN of the Department of Commerce is in New York for the week. HAL KORDA of the radio department of Hill- man Publications Is in Washington. FRED W. KANE, associate producer for W. R. Frank, arrives in Minneapolis today to attend the twin world premiere of "The Private Life of Dr. Paul Joseph Goebbels." lEDDIE CANTOR and company are making USO-Camp Shows p.a.'s in Army General Hos- pitals in Iowa, Kansas, Illinois and Michigan, ending in upstate Utica, on April 22. ANN DVORAK and JEAN BROOKS will spend the latter part of the month, visiting service hospitals in Texas and Tennessee. MARGUERITE CHAPMAN and TINA THAYER began a tour of Army hospitals in Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania yes- terday. _ MIKE L. SIMONS, editor of Metro's The Dis- tributor, returns this week from Atlanta, Mem- phis, New Orleans, Dallas and Oklahoma City. IRENE DUNNE arrived from the Coast yester- day. HOWARD HUGHES arrived in Washington yes- terday after setting a new trans-continental flight record of 6 hours, 56 minutes and 16 seconds in the new 40-ton transport Constellation which he piloted. WANTED! Prominent New York non-theatrical pro- ducer offers immediate and post-war op- portunity for a man of demonstrated ability It — SCRIPT WRITING and SELLING Write in full confidence — our employees know of this advertisement. Box 192, THE FILM DAILY 1501 BROADWAY, N. Y. C. Situation Wanted Young man — married — honorably discharged — 3 years experience contract and sales department major company — ambitious, willing — desires position with future. Box 193, THE FILM DAILY 1501 BROADWAY N. Y. C. Tuesday, April 18, 1944 1^^ PA News Program For Television (Continued from Page 1) vrision news production for the PA. Programs are to be televised news summaries. a Formal announcement of this ex- pratory step in news disseraina- in via television along with de- tails, is expected to be made soon by PA, Price told members of the press at a conference in the local Hotel Pennsylvania just prior to his speaking at the television sympos- ium which featured the initial ses- sion of SMPE's three-day 55th semi- annual conference. His topic was "The Scientific Approach to Televis- ion Program Production." Price indicated that films, as a medium, will be utilized importantly in these programs, along with other visual aids. He pointed out that since television is "controlled pic- tures with sound," the techniques of the visual-oral science, if it is to be advantageously used for informa- tion and entertainment in homes, will have to, insofar as it is advisable, borrow from or closely parallel the best techniques of movie-making, although between the motion pic- ture and television there are variable factors which will have to be taken into account. Immediate Study Essential Because tele will be launched in post-war form in a comparatively short time, Price asserted, it is es- sential that techniques and form be studied now. It will require not only new methods, but modifications of old methods. News programs he foresees as linked closely with events filmed by motion picture cameras and then transferred to the televis- ion medium. Speed will be an es- sential and the rate of delivery of the images into homes is expected to outstrip the currently-practiced dis- tribution of newsreels. He said that one prominent optical firm has patents for film exposed in the cam- era to run directly into a develop- irg machine. He added that if film production methods are made more efficient, television will be able to utilize films on a larger scale than would be the case otherwise. Films are expensive, he said, but they don't have to be, and they can be made to appear to tele set-owners like "live programs." He expressed at the press confab the view that players will work with WAR SERVICE ... on the Film Front Cleveland, O. — M. B. Horwitz, general manager of the Washington Circuit, was the first to respond to a call for golf clubs for the convalescent soldiers newly arrived at the new Crile General Hospital in nearby Parma. Horwitz has sent to the hospital a lot of used clubs which he collected from the Film Row boys and is taking contribu- Nons to buy new clubs. TO THE COLORS! it COMMISSIONED ^ GEORGE LIGHT, USN, son of Gilbert E. Light, operator, Michigan Theater, iDetroit, com- missioned an ensign. HUGH McDonald, AAF, former 20th-Fox adver- tising sales manager, Charlotte, commis- sioned a lieutenant. • PROMOTED* TYRONE POWER, USMC, promoted to 1st lieu- tenant. MOE LANG, USA, formerly United Artists ac- cessory sales, Chicago, to corporal. • ARMY* RALPH ARMSTRONG, manager. Liberty, Liberty- ville. III. GEORGE SMYTH, United Artists Theater, Chi- cago. T. MALLETT, assistant manager, Apollo, Chi- cago. HOWELL EVANS, booker, M-C-M, Detroit. J. C. NELSON, manager. Strand, Clarkesville, Ark. " RALPH ARMSTRONG, manager. Liberty, Chi- cago. LEONARD KLAFTA, Great States city manager, Freeport, III. * MARINES * PAUL McELVARY, postal clerk, Columbia, Mem- phis. Calif. Health Dep't to Release Wanger's Short West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — The California State Dept. of Public Health will release Walter Wanger's "To the People of the United States," two-reel edu- cational on venereal disease, Wan- ger announced over the week-end. Wanger produced the film at the re- quest of the U. S. Public Health Ser- vice but the latter agency withdrew its sponsorship for theatrical show- ings following a protest from the National Legion of Decency. Wan- ger said the film will be released this month in New York and that the California health department would provide prints to other exhibs. greater frequency in television pro- grams than they do in straight mov- ies. Up to now, most of the mechan- ical devices for achieving effects have been harnessed to 35 mm. tech- nique, but equipment is now avail- able to 16 mm. which, he said, will doubtless be the more widely used of the two guages, particularly since it is possible to effectually blow-up 16 mm. black-and-white to 35 ram. Phases to be Solved Price stated that the five major phases of tele production which must be solved now are: (1) choice of subject matter; (2) visual-oral tech- nique; (3) pre-production planning; (4) production procedure; and (5) production materials and equipment. Filmedia is now making tele sub- jects, "Minute Jingles," and also demonstration film so that audiences can tune-in their sets properly prior to actual programs. One film, "Fight- ing the Fire Bomb," was made short- ly before Pearl Harbor and subse- quently shown to air raid wardens. In discussing films for tele, Price said that the current attraction nearest to the tele "ideal" from the standpoint of cost is "Voice In The Wind." Col. Signs Richard Blumenthal JVcst Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Richard Blumenthal has been signed by Columbia to a long-term contract as a producer. He was with Paramount for several years where he produced "Lady in the Dark" and many other pictures. Wac Short in 700 First-Runs "It's Your War, Too" new short showing the various phases of the Women's Army Corps, and featuring an appeal for Wacs by Gen. George C. Marshall, will be presented in over 700 first-runs throughout the country on Thursday. UA distrib- utes. No. 23 Outstanding Industry Personalities San 4fOu 4iJG4m tUe4fL — EXECUTIVE production head for 20th-Fox. One of the industry's greats. Interests em- brace films, outdoor amusements, real estate, finance. Graduate pharmacist. Showed early genius in commerce by using $600 savings from drug business to launch $1,000,000 Paradise Park, Ft. George. Then with brother Nicholas ac- quired Palisade Park, Ft. Lee. Sensed films' possibilities when Marcus Loew sought space at Ft. George for "theater" housed in a car. In- vested with Loew. Produced independently. Became chairman of UA board in '24. Joined with Zanuck for 20th Century in '33 which united with Fox. Resigned UA presidency in '35 to take 20th-Fox board chairmanship. Re- signed latter post in '41, and last year became executive head of production. **\/I^" ^'^''^^ GOES TO WASHINGTON" iVJ. made only mild history compared with what happened when Washington Went To Mr. Smith (which was the title role this young hero played in the picture) and had him join-up to give the well-known ax to the Axis. Now wearing the uniform and insignia of the Army Air Corps, in which he is a Major, he has par- ticipated in many bombing missions over Fortress Europe, covering his squadron and self with glory. Back here on the home front, his ex- ploits make every loyal industry heart, and the composite pulse of his millions of fans, pound with pride. In happier times before Pearl Harbor, he starred in big pictures whose stature he always expanded. Now he has the most i important role of his life, in the world's greatest ^ j drama. HUMOR his long suit. Dispenses it as producer of "Looney Tunes" and "Merrie Melodies" which he distributes via Warners. Is past master of animation, having contributed sequences to noteworthy feature pix. Was usher in Blaney's Arch St. Theater, in native Philly. Then moved into box-office. Next, treasurer at old Colonial, Chicago. Later, press agent and manager for road shows and vaude. After- wards, salesman for old Metro out of Chi. Served with Inter-Ocean Film Corp., New York; Agfa Film as West Coast sales man- ager; Pacific Title and Art Studio which he founded. In 1930, Jack Warner suggested he make a cartoon with 30-day option to make 12 more. Took astute Jack just seven minutes after he saw the first to exercise said option. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18. N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. NO;\A/ m ' • ■ : WAR N;E Rii^pH?:'^^ ^A M Ail N d :iiiili:E^ THA# ii^RA: NDREL ^^B giiKiEfFiiAL jgEEEf HID A \| '•^:'- SECF^iife.,..'^ With JEAN SULLIVAN i^'a,;i;"4'=-3&^-rtW>' Directed by RoOul WolsH II 1^1 1 P \A/ATC/^M ^^'^®®" ^^°y ^y laszlo Vadnay and Max Brand •Fror LUV^ILC VVAIoL^lN an Original Story by Joe May and Laszio Vadna JACK L. WARNER, Executive Producer AS 'THE MAN WITHOUT A NAME' AGAIN THE KIND OF ROLE THAT WON HIM THE ACADEMY AWARD IN WATCH ON THE RHINE' introducing lovely Jean Sullivan as Marianne, the girl who knev/ him least... loved him most. Produced by Robert Buckner -^-^T^X^ a ^ (THE N.Y, STRAND HAS NOW EQUALLED THE HIGHEST PREVIOUS ERROLFLYNN FIGURE!) CA^ O/lvL*^ - (yiXT Cfi^iXZM\^l> Tuesday, April 18, 1944 DAILY Post-War Cuban Theater for Majors (Continued from Page 1) over Mexican artists that exhibitors have been presenting them in their theaters regularly. Recently, Er- nesto P. Smith told The Film Daily that he has decided to exhibit only Mexican and Argentine films at the Alcazar, top flight second-run house, because the Mexican films have drawn enormous ' grosses lately. U. S. companies would operate their own Havana houses now except that owners of better theaters refuse to sell and, due to war priorities, no building materials are being im- ported. .. Smith's decision to run Spanish films at the Alcazar is said to have held up at least two deals between his circuit and distributors of Amer- ican films. In the meantime, M-G-M is said to have finalized a contract with the American-Radio City-Rial- to group, although no papers are be- lieved to have been signed as yet. Situation is also affecting the dis- tribution setup in Cuba as Mexican producers eye profits of Cuban dis- tributors of their product. Rene Cardona, Cuban actor-director and Mexican industry pioneer, who will produce this year, has organized a new distributor, Distribuidores Na- cionales S. A., with Miguel Cardona as president, and CLASA, Mexican producer, has formed Clasa Films Mundiales de Cuba, S. A. With the operation of the last named com- pany. Continental Films of Cuba, distributor of Film Mundiales, has lost its best material but Tropical Films, which handles CLASA prod- uct is said to have a contract with two years to run. Operation of the Mexican distrib- uting companies here will leave the independents who have been distrib- uting Mexican films without product and speculation is rife as to whether these companies will be forced to produce Cuban pictures in order to fejcist. At present there are 19 dis- tributors of Spanish language pic- tures in Havana. W. E. PhiUips Rites Held Montreal — Funeral services for William Elligood Phillips, 69, found- er of the old Francais Theater, were held here yesterday. Wendy Barrie Col. Fred Levy Clen Ailvine • • • HEADACHE DEPARTMENT: One industry problem that the War Activities Committee has been unable to solve and it's the prize headache of all drives is the collecting of complete reports on the results of the drives. Campaign chairmen and their thousands of workers wear out their nerves beat out their brains and work themselves into breakdowns with splendid results quotas are reached and goals surpossed BUT months after the drive is over, harrassed chairmen are still trying to complete their reports from the theaters! Right now the Red Cross drive committee is frantically trying to get final, official information from the field Although the March of Dimes campaign wos over last February and it is certain more than $4,000,000 was collected, not over $3,000,000 of that amount has ben reported to Walter Vincent, treasurer des- perate wires, pleading letters, expensive phone calls all of 'em fail to prod some of the theaters into vrinding up the drive by making final, accurate reports and mailing checks The March of Dimes office at the Astor now remains open the yeor-around simply to handle the delayed reports By the time one drive accounting is complete it is time to start the next drive! Many workers in the field fail to realize what a huge task it is to tabulate and certify a national col- lection involving 10,000 to 14,000 theaters They do not understand how a few delinquents con hold up a State's final report and a missing State can gum up a national tabulation Reluctance of theaters to report properly has prevented the industry from making on accurate tabulation on War Bond sales monthly After several yeors' effort, the WAC theater committee in New York is still unable to present an anywhere nearly complete listing of theater War Bond sales from month to month "We do a great job in getting the results, but we do a bad job in reporting on what is done For that reason, the industry is handicapped in presenting a true picture of its achievements," said a WAC official ^ ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Maj. Lyman G. White, in Met- ro's foreign department until called to active service in October, 1940, has been named director of the Security and Intelligence Division of Fort Monmouth and its sub-posts. . . • Dr. Leo Handel, who headed Metro's Motion Picture Research Bureau until he donned uniform, has arrived "somewhere in Italy"; he's attached to the 5th Army Headquar- ters. . . • Harry B. Allinsmith, assistant export manager of Western Electric Export Corp., has reported to the Office of Strategic Services, Washington, on a three months' leave. . . 0 Grad Sears is offering odds that David O. Selznick's "Since You Went Away" will out-gross GWTW's $33,000,000. . . • Charles Raymond, Loew division theater manager in Cleveland, entertained 500 members of the Newspaper Guild at private midnight screening of "See Here, Private Hargrove" and then hosted a party at the Allerton Hotel. . . « Saul Goldman of Variety Pictures, Chi., and Mrs. Goldman are marking their silver wedding anniversary. . . % Gus S. Eyssell presents a silver plaque at the Music Hall today to Sidney Franklin whose "White Cliffs of Dover" will be Metro's 20-year Anniversary pic there Plaque will be held by Franklin until his present Music Hall record is topped Franklin's pix played a total of 28 weeks at the Hall, rolled up $3,000,000 in biz there • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR. . . ▼ TV Ask 675 Projectors In Last Italf of Year UlEDDinC BELLS Chicago — Sergt. Nerval Smith, formerly with B & K State in South Bend, Ind., was married to Beth Louise Harmon in Seattle, Wash., where he is stationed. Bellaire, O.— Leon Velas, brother of Chris Velas, and general manager of the Velas circuit houses in York- ville and Bridgeport, vnW be mar- ried on May 1 to Miss Elly Carras of Parkersburg, W. Va., where the cere- mony will take place. Best man at the wedding will be George Delis, general manager of the A. G. Con- stant circuit. (Continued from Page 1) George W. McMurphey of the OCR Amusements Section for release for civilian use of 340 projectors during the July-September quarter and 335 ^ during the October-December quar- '^>| ter, and nearly as many sound sys- ' tems. These machines were to be used for replacement of burned out and obsolete equipment, and in part for the new theaters which OCR is en- couraging in war-crowded areas. Although approval is expected for nearly the entire request, with only minor deletions, there is grave con- cern now as to whether the program could be filled. Fly in the ointment is the grave manpower shortage. The situation is ^not much darker than it was two months ago, but an order brought out last week by WPB * prohibits the increase of production for civilian use in plants in numbers one and two labor shortage areas. The projector and lamp program would not be insurmountably block- ed by this order, it is believed, al. though production scheduling will be quite difficult, but the program for sound systems and electronic parts appears to be seriously crip- pled. Major producers expected to participate in these programs are in tight labor areas and plants which were counted on to play major roles in the program expansion are now banned from taking part. In order for the program to go through as planned, it will be necessary for plants in other areas to produce a greater quantity of equipment than they have ever done before, in war or peace. The^'e is no certainty that they can do this. WPB oflScials are trying now to revise their production assignments in order to salvage the program. They have already explored the pos- sibility of getting a revision of the crippling order, hoping an exception might be made because a good deal of the skilled personnel needed is working in the plants anyhow on war orders, but they have thus far run into a stone wall. Tuesday, April 18, 1944 ^ DAILY Clark Ready for Distrib. Decree Talks (Continued from Page 1) j ing, since Hazen had been serving ' as liaison between Clark and the ^distributors. Ij^buring the past few weeks Clark ' -ffas personally devoted much time to a study of the various proposals and counter-pi'oposals, pouring over them carefully as outlined by his associate in the case, Robert L. Wright, in a document which went to the distributor-defendants last month. Clark is hopeful that his discussion with the distributors might be scheduled this week or next. This meeting will be highly impor- 1 tant, in that Clark has indicated that from it he will finally reach a definite decision as to the future Government course. If he finds the distributors unwilling to make ap- preciable concessions, there is a strong possibility that he will de- cide to take the case into coui't and sue for divorcement of distri- bution from exhibition. In addi- tion, he has made it plain that not only will he seek to dissolve circuits held by the majors, but also to break up large independent circuits. Clai'k will not, however, conduct his negotiations on the basis that everything the exhibitors have pro- posed should be included in a decree. He has made it plain in the past that neither side can be fully satisfied on every point, and it is likely that he will see some solution midway between what the two sides desire. In the discussions coming up, in fact, it is not likely that Clark will make any initial demands, but instead sim- ply put a correlation of exhibitor demands before the distributors, and asking for some expression on each. IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS WILLIAM McKINSTRY, JR., booker, 20th-Fox, Cleveland. JOSEPH COSLEY, head booker, Republic, Cleve- land. TODD FERGUSON, M-C-M exploitation represen- tative, Atlanta. KEN PRICKETT, M-C-M exploitation represen- tative, Memphis. ARTHUR SWANKE, manager. Strand, Clarks- ville, Ark. JOHN RICCIUTI, booker, Republic, New Haven. SIDNEY H. ROCOVIN, Eastern regional manager. Admiral Corp., Chicago. ARTHUR CATLIN, RKO publicity staff, Omaha. HARRY ROGERS, PRC branch manager, Omaha. MILTON BROWN, Great States city manager, Freeport, III. ROBERT HALL, manager, Apollo, Princeton, III. LOU HARRIS, producer. Musical Parade series, Pararfiount, Hollywood. HAYWOOD HANNA, JR., manager, Imogene, Milton, Fla. ROBERT HALL, manager, Apollo, Princeton, III. IVAN SWITZER, projectionist, Apollo, Prince- ton, III. WILLIAM LAMB, projectonist, Bailey, Eureka, III. GEORGE GORDON, manager. Liberty, Liberty- vllle, III. Petrillo and Producers Will Parley Next Week ' Brandt Named Co-director In Field for Wac Drive (Continued from Page 1) recruiting drive to be conducted by the nation's motion picture theaters, Edwai'd L. Alperson, campaign chairman, announced yesterday. Wac recruiting week will be cele- brated in 16,000 film theaters May 11-17. (Continued from Page 1) studio musicians to replace that which expii-ed on Jan. 1 were de- ferred yesterday to next week. The studio musicians, representing the only group under the basic agree- ment for which negotiations are still to be completed, are asking for mus- ical aggregations of 35 men for all major studios, among other things. The talks will take place at the New York office of Pat Casey, stu- dio labor contact. Signing of new contracts be- tween the companies and the 11 lATSE studio locals, which completed negotiations on Friday, was delayed yesterday at Casey's office. The signing is expected to take place today. STORK REPORTS Bob Finkel, New York salesman for Universal, has become the father )f a boy, Alan Barry. Cleveland — A second daughter was )orn to 20th-Fox salesman Ray and Mrs. Schmertz at St. Lukes Hospi- -al. Grandfather is I. J. Schmertz, JOth-Fox branch manager. Glastonfjury, Conn. — Morris Kepp- ler, operator of the Glastonbury, is lather of an 8 pound, 9 ounce baby "', obligingly born on his day off. Several Deferments of Men Under 26 Granted by WPB ll'ashii,(,ton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Several deferments for skilled employes of film manu- facturers under 26 years of age have already been granted as a result of the inclusion of the industry on the new essential list last week. In the meantime, however, several other cases have not yet been approved by Selective Service authorities in New Jersey, and attempts are now being made to get these okayed. The appeals have ah'eady been coun- tersigned by WPB representatives in the field, but are apparently be- ing held up for further study by the draft officials. In the meantime, another direc- tive is being prepared at Selective Service headquarters to authorize induction of men in the next higher age group — 26-30. Issuance is not expected for several weeks, as most boards still have pools of younger men, but in areas where the younger men are gone comparatively early, it is believed that most boards will delay induction of men over 30 long- er than of those between 26 and 30. 20th-Fox and Roxy Buy "The World's Front Page" (Continued from Page 1) the metropolitan area "The World's Front Page," battlefront pickup news roundup aired from 6:30 to 6:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Up to now the six-month-old program, which features reports from Chris- tian Science Monitor correspondents all over the world, has had no spon- sor. This is said to be the first time that a film company or a theater has availed itself of such a program as "The World's Front Page" as a promotion means. The contract is effective as of yesterday. Georgia Storms Delays Film Deliveries Slightly (Continued from Page 1) truck driving towards Atlanta di- rectly behind the storm picked up a injured small boy and rushed him to a hospital at Houston, three miles away. R. L. Watkins, the truck driver, reached Atlanta covered with blood and slightly behind schedule. WB Sgns Met Opera "Find" Patrice Munsel, Metropolitan Op- era's 18-year-old soprano discovery, who also does ballet and tap danc- ing, has been signed to a WB term contract and reports to the studio early next month. SAG Studies Legal Moves In Extras' Pay Tilt Fight U'csl Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Coincident with ad- journment of the NLRB heai'ing in the matter of a bargaining agent for extras until May 12, John Dales, Jr., executive secretary of SAG, an- nounced that the Guild will move immediately to investigate every legal means of forcing producers to arbitrate the Guild's demands for a new and general pay increase for all extras and day and free-lance players. The Guild demands were submitted to the pi'oducers last year and date set in November for the start of arbitration proceedings but before that date arrived the produc- ers notified the Guild they could not arbitrate until the SPU case was disposed of. Harry Gruber Stricken Baltimore — Hari*y Gruber, treas- urer of the New Theater, and owner of the Glen and New Glenn, Glen- burnie, is a patient at Bon Secours Hospital, suffering from a heart at- tack. Close Watch On Tele Being Kep[by SMPE (Continued from Page 1) tivity, which, he pointed out, as- sures progressive knowledge of the sight-sound medium. Goldsmith's remarks were made to delegates of the SMPE 55th Semi- Annual Technical Conference at its opening session in the course of his introduction of William H. Sayre, development engineer of DuMont Laboratories, Inc., who pinch-hit for Dr. Thomas T. Goldsmith in the presentation of the latter's paper, "Recent Technical Advances in Tele- vision." Goldsmith, who is DuMont's research director, was unable to be present for the scheduled address, having been called to Washington. Sayre said that refinements in cir- cuits and components for tele cam- era equipment will reduce the num- ber of units needed by a crew on a news assignment from 10 to four or five. The smaller number of units, combined with a 50 per cent reduction in weight will make it possible for a camera crew to tele- vise from locations in which larger equipment can not be used. For theater screen projection of tele, Sayre asserted that RTPB has provided in its studies for an in- crease in image scanning from pres- ent 525 lines to 1,000 lines, provid- ing the definition necessary for magnification of the received image. RTPB plans also contemplate use of unattended booster relay stations to transmit programs to theaters and other receiving points within a met- ropolitan center, as well as for long- range transmission. Further enhancing prospects for early post-war transmission facili- ties, he declared, is fact that AT & T has already installed for communi- cations services about 2,000 miles of coaxial cable which could be avail- able for tele. T. Hayes Hunter Dies London (By Cable) — T. Hayes Hunter, 62, motion picture director well known in Hollywood, died Fri- day in a hospital here of a heart attack. He was a native of Phila- delphia. He is survived by his widow and two sisters. Tack Waller Dies Chicago— Jack Waller, 71, for 11 years with the Chicago theater as doorman, is dead. THEATER DEALS Lakeview, S. C.^Faye Cordell has assumed ownership and management of the Lakeview. Milwaukee, Wis. — Warners' which has had a final interest in the Rio theater in Appleton since 1935, has purchased the building from the Ap- pleton Building Co. Cashmere, Wash. — C. Gillespie has taken over the local theater, former- ly operated by Guy Long. ^ i^ .' ^filp f « I . . . probabb time... It sent : when i ...in book forn to the screen . . . ii Academy Awar new personality, Mis and directed b J> the most wS^-read story of our thrill through millions of hearts appeared in "Reader's Digest". . . in "Story ...and on the air. Now it is coming an exciting production starring Winner Paul Lukas... introducing a lovely K. T. Stevens . . . and produced William Cameron Menzies. t 1 . 10 :m Tuesday, April 18, 1944 DAILY i^ i^ RCVICUIS Of THE HCUI FILinS -d i^ "Adventure in Music" with Jose Iturbi, Emanuel Feuermann, Mildred Dilling, Vronsky and Babin, and Coolidge String Quartet Crystal Pictures 62 Mins. EXCELLENT OFFERING WHOSE AP- PEAL IS STRONG FOR DEVOTEES OF MUSIC EVERYWHERE. America's millions of music lovers, always a very large increment of box-office poten- tial, will enjoy this quality attraction im- mensely. It is a source of wonder to any professional film reviewer that features of this type, presenting a concert full of con- trast and possessing compactness, have not appeared with frequency in the movie marts. Featuring the renowned pianist, Jose Iturbi, along with Emanuel Feuermann, cel- list, Mildred Dilling, harpist, Vronsky & Babin, duo-pianists, and the Coolidge String Quartet, "Adventure in Music" gives the theater patron a perfect close-up of these aitists in their respective renditions, as in- timately near, in fact, as though he or she were actually at their very elbows. Every motion on key and string is clearly and intriguingly captured by the camera. Its makers have seen to it that no monot- ony exists, and to accomplish this a group of four discriminating photographers weave constantly changing camera angles through each sequence. Among the selections by Iturbi are "Sevilla," by Albeniz, and Cho- pin's "Fantasie Impromptu." The remark- ably co-ordinated Vronsky and Babin, pre- siding at twin pianos, play Brahms' "Waltz in A Flat," Arensky's "Waltz" and the brilliant novelty composition "Flight of the Bumble Bee," by Rimsky-Korsakoff. Rendered by Feuermann is a group high- lighted by Dvorak's "Rondo, Opus 94," and Popper's "Spinning Seng," and by the Cool- idge String Quartet, "Andante," by Von Dittersdorf and his "Fugue" from "Quartet in C Major." Mildred Dilling's group com- prises Zabel's "The Fountain," the familiar Welsh air, "March of the Men of Harlech," and Hasselmans' "Fireflies." Widespread bookings will be the good fortune of this film. It has, because of its nature, a high degree of permanence for screens. Direction and photography are thor- oughly adequate, and the sound is faithful. It will carry strong appeal wherever devotees of the music art flourishes. CAST: Jose Iturbi, Emanuel Feuermann, Mildred Dilling, Vronsky and Babin, and the Coolidge String Quartet. CREDITS: Producers, Walter Lowendahl, Rudolph Polk; Directors, Ernest Matray, S. K. Winston, Reginald LeBorg; Cameramen, Jackson Rose, Paul Ivano, Walter Lundin, Harry Jackson; Film Editors, Harvey Perga- ment, Tom Biggart, Dick Wray. DIRECTION, Skilled. PHOTOGRAPHY, Ditto. * SHORTS * "The Irish Question" (March of Time) 20th-Fox 19 mins. Aces The Irish question which recent- ly was brought so forcibly into the foreground has been treated effec- tively and sympathetically in the latest of the March of .Time's re- leases. The film atempts to answer many queries about Ireland's posi- tion in a world at war that have crept into American minds. The answers invariably have been given with a high degree of fairness. The footage offers an understanding ex- planation of Eire's fervid stand on neutrality. Not often has March of Time brought such eloquence to bear on a subject, with a poetic spirit hovering over the whole to make the release something alive with the breath of Ireland. The film makes it clear that Eire has not permitted her status of neutrality to interfere with the supply of material and other aid to the cause of Great Britain in this war. The photography catches some moving scenes of the lovely Irish landscape, making the film in- deed a pictorial delight. Mark this down as one of March of Time's most satisfying releases. Correction The issue of seven per cent cumu- lative convertible preferred stock to be redeemed on June 15 is that of Keith-AIbee-Orpheum and not of RKO Corp., as was stated errone- ously in yesterday's issue of The Film Daily. "Parade of the Past" (No. 1) Fun Film Library 10 mins. Stirring Glimpses of Yesteryear This, the first of a series of shorts on the industry's history being re- leased bv the Fun Film Library in connection with the celebration of the golden jubilee of motion pic- tures, comprises tremendously in- teresting footage dating back to 1894, the year the film business had its birth. A variety of scenes from films of ancient vintage are included in the short. Of special interest are shots from the early newsreels show- ing Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley and other famous personalities around the turn of the century. Here is a huge dose of nostalgia for the old- timers. Excellent is the word. Report Carl Laemmle, Jr., Plans Indie Production IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — It is reported that Carl Laemmle, Jr., who has received a medical discharge from the Army, plans to enter independent produc- tion following a long vacation in New Mexico. Pay Tilt for Chi. Cashiers Chicago — Theater cashiers were awarded from $3 to $5 weekly wage increase based on the present wage scale in the Chicago area, effective at once. "The Struggle for Life" (Vitaphone Varieties) Warner 10 mins. Good This import from Russia, produced by the Moscow Technical Film Stu- dios, is an unusual little item deal- ing with the battle of survival in the animal kingdom. The short pictures a number of battles between the strong and the weak in the world of nature. Photographed extremely well under the most difficult circus- stances, the footage has a lot of hu- man appeal. "Amoozin' But Confusin' " Columbia 8 mins. So-So Herewith Columbia presents the first of a new series of Technicolor animated cartoons featuring Li'l Ab- ner, comic strip character. Although the lead-off subject is no better than so-so, it does indicate that the series has possibilities. The material is of the hill-billy type, a fact which will confine the short's appeal pri- marily to the youngsters. In his film debut Li'l Abner goes to the big city to acquire polish so that he can improve the status of his towns- folk. "Crash Goes the Hash" Columbia 17 Mins. Hash Is Right The Three Stooges are up to the same old tricks in their newest com- edy. Produced and directed by Jules White, the two-reeler has nothing to offer anyone who is not a Three Stooges fan or who is capable of mastering the alphabet. Taken for reporters, the three comics are as- signed by a newspaper to obtain the story of a socialite's mai-riage to a nobleman. They invade the bride-to- be's home by hiring themselves out as servants. They mess up every- thing— including the film. At the wind-up they have the nobleman ex- posed as a fake. Discerning persons won't find a genuine laugh in the en- tire footage. Zanuck Coming East For Author Conferences West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Darryl F. Zanuck trains out for New York Friday with Mrs. Zanuck. While there he will confer with Wendell W. Willkie on "One World," discuss plans with Moss Hart on "Winged Victory," meet with Eddie Rickenbacker on his story, and also discuss with home office on plans for roadshowing of "Wilson." Conn. Allied Meets New Haven — Allied Theater Own- ers of Connecticut met yesterday at Child's to discuss a delegate to the coming Allied convention in Phila- delphia. "Say Uncle" RKO 18 mins. Many Laughs The Leon Eri'ol fans will get many laughs out of the comic's newest comedy. Again the fellow has trou- A ble with the missus. First Errol V finds on his hands a tramp picked up in a round of hilarity during his wife's absence. Then a fan dancer barges in to complicate matters. In che midst of a wild party in walks the wife. Errol has the tramp and dancer pose as his uncle and niece. "Follow Through With Sam Byrd" (World of Sports) Columbia 9 mins. Fine Sports Reel Sam Byrd, former outfielder for the New York Yankees, shows the technique that has made him one of the bright stars of the golf links. He demonstrates the importance of the swing, the grip and other things that must be mastered before one can hope to be an ace golfer. For added interest Byrd uncorks some amazing shots, some of them exe- cuted under the most difficult con- ditions. "The Weakly Reporter" (Looney Tunes) Warner 7 mins. Funny Satire The Leon Schlesinger Technicolor animated cartoon throws the light of comedy on rationing, transporta- tion headaches, shortages, women in war work and other matters born of the war. A burlesque of the Kai- ser shipyard winds up the footage, which contains many laughs. I "Henpecked Rooster" (Noveltoons) Paramount 8 mins. Good There are plenty of laughs in this Technicolor cartoon about a hen- pecked rooster who strives to win domination over the missus. The husband gains the upper hand after a lot of silly but hilarious compli- cations in which a mouse plays a part. Made by Famous Studios, the ^ second of the new series will have no trouble making its way. "Open Fire" (Grantland Rice Sportlight) Paramount 9'/2 mins. Interesting The amazing variety of firing equipment employed by our infan- try is displayed effectively under fighting conditions in footage that should prove extremely interesting to non-combatants. The short, well photographed, shows how our foot soldiers attack by land, sea and air. It gives a good idea of what our in- fantry has accomplished on the var- ious war fronts. The reel packs con- siderable excitement. I Tuesday, April 18, 1944 DAILY 11 Walter Brown Named Associate to Harmon (Continued from Page 1) Harmon, executive vice-chairman and co-ordinator of the WAC. A former newspaper man, college professor and veteran of World Wars I and II, ebrlrown fills a key spot necessitated 6y the greatly increased program of war activities. A native Missourian, Brown is a graduate of the University of Mis- souri. He worked on newspapers in Kansas City, Dallas, Oklahoma City, ! Indianapolis and Chicago, serving as feature editor of the Associated Press in the latter city and teach- ing journalism at Northwestern Uni- versity. He was promoted to chief of the A. P. bureau in Albany where his work was brought to the atten- tion of the governor. REVIEWS Of SHORT SUBJECTS Postpone Zevin Sentencing Sentencing of Isadore Zevin, for- mer secretary of George E. Browne, following a perjury conviction in connection with the film racketeer- ing case, was postponed yesterday to May 17. "Magazine Model" Universal 9 mins. Fair Stuff Packing chiefly femme appeal, but not without its magnetism for the male devotees of the "pin-up" cult, this reel is a chapter in the business- world biography of a Wilkes-Barre girl who was a former Miss Amer- ica. Footage recounts her invasion of the world of modeling through the famed organization headed by Harry Conover. Her evoluting gla- mor is traced until she is seen as magazine cover girl. Film is made with Cinderella dramatics, in other words showing her attainment of loveliness from the cocoon of plain- ness. It's fair stuff, literally and figuratively. "How to Be a Sailor" (Walt Disney) RKO 7 mins. Extremely Amusing The story of navigation is told spoofingly in this Technicolor ani- mated cartoon. The various steps in the development of the science of handling a ship are demonstrated hilariously by the Goof to the ac- companiment of a narration done in an extremely humorous vein. This one can be booked without doubt of the audience reaction. "Say Ah, Jasper" (Madcap Moaels) Paramount 8 Mins. Entertaining Little Jasper is troubled by an aching tooth in his latest adventure. The story shows with the help of some delightful humor how the lad gets rid of the molar after a fantas- tic dream in which the Scarecrow, posing as a dentist, attempts to draw the tooth. The newest of the George Pal contributions is first- rate entertainment. The Techni- color is superb. "Community Sing" (Series 8, No. 9) Columbia 9Vz mins. More Popular Music Lew White provides the organ ac- companiment for an assortment of popular song numbers. The tunes heard are "Sunday, Monday or Al- ways," "For the First Time," "I Opened a Trunk," "Red River Val- ley" and "Make With the Bullets, Benny." The vocals are by the Song I Spinners. Considerable singable ' stuff here. Eagle-Lion's Plans Stand, Says Kelly (Continued from Page 1) progress in establishing the Amer- ican company had been retarded somewhat but that despite the slow- ing up of operations, all plans would be carried out according to original designs. No production plans were com- pleted during his Coast visit. Kelly could not say when or by whom pic- tures would get under way. He said that the 20th Century-Fox deals with Rank had nothing to do with Eagle-Lion and the conferences held between Rank and Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox president, related only to operations on the other side. Tack L. Warner Heading East to Join WB Toppers (Continued from Page 1) dio, company's toppers will be as- sembled in the East on Jack's arri- val. Myers D. Flcrter Dead Bloomfield, 111.— Myers D. Flater, 51, owner and manager of the Ci- tadel, is dead. •.\ A SPECIAL (No. 9 SERIES 23) 50m S^nwe^^^^^ami / ^ 4 ONLY A LIMITED SUPPLY OF PRINTS... ALERT EXHIBITORS WILL WIRE OR PHONE THEIR EARLIEST PLAYDATES TO | NEAREST COLUMBIA EXCHANGE! ,:Jne ^e&^ C/nei^ ciall come iw>m ujo. PHOUDESr Ol TPRING, "THI •^"■^ ^^'> *^> ♦ . -.*• b*. We are swamped with orders — But for the ARMY, the NAVY, and bi 0 /.A m i I I I WE ARE RUSHING YOUR PRIN' Snow White an 1 I Is seven years old — the quality of the k So HAVE A HEART, WALT, Don Because above everything you want js N'.v •.^■N-x ' ' ''i'f^WW^M^^fW'^'''^'''''''*'^'^"^'''"'^'^ \l44€^ ^f ^ Th^ ^ i M (ot only for you — and the rest of the Industry be MARINES, NEVERTHELESS rf4.nd although the negative of liihe S EVEN D WARES ©lew prints will be even better than the originals i^sh us too fast. / '^^,y„^:/' , , , y^uY^rr^'^t^^^^mmmm^ismiM:. Tt Ci]\^rj C I3C1RTH W I CK M P !=» I^C]IDUCT I HNS 2 U W4 AT H ST M V C 5 I 5T PL: ^ DAILY Alperson Sets Wac Recruiting Commitlee (C'ntinued from Page 1) Depinet, distributor's division chair- man; Harry Mandel, national public- ity director, Harry Brandt and Charles B. McDonald, co-field direc- tors, the following will serve as ex- hibitor area chairmen: Lou R. Golding, Albany; W. K. Jenkins, Atlanta; Frank A. Hornig, Baltimore; Sam Pinanski, Boston; Charlps Moskowitz, Metropolitan New York Area; Sam Rinzler, Brook- lyn; Fred J. Schwartz, Queens, New York; Andrew Gibson, BuflFalo; H. F. Kincey, Charlotte; John Balaban, Chicago; Col. Arthur Frudenfeld, Cincinnati; Nat Wolf, Cleveland; R. J. O'Donnell, Dallas; "Rick" Ricket- son, Denver; A. H. Blank, Des Moines; Earl Hudson, Deti'oit; Marc Wolf, Indianapolis; Elmer Rhoden, Kansas City; Charles P. Skouras, Los Angeles; M. A. Rosenberg, Mc- Kees Rock, Pa.; M. A. Silver, Pitts- burgh; M. A. Lightman, Memphis; Harold Fitzgerald, Milwaukee; John Friedl, Minneapolis; Don Jacocks, Newark; Harry Lowenstein, New- ark; I. J. Hoffman, New Haven; E. V. Richards, New Orleans; Maurice F. Barr, New Orleans; L. C. Grif- fith, Oklahoma City; William Mis- UJA Launches Its Drive In the Amusement Field (Continued from Page 1) Friday, in the College Room of the Hotel Astor. The inaugural func- tion has been called by David Bern- stein, Barney Balaban, and Major Albert Warner. A large represen- tation of leaders in the motion pic- ture and theatrical world has al- ready been indicated. Monroe Goldwater, chairman of the United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York for the 1944 campaign, will be the principal speaker at Fri- day's luncheon. "The program of the United Jew- ish Appeal means that thousands of lives will be saved in the coming months, lives that would otherwise be needlessly lost," Bernstein said yesterday. "With that in mind, the amusement industry intends to go all out for this drive — as it does for every humanitarian cause." kell, Omaha; John Rugar, Park City, Utah; Earle W. Sweigert, Philadel- phia; Albert Finke, Portland, Ore.; Ed Fay, Providence; Harry Arthur, Jr., St. Louis; B. V. Sturdivant, San Francisco; Frank Newman, Sr., Seat- tle; W. J. Crockett, Virginia Beach, Va.; Carter Barron and John J. Payette, Washington, and A. Joseph de Fiore, Wilmington, Del. 80 REO Theaters Raise $184,834 for Bed Cross (Continued from Page 1) ported collections totaling $184,834 from the first 80 houses to report, an average of more than $2,300 per theater. Preliminary report of J. L. Cart- wright, exhibitor chairman for Flo- rida, shows collections of $127,837 from 160 theaters, or an average of $800 per house. Some 140 Florida houses have not filed their reports as yet. From New Orleans, E. V. Rich- ards, Louisiana exhib. chairman, re- ported returns of $152,612 from 360 of 540 theaters in the territory, av- eraging $425 a house. Colorado Chairman Rick Ricketson, reported $50,511 from 180 theaters, with 100 still to come. The Martin Circuit collected $23,- 000 in 60 theaters in Georgia, Ala- bama, Tennessee and Florida, con- sidered a substantial average for smaller community houses. WB-SAG Dispute Ends; To Start "H'wood Canteen' IV est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Warner Bros, an- nounced yesterday it had reached a satisfactory agreement with SAG and vdll proceed immediately with production of "Hollywood Canteen." Wednesday, April 19, 1944 I I Sees No Immediate Teievision Threat (Continued from Page 1) television with representatives oi tele and motion picture companies During the next few days the Michi- gan men will probe the commercia aspects of television and the av^; I ability of equipment in the ev^. that television should suddenXvi sweep the country with the rapidit} of talking pictures in the late '20's Here to make the study are Lov' Wisper, Wade Allen, Charles Komer William Kaplan, Dave Newman, all of Detroit; and James Olsen of Gray- ling, Mich. Legislature Rejects New Jersey Usher Bill (Continued from Page 1) and 18 in theaters, afternoons and evenings, until 11:30 p.m. has been defeated by the New Jersey legis- lature. Its defeat was credited to or- ganized labor which objected to the lowering of the age limit. New Jer-' sey Allied had supported the meas- ure. Some theaters are using school- boys on work permits from the State Department of Labor, permitting the boys to work until 10 p.m. 1 Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -IFDAILY )L 85, NO. 78 NEW YORK, THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1944 TEN CENTS lERGE TO WnCH OCR EXPANSION VIEWS lUnity Must Have Backing of All Groups — Bruen PCC Leader Says Future Df Unity Plan Depends Dn Sincerity of Distribs. *^' Hugh W. Bruen, leader in the Pa- ;':ific Coast Conference, would be 'villing to co-operate with W. F. ^^iodgers, M-G-M sales chief, in a •' inity move if the latter were to have "j-he support of the producer-distrib- itor groups as a whole. f^ In a letter to THE FiLM Daily ''f':ommenting on Rodgers' recent ^* tatement on industry unity, Bruen (Continued on Page 10) ieadler Wat Drive [ounsellor on Ads Silas F. Seadler, M-G-M's adver- ising manager, will serve as ad- ertising counsellor for the indus- ry's Wac recruiting week campaign, lay 11-17, it was announced yester- ay by Harry Mandel, drive's gen- ral publicity director. At the same time, Mandel an- ounced his public relations area hairmen as follows: R. M. Kennedy, Birmingham; A. (Continued on Page 7) VB District Managers )pen Sessions Today Two-day meeting of Warners dis- rict managers, called by Ben Kal- lenson, general sales manager, will et under way this morning at the (Continued on Page 11) Two More Exchange meetings for Rep. Wen Coast Bur., THE FILM DAII.V Hollywood — Following Republic's first series of sales and progress dis- cussion meeting at the studio April 25-26, Proxy James R. Grainger and H. J. Yates will go to Chicago for similar planned meetings with exchangemen of Central and South- ern districts, then on to New York where Eastern exchangemen will gather. Motion Pictures Without Audiences Are A "Social Waste," Zanuch Replies to Rice A motion picture, regardless of content, would be a social waste without an audience, Darrly F. Zanuck, 20th-Fox vice-president in charge of produc- tion, comments in the current The Saturday Review of Literature. Answering some criticism of film execs, contained in a review of Ben Hecht's b^ok, "A Guide for the Bedevilled," by Elmer Rice, published in the March 25 Re- view, Zanuck noted "It (a picture without an audience) would be a social waste, artistically and financially, unless it had a response at the box office ....a picture, no matter what its message, is simply an empty gesture unless people see it." In another letter published in the same issue of the Review, Rice denied at- tempting an attack on the movies but repeated his belief "that the making of motion pictures is controlled, in the main, by reactionary business-men, who are chiefly interested in making money and (what comes to the same thing) in pre- serving the economic status quo." NT R. C. Collections Hit $439,000 Total National Theaters' six divisions rolled up Red Cross collections of ap- proximately $439,000 during the in- dustry's War Fund drive week, the circuit's headquarters yesterday in- formed President Charles P. Skou- ras now in the East. With national collections present- (Continued on Page 11) N. J. Allied In Double Anniversary on June 20-22 New Jersey Allied will hold a twin celebration — its own silver jubilee and the golden anniversary of the industry — at Convention Hall, Chel- ( Continued on Page 11) Big Campaign Plans For Metro Birthday Tying in advertising, publicity and exploitation on a large scale, M-G-M will celebrate its 20th anni- versarv during the week of June 22- 28, William F. Rodgers, vice-presi- dent and general sales manager, an- nounced yesterday. While the company is not looking (Continued on Page 7) Bamberger Names Aids to WAC Distributor Chairmen To speed up distribution of War Information shorts and bulletins, as well as special documentaries re- leased through the WAC, Leon J. Bamberger, assistant to Chairman (Continued on Page 11) Speedier Action on Building WPB Field Offices to Handle Applications Set May 5 for Hearing On FTC-Ktima Compromise Federal Judge John C. Knox yes- terday signed an order giving notice to ail creditors, stockholders and others in connection with an appli- cation by the trustees of the Fox Theaters Corp., for a hearing to be (Continued on Page 7) Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— WPB field offices are today authorized to begin handling all construction applications involv- ing expenditures up to $100,000. The new order will mean that most ap- plications for new theater construc- tion— previously handled by the OCR amusements section in Washington (Continued on Page 1 1 ) Morale Value of Projected FWC Frisco Bay Houses an Important Consideration Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Wendell Berge, As- sistant Attorney General and head of the Department of Justice anti- trust division, will give considera- tion to the OCR's recommendations that National Theaters' FWC be per- mitted to construct eight new the- aters in the Frisco Bay area, Berge told The Film Daily. Berge said that he could not yet attempt to pass on the question of circuit expansion in the face of the provisions of the New York consent decree, and the attitude the Depart- (Continued on Page 10) Newsreels Perfecting Invasion Coverage Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Marking its fiftieth year in business, the industry is now readying the most extensive camera coverage of a news story in motion picture history. Calling upon the wealth of experience in war pho- (Continued on Page 10) Butterfield Quits WPB's Public Relations Bureau Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — H. Allyn Butterfield yesterday revealed that he had re- signed as chief of the Feature Film Section of the War Department's (Continued on Page 7) Ushers in Civvies Eye ''Bottle Jocheys'' St. Louis — Despite a shortage of ushers in local theaters, some man- agers have had to station some of their personnel in civilian clothes to watch for "bottle jockeys" — boys and girls who attend the houses with a bottle of whiskey, gin, or what have you, on the hip. Youngsters are trailed to their seats and warned to behave, or be bounced. Thursday, April 20, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 78 Thurs., April 20, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor cominG nno GoinG =' Coe Looks Into Films' Future in Bait. Speech Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St W. I. HAVANA— -Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eiken O'Brien. MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FINANCIAL (Wednesday, April 19) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 141/4 141/4 141/4 — 1/2 171/4 171/4 171/4 — Vs 44 431/3 431/8 + 5/8 33/4 33/4 33/4 .... 181/2 I8I/4 I8I/4 — 1/4 161 1/4 I6OI/2 I6OI/2 — 2 191/8 19 19 — 1/4 43 423/4 43 + 1/4 243/4 23% 24 89 88 1/2 88 1/2 + 1/2 225/8 22 221/8 — 1/4 Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd East. Kodak .... Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO $S pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 N'W YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Universal Pictures . . . Universal Picts. vtc. . . 301A 30 30 in/s "5/8 113/4 .. BOND MARKET 92 92 92 CURB MARKET 33/4 33/4 33/4 .. 13/8 11/4 13/8 -I- 3 27/8 2% — 13% 131/2 131/2 + 223/4 22 22 — 211/4 211/4 211/4 -f Y. FRANK FREEMAN has arrived from the Coast. ALAN F. CUMMINCS, in charge of M-C-M ex- change operations, returns Monday from an ex- tended vacation upstate. DANE CLARK plans a three-week visit in New York on completion of his current role in "The Very Thought of You" at Warners. BOB WOLFF has arrived in London to assume his duties as RKO's managing director there. lACK BENNY and members of his radio gang, including' MARY LIVINGSTON, DENNIS DAY PHIL HARRIS and ROCHESTER are due to visit Vancouver to help boost Canada's Sixth Victory loan. HARRY F. SHAW, New England district man- ager for the Loew circuit, was in town. D. A. pORAN has returned to New York from Hollywood. BILL PRAGER, RKO publicity man, has re- turned to Buffalo from Boston, where he covered "Snow White" premieres in the New England territory. MEYER FOX, Columbia booker, Buffalo, goes to Oneida, Elmira and Ithaca on business. GIL LAMB has left Hollywood for New York, taking his wife and young son, Denis, with him. IRVING MAAS, assistant director of the 20th-Fox international department, is on his way to Latin America, where he will remain for the next five or six weeks. CHARLES BENNETT leaves for England late this month to write the script of "Lorna Doone" for Edward Small and to do a British Government assignment. JILL WARREN, associate editor of Movieland magazine, has returned to her duties on the Coast. EDDIE CANTOR and BONITA GRANVILLE entertained recruits last night at the Great Lakes Naval Station and today will appear for the Gardiner General Hospital patients in Chicago. E. K. (TED) O'SHEA, M-G-M Eastern sales manager, is in New Orleans and leaves Sunday for Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte and Wash- ington. SI FABIAN returned yesterday from Washing- ton. VICKI BAUM is back in New York from the Coast, where she conferred with Jack L. War- ner on the filming of "Hotel Berlin '43." E. C. GRAINGER is back from a vacation at Boca Raton, Fla. H. A. MOSS, prexy of Ross Federal Service, left yesterday on a three weeks' tour of South- ern branches. FRED MATTHEWS, Motiograph, solon, is in New York from Chicago. JACK RUBACH and HAROLD RANDALL of Lccal B-9 Film Exchange Employes, Buffalo, and ARNOLD FEBREY and JOSEPHINE GENCO, Local F-9, have returned from Albany. TOM WALSH, Comerford Circuit, Bingham- ton, will vacation at Pinehurst, N. C. MARIO LUPORINI of the 20th-Fox in- ternational department has gone to Mexico City on a special assignment that will keep him there for two months. MARJORIE REYNOLDS and MARIAN HALL will open their USO-Camp Shows tour of hos- pitals in Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Washington and California in El Taso today. I. M. RAPPAPORT, operator of the Balti- more Hippodrome, is in town. HAROLD HUTCHINS, national advertising di- rector of Hillman Periodicals is traveling through the Mid-West. JOHN K. HILLIARD, chief engineer of the Radar and Motion Picture Division of Altec Lansing Corp., is in New York from Holly- wood. Baltimore — A decade of develop- ment that will dwarf the achieve- ments of the screen during its first 50 years was predicted for motion pictures by Charles Francis Coe, counsel for the MPPDA, in an ad dress here yesterday before the Bal timore Advertising Club. Coe re viewed the progress of the scre«fl on its 50th anniversary. \i^ Coe described what the theater ol tomorrow will be like, embodying all the engineering and technical de- velopments which are to come and with pictures having a third dimen- sional effect. Today Coe will speak before the National Congress of the Daughters, of American Revolution in New t'ork. Wehrenberg's Brother Dead St. Louis — Funeral of William Wehrenberg, 69, brother of Fred Wehrenberg, head of the Wehren berg circuit, was held yesterday. IVEW YORK THEATERS F. Irving White Dead West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — J. Irving White, 79, veteran stage and screen player and chaplain of the Troupers Club, died at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. Toseph Winter Dead St. Louis — Joseph Winter, 45, one- time leader of orchestras at the Am- bassador, Missouri and St. Louis theaters, is dead. Blast Kills Farrell's Son Chicago — Warren Farrell, son of Joseph Farrell, of the Chicago the- ater, was killed in a munitions ex- plosion at Fort Lewis, Ore. Aristedes Reckas Dies Chicago — Aristedes Reckas, for- mer opertator of the Milda and Ro- mova Theaters, died at Billings Hos- pital. SMPE Journal Award Goes To Bell and Scoville Their articles describing design and use of equipment for reducing back- ground noise in film sound recording systems won the SMPE's annual Journal Award for William L. Bell and Ray R. Scoville of Bell Tele- phone Labs, at the closing session of the Society's three-day Hotel Pennsylvania meeting yesterday. Presentation was made by Presi- dent Herbert Griffin, with Sylvan Harris, chairman of the Journal Award Committee reading the cita- tion. Donald Hyndman, of Eastman Ko- dak, the Society's engineering vice- president, conducted a symposium on standardization of 16 mm. equip- ment yesterday. Carl Randolph Dies Chicago — Carl Randolph, 57, Chi- cago theater veteran, is dead. Fun- eral arrangements are not yet com- pleted. -RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL- 50th St. & 6th Ave. RITA HAYWORTH-GENE KELLY "COVER GIRL" ., Jn , Technicolor Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchestra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600 RADIO CITY MVSIC HALL msTIOH Ji «%!e« PARAMOUNT'S "LADY IN THE DARK" In Technicolor In Person XAVIER CUCAT AND BAND DEAN MURPHY PARAMOUNT TIMES SQUARE ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS "UNCERTAIN GLORY" IN PERSON: TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAIVD OPENS 9 A.M. B'WAY & 47th St. BUY BONDS! Joel McCREA Maureen O'HARA Linda DARNELL ^BUFFALO BILL^ IN TECHNICOLOR PLUS ON STAGE- PAUL WHITEMAN and Orch. VICTOR BORGE - JOAN EDWARDS BUY MORE D^W ^*^ A*^- '' BONDS l\^^ I 50th St. WTJTi B'WAY & '47th St. Anna NEAGLE • Richard GREENE "YELLOW CANARY" riiiiimiiiiiiniiniiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiniiiiiminiijiiimnmiiiiiiniijiiiiiiiniuinii ON SCREEN William POWELL HedyLAMARR in M-G-M's Ilie HEAVENLY BODY' IN PERSON JERRY WAYNE NAN RAE & Mrs. WATERFALL I iiiiuuiuuuiiiuuiiiuunLiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiruiiuiiimmuuiiiuuiiiuiiiiimiiiiuiiiuiiii: THE SQNG OF BERNADETTE HUMPHREY BO&ART IN WARNERS' PASSAGE to MARSEILLE 'ZA.'' HOLLYWOOD Opens 10 A.M. - B'way 51st CONTINUOUS "«"«" OoorsOpeii9:3l)A.M. B-WAY & 49th ST. .^i? Tlie Gay Anniversary Week Starts June 22n(l ^ I s— W^itn raniare on tne air Ana capers in all tne Witk special events And litting ceremonies— Witn advertising campaigns And wide magazine tie-ups- Leo or M-G-M starts tne Dall On June 22nd To celenrate witn all tne industry Twenty Friendly Years of M-G-M! IL I roiiin .BEGINTTING JUNE 22ncl ^ /»-> ,/->^ -^ '^.^> gx^ aXr^-n'\^ /^ TWENTY YEARS OF LEADERSHIP 1924 1944 M-G 24-1944 TWENTY YEARS OF LEADERSHIP WITH GOOD WILL TOWARDS ALL AND THE BRIGHTEST YEARS AHEAD Celetration Starts June 22na Thursday, April 20, 1944 ~a* DAILY Seadler Wac Drive Counsellor on Ads t) (Cintinued from Page 1) G. Pickett, Phoenix; Sam B. Kirby, Little Rock; Mort Goodman, Holly- wood; Fay S. Reader, San Fran- cisco; Harold Rice, Denver; Lou Brown, New Haven; Benjamin Schindler, Wilmington; J. L. Cart- wright, Tampa; William Brady, At- lanta; Nevin McCord, Boise; Wil- liam Hollander, Chicago; William Elder, Indianapolis; Dale McFar- land, Des Moines; Mel Miller, To- peka; Cliff Beuchel, Louisville; Mau- rice Barr, New Orleans; Connie Rus- sell, Bangor; Frank Homig, Balti- more; Harry Browning, Boston; Alice Gorham, Detroit; Charles Win- chell, Minneapolis; Elizabeth Moody, Jackson; Les Kaufman, St. Louis; J. A. English, Montana; also — Ted Emerson, Omaha; Edward Fahey, Manchester; Eli Orowitz, Camden; Robert Paskow, Newark; George Tucker, Albuquerque; Art Brick, Las Vegas; Edward Dowden, New York; Seymour Morris, Glo- versville; Roy Smart, Charlotte; Mike Cooper, Grand Forks; E. V. Dinerman, Cincinnati; Harry Schrei- ber, Columbus; Robert Busch, Okla- home City; M. M. Mesher, Portland; James Ashcraft, Philadelphia; James Totman, Pittsburgh; John Carroll, Providence; Sam Suggs, Columbia; Fred Larkin, Sioux Falls, Charles Amos, Nashville; Ray Beall, Dallas; Helen Garrity, Salt Lake City; Frank A. Vennett, Rutland; George Peters, Richmond; Frank LaFalce, Washington; Vic Gauntlett, Seattle; Sol Hyman, Huntington, W. Va.; Ed Hickey, Milwaukee and Jack Mc- Gee, Cheyenne. Munz Theater Firms Reduce Capitalization Detroit — Capital structure changes are being made by three theater holding companies. La Salle Gar- dens Theater Company is decreas- ing capitalization to $130,000 com- mon stock; Grand Riviera Theater Company to $113,000 preferred and $45,000 common; and Riviera Annex Theater Company to $223,850 pre- ferred and ,$60,000 common. All control theaters which were headed by the late C. V. Munz. Sidney Lanfield Harold Lloyd I%etvs o' the Day • • • FLASH! N. Y. Daily News has instituted a further ad- vertising cut on account of the paper shortage. . . • N. Y. Times, which made deepest cut in amusement advertising, is opening up on other pages for national and retail advertisers Indicating that despite 50 years of progress, the movies are still stepchildren. . . • Annual March of Dimes report being held up until a few delinquent exhibitors make their reports. . . • Four hundred radio stations serviced by the AP have received a release hailing the industry's golden jubilee and paying tribute to its war contribution. . . • Army Pictorial Service reports that War Dept. training films and film bulletins are now shown 200,000 times a month in the U. S. to G-I audiences estimated at 23,000,000. . . • Biggest advance sale in Pittsburgh rodeo history is reported for Roy Rogers' p.a. this week. . . • Warners has set three more French- dubbed versions for Dominion release — "The Sea Wolf," May 6; "Always in My Heart," May 27; "Virginia City," June 24. ▼ TV 9mm THE PERSONAL TOUCH: J. Robert Rubin, M-G-M general counsel, has recovered sufficiently from his recent illness to spend a few hours daily in his office. . . m Jimmy Cagney's next on his return from his overseas Army camp tour will be "Blood on the Sun," original by Garrett Ford luhich covers the whole range of Japan's recent history. . . m Leo Hurwitz, film producer-director, joins CBS's local tele station, WCBW, as a xvriter-director. . . m Lt. James B. Hickey, son of Duke Hickey, MPPDA publicist, has been graduated from the Twin Engine Army Flying School at Pecos, Tex. . . m Charles J. Sonin, purchasing agent for Loew's, is in Polyclinic Hospital re- cuperating from an operation. . . m Abe Piatt, B &: K supervisor is an ll-times blood donor Know of any one in the biz who can top that record? . . . m Fred Wehrenberg, St. Louis circuit operator, heads the waste paper campaign to be waged by St. Louis film theaters. m Lt. Will Wethe, formerly manager of Chi.'s Berwyn, has been named director of the 75 mm. section of the gunnery training grounds at Fort Knox, Ky. . . m Don't credit that report UA is dropping Charles R. Rogers In addition to "Song of the Open Road," he has another UA pic to deliver. . . m Harry Shaw, Poli district mana- ger, tells of walking into one of his theaters and finding a uniformed usher in canvas tennis shoes ▼ TV • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR....:. Big Campaign Plans For Metro Birthday (Gontinued from Page 1) for a solid week of M-G-M pictures in all theaters, Rodgers said every theater owner was being contacted and asked to join in the celebration by showing Leo the Lion on his screen during the anniversary week. "We would appreciate the co-op- eration of all exhibitors to help make our anniversary one of the outstanding events of the year in the industry," Rodgers said. "The great- est that exhibitors can do to ac- knowledge our leadership and suc- cess from a production, distribution and exhibitor standpoint would be to show Leo on every screen in the country during the week." Rodgers asserted that as a re- sult of M-G-M's policy of fair deal- ing, the company has on its books the greatest number of accounts it has ever enjoyed. "This, in itself," Rodgers said, "is the best evidence of our fair policy." The promotion program for the anniversary is far-reaching in scope, and Rodgers said he was safe in pre- dicting that before June 22, every reader of magazines and newspa- pers, every radio listener and every movie fan would know that M-G-M was celebrating an important mile- stone in its history. Butterfield Quits WPB's Public Relations Bureau (Continued from Page 1) Bureau of Public Relations, effective tomorrow. Butterfield will return to Hollywood, but would not reveal what his job there will be. His suc- cessor has not yet been chosen. Butterfield had been with the War Department for nearly three years, and is credited with a major share of responsibility for the organiza- tion of the air force camera crews. With BPR he has been in charge of script clearance, and has worked closely with Hollywood producers. Before coming here he had served in executive capacities with Univer- sal and Pathe Newsreels having or- ganized and been producer of the former. He also produced shorts and short Set May 5 for Hearing On FTC-Ktima Compromise (Continued from Page 1) held on May 5, at the U. S. District Court, for the approval of a proposed agreement of compromise between the trustees and Ktima Corp., and Skouras Theaters Corp. The pi'oposed agreement provides for the restoration to the trustees of the assets of the Fox Theaters Corp., of the Academy of Music The- ater, and certain other assets which were transferred to Skouras The- aters Corp., pursuant to an order dated Jan. 12, 1937, which was trans- ferred to Ktima Corp., a Skouras subsidiary. features for Universal and did pro- duction work for Republic and vvas engaged in independent production work before coming here. Bette Davis Again Heads Canteen West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Bette Davis was re- elected Hollywood Canteen president for the third successive year by the Canteen's board of directors by unanimous vote^at the annual meet- ing of the board. Canteen, which has served over 1,580,000 men in uniform, begins its third year of ac- tivities. Really for the Filtn Or ^'Three Feathers"? Veteran exploiteers along local Film Row sat down yesterday and mused on whether it's worth-while to la- boriously consummate publicity stunts. What poised question was big space in local newspapers grabbed by UA promotionalists for a stunt in behalf of "Knickerbocker Holiday" that DIDN'T come off! It had been an- nounced that yester noontide In- dians would give back to Mayor La- Guardia three bottles of liquor where- with the original City Fathers had purchased Manhattan Island from the Redskins. Crowds garnered at City Hall, but at the last minute UA sent a wire to the newspapers that the whole affair was off because repayment of Island's original purchase price shculd carry interest compounded at six per cent, — which would mean 100,000,000 bottles of liquor. "We are having trouble getting just the three bottles," the wire stated. JA. Unhappy Birthday, Adolf- M' PARAMOUNT S Hitler ! The tUtier Can^ B, G. DeSYLVA, Executive Producer Directed by JOHN FARROW Written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackelt ! Today in New York, on Adolf Hitler's 55th birth- day, there is a package especially for Der Fuehrer— a tin container enclosing eleven reels of a motion picture which depicts the true and unvarnished story of Hitler and his mob from the Armistice of 1918 through the blood purge of 1934— a motion picture called TluslltHcPCdtt^, produced in Hollywood by Paramount. It is too bad that Hitler cannot see this film today, for it would be sure to add to the many unhappinesses of his already unhappy birthday. But soon the whole world will see it, and will know Hitler at last for what he really is and was— a degraded stool-pigeon, a cowardly weakling, and the cold- blooded murderer of his 16 -year- old niece! They will know too why Goering took sojourns in a traight-jacket— what Hess was to Hitler— and how the erman people themselves were taken over by a gang bf the most vicious criminals the world has ever known. Tll( Htffatr Gdtl9 wiU have its world premiere in -New York May 6th at the Globe Theatre. From T^ramftunt to Thursday, April 20, 1944 Newsreels Perfecting Invasion (overage (Continued from Page 1) tography built up in major and mi- nor wars all over the globe during the past 30 years, the pool made up by the five newsreels is now working out last-minute details in its plans to bring the American public fast, accurate, on-the-spot reproduction of important events in the coming European invasion. Already eight ace cameramen are in London or en route, with another detachment due to leave shortly. John Bockhorst and Jack Lieb of News of the Day have been in Lon- don for some time for the pool. Neil Sullivan of Pathe, injured during the Italian invasion and hospitalized here, is back in harness and ready to work out of London. John Dored, Paramount cameraman who has been covering South America for the pool, has gone direct to London, and Rob- ert Blair of Movietone and Thomas A. Priestly of Universal have been added the pool's London staff. Louis Cass of Paramount and Robert Dona- hue, Jr., have also been sent to Lon- don. Ned Buddy, overseas pool co-ordi- nator, is now working out plans to avoid duplication of effort among the newsreel photographers. Navy combat crews and the camera crews of the Army's Signal Corps and Air Forces. Col. Kirk B. Lawton, for- mer APS head, is in London and will be in charge of the Signal Corps crews, with other capable officers handling the Navy and Air Force cameramen. Special arrangements have been made to insure speedy handling and delivery of the film, with new lab- oratory arrangements set up in Lon- don to permit review of footage by military authorities there before it is sent to this country. A consid- erable quantity of new equipment has been sent the pool cameramen, and newsreel officials are certain exhibitors everywhere will soon find that their newsreels are as strong as box-office attractions as the best features. UlEDDinC BELLS Chicago — Charley Davison, B & K booking supervisor, and Joan Abrams, secretary, have announced their engagement. New Haven — Natalie Sternberg, of the Metro exchange staff, will be married May 28 to David Machol of New Haven. Seattle — H. L. Theurkauf, shipper for RKO-Radio, and Frances D. Loo- mis, bookkeeper for Universal, have announced their engagement. Chicago — Lt. William M. Towle, former B & K sound engineer, was married to Helen Wagner, of Plain- field. J unior- Junior ette Nights at 40% Cut Milwaukee — Fox Wisconsin is in- augurating Junior-Juniorette Nights at its three first-runs, Wisconsin, Palace and Strand, on Fridays, with b.o. scales cut 40 per cent, from 80c to 45c for children between the ages of 12 and 16. Unity's Suaess Up To Dislribs-Bruen (Continued from Page 1) said there was no doubt in his mind that there should be a point at which all branches of this industry can ar- rive, in which the interests of each would be given proper and fair con- sideration and equitable trade rela- tions established. However, Bruen expressed the opinion that the inde- pendent exhibitors would not con- sider entering into any negotiations until such time as the producer-dis- tributor interests did something in a material way to not only indicate but guarantee their sincerity. Such sincerity, he said, must be to the end that they "do not wish all the ad- vantages, but instead are willing to recognize the independent exhibitor groups, their rights and the fact that we as an integral part of this indus- try are entitled to our just share in the profits of the business, and con- sideration in proportion to our con- tribution of effort and investment in this industry." Bruen added that such a develop- ment appeared remote, declaring that "if there were any desire on the part of the distributors to ac- complish this, they would never have submitted their draft of the mew decree in the form in which it was submitted; neither would they at the present day be exacting the last pos- sible dollar in film rentals as they are." He asserted that nothing would be accomplished until the in- dependent exhibitor group was al- loted its place in the sun and given proper recognition in a just and fair division of the box-office dollar. Bruen said he did not question Rodgers' sincerity, asserting that the Metro executive had the full con- fidence of a large percentage of in- dependent exhibitors. Bruen said he believed Rodgers was very sincere in the UMPI program, contending that if Rodgers had been given like sincere co-operation by all producers and distributors, "we might today be operating under a unity program in which most of our trade practice difficulties could be handled within the industry." Bovim, Elder in Switch Joseph R. Vogel of Loew's an- nounces the transfer of Russell A. Bovim, long-time manager of Loew's Ohio, Columbus, 0., to Loew's Mid- land, Kansas City. The present man- ager of the Kansas City house, Wil- liam Elder, switches to the Colum- bus assignment. €f REVIEWS "Show Business" >i with Eddie Cantor, George Murphy RKO 92 Mins. CANTOR MAKES AUSPICIOUS BOW AS PRODUCER, TURNING OUT MUSICAL WITH BOX OFFICE SOCK. "Show Business" is generously endowed with everything that a musical requires to be a box office sock. Easily one of the most entertaining films of the year, the produc- tion marks Eddie Cantor's bow as a screen producer. The picture reveals the come- dian to have as sure a touch as a producer as he has as a performer. As a story about show business the film is tops, capturing the feeling of the world of make-believe with uncommon success. Around a somewhat familiar tale Cantor and his associates have built a show that stirs the memories of the golden days of show business. For the film's musical con- tent Cantor has drawn prodigally upon song hits of the past many of which he helped to make famous. The picture does not attempt to be a cavalcade of show business; nor is it strictly the story of any one man, although the story is rich with incidents suggested by Cantor's own life. Basically the picture is the tale of the rise of a group of per- formers to the pinnacle of their profession. In the group are Cantor, George Murphy, Joan Davis and Constance Moore. Heart- break is encountered along the way, to be sure, but all's rosy at the finale. The film is also very much the story of a bitter-sweet romance involving Murphy and Miss Moore. The ladies will smile and suf- fer with the two but will be happy at the end in the knowledge that both are as one again. While Murphy and Miss Moore are pro- viding the romance. Cantor and Miss Davis are busy giving out with the comedy, which has quantity as well as quality. Under the speedy and astute direction of Edwin L. Marin the cast performs in superb style. Whether they are singing, clowning or dancing, Cantor, Murphy and the Misses Davis and Moore leave little to be desired. Nancy Kelly is effective as a vixen who tries to take Murphy away from Miss Moore. Joseph Quillan and Dorothy Bennett turned in a good screenplay from a story by Bert Granet. CAST: Eddie Cantor, George Murphy, Joan Davis, Nancy Kelly, Constance Moore, Don Douglas. CREDITS: Producer, Eddie Cantor; Di- rector, Edwin L. Marin, Screenplay, Joseph Quillan, Dorothy Bennett; Based on story by Bert Granet; Musical Director, C. Baka- leinikoff; Musical numbers staged by Nick Castle; Cameraman, Robert DeGrasse; Spe- cial Effects, Vernon L. Walker; Art Di- rectors, Albert S. D'Agostino, Jack Okey; Set Decorators, Darrell Silvera, Al Fields; Film Editor, Theron Warth; Sound, Jean L. Speak. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. rrO of Montana Meets May 11 Billings, Mont.— ITO of Montana holds its convention at the Northern Hotel here May 11, with Prexy Stew- art North in the chair and Sam Gil- lette, prexy of the Intermountain Theater Owners as principal speak- Berge to Weigli OCR Expansion Views (Continued from Page 1) ment, through his predecessors, has taken in the past. "We will certainly consider the need for these theaters," Berge stated. "At the same time, however, we will most certainly have to study the local competitive situation, and the anti-trust aspects of the requests will be scrutinized very carefully." It was indicated that the morale value of the projected new houses would be an important consideration in reaching any decision. In the meantime, Assistant Attor- ney General Tom C. Clark made it plain that he will not personally pass on the problem. Clark is no longer anti-trust chief, and is han- dling the New York pix case only as a special assignment. This par- ticular problem of expansion, he said yesterday, appears to be un- connected with the Consent Decree negotiations, and he will call upon the Anti-Trust Division to study the applications. Clark, it is understood, will prob- ably do nothing about them — not even recommending for or against them, but will turn them over at once to Robert L. Wright, who is still a part of the anti-trust division. Decision thus would prob- ably be reached by Wright and B^rge. The FWC applications, do not ap- pear to be in competition with any applications from independents, and OCR believes unofficially that Clark will not block their implementation. OCR has no oflBcial concern with the anti-trust case, but it nevertheless has considered the anti-trust angle carefully and would probably not be prepared to process applications from the major circuits unless it expected the D of J to approve them where essentiality is proved and there is no responsible independent applicant. Charles York Dead Spokane — Charles York, manager of the Granada Theater for Staff Sergt. Howard D. McBride, died. STORK REPORTS Toledo, O. — James Dempsey, man- ager of the State, is the father of a boy, his first child, weighing in at at 6 pounds, 5 ounces. A baby girl weighing seven pounds, 12 ounces, was born to Mrs. Justin Herman, wife of Paramount's short subjects script writer. Chicago — Arthur Cohan, formerj Garrick manager, now in the Armyj at Camp Stewart, Ga., is the fatherl of a son, named Henry StephenJ Cohan. Chicago — Lt. Mel Addis, formeil Uptown assistant, is the father off a new son, Stephen Barrie Addis. Thursday, April 20, 1944 THE' DAILY 11 NT R. C. Collections Hit $439,000 Total (Osntinued from Page 1) ly hitting about $6,000,000, the NT aggregate is about 7.3 per cent. Southern California division ac- counted for $176,000, and the North- ern California division, $104,000. Fox Midwest Theaters turned in $40,000, Fox Wisconsin, $31,000, Northwest division, $60,000, and Fox Inter-Mountain, $28,000. N. T. Allied in Double Anniversary on Tune 20-22 (Continued from Page 1) sea Hotel, Atlantic City, June 20-22. Committees were appointed Mon- day by Harry Lowenstein, president, at a meeting of the organization. North Jersey committee is composed of Irving Bollinger, chairman; Lee Newbury, George Gold, Helen Hil- dinger, David Snaper, Harry Hecht, Edward Lachman, David Mate and Henry Brown. South Jersey com- mittee includes Ralph Wilkins, D. Roscoe Faunce, Simon Myers and Basil Ziegler. E. Thornton Kelley is convention manager. Bamberger Names Aids to WAC Distributor Chairmen (Continued from Page 1) Ned E. Depinet of the WAC Dis- tributor's Division yesterday an- nounced appointments of assistants to Exchange Area Distributor chair- men throughout the country. Named were: Harry Alexander, 20th-Fox, Al- bany; Hubert Lyons, RKO, Atlanta; Moe Grassgreen, 20th-Fox, Boston; Ralph Maw, Loew's, Buffalo; George Roscoe, Col., Charlotte; Sam Gore- lick, RKO, Chicago; Allan S. Mo- ritz, Col., Cincinnati; Lester Zucker, Col., Cleveland; Lloyd Rust, Rep., Dallas; Henry Friedl, Loew's, Den- ver; Lou Elman, RKO, Des Moines; Milton Cohen, RKO, Detroit; Claude McKean, Warners, Indianapolis; Frank Hensler, Loew's, Kansas City; Harry Cohen, RKO, Los Angeles; Al Avery, RKO, Memphis; J. H. Lo- rentz, 20th-Fox, Milwaukee; Ben Blotcky, Para., Minneapolis; Morey Goldstein, Loew's, New Haven; Moe Kurtz, 20th-Fox, New Jersey; Roger Lamantia, RKO, New Orleans; Rob- ert J. Fannon, Rep., New York; Marion W. Osborne, 20th-Fox, Okla- homa City; J. T. McBride, Para., Omaha; Wm. Mansell, Warners, Philadelphia; Arthur H. Levey, Col., Pittsburgh; Charles Powers, 20th- WB District Managers Open Sessions Today (Continued from Page 1) home office, with Kalmenson presid- ing. Field executives in town for the meeting include Henry Herbel, Wolfe Cohen, Ralph L. McCoy, Hall Walsh, Harry A. Seed, Charles Rich, Robert Smeltzer, Norman Ayers. In addition to discussing the han- dling of forthcoming product, par- ticularly "The Adventures of Mark Twain," the session will take up cur- rent sales matters. From the studio, Charles Einfeld, who arrived in New York late last week, also will participate in the conference. Among home office executives tak- ing part, besides Kalmenson, are Arthur Sachson, Roy Haines, Jules Lapidus, Mort Blumenstock, Norman H. Moray, A. W. Schwalberg, How- ard Levinson, Ed Hinchey, I. F. Dolid, Bernard R. Goodman, Ralph Clark, A. C. Brauninger and Charles Baily. Fox, Portland; C. D. Hill, Col., St. Louis; W. G. Seib, Col., Salt Lake City; Newt Jacobs, RKO, San Fran- cisco; Neal Walton, Col., Seattle; John S. Allen, Loew's, Washington. See Speedier Adion On New Consfrudion (Continued from Page 1) — may now be processed in the field. Applications running over $100,000 may be screened in the field but must go to Washington for final process- ing. Field officers are also permitted to pass upon applications for amend- ments to construction grants if they do not involve expenditure of more than one-half the amount of the original grant. Major effect of this order is ex- pected to be a saving of time both for the applicants for new construc- tion and for the Washington agency officials. George W. McMurphey, now on the West Coast, is holding detailed dis- cussions with regional WPB officers there regarding the new theaters program, outlining the OCR stand- ards of essentiality and the criteria which applicants for new theaters must meet. Col.'s "Guerrillas" May 18 "Underground Guerrillas," Colum- bia's drama of the Yugoslavian un- derground, is set for a May 18 na- tional release. mU> OVER a ESQUm t TIVOU. SAN fRANCISCO «i»oo .fix"'*" >,«? 0^^^ c^ ^^V- \ \^^' t^^ OS* P\tct ^H^ ' ■ ; .o f.-5vi ^^ ^ ^ , ^t 0? ^^ ' '" ^£6 ^^^^ • J ^- — Jl N 2 i/i 5 N Z At Kt?"^ MONOGRAM PICTURES ^te^e^^^ A SCOTT R. DUNLAP Production The Most Versatile Girl on the Screen In Tojg^^fs Issue: The Equipineni News Section THE Itflimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought {See Panes 13 fo 16) The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -^DAILY VOL. 85, NO. 79 NEW YORE. FRIDAY. APRIL 21. 1944 TEN CENTS PICKWICK DISMISSAL WILL BE APPEALED Industry Unity Revival Mulled by ITOA's Beard Editorial Post- War ... planning By CHESTER B. BAHN PAUL G. HOFFMAN, president of Stude- baker Corp., and chairman of the board of trustees of the Committee for Econ:mic Development, told the House Post-War Poli- cy Committee at a Washington hearing this week that the nation's post-war plans must set a goal of from seven to 10 miilicns more jobs than were available in the peak peace year of 1940. Post-war production, Hoffman declared, would have to be from 30 to 45 per cent above the 1940 level, and to provide a sufficient amcunt of salaries and wages an- nually to assure the markets for the goods and services the country can produce, he added, civilian employment must range be- tween 53,000,000 and 56,000,000. All of which points up the desirability of, no, rather the urgent necessity for, action along the lines suggested by War- ners' far-seeing Charles Einfeld on his ar- rival from the Coast early in the week. THERE should be an all-industry post-war conference, whether sponsored by pro- duction, distribution or exhibition, without undue delay for two specific reasons. . First, because the industry will confront a variety of problems peculiar to itself when peace and dem.bilization come. They are too self-evident to require either enumera- tion or elaboration here. Secondly, because the financial good health of the industry is integrated with the stability and progress of all American business. Which is to say that if the em- ployment goal of 53 to 56 miilicns enunci- ated by Studebaker's president is attained, there is an excellent chance that the pres- ent high level of American theater attend- ance will be sustained in the post-war period. Sustain that level, of course, and you underwrite the prosperity of exhibition, pro- duction and distribution. • • THE time to act is NOW. . . or as close to ' it as is possible. The end of the war — however distant it may be — grows nearer with each passing day. Not a few other major industries, as Einfeld pointed out, al- ready have charted their courses for the post-war period. For them, peace, whether it comes tomorrow or later, will not bring the perplexing "Where do we go from here?" (Continued on Page 2) Directors Authorize Harry Brandt to Represent Group In Any Unity Negotiations Revival of the industry's unity movement, recently proposed, came in for consideration at yesterday's meeting of the ITOA board at \he Hotel Astor. David Weinstock pre- sided. It was reported after the meeting that the board authorized Harry Brandt, president, to represent the organization in negotiating any unity program, giving Brandt full power to speak for the members. Directors also mulled legislation, film costs, exclusive runs and gen- eral industry matters. Metro Plans Exhib. Luncheons in Keys Luncheons for exhibitor groups in evei-y key city will be sponsored by M-G-M during the week of June 22 when the company will celebrate its 20 years as an organization. A celebration at the studio will be broadcast coast to coast and via (Cmtinued on Page 9) CBS Tele Station WCBW Adds to Staff Personnel With the resumption on May 5 of live talent shows, WCBW, CBS tele- vision outlet has announced several additions to its staff. Frances Buss (Continued on Page 8) NIary Pichford's II A Stoch Not for Sale West Coast Bur.. THE FILM DAILY Hollyw:od — Reports that Mary Pickford may sell her UA stock to David 0. Selznick or other interests can be definitely refuted. It is known that she has no intentions of sell- ing her UA holdings during her life- time and it is further known that her will requires her estate to re- tain permanent possession of the in- terest and never sell it. Pittsburgh Booiting Co-op Starts May 1 Pittsburgh — Buying and booking combine which has been in the proc- ess of organization for the past few months will start operations on May 1, local exchanges have been in- foi-med. New combine, known as the Co-operative Theater Service Co., is headed by Bert Stern, former branch manager in Pittsburgh and (Ccntinued on Page 9) Peskay Counsel Preparing Papers; Says Several Jur- ors Critical of the Court The directed verdict dismissing the Pickwick Theater anti-trust case will be carried to the Circuit Court of Appeals and if necessary to the U. S. Supreme Court, Saul Rogers, co-counsel with Willard S. McKay for Edward Peskay, the plaintiff, said yesterday. The appeal is now being prepared with the October session of the court in view. Rogers said yesterday that sev- eral of the jurors "revolted" from Judge Carroll Hincks' instructions to find for the defendants and that letters had been written by them to the judge and to himself protesting the action. Rogers asserted that (Continued on Page 8) ITOA to Seelt Curb Of Exclusive Runs Cantor to Discard Scripts In Radio to Prepare for Tele Eddie Cantor yesterday stated that he plans to jump the gun on television next season by doing away with scripts and staging his broad- casts as though they were being pre- sented in front of television cam- eras. Lines and cues will be mem- (Continued on Page 3) Would Clarify UA By-Laws Mary Pickford Seeks Maiority Rule for Co. Eaton to Serve Term, Drops New Trial Plea Memphis — John W. Eaton, owner of the Peabody theater, who was convicted late last month of invol- untary manslaughter in the death of Elroy Curry, maintenance man, yes- terday withdrew his motion for a (Continued on Page 8) West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Mary Pickford will press action to have a Delaware or California Superior Court clarify the United Artists Corp. by-laws and to have them amended, if nec- essary, so that majority rule among UA owner-partners can prevail. She is known to be opposed to the unani- mous ownership operation, and at- (Continued on Page 8) Steps to curb the exclusive run situation may be undertaken by the ITOA whose board of directors yes- terday bitterly criticized the prac- (Continued on Page 3) WLB Refuses 7% Wage Tilt To Chi. Operators Union Chicago — The War Labor Board has refused a seven per cent wage increase to the Chicago operators' (Continued on Page 3) Col. Cooper Opens Dom. IS mm. Office Toronto — Formerly chairman of the Motion Picture Distributors Associa- tion of Canada, Col. J. A. Cooper is opening new office in Toronto for headquarters of Canadian 16 mm. Film Distributers Association, he an- nounced yesterday. It will also serve as office of the Musical Protective Association which Is in opposition to the organizations collecting royalties on musical works played in theaters and halls. IHEl DAILY Friday, April 21, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 79 Fri., April 21, 1944 10 Cents !OHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign^ $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph VVilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 55 16 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO. 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON — Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. 1. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eifcen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FINANCIAL (.Thursday, April 20) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 14% 141/4 141/4 171/4 171/4 171/4 431/2 431/2 431/2 + % 33/4 33/4 33/4 Am. Seat Col. Picts. vte. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. East. Kodak 1 do pfd Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NFW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Universal Pictures . . Universal Picts. vtc. . 61 1601/2 I6OI/2 591/2 241/2 83/8 893/4 225/8 301/2 121/8 BOND 92 Vr CURB 3% 13/8 3 133/4 23 213/8 59 59 241/8 243/8 81/8 8 893/4 893^ 221/2 225/8 301/4 301/4 115/, 12 MARKET 921/, 921/8 MARKET 37/8 37/a 11/4 27/8 13/8 27/8 + 3/8 + 3/8 -f 1/8 + 11/4 + 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/8 131/2 131/2 221/2 23 205/8 21 4- 1 - Vs Ask "Prices Unlimited" Booking Week of May 17 Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — A National Price Control Week has been set for May 17, it was announced here yester- day by Consumer and Labor groups meeting in Washington to back the stabilization program, and it was indicated that exhibitors will be asked to show the RKO short, "Prices Unlimited" during that week. The film has already been released the- atrically through the OWI-WAC program. It was shown the group yesterday on Capitol Hill. Levin to Direct at Col. Henry Levin, has been signed to a directorial contract by Columbia. Post- War . . . planning (Continued from Page 1) without an answer. Nor should it for this industry. Incidentally, film business can contribute directly to the ever-all post-war prepared- ness program. It has the showmanship and "know how" that can dramatize and "spark" such a national program. And it possesses ideal local mediums — the theaters, today, more than ever before, community centers — so important for the success of any "grass rorts" movement. In that category place the Committee for Economic Development, whose agenda already has claimed the sup- port of some 40,000 American business men who do not propose to confront the peace with "too little and too late." Industry Has Been Modest Of its War Job, Says Coe The more than 16,000 theaters co- operating in a program of war ac- tivities, from war messages to Bond drives to vast relief campaigns are not blazoning their achievements in vast advertising campaigns, Charles Francis Coe, counsel for the MPPDA, said yesterday in an address before the National Congress of the DAR at the Hotel Commodore. The film industry, he said, is mak- ing its contribution humbly to all the fighting fronts and the working fronts behind the lines. Those who have given free 10,000 motion pic- ture programs to the armed forces in combat areas are not asking for gratitude from their Government, Coe said, but all deeds are actuated by what they believe to be the mis- sion of the screen in war-time Amer- R. I. Exhib. is Granted Clearance Relief Asked Joseph Carrola, operator of the Midway Theater, Oakland Beach, R. I., obtained the exact relief for which he asked in his arbitration demand when the arbitrator this week reduced the existing clearance of the Providence first-runs to 30 days over the Midway. Clearance had been 45 days which Carrola claimed was unreasonable. He asked that it be reduced to 30 days. The five consenting distributors were de- fendants, although RKO was dis- missed as it had no contracts with the Midway at the time the case was filed. Lt. Daniel Boone Bruce Killed in Air Crash Atlanta — Lt. Daniel Boone Bruce, AAF, formerly with Metro's Atlanta ■H^ branch, was killed in an air B^ collision at Leland, Miss., ac- '^'"^ cording to War Department notification to his family. Execs, at BFC Luncheon Chicago — John Balaban, James Coston and Will Hollander will be guests at today's Better Films Coun- cil luncheon. "Over 26" Induction Is Resumed Here Industry manpower outlook in New York City was further tangled yesterday by the action of Col. Ar- thur V. McDeiTnott, Selective Ser- vice Director, in instructing local boards to resume induction of men over 26 not engaged in "war sup- porting activities." Colonel McDermott said, however, that he expected only a "compara- tively few" such inductions before July 1. Inductions of men over 26 were suspended April 1 while local boards concentrated on the men in the 26- and-under group with the demand of the War Department for younger men for combat service. Astra $250,000 Selznick Suit to Federal Court The $250,000 damage action brought by Astra Pictures, Inc., against David 0. Selznick, Daniel T. O'Shea, Ernest L. Scanlon and Raymond A. Clune was transferred from New York Supreme Court to Federal Court yesterday on a peti- tion filed by Scanlon. The suit, charging breach of contract, involves distribution rights to three old films, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "The Prisoner of Zenda" and "The Garden of Allah." Esquire Franchise for Brit. And Soviet Pix to Hanson Toronto — 0. R. Hanson formally announced acquisition of the Can- adian physical distribution of Brit- ish features for which the franchise is held by Esquire Films, Toronto, and also Soviet features controlled by Artkino Pictures (Canada), Ltd. Product will be handled through branches in each key city in associa- tion with other Hanson exchanges. These British and Russian films were formerly distributed through Empire Universal Films and the new setup is effective May 1. Drops Pix for Burlesque Seattle — The Rivoli has switched from pix to burlesque. COminC and Goinc HAL HORNE and CHARLES SCHLAIFER are due in New York Monday from the Coast. CLAUDE LEE, Para, director of public rela- tions, has returned from a two-week business trip in Florida. JOHN ). FRIEDL, president and general mana- Per of Minnesota Amusement Co., is in New York. AL O'KEEFE of Universal returns from Chica- go tomorrow. GEORGE A. SMITH. Para. Western division, | manager is holding sales meetings at the Dallas, Oklahoma City and Memphis exchanges this | week. HUGH OWEN, Para. Eastern division manager, is holding a sales meeting at the Washington > exchange today. IRVING RAPPER, Wa-ners' director, leaves; New York today for the Coast. HERBERT S. PICKMAN, Warners' field pub- lic relations representative for the Atlanta ter- ritory, is in New York. HAL HALPERIN, theater authority director in Chicago, has gone to Florida for his health. His brother Max Halperin takes over during his absence. GEORGE V. LYNCH, chief film buyer and booker for the Schine circuit, returns today to Cloversville. CAROL THURSTON will leave Hollywood to- night for Little Rock, Ark., to join Signe Hasso. CECIL B. DE MILLE leaves Hollywood for Little Rock, Ark. tomorrow night. ROBERT WATSON, MARTIN KOSLECK and ALEXANDER POPE will leave Hollywood today by train for New York. LT. JAMES >B. HICKEY, son of Duke Hickey, MPPDA publicist is visiting his mother, Mrs Stanley F. Johnston, in Minneapolis. FRANK N. PHELPS. Warner Theaters labor re- lations contact, left last night for Chicago ano Milwaukee. He returns to New York on Man day. DAVE EPSTEIN left for Hollywood last night. CLAUDETTE COLBERT, presently on vacatior in Oregon with her husband, LIEUT. COM. JOEL .PRESSMAN, will come to New York early next month for a visit. MAE WEST is due today from Hollywood fo^ rehearsals of her play, "Catherine Was Great." HARRY DELMAR is Hollywood-bound. C. C. MOSKOWITZ returns Monday from ; Florida vacation. BERNIE BROOKS of the Fabian circuit goes to Albany next week. Coast Starts 12 More; 58 Features Shooting West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILi Hollywood — Twelve new picture? go into production this week, mak- ing a total of 58 shooting. ANNOUNCING . . . The availability of one of the largest, best equipped sound studios in the East. Ac- coustics and facilities are finest . . . crews and talent (if desired) are at your immedi- ate disposal. Rental fees are nominal. Also^— location shooting for special training or educational films. it's no bother— write for info, today, FILMCRAFT PRODUCTIONS Division of Soundles Distributing Corporation of America Inc. 213 W. Jackson Blvd. Cliicago 6 ♦ - Friday, April 21, 1944 W'A DAILY • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: William K. Saxton. Loew's city manager, Baltimore, receives a civic award of merit from the Junior Victory Army at the hands of Mayor Theodore R. McKeldin tomorrow. • Didja know that Maurice Bergman's secretary, Miriam Quirk, was mar- ried on Tuesday at the AAF base in Alliance, Neb., to Lt. Charles N. Lockwood, Jr.? . . • Frank G. Kirby, pioneer cameraman — he was en- gaged personally in 1904 by Thomas A. Edison and later photographed Fox Film's first pic — attains his 75th milestone Monday. . . • Imagine the embarrassment of Manager Marvin Fox of the Seattle Music Hall when, OS a result of his offer of free "Buffalo Bill" ducats to all patrons arriving on horseback, he ran out of hitching-post accommodations! • Yes, sir. slips will happen, and that's why a Washington wire the other day identified Richard rather than Louis De Rochemont as a 20th- Fox producer. . . • Eve Siegel of Warners publicity department is back on the job after winning a two-month battle with spinal meningitis. • More c'est la guerre stuff: Nick Lamantia, Universal's former New Orleans branch manager, is a private at Camp Beauregord, La. His former office manager, Buford Styles, is his corporal, while his ser- geant is a chap named Gubler, who is the husband of the billing clerk at the company's New Orleans office. . . • Gig Young, the Warners featured player [novr in service) has a feminine namesake in Miss Gig Young at the War Activities Committee ▼ TV • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR'. Pantor to Discard Scripts In Radio to Prepare for Tele (Continued from Page 1) orized and scenes will be enacted with all the realism of the legiti- mate stage, even to sets and cos- tumes. Microphones strategically placed about the studio will allow members of the cast freedom of movement not possible with only one or two centrally situated mikes. Cantor predicted that television will come into its own after the war, and stated that he believed he would be better prepared for it by learning to get along without writ- ten lines before scripts become passe. April 21 David Bernstein Anthony Quinn Billy Bitzer Robert L. Perrin April 22 William J. McShea April 23 Frank Borzage George P. Skouras Shirley Temple Simone Simon Frank H. Thomas Albert Coates Edward J. 'Smith, ]r ITOA to Seek Curb Of Exclusive Runs (Continued from Page 1) tice. The films committee will pre- sent the issue to counsel for action. It was pointed out at the meet- ing that certain big pictures are being advertised at advanced admis- sion prices with the notations that they will not be shown at lower prices until 1945. Inasmuch as the subsequent-runs cannot charge the higher prices, the directors contended, the exclusive run status of several years ago virtually has been re- vived. The board saw a spreading of the practice unless halted now. WLB Refuses 7% Wage Tilt To Chi. Operators Union (Continued from Page 1) union for the second time. The la- bor members of the national board dissented. Chicago officials will await the meeting on May 2 of the local union before proceeding with the demand for signed contracts from Chicago theaters. Garland-Walker in "Lock" M-G-M will team Judy Garland and Robert Walker in "The Lock," a dramatic romance by Paul and Pauline Gallico concerning a sol- dier's last 48 hours in New York be- fore shipping. It will mark the first role of this type for Miss Garland and also will be the first dramatic pic to be produced for Metro by Ar- thur Freed. lerry Weschler to Boston Pittsburgh — Warners branch man- ager F. D. Moore has anounced the promotion of Jerry Weschler, city salesman, to sales manager at the Boston branch; he will be succeeded as city salesman here by Paul Kru- menacker, who comes on from Al- bany. Ruth Weinberg Resigns Ruth Weinberg Newman, secre- tary to Herman Lorber at the Para- mount home office, has resigned to join her husband, Corp. Eugene New- man, at Camp Crowder, Mo. She was given a luncheon by friends and associates. Corp. Newman formerly was with Paramount. No. 24 Outstanding Industry Personalities fOn if044 HCutm tUe^nt^ PRIOR to producing "Adventures of Mark Twain," he turned out the memorable "Sergeant York." Fond of fashioning big biographical pix. His own biog would make a rousing feature. Was a newspaperman and one of the pioneers in the great Alaska gold rush, one of the first hundred in fact to reach Nome. Returned to capitalize his experiences via vaude enterprises. Struck gold early in his film career. Organized one of the historic early companies in the in- dustry with Cecil B. DeMille and Samuel Goldwyn. To give you some hint of the rich celluloid vein in which he has operated,— he has made more than 1,000 features. Has apparently endless energy, and under every circumstance is one of those rare humans who is genial and kind. Is easy to find in FILM DAILY'S "cut morgue,"-he's No. 1. HEADS Eagle-Lion here for J. Arthur Rank. Thus he might be called appro- priately that firm's "ranking" exec. Former vice-president and finance committee chair- man for UA, with which company he served for many years and with high distinction. Al- ways has been a key figure in film affairs. Was born and educated in England. Came to America in his 2\st year. At 25 he was a di- rector of a dozen companies. In World War /, he served in the British tank corps, and later transferred to the American army with rank of Major. Much of UA's pre-war power in the international distribution field sprang from him. Has hosts of friends in every corner of the globe, and has the flare for keeping them via warm and understanding personality. CINEMATICALLY he is the husband of Madame Curie, Mrs. Miniver, et al, and re- ceived early professional impetus via association with another "great," Elsie Janis, who during World War I, laecame interested in his voice. Later he toured the U. S. and England with her in "At Home." Turned to making phono- graph records, and then went into vaude with La Janis. Thence to talking pictures in which he immediately scored. A native of East St. John, New Brunswick. Was educated in Canada. Is as much at home before the footlights as under the kleigs. Has interspersed stage engagements betimes with his movie appearances. During the past seven years has appeared almost exclusively in resounding successes for Leo the Lion,— and himself. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY. NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. Again New York's Main Stem is very M-G-M, and it's the same throughout the nation! (Oh, Mr. Winchell, watch for ^^ M'G'M's "White Cliffs of Dover'* next attraction at Radio City lAusic Hall) LIONIZED BY WINCHELL! Read what WALTER WINCHELL said in his column! 'THE MAGIC LANTERNS: 'Rationing' with Wallace Beery came to the Globe Theatre and convulsed the patrons. It is an M-G-M hit . . .'Lost Angel' which arrived yesterday at the Criterion is one of those delights with Margaret O'Brien, a show in herself. Roy Rowland directed with skill. Another M-G-M click . . .'See Here, Private Hargrove' (a third M-G-M socko) is the biggest laff show in the cinema cathe- drals. Robert Walker (of the Mme. Ciirie pictvire) is the person in it to yip about ..." \iS6 ^^^"^ {Above) New; York newspaper ad TECHNICOLORIOT! BROADWAY RHYTHM ' , Biggest for M-G-M at Capitol, N* Y. since new policy began ! \ ls>«^- TUNISIAN VICTORY" Biggest Ballyhoo of modern times at Wash*, D* C* Premiere* Watch for detailed campaign! Copy it * and cash in! wwnww ^..iEY'RE GIVING THIS LITTLE GIRL A GREAT BIG HAND! M-G-M's Happy Easter Hit is the Talk of the Town ! "Margaret O'Brien is a new child wonder! She firmly establishes herself as the marvel of the cur- rent cinema! Sheer delight!"— iVews "A new Hollywood star of the first magnitude! A joy- ous event! A treat to be enjoyed!"— ffera/c? Tribune "Margaret O'Brien is terrific! Fine comedy for the entire family."— M/rror "A completely captivating childlTugs at your heart- strings... A heart-warming actress of amazing abil- ity. 'Lost Angel' is a film find! "—/ourna/-i4mer/can "A deft mixture of comedy, melodrama and senti- ment. Hits the bull's-eye of popular appeal. Mar- garet O'Brien passes with flying colors!" —Post "Margaret O'Brien an entrancing youngster with a gift for acting and a fine sense of comedy!"— Sun "'Lost Angel' will be filling Loew's Criterion for weeks with the enchanting glow of a little girl's charm. . . Margaret O' Brien, an actress with emotional depth . . . simply astonishing ! " — World-Telegram "One of Hollywood's most gifted actresses!" —Life Magazine 5tcirrin9 with JAMES CRAIG MARSHA HUNT- Philip Merivah ^^^ Henry O'Neill • Donald Meek NOW AT LOEW'S C3iite;c IROHOWAY i 45th ST. L^^^GIVE TO THE RED CROSS (Above) New York newspaper ad ANNANEAGLE RICHARD GREENE NOVA PILBEAM • LUCIE MANNHEIM -ALBERT LIEVEN Produced & Directed by HERBERT WILCOX W hated the iTe slie live^ .-^^^and hate' followed her! Scorn and scandal made her loveliness a curse\-. . because of a secret she dared not whisper!: Friday. April 21, 1944 DAILY Mary Pickford Would Clarify UA By-Laws (Continued from Page 1) tomey Isaac Pennypacker of Phila- delphia, partner of Attorney George Wharton Pepper, Miss Pickford's counsel, has arrived here for con- ferences with her. Commenting on a published report that Miss Pickford seeks to have her UA interest protected from the inter-company differences of Charles Chaplin and David 0. Selznick, rep- resentatives of Selznick and Van- guard Pictures Corp., declared she was entitled to protection and said, "We don't want to be distracted by Chaplin's whimsical and capricious actions." They said Chaplin had brought a suit in New York Superior Court against Selznick over the sale of certain properties to 20th Cen- tury-Fox and over loan-outs of tal- ent to harass Selznick, knowing the California courts should have juris- diction over matters. They pointed out that Selznick and Vanguard are primarily producers and their pro- gram involves upwards of $8,000,- 000; that ''Since You Went Away," made at a cost of $3,344,000 exceeds gross rentals on any UA release with the possible exception- of "Stagedoor Canteen." CBS Tele Station WCBW Adds to Staff Personnel (Continued from Page I) returns to the station as director of programs, researcher and mistress of ceremonies. She was a CBS tele- vision director until "live" opera- tion was discontinued in December, 1942. Paul Belanger and Elwell Cobb have been made writer and tech- nician-floor manager respectively, while Harold Doane joins the sta- tion as assistant supervisor of mo- tion picture news film and televis- ion technician. Howard Hayes has been made a television technician for WCBW and two new assistants, Robert White and Edward Leftwich, have been ap- pointed. Frances Harrison has been added as production assistant and researcher; Amy Chandler will be assistant in casting, and Mary Reil- ly transferred from program rela- tions to work on the program logs. Freelon Fowler has also joined the station. SLRB Hearing May 4 On 306's Century Plea The State Labor Relations Board yesterday adjourned to May 4 hear- ings on a petition by lATSE Local 306 for an election to determine a bargaining representative for pro- jectionists employed by the Century circuit. The Local 306 move is an outcome of its recent absorption of Empire State Motion Picture Oper- ators Union. Empire presently holds contracts with the Century houses. REViEuis Of new Fiims "Meet the People" with Lucille Ball, Dick Powell M-G-M 100 Mins. MUSICAL CONTAINS NUMEROUS IN- GREDIENTS OF POPULAR FLAVOR; SONG CONTENT STRONG. "Meet the People" is a musical cut to the popular pattern. Most of its enter- tainment strength lies in its song content and in several production numbers of am- ple proportions. The picture is compounded of the stuff that makes a hit primarily with young filmgoers. As an added magnet the picture presents a cast containing many performers who offer the promise of a good time, although not all deliver as well as might be expected. Chief among the trade-pulling names are Lucille Ball, Dick Powell, Virginia O'Brien, Bert Lahr and "Rags" Ragland. Although the material doesn't always do these per- formers justice, they succeed uncommonly well in holding the entertainment together and guaranteeing the production a good public reception. Given a routine production by E. Y. Harburg, the picture, apparently inspired by the musical show of the same title that played on Broadway after a long Hollywood engagement, tells the rambling, fanciful tale of a shipyard worker (Powell) who gets the assistance of a stage star (Miss Ball) in his campaign to sell a show salut- ing "the people." Kle disposes of the show to a Broadway producer but changes his mind when the latter insists on putting it on in a way that destroys its message. Finally the show is staged for his fellow workers with the help of Miss Ball, who by this time has turned her talents to ad- vancement of the war effort as entertain- ment chief of the shipyard. Naturally, the close finds her and Powell very much thataway. Scattered through the screenplay of S. M. hierzig and Fred Saidy, a disjointed af- fair, are seven tunes on some of which Harburg himself collaborated. The direction of Charles Riesner is av- erage. Of the production numbers the best are one with Bert Lahr and another fea- turing the oriental dance team of Mata and Hari. Cast: Lucille Ball, Dick Powell, Virginia O'Brien, Bert Lahr, "Rags" Ragland, June Allyson, Steve Geray, Paul Ragland, How- ard Freeman, Betty Jaynes, John Craven, Morris Ankrum, Miriam LaVelle, Ziggie Talent, Mata and Hari, Vaughn Monroe and orchestra, Spike Jones and His City Slickers. CREDITS: Producer, E. Y. Harburg; Di- rector, Charles Riesner; Screenplay, S. M. Herzig, Fred Saidy; Suggested by story by Louis Lantz, Sol and Ben Barzman; Cameraman, Robert Surtees; Recording Di- rector, Douglas Shearer; Art Director, Ced- ric Gibbons; Set Decorators, Edwin B. Wil- lis, Mac Alper; Film Editor, Alexander Troffey; Musical Director, Lennie Hayton; Dance Directors, Sammy Lee, Charles Walt- ers, Jack Donahue; Songs, Sammy Fain, E. Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen, Burton Lane, Earl Brent, Richard Rogers, Lorenz Hart, Henry Myers, Jay Gorney. DIRECTION, Routine. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. Local 306 Gives Ambulance lATSE Local 306, operators, is donating a fully equipped ambulance to the U. S. armed forces, the money coming out of union funds. "Seven Days Ashore" with Wally Brown, Alan Carney, Marcy McGuire RKO Radio 74 Mins. TIMELY POP MUSICAL-ROMANCE WITH RAPID-FIRE ACTION. WILL AP- PEAL SOLIDLY TO THE FANS. Here is a feature on which no super- duper sums have been spent, no awe-in- spiring stars hung in its firmament, no hypnotic color permitted to glow from even a single frame of its footage. Yet it eclipses a great many of its more grandiose contemporaries. It reminds, to be both practical and philosophical, that a Sena- tor from Texas is not necessarily better than a Senator from Rhode Island. "Seven Days Ashore" is light entertain- ment. Its story could make no serious claim to originality. But it has prodigal pace, on-the-button timeliness, content thoroughly escapist, plus easy-to-look-at principals and supporting players, and is garnished by a bevy of singable tunes and some electrifying dancing. In short, it's a musical romance whose action is un- flagging. Gordon Oliver, essaying the ro- mantic lead, is a handsome, fickle and wealthy lad serving in the Merchant Marine. When his ship comes into San Francisco for repairs, he takes two of his side-kicks, Wally Brown and Alan Carney, who have the comedy assignments, along on shore leave. Oliver, actually engaged to the comely Elaine Shepard, becomes involved, because of his philandering, in two breach of promise suits initiated by two eye-filling femmes in a night club's all-girl orches- tra. These pretty plaintiffs he plays-off on his two shipmates, amid rapid-fire com- plications. When all the romantic schem- ing is over, Oliver and his true love. Miss Shepard, are wed, and so are his pals and the ork lovelies. Freddie Fisher (Colonel Corn) and His Orchestra do an excellent job musically, as does Marcy McGuire and Dooley Wilson with their songs. A girl in the cast turns in a spectacular dance routine. Production and direction by John H. Auer are solid, and Russell Metty's photography is first rate. CAST: Wally Brown, Alan Carney, Marcy McGuire, Gordon Oliver, Virginia Mayo, Amelita Ward, Elaine Shepard, Dooley Wil- son, Marjorie Gateson, Alan Dinehart, Miriam LaVelle, Margaret Dumont, Emory Parnell, Ian Wolfe, Freddie Fisher (Colonel Corn) and His Orchestra. CREDITS: Producer-Director, John H. Auer; Based on Original Story by Jacques Deval; Musical Director, C. Bakaleinikoff; Songs, Mort Greene (lyrics), Lou Pollock (music); Additional Sengs, Freddie Fisher; Dance Director, Charles O'Curran; Cam- eraman, Russell Metty; Special Effects, Vernon Walker; Art Director, Albert s! D'Agostino; Film Editor, Harry Marker; Set Decorations, Darrell Silvera, William Stev- ens; Assistant Director, Harry Scott DIRECTION, Solid. PHOTOGRAPHY First-Rate. Continue Hearings Monday Hearings on the petition of Mo- tion Picture Theater Operating Man- agers, Assistants and Cashiers Guild for certification as bargaining agent for employes in the RKO houses in New York will continue on Monday before the State Labor Relations Board. Pickwick Dismissal Wili Be Appealed (Continued from Page 1) Judge Hincks refused to set forth the grounds on which he based his . dismissal order, declaring that iij ' was up to the jury to determinf ' whether conspiracy existed among J the defendants in establishing the !; existing clearance to the Greenwich, ' Conn., 2,000-seat house. The jur- ') ors, Rogers said, were given no op- ** portunity to decide. The Pickwick case was filed on April 8, 1941, by Prefect Theaters, Inc., operators of the house, and charged that the major companies had conspired to hold back product]" from the theater. Triple damages ■ of $5,452,575 were asked. The trial, jA which started March 7, lasted 20 days. Eaton to Serve Term, Drops New Trial Plea (Continued from Page 1) new trial, was denied a suspended sentence, paid approximately $300 court costs and will serve a 30-day sentence in the workhouse. Curry was fatally injured in an explosion which, the jury found, was caused by the substitution of methyl chloride for freon in the theater's air cooling system. A T & T To Try Short-Wave Radio Relays for Tele That A T & T is actively inter- ested in the post-war development of television was indicated by Wal- ter S. Gifford, president, in his statement to the annual meeting of stockholders Wednesday. "We expect to provide inter-city networks — ultimately nation-wide in extent— for television," he stated, "We plan to try out short-wave ra- dio relay systems for long distance television. We know that coaxial cable systems work very satisfac- torily, but we do not know whethei or not radio relay systems will work better or prove more economical, We are in the communications busi- ness and we intend to use the best and most economical means whethei wire or radio." Baltimore Realty Co. Seeking Tele License Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILV Washington — Tower Realty Co. of Baltimore, has filed an application with the FCC for permission to erect a commercial television station ii: Baltimore. It's the first applicatio to be filed in that area RKO Radio Gets "Dick Tracy" Exclusive pix rights to Cheste Goulds comic strip "Dick Tracy have been acquired by RKO Radio Flans call for two features eacl year. riday, April 21, 1944 w DAILY 4efro Plans Exhib. .uiicheons in Keys (Continued from Page 1) hort wave and will feature every I tar under contract to the studio. ;, ."This will coincide with the Fifth j Var Loan drive. 'I The anniversary attraction, "The '. Vhite Cliffs," is said to be the 1,- / lOOth picture produced at the Culver I >ity studios. It will have its world Premiere shortly at Radio City Mu- ic Hall. Practically every theater in the .iiation will play some M-G-M at- raction, feature, short or newsreel, luring the anniversary week. rU" to Re-establish Chi. J^ Mid-West Premiere Spot w Chicago — Maurice Bergman, Uni- rersal's Eastern advertising man- iger, at a conference here with Dis- ;rict Manager Gottlieb and Harry Seller, publicity manager, said Uni- rersal would appropriate $50,000 to I 'e-establish Chicago as Midwest key K'j'Aty for Universal film premieres. The RKO Palace Theater will have ;:,Drior runs. He Proves Charity Can Begin Abroad George J. Schaefer, chairman of the motion picture industry section of Y e s h i V a Fund-raising Division, didn't know, when he wrote to Louis Goldberg, formerly with the William Morris Agency in Hollywood, that the latter was in the Army. But back came a letter from overseas with a donation, making the Yeshiva scholar- ship fund $5 richer. It read: "I am sure your good and unselfish motives will be rewarded. My thanks for your work to date, which is typical and symbolic of the contribution of the motion picture industry in the war effort and toward the creation of a better way of life." Uruguay Gov't Licenses First Television Station Montevideo (By Air Mail) — Gov- ernment of Uruguay has granted its first experimental television license to Marion Giampietro. He will con- duct experiments on 52 megacycles under governmental supervision. Gov't Indicts Welansky Charging Tax Evasions Boston — Barney Welansky, owner of the Cocoanut Grove and several theaters, and now serving 12 to 15 years for manslaughter in connec- tion with the night club holocaust, faces three Federal indictments charging him with evading income and liquor taxes. Grant, Chi. Pantheon Exec. Killed in Nazi Sky Battle Chicago — Lt. Albert Grant, AAF, former Pantheon theater executive is reported killed in action in a flight over Germany. Dufay-Chromex Profits Up; to Reorg. Finances London (By Cable) — Dufay-Chro- mex, Ltd., reports profits up at £23,- 000. Drastic reorganization of the company's finances is indicated. William Weiland Dead Pittsburgh — William Weiland, vet- eran film and theater man in this territory, who retired several years ago, died at his home here. He was a brother of A. A. Weiland, who owns and operates the Fifth Avenue Theater, Coraopolis. Pittsburgh Booicing Co-op Starts May 1 (Continued from Page 1) district manager in the Mid-West for United Artists. Among those who have joined this organization to date are: Mervis Theaters; Fineman & Shapiro Cir- cuit; Borowarsky Bros. Theaters; Finkel Theaters; Sewickley Theater, Sewickley; Alhambra and Continen- tal Theaters, Canonsburg; State Theater, Clairton ; Fifth Avenue The- ater, Corapolis; Shiloh Theater, Pittsburgh; Washington, Granada, Garden and Grandview Theaters, all Pittsburgh. These members represent approx- imately 30 theaters, and at least 50 are expected to become members within the next two weeks. Jackson Park Theater Asks More Time for Briefs Chicago — Defense attorneys in the Jackson Park Theater case will ask Judge Michael Igoe for an exten- sion of time to complete the briefs due today in Federal Court. 13 (>: M.^^ ^s^JJaT^ldfT one— the boy ycji^^^iian BtQbbom and wild, '^irtow thii is my fault «nd hi« Jmdd^'s, although *b 1ov6 him j WBf^ ^ HAS STMED ! PARAMOUNT DISTRIBUTES HIS War Dept.'s Terrific Teclinicolor Tliriller Invades Front Pages, Editorial Pages, Publicity Targets Never Touched Before PRAISE AS HIGH AS THE SKIES THEY CONQUERED GREETS SOO-THEATRE NATION-WIDE PREMIERE // PHOTOGRAPHED BY U. S. 8th AIR FORCE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND COMBAT CREW MEMBERS. PRODUCED BY U. S. 8th AIR FORCE PHOTOGRAPHIC SEC- TION IN COOPERATION WITH ARMY AIR FORCES FIRST MOTION PICTURE UNIT. DISTRIBUTED BY PARAMOUNT PICTURES, INC. FOR OFFICE OF WAR INFORMATION THROUGH WAR ACTIVITIES COM- MITTEE-MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY. BOOK THE WAR'S GREATEST ACTION FILM NOW WHILE THIS ARMADA OF ACCLAIM IS SWEEPING THE PUBLICITY FRONT! LJiii^^iiii^^^l^i^U la TWO QUOTES'^ TO REMEMBER! .Today...onlycopP-y. in the scarcity S'oxxy reioaios OflJy to steel in usager I *(The IrQit Age: Jan. 6, 1944. p. 74) .ODAY, "usage" refers primarily to war usage, and "scarcity" is a word of challenge to every American! That's why we remind you again to save the copper that drops from your Victory and "Orotip" Carbons to the bottom of your lamp housings . . . and to strip oflf the copper that is left on the stubs ygu remove from their holders. Then tiurn it all in to yoiu: distributor, or to yovir local salvage head- quarters, so that it can be put back into war-essential products. For additional economy of copper, and carbons too, a bulletin describ- ing completely the operation of the Victory High Intensity Carbons . . . "National," "Suprex," and "Orotip,". . . has been in general distribu- tion. If you have not received your copy, write today. National Carbon Company, Inc., Cleveland 1, Ohio, Dept. 7D. The words "National," "Suprex," and "Orotip" are registered trade-mark* of National Carbon Company, Inc. BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC. Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation CARBON PRODUCTS DIVISION, Cleveland 1 , Ohio \^\4^ New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, San rranciseo Building Remodeling ^m^^f^es^ Equipment Maintenance DAILY • • • • NEW YORK, FRroAY. APRIL 21. 1944 • • • * HOPE LOOMS FOR PROJECTOR MFRS/ PLIGHT Fair Solution Sought By WPB On Booth Equip. EQUIPMENT FIELD NOTES ONE of the most significant aspects of SMPE's 55th Semi-Annual Technical Conference, which wound up its three days of sessions in the local Hotel Pennsylvania on Wednesday, was the large attendance and the interest of the delegates in the proceedings. Both of these facets demon- strate that the industry's engineers and manufacturers don't intend to "miss a trick" among the numerous technical ad- vances which the war has hatched, and which might be applied directly or in some form to immediately forthcoming equip- ment. * * « Corp. Dick Lacey, who was with the Bremerton, Wash., branch of B. F, Shearer Co., writes from "Somewhere in England" that he is about to wed a Seattle girl who is an Army nurse in England. « * * From Seattle wafts word that Don Chini- quy of the U. S. Marines, son of Oscar L. Chiniquy, of National Theatre Supply, will be assigned to limited shore duty at Camp Pendleton. He has been convalescing in the Carona Naval Hospital, Calif., from wounds received in the South Pacific. Ijmk it if Sf H[ George McArthur, Jr., son of the ^wner of McArthur Theater Supply Co., Detroit, as a result of injuries received when he was under bombing in England, has received his honor- able discharge from the Army, upon recommendation of the Medical Corps. I « « * jnT. W. Pyle, R. E. Maurer and G. C. I JjPederick have organized in Chicago the ^Illinois Record Distributors to produce and listribute records, record blanks and discs i|Br trade use. ^B « 4i « ^1 Minneapolis Honeywell Regulator O. has issued a new booklet on heat- tg and air conditioning for the trade, features Moduflow, a new develop- nt in heating, and the Moduflow ontrol System for steam heating. m it it DeVry Corp. reports sale of two of the test DeVry theater projectors to Gerald rscll, owner of the Falls Theater, She- (Continued on Page 14) Third Quarter Allotment Faces Delay, Preserves Justice to Manufacturers Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Actual authoriza- tions for production of the increased quantity of 35 mm. booth equipment authorized this week by WPB for the third quarter of this year may be held up for some weeks yet, as Allen G. Smith, theater equipment chief, tries to work out some fair (Continued on Page 14) New Projector Uses Mercury Light Source Poised for post-war film theater use, and application generally in 35 mm. field, is a new projector of that gauge which possesses a new light source, namely the water-cooled high pressure mercury lamp. Not only was the new projector described in detail on the opening day of this week's SMPE meet in the Hotel (Continued on Page 15) Conservation Trend Seen In Sound Pact Renewals Recognition of the need for con- servation of motion picture theater equipment, now irreplaceable because of the war, is reflected in recent sound service contract renewals, ac- cording to W. L. Jones, vice-presi- dent of the RCA Service Co. "We have recently negotiated a (Continued on Page 16) It Couldn*t Happen HViih a Sound Trach Seven RCA executives, including three members of RCA's Theater Equipment Section, were aboard the Spirit of St. Louis when nine cars of this ace train were derailed re- cently west of Richmond, Ind. RCA group, returning to Camden, N. J., from company's Indianapolis plant included E. C. Cahill, Dave Finn, Barton Kreuzer, A. K. Ward, Ains- lie Davis, J. M. Knaut, and D. W. Lansing. All were shaken up, and bruises kept Ward away from his office for several days. Electronic Tubes At Four Biliion Marie Increasingly heavy use of elec- tronic tubes in the motion picture field is expected in the post-war era to an extent that such items will make up a major increment of an- nual expenditures, it was stated yes- terday by sources close to the prin- cipal manufacturers, included in (Continued on Page 14) Two New Houses Okayed By WPB for Omaha Area Omaha — Scott-Ballantyne organi- zation announced this week that WPB approval has been received for two new theaters in the local area. The Moon Theater, owned by Wal- (Continued on Page 16) Mrs, Fox To Enter Equip, Field Educational and Home Movies Part of Plan Nathanson to Erect Toronto Film Building Toronto — Work is being started on the erection of a separate film build- ing on Carlton St. to provide office facilities for a number of compa- nies including Empire-Universal (Continued on Page 15) Extensive post-war production of film equipment for making and pro- jecting pictures for home and edu- cational uses is planned by Mrs. William Fox, wife of the one-time film magnate, through the Mitchell Camera Co., which is wholly owned by her, it was learned yesterday. The intention is to turn out 8 mm. (Continued on Page 14) Restricted Marketing of Goods in Post-War Period Should Include Machines Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — First tangible evi- dences that steps are about to be taken to solve now the important and involved problem of equitably disposing of surplus war materials, including those employed by the armed forces, were discerned here this week as official quarters ap- parently began to heed frequent representations which have been made by many manufacturers and dealers concerned with dangers to (Continued on Page 15) Eastman Teie Talits Caiied Expioratory Rochester — "The recent discus- sions with television interests have been entirely exploratory, looking toward the post-war period," a spokesman for Eastman Kodak said here yesterday. "From them it is hoped to learn (Continued on Page 16) WPB Allows More Copper For Some Plumbing Items Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — WPB has acted here to permit limited production of copper ball cocks for plumbing (Continued on Page 15) SMPE*s Booh Aimed At Post-War Period Just off the presses of Inter- science Publishers, Inc., New York, is the book "The Technique of Mo- tion Picture Production," published for SMPE. Content of new volume is compiled, its preface states, as a "valuable guide to the general so- lution of the many problems which characterize the motion picture in- dustry, in particular as these prob- lems may be encountered in the post- war period of re-establishment and expansion throughout the world. 14 EQUIPMENT NEWS ^ Friday, April 21, 1944 DAILY A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre- hensively covering the equipment field, pub- lished every second week by Wid's Film* and Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York City. John W. Alicoate. Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B. Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipment Editor: West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk, Bureau Chief. EQUIPMENT FIELD NOTES = (Continued from Page 13) — boygan, Wis., through Will Aschman, Mil- waukee representative of the company. * « * Fire damage at the Grand Theater, Youngstown, O., is estimated at $2,000. Firemen said probable cause was a lighted cigarette dropped in the bal- cony. Stage equipment, ceiling and walls suffered the heaviest damage. :» « « H. B. Moog, Altec's district manager in the Southeast, announces a contract closed with W. A. Prewitt of Associated Theaters, covering service and maintenance for their theaters in Meridian, Greenwood and Gulf- port, Miss. A. Maclntyre negotiated for Altec. * * * Clyde Kendall, former bookkeeper for National Theatre Supply, Cincin- nati, saw his new son for the first time when he arrived home recently on furlough. * * * Construction work is proceeding on the new Sterling Theater, Sterling, III., which is to replace the structure destroyed by fire some weeks ago. The general con- tractor is Kinare Corp. of Chicago. Ar- chitect is John R. McLean, of Dixon, III. * « * H. B. Meiselman has opened the 490- seat Victory, Wallingford, Conn., re- named the Strand, after a long shut- tering. Already the seating capacity is due for a boost, it being learned that ground has now been broken to provide an addition which will give the house some 330 more seats. * * * J. A. Milling, manager of RCA-Victor's Bloomington, lii., plant, has been named general manager of manufacturing for all the company's, plants. NO MORE TORN SEATS Quickly repairs cuts ond rips on leother«tte leofs. Colors: brown, green, block, maroon, blue. Specify color when ordering. COM- PLETE KIT . . . $6 i.o.b. Chicago. CHABR • PARTS FOR ALL MAKES OF CHAIRS GENERAL CHAIR CO. 1308 EUton Ave. CHICAGO, lUL. Booth Equip. Quota Now Facing Deiay (Continued from Page 13) and equitable means of distributing the work among plants. He has not announced any plans one way or another as yet, but it is known that he is fearful of disrupt- ing competitive status within the industry. Authorization has been granted for production of 340 pro- jectors, slightly more than 150 sound systems, and comparable quantities of arc lamps, lamphouses, etc., for the third quarter of this year. No authorization has been made yet for the fourth quarter, but officially it is believed quite certain that compar- able production will be permitted. Difficulty is that no production increases for civilian purposes are permitted in No. 1 and No. 2 mar- ket areas. This hits the equipment industry squarely when it is re- called that approximately 70 per cent of all arc lamps are made in the Chicago or Toledo areas, about half the sound systems in the Indianap- olis area and a major portion of projector and lamp house capacity is in the Detroit and Chicago area. The plants in these areas have the productive capacity to turn out a vastly increased number of items for civilian use without in any way decreasing their production for the military. Materials are available and it is doubtful if there would be any appreciable need for additional manpower. WPB officials have re- mained adamant however about not permitting increased production in these areas. Plants in areas where the man- power situation is less acute are ex- pected to benefit greatly from the new program provided they have the capacity to increase their produc- tion schedules. They will not be permitted to fall behind in military orders so as to work on civilian orders. If the whole program is scheduled with these plants, how- ever, the Government is bound to hear protests from those plants in tight labor areas which have nor- mally dominated the market. Their SEEKING A DEPENDABLE SOURCE OF SUPPLT FOR TOUR THEATRE TICKETS? . INTERNATIONAL OFFERS: Depenaable service . . . Low cost . . . 47 years' experience serving theatres, stadiums, amusement porks, etc. We can supply your needs. Roll, machine foHed, reserve seats, etc. Write lor samples, prices or other inlormation. Delivery free Maine to Virginia, INTERpnNAL T I C K E T^\ COMPANY 52 GRAFTON AVE. \^/ NEWARK, N. J. Salfs Offices tn Principal Centers There's Strategy Too On Home Front Prophetstown, III. — When the Town Fathers here slapped a quar- antine on public places in order to clean up an epidemic among young- sters here, Charley Mulcay, Jr., uti- lized the enforced regulation to ex- ceptional advantage. Recognizing that the quarantine would slash deeply into audience potential, what with the kids absent, he shuttered the house and completely renovated it. Mrs. Fox to Enter Equipment Field (Continued from Page 13) and 16 mm. as well as 35 mm. equip- ment for amateur use. Since Pearl Harbor all camera equipment pro- duced by the Mitchell oi'ganization has gone to the Government. protests will be two-fold, — that they are not permitted to take part in the program plans, and, secondly, that they fear that installation of com- petitive products will cut them out of theaters where these products go. Another point of protest could well be that they will not have the market for repair or repair parts. Eiedronic Tubes At Four Billion Mark (Continued from Page 13; which bracket are General Electric, Westinghouse, Western Electric, Sylvania Electric Products, Bendix, RCA, Raytheon Mfg. Co., Sperry I Gyroscope, Allen B. DuMont Lab- oratories, and Philco Corp. Although the availability of such tubes is now strictly controlled because of inten- sive wartime application, the accent on their uses in many of the new mechanisms, currently in blueprint stages for manufacture after hos- tilities, point to their expanding value to filmland. At present, a checkup shows, some 2,000 varieties of such tubes have been developed for war use, and they range in size from that of an acorn to larger than a man. Manu- facture of these tubes is estimated to run in the past 12 months to the astounding aggregate of $4,000,000. On April 1, an excise tax of 7% per cent on film equipment manufac- turers' lists was enforced on elec- tronic tubes, as well as light bulbs, and is added to dealers' costs. This covers all purchase of projector lamps, exciter lamps, pilot and dial lamps. 5ee NATIONAL^ BOX OFFICE AND LOBBY SUPPLIES "T^iene^ ci 6n^a^tcAr neon, ef 1 » mm 2 1 S T F L Z 0 \N /^ 4T H NYC • EQUIPMENT NEWS 13 b T S T W'^ByUlY: Friday, April 21, 1944 Eastman Tele Talks Called Exploratory (Continued from Page 13) more clearly whether and in what ways Kodak manufacturing may fit into future television activity." There is no present indication, it was said, that Kodak will enter the field of television electronic manu- facture on such items as transmit- ters or receivers. Current interest centers on projectors, cameras, parts and new types of raw film, if the latter is needed. Actual manufacture of any new products needed in television must await lifting of the war ban on new equipment for industry. Exploratory conferences took place in New York recently between Kodak executives, Paramount ex- ecutives and representatives of RCA, National and Columbia broadcast- ing systems, and Paramount-Du- Mont television. The meetings were in line with Kodak's long-stand- ing policy of keeping in touch with progress in other industries to have in readiness any future supply of materials and equipment for which it may be called upon. Kodak already on a small scale has supplied Technicolor film to Co- lumbia for television broadcasting purposes. Conservation Trend Seen In Sound Pact Renewals (Continued from Page 13) substantial number of service con- tract renewals with both theater chains and independents," he said. "The steady flow of such agreements indicates a general recognition among exhibitors of the essential need for regular inspections and service, even more imperative now than in normal times." Among circuit groups recently signed by RCA Service, Jones re- vealed, are Paramount Richards, Dixie Theaters, and United Theaters, all headquartered in New Orleans. Edward Auger, national ofl5ce rep- resentative of RCA's theater equip- ment section, handled negotiations for the service company on these contracts. Others signed are Noto- poulos Theaters, Altoona, Pa.; A. M. Ellis, Philadelphia; Bijou Amuse- ment Co., Nashville, Tenn.; and Es- kin Theaters, Milwaukee. Two New Houses Okayed By WPB for Omaha Area (Continued from Page 13) ter Bradley, which was burned re- cently in Neligh, Neb., will be re- built. Henry Rapke will be the ar- chitect. The Bancroft Theater Building Co. also will build a new house in Bancroft, and W. W. Troxell has leased the building. Scott-Ballantyne will supply equipment for both houses. TODAY... Manufacturing for our government, and essential civilian use, we are meeting war-vital schedules with air-conditioning equipment built to exact specifications. Tomorrow, manufacturing for you, we will deliver air-conditioning equipment that will be competitive in design, performance and price. UNITED STATES AIR CONDITIONING CORPORATION NORTHWESTERN TERMI>IAL • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA BUY MORE WAR BONDS It's a lucky man that doesn't have to worry about booth equipment today — and it's a wise manager that lends a hand to his projectionist when it comes to preventive maintenance of the projection and sound equipment. Your projectionists, Mr. Manager, can do a swell mainte- nance job; we know — because we work with thousands of projectionists all over the country. But scarcity of new equip- ment makes preventive maintenance doubly important to you today. So, be sure you are giving your projectionists all possible cooperation. And be sure that they have a copy of the 76-page manual "RCA Photophone Handbook for Projectionists" — written by our specialists in theatre service. Send the coupon today for a free copy. Address: RCA Service Company, Inc., Camden, N. J. RCA SERVICE COMPANY, INC. A Radio Corporation of America Subsidi This 76-page manual "RCA Photo- phone Handbook for Projectionists" — chock-full of good preventive main- tenance suggestions. No obligation. RCA SERVICE CO., Inc., Camden, N. J. Name_ Theatre_ Address. City _State_ 70-71 F 5r intimate in Character international in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old iJrOL. 85, NO. 80 NEW YORK, MONDAY. APRIL 24, 1944 TEN CENTS U. S. EXECUTIVES TO MANAGE G-B CIRCUIT? Bright Outlook for Adequate Raw Stock Supply Film Manufacturers Get Full Co-operation From WPB; Manpower is Aided By ANDREW OLDER Washington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — Film manufacturers have been receiving the full co-op- eration of WPB in their attempts to solve their manpower problems, it was reported here Friday, and the outlook for continued adequate raw stock supply looks promising. New Jersey and New York plants par- ticularly have been materially aided by WPB field representatives, and (Continued on Page 3) 10 Circuits Pledge Metro Birtliday Pix Ten affiliated and independent cir- cuits, representing 776 theaters in various parts of the counti-y, have sent pledges to M-G-M to show at least one subject with Leo the Lion (Continued on Page 10) B & K Gives Navy Space For Largest Radar School Chicago — John Balaban told the Chicago Film Council luncheon guests Friday that the Balaban & (Continued on Page 10) iVe'er The Twain Bid Meet . . . His Rubbers Jesse L. Lasky, speaking on Fri- day in NYU's Hall of Fame at cere- monies commemorating the 34th an- niversary of Mark Twain's death, recalled the one occasion on which he personally met the famous writer. "It was at the Players Club in New York," Lasky declared, "A man came in and began fussing around the room searching for something." It was Twain, attired in his character- istic white linen suit. He was searching for his rubbers. When Lasky asked him when he'd left them. Twain seriously replied: "Only last winter, — less than a year ago." EXECS. WILL MAP UJA FUND DRIVE Committee Will Set All-Out Campaign at Luncheon Meeting at Hotel Astor on Thursday A committee of motion picture ex- ecutives was appointed Friday by David Bernstein, co-chairman of the amusement division of the United JeAvish Appeal, to set up the ma- chinery for conducting the 1944 cam- paign among the film interests in New York. The committee, which will hold its first meeting at a lun- cheon Thursday at the Hotel As- tor, will include Barney Balaban, Sam Rinzler, Joseph Seidelman, Louis Nizer, Jack Cohn, Maj. Albert Warner, David Bernstein, George J. Schaefer and Harry Brandt. Monroe Goldwater, prominent at- torney and chairman of the 1944 campaign in New York, at the first organization meeting Friday, said that the opportunities were open- ing to provide relief and rescue fa- cilities for many more victims of war and Hitlerism than at any time (Continued on Page 10) Army to Cite Exiiibs. Recruiting 12 Wacs Theater managers who secure ap- plications for a squad of 12 or more Wacs during the industry recruit- ing week, May 11-17, will receive a special citation from the Army, it was revealed at the week-end, co- incident with announcement of the (Continued on Page 8) 50 P. C. Fewer Words, Metro Contract Aim Says Films Abandoned on "World Political Grounds" Washington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — -Although it has not received the "E" flags and the pub- licity accorded numerous other in- dustries, Hollywood has displayed (Continued on Page 8) In preparing a simplified exhibi- tion contract, M-G-M will seek to reduce the present wordage by 50 per cent. Metro attorneys are now working on a shorter and more sim- ply-phrased licensing agreement which, if put to use, may be the (Continued on Page 10) Appoint Rosenberger as Para.'s Cuban Manager Appointment of Americo Rosen- berger as Paramount manager in Cuba was announced Friday by John W. Hicks, Jr., vice-president in charge of Paramount's foreign op- (Continued on Page 8) B.O. ^Take^ Again on Upgrade March Admission Tax Total at $14,893,007 WPB Moves to Restrict New Refrigerant Deliveries Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — WPB Friday moved to restrict deliveries of the refrig- erant gas "F-22," particularly for use in theaters or other comfort air conditioning systems. In the mean- (Continued on Page 8) Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The industry's box- office "take" started climbing up- ward again in February, after a falling off of over $30,000,000 be- tween December and January. To- tal amusement tax collection in March — on February business — ^$14,- 893,007.36, the Bureau of Internal (Continued on Page 3) London Hears Kent and Vo- gel May be Designated As Result Skouras-Rank Deal London (By Cable) — Man- agement of Gaumont-British, one of Britain's three major circuits, by American representa- tives of 20th-Fox and Loew's for a five-year period is reported in War- dour St. circles as a major provis- ion of the deal negotiated here by President Spyros P. Skouras of 20th- Fox and J. Arthur Rank, who finan- cially controls both G-B and Odeon circuits. Trade circles here at the week- (Continued on Page 10) RCA Strives for Eye Perfection in Tele Detroit — RCA's post-war televis- ion plans are taking shape as rap- idly as war conditions permit and the company's ultimate aim is to match the perfection of the human (Continued on Page 10) U. S. Senator to Give Ear To Ohio Rental Squawks Columbus, O. — A prominent U. S. Senator will attend the forthcoming convention of the ITO of Ohio and, after listening to the exhibitors' (Continued on Page 10) JLeo Does Have a Last ]%atne; It's ''Presents'* When Metro's Si Seadler led off his one-column magazine ads with "Leo Presents," he probably never dreamed that somebody might mis- take the heading for a person's name. But the studio received a letter from a Florida resident ad- dressed to "Mr. Leo Presents, Holly- wood, Calif." The letter read: "Dear Mr. Presents: I would like very much to have a picture of you. Love " Metro-ites swear it was neither a planted gag nor a publicity stunt. Jk N 15 H ±V V Ml) Z 1 J 1 S I z n CI () H ci Monday, April 24, 194 AuniENnfs AUTHtllMI Vol. 85, No. 80 Mon., April 24, 1944 10 Cents lO'HN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher DONALD M. MER&EREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHiN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, SS16 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO. 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FINAJ^CIAL (.April 21) is NEW YORK STOCK 'MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. ) 173/8 171/8 173/8 + 1/8 437/8 437/8 437/8 + 3/8 3% 31/2 35/8 — Vs 183/4 I8I/2 I8I/2 + 1/4 Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2% Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . East. Kodak do pfd Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros 180 180 180 — 1 191/8 191/8 19'/8 + Vs 591/4 59 591/4 -f 1/4 245/8 243/8 245/8 + 1/4 81/8 8 81/8 893A 891/2 893^ 223/4 223/8 224^8 — 1/4 303/8 301/8 301/8 — i/s 12 117/8 117/8 — 1/8 NEW YORK BOND MARKET Par. iB'way 3s55 NEW YORK CURB MARKET Monogram Picts ..... Radio-Keith cvs. ... 13/g 13/3 i3/g Sonotone Corp 3 2y8 2% Technicolor 133^ 133/4 133^ -f 1/4 Trans- Lux Universal Pictures Universal Picts. vtc. 207/8 203/4 203A 1/4 Wounds Prove Fatal to Ensign Gerald Thoman Rochester — Ensign Gerald R. Tho- man, formerly of the Bausch & Lomb i~- Optical Co., died of wounds ^^ while in the service of his '""^^ country. The Navy revealed he has been buried in Allied terri- tory outside continental U. S. Mendenhall, Para. Boise Theater Partner, Dead Boise, Idaho — Walter Mendenhall, Paramount theater partner here, died suddenly late last week. H The Broadivay Parade ^ Picture and Distributor Theater The Song of Bernadette (Twentieth Century-Fox) — 13th week Rivoli Passage to Marseille (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 10th week Hollywood Lady in the Dark (Paramount Pictures)— 10th week Paramount See Here, Private Hargrove (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 6th week Astor Cover Girl (Columbia Pictures) — 4th week Music Hall Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (RKO' Radio-Walt Disney) — 4th week (b) . . Manhattan Broadway Rhythm (Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — 2nd week ..Capitol Address Unknown (Columbia Pictures) — 2nd week Globe The Lady and the Monster (Republic Pictures) — 2nd week Rialto Uncertain Glory (Warner Bros. Pictures) — 3rd week Strand Yellow Canary (RKO Radio Pictures) — 2nd week (a) Palace Memphis iBelle (Paramount Pictures) — 2nd week (a) Palace Knickerbocker Holiday (United Artists) Victoria Buffalo Bill (20th Century-Fox) Roxy Up in Mabel's Room (United Artists-Edward Small) Gotham Follow the Boys (Universal Pictures) Criterion Arizona Train (Universal Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York Jamboree (Republic Pictures) — Opens tomorrow (a) New York ♦ FOREf GJV LAIVGVAGE FEATURES ♦ The Ukraine in Flames (Artkino Pictures) — 4th week Stanley Beautiful Micoacan (CLASA-Mohme) Belmont ♦ FI/TI/RE OPJEiVIiVGS ♦ The White Cliffs of Dover (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (c) Music Hall Going My Way? (Paramount Pictures) — ^April 26 Paramount The Hitler Gang (Paramount Pictures) — May 6 Globe Between Two Worlds (Warner Bros. Pictures) (c) — May 5 Strand The Whistler (Columbia Pictures) (c) Rialto The Adventures of Mark Twain (Warner Bros.-Jesse L. Lasky) (c) Hollywood Gaslight (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) — May 4 Capitol Seven Days Ashore (RKO Radio Pictures) — ^April 27 Palace The Sun Over Klara (AB European Films) — ^April' 29 48th St. Theater One Inch from Victory (Artkino) (c) — April 26 Stanley It Happened Tomorrow ( United Artists) (c) Gotham The Hour Before the Dawn (Paramount Pictures) (c) Victoria €1 Penon de les Animas (CLASA-Mohme) — ^April 28 Belmont (a) Dual bill, (b) Re-issue, (c) Follows current bill. Terms Copper Situation At Most Critical Stage Reports that it is no longer nec- essary to save copper drippings and strippings have been denied by Al- len G. Smith, chief of the WPB's theater equipment section. R. J. O'Donnell, national chairman of the Copper Salvage Campaign, has for- warded the following communica- tion to exhibitor associations from Smith: "It has been brought to our at- tention that rumors have been cir- culated that there is an ample sup- ply of copper and that the theaters should no longer save the copper drippings and strippings. We have been informed by the copper divis- ion that these rumors are entirely without foundation and that the cop- per situation at this time is more critical than at any time in the past. We urge you not to discontinue sav- ing the copper drippings and strip- pings because copper is vitally needed for the successful conduct of the war." Film Classics Buys 50% Interest in Circle Lab. Purchase of 50 per cent of the stock of Circle Film Laboratories by Film Classics, Inc., was announc- ed at the week-end. George A. Hir- liman has been elected president of Circle Film Laboratories and a mem- ber of the board of directors. Eric Schoder has been appointed general manager. Circle Lab. recently doubled its size and tripled its equipment and production capacity. It is the of- ficial laboratory for all visual edu- cational subjects for New York Uni- versity. WB District Heads Map Sales Plans for Five Pix A complete outline and discussion of sales and promotion plans for "The Adventures of Mark Twain," covering both the limited special premiere and the regular release later in the year, as well as plans for the handling of four other pic- tures to be released through the late Spring and Summer months, high- lighted the two-day meeting of War- ners district managers conducted by Ben Kalmenson, general sales man- ager, on Thursday and Friday. Na- tional campaign and merchandising plans also were discussed by Charles Einfeld, and Mort Blumen- stock. In addition to "Mark Twain," Kal- menson set up the handling of "Be- tween Two Worlds," "Mask for Dimitrios," "Make Your Own Bed" and "Arsenic and Old Lace." Kal- menson said "Arsenic" is now defi- nitely set for release this Summer. War Depths Free Negro Pic Claimed to be Unfair Suit was filed in New York Fed- eral Court on Friday by Negro Marches On, Inc., producers of "We've Come a Long, Long Way," against the War Department and the WAC charging unfair competi- tion in releasing gratis a film called "The Negro Soldier." The plaintiff seeks an injunction and a declara- tory judgment restraining the de- fendants from advertising or dis- tributing the picture, which was made by the War Department. The complaint alleges that upon the representation of the War De- partment that "The Negro Soldier" would be exhibited free only in Army camps the plaintiff made available certain footage contained in a prev- ious Negro film owned by it. $18,300 Victory Shorts Profit of RKO to R. C. RKO Radio will send a check fc $18,300 to the American Red Cros representing the profit derived froi last season's distribution of thre one-reel Victory Specials conceme with the war effort, it was announci* Friday by Ned E. Depinet. Depinet revealed that RKO ai its subsidiaries had contzubutc previously the sum of $37,500. XEW YORK THEATERS r— RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL — 50th St. & 6tli Ave. RITA HAYWORTH— GENE KELLY "COVER GIRL" ., "- . Technic«lor Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orcheitra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. CIrcte 6-4600 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL rmm «%!." > «r 20i 'rk CfMrvfr^Ot ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS in "UNCERTAIN GLORY- IN PERSON: TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAND OPENS 9 A.M. SWAY & 47Hi St. BUY BONDSI HUMPHREY BOGART IN WARNERS' PASSAGE to MARSEILLE ''u A'' HOLLYWOOD Opens 10 A.M. - B'way 5)st iiinminmnnnmiiiimmnnniniiniiiimininnniinnmmnmnmninuiiiimii/l ON SCREEN William POWELL HedyLAMARR in M-G-M's 'Tfie HEAVENLY BODY' iMniuniiHiniriiiiiiiiiiumiiiiiuum IN PERSON JERRY WAYNE NAN RAE & Mrs. WATERFALL miiuiuiinuiiiiitiiiiiuiBtiiiiiunii 5fiS4onday, April 24, 1944 r«:. -IMEl Adequate Raw Stock Supply is in Siglit (Continued from Page 1) i^leferments have been obtained for I number of otherwise draft-eligible Joung men — a large group of key len under 26 included: j This aid came forward in the nick 4)f time because, despite optimism riibout the raw stock supply only a I few weeks ago, there have been re- I :ent heavy withdrawals by the armed " forces. The need for film to be used luring the approaching invasion of Europe is extremely heavy. West 3oast studios have been quite wor- ried about the raw stock outlook. Military Right Unquestioned ' Although the industry does not in -Liny way contest the right of the inilitary for whatever film stocks it leeds, it was naturally worried ( about the possibility of sufficient ' depletion of available stocks to crip- i pie their production and distribution I system. ^ I The situation in respect to 16 mm. 'Utock remains discouraging with lit- tle footage available for civilian "^asage — or even for use by OWI and ! jther civilian agencies of the Gov- I jmment. Television quarters are "Bspecially apprehensive, fearing that the development of the medium may be held up because of the shortage Df the 16 mm. film. , The manpower situation as it af- ''l^ects 35 mm. booth equipment ap- peared to be brightening somewhat J^lso, as two Congressional commit- jtees signified their intention of ex- amining the recent WPB order I freezing production level for civil- ^|ian goods manufactured in Number ) ! One and Two labor shortage areas. The powerful Tmman Committee and the Senate Small Business Com- jfi.mittee are both planning to look into the situation. Await Senate Com. Action It is not likely that the program I Authorized by WPB last week and Icalling for greatly expanded produc- tion of booth equipment for civil- flian use will be implemented with •^production assignments among the Q!(plants until the Senate committees ^Lhave acted. Leaders in the equip- J,ment industry are hoping to see the _ order rescinded. 5 It was rumored here Friday that Congressional action might result in "unfreezing" production for civil- j ian use on Number Two labor short- : I age areas. This would leave the freeze I in effect only in those areas where 1 1 the shortage of war plant workers is most serious. This partial re- I call of the order would benefit the ■•equipment program appreciably. '^ Eastman War Hero Missing ' Rochester — Less than a month af- ter he was decorated with the Air Medal for his "courage and skill," Lt. George W. Eike, formerly of the Eastman Kodak Co., has been report- I ,ed missing in action over France. JN^NEW POSTS 1 MICKEY CARNEY, branch miiKger, U. S. Army Motion Picture Servict, San Francisco. jOE WALTERS, assistant manager, Maryland, Chicago. JESSE PORTER, assistant manager, Regal, Chi- cago, KEN BLEWETT, stage manager, MacDill Theater, MacDill, Fla. BILL bUCCAN, Sterling Theaters, Seattle. JESSE WHITTEN, manager, Rivoli, Seattle. FRED B. HARBOTTLE, manager, Rivoli, Strand, Wysor, Hoosier and Uptown Theaters, Mun- cie, Ind. B. C. FLETCHER, manager, New Main, Lafay- ette, Ind. BOB MULLINS, manager, Bell, Scranton, Pa. AL PROSSER, engineer, RKO-Schine Paramount, Syracuse. FRED FROST, manager, Dixie, Rochester, N. Y. HUGO PARIS, assistant manager RKO Temple, Rochester, N. Y. BILL DUCCAN, manager. Winter Garden, Se- attle. BOB BLAIR, Paramount exploitation staff, Port- land. WILLIAM AHRENS, assistant manager, Riviera, Detroit. MALCOLM ROSE, manager, Palms-State, De- troit. HARRY OWEN, operator. West Side Drive-ln, Detroit. H. E. HIER, operator, Cinema, Detroit. SE6E MILLER, booking manager. Paramount, Dallas. ROBERT KILGORE, office manager. Paramount, Memphis. Box-Office "Tal(e" Again on Upgrade (Continued from Page 1) Revenue revealed this morning. Figures for the two previous months had been $16,744,936 and $12,094,- 185. Only one more month will be reg- istered at the old tax rate of one cent on each 10 cents of admission, or fraction thereof. May collec- tions will be on April business, and will be considerably higher than the current receipts. The new tax rate is one cent on each five cents or major fraction thereof. Last month's collection was con- siderably higher than that for the same month in 1942, when the total was only $10,592,455. Broadway theater admissions came back strongly, with collections on busi- ness during the short month to- talling $2,074,805.91, as against only $906,492.89 a month earlier — and $3,033,522 a month earlier. Broad- way theater admissions collections were even stronger in March of 1943, however, when the total was $2,368,546.34. Jackson Park Briefs May 19 Chicago — Federal Judge Michael Igoe set May 19 for defense briefs in the Jackson Park Theater anti- trust damage action. Attorney Thomas McConnell will file April 29 in Judge Igoe's court the Jackson Park Theater's objections to new trial requested by the defendant film companies and B & K. DAILY No. 25 Outstanding Industry Personalities 3aH ifcut nGAflJ^ tUe^n — As M-G-M's production chief, his job is making Leo roar. Has deveFoped latter proclivity to crescendo via flaming faith in star system, plus insistence upon injecting maximum quality into features. Also re- gards tab attractions just as big in their small way as full-length product is in its big way. Consequently Leo, Jr., also roars. Paradox of spectacular career, gospel of which has been cultivation of the new, is that he started out with commercial rev- erence for the old,— ship salvaging. This was at age of 14. Rose to cinematic emi- nence via exhibition field up New England way. In his bright lexicon, there are only ,\ pictures. But off the lot you will find him pursuing two B's,— Bridge and Biogra- phy. First he plavs well. Second he reads avidly. HE PASSES the ammunition for indus- tty's "shooting," being the president of the firm which distributes Eastman motion picture film. One could make a travelogue of his intensive and extensive educational trek. It ivould take you to Mt. St. Mary's College in Maryland, then to Spring Hill College in Alabama, and from there to Tulane University, New Orleans,— city of his birth. When not steeped in celluloid- and-emulsion affairs, he can usually be found acting himself in the role of First Nighter. Only on the rarest of occasions does he miss the debut performance of a Broadway play. While this is his hobby, observers attribute his enthusiasm for the "well trod stage" to a desire to see what may eventually be transposed to some of the millions of feet of film which he annually supplies to Hollywood, et ah ^n^^sflt^. VETER.\N producer whose name is synonymous with out-of-doors dramas. Heads his own film-making organization. Most recent accomplishment is fashioning of the gross-grabbing, Technicolorful "Buf- falo Bill," being distributed by 20th-Fox. Is also the maker of the lively "Hopalong Cassidy" stories. Always injects fine produc- tion values in his pix via eye-filling settings in which action is rampant. Entered film- land as a mid-west circuit operator, later overseeing indie exchanges there. Held franchise on half of U. S. for the immortal "Birth of a Nation." Turned to production in 1917. Made the first Zane Greys. For some years producer with Pathe and M-G-M. Then distributed through Paramount and UA. Has big following among exhibs and public. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: £425 HOLtYWOOD BLVD. I i' "T &in0t(f^l^ ^ ~S^^ W¥^ f«EW ».*"?:r:<.AW«i -ijftiairig'ji^ PATRIOTS! HELP RECRUIT WACS! MAY 11 THRU 17! '^•;a v\oi R^^'-^Tsu^-"'*!"'" n" Kiss' K<»tw Bloss Ci»^ i"»-<« II Sailor fiin with blondesjminettes, and redheads . 77 in a rollicking revel of romnce and rhythm, Songs and laughs, glamour and lusty wisecracks . . . And is it fim ! . . every speeding minute of it! R K o RADIO PICTURES PRODUCED AND DiftECTBD Br JOHi^ H. AUER Screen Ploy by Edward Verdi'er, Irving Phillios and Lawrence Kimble ■i wsnAikS Churlt^s Beyer^ Iftfrid Bergman iQsef^kCotten in "^ASUOHT" witl Dame May Whitty, AngeU 3-a»s bwry, Barbara Everest • Sctesft Ha) by pikn Van DruteRi, Walter Reiscl a«4 John L. Baldecston • Basd Vpmn the Play by Fsaxick Hamiitoi DtFected by Geoige Ciikor • Produce by Arthur Hortiblow, Jr. "WO GIRLS AND A SAILOR" with Van Johnsonjwne lyson, Qlpria PeHaven, Jpse Uurbi, Jimmy Durante, Oraci? len, Lena Home • Harry James and His Music Makers :h Helen Forrest • Xavier Cuaat and His Orchestra with ia Romay • Tom Drake, Henry Stephenson, Henry Neill, Ben Blue, Carlos Ramirez, Frank Sully, Albert ■ates, Donald Meek, Amparo Novarro, Virginia O'Brien, !de Twins • Original Screen Play by Richard Connell d Gladys Lehman • Directed by Richard Thorpe Produced by Joe Pasternak 1 ' "ANDY HARDY'S BLONDE TROUBLE" with Lewisi Ston^, Mickey Rooney, pay' Holden, Sara Haden, Bonita Granville, Jean Porter, Keye Luke and Herbert Marshall Screen Play by Harry Ruskin, William Ludwig and Agnes Christine Johnson • Directed by George B. Seitz "MEET THE PEOPLE" Starring Lucille Ball, Dick Powell with Virginia O'Brien, Bert Lahr, "Rags" Ragland, June Allyson and Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra » Spike Jones and His City Slickers • Screen Play by S. M. Herzig and Fred Saidy Directed by Charles Riesner Produced bv E. Y. Harburg "THREE MEN IN WHITE" with Lionel Barrymore, Van Johnson, Marilyn Maxwell, Keye Luke, Ava Gardner, Alma Kruger, "Rags" Ragland Original Screen Play by Martin Berkeley and Harry Ruskin • Directed by Willis Goldbeek - i ^i Wdss Monday, April 24, 194^ Army to Cite Exhibs. Recruiting 12 Wacs (Continued from Page 1) distributor committee for the drive and a list of accessories available for the campaign. Scope of the drive is indicated by accessories to be used for lobby and recruiting booth displays. Commit- tee reports that there are 20,000,- 000 heralds available; application blanks number 1,250,000; there are 16,000 new Wac posters and 16,000 kits. Kit contains a 25 by 88 litho- graphed poster, a red and black pic- torial of the same size; two midget posters; a page of 99 stamps with Wac copy for outgoing mail and four five by 25 inch streamers. Pre- pared under direction of Harry Mandel, publicity chairman, a 12- page press book is ready for distri- bution to all participating theaters. Members of the distribution com- mittee include C. G. Eastman, Al- bany; Fred R. Dodson, Atlanta; A. M. Kane, Boston; M. A. Brown, Buf- falo; John E. Holston, Charlotte; W. E. Banford, Chicago; Harris Dudelson, Cincinnati; Maury Orr, Cleveland; J. B. Underwood, Dallas; Tom Bailey, Denver; Lou Levy, Des Moines; M. Dudelson, Detroit; Wil- liam Marriot, Indianapolis; Jack Langan, Kansas City; Fred Green- berg, Los Angeles; J. J. Rogers, Memphis; Don Wood, Milwaukee; W. H. Workman, Minneapolis; Ed W. Ruff, New Haven; E. V. Lan- daiche. New Orleans; Ralph Pielow, New York; C. A. Gibbs, Oklahoma City; H. B. Johnson, Omaha; Sam Gross, Philadelphia; H. H. Green- blatt, Pittsburgh; Al Oxtoby, Port- land; Harry Hynes, St. Louis; G. Davison, Salt Lake City; Al Shmit- ken, San Francisco; Vete Stewart, Seattle, and J. B. Brecheen, Wash- ington. Name Co-Chairmen to Serve For Met. Area's Wac Drive Co-chairmen to serve with Charles C. Moskowitz on the Metropolitan area exhibitor committee for the Wac Recruiting Week were named at the week-end. Serving with Mos- kowitz will be Gene Myers, Man- hattan; Russ Emde, Bronx and West- chester; Irving Liner, Staten Island; Fred Schwartz, Queens, and Louis Goldberg and Sam Rinzler, Brook- lyn. Edward C. Dowden, publicity chairman for New York City has called a meeting of his committee for today. SEP BIRTHDAY GREETIMS TO... Melville Baker Phil Fox Edward Rosenblum Frank C. Kirby T T ▼ • • • STANTON GRIFFIS proved that he hasn't lost any of his old skill at making people laugh as he did the emcee chores at the Washington luncheon given Francis S. Harmon here last week on the occasion of the industry's 50th anniversary. Talking of his coming to Washington to take over the OWI job, Griffis declared that, "Riramount sold me to the Government for the Story of Dr. Wassell and a dollar." When he arrived, he continued, Elmer Davis was very busy and didn't pay much attention to him. Davis thought, however, that D. W. Grif- fith ought to know something about pix, so told him to "get right to work, Mr. Griffith." r r r • • • ROUND-UP: Television Press Club at its luncheon meet- ing tomorrow at the Blue Ribbon will hear CBS television program director Gilbert Seldes and will elect a board of governors. . . • Para, and Look magazine will co-op on a survey of audience tastes in pix in up-state Glens Falls when "Going My Way" opens there on May 5. • Noting that "Snow White" has been revived "at only a slight in- crease over regular prices " the Des Moines Tribune is moved to ob- serve that not only is it "sometimes more profitable to re-issue an old moving picture than to make a new one" but that "the movie promo- tion people are pretty efficient operators". . • Didja know Columbia has signed Chester Morris for three pix. ... « Portland (Ore.) Trac- tion Co. saluted Mrs. J. J. Parker, indie circuit operator, as "Citizen of the week" in recognition of her war service. . . % Harry Carey re- turns to the Coast after a rest period of several weeks. . . • Frisina Amusement Co., operating in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, has set up a special war activity organization under James Frisina. . . • Rochester theaters' assistance in the Waste Paper Collection drive there brought a laudatory letter from Mayor Dicker to Lester Pollock, WAC city pub- licity head. . . • James Bracken, for many years contact manager for Warner theater zone. New Haven, is now in the Army's Engineers in Georgia ▼ TV • • • /J VENGE PEARL HARBOR! 3ays Films Abandoned on "World Political Grounds" (Continued from Page 1) "an intelligent and understanding viewpoint" toward the problems of the armed forces and has done a "terrific job" in their behalf, AUyn Butterfield declared Friday. "The extent of industry co-operation con- stantly amazed us here," said But- terfield upon his resignation as chief of the feature film section of the War Department's Bureau of Public Relations. Hollywood, Butterfield said, has shelved a number of major projects, at great financial loss, in response to suggestions by the War Depart- ment. He revealed that these, sug- gestions have been based on world political grounds as well as upon grounds of military security. The industry has abandoned these pix "without protest," he said, while at the same time it has made nu- merous other films mainly because the War Department saw a need for them. Appoint Rosenberger as Para/s Cuban Manager (Continued from Page 1) erations. Rosenberger for the past several years has been a district manager in the Paramount organi- zation in Argentina. Lazarus Constantine, who has held the post of manager in Cuba for al- most two years, has returned to Panama to assume temporary man- agership in Central America during the absence in Venezuela of General Manager Henry Gordon. Constan- tine's new assignment will be an- nounced shortly. Arthur L. Pratchett, general man- ager for Paramount throughout all of Central America, including Mex- ico, and several of the Northern re- publics of South America, has left Mexico City for Cuba. Metro Signs Lina Romay Lina Romay, currently singing with Xavier Cugat's band in New York, has been signed to a term contract by M-G-M. COmillG and GOinC BEN COETZ is due In from London this week^. NEIL F. ACNEW Is expected from the Coaslj today. STEVE BROIDY leaves Hollywood today fj New York. JOAN LESLIE arrives in New York on Wednes" day from the Coast, following stopovers i| Chicago and her home town, Detroit. WOLFE COHEN returned to Toronto Friday. ROBERT SMELTZER returned to Washingto Saturday. HENRY HERBEL arrives on the Coast toda; from New York. HAL WALSH returned to St. Louis over th week-end." RALPH L. McCOY has returned to Atlanta HARRY A. SEED arrived in Chicago Saturda from New York. CHARLES RICH left for Pittsburgh frida night. RALPH DOYLE, RKO Radio's managing di rector for Australasia, will arrive in New Yor via Hollywood within the next two weeks frorj Australia for home office conferences. JOE EHRLICH of 20th-Fox is in Boston. S/SCT. NILS HANSON, USMC; Corp. PRISCIL LA NATHAN, AAF; CORP. MATTHEW MOR RONE, PVT. GERALD SCHIERENBECK and PVl ROBERT CUILFOYLE, all formerly of Para mount, were home office visitors last week. ARNOLD VAN LEER, Para, district adveij tising representative for New England, was i New York Friday to confer with Alec Moss B. E. HOFFMAN, Warner theaters executivi New Haven zone, is back from a Florida va cation. ARMIDA, starred in Jack Schwarz's "Mexica Fiesta" for PRC, heads for New York th week for a role in the new Olsen and Johnso show. MARGARET T. LECZER, secretary to Williaij F. Rodgers, leaves for Los Angeles and Sa Francisco Thursday for a vacation. ABRAM F. MYERS returned to Washingto) over the week-end, after conferring with number of sales executives here. EDWIN W. AARON, circuit sales head f( M-C-M, is back from a vacation at Ashevillj N. C. HARRY RASSMAN of Barnes Ptg. Co. ahl MRS. RASSMAN, leave today for California f(j a four-week vacation. ALAN F. CUMMINGS, head of M-C-M's e> change operations, returns today from a waa tion. COLLETTE LYONS has arrived in Hollywoo| from Nevv York. WPB Moves to Restrict New Refrigerant Deliveriej (Continued from Page 1) time, negotiations are proceedinl here in an effort to obtain at lea^ a small quantity of Freon gas fo the industry. Some announcemen may be forthcoming next week. "F-22" is a comparatively nei refrigerant and has, to date, beej utilized mainly for low temperatur experimental work. The present in ventory is deemed insufficient to peij mit uncontrolled withdrawals, aq cording to WPB, and plans to adap comfort cooling systems to it mu^ be abandoned. No one ineligible for F-12, Freon, may receive F-22 deliveriej Martin Joins Guide Mags. Ray W. Martin has left the MP! DA to join the advertising sal staff of Guide Magazines. He wa formerly associated with the Hear: and Scripps-Howard orgs. 'PEN lETTER TO THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY 4^J^- ieo9 ^^uU^ %> -a* Monday, April 24, ]9M DAILY Army lo Cite Exhibs. Recruiting 12 Wa(s (Continued from Page 1) distributor committee for the drive and a list of accessories available for the campaign. Scope of the drive is indicated by accessories to be used for lobby and recruiting booth displays. Commit- tee reports that there are 20,000,- 000 heralds available; application blanks number 1,250,000; there are 16,000 new Wac posters and 16,000 kits. Kit contains a 25 by 88 litho- graphed poster, a red and black pic- torial of the same size; two midget posters; a page of 99 stamps with Wac copy for outgoing mail and four five by 25 inch streamers. Pre- pared under direction of Harry Mandel, publicity chainnan, a 12- page press book is ready for distri- bution to all participating theaters. Members of the distribution com- mittee include C. G. Eastman, Al- bany; Fred R. Dodson, Atlanta; A. M. Kane, Boston; M. A. Brown, Buf- falo; John E. Holston, Charlotte; W. E. Banford, Chicago; Harris Dudelson, Cincinnati; Maury Orr, Cleveland; J. B. Underwood, Dallas; Tom Bailey, Denver; Lou Levy, Des Moines; M. Dudelson, Detroit; Wil- liam Marriot, Indianapolis; Jack Langan, Kansas City; Fred Green- berg, Los Angeles; J. J. Eogers, Memphis; Don Wood, Milwaukee; W. H. Workman, Minneapolis; Ed W. Ruff, New Haven; E. V. Lan- daiche, New Orleans; Ralph Pielow, New York; C. A. Gibbs, Oklahoma City; H. B. Johnson, Omaha; Sam Gross, Philadelphia; H. H. Green- blatt, Pittsburgh; Al Oxtoby, Port- land; Harry Hynes, St. Louis; G. Davison, Salt Lake City; Al Shmit- ken, San Francisco; Vete Stewart, Seattle, and J. B. Brecheen, Wash- ington. Name Co-Chairmen to Serve For Met. Area's Wac Drive Co-chairmen to serve with Charles C. Moskovfdtz on the Metropolitan area exhibitor committee for the Wac Recruiting Week were named at the week-end. Serving with Mos- kowitz will be Gene Myers, Man- hattan; Russ Emde, Bronx and West- chester; Irving Liner, Staten Island; Fred Schwartz, Queens, and Louis Goldberg and Sam Rinzler, Brook- lyn. Edward C. Dowden, publicity chairman for New York City has called a meeting of his committee for today. SEP BIRTHDAY GREETIES TO... Melville Baker Phil Fox Edward Rosenblum Frank C. Kirby ▼ TV • • • STANTON GRIFFIS proved that he hasn't lost any of his old skill at making people laugh as he did the emcee chores at the Washington luncheon given Francis S. Hannon here last week on the occasion of the industry's 50th anniversary. Talking of his coming to Washington to take over the OWI job, Griffis declared that, "Knamount sold me to the Government for the Story of Dr. Wassell and a dollar." When he arrived, he continued, Elmer Davis was very busy and didn't pay much attention to him. Davis thought, however, that D. W. Grif- fith ought to know something about pix, so told him lo "get right to work, Mr, Griffith." ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • ROUND-UP: Television Press Club at its luncheon meet- ing tomorrow at the Blue Ribbon will hear CBS television program director Gilbert Seldes and will elect a board of governors, . . • Para, and Look magazine will co-op on a survey of audience tastes in pix in up-state Glens Falls when "Going My Way" opens there on May 5. • Noting that "Snow White" has been revived "at only a slight in- crease over regular prices," the Des Moines Tribune is moved to ob- serve that not only is it "sometimes more profitable to re-issue an old moving picture than to make a new one" but that "the movie promo- tion people are pretty efficient operators". . • Didja know Columbia has signed Chester Morris for three pix. ... # Portland {Ore.) Trac- tion Co. saluted Mrs. J. J. Parker, indie circuit operator, as "Citizen of the week" in recognition of her war service. . . % Harry Carey re- turns to the Coast after a rest period of several weeks. . . « Frisina Amusement Co., operating in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, has set up a special war activity organization under James Frisina. . . « Rochester theaters' assistance in the Waste Paper Collection drive there brought a laudatory letter from Mayor Dicker to Lester Pollock, WAC city pub- licity head. . . • James Bracken, for many years contact manager for Warner theater zone. New Haven, is now in the Army's Engineers in Georgia ▼ ▼ ▼ m m 9 A VENGE PEARL HARBOR! 3c[ys Films Abandoned on "World Political Grounds" (Continued from Page 1) "an intelligent and understanding viewpoint" toward the problems of the armed forces and has done a "terrific job" in their behalf, Allsm Butterfield declared Friday. "The extent of industry co-operation con- stantly amazed us here," said But- terfield upon his resignation as chief of the feature film section of the War Department's Bureau of Public Relations. Hollywood, Butterfield said, has shelved a number of major projects, at great financial loss, in response to suggestions by the War Depart- ment. He revealed that these sug- gestions have been based on world political grounds as well as upon grounds of military security. The industry has abandoned these pix "without protest," he said, while at the same time it has made nu- merous other films mainly because the War Department saw a need for them. Appoint Rosenberger as Para.'s Cuban Manager (Continued from Page 1) erations. Rosenberger for the past several years has been a district manager in the Paramount organi- zation in Argentina. Lazarus Constantine, who has held the post of manager in Cuba for al- most two years, has returned to Panama to assume temporary man- agership in Central America dizring the absence in Venezuela of General Manager Henry Gordon. Constan- tme s new assignment vnll be an- nounced shortly. Arthur L. Pratchett, general man- ager for Paramount throughout all of Central America, including Mex- ico, and several of the Northern re- publics of South America, has left Mexico City for Cuba. Metro Signs Lina Romay Lina Romay, currently singing with Xavier Cugat's band in New York, has been signed to a term contract by M-G-M. COminG and Goinc BEN COETZ is due in from London this weekjl NEIL F. ACNEW Is expected from the CoasI today. STEVE BROIDY leaves Hollywood today fj New York. JOAN LESLIE arrives in New York on Wednes" day from the Coast, following stopovers ii Chicago and her home town, Detroit. WOLFE COHEN returned to Toronto Friday. ROBERT SMELTZER returned to Washingtoi Saturday. HENRY HERBEL arrives on the Coast toda| from New York. HAL V/ALSH returned to St. Louis over Hii week-end. RALPH L. McCOY has returned to Atlanta HARRY A. SEED arrived in Chicago Saturdaj from New York. CHARLES RICH left for Pittsburgh Frida: night. RALPH DOYLE, RKO Radio's managing d rector for Australasia, will arrive in New Yorl via Hollywood within the next two weeks fran Australia for home office conferences. JOE EHRLICH of 20th-Fox is in Boston. S/SCT. NILS HANSON, USMC; Corp. PRISCIL LA NATHAN, AAF; CORP. MATTHEW MOR RONE, PVT. GERALD SCHIERENBECK and PVT ROBERT CUILFOYLE, all formerly of Para mount, were home office visitors last week. ARNOLD VAN LEER, Para, district adver tising representative for New England, was i New York Friday to confer with Alec Moss. B. E. HOFFMAN, Warner theaters executive New Haven zone, is back from a Florida va cation. ARMIDA, starred in Jack Schwarz's "Mexica Fiesta" for PRC, heads for New York thi week for a role in the new Olsen and JohnsoB show. MARGARET T. LECZER, secretary to William F. Rodgers, leaves for Los Angeles and Sa Francisco Thursday for a vacation. ABRAM F. MYERS returned to Washingto over the week-end, after conferring with number of sales executives here. EDWIN W. AARON, circuit sales head f( M-C-M, is back from a vacation at Ashevilk N. C. HARRY RASSMAN of Barnes Ptg. Co. an MRS. RASSMAN, leave today for California fo a four-week vacation. ALAN F. CUMMINCS, head of M-C-M's ex change operations, returns today from a vaca tion. COLLETTE LYONS has arrived in HollywO( from New York. WPB Moves to Restrict New Refrigerant Deliveriej (Continued from Page 1) time, negotiations are proceedin here in an effort to obtain at leasj a small quantity of Freon gas fo; the industry. Some announcemenl may be forthcoming next week. "F-22" is a comparatively new' refrigerant and has, to date, been utilized mainly for low temperature experimental work. The present in- ventory is deemed insufiieient to per- mit uncontrolled withdrawals, ac- cording to WPB, and plans to adapf comfort cooling systems to it musj be abandoned. No one ineligible for F-12, oi Freon, may receive F-22 deliverie; Martin Joins Guide Mags. Ray W. Martin has left the MPI DA to join the advertising sale staff of Guide Magazines. He wa| formerly associated with the Hears and Scripps-Howard orgs. IW TTTER TO THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY /f0 %> ..i. a very ^"^J ^ ^ourf^f^rse-^^/We /-as^r.^. ^,„.. «^*^l»a. contest" "Vitrei «i^^ secretary of jinaooe B^' ^.ttee .Honored S'-'^te^onore^^tta-^f^^cttr of t^^^/^^ ^^f.irUe ^ee. ^c^nS^^eT ^^,„^. apprtr;ersir„„-,^.elr «ox«-=° Sl'Sitore «^%„ seat em^arl.,*'/ 0o»»«^Velec*^*-.-. S*i^i*°"„ Every Seat em^arl^,*'/ 0o»n«^Vele<=*«*-.-.e Ce».algn^'ftrre a^^^^^.T^e ie to ^^^ co» ' ^''*' , =u «e were ^ri-^^/^ry «^»»^^' ^"""" .e srea^ -^ ^ r^f^-V^lfet^Vrt. to a f »^*',; abeai a^d ? si^cereW- 10 -nffii DAILY Monday, April 24, 1944 Pix Execs, fo Map UJA's Fund Drive (Continued from Page 1) in recent years. He said the situa- tion called for a corresponding in- crease in the contributions from the amusement industry. Speaking frankly, Goldwater said the amusement industry had not come up to expectations in its con- tribution to the UJA and expressed the hope that a greater effort would be exerted so that the UJA could reach its goal of $32,000,000 for per- manently known needs. The New York goal is $12,000,000. Those attending the Friday meet- ing were eager to meet the chal- lenge and agreed to organize for an oU-out campaign, details of which will be mapped out at Thursday's luncheon session. Goldwater ex- plained the needs for the money, pointing out that it must be col- lected in order to bring relief and rescue to the Jewish people in oc- cupied countries and in those coun- tries to which refugees have fled. Attending the meeting were Bar- ney Balaban, David Bernstein, Har- ry Brandt, Leo Brecher, Irving Cae- sar, Samuel Cohen, Jack Cohn, Emil Friedlander, Leopold Friedman, Emanuel Frisch, Louis Frisch, Irv- ing Greenfield, Arthur Israel, Mal- colm Kingsberg, Samuel Machno- vitch, John Manheimer, Harry Man- del, Louis Nizer, Abe Olman, Hyman Rachmil, Harold Rinzler, Sam Rinz- ler, Harold Rodner, Samuel Rosen, Rudolph Sanders, George Schaefer, Samuel Schneider, J. H. Seidelman, Max Seligman, Sam Shain, Max Wolff, and from the trade press, Al Steen, Milton Livingston and Floyd Stone. 50 Per Cent Fewer Words Is Metro's Contract Aim (Continued from Page 1) pattern for other companies' con- tracts. A briefer contract, it was pointed out, Avill allow its printing in larger and more readable type. Teitel Injured in Fall Detroit — Moe Teitel, owner of the Warfield, suffered a double fracture of the pelvis, received in a 12-foot fall from a ladder in his stockroom. THEATER DEALS Atlanta — J. E. Johnson, Carrol- ton, has purchased theaters in Fair- bum, Villa Rica, Acworth and Wash- ington, this state, and Liberty and Pickens, S. C. Elarlham, la. — E. C. Kellogg has sold the Earl to George Gilmore. Kellogjr has been inducted into the Army. Fulton, 111.— H. H. Andrews, for- merly of Marshalltown, la., has taken over the 200-seat Royal. TO THE COLORS! * DECORATED * LT. ROBERT F. WILSON, AAF, former assistant manager, Will Rogers Theater, Chicago, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Lieutenant Wilson is reported missing in action. LT. OEiNE FINKE, AAF, formerly Chicago TJie- ater, Chicago, awarded the Flying Cross, in addition to the Air Medal and a Presi- dential Citation for bravery in the India- China area. LT. WILLIAM F. FLAGLER, AAF, formerly East- man Kodak Co., Rochester, awarded the Dis- tinguished Flying Cross. — • — -^COMMISSIONED ^ ROBERT ANDERSON, USN, formerly Rivcria Theater, Chicago, commissioned an ensign. GEORGE BREMEN, USN, formerly manager, Wyandotte Theater, Wyandotte, Mich, commissioned a lieutenant (j.g.). — • — * PROMOTED* RAY THOMPSON, USA, formerly Belpark, Chi- cago, to sergeant. PERCY HICKS, USMC, formerly Harding, Chi- cago, to master sergeant. WILLIAM KETZNER, USA, formerly Majestic, Kankakee, III., to corporal. LT. COL. JAMES ROOSEVELT, USMC, promoted to colonel. BILL McANDREW, AAF, formerly Comerford em- ploye, Scranton, Pa., to sergeant. • ARMY* EDWARD AUERMAN, Chicago Theater, Chi- cago. TED SKROWNEK, Chicago Theater, Chicago. DONALD BALL, State, Scranton, Pa. HARRY GRANVILLE, JR., Granada, Olyphant, Pa. |IM CAFFEY, assistant manager. Hart, Wilkes- Barre. Pa. R. M. HAMMOND, Paramount salesman, Mem- phis. • NAVY* LEON BERNARD SCOTT, co-owner, Margie Grand, Harlan, Ky. RAYMOND C. CRONIN, assistant manager. Para- mount, Springfield, Mass. WALTER CUSAK, Iris, Chicago. TOM VESEY, manager. Bell, Scranton, Pa. GEORGE GARVIN, son-in-law of Vic Gauntlett, Hamrick-Evergreen publicity staff, Seattle. BILL POTTS, M-G-M salesman, Detroit. • U SAAF • JOE GOLDEN, Chicago Theater, Chicago. 10 Circuits Piedge Metro Birtliday Pix (Continued from Page 1) during the week of June 22-28 when the company will celebrate its 20 years of operation. Many of the the- aters are planning to boost the an- niversary with special promotion ideas and in many cases the show- ing of Metro product that week will be the initial appearance of Leo on those theaters' screens. Pledges of co-operation and sup- port have been received from R. W. Wilby, Wilby-Kincey operating in Alabama, North and South Carolina and Tennessee; Frank Newman, Evergreen circuit, Oregon and Wash- ington; Horace Falls, Griffith The- aters in Oklahoma, Texas and Mis- souri; Joseph Seider, Associated Playhouses, Connecticut, New Jer- sey and New York; Martin MuUin, M & P, New England; C. A. Schultz, Commonwealth circuit, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Neb- raska; Tony Stern, Warner circuit in Cleveland territory; Tony Sude- kum. Crescent Amusement Co., Ala- bama, Kentucky and Tennessee, and Eddie Silverman, Essaness Theaters, Illinois. Lester Coleman's Son Reported Lost in Action Lester Coleman, Paramount trav- eling auditor, has been notified by the War Department that his son, Edward Coleman, bomber pilot op- erating out of England, has been re- ported missing in action. Metro Auditors Meeting First of the two-day M-G-M audi- tors meetings will get under way to- morrow at the Astor Hotel, with a number of field and home office audi- tors and executives attending. RCA Strives for Eye Perfection in Teie (Continued from Page 1) eye through use of three-dimen- sional exact color views, Ralph R. Beal, assistant to the vice-president in charge of RCA Laboratories, told members of the Engineering Society of Detroit Friday night. Beal reviewed post-war television manufacturing plans, noting that RCA is prepared to build television home receivers and transmitters at moderate cost. He predicted that an ail-American network will link the larger cities within a few years. Complaining of man-made static from automobiles, Beal asked the engineers to make their contribution to television via the suppression of such electrical interference. Much of his talk was devoted to possible industrial applications of television after the war, envisaging the medium as the coming "eyes" of factories and as a method of co- ordinating efforts in large manufac- turing plants. PRC Sets 12 Releases For Balance of Season West Coast Bureau, of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— PRC will release 12 during the balance of the 1943-44 season, Leo J. McCarthy, general sales manager, now here conferring with Leon Fromkess, said at the week-end. The schedule: April 27, "The Pinto Bandit"; 30, "Men of the Sea"; May 5, "Valley of Vengeance"; 10, "The Contender"- 24, "Waterfront"; June 1, "Min- strel Man"; 3, "Ghost Town"; July 1, "Forgotten Children"; 15, "Brand of the Devil"; July 25, No. 7 Crabbe- St. John Western; Aug. 1, "When the n'^li^ 2'' T^x" Again"; 2, No. 8 Crabbe-St. John western. 6B Circuit Under U. S. Executives! (Continued from Page 1) end identified Larry Kent, Skouras executive assistant now on this side with him, and Joseph R. Vogel, Loew director and vice-president, and ace theater man, as the two Americana who probably will sit in the G-^ saddle. (Vogel was not available last night| for comment upon the London cablq identifying him with G-B operation) G-B has approximately 80 cine mas in London, while its variou^ other divisions comprise several hun dred. With Odeon's lineup, RanlJ controls more than 600 British the aters. The Skouras-Rank deal, it was understood at the week-end, wa; still unsigned, but informed quar ters asserted that it was definitelj headed for finalization. Meanwhile Skouras remains on this side, but hia departure for New York within th-^ week is anticipated. B & K Gives Navy Space For Largest Raciar School (Continued from Page 1) Katz organization had given ili Navy quarters for the largest Raus school in the country. He also df- scribed the growth of the B & 1 organization. Dr. Irvin Deer of ti' MPPDA described the growth of ili film industry, telling how it aidt- in overcoming illiteracy and de scribed its co-operation in the wa effort. Will Hollander, Jack Kirsc and William Green of M-G-M wen guests as was Elizabeth Weeter veteran Universal film employe U. S. Senator to Give Ear To Ohio Rental Squawks (Continued from Page 1) jfl complaints on allegedly high filnfl rentals, will tell what, in his opin- ion, can be done by Congress to give relief. Convention will be held here May 9-10 at the Deshler Wallick Hotel. 1 The Senator, so far unidentifiedj has indicated his willingness to taks some direct action which will alle-' viate the situation, according to a^ association announcement. Becker Invalided Home Chicago — ^Pvt. George Becker, fori merly of the Uptown, has been in! valided home. He was hit while re4 moving wounded from the front. UIGDDinG BELLS Portland, Ore. — Marriage of Doi" othy Finke, daughter of Albert J Pinke, general manager of Ever green theaters in Oregon, to Lt Stewart Taylor, USMC, will taki place April 30 at Corpus Christi Tex. ™ HBIBHHBff^ .H^'"^."- ^- .«<^^i: ■^o*-" %t.Mmm^% 't---'^ 12 DAILY Monday, April 24, 1944 i:^ ik REVICUIS OF THC HCUI fILmS ^ i^^ "Address Unknown" with Paul Lukas, Carl Esmond, Peter Van Eyck, Mady Christians, Morris Carnovsky, K. T. Stevens Columbia 72 Mins. GRIPPING DRAMA WHOSE TIMELY STORY, STAR AND DIRECTION MAKE IT A SURELY RUGGED GROSSER. The box office name of Paul Lukas has been recently enhanced via award to him of the coveted Oscar for the best male performance of 1943 by the Academy. Either purposely or coincidentally, Colum- bia has capitalized upon this fact. In either event, it is the exhibitor who bene- fits. Lukas gives a resounding performance as the German-American who goes to Munich during the revolutionary rise of fiitler to power, Joins the National Socialist cult, and betrays the daughter of his business partner in San Francisco. For the sake of personal safety, expediency, and political credo, he virtually witnesses her being shot to death at the hands of fanatical Nazi hordes who have tracked her down because of her race and on the premise that she refused to adhere in the stage play in which she was appearing to the deletion of lines from the Bible. In addition to the asset of Lukas' pres- ence in the cast, the film may well prove a histrionic milestone since it introduces one of the "best bets" for full-fledged stardom in Hollywood, — the capable K. T. Stevens. The tragedy of her demise at the hands of the Nazis, and the vengeance initiated and culminated from afar by her former sweetheart, Peter Van Eyck, is the stuff real drama is made of. Van Eyck, knowing the power of sown suspicion among villains, keeping writing to his father, Lukas, from San Francisco. The letters appear to be in code, and it is not long before the political horror which Lukas embraced turns to embrace him. The scenes of his terror and final execution are played to the hilt, displaying the enormous capabilities of this ace actor. Those se- quences in which K. T. Stevens is given acting prominence are taken full advantage of by her. William Cameron Menzies both produced and directed this feature, — and brilliantly. The photography is pitched intentionally and effectively into the darker patterns, in full keeping with the ominous happenings. All cast members have been carefully se- lected and acquit their tasks admirably. Carl Esmond, Mady Christians, and Morris Car- novsky have important assignments. Film, a true thriller, is particularly constructive and timely. It deserves widest possible showing on that count, but particularly be- cause of its grossing potentialities. CAST: Paul Lukas, Carl Esmond, Peter Van Eyck, Mady Christians, Morris Car- novsky, K. T. Stevens, Emory Parnell, Mary Young, Frank Faylen, Charles Halton, Er- win Kaiser, Frank Reicher, Dale Cornell, Peter Newmeyer, Larry Joe Olsen, Gary Gray. CREDITS: Producer-Director, William Cameron Menzies; Author, Kressmann Tay- lor; Screenplay, Herbert Dalmas; Camera- man, Rudolph Mate; Editor, Al Clark; Art Direction, Lionel Banks, Walter Holscher; Set Decorations, Joseph Kish; Musical Score, Ernst Toch; Musical Director, M. W. Stoloff; Assistant Producer, Lonnie D'Orsa. DIRECTION, Top-Flight. PHOTOGRA- PHY, Aces. "Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble" with Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone M-G-M 107 Mins. CUTTING WOULD MAKE LATEST OF SERIES BETTER BOX-OFFICE BET; WILDE TWINS PROVE BIG HIT. An operation would make this a much healthier box-office prospect. The action is cluttered up with much unnecessary stuff, elimination of which would speed up the film and give it cohesion. As the picture stands it is slower than it has the right to be. Just about all the picture needs to make it a hit is a sharp pair of scissors fearlessly wielded. In the latest of the Andy Hardy series we again see Mickey Rooney in the throes of girl trouble. He becomes involved with the opposite sex as soon as he climbs aboard the train that takes him to Wainright Col- lege, his dad's (Lewis Stone's) alma mater, now a co-educational institution (Goody! Goody!). In college he's forever getting in hot water because of some innocent in- volvement with one or another fair co-ed. His biggest headache is caused by a pair of twins (Lee and Lyn Wilde) who are playing at being one to circumvent their father's effort to separate them. In trying to help them carry out their little scheme Rooney gets in a financial mess from which he extricates himself with the greatest of difficulty. He attempts to solve his prob- lem by quitting Wainright but is induced by his pop to stick it out. While trying to get the Wilde twins out of his hair Rooney manages to find time to fall in love with Bonita Granville, who has a crush on the dean (Herbert Marshall). Harry Ruskin, William Ludwig and Ag- nes Christine Johnston did the screenplay. They have succeeded exceptionally well in creating a sense of youth, although their business about the twins sometimes becomes rather confusing. George B. Seitz directed acceptably. Rooney is his same bouncing self as Andy. Lewis Stone plays his father with his customary competence. A good word, too, for the acting of Marshall and Miss Granville. Special praise goes to the Wilde twins, who steal the show when they're around. CAST: Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, Fay Holden, Sara Haden, Herbert Marshall, Bonita Granville, Jean Porter, Keye Luke, Lee Wilde, Lyn Wilde, Marta Linden. CREDITS: Director, George B. Seitz; Screenplay, Harry Ruskin, William Ludwig, Agnes Christine Johnston; Based on char- acters created by Aurania Rouverol; Cam- eraman, Lester White; Musical Score, Da- vid Snell; Recording Director, Douglas Shearer; Art Director, Cedric Gibbons; Set Decorators, Edwin B. Willis, Helen Con- way; Film Editor, George White. DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRA- PHY, All Right. Lee H. Pearl Dead Portland, Ore.— Lee H. Pearl, 69, for many years associated with the late George L. Baker in various theatrical enterprises, died of (a heart attack. At one time he was manager and treasurer of Baker's theaters in Portland, at the Bunga- low, Playhouse and old Marquam Grand theaters. "Uncertain Glory" with Errol Flynn, Paul Lukas Warner 102 Mins. STRONG DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT IS SURE MONEY MAKER; FLYNN-LUKAS TEAM BIG FEMME HIT. Beyond its title there is nothing uncer- tain about this tale of redemption. The offering is measurable box-office merchan- dise of solid merit that draws upon the bursting ranks of the Errol Flynn and Paul Lukas fans for its support. With these two worthies in the cast exhibitors can look confidently to feminine patronage as heavy as that from the masculine contin- gent. "Uncertain Glory" is entertainment rich in dramatic values, telling against a back- ground of conflict a story that avoids the usual pattern for war-born tales. The un- furlment of the plot has been achieved with high excitement and a strong measure of suspense. The film, set in France, pits Flynn, an amorous criminal sought for murder, against Lukas, veteran French detective. As the picture opens Flynn escapes from prison on the verge of being guillotined when British bombers destroy the place, killing everyone but him. But soon Lukas, who has made Flynn his special case, catches up with the fugitive in a village that is the scene of an act of sabotage against the Nazis. One hundred hostages face death unless the saboteur is apprehended. Flynn prevails upon Lukas to have him surrender as the saboteur in order to save them. If he has to die he may as well do so in a noble cause. Before Flynn goes through with the bargain he induces the detective to grant him time for a final romantic fling with a village girl with whom he has fallen in love. The scenes between the lovers are productive of many moving mo- ments. The Laszio Vadnay-Max Brand screen- play, which is based on a yarn by the for- mer and Joe May, has been accorded a first-rate production by Robert Buckner, while Raoul Walsh has supplied extremely effective direction. Flynn and Lukas don't let their admirers down at any time. Playing the girl is Jean Sullivan, a newcomer who has much to offer. Lucile Watson, Faye Emerson, Den- nis Hoey, Sheldon Leonard are some others who perform commendably. Robert Haas' art work and the photography of Sid Hickox add much to the film's vividness and sense of realism. CAST: Errol Flynn, Paul Lukas, Jean Sullivan, Lucile Watson, Faye Emerson, James Flavin, Douglas Dumbrille, Dennis Hoey, Sheldon Leonard, Odette Myrtil, Fran- cis Pierlot, Wallis Clark, Victor Kilian, Ivan Triesault, Van Antwerp, Art Smith, Carl Harbaugh, Mary Servoss, Charles La Torre, Pedro de Cordoba, Bobby Walberg, Erskine Sanford, Felix Basch, Joel Friedkin.' CREDITS: Producer, Robert Buckner- Di- rector, Raoul Walsh; Screenplay, L^szlo Vadnay, Max Brand; Based on story by Joe May, Laszio Vadnay; Cameraman, Sid Hic- kox; Art Director, Robert Haas; Film Editor George Amy; Sound, Oliver S. Garretson' Set Decorator, Walter Tilford; Special Ef- fects, Roy Davidson; Musical Score, Adolph Deutsch; Musical Director, Leo F. Forbstein. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY Good. ' Trocadero with Rosemary Lane, Johnny Downs Republic 74 Min PLENTY OF MUSICAL NUMBERS MAKE THIS ONE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT F] THE FAMILY TRADE. Thanks to an abundance of musical numil bers and a story, which, while pretty com monplace, is crowded with human interesi "Trocadero" will serve its purpose vei, nicely on dual bills in the neighborhoo houses, where the family trade will go for without too much complaint. As a magnet for the young people th picture offers 10 popular tunes for whic the accompaniments are provided by fot name orchestras, those of Bob Cheste'y Matty Malneck, Gus Arnheim and Edd LeBaron. Also very much of an attractic are Wingy Mannone, the Radio Rogues, th;J| Stardusters, Ida James, Patricia Kay, Bett Bradley and Jane Ellison. Of secondary importance is the story an|f6 the players in it. The yarn has to do wll the fortunes of a night club called tl* Trocadero. It traces the efforts of RalR g) Morgan to keep it going after the dea- of its owner, a buddy, and its emergenc as a gathering place of the swankiest gai jp abouts. Rosemary Lane and Johnny Down children of the original owner, play a b part in making the joint what it is. T' romantic burden is borne by Miss Lane ai the late Dick Purcell, a band leader wl has a lot to do with making a success the Trocadero. Miss Lane, handicapped by some bad co turning, performs acceptably as singer ai actress. Downs, Morgan and Purcell strugg hard with the material at their disposaL Walter Colmes produced in routine ma ner, while William Nigh supplied fast ( rection. Charles F. Chaplin and Garr Holmes collaborated on the story frc which Allen Gale did the screenplay. CAST: Rosemary Lane, Johnny Dowi Ralph Morgan, Dick Purcell, Sheldon Leo ard. Cliff Nazarro, Marjorie Manners, Ei kine Johnson, Dave Fleischer, Emmett V gan, Charles Calvert, Dewey Robinson, Ru Hilliard, Eddie Bartell, Bob Chester and ( chestra, Matty Malneck and orchestra, G Arnheim and orchestra, Eddie LeBaron a orchestra, Wingy Mannone, Radio Rogu< Stardusters, Ida James, Patricia Kay, Bet Bradley, Jane Ellison, CREDITS: Producer, Walter Colmes; I rector, William Nigh; Screenplay, Allen Ga Based on story by Charles F. Chaplin, G; ret Holmes; Cameraman, Jackson Rose; Fi Editor, Robert Crandall; Musical Direct Jay Chernis; Songs, Phil Moore, Mike Ril Eddie Farley, Lew Porter, Walter Colni "Teepee" Mitchell, Braheen Urban, Evel Claire, Tony Romano, Jay Chernis. DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPH Okay. Yates Hosts 300 Woundec At Masquers Dinner Sho^ West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAL Hollywood — Herbert J. Yates, he of Republic, was host to 300 wound, men fi-om three Naval hospitals the 55th week-end dinner-show The Masquers Saturday night. S of studio assisted the host at autograph table. \ 1 AT THE HEAU ~ or THE PROCESSION! v: E didn't get into first position by step- i ping in there self-invited ^ We got Bre because we were put there C and ' the best brains of this business W By hibitors who want action, lots of it, and 5t W Exhibitors who haven't time to mon- y with media that isn't fool-proof hibitors who want the straightest line be- een the ad and the box office % and want at line full of feet all going the same direc- >n n Quite naturally, a quicker, surer, & aaper way to sell shows € has put us at i head of the procession. nATionni SERVICE PP/Z£ BMY OFTHEinDUSTRY STANDARD ACCESSORIES • T ans. 14 m^* DAILY Monday, April 24, 1944 i> i^ R6VI6IUS Of THE nCUl fILmS -d ik "Double Indemnity" with Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson Paramount 106 Mins. THIS IS TOPS AS MELODRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT; ACTING, DIRECTION, PHOTOGRAPHY SUPERLATIVE. "Double Indemnity" is one of those un- usual productions, a melodrama that suc- ceeds in reaching for quality and intelli- gence without the slightest sacrifice of audience appeal. It is a distinguished film of its kind without a weakness dis- cernible in any department. How it can possibly miss hitting top grosses is difficut to conceive. It wouldn't be at all sur- prising when all the chips are in to find it acclaimed as the top melodrama of the year. The film version of James M. Cain's novel about an attempt to engineer a perfect crime is a spellbinder that doesn't permit the interest to waver for a second. The pro- duction overwhelms with the sheer power of its mood and its suspense as it follows Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck through every step leading to the murder of the latter's husband and depicts their attempt to escape detection. MacMurray, an insurance salesman, and Miss Stanwyck, having fallen for each other, conspire to murder the latter's hus- band (Tom Powers) after tricking the man into taking out a $50,000 accident policy with a jouble-indemnity clause. How they go about their crime is morbidly fascinating, not to say highly ingenious. The death of Powers is listed as an accident, and ev- erything looks rosy for the lovers until Edward G. Robinson, the insurance com- pany's claims investigator, gets a hunch that violence was committed. When Mac- Murray discovers Miss Stanwyck has played him for a sucker he kills her after he himself is seriously wounded. The story is told in flashbacks as MacMurray knowing there is no escape pours his story into a dictaphone in his office after the shoot- ing. It is questionable whether Billy Wilder has ever turned in a finer job of direction. His work in this film has great force and simplicity, making every moment count and helping to create a feeling of tenseness that is one of the most notable factors in the picture's success. Joeph Sistrom pro- duced superlatively from a corking screen- play by Wilder and Raymond Chandler. The cast is aces. MacMurray, Miss Stan- wyck and Robinson are in rare form. Jean Heather, gives a touching performance as Miss Stanwyck's stepdaughter. The dramatic photography of John Seitz rates huzzahs. CAST: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stan- wyck, Edward G. Robinson, Porter Hall, Jean Heather, Tom Powers, Byron Barr, Richard Gaines, Fortunio Bonanova, John Philliber. CREDITS: Producer, Joseph Sistrom; Di- rector, Billy Wilder; Screenplay, Billy Wilder, Raymond Chandler; Based on novel by James M. Cain; Musical Score, Miklos Roz- sa; Cameraman, John Seitz; Film Editor, Doane Harrison; Art Directors, Hans Dreier, Hal Pereira; Process Photography, Farciot Edouart; Sound, Stanley Cooley, Walter Oberst; Set Decorator, Bertram Granger. DIRECTION, Superb. PHOTOGRAPHY, Superb. 'Jamboree' with Ruth Terry, George Byron Republic 71 Mins. MODEST MUSICAL, PACKED WITH RADIO PERSONALITIES, OUGHT TO PLEASE IN SMALLER SPOTS. Here's another of those modest little Republic musicals filled with radio per- sonalities. Ether fans and audiences in the smaller spots will not find "Jamboree" hard to take. The picture makes no pre- tense at being anything but out-and-out hokum. The story can well be discounted, being a silly and unbelievable little sometbing about the efforts of an agent (George Byron) to sell the services of a band to a radio sponsor. When he loses out in try- ing to put over Ernest Tubb and his Texas Trcubadors he switches his attention to Freddie Fisher and his Schnickelfritz band. The sponsor wants a country aggregation, so Byron has the boys take the jobs on the farm operated by Ruth Terry and her sisters and pose as the Texas Troubadors, the group preferred by the sponsor. This makes for a lot of confusion, but all is smoothed out by the time the final scene rolls around. As any fool can guess, Byron falls for Miss Terry (that country air does things to one). Before matters are hap- pily resolved for the sweethearts, the two have to go through a course of misunder- standings. The jamboree referred to in the title is the big noise in the film. Taking place to- ward the end of the pict'.iie, it rings in prac- tically everyone, including besides the Schnickelfritz band and the Texas Trouba- dors, the Music Maids, Don Wilson, Isabel Randolph, Rufe Davis, Shirley Mitchell and George "Shug" Fisher, all well known to radio audiences. Joseph Santley has directed acceptably under Associate Producer Armsid Schaefer. The Jack Townley screenplay stems from a I yarn by Taylor Caven and himself. Miss Terry is easily the best of the players. ; She does a lot to help put the film over ' musically. j CAST: Ruth Terry, George Byron, Paul ! Harvey, Edwin Stanley, Freddie Fisher and Schnickelfritz band. Music Maids, Ernest Tubb and Texas Troubadors, Don Wilson, Isabel Randolph, Rufe Davis, Shirley Mitch- ell, George "Shug" Fisher. CREDITS: Associate Producer, Armand Schaefer; Director, Joseph Santley; Screen- play, Jack Townley; Based on story by Jack Townley, Taylor Caven; Cameraman, Wil- liam Bradford; Musical Director, Morton ! Scott; Songs, Ernest Tubb, Del Porter, C. I Hoefle, Freddie Fisher, Charles Henderson; : Film Editor, Richard Van Enger; Sound! Dick Tyler; Art Director, Russell Kimball; Set Decorator, Charles Thompson. j DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, I Good. Johnson Delegate to lA Lou Johnson, head of the Film Ex- change Employes Union, Local B-51, has been named delegate to the bien- nial convention of the lATSE, which opens May 29 in St. Louis. He will represent all special department B and F locals in the 10th district of the Alliance. "Bermuda Mystery" with Preston Foster, Ann Rutherford 20th-Fox 65 Mins. FAIR MYSTERY MELODRAMA HAS AD- VANTAGE OF GOOD PRODUCTION AND SWELL PHOTOGRAPHY. "Bermuda Mystery" is a melodrama from the bottom drawer that is made to look much better than it is by virtue of top- notch photography and good production values. The film has a moderate amount of suspense and is no more than passably mysti- fying. Although Director Benjamin Stoloff had some first-class talent at his dis- posal, he wasn't able to get the best out of it, permitting a facetiousness to creep into the acting that at times spoils the effect sought by the authors. The picture wi need a strong supporting partner to make its way on dual bills. The plot revolves around the death of Ann Rutherford's uncle right after smok- ing a cigarette from a gift package. Cer- tain that the fellow was a victim of foul play. Miss Rutherford hires Preston Foster, private dick, to prove her contention. The girl has a sound basis for her theory. In 1934 her uncle and a group of war bud- dies contributed to a fund with the under- standing that at the end of 10 years the money will be dividid equally among the survivors. Well, the 10 years are up and members of that group are mysteriously dying and in every instance right after smoking a cigarette. The reasoning is that someone who has an interest in the fund is plotting to eliminate all the other beneficiaries to hog ttie whole wad. A lot of folks are suspected of pulling the dirty work before the culprit is revealed to be the wife of a doctor belonging to the group. Williajn Girard produced the film, for ivhich W. Scott Darling did the screen- play from a story by John Larkin. Definite assets are the camera work of Joseph La Shelle and the art direction of James Basevi and Russell Spencer. Preston Foster and Ann Rutherford don't overstrain themselves in the chief roles. Others prominent in the cast are Charles Butterworth, Helene Reynolds, Jean Howard, Richard Lane, Roland Drew, John Eldredge. CAST: Preston Foster, Ann Rutherford, Charles Butterworth, Helene Reynolds, Jean Howard, Richard Lane, Roland Drew, John Eldredge, Theodore von Eltz, Pierre Wat- kin Jason Robards. Kane Richmond, Em- mett Vogan, Edward Keane, Chester Clute, Holmes Herbert, Jack Chefe, Margaret Brayton, Frances Morris, Harry Seymour, Leslie Denison, Eddie Dunn, Olin Howlin,' Tom Dugan, James Flavin, Ralph Sanford' Pat Davis, Edwin Mills, Harry Wilson, Frank Dawson, Edward Cooper. CREDITS: Producer, William Girard; Dir- rector, Benjamin Stoloff; Screenplay W Scott Darling; Based on story by John Larkin; Cameraman, Joseph La Shelle- Art Directors, James Basevi, Russell Spencer- Set Decorators, Thomas Little, Al Orenbach- Film editor, Norman Colbert; Special ef- fects, Fred Sersen; Sound, George Leverett Harry M. Leonard; Musical Score, Arthur Lange; Musical Director Emil Newman. DIRECTION. So-so PHOTOGRAPHY Good. "Henry Aldrich Plays i Cupid" ji with Jimmy Lydon, Charles Smith, Johil Litel, Olive Blakeney A Paramount 65 Min^ FAST- MOVING, LAUGH-PACKED AT TRACTION WHICH IS ONE OF BEST Of THIS SERIES TO DATE. There's a wealth of good clean comedy, ranging from the light variety to virtual slapstick, in this latest adventure of the always-in-trouble Henry, a role essayed as usual by Jimmy Lydon. Notwithstanding the screenplay's getting so involved thar it becomes virtually impossible to logically unravel it, "Henry Aldrich Plays Cupid' is one of the best in this series of attrac tions. ' Jimmy, who begins piling up more de- merits at school than can be safely ac- quired without facing the tragedy of dis- missal, decides that his plight is due to Hie fact that his institution's principal is old crab whose sour disposition is result of being a bachelor. A golden opportunity, in the form of a matrimonial agency, pre- sents itself. Jimmy, facing the necessity of sending a picture of his principal to number of husband-seekers, and having lu such photo to dispatch, hits on the not so-bright ideas of mailing one of a Senatoi with whom his own father is feuding. One of the recipients of the letter, anonymously signed "Prince Charming," ant enclosing the photo, is Vera Vague, wh( puts in an appearance. This incriminate the Senator. Arrival of another letter-phot( recipient incriminates Jimmy's father. AiK so mix-ups go right down to the finish, a which time Jimmy proves a hero instea( of a problem youth. There are lots oi laughs and situations spiked with humai interest. Hugh Bennett has done a nea job of direction. Photography is fine, an( so is the acting of leads and supportini players. CAST: Jimmy Lydon, Charles Smith, Jolii Litel, Olive Blakeney, Diana Lynn, Vaugjil Glaser, Vera Vague, Paul Harvey, Harrir Bradley, Betty Farrington, Gladden James^ Shirley Coates. CREDITS: Associate Producer, Mich^ Kraike; Author, Aleen Leslie; Screenplay Muriel Roy Bolton, Val Burton; Direct©! Hugh Bennett; Cameraman, Daniel Fapp Musical Director, Irvin Talbot; Art Directior Hans Drgier, Franz Bachelin; Editor, Evere^ Dcuglas; Sound Recording, Hugo Gren bach, Philip Wisdom; Set Decoration, Geori Sawiey. DIRECTION, Neat. PHOTOGRAPHY Fine. Dies Com. Investigators At Work in Hollywood H^est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILi Hollywood — Investigators for th( Martin Dies Committee are reporteu to have been working quietly ii; Hollywood last week to learrl whether the alleged communistiij activities in motion picture indust: warranted committee members come to Hollywood. They were sai to be checking various studio unio: and Guilds. STEADILY IMPROVED THE PREFERENCE of cameramen and directors of photography for Eastman Films has a sound basis. In the face of wartime pressures, the exceptional quality of these films has been not merely main- tained but steadily improved. Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y. J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors Fort Lee Chicago Hollywood EASTMAN FILMS JOY TONIGHT! "m'm'inGEEI ni'm-m" II Tomorrov/ its fame will be nationwide TWO GIRLS AND A SAILOR' {Another Gem from M-G-M!) In 31 cities from Coast-to-Coast! Trade Shows tonight! In theatres with audiences! Tonight you'll get the lilt of it, the lift of it, The glories of its pace, its fun, its romance. A super-great musical, packed with gold! One of our new group. The Springtime Five! A wonderful group! IN NEW YORK, TONIGHT AT LOEWS ZIEGFELD, 9 O'CLOCK! k 'or , Intimate' in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought *1FDAILY The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old f|VOL 85. NO. 81 NEW YORK. TUESDAY. APRIL 25. 1944 TEN CENTS ZANUCK ASSAILS 'SHORTSIGHTED PRACTICES UA Board Resolves to Raise Membership to 9 Provide Also for Ma- jority Rule, Eliminate a Veto by 1 Stockholder if, St Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — At a special meeting vesterday the UA board of directors passed resolutions that in their opin- ion the company's certificate of in- I ;orporation be amended so as to make it more efficient and more able to cope with present-day competi- tive conditions. The directors adopted six resolu- itions which will be submitted at a 'meeting of UA stockholders May 5 it the head office of the corporation n Wilmington, Del., for their ap- proval or rejection. Resolutions provide that the board (Continued on Page 11) (chine Files Brief For Dismissal Plea Buffalo — The Government's suit tgainst the Schine circuit should be lismissed because the Big Five are ndispensable parties and, having •een dismissed on application and (Ccntinued on Page 6) Republic's Adv. Budget ■'or 1944-45 to Hit Peak '/est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Republic's advertising .nd publicity appropriation for 1944- 5, said to be the largest in the com- 'Ccntinued on Page 6) Vitagraph to Erect Toronto Office Bldff. Toronto — Vitagraph, Ltd., which is Warner Bros.' company in Canada, has completed negotiations for a site at Church and Carlton Streets, Tor- onto, en which a new exchange building will be erected for the Canadian head office and the Tor- onto branch. Warners is now lo- cated in the Hermant Building, but removal is necessary because of the new regulations of the Ontario gov- ernment requiring that film exchange structures be used for no other pur- pose. Film Show Went Higher'n a Kite, — Otherwise Army Lads Would Have Been Sans Their Movies Columbus, Miss. — There's more cinematic genius in and about this sector than is represented in the person of Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA prexy. Witness: A truck from National Film Carriers was toting pix consigned to a local Army camp. When the vehicle reached the swollen Tombigbee River, making it im- possible to traverse the angry stream, the driver hied to a telephone, ex- plained his plight, and suggested a remedy. Latter was not long in arriving. It was an Army plane, which landed beside the truck, gathered in the film, and flew off to base so that the troops there could have their movies. Discuss New Building Code at Meet Friday The proposed draft of the revision of the New York State standard building code for places of public assembly will be discussed at a meeting called for Friday morning at 11 o'clock in the office of Sen. J. Henry Walters, RKO attorney. All exhibitors operating theaters outside of New York City may attend the session and make recommendations for further changes or give their (Continued on Page 12) Nine More Keys File "Locally Needed" Forms Applications for "locally needed" designations have been filed for ex- change personnel in nine more cities. Leon Bamberger, assistant to Ned E. Depinet, WAC distributor chairman, reported yesterday. Designation is (Ccntinued on Page 6) Trade's Unity Lack 'Stupid', Says Cantor The fact that the motion picture industry has no official representa- tive in Washington and that there is an apparent lack of unity among the branches of the business is "downright stupidity," Eddie Cantor said in New York yesterday. Cantor said that no industry does more for the Government than the picture business, and without compensation, (Continued on Page 6) .Set Met. Area Plans for Wac Recruiting Campaign Plans for the Wac Recruiting Week drive in the New York Met. territory were set at a joint meeting yesterday of the area exhibitor chairmen and the local publicity committee, held at WAC headquarters. General Chairman Edward L. Al- person gave an over-all picture of (Continued on Page 3) Public Ownership Urged U. K. Technicians Also Ask Film Credit Bank "U" For Back to Billboards "Follow the Boys" Announcement by Universal of a national bill-posting campaign on "Follow the Boys" is believed to re- flect the growing newsprint shortage and attendant difficulties of buying advertising space. Campaign is (Continued on Page 3) London (By Cable) — Public owner- ship of the British film industry and establishment of a film credit bank for the assistance of indie producers, was advanced by Ralph Bond on be- half of the General Council of the Association of Cine-Technicians at the annual general meeting here Sunday. Bond at the same time called for (Continued on Page 12) Exclusive of Roadshow Pix, 20th-Fox to Release But 20 Features in '44-45 The forcing of advanced-admission pictures and use of the product short- age as an excuse to foist poor films on the exhibitor and the public were decried by Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th - Fox vice- president in charge of produc- tion, yesterday at a trade-press con- ference held at the company's home oflSce upon his arrival from ? the Coast. At the same time the production execu- I tive revealed that " ' ~"' " 20th-Fox did not DARRYL F. ZANUCK expect to release during the 1944- 1945 season more than 20 pictures, (Continued on Page 11) Keys Report Wave of Print Thefts Halted The "epidemic" of print thefts which was prevalent a few months ago appears to have been curbed, a (Continued on Page 3) Hanson Forms New Co., Microfilm-Microstat, Ltd. Toronto — In further development in the Canadian film field, 0. B. Han- son has organized Microfilm-Micro- (Continued on Page 2) Meet This Week on Reel Staffs' Pact Spokesmen for the unions repre- sented among the workers on the staffs of the newsreels are ex- pected to get together with the com- panies this week on negotiations for new agreements to replace those that ran out this year. : V*^ DAILY Tuesday, April 25, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 81 Tues., April 25, 1944 10 Cents lOHN W. ALICOATE OONALD M. MERSEREAU CHESTER B. BAHN Publisher General Manager Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer ; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address; Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Josepk Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St.. W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eiken O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. MIlflnClflL (Monday, April 24) NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE Net High Low Close Chg. Am. Seat H'/z 141/4 HiA Col. Pictslvtc. (21/2%) 17 161/4 I6I/4 — 11/4 Columbia Pets. pfd. .. 44 44 44 + Vs Con. Fm. Ind 3% 334 33^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd .. .. 19 183^ 18%— Vs East. Kodak 1601/2 160 160 — % do pfd 182 182 182 +2 Gen. Prec. Eq 19 19 19 Loew's, Inc 59% 59 591/e Paramount 241/2 RKO 8 RKO $6 pfd 891/2 20th Century-Fox . . . 221/4 22 22 — Vs 20th Century-Fox pfd. 301/4 293/4 29%— 1/4 20th-Fox ppf 1021/2 1021/2 1021/2 -f- 13/4 Warner Bros 1 1 % 1 1 1/2 U 1/2 — % NEW YORK BOND MARKET Par. B'way 3s55 923/4 921/4 923/4 -|- Vi NEW YORK CURB MARKET Monogram Picts 4 3% 3% — Vs Radio-Keith cvs 1 1/4 1 1/4 1 'A Sonotcne Corp 2% 2% 2% Technicolor 133^ Trans-Lux 31/2 Universal Pictures Universal Picts. vtc Vs 233/4 233/4 — % 7% 8 88 88 — 13^ 131/2 31/4 131/2 31/2 1/4 21 1/2 21 1/2 21 1/2 — 2 21 201/2 201/2 — 1/2 Ampa Elects Thursday; Starr Slated for Prexy Annual meeting of Ampa foi' the purpose of electing officers, directors and a trustee for a three-year period will, be held Thursday in the Pent- house of the Hotel Piccadilly at 12:45 p.m. Martin Starr has been nominated for the presidency; James Zabin, vice-president; Dave Bader, secre- tary, and Jacques Kopstein, treas- urer. Rutgers Neilson is the nomi- nee for trustee. Slated for the board of directors are Blanche Livingston, Hal Home, William Ferguson, Dave O'Malley and Vincent Trotta. Hanson Forms New Co., Microfilm-Microstat, Ltd. [Loew's and Universal Sue Sanfrebob Theater Corp. (Cont-jnued from Page 1) stat, Ltd., with head office in Toronto to handle Canadian rights for film recording equipment and service of the company in the United States. George Oullahan has been appointed manager of the new company effec- tive May 1 and a building has been obtained at Younge and Granby Sts. for offices and sales. The company will be operated sep- arately from Monogram Pictures of Canada, Ltd., headed by Hanson who recently acquired Canadian distribu- tion rights for the British and Soviet product previously handled in Can- ada through Empire-Universal Films. H. T. Long, manager of Hanson 16 mm. Movies, Ltd., is also moving to the same Younge St. building for the Canadian head- office, while Sov- ereign Film Distributors, Ltd., will take another floor. Theatrical Unions Bank Wac Recruiting Campaign Full support of the theatrical labor organizations in Greater New York for Women's Army Corps Recruiting Week, May 11-17, has been pledged by William Feinberg, Local No. 802, A. F. M.; Sol Pernick and Vincent Jacobi, Local No. 1, lATSE; Thomas Murtha of Local No. 4, lATSE, and Morris Kravitz, Local No. 306, pro- jectionists. They met with Maj. L. E. Thomp- son and Charles B. McDonald and pledged co-operation in all rallies, showing of trailers and other activi- ties during the drive week. The names of Charles Smakwitz, Albany; Charles Taylor, Buffalo; E. J. Fisher, Cleveland; Jerry Zigmond, Kansas City; Seymour Peiser, Los Angeles; and Cecil Vogel, Memphis, were inadvertently omitted from the first announcement of the area pub- lic relations chairmen for the Wac Recruiting Week. They will publi- cize the drive in their particular ter- ritories. Cowdin Paid $239,225 by "U" in Past Fiscal Year Philadelphia — Annual report of Universal Pictures, Inc., to the SEC here yesterday disclosed that Board Chairman J. Cheever Cowdin re- ceived $239,225 during the past fiscal year, with $112,672 constituting his salary and $126,554 his share in the profits. The report also disclosed that Charles R. Rogers was paid $52,000. Schaefer Closing Deal For "Outposts Unknown' A deal for the national distribu- tion of "Outposts Unknown," a pic- ture assembled by George J. Schaef- er, is expected to be signed this week. Action was filed yesterday in lo- cal Federal Court by Loew's, Inc., against Sanfrebob Theater Corp., operating the Grande Theater, 160 East 86th St., for unlawfully ex- hibiting two of the company's copy- righted attractions in August, 1943, namely "Tortilla Flat" and "San Francisco," each of which, it is charged in the complaint, were shown on more occasions than the licensing contract called for. Loew's seeks injunction, accounting of prof- its, and damages of not less than $250,000 for each infringement. Also filed yesterday in the same court was a companion suit insti- tuted by Big U Film Exchange and Universal Pictures Co., Inc., charging that the defendants on more than one occasion in 1943 exhibited un- lawfully "You're a Sweetheart." Same redress as in the instance of Loew's is sought by Big U and Uni- versal. Representing plaintiffs in the ac- tions is the law firm of Philips, Nizer, Benjamin & Krim. SLRB Nixes MPTMEG's Bargaining Agent Petition The State Labor Relations Board has denied the petition of the Mo- tion Picture Theater Managers and Employes' Guild for certification as bargaining agent for managers, as- sistant managers and relief mana- gers employed by the Brandt Thea- ters. According to the employer, the union sought to force the Brandt houses to engage only members of the guild. Hold Rites for Sonin, Loew Purchasing Agent Funeral services wei'e held yester- day for Charles Sonin, purchasing agent for Loew's, Inc., and manager of its accessory sales department, who died over the week-end. Born in Russia, Sonin would have been 55 years old on May 18. Sonin started with Loew's as a clerk in the accounting department. He was named purchasing agent in 1923. He is survived by his widow, two daughters, and one grandchild. Add Robbins and Spingold To UJA Drive Planners Herman Robbins, head of National Screen Service, and Nate Spingold, Columbia executive, have been added to the committee of industry leaders who will map out plans for the United Jewish Appeal campaign at a luncheon Thursday at the Hotel Astor. Grand Rapids Critic Dead Grand Rapids, Mich. — Mary E. Remington, critic emeritus of the press, died in Blodgett Memorial Hospital after a lingering illness. COfllinC and GOinC DARRYL F. ZANUCK, 20th-Fox vice-president in charge of production, arrived from the Coast yesterday with CHARLES SCHLAIFER, advertis- ing manager, and LOUIS SHANFIELD, art director. TOM CONNORS, vice-president in charge of world-wide distribution of 20th-Fox, returned to the home office yesterday, accompanied by L. ). SCHLAIFER, Central sales manager. ROBERT BENCHLEY will return to Hollywooi from New York in two weeks. NORMAN ELSON, trans-Lux, goes to Boston today, returning Thursday. WILLIAM N. SKIRBALL of the Skirball Cir- cuit and Cleveland exhibitor WAC chairman, has returned from a two-month vacation in California. SID ZINS, Columbia publicity man in the Cleveland territory is taking an extended vaca- tion. First stop is New York. A. A. WARD, vice-president and general man- ager of Altec Lansing Corporation, has returned to his office in Hollywood after two weeks in New York. 12 More Circuits Pledge Metro Anniversary Support Twelve moi-e affiliated and indie circuits, totaling approximately 414 houses in various parts of the coun- try, have pledged full support to Metro on its Twenty-Year Anni- versary celebration during the week of June 22-28. With circuits repre- senting 776 houses previously re- sponding, the grand total of theaters lined up to show Leo the Lion on their screens is now 1,190. Newest pledges came from E. C. Beatty, president of W. S. Butterworth The- aters, Inc.; M. A. Lightman, presi- dent of Malco Theaters; Hugh G. Martin, of Martin Theaters; John J. Payette, WB Washington zone man- ager; Max A. Cohen, president of Cinema Circuit; Lewen Pizor Penn- sylvania circuit head; Benjamin T. Pitts, Virginia and West Virginia operator; Phil Chakeres, president of Chakeres Theaters; Frank H. Dur- kee, head of the Durkee circuit; 0. C. Lam, manager of Lam Amuse- ment Co.; William E. Benton, presi- dent and general manager, Benton circuit; and Irving Dollinger, presi- dent of Associated Theaters, New Jersey booking combine. Frederick J. Haskin Dies WosUUigtou Bureau of THE FILM -DAIL) Washington — Frederick J. Haskin 71, whose column, "Questions and Answers," appeared in over 10(1 newspapers, died Sunday following a long illness. Haskin wrote the scenario for one of the earliest road show motion pictures, "Uncle San at Work," which Henry W. Savage legit producer, sent through th East and the Mid-West. Un BIRTHDiY GREETIifiS TO... ijeii (tur APRIL 25 Abe Schneider M. Mitchell Certz jack Schaindlln R. I. Poucher Tuesday, April 25, 1944 IHi Keys Report Wave of Print Tliefts Hailed (Cintinued from Page 1) checkup revealed. Warnings to the- ater owners by exhibitor organiza- ^Jtions and film delivery interests were needed by theater men in general, v.ith the result that film cans were not exposed to vandals. The film thefts reached such pro- y.ortions at one time that the losses were running into a large amount of money weekly. Theater men were advised to pick up film as quickly (as possible after deliveries were made and not to leave them un- guarded while awaiting pickups. Re- ports from key cities indicate that the situation has tapered off to a Ipoint where thefts of cans or in- dividual reels are rare. Set Met. Area Plans for Wac Recruiting Campaign • (Continued from Page 1) the drive. Charles C. Moskowitz was represented by Mike Rosen, while Edward Dowden presided over the publicity end of the meeting, after a short introduction by Harry Mandel, national publicity director. Among those present were Oscar ;A. Doob, permanent WAC publicity jehairman; Gene Meyers, Irving Liner, Louis Goldberg, John Hearns, ■ Fred Schwartz, Michael Edelstein, iSigurd Wexo, Ernest Emei'ling, John A. Cassidy, Blanche Livingston, cPaula Gould, Janice Rentchler, Al Naroff, Mike Siegel, Peggy Foldes, Edgar Goth, Irving Ludwig, Ray Malone, William Slater, Al Zimbalist, iSol Handwerger, Sid Kain, Ira Mo- rals, Norman Greenberg and Paul Sherman. STORK REPORTS Louis Frisch, treasurer of the ilandforce circuit, became a grand- 'ather for the fourth time last week vhen his daughter, Sylvia Barnett, jave birth to a baby girl. Of the our granchildren, three were born »n April 19. Joe Cullina of Warner Theaters iccounting department has just re- 'ealed he recently became the father or the seventh time. Newcomer has •een named Joseph, Jr. Chicago — Walter Moore, McVick- •r's Theater managing director, is he father of a second son, Kenneth loger. Salem, Ore. — Caroline Anne Por- er, is the nev/ arrival at the home f Carl and Mrs. Porter. Mr. Porter 5 general manager for Warner The- ters in Pacific Northwest cities. FEmmE TOUCH ETHEL GOLDBERG, M-C-M, New Haven. MRS. EDWARD ETHERIDCE, operator, Lux, East Peoria, and Majestic, Joliet, IH. MRS. L. H. MINER, manager, Progress Progran Press, Chicago. MRS. LLOYD PULLEN, suburban manager, five R. & R. houses, Dallas. TOBIE SHAMAN, secretary to branch manager, RKO,; Cleveland. MRS. EDNA BOYS, manager, Rosedale, Detroit. PHYLLIS MEYERS, advertising department. Ster- ling Theaters, Seattle. MRS. GUY GREATHOUSE, manager. Elliot-Ward Theaters, Cincinnati. ADLINE WARD, buyer-booker, Elliott-Ward Th«- aters, Cincinnati. U" Back to BiUboards for "Follow the Boys" (Continued from Page 1) company's first comprehensive bill posting job in three years. In addi- tion to the billboards and radio. Uni- versal has set aside $100,000 of a $250,000 advertising budget for full page ads for the first 20 engage- ments of the Charles K. Feldman production. Hank Linet, executive assistant to Maurice Bergman, Eastern advertis- ing-publicity director, has left on a tour in connection with initial open- ings. Linet will head a special field force organized to cover openings in New Haven, Bridgeport, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Reading, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus. To Take Keough Pre-Trial Testimony in Cooper Suit Pre-trial testimony of Austin Keough, Paramount vice-prexy, in the action brought by Paramount against Joseph H. Cooper, et al, will be taken tomorrow in the offices of O'Brien, Driscoll & Raftery, accord- ing to notice filed yesterday in Fed- eral Court. Taking of deposition of Y. Frank Freeman in the action has been concluded. Tax Payments by Former Operators' Execs. Checked Chicago — A. P. Madden, chief of the Special Intelligence Division, Treasury Department, is making a check of income tax payments affect- ing former officials of the Chicago operators' union, it was reported yes- terday. Three Artkino Pix Set For Runs at the Stanley Three Artkino pix have been set to follow "One Inch from Victory" at the Stanley. That film starts to- morrow. Underlined is "Taxi to Heaven," Soviet musical, to be fol- lowed by 'People's Avengers," doc- umentary with narration written and spoken by Norman Corwin, and "Two Fighters," drama. DAILY No. 26 ities Outstanding Industry Personal C^oft- 4fXU€ ncufie- tUe^n — AT one point in his extraordinary career he handled the film, "Homer's Odyssey," whicli is not nearly as intriguing as his own. Now is vice-president of Loew's, Inc., which inducted liini immediately upon his resignation as DA presi- dent and memlier of that company's executive committee. Started in filmland as an usher in a New York theater, successively rising to more important niches in the industry. Was first sales manager for Famous i^layers Co., and first gen- eral manager of distribution for Artcraft. Mer- ger in Famous Players-Lasky brought him to gen- eral manager of distribution for the combined organization, and also filled the same position for lJni\ersal. Is a native of Hungary and came to the U. S. at an early age. Enjoys a huge circle of friends in every walk of life. TO sustain efficient wartime ties between our industry and Washington's official- dom, he rides the ties of the Pennsylvania R. R. witii tlie frecjuency of a commuter. His formal title in this cajiacity is virtually as long as an express train: Consultant, Recie ation Section of the Service Trade Division of the Office of Civilian Requirements, It ai Production Board. In civilian life he heads uf) ivith his partner-son (who is a Colonel overseas with Uncle Sam's Army) the famous architectural firm whicli bears their respec- tive and resfwcted names. Has designed hun- dreds of motion picture theaters, overseen their construction and equipment installation, and consul tatixiely kept them in shape in normal times for their owners. His flaming desire is to help design, construct, and main- tain a better world edifice for the patrons of democratic "performance" to enjo"^ when alt present shooting is over. ONCE upon a time, but considerably later than the accompanying photo was snapped, this producer and veteran Indus- tryite, who was born in New York and edu- cated at Tufts Medical College, had a pic- ture in work. At a distributing org's sales meeting, he was given no more than five min- utes to speak about it at the dais. To make sure that the time would not be longer, his hosts set an alarm clock. It rang accordingly, —and subsequently and infinitely louder did the fame of his production, "Hitler's Child- ren," which poured gold in theater coffers. Has long bpeen a leader in the industry, his particular crusade being justice for the indie jjrochicer, distributor and exhibitor. Knows merchanilising of pix like a book. Has ser\'ed as president and as sales manager of film organizations. Heads his own produc- tion company, with his son as partner. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLITWOOD BLVD. ItfliliMtafliMlKiBiBb. : Cf *\ DAILY Tuesday, April 25, 1944 Schine Files Brief For Dismissal Plea (Continued from Page 1) consent of the plaintiff, they cannot be brought into the action, according to a brief filed here yesterday in the U. S. District Court. The brief also contained a motion that the circuit be not required to dispose of 10 the- aters and a motion for the denial of the complainant's petition for the appointment of a trustee. A separate brief filed Friday sought permission to acquire the Liberty Theater, Cumberland, Md. The brief points out if the prayer of the amended bill were granted, the Schine defendants would be ef- fectively restrained from any of the practices complained of, but there could be no restraint placed on the Big Five non-defendant producer- distributor-exhibitors who "produce 80 per cent of all the first class fea- tures." The net result would be, the brief asserts, that the Big Five would be entirely free to follow the prac- tices complained of with respect to everybody except the Schine defend- ants, and to give all others all the advantages of such practices in the Schine towns where they are or may hereafter be located. The Schine defendants should not be required to sell their undisposed of theaters because "it would be in- equitable in view of the conditions shown and because the Schine de- fendants would suffer irreparable injury," the brief contends. The purchase of the Liberty Thea- ter in Cumberland is not opposed by Tom C. Clark, Assistant Attorney General, and therefore should be ap- proved by the court, according to the brief filed Friday. Clarence N. Goodwin and A. E. Robert Friedman, Schine counsel, filed the briefs. Republic's Adv. Budget For 1944-45 to Hit Peak (Continued from Page 1) pany's history, will be outlined today at the first session of a two-day re- gional sales confab at the North Hollywood studio. On the agenda are discussions of the new season program, also to be the most ambi- tious in Republic's career. H. .J. Yates, Sr., who stayed West for the meeting, will address dele- gates. J. R. Grainger, president, has arrived from the Eastern office and Francis Bateman, Western district sales manager, has brought in a group of Republic branch managers and franchise holders from the area. lUEDDinG BELLS Chicago — Norman Hawthorne, USN, former Norshore Theater as- sistant, and Dorothy Shaper, of Cor- pus Christi, Tex., are married. ▼ T ▼ A Reporter's Report • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: The May issue of Coronet quotes H. M. Warner thusly — "It seems incredible — 35 million laws, and no im- provement on the Ten Commandments.". . • Constance Bennett has rented a suite of offices in the General Motors Building, 1775 Broadway. • Nat Nathanson, UA branch manager in Milwaukee, takes his physi- cal Friday. . . • Radie Harris starts a new Hollywood-Broadway air show over WMCA Sunday at 6:05 p.m. . . • Illinois Allied theaters collected $50,700 for the Red Cross in the recent drive, lack Kirsch ad- vises It's a new high. . . • Roy Rogers is filling a rodeo en- gagement in Washington this week. . . • Herbert J. Yates and Jimmy Grainger leave the Coast tomorrow for Chicago and New York. . . • Chicago Daily News is abou to spring a new Hollywood series by Edward Leahy. . . • James Coston, Warner zone manager in Chi., has acquired a three-story building at 79th and Hoisted Sts. there for $200,000. . . • Sylvia Clock, Neil Agnew's efficient Para, sec'y, joins him at Vanguard Feted at luncheon by Para, associates, Sylvia was presented with a pair of antique gold bracelets, studded in garnets. T T ▼ • • • THIS AND THAT: Good stuff for film biz those newspaper breaks over the country on fact that Loeiu's, Inc., has topped 1100,000,000 in its War Bond sales and purchases Announcement resulted in fine editorials as well as news breaks. . . % Speaking of industry relations, Betty French in Akron Beacon-Journal devotes her column to explaining how Akron movie houses have become commu- nity centers unselfishly devoted to war activities from Bond selling to recruiting and religious services. . . « That $100 War Bond prize awarded by Virginia WAC to Roscoe Drissell, Richmond, luas divided among four employes who worked untiringly in the drive. . . % The greatest coiner of colossal quips, the late Dexter Fellows, fabulous press agent extraordinary of the circus, may come to life on the screen Several pix companies are showing considerable interest in "This Way to the Big Show," Fellows' life stoiy which he wrote with Andrew A. Freeman Latter is now with the jmhlicily and public re- lations division of the United Seamen's Service T V ▼ • • • OUT OF WASHINGTON comes this story of a major studio which, scripting a spy story, described Axis plans to blow up the Panama Hotel The scripters let imagination run riot and choked up a honey °f ° plot It was sent to Washington for clearance, and the next day a long-distance call went to Hollywood ordering the company to send its rep. to the Pentagon at once Without knowing why he was being called, an exec, turned up the next day and went through an exhaxutive grilling about where the plans to blow up the canal originated. They were so practical that the Army found it difficult to believe a couple of scriptwriters had cooked them up. Finally, the exec, convinced them and all was well— except that the film hasn't been made ▼TV • • • THEY'RE HAVING FUN at Loew's home office trying to find a name for the new penthouse projection room and dining alcove. Schenck Cinema? Loew's Mosque-owitz? Vogel's Villa? Rubin^s Rendezvous? Bernstein's Bijou? It'll probably wind up being called —Loew's projection room! ▼ T T • • •BIRTHDAYS: Industry's 50th: M-G-M's 20th; Loew's We're growing up! ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! 40lh. Trade's Unity Lade 'Stupid', Says Cantor (Continued from Page 1) and yet it gets "kicked in the face." Cantor was of the opinion that if the industry had proper representa- tion in Washington, theaters might not be faced vnth a shortage of freon gas for their refrigeration systems next Summer. He saw a serious situation arising if exhibitors can't cool their theaters, because if the public doesn't go to theaters, it may turn to travel, thereby further burdening the already over-taxed traveling facilities. Every other large industry, Can- tor said, has its official representa- tive or representatives to guard its interests in the nation's capital. If the film industry could be unified, an official representative in Wash- ington could be only a part of a vast program that could be incorporated into a unity plan, Cantor said. Cantor, whose "Show Business" is to be released shortly by RKO, said he planned to continue producing his own pictures through his own unit that would be established within a studio. He has no further commit- ment with RKO, but it's possible that a deal will be made. He will be in New York two months and then will return to the Coast, stop- ping off to entertain in camps and hospitals en route. Nine More Keys File "Locally Needed" Forms (Continued from Page 1) already in force in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Applications, signed in each case by all exchange managers, have been filed by the following area distribu- tor chairmen, Bamberger said: C. G. Eastman, Albany; John E. Holston, Charlotte; J. B. Underwood, Dallas; Don Wood, Milwaukee; E. V. Land- aiche, New Orleans; H. B. Johnson. Omaha; C. A. Gibbs, Oklahoma City; Al Shmitken, San Francisco, and Vete Stewart, Seattle. THEATER DEALS Rochester — The Adelphia, in near- by Franklinville, has been purchased by the Martina Circuit and becomes the twelfth house in that group. House was purchased from Joseph Kelly and A. D. Gould. Morton, 111.— L. Born has bought the Morton from Phil Hauter. New Britain, Conn. — The 963-seat Roxy has been leased, and will change hands May 15, Nick Karnaris, present operator, reports. Lessee, new to the business, has not yet been identified. ' s^ M M^^^ ^//^ tf^m "^fm0 rljAW iM/ mXANDBR HALLS ^>»«»**» T' r* •» *T \^ \Cyj^-^- >'^4' JANET BLAIR m^jtrfiimmuK^simmi {^ j'v -«i f^'S PIFm^Mr.;^ MicmcjT^^ "tm^ ^^V ^i ONE SHEET ?<, '«««««» 'J. i^MiR THREE SHEET f crifi r. \ ,--^ -giss»» M^.BOHttBSW ^ll^J^lr'k^ mi *'\' mm 'i 7W =^ W^ "^v fiX-^' „, ^><^WGT»ME/ "The industry's proudest offering... 'The Memphis Belle'. Technicolor saga of our air heroes. Boolt it now!" lANET BLAIR- james gleason -ted Donaldson Screen play by lewij Meltzer and Oscar Soul • Directed by ALEXANDER HALL A COLUMBIA PICTURE To Families and Friend) of Servicemen — This IS one of ihc films chosen by the War Depart- ment and provided by the motion picture industry for showing overseas in combat areas, Red Cross Hospitals and isolated outposts. (This is one of the newspaper holdover ods) i Tuesday, April 25, 1944 ;<^< DAILY 11 Zanuck Assails Trade 'Shortsighted' Tactics (Ccntinued from Page 1) exclusive of specials intended for roadshowing. Zanuck asserted that the playing of pictures longer than they merited and the deliberate saddling of medi- ocre films on the theaterman and the film-goer were shortsighted prac- I tices adherence to which threatened to alienate both exhibitor and public. Quality Run's Measuring Stick "Too many are making the mis- take of putting out films with long runs in mind just because the pic- tures cost a lot," Zanuck said. "The length of a run should depend on what the picture can legitimately do." He asserted quality should be the sole measuring stick, warning that to predicate a run on any other basis "doesn't help to create good- will with the public" and "won't pay dividends at all." Advising producers not to depart from high standards in making films, Zanuck remarked that "pictures can live for the next 10 .years on the reputation they are making now." The producer reiterated that he personally would not make anything not of national or international sig- nificance until the war was over. Zanuck disclosed that he had come to town to discuss with Tom Con- nors, distribution chief, and other home office executives plans for the distribution of 'Wilson," to confer with Moss Hart on the screenplay for "Winged Victory" and to huddle with Wendell L. Willkie on "One World." "Wilson" Cost $4,000,000 It was revealed by Zanuck that "Wilson," editing on which was com- pleted on Friday, had cost $3,260,000 to make, exclusive of costs for mu- sical scoring and prints, with the final figure expected to reach $4,000,- 000. The film will be released in a length running two hours and 43 minutes, making it next to "Gone With the Wind" the longest Techni- color film ever turned out. Zanuck said the picture would have its world premiere in New York between mid July and Aug. 1. The idea, he added, was to play the production on a two- a-day basis at advanced admission. General release would not be until next year. Zanuck said he was seeing Willkie today in the hope of getting him to change his mind about withdrawing "One World" from production. The producer will return West over the week-end or early next week. Lt. Billings of Eastman Killed in Plane Crash Rochester— Lieut. Monroe E. Bil- lings, USN, formerly with the East- man Kodak Co., was killed in £^ the crash of a Naval air trans- port plane near the Olathe Naval Air Station, Kansas City. Lieutenant Billings was com- mander of a twin-engine plane on a routine flight from Oakland, Cal., ;^ to New York. REVIEWS Of neuj fiims "And the Angels Sing" with Dorothy Lamour, Fred MacMurray, Betty Hutton Paramount 96 Mins. ACE ROMANTIC COMEDY PACKED WITH LAUGHS AND THE POWER TO PULL AND PLEASE FANS EVERYWHERE. Masquerading under this celestial-sound- ing title is one of 1944's most hilarious attractions, — a film which any company would be glad to have, any exhibitor glad to play, and any patron glad to see. Pack- ing rapid-fire comedy, bright dialogue, fast action, and infectious pop tunes, it is first class fare. To bring the customers in, three strong marquee names are provided. They are Dorothy Lamcur, Fred MacMurray and Betty Hutton. About them as a romantic triangle revolves the cleverly wrought story, inter- spersed with an assortment of melodies from the musical and lyrical pens of James Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. Obviously composed to dovetail with the plot situations, they stand as thoroughly logical increments of the film. They are mostly of the novelty type and their sur- rounding production features now and then "blackouts" of the belly-laugh sort. Screenplay, by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, is based on the story by Claude Binyon. It recounts the side-splitting ex- periences of the four alluring and talented girls in the Angel family who want to buy their widower father a farm. They have been given musical educations upon which they have to fall back betimes to keep the wolf from the door. When the shoe of adversity pinches most, they accept a sing- ing engagement at a roadhouse where Fred MacMurray is leading his band. Betty Hutton, one of the Angel sisters, collects the $10 pay and runs it up to $190 in the roadhouse's dice game, only to have MacMurray who needs that sum to move his bsnd to Brooklyn "borrow" it from her. One of her sisters, Dorothy Lamour, who is also in a romantic lather over MacMur- ray, advocates that they follow the "bor- rowing" bandleader to Brooklyn and collect the $190. From this point the footage rains comedy and complications, what with the girls on the same nightclub program with the ork-leading wolf who finally marries Dorothy Lamour and his manager weds Betty Hutton. George Marshall's direction is splendid and Karl Struss' photography excellent. Diana Lynn and Mimi Chandler are solid cast-assets as the other sisters. "And the Angels Sing" will score heavily with fans everywhere and place a particu- larly bright feather in the production cap of E. D. Leshin. It's as good a romantic c'^medy as is likely to come out of Holly- wood this season. CAST: Dorothy Lamour, Fred MacMur- ray, Betty Hutton, Diana Lynn, Mimi Chand- ler, Raymond Walburn, Eddie Foy, Jr., Frank Albertson, Mikhail Rasumny, Frank Faylen, George McKay, Harry Harris, Donald Keer, Perc Launders, Tom Kennedy. CREDITS: Associate Producer, E. D. Leshin; Director, George Marshall; Author, Claude Binyon; Screenplay, Melvin Frank, Norman Panama; Cameraman, Karl Struss; Art Direction, Hans Dreier, Hal Pereira; Editor, Eda Warren; Sound Recording, Gene Merritt, Joel Moss; Set Decorator, Ray Moyer; Musical Director, Victor Young; Musical Numbers Staged by Danny Dare. DIRECTION, Splendid. PHOTOGRA- PHY, Excellent. "Pin-up Girl" with Betty Grable 20th-Fox 83 Mins. LAVISH TECHNICOLOR MUSICAL IS A SPECIAL TREAT FOR THE MEN; OF- FERS GRABLE AT HER BEST. With "Pin-up Girl" as the title and Betty Grable as the girl, this Technicolor musical extravaganza ought to be a natural with the boys. The lovely color catches the star in all her exciting glamor in a film that gives her ample opportunity to display her feminine wiles to the fullest advantage. What the picture lacks in story merit it more than compensates for in the way of beauty and musical content, shaping up as a gay romantic frolic of broad appeal, espe- cially to those young in years and in ideas. The action keeps moving in and out of bislros — a fact that provides plenty of ex- cuse for the staging of a raft of song num- bers, not to mention several very lavish and excellently presented production num- bers. No less than eight Mack Gordon- James Monaco tunes have been kneaded intD the footage. Of the production num- bers two are humdingers, one being a bal- let item executed on roller skates; the other, an intricate military maneuver which brings the production to a stirring close. Lively musical support is given by Charlie Spivak and his orchestra. The story, utterly preposterous, is feather- weight and is lost in the shuffle, which matters little, for the important thing about "Pin-up Girl" is the parade cf dazzling production and musical numbers. The tale telis about a gal (Miss Grable) who re- sorts to trickery to get a break as a per- former. The fun begins when Miss Grable and her bosom pal (Dorothy Kent) stop off in New York en route to Washington f r Government jobs. Miss Grable falls in love with John Harvey, a national war hero back from the South Pacific. The guy, like everyone else, falls for her story about her being a Broadway star. Miss Grable tries to sustain the pretense, but the truth eventually outs. By that time Miss Grable, billed as the nation's top pin-up girl, has become a success in her own right. Miss Grable performs to the complete de- light of the boys. As the hero Harvey is passable. Martha Raye and Joe E. Brown are prominent in the laugh department. William Le Baron has produced stun- ningly, with Bruce Humberstone's direc- tion being good. Robert Ellis, Helen Logan and Earl Baldwin did the screenplay from a yarn by Libbie Block. Special mention g'es to Ernest Palmer for the superb pho- tography. CAST: Betty Grable, John Harvey, Mar- tha Raye, Joe E. Brown, Eugene Pallette, Dorothy Kent, Dave Willock, Condos Brothers, Skating Vanities, Charlie Spivak and orchestra, Robert Homans, Marcel Da- lio, Roger Clark, Leon Belasco, Irving Ba- con, Walter Tetley, Ruth Warren, Max Willenz, Mantcn Moreland, Charles Moore. CREDITS: Producer, William LeBaron; Di- rector, Bruce Humberstone; Screenplay, Robert Ellis, Helen Logan, Earl Baldwin; Based on story by Libbie Block; Camera- man, Ernest Palmer; Songs, Mack Gordon, James Monaco; Dance Director, Hermes Pan; Musical Supervision, Fanchon; Art Di- rectors, James Basevi, Joseph C. Wright; Set Decorators, Thomas Little, Paul S. Fox; Film Editor, Robert Simpson; Sound, Eugene UA Board Would Raise I'lembers to 9 (Continued from Page 1) of directors be increased from four to nine and that a representative board be elected by stockholders at the adjourned annual meeting; that cumulative voting, which has been in existence in the company since its formation 25 years ago, be retained, the effect of which would give the three present stockholders the right for each to elect three directors; that present restrictions on transfer or sale of stock be retained so that unanimous consent of the owners would be required to sell any new units, and that any shareholder de- siring to sell must first offer his stock to the company and the other owners in the same manner required in the past; that the by-laws of the company may be amended from time to time by a majority of the stock- holders; that certain eligibility rules be inserted in the charter for quali- fications of a director so as to guar- antee that no competitive interests would ever sit on the board; And that the board of directors by majority vote shall elect officers, department heads and generally run the company, making it possible to carry on the affairs of United Artists in quite the same manner as all big business is operated, eliminating the power of veto by any one stockholder, and it is the opinion of the directors that the resolution, if adopted, will take United Artists a great step forward, becoming one of the most important units in the motion pic- ture industry. Imperial Preference Stands, Says Churchill London (By Cable) — Fullest pos- sible rights and liberties over the question of imperial preference have been reserved for the House of Com- mons and the Dominions, Prime Min- ister Churchill told the House in clos- ing a debate on the subject. The Prime Minister informed the House that England is "no more committed to abolition of imperial preference than the American Government was committed to abolition of their pro- tective tariff," and that the principle is included in the Atlantic Charter. Under imperial preference states belonging to the British Empire charge lower import duties, or waive duties, on goods imported from other Empire states than from countries outside the Empire. Mosley in I. R. Ticket Spot Chicago — Warren Mosley has been named director of the ticket division, under John Moynihan, assistant field deputy, Chicago Internal Revenue Bureau. Grossman, Rober Heman; Special Effects, Fred Sersen; Musical Directors, Emil New- man, Charles Henderson. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Fine. 12 mil DAILY Tuesday, April 25, 1944 British Union Asl(S Public Ownersliip (Continued from Page 1) an increase in the distributors' quota so that the British industry could get a better financial "break." (Reuters, British news agency, quoted Bond as saying, ''Twenty mil- lion pounds go every year to Holly- wood from our cinemas. We say more of that money should go to the British film industry." (The technicians' association, Renter's also said, "expressed seri- ous alarm at the power wielded by the British film magnate, J. Arthur Rank," the cable story adding, "Some speakers visualized the possibility that he could close down all the stu- dios in the country for six months or so to overcome any trouble or to get his way on a point and to use entirely American films at his cine- mas.") Rites for Betty Morrissey Funeral rites were held at the Campbell Funeral Church, Madison Ave. and 81st St., yesterday for Betty Morrissey, former screen ac- tress, who in private life was Mrs. James A. Murray. TO THE COLOUS! * DECORATED * PFC. OLIN CRAY, UAA, formerly assistant man- ager, Princess, Alton, III., awarded the Dis- tinguished Service Medal in the South Pa- cltic. SCT. HAROLD E. ROSE, AAF, formerly Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, awarded the Air Medal in the South Pacific. — • — -^PROMOTED* CAPT. DONALD M. KLADSTRUP, formerly East- man Kodak Co., Rochester, to major. • ARMY* CECIL SAUNDERS, Regal, Chicago. LEONARD UTECHY, assistant manager. United Artists Theater, Chicago. LOUIS CALAMIRE, assistant manager, Roosevelt, Chicago. TED REGLIN, manager. North Shore, Chicago. LEO SCHAUER, 20th-Fox, Chicago. EDWARD ETHERIDCE, owner. Lux, East Peoria, III., and Majestic, lollet. — ♦ — * MARINES* JAMES BENSON, Regal, Chicago. 15 Nominated for 10 Equity Council Posts Slate of nominees for 10 vacant places on the council of Actors' Equity was announced yesterday. Fifteen were nominated as follows: Donald Cameron, Alexander Clark, Montgomery Clift, Patricia Collinge, Jose Ferrer, Kathryn Givney, Cel- este Holm, E. John Kennedy, Philip Loeb, John Lorenz, Philip Merivale, Beverly Roberts, Harvey Stephens, Frederic Tozere, Frank Wilson. These names will be submitted to the annual membership meeting at the Hotel Astor on June 6. Those elected will serve for full five-year terms. Death of Archbishop Cuts Boston Grosses Boston — Death of William Cardi- nal O'Connell, archbishop of the dio- cese of Boston and dean of the Catholic hierarchy in America, here Saturday had an instant effect upon week-end patronage of theaters here and will continue to have throughout the week as his body lies in state. Warners Tradeshowing Two Features on May 8 National tradeshowings of two new Warners' features, "Between Two Worlds" and "Make Your Own Bed," have been set for May 8 by Ben Kal- menson, general sales manager. Discuss Hew Building Code at Meet Friday (Continued from Page 1) approval to the proposed revisions- The code does not apply to places of assembly in New York City which has its own code. A committee of circuit represen- tatives will attend Friday's meeting, members of which already have re- ceived a copy of the code and will have had time to study it before Friday. Committee includes Al Nar- off, Brandt Theaters; Martin Tracey, Century Circuit; James Zab, Cinema Circuit; John Nolan, Comerford; Philip Harling, Fabian; James Reil- ly. League of New York Theaters; Harry Moskowitz, Loew's; Charles Brouda, Paramount legal depart- ment; J. Guy Selmser, Schine; Wal- ter F. J. Higgins, Seider Circuit; Jules W. Catsiff, Skouras, and H. R. Maier, Warner Bros. The proposed code is said to have extensive changes in tightening up the fire laws, especially as they re- late to di'aperies, curtains and com- bustible materials, as well as to exits, etc. The last code was writ- ten and approved in 1941, but the revised provisions resulted from the Boston Cocoanut Grove fire. USllSl GROWING NOVlin REEL IN YEARS! A new series of one-reeler$...each with a complete variety of novelty acts! JUST BEING RELEASED FIlLM^I^iiWIlL No. 5 featuring BETTY and HER ESCORTS JOHN GALLUS LANE and CLAIRE tf/V /J/Vy PROGRAM... THEy%L LIVEN UP ANY SHOW! COLUMBIA PICTURES CORPORATION \\ i \ xN^ ' V/ .A\' //^ ^\\\ W// ^v\\ w/, ^\\\ I / / ^w^ I// o\W/n\\'V/; BEST SHORTS OF ALL COME FROM COLUMBIA nj IS I Z DAN xs Hi.-»7->7M nz SNU 1 XDnCICltl cl cl w >i 3 I M Hituui D yii[]::i i) ■mwMa* Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought ■ The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old ^L. 85, NO. 82 NEW YORK. WEDNESDAY. APRIL 28. 1944 TEN CENTS RANK HEARING DEAL WITH U. S. PRODUCER Midwest Salesmen Would Organize Under lA St. Louis Convention Will Be Asked to Assume Juris- diction, Milwaukee Report t Milwaukee — lATSE convention in St. Louis next month will be asked by film salesmen in the Mid-west to assume jurisdiction for organization- al purposes, it was disclosed here yesterday by Oscar E. Olson, busi- ness agent of Local 164, operators' union. Olson said that he had been ap- proached by film salesmen to that end, and that the move to organize was not restricted to Milwaukee ter- ritory. Should the lATSE sidestep, it is understood that the film salesmen will apply for an AFL charter to establish a separate union. Theaters Escaping Midwestern Floods St. Louis — Flood waters have had no effect on St. Louis territory thea- i ters or film deliveries, a survey shows. No theaters have been closed (and while trucks have to make de- tours on some Illinois and Missouri (Continued on Page 10) Rosenberg Strengthens Columbia Exploitation Changes and additions to the Co- lumbia national exploitation and publicity staff, as announced yester- day by Frank P. Rosenberg, adver- tising-publicity director, indicate fur- ther expansion in the company's ex- (Continued on Page 10) O'Donnell on Driven Cancels V. C. Parley Proposed Spring meeting of the Variety Clubs of America has been cancelled due to Bob O'Donnell's ac- ceptance of the chairmanship of the industry's Fifth War Loan Drive. Possibility of a Fall meeting will be taken up after Aug. 1 when the drive will be over. 8 DE LUXERS TOP REP.'S NEW FIX Company's 1944-45 Lineup to Favor Music, Action and Merriment, Grainger Tells Studio Conference West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Reviewing Republic's most successful year and outlining distribution plans for 1944-45, Prexy James R. Grainger told exchangemen attending a two-day studio confer- ence that eight de luxe attractions would headline the company's pro- gram next season. War-time problems may have greatly increased production head- aches, Grainger pointed out, but they have also resulted in increased effi- ciency, greater advance planning and extraordinary ingenuity in creating the type of product exhibitors really want. Republic's new lineup will favor music, action and merriment — escap- ist films stressing the human side of life, plus thrills and adventure away from war, selecting new stories with extreme care and consideration for general audience appeal, and backed by a record budget for news- (Continued on Page 10) American Partner May Be Set in Few Days; Expect Nine U. S. Pix for Lineup Joint Actor Group To Fix Tele Scales Working conditions and minimum pay scales for television will be de- termined by the Joint Committee on Television of Actors' Equity Assn., the American Federation of Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild (Continued on Page 7) Strike Defense Motion In M & R Trust Action Boston — A motion by the defend- ants to recommit the Master's report in the Morse & Rothenberg interests' anti-trust actions against the major companies has been killed via the allowing by U. S. District Judge (Continued on Page 7) Radio Execs. Set Up Television Seminar Negotiations for an American partner who will be responsible for a majority of the American pictures to be produced and distributed by Eagle-Lion Films are under way with Arthur W. Kelly, president of Eagle- Lion, and an announcement may be made within the next few days. The American branch of the J. Arthur Rank organization will supply nine pictures for the forthcoming pro- gram. The first British picture on the lineup, "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," will be given a road- show test engagement in Boston. The Majestic Theater in the Hub (Continued on Page 10) A television seminar limited to members of the Radio Executives Club but which may be open to the press was explained yesterday by Murray Grabhorn, club president, before the Television Press Club. A (Continued on Page 10) Bill to Ban Drafting Dads Over 26 Seen as Boon to Pix H-ashington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — Senator Burton K. Wheeler, Montana Democrat, re- vealed yesterday that he will shortly introduce a bill to ban the drafting of fathers over 26 years of age. The (Continued on Page 7) Aussie Attendance up SO% Runs of Popular Pix Extended 250%— Doyle WB, Para„ 'U' to Participate In Spain's Sample Fair Warner Bros., Paramount and Universal have agreed to participate in the International Sample Fair in Barcelona, Spain, starting .June 10. Each of the companies will ex- (Continued on Page 7) West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Theater attendance in Australia in 1943 showed an increase of about 50 per cent over that for 1942, according to Ralph Doyle, RKO Radio managing director in Aus- tralia, who arrived in Hollywood yes- terday on his first visit to the United States in five years. He ascribed (Continued on Page 10) Pay Hikes Granted To Sound Men's Locai Grant of 15 per cent wage hikes for sound men working on produc- tions and five per cent for those em- ployed on newsreels has been ob- tained by the Motion Picture Studio (Continued on Page 7) United Artists Execs Returning From Coast West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Gradwell Sears, Ed- ward C. Raftery and Carl Leserman entrained for New York yesterday. A successor to Paul Lazarus, Jr., as (Continued on Page 10) Bruent Poole to See Tom Clark, May 24 Washington Bur., THE FILM DAILY Washington — Hugh Bruen and Robert Poole of the PCCITO have made an appointment to meet with Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark here on May 24. They will present additional ideas for incor- poration in a new consent decree, it was believed here. IHEl DAILY Wednesday, April 26, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 82 Wed., April 26, 1944 10 Cents JOHiN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN : Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at ISO! Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7U8, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour ^t., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eiken O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FinnnciflL (Tuesday, April 25) NEW YORK STOCK Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd East. Kodak .... do pfd Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Picts. vtc. . . High 14 17 44 3% 19 159 MARKET Net Low Close Chg. 14 14 — 17 17 + 43% 437/8 — 33/4 37/8 + 185/b 18% — 59 159 — 1 19 591/4 237/8 221/8 293/4 115/8 CURB 4 11/4 23/4 13 1/2 33/8 19 19 59 591/4 + 1/8 235/8 233/4 77/8 8 88 883/8 -1- 3/g 22 221/8 + 1/8 293/4 293/4 — 1/8 11 '/2 11% + i/s MARKET 3% 4 + '" 11/4 . 23/4 — 11/4 23/4 '/8 131/2 131/2 33/8 33/8 — 1/8 203/4 201/2 203/4 + 1/4 7.000 Free B & K Tickets Weekly Go to the Services Chicago — B & K is turning over 7,000 free admissions weekly for dis- tribution to service men by the Chi- cago Service Centers. In addition, approximately 80,000 service men and women benefit weekly through reduced admissions at circuit houses. 1600 otuvH, .(.v.cf V^V Oku ».oSlr».3-4 noiAei I c * noKcnoN tooM nun ixchanci cannuiioN suvia See Peak Turnout for RKO's Golf Tournament EKO's annual golf tournament will be held May 16 at the Westchester Country Club, the tournament com- mittee reports. Based on ticket sales, which are running ahead of previous years, the ticket committee predicts the lai-gest turnout in the nine years of RKO tournaments. Prizes this year will be $25 War Bonds offered winners in 13 cate- gories, in addition to prizes for four- some winners. Play will be over the twin West and South courses. Tickets are $10 for guests and $7.50 for employes, covering golf, lunch and dinner with luncheon and dinner tabs at $5 and dinner alone at $3. Tournament committee includes N. Peter Rathvon, Ned E. Depinet, Mal- colm Kingsberg, Robert Mochrie, Ed- ward Alperson, Garret Van Wagner, J. Henry Walter and Major Leslie Thompson. Publicity is being han- dled by S. Barret McCormick, Harry Mandel, Rutgers Neilson, Arthur M. Brilant, Jack Level and John Cas- sidy, while prizes will be under the jurisdiction of Depinet, J. Henry Walter, John Farmer and Dick Gavin. Latter two also handle ticket sales. "Dr. Wassell" Premiere At Little Rock Tonight Little Rock, Ark. — Producer Cecil B. DeMille and Com. Corydon M. Wassell (MC) USN, will be feted today prior to the two-theater world premiere of Paramount's "The Story of Dr. Wassell" at the Capitol and Arkansas Theaters tonight. Com- mander Wassell is a former Little Rock physician and City Health Of- ficer. Today's schedule includes an offi- cial luncheon, a Governor's reception, military parade and dinner preced- ing the premiere. Mrs. DeMille, Signe Hasso, who appears in the pic- ture, and Mrs. Wassell are in the official pai-ty, as are Sidney Biddell, associate producer, Carl Thurston, Gladys Rosson, DeMille's secretary, and Ken Whitmore. WB Release Schedule Set Through July 1 Warners will release three pic- tures, in addition to special limited showings of "The Adventures of Mark Twain," between now and July 1, Ben Kalmenson, general sales manager, revealed yesterday. Schedule includes "Between Two Worlds," with John Garfield, Paul Henreid, Sydney Greenstreet and Eleanor Parker, May 20; "Make Your Own Bed," with Jack Carson, Jane Wyman and Irene Manning, June 10, and "The Mask of Dimit- rios," with Greenstreet, Zachary Scott, Faye Emerson and Peter Lorre, July 1. From Films to Legit Cleveland, O. — The Metropolitan Theater, long a straight movie house, goes over to pop priced legit, on April 23. Tele Press Club Names Board of 10 Governors Television Press Club at its lunch- eon meeting yesterday at the Blue Ribbon unanimously elected the fol- lowing Board of Governors comprised of charter members, to serve for six months: A. W. Bernsohn, assistant editor, Click; Richard W. Hubbell, editor, Television Review; Hermine Isaacs, managing editor, 'Theater Arts; Ben Kaufman, television columnist. Radio Daily; Stanley Kempner, radio-tele- vision editor, Retailing Home Furn- ishings; T. R. Kennedy, Jr., television writer, the New York Times; Wanda Marvin, television editor, the Bill- board; Patricia Murray, television editor. Printers Ink; Mike Wear, film editor, Variety; Lewis Winner, edi- tor, Communications. Drop War Dep't from Suit Over Negro Pic Release Action against the War Depart- ment, named as a defendant by Negro Marches On, Inc., producers of a film titled "We Have Come a Long, Long Way," was discontinued in notices filed yesterday in New York Federal Court. Suit is still pending against the WAC. The plaintiff reserves the right to bring action against the War Department in the U. S. District Court of Co- lumbia, Washington, D. C. Producers of the Negro film charged that release of a similar film, "The Negi'o Soldier," by WAC on a gratis basis constitutes unfair competition by the Government with private enterprise. Censorship in Knoxville, Midnight Pix Ban, Too Knoxville, Tenn.— The City Coun- cil has passed an ordinance providing for an "emergency censorship com- mittee" to "either endorse or pro- hibit" any stage show or motion pic- ture "about which a question is raised." Policewoman Mary Allan and City Councilman Milton E. Rob- erts were named on this committee, with the ordinance becoming effec- tive immediately. At the same time. City Safety Di- rector P. Virgil Graves moved to enforce a midnight curfew law which, after seven years, affected the dis- continuance of a Saturday midnight show at the Strand. Sunday movies were decisively de- feated last year. Robert Weitman Named Honorary Ampa Member Robert M. Weitman, Paramount Theater managing director, has been made an honorary member of Ampa Vincent Trotta, president, announced yesterday. Honorarium, in the form of a scroll parchment, will be pre- sented in recognition of "unusual co-operation" extended by Weitman during the past year, at tomorrow's annual meeting. COminG and GOIDC TOM C. CLARK, Assistant Attorney General, is due tomorrow for a three-day stay. CARL LESERMAN, general sales manager of United Artists, is due from the Coast Friday. JOHN BALABAN, B & K executive, and NATE PLATT, head of the circuit's stage booking department, left for Chicago last night, aftp' a New York visit. '" JAMES COSTON, Warner Circuit zone mani ' ger for Chicago territory; MOE SILVER, Pitts- burgh zone manager, and HARRY FEINSTEIN, his assistant, return to their headquarters from New York. ARVID KANTOR, National Screen Service man- ager, Detroit, will be in Chicago next week, to meet MRS. KANTOR, returning from a three- week stay at San Diego. HARRY F. SHAW, Loew's Poll division mana- ger, leaves New Haven May 5 for a Florida vacation with MRS. SHAW. HERMAN RIFKIN of Boston, was a New Haven visitor. BEN SIMON, 20th-Fox manager. New Haven, in Boston two days for a confab. LOUIS WEINBERG, Columbia sales exec, is en route from the Coast. JOHN JENKINS, of Jenkins & Bourgeois, Dal- las distributors, arrives in town today and will stay at the Hotel Edison. HAROLD HUTCHINS, Hillman Periodicals ad- vertising director, has returned from Chicago. PHILIP KEENAN, general manager and v.-p. of Hillman Periodicals, is vacationing in Lake- wood, N. J. MORENO CANTINFLAS, the Mexican come- dian, will arrive in Puerto Rico on Friday. FLOODS in the Mid-west delayed the ar- rival in New York of W. C. GEHRINC, and HAL HORNE, until yesterday. LEO MORRISON, Hollywood agent, is en route to New York after conferences in Chicago with AL LOEWENTHAL of Famous Artists Syndicate. JOSE ITURBI has arrived in Hollywood to itart tests for a featured role in M-G-M's forth- coming musical, "Music for Millions." Brooklyn's Red Cross Collections, $146,101 Red Cross collections in Brooklyn theaters totaled $146,101.94, Edward C. Dowden, chairman of the Brook- lyn Chapter Theater Committee, re- ported. Amount includes $10,000 from Loew's, Inc., proceeds from the M-G-M short, "America Speaks," amounting to $2,500, and the RKO home office contribution of $3,020. Red Cross receipts last year were $67,000 in Brooklyn theaters. Business May Cancel J. L. Warner Trip East Jack L. Warner, who was due in New York next Monday from the Coast, may have to cancel the trip at this time due to pressure of stu- dio business, according to word re- ceived here yesterday. 43 Pre-Release Engagements Forty-three pre-release engage- ments have been set throughout the New England territory for Colum- bia's "Address Unknown." 6 SHOW BUSINESS is great, thank you! ^ £ , , Where hise tor im bpeaacmar wona Premiere Than The Shrine Oj THE PALACE GALA OPENrNG THURSDAY, MAY 11, at the house where show business reached its zenith . . . the most famous theatre in New York, whose walls have echoed the talents of more great stars than any one other spot in the world! ; Cf * vu « m I I ^ ■'y^ A n..' y\ ^' .^^ y <>: \ Come on backstage when famous ,' ^ show-folk mix music, dancing, songs '' / laughs, girls and glamour... to tell ' the real story of make-believe .. . ,^ from Main St. to Broadway! R/^Q / ' ' -t r^ t# \ > Wednesday, April 26, 1944 DAILY Joint Ador Group To Fix Tele Scales i (Continued from Page 1) during the experimental period, it is f revealed in a statement released to- ' day. Committee is examining exist- [ ing conditions and practices and will correct any abuses when their in- ^rmation is completed. 5^ In the meantime, members of the three player unions are reminded that no outside organization may speak for them or negotiate for working conditions or pay in the television field. Members are further instructed to report to their own union the conditions under which ' they work in television, hours of re- hearsal and pay. Information will be turned over to the committee which will report on developments and take any action deemed neces- sary. Strike Defense Motion In M & R Trust Action (Continued from Page 1) George C. Sweeney of the plaintiff's Amotion to strike the defense motion. Defense motion was filed following the Master's recommendations of damages in excess of $209,000 — ^which under anti-trust laws are trebled — plus attorneys fees and costs. In his memorandum, Judge Swee- ney upheld the plaintiff's contention that in a jury case there is no au- thority for the filing of a motion to recommit which is based entirely upon objections to the Master's re- port. He referred to a ruling by Judge McLellan in Daley vs. Evans, IFDR 270, and to reports from the American Bar Association symposi- ums. Plaintiffs, represented by George S. Ryan, local attorney, are Aetna Amusement Enterprises, Inc., Com- monwealth Amusement Enterprises, Inc., Fidel Amusement Enterprises, Inc., Elite Amusement Enterprises, Inc., Nashau Theaters, Inc., and Standard Amusement Enterprises, Inc. Defendants include Maine & New Hampshire Theaters Co., Colo- nial Theaters Co. and the eight major distributors. WB, Para., 'U' to Participate [n Spain's Sample Fair (Continued from Page 1) libit two pictures at the fair, the 3ictui'es to be admitted duty free. Several American industries are planning to have exhibits. SEP BIRTHDAY GREETIES TO... April 26 i Cwinn Williams Noel Madison Jerome E. OInick Off The ]\ews Beat • • • THE $64 QUESTION on New York's Film Row yesterday had its genesis in the resolution of United Artists' board proposing eligibility rules for directors to preclude the possibility that competitive interests might iind a seat at the board table Some iolks pointed to the situation which prevailed 'when Sir Alexander Korda was a 25 per cent owner of United Artists at the same time that he was identified with Loew's in England as the key to the resolution But there were others who observed that there might be still another explanation — the fact that Charles Chaplin's representative on the board, Arthur W. Kelly, himself might be construed as a "competitive interest" in view of the fact that he is the American head of J. Arthur Rank's Eagle- Lion Films Phil M. wouldn't be surprised if that was Kelly's view Especially in view of the fact that Rank was unable to moke a deal for a stock interest in United Artists ▼ TV • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Take it from erudite Gilbert Seldes, television program chief for CBS, machines are the best tele- vision subjects, animals are second and actors tag along at the end of the procession. . . # There'll be at least one theater operator at- tending the GOP Chicago national convention as a delegate He's Carroll Lane, of Carroll, la Lane is also an Iowa State leg- islator. . . % Tim O'Toole, Columbia manager at New Haven, is ex- pected home from the hospital this week. . . • Dr. Walter Clark of Eastman Kodak is a Resident Fellow-elect of the Rochester Museum The doctor, by the way, has one of the world's largest collec- tions of historic cameras and photographic apparatus. . . • First Governor to issue a Wac Recruiting Week proclamatioji is Ohio's John W. Bricker First Mayor is Joseph J. Kelly of Buffalo and first borough presidents— a dead heat— Queens' James A. Burke and Brooklyn's John Cashmore. . . • Selznick-Vanguard has grabbed Anita "Cover Girl" Colby as a .femme director, assigned to such varied chores as styling, grooming of women under contract, talent scouting and special publicity. . . • Didja know Rene Clair is writing a mystery novel? ... • Don't credit that report Hal Wallis may go overseas for the OWI Incidentally, Wallis has reached no decision on a new affiliation as yet ▼ ▼ T • • • THAT FAMED CALL of the Mississippi River pilots. "Mark twain!", meaning "safe water," -which Samuel L. Clemens adopted as his pen name, has been adapted to a new use at Warners since the home office began buzzing with "Adventures of Mark Twain" activity Gin rummy players who pack the Warner Club Room during noon recess, instead of yelling "Gin!" when they get a full hand, now shout "Mark twain!" ... • Arthur Sachson started the gag ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • CUFF NOTES: Here's another reason why Metro is "the friendly company" As the company marks its 20-year birthday, no less than 17 field men have been working under the Leo-the-Lion banner for 25 years, and 69 more for 20 years or more. . . • Para- mount Pep Club Bowling League honors went to the Famous Music Corp. team— Eddie Fay, Louis Silberling, George Terry, Ralph Smit- man and Murry Lulh—with 43 games won and 32 lost Top femme team, by the way, comprised Helene Coleman, Sylvia Lederer, Muriel Kleine, Joan Endres and Thelma Steen The gals won 43, dropped 20. . . • Is this a "first"? Background music by Max Steiner for Warners' "Saratoga Trunk" is being recorded for a Decca album. . . • Home office exploitation departments report a rising exhibitor demand for radio transcriptions, with the result the number is being stepped up materially ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR Pay Hilces Granted To Sound Men's Local (Continued from Page 1) Mechanics, Local 52, lATSE, as re- sult of negotiations with represen- tatives of the reels for new con- tracts, it was learned yesterday preparatory to a final huddle sched- uled for today at the office of Pat Casey, producers' labor contact. In the afternoon negotiations be- tween the newsreel companies and the International Photographers of the Motion Picture Industries, Local 644, lATSE, for new contracts to replace those that expired on Dec. 19, 1943, will be resumed at Casey's office. Negotiations started in Feb- ruary but were interrupted by con- ferences for new agreements between the producers and the studio unions. Bill to Ban Drafting Dads Over 26 Seen as Boon to Pix (Continued from Page 1) Senator was working on the bill yes- terday, and expects to put it before the Senate either Friday or next week. Such a bill, if passed, would prove to be a great boon to the industry, as its available pool of manpower is dwindling sharply. Although most observers think passage unlikely, some form of compromise is seen, with perhaps a proviso that in order to escape military service the family- men over 26 must be engaged in war-supporting work. In most cases, this would permit all branches of the pix industry to retain its family men over 26. Beck Heads Detroit Bowlers Detroit — Emil H. Beck, operator of an independent booking service, was elected president of the Film Bow- ling League, in succession to Milton E. Cohen, branch manager for RKO. Other new officers are: Jack L. Saxe, treasurer of Monogram Pictures, first vice-president; Fred Sturgess, booker, Co-Operative Theaters of Michigan, second vice-president; Wil- liam Pasanen, Film Truck Service, re-elected secretary; and Eddie Loye, RKO shipping clerk, treasurer. Hicks Closes Morylcmd Baltimore — The Maryland, first- run house, has closed. William Hicks operated. Here's Your Chance To Help the Canteen Because of the shortage of men in the film, theatrical, musical, radio and allied professions, additional volunteers are needed to act as bus boys at the Stage Door Canteen. Ap- plicants, who are requested to bring four photomaton pictures with them, will be interviewed every Thursday afternoon, at 2 to 5, at the Canteen office, ninth floor, Paramount Build- ing. Yes, We Said At The Ne^^; 25% LONGER THAN THE LONGEST Rl WITH BUSINESS IN FIRST 8 WEEKS ALONE 26% 0\ TYPICAL OF THE TREMENDOL It could go on and on, but we must make way the picture that will make you pi t in TfCHdlCOLOR a™, GIOGtR ROGtfiS • Ri (DILLROO • UIRRRER BflXTf R • JOR HALL • Mil: mran flofii Weeks fork Paramount IN THIS THEATRE'S 18-YEAR HISTORY!... 'THE FULL RUN OF PREVIOUS RECORD-HOLDER!... OAST-TO-COAST BUSINESS OF... Yai (ig Crosby's "GOING MY WAY"- JT than ever of show business and J aramount I 3culive Producer • fl flllTCHtLL If ISf 0 ProdUCtiOn • Direcfed by milCHaL LM • ^:^:;:::X:r ces Goodrich and Albert Hacked • Based Upon the With Music by Kurt Weill and Lyrics by Ira Gershwin 10 . 9^ UllV Wednesday, April 26, 1944 Theater Attendance Up 50% in Australia (Continued from Page 1) the huge increase to the influx of American soldiers and general war boom. Doyle reported Australians favor escapist pictures, comedies, romances and musicals, that "Mr. Lucky" was very popular and that heavy grosses are expected on "Up in Arms." He stated all distributing companies have heavy backlogs of pictures due to the fact that popular films are playing two and one-half times as long as before in extended runs and each conversion of some second-run houses to first-runs has not been able to break the "bottleneck." Doyle said a syndicate composed of Hoyt's Theaters, RKO Radio, Charles Munro and Commonwealth Films Laboratories is backing a fea- ture, "The Rats of Tobruk," which is being produced by Charles Chau- vel, who made "Forty Thousand Horsemen." Story deals with the defense of Tobruk, and the Austral- ian army is extending splendid co- operation. He said the Australian government allows limited Sunday openings, with one civilian admitted for every serviceman, but doubted if Sunday openings would be allowed to continue following the war. IN NEW INDUSTRY POSTS H. V. PICK, Ross Federal manager, Seattle. L. L. RESSLER, Ross Federal manager, Omaha. E. A. FITZPATRICK, Ross Federal manager, Wash- ington. OSCAR ALTHOFF, manager, Crescent, West Col- lingswood, N. J. JULES CURLY, manager, Keeney, Elmlra, N. Y. JOHN LEAHEY, manager, Studio, San Francisco. HERMAN COMER, manager. Palace, Philadel- phia. GEORGE CLASS, manager, Allegheny, Philadel- phia. AL KOCAN, rotating manager, Warner Thea- ters, Philadelphia. JACK McBRIDE, manager, Metropolitan, Cleve- land. • I . I i j ROBERT JENKINS, manager, Kiel, Kiel, Wise. A. T. LIVINGSTON, manager, Wagner, Wagner, S. C. K. A. SAWYER, manager, Sally, Sally, S. C. CARL CARLSON, office manager, 20th-Fox, Chi- cago. EDWARD HUGHES, cashier, 20th-Fox, Chicago. RICHARD A. GRAVER, regional manager, Ad- miral Corp., Chicago. HAROLD BRAYMAN, director of public rela- tions department, E. I. du Font de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del. ED RAHN, manager, Webster, Webster City, la. ORVILLE B. MARTIN, operator, Oakland, High- land Park, Mich. JACK LITTO, manager, Rialto, Philadelphia. Theaters Escaping Midwestern Floods 8 De Luxe Pix to Headline Republic's 1944-45 List (Continued from Page 1) paper advertising, radio, billboards and localized promotion. Grainger expressed the belief that Republic will give theaterme.n unpre- cedented pre-selling and co-operative service during the new year. Republic's production appropria- tion for 1944-45 is $17,750,000. United Artists Execs Returning From Coast (Continued from Page 1) UA's director of advertising and publicity, is expected to be selected and announced next week. Judge Pennypacker, Mary Pick- ford's attorney, also left here last night. (Continued from Page 1) highways, no delivery failures were reported yesterday. Critical area of the five-state flood appears to extend along the Mis- sissippi River from its junction with the Missouri a few miles above St. Louis, southward to Cairo, 111., where the Ohio flows into the Mis- sissippi. Rivers in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri have over- run their banks but crests have been reached in the latter two states and the water rolls Southward. 12 Eastman, B & L Men Added to Casualty Lists Radio Execs. Set Up Television Seminar Eagle-Lion Near Deal With U. S. Producers (Continued from Page 1) may house "Colonel Blimp" this Spring. Eagle-Lion Distributing Co., the British wing, has joined the KRS in London and Two Cities' "This Happy Breed," the Noel Coward pror ^ duction, will be the second pictuiS, \* on the English list to be released over here. Rosenberg Strengthens Columbia Exploitation TO THE COLORS! * PROMOTED* PFC. HARRY DANZIG, USA, formerly manager, Kramer, Detroit, to technician, fifth class. • ARMY* EDWARD LAVETTE, Warner Theaters pur- chasing agent, New Haven. FRANCIS FLOOD, Warner Theaters accountant. New Haven. WILLIAM ARTS, manager, Webster, Webster City,' la. WALTER KEENER, assistant manager, Clarinda, Clarinda, la. * WAVES * NANCY BROWN, Bell & Howell Co., Chicago. Rochester — Names of Eastman Kodak and Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. employes have been added to the casualty lists recently. They include: S/Sgt. Lewis G. Fischer, Eastman Kodak, German prisoner of war. Lt. Bernard L. Mistrater, Bausch & Lomb, prisoner of the Germans. Lt. Milton W. Stern, Bausch & Lomb, missing in action over Ger- many. Lt. Robert T. Renner, Bausch & Lomb, missing in action on his 18th mission over Germany. Lt. Donald M. Austin, Eastman Kodak, missing in action over Ger- many. Lt. Robert J. Baker, Eastman Ko- dak, missing in action over Ger- many. Capt. Donald L. Warren, Eastman Kodak, prisoner of the Germans. Pvt. Kenneth E. Laraby, Eastman Kodak, wounded in action in the South Pacific. Lt. Theodore J. McDonald, East- man Kodak, missing in action over Germany. Lt. G. Earl Kinsella, Eastman Ko- dak, missing in action over Ger- many. Ensign Warren P. Heard, Eastman Kodak, seriously injured in an air- plane crash in Los Alamedas, Cal. S/Sgt. Charles A. Janoski, Bausch & Lomb, died of a heart ailment in the Gilbert Islands. (Continued from Page 1) group of authorities has been ob- tained to give the series of lectures which will start on May 15. Purpose of the seminar, which was placed in the hands of Richard Hubbell for organizing, will be to assist mem- bers of the Radio Executives Club to use television intelligently in the creation of a new industry. Among the speakers at the lec- tures, which will be held one hour weekly, will be James Fly, Niles Trammell, Dr. Goldsmith, Arthur Levey, Paul Raibourn and others. Gilbert Seldes, director of CBS television program, was the prin- cipal speaker at the luncheon meet- ing of the Television Press Club. Seldes said the proper styles in tele- vision presentation were yet to be developed as the technique to be followed is still not known. He said that television at its best would be the catching of the unpredictable events rather than prepared pro- grams. Discharge $600,000 Bail Posted for Chi. Mobsters Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe yes- terday in N. Y. Federal Court dis- charged the $600,000 bail money posted by the Manufacturers Surety Co. for the six Chicago mobsters who were convicted last December on charges of conspiracy to extort more than $1,000,000 from the motion pic- ture industry. No objections were raised by Boris Kostelanetz, assistant U. S. Attorney General, who successfully prosecuted the six mobsters and who are now lodged in the New York Federal House of Detention, pending their appeal to the U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals from their 10-year prison terms meted out to them last De- cember after a 12-week trial before Judge John Bright. (Continued from Page 1) ploitation activities. Under the new setup, Ted Baldwin will be in charge of special promotion from the home office, while Henry Spiegel moves up to assistant exploitation manager under Harry K. McWilliams. George Ettinger will handle radio publicity and Merlin Lewis has joined the home office exploitation staff. Donald C. Spaulding resigns as assistant drama editor of the Daily Mirror to join the department on May 8. Ronnie Ames joins Columbia to be Southwest territory field representa- tive, headquartering in Dallas, while Samuel Siegel becomes Northwest field rep., assisting Mike Newmen in Seattle. Other newcomers to the home office department are Jay Bur- ton and Dick Richman. "I Am an American" for WB West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Plans for production of a patriotic two-reeler, "I Am an American," for August release have been announced by Jack L. Warner, Warners' production chief. Produc- tion will start the week after the nation-wide celebration of "I Am an American" Day next month, with Gordon Hollingshead as producer and Crane Wilbur as director. Jean Sul- livan, Craig Stevens, Robert Shayne and Marjorie Riordan will be in the cast. T. Scott Goebel Stricken Bristol, Tenn. — T. Scott Goebel, manager of the Cameo, is in only a fair condition at King's Mountain Memorial Hospital, following a para- lytic stroke. STORK REPORTS Detroit — Mrs. Robert Buermele be- came the mother of a baby girl, April 21. Father, now a private, is in charge of four Army theaters, and was formerly booker for United Artists and other Detroit exchanges. Baby is a granddaughter of Carl W. Buermele, general manager of Gen- eral Theater Service, Inc. Philadelphia — Edward Kerr of the William Goldman Circuit, i s the father of a new daughter, Patricia' Ellen. Cleveland — A daughter, Joanne Lynn, was born recently to Helen Pagnard Albertson, for many years office manager of the Oliver Theater Supply Co. TT Wednesday, April 26, 1944 VK' 11 REViEUJS Of neuj Fiims DAILY "The Story of Dr. Wassell" with Gary Cooper, Signe Hasso, Laraine Day, Dennis O'Keefe, Carol Thurston Paramount 140 Mins. A STIRRING, REAL-LIFE DRAKfA OF __VIER1CAN HEROISM WHICH HAS ALL VHE ELEMENTS THAT MAKE FOR GROSSES IN THE HIGHER BRACKETS. As Cecil B. DeMille's most costly produc- tion, "The Story of Dr. Wassell" is an authentic account of the evacuation of Java, enhanced by a brilliant portrayal by Gary Cooper and a rich mounting in Technicolor. It is a distinct departure from previous De- Mille productions in that stark realism and authenticity overshadow romance and lavish- ness fcr the sake of lavishness. DeMille had a real-life and inspiring piece of property and he made the most of it. The picture can be considered a tribute of the indus- try to American courage and a contribu- tion to the war. In brief, the story tells of Commander Wassell's successful efforts in evacuat'n» a Eiroup of wounded American soldiers from Java to Australia and his refusal to leave them when orders came for the removal of only those who could walk. The ter- rific odds against the completion of his self-appointed mission offer stirring and ex- citing sequences. A sprinkling of comedy and romance has been injected in order to offset the real horror of the episode. The warfare scenes both on land and sea have been produced with realism. Gary Cooper portrays Commander Was- sell, the doctor from Arkansas who was cited bv President Roosevelt for his hero- ism. Cooper's performance is tops. The romantic and perhaps fictional portions of the picture are carried expertly bv Signe Hasso. Carol Thurston and Dennis O'Keefe. Several of the soldiers who took part in the actual incident play themselves in the pic- ture. While DeMille has made other pictures fhat have had greater audience appeal from fictional entertainment standpoint, he has offering nothing so gripping and inspiring as "Dr. WasselL" CAST: Gary Cooper, Laraine Dav, Signe Hasso. Dennis O'Keefe, Carol Thurston, Carl Esmond, Paul Kelly, Elliot Reid. Stanley Ridpes, Rennv McEvoy, Oliver Thorndike, Philip Ahn. Barbara Britton. CREDITS: Producer and director. Cecil B. DeMille; Associate producer. Sidney Bid- dell; Second unit director, Arthor Rosson; Screenplay, Alan LaMay and Charles Ben- nett; Cameramen, Victor Miller and Wil- liam Snyder; Color director, Natalie Kalmus; Associate. Robert Brower; Special effects. Gordon Jennings; Music score, Victor Young; Art directors, Hans Dreier and Roland Ander- son; Sound recording, Hugo Grenzbach and John Cope; Set decorations, George Sawley; Film editor, Anne Bauchens; Process pho- tography, Farciot Edouart and Wallace Kel- iey. DIRECTION, Splendid. PHOTOGRAPHY, Tops. After Midnight Shows Banned Greenville, Miss. — A recently en- acted ordinance by City Council bans picture .shows or any other type of amusement between midnight and 6 a.m. It was described as a move against juvenile disorders. "The Hitler Gang" Paramount 101 Mins. STORY OF HITLER'S RISE TO POWER MAKES STRONG EXPLOITATION FILM EFFECTIVELY PRODUCED. No details and no punches are pulled by "The Hitler Gang" in setting down the case history of that disease known as Nazism. Under the guidance of Executive Producer B. G. De Sylva, who was assisted by Asso- ciate Producer Joseph Sistrom, the produc- ticn resolves itself into a highly drama- tic exposition of the growth of Hitler from a nobody to an arch menace. The story has been retold in screen terms with marked simplicity and unusual clarity, moving smoothly and logically from incident to incident. The picture follows a straight narrative line with little at- tempt at creating suspense, often finding it difficult to escape the temptation to be sensational. The exhibitor vvill profit handsomely from the fact that the film is one that offers a chance at the wildest sort of exploitation. Dearth of suspense in a picture that bor- ders on the melodramatic, as this one does, is likely to make for tediousness especially when the footage is considerable. That is one of the dangers "The Hitler Gang" has not been entirely able to avoid. Perhaps much of the fault in this respect lies in the very nature of the subject. The film takes Hitler from the begin- ning of November, 1918, when we learn he is a victim of paranoia, to the moment when he reached the peak of his power. Un- furled is a saga of violence and infamy that touches on all the high and low spots in the Hitler road to power. It is natural that the picture should take some liberties for the sake of dramatic emphasis. Considering the film's purpose, one can well condone its doing so. John Farrow has directed with firmness and directness from an effective screenplay by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. The camera work of Ernest Laszio and the art work of Hans Dreier and Franz Bache- lin are valuable contributions. The film is a parade of interesting char- acter types, with the make-ups often being startling in their fidelity to the originals. Robert Watson plays Hitler as he is popu- larly pictured. He is ably assisted by Mar- tin Kosleck, Victor Varconi, Luis Van Rooten, Alexander Pope, Roman Bohnen, Reinhcid Schunzel, Tonio Selwart, Fritz Kortner and others. CAST: Robert Watson, Roman Bohnen, Martin Kosleck, Victor Varconi, Luis Van Rooten, Alexander Pope, Ivan Triesault, Poldy Dur, Helene Thimig, Reinhold Schun- zel, Sig Ruman, Alexander Granach, Fritz Kortner, Tonio Selwart, Richard Ryen, Ray Collins, Ludwig Donath, Erno Verebes, Wal- ter Kingsford, Fred Nurney, Arthur Loft, Lionel Royce. CREDITS: Executive Producer, B. G. De Sylva; Associate Producer, Joseph Sistrom; Director, John Farrow; Screenplay, Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett; Musical Score, David Buttolph; Cameraman, Ernest Laszio; Art Directors, Hans Dreier, Franz Bachelin; Film Editor, Eda Warren; Sound, Donald McKay, Don Johnson; Set Decorator, Ber- tram Granger. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. War Closes Iowa Houses Omaha — The Irwin at Irwin, la., owned by J. C. McMahon, and the house at Northborough, la., owned by the Business Men's association there, have been closed by war con- ditions. St. Louis Pep Club Elects The Paramount Pep Club in St. Louis has elected the following of- ficers: Louis Kuttnauer, president; Bert Sauerwein, vice-president; Ruth Shurnas, secretary, and John Koe- nig, treasurer. No. 27 Outstanding Industry Personalities COMES by his golden gift of showmanship both naturally and by inheritance. Both his parents were playwrights, and so is he, plus actor, producer, director, executive, radio lu- minary, and multi so-forths. Since 1931 he has produced his pictures for Paramoiuit release. Industry pioneer, he organized the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Co. in 1913, and e\ery year since then his stature as a motion picture baron has grown. So sweeping and grandiose have been attractions he has wrought that his name is synonymous with the super-spectacle. Has fos- tered many a stellar career. Has personally di- ■ reeled more than 75 features. Penn Military College bestowed upon him in 1931 the degree, Doctor of Letters. Is also recipient of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, conferred in Jerusalem in 1928. ON the executive staff of Louis B. Mayer, at the Culver City production lair of Leo the Lion, is this true son of celluloid, having been horn in Ft. Lee, N. J., a cradle of infant filmland. Before entering the picture business, he man- aged shoics for five years, and spent 14 seasons as manager of Nicholas M. Schenck's Palisades Park. Then joined Alan Dwan in producing "The Inner Woman." Later managed Norma and Constance Talmadge. Subsequently became Eastern representative for all Schenck produc- tions, financial comptroller of M-G-M, studio mayiager, assistant to Irving Thalberg, vice- president and studio key executive. Packs great executive ability, coupled luith drive and diplomacy. TALL and straight as the Pine Tree, symbol of his native State, his saga has led him to vice-presidency and sales managership of Uni- versal. Initially in his career he showed his tim- ber by working, if you'll be tolerant of the pun, for the Grand Trunk. His tracks later led to historic Beantown,— a chapter which might be titled "Boston and Mane," because he went to work for Leo the Lion in New Haven after ties there and in the shadow of Bunker Hill with Famous Players Lasky. This Portland lad then hied to St. Louis, back to New Haven (in both instances as M-G-M manager), and received post of New Jersey manager for that company. From 1930 until the bells and whistles proclaimed the advent of 1938, he served as Metro's district man- ager, eastern division. On New Year's Day, Uni- versal thanked him for joining it as general sales manager. Being a warm and polite Irish heart, he responded with: "Thank 'U.' " They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. riLORTT L IBCll^TH VV I CK M 1^ 1= RCHDUCT I CINS 2n W44TH ST NYC 2 I ST FL SURE, WE CAN TAKE IT! Our country needs our help — It is vital to the war effort America must recruit immediately Hundreds of thousands of Wacs ! Our industry with its vast audience contacts Is called upon to spear-head the drive. Invasion is in the air — crucial times are upon us! The call is urgent — we can, we will Help our country in its critical moment By running the exciting trailer (a TOP Star is in it!) By using the posters and press book By cooperating patriotically with the Army! WAC RECRUITING WEEK IN MOTION PICTURE THEATRES -MAY llth-lTth Sponsored by War Activities Committee of Motion Picture Industry, 1501 Broadway, New York City orLoew^an^Dtl^c ire jrday ed to ha fl R HoaI KloArmn FmaliTal^I^^— "*'*®^ °* '■°®*'^ ^"'^ ZOth-Fox at a conference yesterday were reported to have r . Y 7 r * ! ? . '"^"^^^'On ironed out the last wrinkles in the Gaumont-British deal negotiated in London by Spyros P. Skouras and J. Arthur Rank. Changes reportedly desired by Loew's were cabled to London, it was understood, where the final papers ivill be drawn and then sent here tor formal approval by the directors of 20th-Fox and Loew's. V Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought FDAILY ^ L. 85. NO. 83 NEW YORK. THURSDAY. APRIL 27, 1944 TEN CENTS PROPOSE NT STOCK SALE TO FOUR EXECS. Rep. to Spend $17,750,000 on 68 Pix for '44-45 52,700,000 for Promotion; ^dusicals to Predominate; Roy Rogers in Eight Films Vest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — A record high budget )f $17,750,000 for 68 pictures to be -eleased in 1944-45 was announced /esterday by Herbert J. Yates, Re- 3ublic chairman, at the second ses- sion of a two-day regional sales neet in the North Hollywood studios. ^t the same time company revealed 1 promotional budget of $2,700,000 — also a new top — to back the new season product. Noting that motion pictures can Dest serve public morale during war (Continued on Page 12) 10,000 Theaters Set For Wac Recruiting Over 10,000 film theaters through- out the country have already been pledged to active participation in 'Women's Army Corps Recruiting Week," May 11-17, according to re- ports sent to Edward L. Alperson from the area chairmen. The list Df chairmen and number of theaters (Continued on Page 8) 5175.000 Maximum Award In Metro Novel Contest M-G-M's annual award, for which the winning author may receive as dgh as $175,000 with a minimum of ?125,000, will be made for a "novel considered most outstanding by a (Continued on Page 12) Heavy Rains in Des Moines and Omaha Make Sharp Dents in Rural Theaters* Attendance Heavy rains in the Des Moines and Omaha territories have had a serious ef- fect on rural theater business, according to reports reaching New York. In- undated roads have prevented patrons from reaching the smaller towns and film salesmen from reaching their accounts, with the result that both grosses and sales are off. Many smaller town theaters in those areas are using single bill policies on the week-ends. New Interests to Go On 20th-Fox's Board Proposed nominees for the 20th- Fox board of directors, to be voted on at the annual stockholders' meet- ing. May 16, include representatives of the Massachusetts Investors Trust, A.merican Express Co. and Lehman Bros., the notice of meeting shows. Proposed members, not on the current board, include L. Sherman Adams, trustee of the Massachusetts Investors Trust and director and vice-president of Massachusetts In- ( Continued on Page 9) Map Fifth War Loan Drive Advertising-Press Plans Detroit Ordinance On Roilers Tabled Detroit — Exhibitors have won a temporary victory in the current bat- tle before the City Council over boiler operation. The ordinance re- quiring new rigid standards of opera- tion, with resulting expense to ex- hibitors, has been "indefinitely tabled" by the Council, although it may be taken up at a later date. Two meetings, one yesterday and one on Tuesday, at WAC headquar- ters discussed ways and means of focusing the industiy's showmanship on the forthcoming Fifth War Loan drive. Bob O'Donnell, campaign (Continued on Page 8) Parleys Tomorrow M'ashington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — With Joseph H. Hazen serving as counsel for the distributors in their negotiations with the Department of Justice pre- paratory to arriving at a new consent decree, the distiibutors will meet with Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark tomorrow morning in New York for a preliminary discus- sion regarding a new decree. Clark (Continued on Page 11) State Theaters Benefit By Insurance Rate Cuts Theater operators in New York State will benefit from the order of the State superintendent of insur- ance reducing rates for coverage on public buildings, retroactive to Feb. 1. Jerome J. Cohen, local insurance man, said yesterday that the rates on theaters would be reduced approx- (Continued on Page 8) Reclassification of Stock And Purchase Plan Before Stockholders' Meet May 16 A plan to reclassify the capital stock of National Theaters Corp. so that Charles P. Skouras, Elmer C. Rhoden, Harold J. Fitzgerald and F. H. Ricketson, Jr., - managers of the circuit's four principal theater oper- ating groups, may purchase stock in- terests, will come up for aproval at the annual 20th Century-Fox stock- holders' meeting May 16, the notice of meeting reveals. Under an agreement signed by National and the managers on April 10, subject to approval by 20th-Fox (Continued on Page 9) CMPE Seeks Subjects For Educational Pix 20th'Fox Stock Option Plan Provides for Common's Purchases by Execs. PRC's Sales Convention In Hollywood May 29-31 West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Fifth annual PRC sales convention will be held in Holly- wood May 29, 30 and 31, Leo J. Mc- Carthy, general sales manager, an- nounced. PRC has sold "Men on Her Mind" and "The Monstermaker" to (Continued on Page 12) Stockholders at the annual 20th- Fox meeting will be asked to ap- prove a plan under which executives of the corporation may be granted options to purchase common stock. Proposal calls for the reserving of 140,000 shares of unissued common to be granted executives, other than those employed in the studio, ex- cluding the chairman of the board and any board members who does (Continued on Page 12) First task of the recently formed Commission on Motion Pictures in Education will be to study the op- portunity of education with special reference to the post-war world and to study curriculum materials rele- vant to these needs organized and presented in form from which scripts for films can be made. The commis- (Continued on Page 8) 20th-Fox's 1943 Profit Is Fixed at $12,920,455 Twentieth Century-Fox profit for last year was $12,920,455, after all charges, including taxes, company's annual report reveals. Company on April 6 had estimated its earnings (Continued on Page 8) Baseball Before Biz, Mich. Co-op's Vieto Detroit — Annual meeting of stock- holders of Co-Operative Theaters of Michigan has been postponed to May 9. Meeting was called off when it was found that it conflicted with the opening of the local baseball season, which required a 100 per cent attend- ance of members. Iffil DAILY Thursday, April 27, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 83 Thurs. April 27, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE :. : Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER 8. BAHN Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, SS16 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. nnflnciflL ;^JVednesday. April 26) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. Am. Seat CoL Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . . Con. fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak do pfd Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO %6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. 20th-Fox ppf Warner Bros 17 167/8 16% — 1/8 37/8 33/4 37/8 183/8 18 1/4 183/8 187/8 187/8 187/8 — l/s 595/8 593/8 595/8 + 3/8 241/4 233/4 237/8 -1- 1/8 81/8 8 8 895/8 89 895/8 -I- 11/4 223/8 22 221/4 + 1/8 30 30 30 + lA 1021/8 1021/8 1021/8 — 3/8 117/8 113/4 117/8 + 1/4 NEW YORK BOND MARKET Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK CURB MARKET Monogram Picts 3% Radio-Keith cvs I14 Sonotone Corp 2% Technicolor 13% Trans-Lux Universal Pictures Universal Picts. vtc. 207/8 203A 207/8 + 35/8 l'/4 23/4 131/2 35/8 — 3/8 11/4 23/4 131/2 Mt. Clemens Censorship Law Hits 'Wildcat' Pix Hartntan Sues to Break Goldtvyn Pact West Coast Bur., THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Don Hartman, writer and producer, has filed suit in Su- perior Court against Samuel Goldwyn, asking the court to break his con- tract with Goldwyn which still has four years to run. He also asks $65,000 in salary. Hartman contends he did not receive "respect, consid- eration and courtesy consistent with his position in the motion picture industry" and that Goldwyn ridiculed him in front of a group of actors March 30. "One World" Profits Going To Willkie Fund, S & S Detroit — The Mount Clemens City Council has passed the local censor- ship ordinance, first in the State out- side of Detroit, which was recently under consideration. Act as passed contains a favorable clause for the industry, allowing any film with the PCA seal and approved by the De- troit police censor to be "prima facie acceptable," but any other film will require special review by a local censor. This will, in effect, place a heavy local burden on the showing of any "wildcat" product such as has occasionally crept into suburban ter- ritories. Under terms of the 20th-Fox deal to purchase rights to Wendell L. Willkie's "One World," $25,000 was paid to Gardner Cowles, Jr., trustee of the Wendell L. Willkie Fund, a charitable trust, when the contract was signed Feb. 17 and an additional $50,000 will be paid when the script is approved by the trustee. In addi- tion, Simon & Schuster, publishers of the book, received $50,000, half of which was for reimbursement of expenses. Further terms call for the pay- ment of 11^/4 per cent of gross re- ceipts to the trustee and 3% per cent to Simon & Schuster if produc- tion and distribution expenses are less than $3,000,000. If costs are more than $3,000,000, 20th-Fox will pay 7% per cent to the trustees and 2^/4 per cent to the publisher of the gross receipts in excess of $3,000,- 000 until 20th-Fox makes its costs. After all expenses are covered, the trustee will receive 18% per cent and the publisher 6^/4 per cent of the profits. Trustee has the right to approve script, principal actors and advertis- ing and publicity on the film. Augustus S. Greening, Film Pioneer, Stricken Detroit — Augustus S. Greening, 70, pioneer theater manager, died of a heart attack following an eight- year illness. One of the first ex- hibitors in Michigan, he started as a concessioner of the Edison Co., later managing theaters in Ottawa, Montreal, St. Paul, Atlanta and De- troit. He retired in 1936. Survivors include two children, one R. E. Lee Greening, was formerly assistant manager of some of his father's the- aters. Mexican Studios Install WE Recording Channels Closing of recording agreements with Servicio Cinematografico S. A. and the Jenkins interests, both in Mexico City, calling for immediate installation of six Western Electric recording channels, was announced yesterday by E. S. Gregg, vice- president of Western Electric Export Corp., R. 0. Strock is en route to Mexico to supervise equipment in- stallations. De Angelis Rpme, Sodus Projects Get WPB Approval Priorities for the construction of two upstate theaters have been re- ceived from the War Production Board by Michael J. De Angelis, New York and Rochester architect. De Angelis reports that construction will start immediately on a 1,000- seat house in Rome for Kallet Thea- ters, Inc., and on a 700-seat theater in Sodus for Slotnick Enterprises. Several other De Angelis theater projects are being considered by the WPB. Odeon of Canada Adds Two Hanson Theaters Toronto — Odeon Theaters has added two more important houses to its steadily growing chain in Canada. The purchase of houses at St. John, Que., and at Sturgeon Falls, Ont., has been announced by Haskell Masters, general manager of Odeon. The Capitol seats 950 and the Sturgeon Falls theater is a 450- seater. The purchase of both thea- ters was made from the Hanson in- terests. Operation of the houses by Odeon is now in effect. Ampa Will Hear Reiner On OWI's Iceland Work Manny Reiner, who has just re- turned from Iceland where he func- tioned for the OWI, vv^ill speak at Ampa's annual meeting tomorrow at the Piccadilly Hotel. Reiner and Robert Weitman, managing director of the New York Paramount, will be guests of honor. Election of officers, presentation of honorary membership to Weit- man, in form of scroll parchment, and Reiner's talk will make up the luncheon agenda. 1,125 More Theaters To Join in Metro Fete Three national circuits and a large indie circuit representing a total of 1,125 theaters in all parts of the country have sent in pledges of sup- port to play at least one M-G-M sub- ject during the company's Twenty- Year Anniversary celebration, June 22-25. The additional theaters make a total of 2,315 pledges tallied to date. $318,946 Quarterly Profit for General Precision Equip. A consolidated net profit of $318,- 946, after all charges including taxes, was reported yesterday by General Precision Equipment Corp. and subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31. Earnings compare with a net profit of $293,082 for the corresponding period last year. Humphrey Cobb Dead Port Washington, L. I.— Humphrey Cobb, 44, author and former Holly- wood script doctor and dialogue writer, is dead here. His widow, a son and a daughter survive. XEW YORK THEATERS : — RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL- 50th St. & 6tli Ave. RITA HAYWORTH— GENE KELLY "COVER GIRL" ^ !•! ^ Technicolor Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchestra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4(00 PARAMOUNT'S "LADY IN THE DARK" In Technicolor In Person XAVIER CUCAT AND BAND DEAN MURPHY PARAMOUNT TIMES SaUARE ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS 'UNCERTAIN GLORY" IN PERSON: TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAND OPENS 9 A.M. B'WAY & 47fh St BUY BONDSI HUMPHREY BOGART IN WARNERS' PASSAGE to MARSEILLE '''''"" ''HOLLYWOOD Midnight Opens 10 A.M. - B'way 51st Joel McCREA Maureen O'HARA Linda DARNELL ^BUFFALO BILL^ IN TECHNICOLOR PLUS ON STAGE- PAUL WHITEMAN and Orch. VICTOR BORCE - JOAN EDWARDS BUY MORE P^VV 7^'< Ave. & BONDS 50th St. '7 DAYS ASHORE' WALLY BROWN • ALAN CARNEY MARCY McCUIRE . DOOLEY WILSON ON SCREEN First N. Y. Showing Donald O'Connor SUSANNA FOSTER 'THIS IS THE LIFE' IN PERSON Mitch AYRES' ORCHESTRA under Hit direction of STEILJLAVIN EKtra! GUS VAN THE SONG OF BERNADETTE Boors Open 9:30 A. M. I. WERE YOU THERE MONDAY NIGHT? ok! Tne rarters rang! We nela Traae Screenings In tneatres so you could Hear lor yourselr Tne tnunaer or a HIT Tnat soon will Snake a nation! Joy conies to America — Fun ror tne millions Music, romance, talent galore, Signts to see witn glee! • "Two Girls and A Sailor" Is one or M-G-M's new group Tne Springtime Five! derrul Jroup "TWO GIRLS AND A SAILOR" witk Van Jonnson, June Allyson, Gloria De Haven, Jose Iturti, Jimmy Durante, Gracie Allen, Lena Home, Harry James and His Music Makers with Helen Forrest, Xavier Cugat ana His Orchestra witk Lina Romay, Tom Drake, Henry Stephenson, Henry O'Neill, Ben Blue, Carlos Ramirez, Frank Sully, Alkert Coates, Donald Meels, Amparo Novarro, Virginia O'Brien, Wilde Twins • Original Screen Play ty Ricliard Connell and Gladys Lekman • An M - G - M Picture • Directed Ly Ricliard TKorpe • Produced Ly Joe Pasternak NOW IN FOURTH BIG WEE ilimpNilPWii "A macabre horror tale that will tempt the cinematic appetites of even the most jaded thrill-film-followers. Here is a bizarre theme with a dual appeal: its attrac- tion for those who glory in eerie lighting and impend- ing violence, and the more subtle, intellectual fasci- nation of the pseudo-scientific premise that a man's brain, once the body has ceased to function, can go on living in a disembodied state. George Sherman, director and associate producer, has made this one of Republic's more ambitious current efforts." — Motion Picture Doily "An interesting mystery melodrama. It should prove satisfying to most audiences; the story, though fan- tastic and morbid, is different and holds one in sus- pense. The production tone is very good, and the spectator will be gripped by its mysterious atmos- phere." — Harrison's Reports "A gripping, absorbing horror tale of the Class A variety. This picture will profit at the box office through word-of-mouth comment." — Showmen's Trade Review "Weird and tense, the picture is quite a compound of fear-producing elements. Suspense is worked for all it is worth. Miss Ralston performs appealingly in her first straight role." —The Film Doily "Cleverly conceived and well cast. Suspense is ex- cellently maintained to the climax. A generally supe- rior presentation. Vera Hruba Ralston proves herself a capable actress." —Motion Picture Herold I I! "Will hold the interest of audiences, asserting a < special appeal to those who relish screen fare of | scientifically macabre variety. Well produced." I — Boxoffice f W IN THIRD SMASH WEEK TRANS-LUX, BOSTON I VERA HRUBA RALSTON • RICHARD ARLEN* ERICH VON STROHEIM ^^5*jC^^'"."** with HELEN VINSON SIDNEY BLACKMER GEORGE SHERMAN -D/recfor Screenplay by Dane Lussier — Frederick Kohner Based on the Novel "Donovan's Brain" by Curt Siodmak A REPUBLIC PICTURE Louello O. Porion«_tije incredible "Boswell" of the cinema, whose features in Photoplay are always crowded with news no other writers can get. Dorothy Kllflallon_ syndicated columnist and top flight maga- zine feature writer keeps Photo- play's smarter set up to the minute on Hollywood affairs. Adelo Rogers St. Johns_Anierica's great woman journalist, the friendly "psychiatrist" of Hollywood, who understands better than all others the heart of a star. EUo MaxwolL_Lady.about-Hol wood whose stories about stars giv them the distinction her national! syndicated column gives Bocialiti of international note. AiTolo Whitely Flotche> _ ^hogg faculty for getting unusual slants on Hollywood's news enlivens Photoplay's pages. Joieph Honry St.«lo_«gtcher" of the famous "Steele portraits," a past master of the revealing trifle that delineates his Photoplay profiles. Thornton Oolehonty _Movie cor- respondent for one of the nation's big newspapers — for Photoplay, a top biographer of the stars. Sara Hamllton_^ijoge Hghthearted pen starts the great box-office trek of Photoplay's million with her perceptive reviews. reasons wh «l eioonor Harrl._s„ccessful scenario writer knows her Hollywood on both sides of the kliegs. Sidney 3Koiiky_^ijose photopli contributions delightfully prov hisslogan"HollywoodIsMyBeat, Paulina Swanion i. ""—whose person. ality-and-news stories for Photo- play are "eye-witness" experiences to the ahove-a-million readers of Photoplay. Rath Watorb«ry_ Photoplay gifted reporter of Hollywood new before it happens, and of stars b fore they happen. iM PHOTOPLAY is favorite of America's first miltion momegoers No other magazine in America has gathered together a more brilliant group of biographers and reporters of the Hollywood scene. All of them — great by-lines of our time — keep up the tradition of Photoplay as America's undisputed leader in its field. I ! 1,046,896 PubUsher''s statement of average net paid for 1st 3 mos., 1944 {under U.S. Gov't paper rationing) AMERICA'S FIRST • AMERICA'S OLDEST • AMERICA'S BEST ; W'^ DAILY Thursday, April 27, 1944 fi 20th-Fox 1943 Profit Fixed at $12,920,455 (Continued from Page 1) at $12,900,000. Figure is based on combined operations of the corpora- tion and its subsidiaries, including Roxy Theater, Inc., and National Theaters Corp., and is equal to $6.52 per share on 1,742,002 outstanding shares of common, after deducting dividends paid on the prior preferred and convertible preferred issues. Comparable figure for 1942 was $10,609,784, amounting to $5.30 per share out the common, after prefer- red dividends. Earnings of National Theaters prior to July 9, 1943, date it became a wholly owned subsidiary of 20th-Fox amounted to $2,018,686 and were treated as profits made prior to acquisition date, so that the amount carried to the earned surplus was $10,901,768, equal after preferred dividends to $5.37 a common share. Federal taxes for 1943 are esti- mated at $23,800,000, including $20,- 250,000 in excess profits levies, minus post-war credit. Current assets at Dec. 25, 1943, were $79,570,088 in- cluding $26,897,669 in cash and $28,- 277,668 in U. S. Government securi- ties. Current liabilities were $42,- 589,274 including $28,277,668 re- served for Federal taxes on income. Total assets on the balance sheet tallied $132,423,427. Combined gross income in 1943, including income from National Theaters and Roxy was $159,809,994, highest in the com- pany's history. CMPESeelis Subjects For Educational Pix (Continued from Page 1) sion, itself, will not attempt any production. According to Dr. Edward May, a special search will be made for ma- terials which will lend themselves to filming. A start will be made by developing materials for series of films in the fields of global geogra- phy, the impact of science and in- vention on modern life and the prob- lems of democracy in relation to the future. Other series will be added later. At least four types of films will have their functions in educa- tion, Dr. May said. They are the demonstrative, informational, incen- tive and provocative films. Organized under a grant from the motion picture industry, the com- mission's purpose is to develop a Un BIRTHDAY GMETiniGS TO... April 27 W. Hedwig Cordon ▼ TV • • • THIS AND THAT: Columbia's "Cover Girl" is the first musi- cal to go more than four weeks at the Radio City Music HalL . . • When the millionth ticket to "Lady in the Dark" is sold at the Paramount some- time this week, that, too, will set a record ior the house's 18 years. • And still speaking of "firsts," Artkino's "People's Avengers" is the first film to be wholly shot by any United Nations cameraman behind the enemy lines in World War II. . . • Rep.'s "The Fighting Seabees" has been booked over the entire Loew Met. circuit for the long half of the week, starting May 4. . . • Attention, General Eisenhower: UA has set May 5 as the release date of "The Battle of Europe," World in Action short. . . • James F. Bell, chairman of General Mills, has been elected to the Eastman Kodak board, succeeding David E. Everts Bell is also chairman of Distillation Products, Inc., owned jointly by Eastman and General Mills. , . • Avinere Toiga, manager of the Esquire in Springfield. IlL. has been named executive secretary of Americans All Immigrants All, non-profit organization with national headquarters in the Ulinois city. . . • Very clever, that Leaping Frog bean-bag which Warners is tossing around to plug "The Adventiues of Mccrk Twain" ▼ ▼ ▼ 9 9 9 A FILM MAN, just back from England, tells a true story that brought chuckles along Film Row yesterday You probably recall reading that a German plane "accidentally" dropped a 500 pound bomb on Dublin, Ireland some months ago the neutral Irish im- mediately filed diplomatic protest with Berlin and in due time Hitler's bookkeepers agreed to pay for the damage done by the bomb rehabilitation of the wrecked area is in progress the Dublin district that was hit included the city's only synagogue and wrecked several Jewish-owned stores this is probably the first synagogue that Hitler has rebuilt ▼ TV • • • AVENGE PEABL HARBOR State Theaters Benefit By Insurance Rate Cuts (Continued from Page 1) imately 25 per cent, based on the type of construction. He reported that in New York City each theater would be inspected to determine the new rate. program for the more effective use of motion pictures in education. Mark A. May of Yale University is chairman of the group which met last week-end. Members include Dr. Edmund E. Day, president of Cor- nell; Dr. George Counts, of Teachers College, Columbia; Dr. George Zook, president of the American Council on Education; Monsignor George Johnson, general secretary of the National Catholic Educational Asso- ciation, and Dr. Willard E. Givens, executive secretary of the National Education Association. Dr. A. L. Threlkeld, superintendent of schools, Montclair, N. J., was named to rep- resent the public school field. The commission is developing a board of consultants selected on a nation-wide basis and composed of leading citizens who are interested in education, including technical ex- perts in visual education as well as experts in curriculum construction. Map Fifth War Loan Drive Advertising-Press Plans (Continued from Page 1) chairman for the industry, presided. Meeting yesterday was attended by members of the Trade Press Divi- sion and editors, that on Tuesday by top publicity, advertising and ex- ploitation men, with John Friedl, R. M. Kennedy and Ray Beall of O'Donnell's staff sitting in. Others present included: S. Barret McCormick, Al Adams, Harry Man- del, RKO; Harry Goldberg, Charles Einfeld, Mort Blumenslock, Warner Bros.; Martin Starr, United Artists; Lawrence H. Lipskin, Frank P. Rosenberg, Columbia; Bob Gillham, Claude Lee, Paramount; Bill Fergu- son, Si Seadler, M-G-M; Oscar Doob, Ernest Emerling, Loew's; Maurice Bergman, Universal; Charles Schlaif- er, 20th Century-Fox; John Hertz, Jr., Buchanan & Co.; John Harkins, Selznick Productions; Glenn Allvine, MPPDA; Walter T. Brown, John C. Flinn, Francis S. Harmon, Si Fabian, Ed Schreiber, War Activities Com- mittee. Legion "B" for "Unknown" National Legion of Decency has placed "Address Unknown" (Colum- bia), in its Class B. COminG and Goinc CHARLES p. SKOURAS, president of National Theaters, left New York yesterday for St. Louis. From there he will return to Los Angeles. He was accompanied by A. J. KRAPP- iitci MAN, his executive assistant. ' ROY HAINES, Western and Southern division sales manager for Warners is in Detroit today an^ will be in Chicago tomorrow. HARRY THOMAS left yesterday for Philad phia and Washington. n*HTv.?"-5^'*^ 5- ^^"N, AAF. son of FILM DAILY S editor, returns to Denver today from New York. BONITA GRANVILLE leaves today for Holly- wood. JAMES M. BRENNAN, RKO Theaters Eastern zone manager, is a Syracuse visitor. CARL SHALIT, Columbia division manager, was i& a St. Louis visitor. iiti' HARRY HYNES, Universal St. Louis branch head, is vacationing. AL DAFF, Universal foreign supervisor, returns shortly from London. JACK BEDDINCTON, Ministry of Information lo York °'' '^^"^ England shortly for New BEN COETZ has arrived from London. . MORRIS L. ERNST, film lawyer, has arrived jwot in London. ,, J. S. MacLEOD, in charge of exchange main- '» tenance for M-C-M, has gone to the Coast. DEWEY BLOOM, M-C-M Canadian exploita- tion man, is In town from Toronto. jrepi JOE NADEL, production manager for Jules' ™! Levey, left the Coast yesterday for New York jiff tor conferences with Levey on "The Hairy Ape." ' if 10,000 Theaters Set For Wac Recruiting (Continued from Page 1) pledged in their respective areas are: Lou R. Golding, Albany, 216; Wil- liam K. Jenkins, Atlanta, 677; Charles Hayman, Buffalo, 286; Sam Pinanski, Boston, 757; N. F. Kincey, Charlotte, 551; John Balaban, Chi- cago, 676; Col. Arthur Prudenfeld, Cmcinnati, 665; Robert Kelly for R. J. O'Donnell, Dallas, 986; Rick Rick- etson, Denver, 292; H. J. Fitzgerald,- Milwaukee, 371; Harry Lowensteinfi and Don Jacocks, Newark, 243; I. J. Hoffman, New Haven, 200; Charles Moskowitz, New York City, 700; Jay Emanuel, Philadelphia, 795; J. Rosen- berg and Moe Silver, Pittsburgh, 604; 0. J. Miller, Portland, Ore., 227; Ed Fay, Providence, 63; John Ruger.i Salt Lake City, 354; Harry Arthui and Fred Wehrenberg, St. Louis, 514; John J. Payette, Washington^ D. C, 63; W. J. Crockett, Virginia Beach, 310; A. H. Blank, Des Moines. 300; Charles P. Skouras, Los An- geles, 609. inn spi F file »r i &; m U atft Will UlEDDinC BELLS an IDHK Chicago — Evelyn Anderson, o: *•' Warners, and Corp. Matthew Reaj J' were married recently. "^'^ rhursday, April 27, 1944 m DAILY >ropose NT Stock iaie to 4 Execs. (Continued from Page 1) • tockholders, National would issue ,000 shares of Class A stock and 40 J hares of Class B with the presently Outstanding 1,800 shares of National ^mmon reclassified into 1,600 shares f new Class A. il, Class B stock would be sold to the nanagers at $14,125 per share in "he following amounts: Skouras, 25 , hares; Rhoden, six shares; Fitzger- ild, three shares, and Ricketson, six iiihares. Issue would be convertible nto Class A on the basis of 10 of ':'he 400 undistributed shares of Class J j\. for each B share, plus payment of I premium of $127,125 per B share I -0 the corporation. ' ' Both A and B issues would be paid he same per share dividend rate md, in the event of liquidation, j^vould share alike in the corporation's issets. B holders would have no .|.7oting power and would be unable ;o transfer their stock, except to j.,in executor, administrator, personal •epresentative, wife or children, or 5 = rustee for the benefit of himself, t'vife, or children, unless the shares ' 'vere first offered to National to give he corporation an opportunity to urn down the offer or let its rights ixpire. Formula for the distribution of he B shares was arrived at by an irbitrary adjustment based roughly )n the contributions to earnings of •"lational of the four circuits. Skouras leads Fox West Coast; Rhoden, Fox Midwest; Fitzgerald, Fox Wisconsin, ;iind Ricketson, Fox Inter-Mountain. TO THE COLORS! * CITATIONS * COL. ALOYSIUS CANNON, ATC, son of Peter Cannon, former Capitol Theater employe, Hazelton, Pa., Presidential citation for meritorious service in India. — • — • COMMISSIONED* WILLIAM M. TOWLE, USNR, formerly with Balaban & Katz, Chicago commissioned a lieutenant. — • — • PROMOTED* TED BOISENAU, USA, formerly manager, Nor- town, Chicago, to corporal. RICHARD COPELAND, USA, formerly, Granada, Chicago, to staff sergeant, in England. • ARMY* JOSEPH SCHAAF, Irving, Carbondale, Pa. EDWARD KANE, Irving, Carbondale, Pa. WILLIAM SMITH, assistant, Loew's State, St. Louis. — • — • NAVY^ HAROLD E. BILL, manager. Bell, Scranton, Pa. THOMAS CARY, Comerford district manager, Waverly, N. Y. LEO ALLEN, staff, RKO-Schine Keith's, Syra- cuse. JACK SHEA, staff, Loew's State, Syracuse. British Short via Aster Astor Pictures Corp. has taken over the U. S. distribution of "Cam- eramen at War," a two-reel subject prpduced by the British Information Services. Picture shows the work of cameramen on the battle fronts. Metro Auditors Adjourn M-G-M field auditors wound up a two-day meeting yesterday at the Hotel Astor. A number of home office executives attended as well as the 15 field men. Flora Cohn Opens Conn, indie Booking Service New Haven — Flora Cohn, formerly office manager and booker for RKO n New Haven, has opened the The- iter Buying and Booking Office on ;3o. Orange St. here. The service is :Lor independent theater owners in Connecticut. Miss Cohn at one time was buyer and booker for Casey & Wheeler, an affiliate of the Pruden- :ial circuit in New York. New Interests to Go On 20tli-Fox's Board IN NEW POSTS (Continued from Page 1) vestors Second Fund, Inc.; Robert L. Clarkson, chairman of the American Express board, and Robert Lehman, partner in Lehman Brothers and president of Lehman Corp., in addi- tion to Murray Silverstone, 20th- Fox vice-president in charge of for- eign distribution. According to the notice, Massachu- setts Investors Trust is a beneficial owner of 87,000 20th-Fox common shares and Massachusetts Investors Second Fund holds 11,600 shares of the common. Lehman Brothers was co-manager of an underwriting group which handled the public of- fering of the 20th-Fox prior prefer- red in July, 1943, and the public offering of Chase National Bank's 665,715 shares of 20th-Fox preferred. Incumbents proposed for the board include Thomas J. Connors, John R. Dillon, Daniel 0. Hastings, Wilfred J. Eadie, William C. Michel, William P. Philips, Seton Porter, Spyros P. Skouras, Sydney Towell, Wendell L. Willkie and Darryl F. Zanuck. rACK D^AMOND, publicist, Lester Cowan. ■^^XRTHUR C. JOHNSON, WB checking field su- S)'- pervisor, Frisco. C- VILLIAM GREEN, Metro exploiteer, Chicago. AUSTIN JOHN McCOUCH, Metro exploiteer, Des Moines. XRT BULLOCK, student manager, Roman, Pitts- ton, fa. OHN PERRY, student manager. Keystone, Tow- anda, Pa. OHN S, CLIFFORD, manager. Varsity, Decatur, 111. ilOBERT KANE, student manager, Capitol, Blooms- W burg. Pa. ''^'tOBERT HALL, manager, Apollo, Princeton, ill. Ark. Traveler Award Presented to DeMille Little Rock, Ark.— Cecil B. DeMille, producer of Paramount's "The Story of Dr. Wassell," yesterday presented to Governor Adkins a bound copy of the production script, with clips from the first print of the picture. In turn, the Governor gave DeMille the Arkansas Traveler Award and Com. Corydon M. Wassell (MC) USN, re- ceived the State Plaque. Event pre- ceded the world premiere of the pic- ture at the Capitol and Arkansas Theaters. No. 28 Outstanding Industry Personalities 3a*t tfou Kcum tUe4*i — ONE of industry's key executives. Specifically is president of Columbia and in charge of company's production. Few approve more heartily than he of publicity for product, and few dis- approve more heartily than he of publicity for self. Has brought his organization from tender infancy to roaring maturity, guiding its pro- gressive growth in both the domestic and foreign fields with Brother Jack. Formed C.B.C. with the latter and the late Joe Brandt and then evolved Columbia. Knows intimately every phase of picture-making. In his pioneering days, he served with Universal. Now he serves millions of fans via attraction's he fashions at his studio. Is a native New Yorker and was educated in Pa Knickerbocker's public schools. SONIE men's names are given to rivers, lakes and streams. But here's an industry stalwart whose name graces a "pool." Latter is in Brook- lyn and comprises three huge houses there. A notable eastern chain also flashes his family name. His dad was one of the great pioneers of the exhibition field and fostered and developed the film palace as we know it today. Our hero was educated at Harvard, hard by the banks of the Charles. Is himself a filmland pioneer in indie field. As chairman of the theaters division. War Activities Committee, he has won a de- servedly historic place of honor in the quest for Victory. Some idea of the demands made upon his time, which he enthusiastically gives, is con- veyed by a ban mot flung by a WAC associate: "He's on the 168-hour week!" OUT of Sydney, New South Wales, came this scion of vaude, revues, stock, comic operas, drama, farce, and what-have-you, who invaded Hollywood and ever since has worn the toga of thespian accomplishment,-whether it took full- length or short form. Made innocuous the theory that cinema success on Coast lots goes only to the strong-of-heart. He attained it by the weak- of-knee,-his trick leg being a salient asset m his bao^ of hilarious tricks. Was a fixture for years in "the famed Ziegfeld Follies, whose creator ad- mired our hero's magnetic box-office antics greatly, but less actually than his genius for showmanship. When Ziegfeld offered "Joy Bells" in England, this same gentleman was its stage director. You and "U" know him of recent date for "Cowboy in Manhattan." -«~T|y-^ Mm^inwwt-t "" They can easily be identified by referring to the 7944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY. NEW YORK 18. N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. 10 ■mil Thursday, April 27, 1944 DAILY ik ik RCVKUIS Of THE nCUl flLfflS i^ ^ "Lumberjack" with William Boyd, Andy Clyde, Jimmy Rogers UA 65 Mins. LATEST HOPALONG REAL TREAT FOR WESTERN FANS; PIC BOILS WITH AC- TION; RATED PICTORIAL DELIGHT. In his latest adventure in action Hopaiong Cassidy transfers his activities to the lumber country of the Far West without loss of any of his punch. His deeds in the cause of law and order are of the variety that keeps the kids bouncing in their seats and inspires them to noisy expression of their feelings. The story, a Norman Houston creation, moves from exciting incident to exciting incident at a breathless pace, allowing for plenty of shooting, riding and fisticuffs of the most vigorous kind as Hopaiong with the help of his pals, California and Jimmy, goes about the business of corraling the villains. The stakes in this film is a rich tract of timberland which the heroine falls heir to when her husband is slain at the behest of a lumber agent with an eye on the prop- erty. The land is saved for the girl only by the quick and fearless efforts of Hopa- iong and his sidekicks. For a while it looks as if the villain and his cohorts will have their way as result of a misunderstanding between Hoppy and the girl. It's only after he proves conclusively to the gal the lumber agent is up to no good that our hero gets the full-speed-ahead signal from the lady. The villains try like the dickens to get -Hopaiong out of the way, but you know how that Hoppy guy is. Boyd as Cassidy, And Clyde as California and Jimmy Rogers as Jimmy deliver another trio of good performances in the top roles. Clyde is given a heavy comedy burden which he handles without faltering once, clicking solidly with his fans. Ellen Hall and Doug- las Dumbrille perform efficiently as heroine and chief villain, respectively. There are effectively played smaller roles by Herbert Rawlinson, Ethel Wales, Francis McDonald, Hal Taliaferro and John Whitney. Harry A. Sherman has accorded the film a swell production with the aid of Lewis Rachmil. There is thumping direction by Lesley Selander. Photographed in the Sier- ras by Russell Harlan, "Lumberjack" is a visual delight. CAST: William Boyd, Andy Clyde, Jimmy Rogers, Herbert Rawlinson, Ellen Hall, Ethel Wales, Douglas Dumbrille, Francis McDon- ald, John Whitney, Hal Taliaferro, Henry Wills, Charles Morton, Frances Morris, Jack Rockwell, Bob Burns. CREDITS: Producer, Harry A. Sherman; Associate Producer, Lewis Rachmil; Direc- tor, Lesley Selander; Cameraman, Russell Harlan; Screenplay, Norman Houston. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Fine. Woodin With Johnston West Coast Buyeaii of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Larry Woodin, former Pennsylvania theater operators, pub- licist and exploiteer, joins Republic May 9 as assistant to John LeRoy Johnston, director of public relations. Guy Fowler joined Johnston's staff yesterday as a writer and Donnald Biddle Keyes, veteran portrait and still photographer, has been engaged as special publicity photographer. "Once Upon A Time" with Cary Grant, Janet Blair, James Gleason, Ted Donaldson Columbia 89 Mins. POWERFUL FANTASY, LOADED WITH COMEDY AND HUMAN INTEREST. ONE OF YEAR'S MOST UNUSUAL FILMS. Functional stature of the screen as a channel for presenting great human issues, and, at the same time, roundly entertain audiences, reaches a new high in "Once Upon a Time." In the picture there is infinitely more than meets the eyes and ears of onlookers, for actually its story recounts through the medium of fantasy the funda- mental things for which the forces of free- dom are fighting the war, and deserve in- alienably as their rights. As entertainment, this is a fine picture. In theme it is a very great one. One of its dialogue lines, spoken by James Gleason, holds the kernel of the theme, namely, "You can't go around hurting people," for personal gain or expediency. The story, ingeniously penned by Norman Corwin and Lucille Fletcher Herrmann, recounts the attempt of a Broadway pro- ducer to recoup his shattered fortunes, and retain the theater which he owns, by capitalizing on the strange phenomenon of a caterpillar which dances, possessed and trained by a little boy. Cary Grant, in the role of the selfish and desperate impre- sario, takes the kid into partnership with him only to violate the youngster's rights of ownership to the caterpillar, and sell the amazing "worm" to a Hollywood film mag- nate for $100,000 wherewith he can pay off his debt to a bank holding the mortgage on the theater. Cloaked in scenes of glittering comedy, de- lightful touches, and romance between Grant and the youngster's sister, Janet Blair, are stark realities in human relationships, such as the tardiness of people to recognize Truth, and the cold thesis of Science that it is the highest court for the determination of Truth and moral issues. Climaxing the swift actirn, and laugh-packed sequences studded with satire, is the jeries of heart- tuggin-^ scenes which finds Grant and the little boy reconciled. Role of the lad is exquisitely enacted by Ted Donaldson. In the Grant-Blair starring combination exhibi- tors have solid box office lures. Alex- ander Hail's direction is superb. "Once Upon a Time" looms as one of the most discussed attractions of the year. It is a natural for patrons of all ages, and long after its initial span of release na- tionally will play "repeats" on theater screens, because it does fantasy in flesh, much as Disney harnesses fantasy in linear form. CAST: Cary Grant, Janet Blair, James Gleason, Ted Donaldson, Howard Freeman, William Demarest, Art Baker, Paul Stanton, Mickey McGuire. CREDITS: Producer, Louis F. Edelman; Director, Alexander Hall; Screenplay, Lewis Meitzer, Oscar Saul; Adaptation, Irving Fineman; Authors, Norman Corwin, Lucille Fletcher Herrmann; Musical Score, Fred- erick Hollander; Musical Director, M. W. Stoloff; Cameraman, Franz F. Planer; Film Editor, Gene Havlick; Art Direction, Lionel Banks, Edward Jewell; Set Decorations, Rob- ert Priestley. DIRECTION, Superb. PHOTOGRAPHY, Top-Flight. "Moon Over Las Vegas" with Anne Gwynne, David Bruce, Vera Vague Universal 69 Mins. SONGS AND SPECIALTIES ARE MAIN ATTRACTION IN THIS MODERATELY AMUSING MUSICAL FARCE. "Moon Over Las Vegas" may not shine too brightly, but it will attract young per- sons and family audiences primarily on the strength of its lavish display of musical and specialty trimmings. While the comedy possibilities of this musical farce have not been fully exploited, there are enough amus- ing situations in the production to draw a fair quantity of laughs from the customers. "Moon Over Las Vegas" is a story of marital discord in which the principals are Anne Gwynne and David Bruce. When the two split up despite their still being crazy about each other, the girl, on the advice of her aunt (Vera Vague), tries to get the guy back by making him jealous and pre- tending not to care. The man behaves similarly on the advice of the domestic- relations judge. The pretense Is carried out so well by the fellow that the girl is driven to take steps for divorce. At the proper moment a former boy friend of Miss Gwynne, a Las Vegas divorce lawyer, to whom the woman brings her case, pours oil on the troubled marital waters and reunites the couple. The course of the story is interrupted by nine musical interludes. Two of them pre- sent Connie Haines, her selections being "Touch of Texas" and "A Dream Ago." Gene Austin renders "My Blue Heaven" alone and one of his own creations, "You Marvelous You," with the assistance of the Sherrell Sisters. The Sportsmen have one number, "Faithful Flo," while Lillian Cor- nell draws the title song. "Oklahoma's Oke With Me," written by himself, is sung by Jimmy Dodd. Two selections on the ac- cordion, "So Goodnight" and "Two Guitars," are contributed by Ann Triola. The musi- cal chores are put over nicely in every in- stance. Most of the comedy is provided by Miss Vague. Others who prove very much of a help to Miss Gwynne and Bruce are Vivian Austin, Alan Dinehart, Lee Patrick, Joe Saw- yer and Milburn Stone. Jean Yarbrough pro- duced and directed from a screenplay by George Jeske and Clyde Bruckman. CAST: Anne Gwynne, David Bruce, Vera Vague, Vivian Austin, Alan Dinehart, Lee Patrick, Joe Sawyer, Milburn Stone, Addi- son Richards, Mantan Moreland, Eddie Dunn, Tom Dugan, Pat West, Muni Seroff, Gene Austin, Sherrell Sisters, Connie Haines, Cappelia and Patricia, Lillian Cornell, Ann Triola, Jimmy Dodd, Sportsmen. CREDITS: Producer, Jean Yarbrough; Di- rector, Jean Yarbrough; Screenplay, George Jeske, Clyde Bruckman; Based on Story by George Jeske; Cameraman, Jerome Ash; Art Directors, John B. Goodman, Abraham Grossman; Sound Director, Bernard B. Brown; Set Decorators, Russell A. Gausman, Leigh Smith; Film Editor, Milton Carruth; Songs, Jimmy McHugh-Frank Loesser, Mil- tcn Rosen-Everett Carter, Jimmy Dodd, Gene Austin, Walter Donaldson -George Whiting. DIRECTION, All Right. PHOTOGRA- PHY, All Right. "Days of Glory" with Timara Toumanova, Gregory Peck KKO 86 Mins. TALE OF RUSSIAN GUERRILLAS IS GOOD DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT WITH STRONG ROMANTIC UNDERCURRENT. Employing the services of a cast of screen unknowns, Casey Robinson has produced/^ drama of Russian guerrillas that has niu(\^| to offer those in search of serious enter- tainment. Those whose tastes are for the lighter things will find "Day of Glory" heavy going by reason of its very subject. The picture makes its chief appeal to wo- men audiences through a romantic involve- ment in which the star participants are Tamara Toumanova and Gregory Peck, who play the main characters in a manner that would do justice to performers with ex- tensive film experience. The picture is a record of the lives and activities of a Soviet guerrilla band making its headquarters in the cellar of an ancient monastery near a village held by the Nazis. The appearance of a ballerina, saved from death by one of the guerrillas, threatens to disrupt the efficient operations of the band. The girl finds it difficult to become one of the group, chiefly because she can't bear the thought of carnage. It takes an ironic twist of fate to prove her mettle as a warrior in the cause of her country. From that point the film is as much a ro- mance as it is a realistic and uncompromis- ing recital of the heroic work of the Rus- sian guerrilla fighters. The film has an unhappy ending in which everyone comes to a tragic end in a death struggle with the Nazis. Miss Toumanova, well known as a ballet dancer, and Peck are backed by a fine group of performers who contribute some really excellent portrayals. Standing out in the supporting cast are Alan Reed, Maria Palmer, Lowell Gilmore, Hugo Haas, Dena Penn and Glenn Vernon. The acting car- ries conviction in every instance. As author of the screenplay as well as producer Robinson has acquitted himself more than well. Jacques Tourneur has con- tributed strong direction. Atmospherically the film has a lot in its favor. CAST: Tamara Toumanova, Gregory Peck, Alan Reed, Maria Palmer, Lowell Gilmore, Hugo Haas, Dena Penn, Glenn Vernon, Igor Dolgoruki, Edward L. Durst, Lou Crosby, William Challee, Joseph Vitale, Erford Gage, Ivan Triesault, Maria Bibikov, Edgar Licho, Gretl Dupont, Peter Helmets. CREDITS: Producer, Casey Robinson; Di- rector, Jacques Tourneur; Screenplay, Casey Robinson; Based on story by Melchior Leng- yel; Musical Score, Daniele Amfitheatrof; Musical Director, C. Bakaleinikoff; Cam- eraman, Tony Gaudio; Special Effects, Ver- non L. Walker; Art Directors, Albert S. D'Agostino, Carroll Clark; Set Decorators, Darrell Silvera, Harley Miller; Production Designer, Mordecai Gorelik; Film Editor, Joseph Noriega; Sound, Richard Van Hessen. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. Ft. Cobb Theater Bums Fort Cobb, Okla. — Fire of unde- termined origin destroyed Fort Cobb's Rialto Theater, and Earl Rains, owner, said rebuilding of the structure may be impossible at this time. His financial loss was esti- mated at $15,000. itif Thursday, April 27, 1944 ^*\ DAILY 11 • Reviews OF THC ncui f iims • \ i7c "Two Girls and a Sailor" with Van Johnson, June Allyson, I' Gloria DeHaven tM-G-M 124 Mins. MUSICAL OFFERING QUALITY AND QUANTITY HAS EVERYTHING TO SET UP AS BOX-OFFICE BANG. Bursting with entertainment delivered , by a battery of topflight performers, "Two Girls and a Sailor" is a super-musical that bids for the maximum of business, and justly so. Diversion in the lush Metro tradition, the film is another distinct achievement for , Producer Joe Pasternak, who has stinted , neither in cost nor talent to guarantee the , success of the enterprise- To say the pic- ture is an unalloyed delight is an under- statement. 1 1 Music, romance and comedy could not have been blended more expertly or more tastefully than they are in "Two Girls and a Sailor." The contents serve the enter- ' ]tainment requirements of all groups superla- tively well. The entertainment ranges from 'the low buffoonery of Jimmy Durante to the musical elegance of Albert Coates, the noted conductor. The wealth of music that has gone into the making of the film repre- i sents such a wide variety that every musical taste will be satisfied. '' ' No less than 18 song creators have con- tributed their work to "Two Girls and a ''Sailor." Most of the accompaniments are provided by Harry James and his Music " Makers and Xavier Cugat and his orchestra. Of special interest is one piano rendition "'by Jose Iturbi. Lina Romay executes sev- ,,eral songs with the Cugat aggregation that explain why Metro signed her to a long "'contract. Others whose singing talents are "jenlisted in the glittering and expansive pro- 1 duction numbers are Lena Home, Virginia '" 'O'Brien, Carlos Ramirez, the Wilde Twins, "'and Helen Forrest, not to mention June "Allyson, Gloria DeHaven and Durante, all three of whom appear in the film's story. IJi'Brief but effective appearances are made i'by Gracie Allen and Ben Blue. *, The charming story tells of two sisters '^["(Misses Allyson and DeHaven), entertain- .Urs, vying for the affection of the same ''chap, a wealthy sailor lad (Van Johnson). '"When the youth is forced to make a choice, '*' 10 picks Miss Allyson, Miss DeHaven find- •Jj.'ng her man in a soldier (Tom Drake). "'l The cast is tops. Johnson and the Misses '""Mlyson and DeHaven and Drake play the 'oung people superbly. Durante is teri-ific Otj n the chief comedy assignment. Others in Mljf he story sequences who deserve mention itrire Henry Stephenson, Henry O'Neill and '(ip'rank Sully. AT Richard Connell and Gladys Lehman con- /tf'heived a fine screenplay, which was directed 'n grand fashion by Richard Thorpe- The 'nusical direction of Georgie Stoll, the dance direction of Sammy Lee and art direction 'f Cedric Gibbons and the camera work of 'lobert Surtees are important assets. CAST: Van Johnson, June Allyson, Gloria )eHaven, Jose Iturbi, Jimmy Durante, Gracie Jlen, Lena Home, Tom Drake, Henry tephenson, Henry O'Neill, Ben Blue, Carlos ,amirez, Frank Sully, Albert Coates, Donald leek, Amparo Novarro, Virginia O'Brien, Vilde Twins, Frank Jenks, Harry James nd His Music Makers, Helen Forrest, Xavier ^lugat and orchestra, Lina Romay. CREDITS: Producer, Joe Pasternak; Di- "Gambler's Choice" with Chester Morris, Nancy Kelly, Russell Hayden (HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW) Paramount 65 Mins. COLORFUL MELODRAMA SET AGAINST THE OLD NEW YORK TENDERLOIN SHOULD PLEASE. Here is a colorful offering which has the New York Tenderloin district of 1911 as its background. It has been ably directed by Frank McDonald and has been given good production values by Producers Wil- liam Pine and William Thomas. Chester Morris, determined to rule gam- bling in the Tenderloin, decides to take away Sheldon Leonard's star attraction, "the Garter Girl." He discovers that the "girl " is Nancy Kelly, a childhood friend. Morris also finds that Russell Hayden, a militant police lieutenant and foe of gam- bling, is another childhood friend. Leonard sends out gunmen to murder Morris, but he outwits them and one of Leonard's own men is slain. Leonard also tries to "frame" Hayden, but Morris, realiz- ing Nancy is in love with Hayden, uncovers the plot and saves Nancy's sweetheart. Morris, Nancy Kelly and Russell Hayden, former Western player, do good work in the starring roles, while Lee Patrick, Lloyd Corrigan, Sheldon Leonard, Lyie Talbot, Charles Arnt, Tom Dugan and Maxine Lewis lend able support. Maxwell Shane and Irv- ing Reis wrote the screenplay, based on a story by Howard Emmett Rogers and James Edward Grant. CAST: Chester Morris, Nancy Kelly, Rus- sell Hayden, Lee Patrick, Lloyd Corrigan, Sheldon Leonard, LyIe Talbot, Maxine Lewis, Tom Dugan, Charles Arnt, Billy Nelson. CREDITS: Producers, William Pine and William Thomas; Director, Frank McDonald; Authors, Howard Emmett Rogers and James Edward Grant; Screenplay, Maxwell Shane and Irving Reis; Cameraman, Fred Jackman, Jr., ASC; Editor, Howard Smith; Art Direc- tor, F. Paul Sylos; Sound, James Cochran; Musical Director, Mort Glickman; Set Dec- oraticn, Ben Berk. DIRECTION, Able. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. Cowan Buys an Original IVcsf Cnast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Lester Cowan has purchased "This Is the Life," an original story by Frederick C. 0th- man, syndicate writer, and will make it as a musical. It deals with a mod- ern Rip Van Winkle, a soldier who returns to the United States after an absence of two years overseas and finds new inventions and devices in use. rector, Richard Thorpe; Screenplay, Richard Connell, Gladys Lehman; Musical Director, Georgie Stoll; Dance Director, Sammy Lee; Cameraman, Robert Surtees; Recording Di- rector, Douglas Shearer; Art Director, Cedric Gibbons; Set Decorators, Edwin B. Willis, John Bonar; Film Editor, George Boemler; Songs, Johnny Black, Albert Nichols, Mann Holiner, Earl Brent, Jimmy McHugh, Ralph Freed, Georgie Stoll, Sammy Fain, Xavier Cugat, Curbelo, Gus Arnheim, Ella Fitzger- ald, Al Feldman, Jose Pafumay, Castro Val- encia, Augustin Lara, De Breu, Manuel M. Ponce. DIRECTION, Fine. PHOTOGRAPHY, Fine. "Slightly Terrific" with Leon Errol, Eddie Quillan, Anne Rooney Universal 61 Mins. MUSICAL WILL HAVE TOUGH TIME MAKING GRADE; YOUNG FOLK MOST LIKELY TO BE AMUSED. This low-budget Universal musical is only sporadically diverting. The way the story has been treated only serves to accentuate its hackneyed quality. Further, neither di- rector nor actors are able to pull the show out of the rut. The film is filled with stuff of little interest to anyone out of bobby- socks. Primarily worthy of attention are several song renditions, notably by Donald Novis, Jayne Forrest and Lillian Cornell. The plot is all about the efforts of a bunch of tyros to put on a musical show under the guidance of Eddie Quillan. Their hopes are lifted when they meet a - jerk (Leon Errol) whom they mistake for a mil- lionaire. It so happens that the jerk and the millionaire are twins. The kids don't know this — a fact which makes for a beau- tiful but not too funny mixup. After a long siege of confusion the youngsters are set straight on who's who, and the mil- lionaire, won over by the pleading of Anne Rooney, a member of the show's cast, offers to back the theatrical venture. The direction of Edward F. Cline makes for liveliness if nothing else. A story fay Edith Watkins and Florence McEnany served as the basis of the routine Edward Dein- Stanley Davis screenplay. The cast isn't much to speak of. Errol plays his dual assignment without giving too much of himself. Miss Rooney, Quillan, Betty Kean, Lorraine Krueger, Ray Malone, Lee Bennett and Richard Lane are badly handicapped by direction and material. CAST: Leon Errol, Anne Rooney, Eddie Quillan, Betty Kean, Lorraine Krueger, Ray Malone, Lee Bennett, Richard Lane, Javne Forrest, Donald Novis, Lillian Cornell, Star Dusters, Maritza Dancers, Eight Rhythmeers. CREDITS: Associate Producer, Alexis Thurn-Taxis; Director, Edward F. Cline; Screenplay, Edward Dein, Stanley Davis; Based on Story by Edith Watkins, Florence McEnany; Cameraman, Paul Ivano; Super- vising Art Director, John Goodman; Sound Supervisor, Bernard B. Brown; Musical Direc- tor, Don George; Film Editor, Norman A. Cerf; Songs, Milton Rosen, Everett Carter. DIRECTION, So-So. PHOTOGRAPHY, Okay. Metro Buying Air Time On Syracuse Stations Clark Resumes Decree Parleys Tomorrow (Continued from Page 1) has planned to be in New York the final three days of this week for a conference of district attorneys. Hazen, who resigned early this month as a Warner Bros, vice-presi- dent after serving for nearly a year as liaison between Clark and the distributors, has apparently been retained by the distributors as coun- sel for this case. Hazen made the date by telephone yesterday from New York. It is not likely that the session tentatively set for tomorrow morn- ing will see anything final, although Clark is hopeful of getting a clear idea of how much in the line of con- cessions he can expect from the dis- tributors. Syracuse, N. Y. — Metro, now using 50-word station breaks over WAGE Monday thru Friday for benefit of product being shown locally, is re- ported also dickering with WSYR for the sponsorship of the Kalten- born news program thrice weekly. Mono.'s Four in May West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Monogram will release four features in May, W. Ray John- ston announced. Titles and release dates are: "Law Men," May 6; "De- tective Kitty O'Day," May 13; "The Chinese Cat," May 20, and "Johnny Doesn't Live Here Any More," May 27. Counsels File Briefs in Jackson Park Trust Case Chicago — Vincent O'Brien for Warners; Myles Seeley and Judge Adcock for RKO, 20th-Fox, Loew's, B & K, Paramount, have filed briefs in the Jackson Park Theater anti- trust case before Federal Judge Michael Igoe asking a new trial. At- torney Thomas McConnell for the Jackson Park Theater will answer the defendants' briefs April 29. Photographers, Mechanics' Unions in Pact Talks Negotiations between the newsreel companies and the International Photographers of the Motion Picture Industries, Local 644, lATSE, for new contracts to replace those that expired on Dec. 19, 1943, were re- sumed at Casey's office yesterday. Negotiations started in February but were interrupted by conferences for new agreements between the pro- ducers and the studio unions. Representatives of the Motion Pic- ture Studio Mechanics, Local 52, lATSE, also met with Casey yester- day. lATSE Board to Chart St. Louis Meet Program The program of the biennial con- vention of the lATSE will be set by the executive board of the Al- liance in St. Louis at a week's meet- ing opening May 22. The huddle will precede the lA convention, which starts May 29. Seldes, New School Speaker Gilbert Seldes, CBS director of television will talk on The Nature of Television Programs at the New School for Social Research tonight. Next speaker in the series will be Clarence L. Menser, NBC vice-presi- dent in charge of programs whose May 4 topic will be Television is Here. 12 Ti LORTi L I3C1RTH W I C K M l=» P RCl nUCT ! C^NS 2 n W4 A-T H ST TT -Z-TSn FT" W'^ DAILY Thursday, April 27, 1944 Rep.'s '44-45 Budget $17,750,006 on 68 Pix (Continued from Page 1) days by providing escapist film-fare, entertainment with action, music, romance and down-to-earth human drama, Yates said that Republic's new program will embrace a wide range of story material, with musi- cals predominating. Schedule in- cludes 32 features, eight Roy Rogers Premiere productions, eight Red Ry- der features to star Wild Bill Elliott, eight Smiley Burnette westerns, eight Allan Lane Action westerns and four serials. Eight 1944-45 pictures have been completed and nine are in the cutting rooms, with the studios scheduled to reach peak production during June, July and August, and maintain a steady flow of product thereafter. Included in the finished product are "Man From Frisco," with Michael O'Shea, Ann Shirley and Gene Lock- hart, and "Storm Over Lisbon," with Vera Hruba Ralston, Richard Arlen and Erich von Stroheim, touted as two of the company's biggest at- tractions. Director Ray McCarey begins "At- lantic City," starring Constance Moore and Bradford Taylor, with a strong supporting cast, this week and "Brazil," directed by Al Rogell will go before the cameras shortly. Six other de luxe features will fol- low. De luxe features will be produced by Albert J. Cohen, Robert North, Associate Producer-Directors Albert Rogell, George Sherman, Joseph Kane and Ray McCarey. Associate producers, under Producer Armand Schaefer, include Don H. Brown, Walter Goetz, Rudy Abel, Harry Grey, Herman Millakowsky, Sidney Picker, Leonard Sillman, Lester Sharpe and Eddy White. William J. O'Sullivan, executive producer of action films, will be assisted by Louis Gray, Ron Davidson and Stephen Auer, as associate producers. Stars and featured players under contract total 48, including a group of singing actors and actresses said to be the largest at any Hollywood studio. Five contract players are in the armed services. During April, 39 scenarists have been at work on new season stories while Dance Directors Seymour Felix and Larry Ceballos have had the largest group of dances ever brought to the studio in rehearsals. Expanded production has demanded an increas- ing technical personnel in the past six months. STORK REPORTS West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — A second daughter was born yesterday to Alice Faye and Phil Harris, orchestra leader. WHAT'S NEW IN Television Today TWO film companies are reported surveying the possibilities of a "Muzak" approach to ' television u/hereby film programs would be "piped" to home subscribers on license or "Rental" basis It's argued this would require no public channel and further, that the coaxial cable arrangement presumably would escape FCC jurisdiction. • • New York advent of Darryl F. Zanuck is expected to hypo Twentieth -Fox's tele plans. Company has assigned specialists to investigate tele and is reportedly thinking of getting into it with both feet. . . • Phiico is being besieged by offers of tie-ups from movie companies. . . • Exploitation of theater-shown films by televising trailers looms as a potent means of attracting audiences to movie houses. . . • The New York Herald Tribune has applied for a look-and-listen license. . . • Programs are being planned at WRGB, GE tele outlet in Schenectady, by the New York Daily News, which recently filed with the FCC. • • Du Mont has already reorganized for commercial operation in daily anticipation of FCC authorization to change from its present experimental status. In line, Sam Cuff has been promoted from commercial manager to general manager. . . • Scanning the eye-and-ear picture among the agencies are J. D. Tarcher Cr Co. and Lawrence C. Gumbinner Advertising Agency. Tarcher expects to come in over Du Mont with the McKesson & Robbins wholesale drug account, and Gumbinner intends to do the same with Royal Lace. . . O Also grooming a show for that station is Helena Rubinstein, Inc., the cosmetic outfit. • • Understood that the chief bone of contention in the recent meeting of the tele panel of the Radio Technical Planning Board concerned a change in the sound standard from FM to AM. FM supporters were victorious, though, and the recommendations of the video panel were passed on to panel two, the compromise group on frequency alloca- tions, before being adopted by the RTPB. Present indications point to a delay in the Planning Board's final decision until late Summer when the invasion and other war de- velopments may have progressed enough to allow the FCC to act. PRC's Sales Convention In Hollywood May 29-31 (Continued from Page 1) Loew's Metropolitan Circuit; "Men on Her Mind" to Co-operative Cir- cuit, Detroit, and "Career Girl" to the Schine Circuit. Higher Admission Taxes Fail to Dent Boston Biz Boston — Higher admission taxes have had little or no effect on thea- ter attendance, a survey reveals. Both downtown and larger neighbor- hood houses report business "as us- ual," and, in some cases, better than average. Night clubs have been hard hit by the 30 per cent check levies and some theater operators believe this ac- counts for the lack of suffering on the part of their theaters. Poole to Make Statement IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Robert H. Poole, ex- ecutive secretary of PCC of ITO dis- closed that an announcement will be made in about 10 days regarding the purposes of his Eastern trip and possible conference with Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark. Poole will be accompanied by Hugh Bruen, PCC director, and the trip wil be on behalf of PCC. Yorke Featurettes for CIAA Allen Luey, director, has completed two featurettes on nursing for the Emerson Yorke Studio — "Nursing the Americas" and "Nurses in Train- ing." Films are in Spanish and Portuguese and were produced for CIAA Latin American release. Saugus, Mass., Theater Asks Clearance Relief A reduction in clearance over the State Theater, Saugus, Mass., is sought in an arbitration complaint filed by Richard Rubin, owner of the house. The five consenting companies are named defendants. Complaint asserts that the State must follow the Paramount Theater in Lynn by 30 and 45 days and the Warner in Lynn by 21 days. It is further charged that the Strand, Granada and Mystic in Maiden hold 21 days over the State. Rubin asks that the Maiden clear- ance be abolished or reduced to one day and the Lynn clearance reduced to one day. 25 Stars, 52 Featured Players on WB Roster IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— Warners talent roster has hit another new high, with 25 stars and 52 featured players now under contract, it is disclosed in the latest studio personnel list just issued. Studio also has strong battery of 17 directors, 14 producers, four com- posers and 33 writers. Total of 30 former actors, direc- tors, writers and executives are now in various branches of armed ser- vices. To Unveil WUson Monument A monument for the late Jerry Wilson, husband of Mrs. Jerry Wil- son of the RKO exchange, will be unveiled at Mount Judah Cemetery on May 7. 20lh-Fox Asks Okay Of Sto(k Option Plan (Continued from Page 1) not devote his full time to 20th-Fox. Plan would be administered by the board which would determine which executives would be granted stock options and the number of shares to be optioned. No exec, could receijj an option after 12 months from tni time his employment was terminated because of disability or retirement, or six months in the case of any other termination, or for a period longer than eight years from the date of the option. No more than 20 per cent of shares optioned could be purchased in a calendar year but the right to pur- chase shares would be cumulative. Price per share would be the closing- price on the day of approval, plus $1 per share, and no one person would be granted the right to buy more than 70,000 shares. Options would not be assignable by the re- cipient except to his executor, ad- ministrator, personal representative, wife or children, and, if an option holder should die while employed by 20th-Fox, the option would be exer- cisable within 24 months by any proper assignee, subject to the eight- year limitation. $175,000 Maximum Award In Metro Novel Contest (Continued from Page 1) distinguished board of judges," ac cording to a company announcement yesterday. Judges will be Harry Hansen, lit erary critic for the New York World Telegram; Amy Loveman, associate editor of The Saturday Review oi Literature, and Sidney Franklin, pro ducer of M-G-M's "Random Har vest," "Mrs. Miniver," "Madam? Curie" and the forthcoming "Th« White Cliffs of Dover." The announcement explained that sal the award is offered "because it is tcpei the interest of a motion picture company to foster creative writing and to produce motion pictures basec [i upon the best novels available.';" Only novels for which a publicatiorjlO contract has been signed will b( eligible for consideration, closing date for submission being July 7. lleiV: fe: lat Barryntore Stars In Free Wac Trailer Special trailer starring Lionel Bar- rymore and made by Metro, will be distributed free to theaters in con- nection with Women's Army Corps Recruiting Week, May 11-17. En- titled "To The Ladies," the subject runs 250 feet and is being given to 16,000 theaters by National Screen Service. Frank Whitbeck produced from a script by Edward Schreiber, WAC publicity director. h Geo K Siil! Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old ==OL. 85, NO. 84 NEW YORK. FRIDAY. APRIL 28, 1944 TEN CENTS DISTRIBS. WIN JILMOMAND SUIT McMurphey Finds So. Calif. Needs New Houses Reports Less Urgency For New Theaters in Wash- ington and 'Frisco Area WashingfoH Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — The Southern Cali- fornia area — the Los Angeles and San Diego areas particularly — were found to be greatly in need of addi- tional screen facilities, OCR Amuse- ment Chief George W. McMurphey reported yesterday upon his return from a two-week trip to the West Coast. At the same time, McMur- phey found the need for new thea- ters in the Pacific Northwest and in the San Francisco area is not as acute as he had believed when he (Continued on Page 8) 300 Newsreei Workers Set 5-Year Pads Some 300 soundmen, props, grips ind electricians employed by the lewsreels, film companies and com- mercial producers here yesterday leld new five-year contracts as re- sult of negotiations between repre- sentatives of the employers and (Continued on Page 3) '■larry Brandt Returned ro Presidency of ITOA Harry Brandt, president, and the ntire slate of nominees for officers .f the ITOA were elected yesterday t a membership luncheon-meeting t the Hotpl Astor. Other officers elected were David (Continued on Page 8) Deems Taylor Again Elected Ascap Prexy The Ascap board of directors yes- terday elected the following officers for the next year: Deems Taylor, president; Gustave Schirmer and Os- c?r Hammerstein II, vice-presidents; George W. Meyer, secretary; Max Dreyfus, treasurer; J. J. Bregman, as- sistant secretary, and Irving Caesar, assistant treasurer. Editorial Taxation , . comtnon sense By CHESTER B. BAHN \A/HETHER the average exhibitor appre- ' ' elates the fact or not, he has a direct interest in the course to be adopted by the Congress as a result of the rumpus kicked up by night club and cabaret opera- tors and the talent they normally employ in the wake of the 30 per cent Federal luxury tax which became effective on April. 1. If the Congress backtracks to the point that the 30 per cent levy is cancelled and a lower rate — 10 per cent is suggested as the proper figure — is voted, the country's exhibitors, acting through the Round Table Conference of Exhibitor Organizations, will have a double-edged weapon with which to oppose any further increase in admission tax rates. (And don't dismiss a move in that direction as unlikely). • • IN the first instance, a Congress which has had one less:n in the application (Continued on Page 2) Met. Area Tlieaters Pledge Bond Support Setting a "we'll put it over the top" pace, members of the theaters division of the New York Metropoli- tan WAC organized for the Fifth War Loan Campaign at WAC head- quarters yesterday. Session called at the request of Bob O'Donnell, national campaign (Continued on Page 8) Copies of Court's Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Indicate Victory for Majors; Court to Hear Arguments Between May 15 and June 1 A decisive victory for the distributor-defendants in the $4,950,000 Momand anti-trust action in Oklahoma is indicated in the tentative findings of fact and conclusions of law issued this week by Federal Judge B. E. Broaddus in Oklahoma City. Copies of the tentative findings were re- ceived Wednesday at the home offices. Judge Broaddus will hear argu- ments on the findings by major com- pany counsel some time between May 15 and June 1 in Oklahoma City. Distributor - defendants are re- ported to have been dismissed from the suit, one of three filed since 1931 in which the plaintiff charged that (Continued on Page 3) BIR Won't Require Sworn Report Copies The Bureau of Internal Revenue has not issued, nor does it plan to issue, regulations requiring theaters to attach to their admission tax re- turns sworn copies of reports pre- pared by officers of such theaters, accordinsr to a letter received by Abram F. Mvers, general counsel of national Allied, from D. S. Bliss, deputy commissioner of the Balti- more Bureau. Bliss' letter was in reply to a re- quest by Myers for a clarification (Continued on Page 3) Owen to Vanguard June 1; Para. Vacancy for Erbb? Hugh Owen will remain at Para- mount until about June 1 when he will move over to Vanguard Films as general sales manager, Neil Agnew, former Paramount general sales head, already has taken over the reins at Vansruard as vice-presi- dent in charge of world-wide distri- bution. Owen's stay at Paramount will de- (Continued on Page 3) To Take Over Stock of PEC Parent Co. fo be Known as Pathe Industries News'-eels Meeting Today On Fifth War Loan Co-op Participation of the five newsreels in the Fifth War Loan Campaign will be discussed today at a meeting called by R. J. O'Donnell, national chairman of the industry campaign. Members of the WAC newsreei Di- ( Continued on Page 8) Plans for a new holding company which will take over the stock of PRC Pictures was disclosed yester- dav with the announcemenf that the Terminal Shaker Heights Realty Co. of Cleveland, which presently con- trols the assets of the film company, was moving to acquire via merger the stock of Pathe Laboratories of (Continued on Page 3) Report Film Classics Gets 31 Goldwyn Pix Deal whpreby Film Classics will acquire 31 Samuel Goldwvn pictures, ranging from "Bulldog Drummond" to "The Westerner," was reported yesterday to have been closed, al- though napers have not vet been signed. George Hirliman, Film Clas- (Continued on Page 3) Aopellate Div. Will Hear Chaplin-Selznick Argument Brief, which is scheduled to be argued today by Louis D. Frohlich, of the law firm of Schwartz & Froh- lich, rpr)resenting Charles Chaplin, plaintiff, in his own behalf and that (Continued on Page 8) Paper Shortage Cuts Seattle Film Space Seattle — It is estimated that the theater section of the Times has been reduced 65 per cent because of the paper shortage. Dick Hays, drama editor of the Times, pointed out that it is almost impossible to run any pictures or to review films since the space allotted is only suf- ficient for theater advertisements. ■ ^'^ DAILY Friday, April 28, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 84 Fri., April 28 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher OONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B . BAHN : : : : : : Editor Taxation . . . eonimon sense Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, HI., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St W t. HAVANA — Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien, MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. GE's Dr. Baker Sees Radio Post-War Trend .to i*M nnflnciRL ^(Thursday, April 27) ==;;;=^ NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 141/4 HI/4 141/4 + 1/4 Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak 1 do pfd 1 Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $5 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . 20th Century-Fox pfd 20th-Fox ppf 1 Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Ficts. vtc. . 3% 18% 591/2 1 81 1/4 1 33/4 3% ■•••• 183/8 187/8 + 1/2 581/2 1581/2 — 1/2 803/4 1803/4 — 11/4 593/4 241/4 8 1/4 891/2 23 307/8 021/2 1 11% BOND 593/4 593/4 + 3/8 24 241/4 + 3/g 8 8% -I- 1/8 891/2 891/2 — % 225/8 227/8 + 5/8 301/2 307/8 + % 021/2 1021/2 -t- 3/8 113/4 113/4 _ 1/b MARKET CURB MARKET (Continued from Page 1) of "the lawr of diminishing returns" should be particularly sensitive. And experience with the 30 per cent levy is teaching that when you raise the rate X times you by no means automatically assure an X increase in revenue. It's just another case where theory is brought up short by an encounter with reality. It may be true that the new admission tax rate has not materially hurt film attendance, but this side lines commenta- tor thinks that something more than a m:nth's experience will be required to tell the true story. At any rate, in some lo- calities showmen are apprehensive, or pro- fess to be. Incidentally, there are reports of falling juvenile attendance here and there as a result of the 20 per cent tax on a dime admission. (In one Illinois town, a delegation of youngsters called on the Mayor to enlist his support in a move for a return to the dime-only admission. The kids told His Honor that with an average weekly allowance of just 50 cents, pen- nies counted. Sure, there's a smile in all that, but there's a sericus side, too. Don't forget — those kids are tomorrow's adult patrons). • • BUT to get along to the other edge of the weapon. If the Congress does slash the cabaret and night club luxury tax rate to 10 per cent or restore it to the old 5 per cent, it will have a helluva time trying to justify any further boost in the admission impost. Being candid about it, it will have a helluva job trying to justify the 20 per cent rate now in effect. For remember this: There's a marked difference between the average patron of the motion picture theater and the aver- age customer of the cabaret and night club. The first is a budget spender — his income level sees to that. But the second spends dollars with a flourish where the film-goer carefully counts out pennies. May- be a $3 Federal tariff on a $10 night club tab is too much — evidently it is, if night club biz in New York has slumped 60 per cent under its impact — but how about the two cents tax slapped upon the youngster's dime? Or the 20 cents imposed on the wage earn- er's $1.00 admission. Common sense has some claims, even in taxation, as the New York World-Tele- gram observed the other night. Sharp post-war , decrease |in the number of standard broadcasting stations from the current number of 912 to about 750, 'and an increase in FM stations from a currently op- erating 53 to 500 within five years after the war, was prophesied by Dr. Walter R. G. Baker, vice-presi- dent of General Electric, in an ad- dress yesterday afternoon at the 58th annual meeting of the American Newspaper Publishers Association in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf- Astoria. Some indication, he said, that the figures for FM stations are not "blue sky" can be gained from fact that, in response to a recent ques- tionnaire 144 standard stations indi- cated their intention of adding FM to their present facilities immedi- ately after the war. Of interest primarily to the film industry aside from the potentially greater competition which expanded radio field is expected to present to theater entertainment, is the com- pensating factor of FM's promotional value. While Baker made no men- tion of the film industry specifically, he did assert that FM will present oportunities to many firms and indi- viduals in the post-war world for the reason that more stations can be set up across the nation than is now the case with less effective AM (Ampli- tude Modulation) broadcasting which is not free from static and other interfering noises. cominc and Gomc 11/4 23/4 131/2 11/4 11/4 2% 23/4 131/2 131/2 217/8 21 211/2 + % Coast Studios Start 11 This Week; 55 Shooting West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Eleven new pictures went into production this week, mak- ing a total of 55 pictures shooting. Shutters Night Club, Reopens Film Theater Lowell, Mass. — Victor Lecourt re- opened his State Theater here this week and announced shuttering of his local night club because of the 30 per cent tax. Connei'Y Rites Tomorrow; Operated Upstate Houses Funeral services will be held to- morrow in Ravena, N. Y., for Mitchell Connery, operator of several thea- ters in the Albany area, who died Wednesday of a heart condition. Connery was an associate member of Allied Theaters of New Jersey and was chairman of the Albany district when New York Allied was in existence. E. Thornton Kelley will represent New Jersey Allied at Connery's fun- eral tomorrow. W. Barry in Burma Campaign Wesley Barry, one-time boy star who was an RKO Radio assistant director at the time he enlisted, is in the front lines with a photographic unit in the Burma campaign. Martin Starr Elected Ampa's New President Ampa elected Martin Starr presi- dent as successor to Vincent Trotta at its annual meeting yesterday in the Hotel Piccadilly. James Zabin was elected vice-president; Dave Bader, secretary; Jacques Kopf stein, treasurer; Rutgers Neilson, trustee. Named to the board of directors were Blanche Livingston, Hal Home, William Ferguson, Dave O'Malley and Trotta. Officers will be installed at a party to be staged by Ampa the end of May in celebration of the 50th anni- versary of the industry. Phil Wil- liams, Trotta and Starr were named as an executive committee to handle the arrangements. Guests of honor were Manny Rein- er, recently returned from Iceland where he functioned for the OWI, and Robert Weitman, managing di- rector of the New York Paramount, who was admitted to honorary mem- bership. The principal speaker was Reiner, who discussed the work of the OWI in selling America to the peonle of Iceland. Trotta was presented a crystal cocktail shaker which broke as he was receiving it from James Zabin. Service Men to See Pic First Sixteen mm. prints of "Marine Raiders," RKO's Pat O'Brien, Robert Ryan and Ruth Hussey pic, will be sent to South Pacific areas before this picture gets its general release. Yates, Grainger to Chi. For Regional Sales Meet Chicago — Republic opens the sec- ond of a series of three regional sales conferences at the Drake Ho- tel here Monday. Herbert J, Yates and James R. Grainger are en route from the Coast to attend, as is John LeRoy Johnston. Local meeting will attract Edward Walton and Merritt Davis, Midwestern and Southern dis- trict sales chiefs, respectively, and these branch managers: Winfield Snelson, Atlanta; Harold Laird, Tampa; J. H. Dillon, Charlotte; L. V. Seischnaydre, New Orleans; M. J. Colquhoun, Memphis; Lloyd Rust, Dallas; Glen Alt, Oklahoma City; William Baker, Chicago; William Feld, Des Moines; J. G. Frackman, Milwaukee; W. M. Grant, Minneapo- lis; Harry Lefholtz, Omaha; Nat E. Steinberg, St. Louis; and Franchise Holder R. F. Withers, Kansas City. 20th-Fox's Execs. Will Attend Family Club Dance Darryl F. Zanuck, Joseph M. Schenck, Tom Connors, W. C. Michel and other 20th-Fox officials will at- tend the Home Office Family Club's Shore-Dinner Dance at the Astor Roof tonight, W. C. Gehring, presi- dent of the club, revealed yesterday. According to Harry Reinhardt, chair- man of the ticket committee, tickets for the affair are sold out. BOB O'DONNELL, Fifth War Loan's industry chai.man, plans to leave New York this week- end for the Coast, despite an attack of laryn- gitis. AL 0. BONDY, CE's film distributor, has returned to New York from a New England booking trip in behalf of that company. HYMAN RACHMIL, retired Brooklyn exh'J'^^ |= tor, and his fami.y leave Tuesday for the Cd tO, LO to visit his son, Lewis, a producer for Han/*" ^, Sherman. MARK JENKINS, now in charge of M-C-M's Show Builder, who has been in the Charlotte territory for the past two months, will leave for Memphis in a few days. CLAUDIA DRAKE and PAUL ANDOR, stars of "The Private Life of Dr. Paul Joseph Coeb- bels"; ALFRED ZEISLER, Its director, and HER- BERT 0. PHILLIPS, the author, have returned to Hollywood from Minneapolis airter attending the world premiere of the film in Minneapolis and St. Paul. BENNY FIELDS left the Coast yesterday for a four-week engagement at the Latin Quarter here, after which he will head for the Midwest for a series of theater appearances. TREM CARR, executive director of Monogram, is due here from the Coast for a stay of several weeks. B. G. KRANZE, RKO's Eastern-Central dis- trict manager, returns to Cleveland tomorrow after home office conferences. JANE POWELL arrives in New York Monday morning on the Twentieth Century and will stop at the St. Regis Hotel. LT. (J.C.) HARRY S. 6UXBAUM, USNR. son of Harry H. Buxbaum of 20th-Fox, is in the States on leave of absence. The youth, who has been in the Solomons, is credited with 33 missions for a total of 250 flying hours over enemy territory. Friday, April 28, 1944 ^ DAILY Distributors Win In Momand Suit (Continued from Page 1) he was forced out of business through the expansion of the Grif- _fith circuit. Dismissals are said to \-.^ve been made tentatively in all instances except that of Paramount as it concerns Wewoka, Okla. Some violation may have existed there, the judge indicates, but such assumption is subject to argument. In a 120-page tentative opinion. Judge Broaddus found that while some violations may have existed, there appeared to be no damage to the plaintiff. Some of the provisions of the complaint involved clauses in the standard exhibition contract, such as the credit Ciauses, which are no longer in existence, the judge found. It was also said that no con- spiracy existed, according to the find- ings. The findings do not become bind- ing until signed after the counsel ■ hearings in late May. Trial of the action in Federal I Court, Oklahoma City, spanned six [ and a half weeks in January-Febru- ary, 1943. During the course of the trial, four original defendants, Pathe, Educational, Columbia and First Na- tional, were eliminated. New Holding Co. to Take Over PRC Stock (Crntinued from Page 1) New Jersey and Pathe Laboratories ; of California. The new parent company, in which Shaker Heights will lose its identity, will be known as Pathe Industries and will bring new assets to PRC. It is believed that Robert R. Young, , Allan P. Kirby and Walter W. Fos- kett will be on the directorate. Pathe Laboratories of New Jersey and Pathe Laboratories of California will be absorbed by Pathe Industries. These developments are in accord- ance with a decision of the Shaker Heights board of directors. UU BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO... April 28 Lionel Barrymore Carl Laemmie, Ir. Bryant Washburn J. D. Trop Carl P. York Cecilia Parker April 29 Ralph B. Austrian H. S. Kraft William S. McCune Henry Ginsberg Harold ). Flavin April 30 Joe Yule • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Edward L, Bernays' "Tomorrow's Public Relations — a B!ueprint lor American Business" is recommended reading for industry execs, now, more than ever before, public relations- conscious ... • Didja know that Walter Cleveland Simon who, back in 1911, composed the first original score ever published for a motion picture, will be televised at the piano by Station WRGH, Schnectady, on May 7? . . . • That 1911 pic, by the way, was Kalem's three-reeler, "Arrah-Na-Pough" ... • Tom Wood spotlights Gary Cooper in the 16 issue of Look mag ... • Production of Snafu cartoons for the Army and technical films for the Navy will cause Leon Schlesinger to hold "Merrie Melodies" and "Looney Tunes" to 13 each next season as against the usual 39 All will be in Technicolor ... • Walter Lantz, also making Navy subjects, will produce 13 Technicolor Cartunes for Universal 1944-45 distribuUon ... • Buster Keaton, taking time off from writing chores at Metro, will be seen in Universal's "San Diego I Love You" It's his first camera appearance in three years . . -. • George Jessel and Jimmy Walker will emcee the Eddie Cantor testi- monial May 7; Jessel gets in from the Coast over the week-end . . . • William Porter's Collier's short story, "Well, Forget It," has been acquired by RKO ... • John V. Ward, industry pioneer and one of Universal's first employes, and Mrs. Ward mark their golden anniversary tomorrow at their home, 226 Bryant Ave., Floral Park. L. I Ward, now past 80, was with Biograph before joining "U" ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • FILM CLASSICS, INC., will have a single candle on Us cake today because it was just one year ago that Prexy George Hirliman put an idea to work Believing that outstanding re-issues would do business, Hirliman and associates started Film Classics with 34 Gautnont- British pictures and no outlet for them Today the company has 20 exchanges, 71 features and 400 shorts, with deals pending for more product and 100 per cent representation in exchange centers and plans are under way to break the country up into three zones with a district manager for each In the beginning, the company new that re-issues did business in New York, but the question was, will they do business outside? They did...... • • • A ▲ AVENGE PEARL HASBOB. Report Film Classics Gets 31 Goldwyn Pictures (Continued from Page 1) sics president, refused to comment on the report. The pictures involved in the re- ported deal are expected to include "Bulldog Drummond," "Condemned," "One Heavenly Night," "Devil to Pay," "Palmy Days," "Unholy Gar- den," "Arrowsmith," "Cynara," "Kid From Spain," "The Masquerader," "Roman Scandals," "We Live Again," "Kid Millions," "The Wedding Night," "Barbary Coast," "Strike Me Pink," "These Three," "Dodsworth," "Come and Get It," "Beloved Ene- my," "Woman Chases Man," "The Hurricane," "Stella Dallas," "Dead End," "Marco Polo," "Goldwyn Fol- lies," "Cowboy and the Lady," "Wuthering Heights," "They Shall Have Music," "Raffles" and "The Westerner." 300 Newsreel Workers Get Five- Year Contracts (Continued from Page 1) Motion Picture Studio Mechanics, Local 52, lATSE, held at the office of Pat Casey, producers' labor con- tact. The new agreements, which replace those that expired on Jan. 1, can be reopened after two years for any reason whatever. Under the terms of the contracts the members of Local 52 are entitled to all the concessions recently granted by the producers to the lATSE studio locals, the Conference of Studio Unions and the groups belonging to the basic- agreement. Members of lATSE Local 476, Chicago, who do similar work have been granted a similar contract. Negotiations between the newsreel companies and the International Photographers of the Motion Picture Industries, Local 644, lATSE, for new contracts to replace those that BIR Won't Require Sworn Report Copies (Continued from Page 1) of reports that such requirements had been imposed at the behest of the motion picture distributors as an aid to them in checking the op- erations of the theaters in connec- tion with percentage engagements. Bliss pointed out, however, that Sec- tion 101.32 of Regulations 43 pro- vides, in part, as follows: "Whenever in the course of the business a report is prepared by a treasurer or manager for the benefit of the proprietor, or by the pro- prietor, treasurer or manager for the benefit of some other interested party, whether the report be made daily or at regular intervals or at any time, a sworn copy of the report must be attached to and made a part of the records for the period covered thereby." The latter further said that the records and sworn copies must be kept on file for at least four years. As to indications in certain stories that there was an attempt to link the Bureau of Internal Revenue with existing disputes between the so- called Big Eight and some exhibitors regarding the returns to the distrib- utors on percentage pictures, and that the Bureau was about to launch an investigation of theaters in con- nection with admission tax returns, Bliss wrote: "Any investigations by field of- ficers of the Bureau are for the pur- pose of ascertaining the correct tax liability of the theaters or other places and have no connection with, and are not at the instigation of the owners of the motion picture films showing in the various theaters." Myers, in a bulletin issued yester- day, asks whether the stories orig- inated from careless reporting or were "planted." Then, discussing the Copyright Protection Bureau, original function of which was to investigate alleged unauthorized ex- hibition of pictures and in collecting damages, Myers now hints that "something new has been added" calls upon the distributors to reveal the functions of the agency and the scope of its authority. Owen to Vanguard June 1; Para. Vacancy for Erbb? (Continued from Page 1) pend on how quickly he can break in his successor as Eastern division sales manager. William Erbb, Para- mount's New England district man- ager, conferred with Charles Reagan, general sales manager, on Friday and there appeared a likelihood that Erbb would step into Owen's spot. expired on Dec. 19, 1943, will be resumed at Casey's office today. Ne- gotiations started in February but were interrupted by conferences for new agreements between the pro- ducers and the studio unions. * and JtjlCjrKTjbix every day they play BERNADETTE''* ''THE SULLIVAm THE SONG OF ''THE LODGER' 1. NTURY-FOX ^^ •~*% #»•»- B. G. DeSYLVA, Executive Producer • Directet Written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hacke >ii^»%. i \- ' \ ^ niiiiiiii'ilini.'Mili »i»iini»ii|»i ly JOHN FARROW "Paramount's *The Hitler Gang is worth a million words. If you didn't know it was all true, you wouldn't believe it" -WALTER WINCHELL i TtLEN allvine Z a W 4^TH ST NYC 2 2NI3 P E l?S C] N A L 1HE< F L Friday, April 28, 1944 DAILY Finds So. Calif. Area Needs New Theaters (Cntinued from Page 1) left here to inspect the situation. Although he does not deny that left here to inspect the situation, there is definite room for new houses in the state of Washington and in the San Francisco vicinity, McMur- phey found less urgency there than farther South on the Coast. The immigration of war workers in these areas has stopped, and in some places population is actually dropping, while the need for facilities farther South is growing, McMurphey said. He reported also that there is a serious shortage of construction la- bor and lumber all along the West Coast, predicting that "a hard-headed attitude" will have to be adopted both by OCR and the industry to- ward new construction. Strong proof of need will be required before new theaters are approved, he said. He advised the industry against worry about overseating. Assuring them that not only WPB but also the local area production urgency committees will be plenty tough. McMurphey admitted that in some areas new theaters may be approved which will not be profitable after the war — and which may even be ha-mful to local competition — ^but he insisted that such instances will be few and far between. All the area which he examined on his trip, he added, appeared to have great promise for continued profitable ex- hibition in the post-war period. Because approval for the applica- tions of Fox -West Coast Theaters m.iffht be coming along shortly now, McMurphey said he will contact As- sistant Attorney General Wendell Beree, Department of Justice anti- trust chief, shortly in order to ascer- tain so far as possible' how the De- nartment will look upon expansion by maior circuits in order to provide new screens. While on the Coast, he added he talked with numerous potential applicants for new the- ater construction, including circuit onerators as well as independents. H"'s discussions with Berge and the pven+'i^l disposition by Berge of the FWC applications will be an imn^^'tant determinant in the future h'lndlirg of applications for new construction by McMurphey and by John Eberson, eminent theater archi- tect, serving as consultant to OCR. News-eels Meeting Today On Fifth War Loan Co-op (Continued from Page 1) vision of which Walton Ament is chairman, will attend the meeting at 2 30 p.m. in Fifth War Loan head- qu-j-tprs in the Paramount Building. A'1 film industry publications will nnVilish special issues devoted to the F'fth War Loan well in advance of the start of the campaign. WHAT'S NEW IN Television Today WITH Allen B. DuMont presiding, directors of the Television Broadcasters Asso- ciation meet today. . . • Television Producers Associaticn, meeting at the Hotel Pennsylvania Monday night, will hear a discussion on the effect of color on the tele screen ..Speakers will be Walter J. Swensen, W2XWV' chief engineer, and Bud Gamble. . . • Frisco will get a tele station if the FCC okays the application cf the Associated Broadcasters, Inc., for Channel 6 assignment. . . • Patrick Michael Cunning Television Prod, is making "Vaqueros Ride," two-reel western, on the Coast for tele releasee. . • • Bill Forbes leaves CBS May 15 to join Young & Rubicam as tele supervis:r. . . • And N. W. Ayer & Son of Philly has appointed Herbert Sanford as tele director. . . • Duell, Sloan & Pearce, Inc., will publish Robert E. Lee's "Tele- vision: The Revolutionary Industry" en May 20. • • Evidencing the grcwing interest in tele in the marketing field, the Bulletin of the Nation- al Retail Dry Goods Association is starting a series on it. .Bill MacKee of Ross Federal is di- recting the series. .. .His contributrrs include Claude Collins, former Pathe News editor; "Skip" Weshner, former, UA ad-publicity director, and Phil Williams, March of Time ad director. . . • Department store television will be a major post-war development in boosting retail sales. The National Association of Display Industries will examine the merits of intra-store tele at a confab to be held June 27 in New York. • • NBC is expected to resume spot news pcikups soon. . • CBS is also believed ready to come in since it has a virtually new mobile unit, which has been in storage since U. S. entry into the war. . . • Albert Bordo Prod., just launched in Chi. with SIOO.OOO capitalization, plans to produce shews for tele. . . • Television, as Zenith Radio Corp., sees it, for a time in the post-war period, will face the same economic obstacles which delayed its pre-war progress. . .These include the difficulty of gaining a mass market until well rounded entertainment shows are offered, and advertisers' reluctance to pro- vide such ccstly shows until a large audience can be assured. . . • Pullman Co. is reported planning tele receivers as standard club car equipment in the post-war era. • • Reconstruction of post-war Europe will find England and Holland leading the tele picture on the Continent. Russia is expected to push hard, though, since tele is the ideal educational and propaganda medium. Prior to the Nazi invasion, the Soviets were using RCA apparatus in their Moscow tele outlet. Native equipment was being rapidly developed after these models. . . • A Canadian branch of the American Television Society is in the offing. Wac Drive in Met. Area Cut to War Loan Pattern Women's Army Corps Recruiting Week, May 11-17, will be handled in a manner similar to the Fourth War Loan Drive in the Metropolitan area, the committee announced. Co-chair- men's territories will be broken up into districts and captains appointed to organize and supervise. To coincide with this arrange- ment, Edward C. Dowden, New York City public relations chairman, has arranged his committee as follows: Times Square demonstrations, Mich- ael Edelstein, George Gomperts, William Slater; bulletins and heralds, Blanche F. Livingston; news and trade papers, John A. Cassidy, Paula Gould, Ben Serkowich; radio, Martin Starr; women's colleges, Peggy Foldes. Borough assignments are: Manhattan, Jack Mclnerny, Jerry Sager, Vincent Liguori, Norman Greenberg, Al Naroff; Bronx, Sam Coolick, Ira Morals; Queens, Janice Rentchler, Sid Kain, Ray Malone, Peter McCarty, Sigurd Wexo; Brook- lyn, Joe Lee, Myron Siegal, John Hearns, Al Zimbalist, Sol Handwer- ger, Teddy Trust, Irving Ludwig, and Richmond, Edgar Goth. Unveil Mantell Monument Monument for the late Edmund Mantell, formerly of the Tiffany and Art Theaters, in The Bronx, will be unveiled at Westchester Hills Ceme- tery, Sunday. Harry Brandt Returned To Presidency of ITOA (Continued from Page 1) Weinstock, first vice-president; Max A. Cohen, second vice-president; Leon Rosenblatt, treasurer; Abra- ham Leff, secretary, and John C. Bolte, sergeant-at-arms. Directors elected, in addition to the officers who also serve on the board, were Hyman Rachmil, Abra- ham Shenk, A. H. Eisenstadt, J. J. Goldberg, Gilbert Josephson, Jack Hattem, Rudolph Sanders, Emanuel Hertzig, Samuel Freedman, Leo Brecher, Sam Seelen, Raymond Rhonheimer, A. Erickson, Charles Steiner and Isadore Gottlieb. Charles Boasberg, recently named RKO Metropolitan district manager, and Phil Hodes, branch manager, were guests of the ITOA. Railway Express Trucks To Carry Metro Posters M-G-M has exclusive film industry poster rights for the 4,200 trucks operated by Railway Express Agency in 73 larger U. S. cities under an arrangement closed by the two com- panies and the Douglas Leigh or- ganization. Initial promotion will be for "The White Cliffs of Dover," which starts a truck poster campaign Monday. Mel. Area Theaters Pledge Bond Support (Continued from Page 1) chairman, was attended in force by the Metropolitan committee of which Sam Rinzler and Fred Schwartz are co-chairmen. O'Donnell was given a pledge of "unqualified support.'j '^ Announcement of the Metropolitito chairman for the campaign will be made within a few days. Exhibitor committee members at- tending the meeting, in addition to Rinzler and Schwartz, were: C. C. Moskowitz and Oscar A. Doob, Loew's; Sam Morris, Warners; R. M. Weitman, and Jack Mclnerny, New York Paramount; Harry Man- del and Lou Goldberg, RKO Thea- ters; Emanuel Frisch, Randforce; Harry Brandt; Max A. Cohen, Cine- ma Circuit; David Weinstock. Russf>ll Emdee and Charles McDonald, RKO; William White, Skouras; Irving Les- ser, Roxy Theater; Leo Brecher; Arthur Mayer, Rialto Theater; Ed Rugoff; Erwin Gold, Randforce; Walter Higgins, Prudential Circuit. Also present were Si Fabian. John J. Friedl, R. M. Kennedy and Claude Lee. Appellate Div. Will Hear Chaplin-Selznick Argument (Continued from Page 1) of all other UA stockholders against David 0. Selznick Productions, Inc., Vanguard Films, Inc., David 0. Selz- nick, 20th-Fox Film Corp. and United Artists Corp., was filed yesterday in the N. Y. Supreme Court's Appel- late Division. The defendants are appealing: from an order of Justice Ferdinand Pecora on Jan. 20 which denied their motion to vacate the service of summons and complaint upon them on the ground that the moving defendants were California corporations which, allegedly, were not doing business in New York, and, further, that prior to the commence-;] ment of the action, proceedings had been instituted in California for the dissolution of defendant David 0. Selznick Productions. In the brief filed yesterday, Chap- lin's counsel documented three points, (1) Undisputed facts disclose that under well established authority de- fendants are doing business in New| York and the courts of this state have jurisdiction over them; (2) Authorities primarily relied upon by defendants in N. Y. Supreme Court may all be readily distinguished; and (3) Institution of proceedings in California to dissolve David 0. Selz- nick Productions, Inc., is no bar to the jurisdiction of the New York courts. Suit involves sale of plays and players bv Selznick and was insti-ij tuted in July, 1943. \ „i Negro Pic at the World "We've Comd a Long, Long Way, cavalcade of the Negro race, opens! at the World Theater on Tuesday, ^InerSOn vJnifc RKC^--^*'*^'^*^ '"• ^'p^''s°" announced Saturday that he had resigned as general manager of RKO Theaters '*'r'^ . ,'■ 7. . . , 3nd that he would announce his future plans shortly. It is understood that Alperson will continue )s head of the Wac recruiting drive and other industry war activities. rntimate in Character [nternational in Scope [ndependent in Thought ij -IFDAILY The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old iJOL. 85, NO. 85 NEW YORK. MONDAY. MAY 1. 1944 TEN CENTS ITOA PROTESTS USE OF FILMS FOR TELE RKO Begins Coast-to-Coast Air Show May 29 Local Plugs Will Feature lb-Minute Studio Program On Air Five Times Weekly , A coast-to-coast radio show knowii IS Hollywood Star Time and esti- mated to cost $1,000,000 a year will ie launched May 29 by RKO Radio {Pictures over 177 stations of the Blue Network, it was announced Fri- lay by Ned E. Depinet. New show, which will augment jiKO's heavy use of radio as an ad- (Confinued on Page 7) iees H'wood Tele Production Center '^Wr.'t Cnast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY 5(1 Hollywood — That because of its 4i;ibundance of talent, Hollywood will •iei)e a more important television pro- ^j luction center than New York, was ■f prediction made by Frank E. Mullen, ;j vice-president and general manager (Continued on Page 6) Commando Kelly's Story To Be Filmed by Zanuck Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th-Fox vice- president in charge of production, .'in Friday closed negotiations for ■; the filming of the life of Commando (Continued on Page 7) Freeman Sees Gov't Officials at Capital Wn^hinntnn Bur.. THE FILM DAILY Washingtrn — Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount studio head, was here late last week, conferring with officials at the Navy, Treasury and Post Of- fice departments. Freeman discussed Paramount's forthcoming "Song of the Waves" with Lt. Comdr. Allan Brown, Navy pix chief. He spoke briefly with officials of the Treasury, lun:hed Thursday with Postmaster General Frank C. Walker and spent nearly an hour Friday with Lowell Meilett, former OWI pit chief now a newspaper columnist. Freeman left for New York with Walker Friday afternoon. NAME COMMITTEE FOR FIFTH LOAN Bob O'Donnell Announces Personnel for Film Industry's Participation in Forthcoming Drive Membership of the National Mo- tion Picture Industry Fifth War Loan Committee which will direct the industry's participation in the Fifth War Loan, June 12-July 8, was an- nounced Friday by R. J. O'Donnell, national chairman of the committee. Richard M. Kennedy, who is associ- ated with R. B. Wilby in the opera- tion of a circuit of Southern theaters and WAC chairman for Alabama, will be co-chairman of the national committee. Other members of the committee are as follows: John J. Friedl, president of Minne- sota Amusement Co. and WAC chair- man of the Minneapolis exchange area, will be campaign director. Ray Beall, associate advertising and publicity manager of Interstate (Continued on Page 7) 15,000 Theaters Back Wac Recruiting Drive Theaters enlisted for the indus- try's Wac Recruiting Week drive, May 11-17, will approximate 15,000 as of today, it was estimated over the week-end bv Charles B. McDon- ald who with Harry Brandt serves as field director under National Chairman Edward L. Alperson. Gene Meyers, Manhattan chairman, (Continued on Page 6) K-A-O Earns $1,656,778; Heavy Taxes Bring Drop Keith - Albee - Orpheum Corp. net profit for 1943 was $1,656,778,^ after all charges, including tax provisions, (Continued on Page 6) ielt Predicts Two Future Tele Systems Replying to questions addressed to him by Newman D. Waters, presi- dent of the American Television So- ciety, E. K. Jett, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Com- mission, speaking for himself and not for FCC, predicts two commer- (Continued on Page 7) Griffis in London on Leave From His OWI Film Post Such Practice Would Be In Direct Opposition to Theaters, It Declares The use of motion pictures for re- production via television was at- tacked last week by the ITOA at its bi-monthly meeting at the Hotel Astor. The association went on record as being "unalterably" op- posed to any move by the companies to allow their pictures to be telecast on the grounds that such practice would be in direct opposition to theaters. The ITOA's stand, which became known on Friday, stirred lively in- ( Continued on Page 3) DeMiile Prods. Joins Tele Broadcasters Cecil B. DeMiile Productions has joined Television Broadcasters Asso- ciation thus becoming the first film company by name to afiiliate with the organization. This was announced Friday following a meeting of the board of directors. Other new members include the (Continued on Page 7) Wr'^'inn*m Bureau nf THE FILM 'DAJr V Washington— Stanton Griffis, OWI pix chief, is now in London, it was learned here on good authority Fri- day. On leave from OWI, Grifiis is believed not to be representing that (Continued on Page 3) M'G'MAir Show Seeks Talent ^'Screen Tests/' Over Mutual Starts June 12 Schenck Adds to Stock In Loew's Boston Theater Wnshinnfni, Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — Purchase of 9,896 shares of $25 par common stock in Loew's Boston Theater by Nicholas M. Schenck, head of Loew's, Inc., highlighted a month which saw little shifting in holdings of pix stocks by (Continued on Page 3) Combining radio promotion with a hunt for new talent, M-G-M on June 12 inaugurates a new program, "M-G-M Screen Tests," over the ba- sic Mutual Network of 71 stations, 9:15 to 9:30 five days a week. Pro- gram replaces Metro's present Ful- ton Oursler "People's Reporter," five days weekly over 56 Mutual outlets, which will be dropped May 12. Content of the new radio show will (Continued on Page 6) U. S. Pix at Spain Fair Favored by State Dept. The State Department favors the film industry's participation in the International Sample Fair in Barce- lona, Spain, in June, it was learned (Continued on Page 3) PicUwicU New Trial Motion to he Heard Crunsel for Prefect Theaters, Inc., operating the Pickwick Theater, Greenwich, Conn., has made a motion for a new trial and to set aside the verdict dismissing the anti-trust ac- tion against the distributors. Motion was made to lay the foundation for an appeal. Judge Carroll Hincks, before whom the trial was held in New Haven, will hear arguments on the motion this week. ^ tS YOUR TBEATER ETVLISTED FOR THE WOitfEiV'S ARMY CORPS RECRUITING CAMPAIGN? ^ I3i^ DAILY Vol. S5. Nc.85 Mon., May 1, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, ;\. v., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- T^ea^urer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-ortice al iNew York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway. New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9 7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. — Ralph Wilk, 0425 Hollywood Blvd., Phont Granite 6o07. WASH l.VGTON— Andrew H Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111.. Joseph Eslcr, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Bnai gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred man. The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardoui St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes214. H ONOLULU— Eiken O'Brien MEXICO CITY Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apariado 8817, Mexico, D. F. finflnciflL (.April 28) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. H3/8 143/8 143/8 + 1/8 Am. Seat Col. Picis. vtc. (2li%) Columbia Picts. ptd. . C--n. Fm. Ind Ccn. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak 1 do pfd Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Pa amount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20?h Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Monogram . ids Radio-Keith cvs Sonctone Corp'. Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Picts. vtc. . 44 3% 187/8 58 44 44 + 7/8 37/8 37/8 187/8 187/8 58 158 — Vi 193/8 597/8 245/8 81/4 891/4 23 31 117/8 CURB 3'/8 l'/4 23/4 133/8 3 1/2 193/8 193/8 -f 1/2 591/2 597/8 + 1/8 24 245/8 + 3/8 8 1/4 8 1/4 + 1/8 89 891/4 — 1/4 227/8 23 -f l/s 31 31 + 1/8 113/4 113/4 MARKET 33/4 33/4 + 1/8 1 '/4 VA 25/8 23/4 135/8 135/g + 1/8 3 1/2 31/2 + 1/8 221/2 227/8 221/4 + 3/4 Griffith Asks Jury Trial In Indies' Damage Suit Oklahoma City— The Griffith thea ter interests, facing a $606,000 dam age suit brought by three Oklahoma indies, Friday formally requested a jury trial of the case in the Western Oklahoma Federal District Court. The request was entered by attor- neys for H. J. Giiffith, president of Griffith Southwestern Theaters, and on behalf of the Griffith Amusement Co. The hearing on the case will be held today before Bower Broad- dus, judge of the district. Plaintiffs in the case are M. L. Riggs, operator of the Riggs, Vinita, Okla., A. B. Momand, Shawnee, Okla., and J. D. Wineland, Picher, Okla. 3,979 Houses Pledge for metro's Jubilee Number of theaters pledged to par- ticipate in Metro's 20-year anniver- sary celebration during the week of June 22-28 was boosted to 3,979 at the week-end when 1,664 new pledg- es were recorded. Latter came from 13 Paramount theater affiliates with 796 houses and from 31 indie opera- tors, whose situations total 868. Ask Dilatory 6.000 Houses To File Red Cross Reports An urgent appeal for dilatory the- aters to turn in their reports of Red Cross collections in the recent drive was registered Friday by Joseph Bernhard, industry chairman. While 9,000 theaters have reported collec- tions of approximately $4,000,000, he noted that 6,000 have not filed. These are holding back the record- ing of the industry's achievement of probably doubling last year's collec- tions. "The 9,000 already reported indi- cate that we will double last year's collection," said Bernhard. "This is a better record than the Red Cross itself has been able to achieve be- cause its 1944 goal was only 40 per cent ahead of 1943." Bernhard requested theaters to fill out the form or postcard, or merely write the figure on a theater letter- head, and forward the information to headquarters. PRC Will Complete Full 1943-44 Program by May 15 West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — PRC will have com- nleted its entire 1943-44 program by May 15, four months ahead of sched- ule, according to Leon Fromkess, vice-president in charge of produc- tion. Appellate Div. Reserves Selznick-Chaplin Decision The N. Y. Supreme Court Appel- late Division on Friday reserved de- cision on the appeal of David 0. Selz- nick Productions, Inc., and other de- fendants to vacate the summons and complaint on the ground that the defendants are California corpora- tions not doing business in New York, and that Selznick Productions was in process of dissolution before the Charles Chaplin action was started. Justice Ferdinand Pecora denied the motion to vacate on Jan. 20, the ap- peal follovring. Division also reserved decision on a motion by Ascap for leave to ap- peal to the Court of Appeals in con- nection with the Gem Music Corp. and Denton & Haskins Corp. suit for an accounting. Mono. Will Double Fix ^n High Cost Bracket Monogram will make 12 high- budgeted pictures for the forthcom- ing season, compared with six for he cui'rent lineup, Trem Carr, vice- oresident, said Friday upon his ar- rival from the Coast. The large in- crease in Monogram accounts plus Deak business warrant the doubling of the number of pictures in the higher brackets, Carr said. As previously announced, Mono- gram plans to spend $7,500,000 on its program of 26 features and 16 westerns. Clark Meets Distrib. Reps. On Consent Decree Future Tom C. Clark, Assistant Attorney General, and legal representatives of the consenting companies convened in New York Friday to discuss the future status of the New York con- sent decree. It was a preliminary session to more formal conversations to be held this week. comiDG nno come ALIEN C. SMITH. WPB theater eauipment section chief, is in from Washington for con- ferences with Industry representatives. SAMUEL SPRING, of the new law firm, Sprin? & Eastman, returns from the Coast today. WALTER ). KLINCER, former M-C-M short -ubiects executive, is en route from the Coas* 'or his new affiliation with the Princeton Film Center. B. C. DE SYIVA, returns to Hollywood from Mexico next week. CEOPCE )ESSEL, 20th Century-Fox producer, Trived in New York over the week-end, for con- ferences with home office executives. lOS^PH M. SCHENCK returned to California on Friday. CRAD SFARS and CARL LESERMAN returned from the Coast Friday. STEVE BROIDY arrived Friday from Chica- go. LOU SMITH left Friday for the Coast. CLAUDE LEE and BOB O'DONNELL left yes- terday for Hollywood. DEWEY BLOOM, M-C-M's Canadian exploi- 'eer, returned to Toronto. A. ). O'KEFFE, Universal's Western sales man- nger, leaves tonight for Chicago and Milwaukee. ,'ANE rOWELL arrives In New York today on the first leg of a cross-country p.a. BERNARD KRANZE, RKO branch manager in Cleveland, was in town over the week-end. LINA ROMAY. who appears with Xavier Cu- gat and his orchestra in M-C-M's "Two Girls nnd a Sailor," left for the Coast Saturday. GREGORY DICKSON left for the Coast Sun- day. He will spend a few weeks there. IRENE DUNNE, M-G-M lywood today. star, leaves for Hol- EDWARD K. (TED) O'SHEA, Eastern iaies manager for M-C-M, is due back Tuesday or Wednesday from a three-week tour of Southern exchanges under his supervision. CA'T. JULIAN F. GOLD, USMC, son of Erwin Cold, general manager of the Randforce Amusement Corp., is home on leave after two 1 years with the Marines in the South Pacific Monday, May 1, 19 WB Screening Changed National tradeshowing of "Ma Your Own Bed," which was sch( uled by Warners for May 8, has be shifted to May 15. "Between T Worlds" will be screened May 8 originally announced. ]\EW YORK THEATERS = — RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL- 50th St. & 6Hi Ave. RITA HAYWORTH-GENE KELLY 'COVER GIRL' in Technicolor Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orcheitra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle C-4600 HELD OVER — 2nd WEEK •quYSTIOH J *%.* RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL PARAMOUNTS "LADY IN THE DARK" In Technicolor In Person XAVIER CUCAT AND BAND DEAN MURPHY PARAMOUNT ;«'*'/|e ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS in "UNCERTAIN GLORY- IN PERSON: TED LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAIVn OPENS 9 A.M. BWAY & 47th St BUY BONDS! HUMPHREY BOGART IN WARNERS' I PASSAGE to MARSEILLE ''ISA'' HOLLYWOOD Opens 10 A.M. - Bway 51$t IJ:1f;!H4W STARTS TOMORROW A Jive Jamboree Of Stars And 6 Great Bands! 'JAM SESSION' ON SCREEN First N.Y. Showing Donald O'Connor SUSANNA FOSTER 'THIS IS THE LIFE' IN PERSON Mitch AYRES' ORCHESTRA umlef the direction of STEILJIAVIN Extra! GUS VAN irHTtfWIIIMW .. .15= ^4onday, May 1, 1944 •^ DAILY lOA Protests l>ix 'or Television Use j (Continued from Page 1) 55«erest in industry circles. Some ap- "iraised it as the possible opening jun in a move by indie exhibs. to •estrict tele activities by film com- lanies. I Sit was pointed out during the ITOA L- *iii We^t Coast Bur., THE FILM DAir.Y Hollywood — Universal at the week-end denied a published re- port that the studio had assigned a group of players to make tele- vision tests. It was explained that the players were merely posing for publicity photos in the sta- tion's vicinity. discussions, which were said to havt .■eached the point of bitterness, that ;elevision for which no admission :ee was charged would be in direct ':ompetition to motion picture houses, ;ind the view was expressed that if ;he film companies allowed their pic- aires to be reproduced in such a manner, theaters might have to close, causing the termination of the ex- libition business. The following resolution was ^passed: "Be it resolved that the Indepen- dent Theater Owners Association is jnalterably opposed to producers or distributors of motion pictures allow- ing any of their product to be used for television reproduction in any way, shape or manner inasmuch as such reproduction would be in direct opposition to motion picture theaters and with no admission fee being charged would constitute unfair com- petition. Be it also resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to all such distributors and producers of motion pictures." U. S. Pix at Spain Fair Favored by State Dept. "■ (Continued from Page 1) [Friday. So far, Paramount, Warner Bros, and Universal are the only ,, companies that have agreed to send ;;two pictures each to the affair, but ./Others are expected to send exhibits. ' ' Meanwhile, it was learned that the ' ' Minister of Industry and Commerce 'i'for Spain will permit American com- - panics to take out of the country $25,000 from the gross of each of 10 pictures that may be distributed after the fair. Griffis in London on Leave From His OWI Film Post (Continued from Page 1) agency. It was reported also that J he is not representing Paramount ' Pictures of which he is chairman of the executive committee. No successor will be named to the Griffis post, since he is on leave only and has not resigned. Taylor M. Mills, assistant to Griffis, will serve as acting chief of the pix bureau , until Griffis returns. Close midnight Pix To Youths Under 18 Chicago — Children under 18 are now barred from midnight shows in Aurora, Joliet and Galesburg theaters, it was disclosed here yesterday by M. M. Rubens of Great States. Policy is designed to diminish juvenile de- linquency. Resume Building Code Discussion Tomorrow Further discussions of the pro- posed revisions of the New York State standard building code v/ill be held at the offices of the MPPDA tomoiTow, following preliminary talks in the office of former Sen. J. Henry Walters of RKO on Friday. Representatives of out -of -the -city theaters convened to study the pro- posals which are considered drastic in their safety requirements. No action on the code was taken at Fri- day's session. Schenck Adds to Stock In Loew's Boston Theater (Continued from Page 1) company officials. Schenck holds 10,- 913 shares of the stock in all, ac- cording to the current SEC report made public over the week-end. SEC reported also the acquisition of an official 345 shares of the same stock by Loew's, Inc., which now holds 120,982 shares. William A. Scully was shown to have dropped 6,000 warrants for common vtc in Universal Pictures, retaining 12,000. Charles D. Prutz- man dropped 1,500 warrants, retain- ing 13,400. Scully holds 100 shares of Universal common and Prutzman 6,000, the latter having exercised his rights to 1,000 shares on March 31. Preston Davie dropped 200 shares of common, retaining 3,500. Davie, through the Standard Capital Co., holds 26,500 shares of the common and warrants for an additional 111,- 283. Joseph Bernhard was revealed to have disposed of 500 shares of War- ners' $5 par common, retaining 6,000 shal'es. Stephen Callaghan dropped 100 shares of Paramount dollar par common, holding 200, and George H. Shaw acquired 500 shares of RKO dollar par common — his entire hold- ing at the end of the last month. DeGaulle Govt. Sets Up Special Newsreel Section Algiers (By Air Mail) — DeGaulle government has set up a special newsreel section of Franee-Afrique, official French news agency to pho- tograph important war events in the Mediterranean and beyond. Section is headed by Gilbert Comte, French film figure, and is under the auspices of the Comissary for Information. FWC Honors Miss Stone Therese Stone, assistant to Hen- derson M. Richey, M-G-M exhibitor relations' head, will be guest of honor at the 124th convention of the New York City Federation of Wo- men's Clubs which will be held at the Hotel Astor Friday. Rep. Regional Opens in ChL Chicago — With Herbert J. Yates, James R. Grainger and Walter L. Titus, Jr., of the home office attend- ing, and John LeRoy Johnston here from the studio. Republic opens a regional sales parley at the Drake Hotel today. No. 29 Outstanding Industry Personalities 3ci4t ifO*i Homa tUe*H. — IT'S extraneous to say: "Meet the vice-president in charge of sales for 20th-Fox." Everybody who's who in the trade has so done. He attended Manhattan College, and to prove both his tex- ture and mettle went forh to vend cotton goods and steel products. Back in 1913, became a Pathe salesman, and three years later dittoed for Metro, progenitor of M-G-M, becoming through suc- cessive promotions that company's assistant gen- eral sales manager. When M-G-M was brought into official being, his ability made him sure of being an official. Became Southern and Canadian sales manager and Eastern sales manager. In 1941 he was appointed personal assistant to the late Sidney R. Kent at 20th-Fox, and in 1942 was elected vice-president in charge of sales and to a directorship. IT is appropriate that this keystone in the affairs of Universal is a product of the Key- stone State. His executive qualities spring from strength of character and the firm grasp he has upon busitiess and human elements. Speaking of strength, he was educated in the lair of the Nittany Lion {Penn State), and, speaking of firm grasp, he went on to take his law degree in the kennel of the Bulldog (Yale). Down in the Wall Street sector, ivliere you will find both big build- ings and big legalists, he was a partner in the law firm of Chadbourne, Hunt, Jaeckel i3 Brown. Was active in the formation of RKO. In 1936 he became associated with Universal where he is now vice-president, general counsel, and a member of both the executive committee and the directorate. Is held in warmest esteem by his fellow officials, firm's employes, and every wing of the trade. THE director of exhibitor relations for M-G-M and the assistant to that company's sales manager, this gentleman from Indiana has had a career in both the exhibition and distribution branches of the business and can speak with authority on matters pertaining to both. A founder of Allied States Association and a leader for many years in the national organization and its Michigan unit, he became associated with the distribution side in 1939. Began his business career as a newspaper man in Fostoria, O., and has never lost his love for the profession. Prob- ably knows more persons in exhibition and dis- tribution than anybody else in the business. They can easily be identified by referring to the 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18, N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. SOME FACTS ABOUT ONE OF THE GREATEST BOX-OFFICE PICTURES OF A . . . 5,000,000 people have seen it in 120 openings ! . . . from coast to coast it has broken record after record ! . . . more than 600,000 admissions have already been paid at the Rivoli, New York — all-time attendance record! . . . it has won five Academy Awards! . . . currently in Detroit, it has more than doubled biggest previous 20th gross! 27 weeks playing time in Los Angeles! 15 weeks in New York — and still going! 7 weeks in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago! 4 weeks in St. Louis! 3 weeks in Denver, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Washington ...and many current engagements will set new long runs! riME... ^ a^ ^ ~ ^ . Denver Lj 2: >t £)es Moines (i 2. ^ u 2: 5 Detroit [^ — ^ Indianapolis ^ 2 N Z Kansas City Los Angeles Memphis Milwaukee Minneapolis New Haven New Orleans New York Oklahoma Omaha Philadelphia Pittsburgh Portland Salt Lake San Francisco Seattle St. Louis Washington Warner Screening Room RKO Screening Room RKO Screening Room Paramount Sc. Room 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. Wariier Screening Room RKO Screening Room Warner Screening Room Paramount Sc. Room Paramount Sc. Room 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. Film Exchange Bldg. Paramount Sc. Room 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. Vitagraph Sc. Room Paramount Sc. Room Warner Th. Sc. Rm. 20th Centiiry-Fox Sc. Rm. Warner Th. Proj. Room 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. Home Office 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. Vine St. Sc. Room 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. Star Screening Room 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. Republic Sc. Room Jewel Box Sc. Rm. S'renco Sc. Room Earle Th. Bldg. ADDRESS 79 N. Pearl St. 191 Walton St. N.W. 122 Arlington St. 464 Franklin St. 308 S. Church St. 1307 So. Wabash Ave. Palace Th. Bldg. E. 6th 2300 Payne Ave. 412S.Harwood 2100 Stout St. 1300 High St. 2310 Cass Ave. 116 W. Michigan 1720 Wyandotte St. 2025 S. Vermont Ave. 362 S. Second St. 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 1015 Currie Ave. 70 College St. 200 S. Liberty St. 321 W. 44th St. 10 North Lee Ave. 1502 Davenport St. 1220 Vine St. 1715 Blvd. of Allies 925 N. W. 19th Ave. 216 East 1st South 221 Golden Gate Ave. 2318 Second Ave. 3143 Olive St. 13th & E Sts. N.W. TIME Time 12:30 P.M. 10:00 A.M. 2:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. 1:30 P.M. 7:30 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 12:45 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 10:00 A.M. 1:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 2:30 P.M. 10:00 A.M. 1 :00 P.M. II :00 A.M. 2:00 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 2:00 P.M. 1:30 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 9:30 A.M. J n,aere WAC Recruiting May 11-17. Cooperate! M |> P IM ) 13 2 I s T r L ZllV^ 4 4 T H 13 I S T S T Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old rOL 85 NO. 86 NEW YORK. TUESDAY, MAY 2. 1944 TEN CENTS LOEW G-B HOLDINGS TO RANK, 20TH-rOX Brennan, Schwartz Will Operate RKO Theaters Metropolitan and Out-oi- Town Houses Divided Into Two Divisions by Rathvon A new system whereby RKO Theaters will be operated under two divisions was announced yesterday by N. Peter Rathvon, president of RKO Corp., following the resignation of Edward L. Alperson as general manager. James M. Brennan, formerly East- ern zone manager, has been pro- moted to the general managership of the metropolitan group which in- cludes the theaters in Greater New (Continued on Page 12) Scully Realignment Puis 11 In New Posts Appointment of John J. Scully, Boston branch manager of Universal, to the post of district manager cov- ering the Albany, Boston, Buffalo and New Haven territories was an- nounced yesterday by William A. Scully, general sales manager, along with a number of other realignments. Meyer Feltman, Boston exchange salesman, has been named branch (Continued on Page 2) Republic Distribution Gains at Peak — Yates Chicago — Herbert J. Yates, presid- ing at the open session of Republic's regional sales conference at the Drake Hotel here yesterday, dis- (C:ntinued on Page 9) ^ Silverstone Heads Vnited DIetvsreel Murray Silverstone, in charge of foreign distribution yesterday was elected president of the United Newsreel Corp., succeeding Joseph Seidelman of Universal. United con- srlidates newsreel material from the five newsreels for distribution in Certain foreign countries and among the armed forces. J Arthur RanU Reported Discussing 17. S. Production Arrangentent With William Goetz London (By Cable) — J. Arthur Rank is reported discussing an American pro- duction deal with William Goetz, but Wardour St. believes that the deal is far from being set at this time. Proposii'ion, it is understood, calls for Goetz, presumably through International Pictures in which the Hollywosd producer is associated with Leo Spitz, to make product for world-wide release through Rank's Eagle-Lion Films, Ltd- Sources close to Rank yesterday described as unfounded reports current that Rank had been discussing a similar arrangement with Sam Goldwyn. Cagney's Six (or UA To Cost $10,000,000 A $10,000,000 production program of six pictures for release through United Artists was announced yes- terday by William Cagney, president of William Cagney Productions. Cagney yesterday purchased "Bugles in the Afternoon," Saturday Eve- ning Post serial, by Ex'nest Haycox. Five of the six pictures will star James Cagney. They are "Blood on the Sun," "Only the Valiant," "Port Royal," ' Bugles in the Afternoon" and an untitled murder mystery. The sixth will be Thome Smith's "The Stray Lamb." Beall Names Five Aides For Fifth Loan Campaign Ray Beall, publicity director of the industry's Fifth War Loan Com- mittee, yesterday announced the vol- unteer staff that will assist him in (Continued on Page 12) Theater Fire Law For Iowa Advocated Des Moines, la. — Iowa Fire Mar- shal John Strohm stressed the need for a theater fire law in the slate, pointing out the number of fires in motion picture houses in Iowa dur- ing the past six-month period had reached an all time high. He reported more than 10 fires during the six-month period with four houses destroyed in the blazes. Total damages from the fires was placed at over $250,000. During (Continued on Page 9) DuMont Directors and Officers Are Renamed Passaic, N. J. — All officers and di- rectors of Allen B. DuMont Labora- tories, Inc., were re-elected yester- day at the annual stockholders and board meetings, and the past year's actions of the board were unani- mously approved, including a pro- posal to eliminate mention of the (Continued on Page 12) lATSE to Map Post-War Plans To Protect Interests of Members in Service Filmis Go Thru Despite Record Mississippi Flood St. Louis — The highest flood in a century is sweeping down the Mis- sissippi from St. Louis where the water crested at 39.1 feet, almost two inches above the mark recorded (Continued on Page 2) Post-war plans aimed at safe- guarding the interests of members now in the armed forces are ex- pected to loom large among the mat- ters that will be discussed at the lATSE convention in St. Louis the week starting May 29. It is under- stood that in line with such plans the delegates to the meeting will (Continued «n Page 12) Deal Closed in London for Disposal of Shares in the Metropolis-Bradford Trust London (By Cable) — Loew's hold- ings in Metropolis & Bradford Trust, which controls Gaumont - Bi'itish, have been purchased by 20th-Fox and J. Arthur Rank, it was learned au- thoritatively here yesterday. With 20th-Fox, Loew's had owned a 49 per cent interest in M & B, consisting of "B" non-voting shares held through the United American Investing Corp., a 20th-Fox subsidi- ary. Loew's holdings were acquired some years ago from 20th-Fox for approximately $3,500,000. Whether Loew's shares now are to (C:ntinued on Page 9) Mexican Films Gain In Latin America H'est Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Reports reaching the State Department from its offices in Latin America indicate that, al- though pix receipts there are record highs, the Hollywood product has not been sharing in the boom in (Continued on Page 9) Hub Hears Erbb, Kane and Moore Slated to Advance Boston — Although official an- nouncement has not yet been made, it is reliably reported here that Wil- liam E. Erbb, for many years dis- (Continued on Page 12) Hear Industry Post For Eric Johnston Eric Johnston, president of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, re- portedly is being considered for an important film industry post. Spe- cific duties, in the event that he joins the industry in some capacity, have n:t been revealed, but there is some speculation as to his pos- sible appointment as an industry representative in Washington. DAILY Tuesday, May 2, 1944 Vol. 85, No. 86 Tues., May 2, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN Editor Published daily except Saturday!, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer ; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St, W. L HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY — Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. finnnciRL ^ (Monday, May 1) ^^^ NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 143/4 141/2 143/4 + 1/4 ) 18/8 177/8 181/8 + Va Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2% Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. ^m. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak do pfd Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20ih Century-Fox . . . 20th Centuty-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith War. . .. Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Picts. vtc. . 43/8 4 43/8 -I- 1/2 19^8 18% 191/2 + % 1581/2 158 1581/2 + 1 193/4 191/2 19% + "1/4 60 59% 60 + 1/4 247/8 243/4 247/8 8/2 8/8 8/2 + 89/4 891/4 89/4 — 23/4 22/8 i3/4 + 30/8 30/8 — ll'/8 iiys .. 30/8 12 BOND MARKET 925/8 925/8 925/8 CURB MARKET 35/8 35/8 35/8 13/g 13/8 13/8 - Va 131/2 131/2 131/2 — 31/2 31/2 31/2 . 23 23 23 + 223/4 225/8 22% + Milder Coming Here for WB Brit. Production Talks London (By Cable) — Max Milder, Warners' managing director here, leaves for New York and Hollywood shortly to confer with Harry M. Warner and Jack L. Warner on Brit- ish production plans. 20th-Fox Product Set For Cuban Smith Circuit Havana (By Air Mail) — Smith Cir- cuit and 20th Century-Fox have finally signed a 1943-44 contract. Films Go Thru Despite Record Mississippi Flood (Continued from Page 1) last June and only about two feet below the all time high of 41.39 feet established in 1844, but in the face of this situation the various film delivery concerns serving the St. Louis territory continued their ser- vice to some 400 theaters without too much interruption. A check last night indicated that only the houses in Valmeyer, 111., and Bland, Mo., and perhaps Morrison, Mo., had not operated Sunday. To reach some of their towns the truck drivers had to make long de- turs and in other instances they drove through water almost up to the engine tops to reach their desti- nation. From points along the Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Wabash and Ohio Rivers latest reports were the worst of the flood has passed. NLRB Rejects lATSE's 20th-Fox Election Plea The petition of the lATSE for a new election for a bargaining agent for white-collar vi^orkers at the 20th- Fox exchange here has been re- jected by the regional NLRB. The Alliance had contested the right of the Screen Office and Professional Employes Guild, Local 114, UOPWA, CIO. to represent the workers. The SOPEG has been agent for them since it won an election at the ex- change on Feb. 5, 1943. Hollywood Sold Out for Preview of "Mark Twain' With every seat in the Hollywood Theater assigned to an audience of social and civic personages, motion picture critics and editors and others, the Madison Square Boys Club has completed its preparations for to- night's benefit press preview it will sponsor of "The Adventures of Mark Twain." Among those at tonight's preview will be Fredric March who has the title role, Mrs. March (Florence Eldridge), Jesse L. Lasky, producer, and Joan Leslie. Rawson loins Metro for Special Assignments Mitchell Rawson joined Metro's publicity staff to handle special as- signments. Rawson, last with David 0. Selznick on the Coast as nub- licity director, previously was War- ners' Eastern publicity manager. Bettv Moisson, formerly on Life Magazine, has joined the M-G-M publicity department as national magazine publicity contact. NSS Warehouse for Chi. Chicago — National Screen Service is opening a warehouse at 1922 So. Halsted St.. which will service, not "rily the Chicao-o district, but also Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Kansas City, St. Louis, Des Moines, Omaha, and Indianapolis branches. Scully Realignment Puts 11 in New Posts (Continued from Page 1) manager to succeed Scully. H. J. Martin, also a Boston salesman, has been advanced to sales manager in Boston, while J. V. Frew, formerly a salesman in Cincinnati and In- dianapolis, has been promoted to branch manager in Charlotte. W. M. Richardson, Atlanta branch man- ager, goes to New Orleans to man- age the branch there, succeeding N. Lamantia, who has been called into service. Eugene Vogel, special representa- tive, goes to Albany as branch man- ager and Jerry Spandau, Albany manager, moves to Buflfalo in the same capacity. Abe Weiner, former Buffalo branch manager, is transfer- red to Boston as special representa- tive. Barney Rose, former New England district supervisor, is being transferred to San Francisco as branch manager, replacing Lon Hoss who becomes sales manager of the Los Angeles branch. L. Brauer, for- merly manager of the Charlotte of- fice, goes to Atlanta as branch man- ager. All changes are effective May 8. Heat Hits Boston Grosses; Attendance Down by 50% Boston — Death of Cardinal O'Con- nell, which put an almost complete hiatus on pleasure-going for a period of several days, followed by a 70- degree thermometer, which sent thousands to North and South Shore beaches over the week-end, hit local theaters their hardest blow in weeks. Business was off as much as 50 per cent in the larger downtown houses and in the majority of large nabe stands. With cooler weather yesterday, business started picking up, and operators are of the opin- ion that a quick recovery is in pros- pect. NBC's Ed Herlihy News Program Bought by RKO A news program over the NBC network was inaugurated Sunday by RKO under a 13-week contract with options. RKO is sponsoring the Ed Herlihy news broadcast, which will be known as the "4:55 News," and will cover the latest news develop- ment between the issuance of the Sunday morning papers and the time of the broadcast. It will carry a one-minute plug for RKO Radio pic- tures. Announcement of the news pro- gram follows in the wake of the previous announcement that RKO will sponsor "Hollywood Star Time" five times weekly over 177 stations of the Blue Netv/ork. Abraham Rosenberg Dead Seattle — Abraham Rosenberg, re- tired theater man, is dead. Two sons, Al and Jack Rosenberg, are with Hamrick-Evergreen. COfflinC and GOinC JOSEPH M. SCHENCK arrives on the Coast to- day from New York. SAM SPRING, film attorney, has arrived from j Hollywood. AL JOLSON leaves to Coast May 8 to seek Broadway talent for his next film. HARRY TURRELL, Warner Bros. Chicago dis- trict manager, is in Florida on vacation. of t\ I ARCH HERZOC, publicity director B & K Chicago Theater, is vacationing in Sioux City, la. ABE PIATT, district manager for B & K in Chicago, is back at his desk after a Florida va- cation. ALEX HALPERIN, Warner Bros, booking di- rector in Chicago, is back on the job following a vacation in Florida. JULES ALBERTI, Constance Bennett's personal manager, is on a week's business trip to the Coast. DEE LOWRENCE leaves the Coast shortly for New York, to join her husband. Herb Drake, now in the Navy. EDWARD L. HYMAN, an executive of Para- mount Theaters Service Corp., left yesterday on a trip to Chicago, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. He wi.l return in about two weeks. PAT CASEY, producer' labor contact, re- turned to the Coast yesterday after a long sojourn here during which he conducted negotia- tions for new contracts for the studio labor unions. f Ritter, Former Allied Prexy, Suffers Stroke Detroit — James C. Ritter, operator of the Rialto and Rivola Theaters, and former president of National Al- lied, is reported progressing favor- ably, after suffering a slight stroke. Single Contracts Before Chi. Operators' Board Chicago — The directors of the Chi- cago operators' union will meet Thursday to discuss the new indi- vidual theater contracts they are seeking from the theater owners in the Chicago district. Warners Re-Releasing "This Is Army" June 24 Ben Kalmenson, WB general sales manager, announced yesterday that Irving Berlin's "This Is the Army," which was originally released last August, will be re-released nationally on June 24. Antonio Paula Dead Havana (By Air Mail) — Antonio Paula, manager of the Casino Thea- ter in San Antonio de los Banos, is dead. SEID BIRTHDAY OREETIMS TO... May 2 Jules Levey Walter Strenge Brian Aherne Denison Clift William Blakewell THE TRANSCONTINENT IN 200 CHOSEN THEATRES ADVANCE ENGAGEMENTS AT ADVANCED ADMISSIONS LIMITED TO ONE WEEK ONLY ( 7-DAY SHOWING OF -TH £ x*1 m ^i X ^:^ I '^ste-i^r. "WARNER BROS. have an enviable record for combining good citizenship with good picture - making.'* N. Y. Times ^^'*i!mm»s^:^ mk WAOC... AKRON WOKO.. .ALBANY WFBG...ALTOONA WFBR... BALTIMORE WBZ-WBZA.. ■^.CHICAGO WCKY... CINCINNATI WTAM... CLEVELAND WBNS... COLUMBUS BF...EVANSVILLE WOWO... FORT WAYNE KMJ.. .FRESNO WOOD... GRAND RAPluJ ■ ,1... INDIANAPOLIS WIAX...IACKSONVILLE WMBH...IOPLIN KZO... KALAMAZOO WDAr. U... MILWAUKEE WSM... NASHVILLE WSMB...NEW ORLEANS, AR... PHOENIX KOK A... PITTSBURGH JEW YORK WTA, IOX....ST. LOUIS KGB... SAN DIE RC...SAN FRANCISC ;Y... SCHENECTADY YR... SYRACUSE ,? f.. TAMPA WBOW...TERRE HAUTE PL. .'.TOLEDO KVOA... TUCSON ^»iiiHiii»miii]>ii,; mmmmmmmmmf M' U. ...TULSA WOL...WASHINGT ^VA... WHEELING KFH... WICHITA WOEL... WILMINGTON JVTAG... WORCESTER ■ '...YANKTON.;. ^:»a«f*T«»«,5r«mSS*!»n«»»/ t&mmt >Lk' ..-^RK; NEVER, NEVER ANYTHING LIKE WABNERS' NATK .,BW... BUFFALO WMT... CEDAR RAPIDS WGHS... CHARLESTON KFBC...C BO... CUMBERLAND WHIO...DAYTON KFEL... DENVER KSO...DES MOINES WERC...ER WTAQ... GREEN BAY WTIC... HARTFORD WJEJ...HAGERSTOWN WHP...HARRISBUf ANSASCITY KFWB...LOS ANGELE 'JL,. IKY... OKLAHOMA c"* RKfcvJI WHAS... LOUISVILLE WREC...MEMPH KOIL... OMAHA KYW...PHILADELPII MIWIJ^ mu0 5 u ''iify HERE'S HISTORY! For the first time! il-A series of five 15-minute radio shows, Warner created and Warner sponsored, will be featured ahead of every engagement of this attraction! Every program carries specific theatre -and- date announcements! In addition, there will be a con- tinued series of unusual station -break messages, and other big localized radio promotions such as have never before been accomplished! Listen in for Warners' big New in theatre -radio ballyhoo! I N'WIDE LOCALIZED SSHOW RADIO DDDADSIDES! THt SCAIE ON WHICH WARNERS PRODUCED n WILL BE MATCHED BY THE WAY IN WHICH WARNERS INTRODUCE IT! JACK L. WARNER Executive Producer r Tll«day,Miy2,l944 Loew G-B Holdings To Rank, 20th-Fox (Continued from Page 1) be equally divided by 20th-Fox and Rank is not indicated, but it is as- i sumed generally that is the case. The deal has inspired lively specu- lation as to the future management of G-B. Earlier, it was understood ( ithat the deal worked out by Rank, '■; ^pyros P. Skouras, now here, and Sam Eckman, representing Loew's, called for American direction of the circuit for five years. Larry Kent, executive assistant to Skouras, had been mentioned as one of two U. S. joint managing directors for G-B. Meanwhile, it was learned yester- day that Rank and Skouras are still negotiating, indicating that certain other angles of the agreement they have been discussing remain to be cleared. Republic Distribution Gains at Peak — Yates (Gintinued from Page 1) closed that the first 16 weeks of this year show a general increase in Rep.'s distribution greater than any other period in the company's his- tory. Yates reviewed general business conditions, outlined the 1944-45 pro- gram and emphasized the increase in sales and the wider circulation gained for the Roy Rogers Premiere productions. Prexy James R. Grainger will pre- side at today's session and will fur- ther discuss the lineup for next sea- son and current pix. UJEDDinC BELLS Washington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — Engagement is an- nounced of Laura Hallie Walker, daughter of Postmaster General Frank Walker and Mrs. Walker, to Capt. Robert L. Ameno, Army Tank Corps. Seattle — Frank P. Hood, veteran theater man, was married this week to Edna M. MacMillan of Seattle. Wedding invitations followed out the pattern of "the best stage tra- ditions"— they were in the form of theater passes, countersigned by the bride and groom, and bearing the no- tation: No refunds or exchanges. Seattle — H. L. Theuerkauf, shipper for RKO Radio, and Frances Loomis, bookkeeper at Universal, will be mar- ried Saturday. West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Phil Baker and Irm- gard Erik, dancer, will be married May 8, in Beverly Hills. Havana (By Air Mail) — Candida Valcarce, daughter of Jose Valcarce, president of the Valcarce Circuit, and Rogelio Medel Hernandez were married here in the Cathedral. 1*1 "\. DAILY sx.1 . ^,.., . ^__, I • • • INVASION DAY A number ol newspapers are noti- fying advertisers — including movie, theaters — that when and ii the invasion comes, the papers may have to devote all their precious space to covering the invasion news And toss out all advertising This may continue for several days, the warnings say Some New York newspapers will eliminate ads only irom their first one or two editions Figuring that street sales will zoom and wreak havoc with their paper quotas "We'll gladly forego our ads and close our theaters if itil help our boys grab those beachheads," comments on exhibitor ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • CUFF NOTES: The N. Y. Post might like to know that its crusade against the wearing of femme hats in theaters has been picked up by dailies across Canada. . . • Malco's M. A. Lightman has bought the McCall Building in Memphis for SSg'i. . . • Whitney Boulton of Columbia, Harry Brand of 20th-Fox, Walter Compton of UA and Ber- nie Kamins of Sol Lesser Prod, will serve the University Religiotis Conference as public rations counsellors. . . • Johnny Mack Brown stays on at Mono, for eight more Westerns. . . 9 Doris Arden, Chi- cago Times film editor, is on a Southern vacation; Dorothy Hartung fills in. . . 0 Latest mag. to start a pix dept. is Student Life. . . • "Brighton Beach," announced by Metro as a Kathryn Grayson-June Allyson vehicle with Joseph Pasternak producing and Henry Koster directing, will have the bathing beach and the New York Met. as dual background. . . % Czechoslovakia's Hugo Haas, who has produced the first anti-Hitler film in 1936, has been signed by Sam Goldwyn for Bob Hope's "Sylvester the Great.". . % Have prisoners of war been seeing special showings at the Fox, St. Louis. . . % A doff of the lid to Dave O'Malley, Columbia's foreign publicity -advertising chief, for that eye- catching Spanish pictorial plugging "Cover Girl," which will be dis- tributed in Latin America as "Las Modelos ... • Corking copy, that being used by Para, to spotlight "The Hitler Gang" in the trades That double-truck in THE FILM DAILY Friday, with the quartet of Nazi gangster leaders set against a Times Square background, was especially effective ... • Best use of limited space we have seen recently is the Criterion's snazzy front on "Follow the Boys" ▼ TV • • • THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Michael Powell and Emeric Press- burger will visit the U. S. shortly after the London premiere of ''Canter- bury Tales" The co-producers and co-directors of "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," which is slated for early U. S. release, are coming over to do research work on "A Matter of Life and Death" and to engage Holly^wood talent for that pic 'which will go into production in England in September. . . • Virginia Morris, in charge of the prepara- tion of trade ads at 20th-Fox, goes under the knife in a New York hos- pital tomorrow. . . • Western Electric has promoted D. C. Collins to manager of the ERP Division . . • Francis W. McManus, M & P district manager, is the new president of the Catholic Motion Picture Guild of Boston, election taking place at the Champion Hall, North An- dover, retreat conducted by the Jesuits. . . • Arthur L, Gale, long editor of Movie Makers magazine, has joined Willard Pictures as general managei. . . • Stanford Zucker Agency has moved to 420 Madison Ave. . . • Paul Harrison, who recently resigned as NEA Service man- aging editor, joins Arch Reeve, secretary of the West Coast Public In- formation Committee, as his chief aide a week from today. . . • Capt Louis Hay ward, USMC, has a medical discharge Kent Taylor's induction has been deferred to June 1. . . • Harry Goldstein, on ex- tended leave as Para. Cleveland district manager, has returned from Florida ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! Mexican Films Gain In Latin America (G>ntinued from Page 1) proportion to its relative position in the market. Although more features are going from this country to South America than ever before, and al- though our dollar volume in receipts is higher than it has been, the major portion of the increased dollar vol- ume has been going to the Mexican industry. The Argentine industry is also sharing in this boom, it appears, but Mexico has advanced its relative status in the market far more in recent months than has Argentina. The progress of the Mexican in- dustry is not looked upon with great alarm by industry circles here, be- cause it has long been felt that Span- ish-language production would even- tually prove far more profitable in the Latin American countries than it did before the war. There is some speculation, however, as to what will happen to American pix if the cur- rent boom bursts suddenly. It is surmised by some, however, that depression conditions or any- thing approaching them will be felt far more by Mexican and Argen- tine production than by Hollywood. The reason for this is said to be that the wealthier, more highly educated Latin Americans — who could pre- sumably continue to patronize thea- ters through a depression — still hold Hollywood films as their favorite, while the working class citizens, who are now better off financially than they have been in many years, are partial to the Mexican production because of the language. Latin America is the only section from which the State Department has yet received any volume of re- plies to its recent questionnaires sent consular offices all over the world in an attempt to get up-to-the-minute news on the film market outlook. The Department is awaiting further re- plies and in the meantime continuing to amass facts and figures to lay before the peace makers. Theater Fire Law For Iowa Advocated (G}ntinued from Page 1) 1943 there were 11 fires with total damages of only $27,000. Strohem said the theaters needed a fire regulation law, pointing out that the houses at the present time came under the same regulations as other business buildings. Efforts to pass a theater fire regulation bill at the past two sessions of the state legislature have failed. STORK REPORTS Charlotte, N. C. — Barney Slaugh- ter, office manager for Republic, has a new son, Barney Atkins Slaughter, III. MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Harry Lillis (Bing) Crosby is the world's most famous crooner. Since the 1920s... the songs he has sung have been redolent of a whole era. In the process he has become an American institution. But up until this week, with the release of Paramount's Going My IVay^ Bing Crosby has remained essentially just a crooner. ''Going My Way launches him on a career as an actor who is only incidentally a crooner. As Father 'Chuck' O'Malley, a high-spirited young priest who has been assigned by his bishop to straighten out the tangled finances of a Catholic par- ish in the New York slums, he gives a performance that is as warm and friendly and unpretentious as his personality. . . "Leo McCarey... directed Going My JVay reverently without mak- ing it mushy with sentimentality. In it he preaches no sermon, pro- pounds no theological dogma. The result is a fine, human movie ... "Possibly influenced by his su- perlative performance, Paramount executives hastened to sign Crosby up for a new contract which would last 10 years and be conspicuously free of the usual Hollywood options. " Going My JVay is not just all Crosby and nothing else, however. | For, sharing acting honors with him, if not star billing, is a wonderful Irishman named Barry Fitzgerald, who plays the part of Father Fitz- gibbon, the crotchety old pastor of St. Dominick's parish which Father O'Malley must rehabilitate. His performance is one of the half- dozen finer things seen in motion pictures as they complete their first 50 years. Pervading it are the soft chuckle of Irish laughter, the sad searching loneliness of old age and the beautiful simplicity of true faith' T>aramount G CROSBY BARRY FITZGERALD Frank McHugh • James Brown • Jean Heather Gene Lockhart • Porter Hall • Fortunio Bonanova and RISE STEVENS Famous Contralto of Metropolitan Opera Association B. G. DeSYLVA, Executive Producer Screen Play by Frank Butler and Frank Cavett Produced and Directed by LEO AflCCARcY URGES YOU TO WATCH THE WORLD PREMIERE AT N. Y. PARAMOUNT TOMORROW ! Tuesday, May 2, 1944 Winnipeg Vaude Out, In Winnipeg — With the Beacon drop- ping vaude, claiming inability to obtain suitable American talent, the Dominion has inaugurated a vaude policy. Para. Re-signs Harold Wilson IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Harold Wilson, assis- tant to B. G. De Sylva, has been signed to a new Paramount two-year deal. No. 30 Outstanding Industry Personalities CAYUGA'S waters not only turns one's thoughts to sails, but apparently to sales. Witness this native of New York City who made Cornell his alma mater. After serving in the U. S. Army, he took on job of salesman for U. S. Steel Corp. Then vended pix for Pro- ducers Distributing Corp. out Cleveland way. Became branch manager for P.D.C. and Pathe in Albany, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Down in the City of Brotherly Love, the House of Warner so admired him that it inducted him and his talents. Later he served with UA's sales setup, going over to RKO as Eastern and Southern Sales Manager. In 1942, RKO Radio Pictures installed him as general sales manager, his present post wherein he has performed his duties with solid skill and precision under- standing of distribution and exhibition. WHILE we always associate this exhibitor leader with Texas, he was born in Brooklyn and educated at Georgia Tech. A former presi- dent and founder of Allied States Association, he has been active in all trade practice confer- ences and unity movies in the interest of the independent exhibitor. Has been head of the Texas Allied unit for years. Has been an ex- hibitor since 1919 and owns an interest in Texas Federated Theaters. Before joining the industry he was a fire insurance inspector and in the real estate insurance business in Dallas. In the Army from 1917 to 1919. Is a vice-president of national Allied. OUT of the Mid-West came this promotional Lochinvar, born in Hinsdale, 111. After cul- tivating the Garden of Thought at the Univer- sity of Chicago, he served as publicist for Shubert Theaters in that city, then to the film and drama editor's chair at the Chicago Herald & Examiner. Resigned to join the publicity forces of Balaban & Katz, subsequently moving over to RKO Mid- west Theaters as that chain's director of publicity and advertising. \Vhen the New Universal was carefully probing the marts for a promotionalist with a savoir faire to expertly clarion their screen fare, he answered the call. Now headquarters at Universal City with the title director of adver- tising, publicity and exploitation. Grossing power of company's annual lineups is due in no small measure to his unusual ability. They can easily be identified fcy referring to ffie 7944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Published by THE FILM DAILY — 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 18. N. Y. HOLLYWOOD OFFICE: 6425 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. IN NEW POSTS KEN PRICKETT, Metro exploitation rep., New Orleans. N. J. AIELLO, manager, Imperial, Detroit. JACK FECLER, account exec, Blow Co., Ind. W. F. BROWN, manager. Van Croix, Melbourne, Fla. BERT LANG, manager. Blue Mouse, Seattle. MAX riTSCHMAN, assistant manager, the Music Hall, Seattle. PAUL STROUT, assistant manager. Blue Mouse, Seattle. FRED SWEET, manager. Cinema, Detroit. ALBERT CONN, manager. Willow Run, Willow Run, Mich. KAL BRUSS, salesman, National Screen Service, Cincinnati. C. L. WALTERS, operator. Plaza, Charlotte. CHARLES MILLER, sales manager. All American 'News Reel, Chicago. R. T. ORTH, manager, RCA plant, Chicago. lATSE Meet to Map Plans for Post-War (Continued from Page 1) take up means of strengthening the Alliance to the greatest possible de- gree. "We should never forget," declares the lATSE, "that it is our duty to keep trust with them (its members in the service) to guard their inter- ests as they are guarding ours by maintaining unionism at the highest standards and protect their jobs." How important the question is to the lATSE is indicated by the fact that to date 5,580 members are in uniform. Hub Hears Erbb, Kane and Moore Slated to Advance (Continued from Page 1) trict manager for Paramount in this territory, will be handed a promo- tion and transfer to the New York offices to become Eastern sales man- ager. According to information from au- thentic source, this moves Al Kane, now branch manager in Boston and president of the Variety Club, to position of district manager here and elevates John Moore from office manager to that of branch manager. All these changes are still unofficial but definitely in the process of being worked out, probably this week. DuMont Directors and Officers Are Renamed (Continued from Page 1) former 6 per cent preferred from the certificate of incorporation. DuMont board includes Leonard F. Cramer, AHen B. DuMont, Brace T. DuMont, Thomas T. Goldsmith, •Tr., Bernard Goodwin, Arthur Israel, ^r. Paul Raibourn, and Albert J. Richard. Officers include Allen Du- Mont, president; Cramer, vice-presi- dent; Raibourn, treasurer; Goodwin secretary; Israel, Jr., assistant sec- retary, and Joseph J. Doughney, as- sistant treasurer. Brennan, Sdiwartz Operate RKO Houses (Continued from Page 1) York and New Jersey. Sol A. Schwartz, formerly Western zone manager, moves up to the manager- ship of all out-of-town theaters. Film buying for both divisions will remain with the head office buying staff under the direction of Harold | Mirisch. j: (" Brennan and Schwartz will have ** their headquarters here. Both men have long service records with RKO. Alperson to Devote More Time to Pix War Efforts Edward L. Alperson will devote more of his time to the industry's war efforts, he announced yesterday. As general chairman of the Women's Army Corps Recruiting Week, Al- person today will attend a Wac meet- ing with the Manhattan exhibitor committee at Skouras' Riverside Theater, along with Harry Mandel, national publicity director, and Ed- ward C. Dowden, New York City public relations chairman. Meanwhile, proclamations have been received from all five borough presidents who have placed their com- munities behind the Wac campaign. Beall Names Five Aides For Fifth Loan Campaign (Continued from Page 1) the June 12-July 8 campaign as fol- lows: Silas F. Seadler, advertising man- ager of M-G-M and chairman of the Public Information Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, Eastern Di- vision, to serve as advertising con- sultant and in charge of trade press advertising. Gil Golden, national advertising manager of Warner Bros., to handle sponsored newspaper advertising and work with Seadler on trade press ad- vertising. Alfred Finestone of Paramount, to handle trade press publicity and con- tacts. Martin Starr, United Artists radio director, to be in charge of radio. John Harkins, Eastern publicity representative for Vanguard Films (Selznick), to handle ssmdicates. "Billy" Bitzer, Pioneer Cameraman, Dies in West West Coast Bureau, of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — William (Billy) Bit- zer, known throughout the industry as D. W. Griffith's cameraman, died Saturday at St. Vincent's Hospital following several years' illness from a heart ailment. One of the pioneer cameramen, he had been with the industry since 1896, when he joined the American Mutoscope and Bio- graph Co. He was 72 years old. Following funeral services, the body will be sent East for inter- ment in the family plot. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Ethel Bitzer, and a son, Eden. , P/cfure f/,0f/s (furoFrm wohd i^ *M'.^ 3t*N.* '* ana fA HELEN VINSON • SIDNEY BLACKMER ^^^™™*^' GEORGE SHERMAN, Director Screenplay by Dane Lussier • Frederick Kohner Based on the novel "Donovan's Brain," by Curt Siodmak Ill IS PUTTING THE ^;<^^ ENTERTAINMENT CAREER GIRL starrinq "PioHcc^ lANGFORD Ylovo Vhujing LOEW ^ RKO ^ FOX and WARNER Clrcu^^: MEN ON HER MIND ,i, 7^ar<^ SctH HUGHES I'lo.r V\ aunu^ LOEW ^ RKO ^ FOX and WARNIR iincuUs SHAKE HANDS WITH MURDER // feahmmj tin' NATIONS NiW LAUQH HAM * IRIS ADRIAN * FRANK JENKS NABONGA starr in Li ^c44(€x CRABBE Broke kii RECORDS ^ TEXAS INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT HARVEST MELODY „.„, downs u'n? 3000 <^atls/lo/ exhibitors. _0«i/ more waiting \v\ line! I mm IMS Begionai Rallies to Set Fiith Loan Stage llniimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought {See Column 2 Below) The Daily Newspaper^ Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old FDAILY y)L. 85. NO. 87 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY. MAY 3. 1944 TEN CENTS REGARDUA STOCKHOLDERS MEET CRUCIAL Technicality Kills Drastic Puerto Rican Measure Exhibs.' Association to Fight for Re-enactment of Bill at Session Next Year San Juan, P. R (By Air Mail)— Drastic film distribution regulatory till passed by the House and Senate last month will not become a law due to the failure of the presidents of the two houses to sign the meas- ure before the Legislature adjourned. Under Puerto Rican law, measures (Continued on Page 6) Moskowitz to Direct N. Y. Loan Campaign C. C. Moskowitz, vice-president of Loew's, Inc., in charge of Loew's New York Circuit, yesterday ac- cepted the general chairmanship of the Fifth War Loan for the New York exchange area. In notifying (Continued on Page 8) United Jewish Appeal Campaign Plan Drafted A plan for the United Jewish Ap- peal campaign will be submitted to the amusement division tomorrow at (Continued on Page 3) "Marie TMJoitt" Seen as Box Office Hit In making "The Adventures of Mark Twain," given its world premi- ere at the Hollywood last night, Warners has brought to bear all its vast experience as a producer of film biography in the grand manner — which means that the production un- der scrutiny is an ambitious affair with all the factors necessary for re- sounding box office success. As writ- ten, directed and performed, the screen version of the life of the great humorist emerges as a warm, human and at times exciting film, colorfully and lavishly turned out with a wealth of detail and a vivid sense of realty. (For full rcriew, turn lo I'ni^o 7; jor prfmicri' report, see Along the Kiulto, I'age 6). — PELEGRINE REPORT ON BRITISH MONOPOLY NEAR Expected to Recommend Extension of Agreem.ent Halting Expansion of Major Circuits London (By Cable) — The non- industry committee which was ap- pointed by the British Films Council to scrutinize the monopolistic ten- dency of the Brtish industry is ex- pected to recommend extension of the gentlemen's agreement restrict- ing circuit expansion entered into by Dr. Hugh Dalton, president of the Board of Trade; J. Arthur Eank and Mrs. John Maxwell and Warners. That agreement, disclosed last February, fixes a maximum of 607 theaters as the number to be oper- ated by Associated British, the Max- well circuit in which Warners are heavily interested, and Rank's Odeon and Gaumont-British circuits. United Artists is interested in Odeon, while 20th-Fox has G-B holdings through M & B Trust. Delay in announcement of the Council's report is believed due to (Continued on Page 8) All-Trade Regionals To Spark Loan Drive The film industry will be rallied for its mightiest war effort — the Fifth War Loan — at a series of 15 all-industry regional meetings un- der auspices of State and area WAC's at which the heads of the na- (Continued on Page 8) Monogram Will Produce On a Flexible Budget In order to keep its program flex- ible. Monogram's new season lineup will have no budget within which it must operate, Trem Carr, executive director, said at a press luncheon (Continued on Page 8) D of J's Expansion Policy to Be Asked Washington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — With the first actual case about to be submitted to the Department of Justice for a vitally important decision on the whole mat- ter of circuit expansion during war- (Continued on Page 8) Argentine Distributors Nix Exhibition Quotas Establishment of quotas for the exhibition of Argentine and foreign films as advocated by Argentinian producers has been rejected by the Argentine Film Distributors' Asso- ( Continued on Page 8) NBC Seis Tele Anchor Points Will Operate Five Stations as It Does WNBT Doughboys at McClellan Rap Double-Feature Bills Fort McClellan, Ala. — Majority of G-I's at the Infantry Replacement Training Center here are "agin" double features, although the margin is a close one. In a cross-section poll conducted by the McClellan Cycle, post paper, (Continued on Page 6) To establish "anchor points" of a television system, NBC has filed ap- plications with the FCC for construc- tion permits for stations in Cleve- land, Chicago, Denver, Frisco and Los Angeles, Lt. Gen. J. G- Harbord, RCA board chairman, reported at the company's annual stockholders' meeting at NBC yestei-day. General Harbord said that NBC plans to operate these stations as it (Continued on Page 7) Approval of Proposals for Amended Charter Seen As an Essential Action Approval by the United Artists stockholders of the board's recom- mendations for an amended charter is regarded by the operating man- agement as an essential move for smoother func- tioning of the or- ganization, and the meeting of the stockholders in Wilmington on Friday is consid- ered as a crucial I event. This was | indicated yester- day by both Ed- ward R a f t e r y , I president, and Gradwell Sears, vice-president and general manager of distribution, att (Continued on Page 3) CRAD SEARS Distribs' Decision On Decree Tliis Week WashiiHilou Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark is awaiting word from the distributor defendants (Continued on Page 6) Bob Riskin to Coast on Quest for OWI Film Men Robert Riskin, head of the OWI's Overseas motion picture bureau, (Continued on Page 3) Tele and All Radio Via Single Receiver Advent of a RCA set which, in a single unit, would combine not only FM and AM receivers, but short wave and television receivers as well, plus recording equipment, was fore- cast at the company's stockholders meeting yesterday by Lt. Gen. James Harbord. No hint as to the possible cost of the set was given. TWI if' Wednesday, May 3, 19' ^ DAILY Vol. 85. No. 87 Wed., May 3. 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE DONALD M. MERSEREAU CHESTER B. BAHN Publisher General Manager Editor Pablished daily except Saturday!, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, S516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio GaUndo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. MnnnciflL (Tuesday, May 2) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 15 143/4 15 + 1/4 Am. Seat Col. F>icts. vtc. (21/2% Columbia Picts. pfd. . . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak do pfd Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . 20th Century-Fox pfd Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3555 NEW YORK Monogram Pets Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Picts. vtc . ).. 4'/2 43/8 43/8 .. 201/4 20 201/8 + 159 159 159 + 601/4 60 601/8 + 1/8 25 243^ 247/8 81/2 83/8 83/8 _ l/g 895/8 89 891/4 233/8 231/4 231/4 307/8 303/4 303/4 — 1/8 12 117/8 117/8 BOND MARKET CURB MARKET 4 35/8 4 -f 3/8 11/4 11/4 + 1/8 27/8 27/8 ...;. 133/4 133/4 133/4 -I- 1/, 3'/2 31/2 31/2 ....^ 11/4 27/8 2234 225/8 2234 O'Toole Back on Job June 1 New Haven— T. F. O'Toole, Co- lumbia manager, i.? recuperating at home after an illness of several weeks at St. Raphael's Hospital and is expected back at the office June 1. FBI Enters Ticket Re-sale Case Uncovered in Detroit Detroit — Defrauding a theater op- erator of admission money is a Fed- eral offense, because of the admission tax, it was indicated here with the entrance of the FBI into a fraud charge case at the Monroe Theater, downtown house. Edward Jacobson, manager of the house, detected a doorman and cashier in the act of resellina- tickets, and supported his position by planting three policemen in a darkened room in the ancient Hilsendegen Building where his of- fice is located, and so securing wit- nesses. The accused employes were held in custody for four days, and the FBI conferred on the situation, Jacobson said, but it finally was de- cided to make an example by pub- licity and not prosecution. Eagle-Lion to Release "Colonel Blimp" in U. S. Discounting reports in London to the effect that United Artists would distribute Eagle-Lion's "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," it was an- nounced at a three-day inaugural sales convention of Eagle-Lion dis- tributors sales staff that the Ameri- can company under Arthur Kelly would release the picture in the United States. The convention was attended in London by the complete sales staff organized by Edward T. Carr, man- aging director. "This Happy Breed" and "Canterbury Tales" were screened for the delegates. George Halaby of WB Killed in New Guinea Cantor Broadcast to Raise Drive Curtain Eddie Cantor will devote 9 portion of his regular broadcast, one week from tonight, as a Salute to the Wo- men's Army Corps, thereby launch- ing the Industry's national recruiting drive which starts the next day. Program will be heard over WEAF be- tween 9 and 9:30 p.m., and through- out the country over the NBC net. Radio programs sponsored by local movie circuits also will include boosts for the Wac drive. Lt. George Halaby, who was chief of staff at Warners' New York Strand before going into military service, was killed in action 1^^ in New Guinea on April 16, IJS5 according to word received over the week-end by his father, George Halaby, Sr. Lieut. Halaby had been assigned to battlefront duty at his own request after being detailed as an instructor following injuries he received in a crash in Pueblo, Colo. Coe in Dallas to Speak To Club and Over Air Dallas — Charles Francis Coe is here to speak before the Dallas Salesmanship Club on "Half Way in a Century of the Screen" tomorrow. Today, he will appear on the radio program, "Notes on the Passing Show," conducted by John Rosen- field, amusements editor of the News, in a round-table discussion on 50 years of motion picture growth. RKO Signs Margo to Pact RKO has signed Margo, now in New York, to a five-year termer calling for two pix annually. Rep. Ends Chi. Meet; Next in N.Y.C. May 10-11 Chicago^Republic's two-day sales huddle ended here yesterday. J. R. Grainger, president and general sales manager, presided at the closing ses- sion, at which he and H. J. Yates, Sr., met with representatives from the Midwestern and Southern sales districts, headed by Sales Managers Edward Walton and Merritt Davis, respectively. Grainger discussed the 1944-45 program and forthcoming produc- tions on the company schedule. The next and final sales meeting in the current series is scheduled for May 10 and 11 in New York where Yates and Grainger will meet with Central District Sales Manager Sam Seplowin and Eastern District Sales Manager Maxwell Gillis, heading a group of men from those areas. Bookers' Party Raises Fund For Servicemen's Families SuflScient revenue to take care of 27 families of former bookers now m the armed services was obtained last night through a theater party sponsored by the Motion Picture Bookers Club. Party was held at the Martin Beck Theater where "Jacobowsky and the Colonel" was the attraction. Both distribution and exhibition ex- ecutives attended. The theater was a sellout. Event was managed by bam Berns and George Trilling. Lt. John E. Daly, Jr., Fortress Pilot, Killed Word has been received here of the death of Lt. John E. Daly Jr son of the head of the Loew's mailing department. The 20- year-old youth was a Plying Fortress pilot in the Euro- pean theater. W. L. Fennell Appointed WB Checking Supervisor Seattle— Warren L. Fennell has been appointed to succeed Alfred Bloom as field supervisor of the War ner Bros film checking service for the beattle and Portland territories ( COminG and COIHG / 10 and 11 in New York. ^-^ NCTON, president of Altec A urned to his office in Hollyw^ HAL B. WALLIS leaves for the Coast at week-end. Y. FRANK FREEMAN departs for Hollywood morrow. H. J. YATES, SR., and J. R. GRAINGER turn to New York today after a two-c sales conference in Chicago, to be follovi by the next and final Republic sales sessio to be held May 10 and 11 In New York. /•'^i C. L. CARRINCTON Corp., has retu after a three weeks' stay here EDWARD K. (TED) O'SHEA, M-G-M East; sales manager, returns today from a three-wc tour of Southern exchanges under his supc vision. J. J. GRADY, Cincinnati, district manager i 20th-Fox, was in Buffalo this week. HARRY GOLDSMITH, former Schine book, was back in Buffalo this week on Army furlou from Camp Pickett. CHARLES HARTER, former Columbia book in Buffalo who is now In the Army, was home leave this week to visit his mother, who is ill. FHIL FOX, Columbia branch manager, Buffal went to Detroit this week for a conference w Carl Shalit, district manager. JOE SAMARTANO of the Palace, MeridqU Conn., is vacationing in New York. El HELEN MEYERS, Poll assistant. New Havefs^ is taking a short leave in Atlantic City. H. S. MORRIS, merchandise manager of Alt^ i Service Corp., is visiting Altec's offices in tl| Southeast and Middle West. PAUL ACKERMAN, Para.'s foreign dept. pul licity head, is in Washington. BENNY FIELDS is n town from the Coast f an engagement at the Latin Quarter. AL MARGOLIES is back from the Coast. JACK LAIT, editor of the New York Dai Mirror, has arrived on the West Coast for stay of several weeks to confer with Arthi Schwartz, on the screenplay of "Mr. Broac way." TREM CARR leaves for the Coast tomorrow. BEN SHLYEN returns to Kansas City ear next week. HAROLD S. BUCQUET, M-G-M directo is in Chicago with his wife, attending th graduation of his son Howard at the Grez Lakes Training Station. Howard goes to Wellesle for officers' training course. • Hennan Goldberg's Father Dies Max Goldberg, father of Herma, Goldberg, Warners' sales departmen traveling rep., died yesterday at hi home in Chicago. Herman Goldberj left for Chicago last night to atten( the funeral, which will be held to morrow. I SEEKING A DEPENDABLE SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR YOUR THEATRE TICKETS? _ r- INTERNATIONAL OFFERS: Dependable service . . . Low cost . . . 47 years' experience serving theatres, stadiums, amusement parks, etc. We con supply your needs. Roll, machine folded, reserve seats, etc. Write (or jjmplcs, prices or other inrormation. Delivery free Maine to Virginia. a: i TIDNAL TIC K E T/^i) COMPANY 52 GRAf TON AVE. Vg?/ N E W A R K, N. Sales Of/i'cf, ,„ Principal Centers ednesday, May 3, 1944 'i^ DAILY « UA Stockholders' leeting as Crucial (Continued from Page 1) ;rade press conference in the home ice. Recommendations of the board Jt'ide on April 24 in Hollywood called the enlargement of the board »rw four to nine members, reten- Jj=4 of cumulative voting by the mij^kholders, retention of the pres- I t restrictions on the transfer or *ile of stock so that unanimous con- 'j'nt of the owners be required to II any new units, the inclusion of gibility rules for the qualification directors and the elimination of e power of veto by any one stock- ' Ider. An amended charter, it was indi- ted, would allow for more normal ■eration inasmuch as it would per- it the enlarged board of nine mem- '.rs to elect oflBcers, fill vacancies d simplify management. It is be- •ved from outside sources that -larles Chaplin's stand on an aended charter looms as the only "iUssible stumbling block, inasmuch Mary Pickford and David 0. Selz- I'ck appear to be in accord on the langes. Clean Up Some Rumors Sears said the appointment of a ((irmanent successor to Paul Laz- •us, .Jr., or any other vacancies I Duld be up to the proposed nev/ jiard to select. Sears said that de- Jl'iite speculations, no negotiations wid been held for an appointment '^- the post of director of advertising id publicity and that no discus- 1 ons had been held with anybody. "!' Sears also clarified other matters : jrtaining to UA in connection with ift variety of rumors associated with gbeil Agnew's affiliation with David w. Selznick's Vanguard Films. Sears I Dinted out that Selznick wanted j le best man possible to get to head I s sales organization and therefore 'I :lected Agnew. He added, how- ij|"er, that Selznick's contract with ^i-A was no different from those of f|',her UA producers in that he had I'le right to have his own men ap- nj'rove or reject sales contracts in le United States, Canada, Great I ritain and Australasia. Because -!-gnew is considered one of the best [id ablest distribution men in the llijisiness, Selznick got the man he anted, Sears said, but he denied ;ports that Selznick was building i' ? a sales organization to head UA stribution. Sears said UA had the strongest mm birtudjiy GREETINGS TO... May 3 Mary Astor Arthur Gottlieb lack Rieger Leni Lynn S. M. Sachs TO THE COLORS! ^COMMISSIONED^ lOSEFH J, W. DEMES, AAF, formerly M-C-M story department, commissioned a lieutenant. * PROMOTED* J. EDMUND GRAINGER, USA, former Republic producer, Hollywood, promoted to captain, in the Signal Corps. • ARMY* DAL FEAR, sign painter, Burriss Studios, De- troit. TONY TILICNO, PRC salesman, Seattle. BOB WILSON, USO director, Chicago. NICK CALENO, Avon, Chicago. • NAVY * GEORGE R. PETERS, manager, Loew's, Richmond. FRED GREENBERG, Columbia poster clerk. New Haven. JOHN WILHELM, ad sales manager, 20th-Fox, Buffalo. HAROLD RANDALL, booker and city salesman, PRC, Buffalo. * COASTGUARD * HENRY MARKBREIT, amusement manager. Times, Chicago. • WAC"* RENEE GRAY, B & K accounting department, Chicago. United Jewish Appeal Campaign Plan Drafted (G)ntinued from Page 1) a luncheon-meeting in the Hotel Astor. A formula was perfected at a meet- ing yesterday attended by Sam Rinz- ler, Joseph Seidelman, Herman Rob- bins, Nate Spingold, David Bernstein, Louis Nizer, George J. Schaefer, Leopold Friedman, and Arthur Is- rael. Bob Riskin to Coast on Quest for OWI Film Men (Continued from Page 1) leaves New York for the Coast Fri- day on a quest for writers, directors, cameramen and film cutters. Trip presages a stepping up of OWI film production. Some of those lined up by Riskin in Hollywood will be dis- patched abroad, others will work in New York. Chi. Ccmdy Bar Shortage Chicago — Theaters here are facing a drastic reduction in candy bar re- quirements. With the armed forces asking for greater allotments for overseas shipments, and corn syrup shortages, candy manufacturers are cutting down heavily on civilian de- mands. lineup of pictures on the way ever offered by the company. He was particularly enthusiastic over Selz- nick's "Since You Went Away," which is still being cut and pre- viewed to the public's tastes; Charles Rogers' "Song of the Open Road," starring Jane Powell; Andrew Stone's "Sensations of 1945," Jules Levey's "The Hairy Ape" and "Sum- mer Storm," produced by Seymour Nebenzal and directed by Douglas Sirk. To Act on Group Insurance Motion Picture Associates' group- insurance plan will be submitted to vote of the membership at a lunch- eon meeting at the Hotel Astor on Friday. Indications are that the proposal will be approved. Invitational Premiere At Palace for Cantor Pix RKO will give Eddie Cantor's "Show Business" an invitational world premiere at the Palace next Tuesday. No. 31 Outstanding Industry Personalities 3 te^ o%c»^^^ _^bV '^'^^ te*^® oo* "; c.r \o**^ sOt<^r:_ o^ ^""^ w ctV' «* A© -^^"•'!;%'««'^ .««»«* ^V*-* ToXe"'^ 'waV«n9 »***:^oo ''^"Jsei p'*".;. s^"'"":;***^* ,b>«» »<»«» oti /T'5 TH£ ENTERTAINMENT A IE PICTURE"... Boxoffice llr B E L I T A . . . most talented beauty you have ever seen ... in a romance that sv^eeps from dance world to glittering ice show ! •mS.i"" ■,,,''■■■1: 3» %■■ %^yl\ KM.i^i||||i^ 1 11.. ^ ■iliP^^^^B BiffiEi -l^^^^^l |Rli if i ■■llllllfl ^HHiltaa »i li ^»' 'LADY, LET': 'THE DAYS OF BEAU BRUMMEL* SILVER SHADOWS and GOLDEN DREAMS" MONOGRAM PICTURES presents BEUTA n the SCOTT R . D U N L A P Production Produced by SCOTT R. DUNLAP Directed by FRANK WOODRUFF Associate Producer: WILLIAM D. SHAPIRO Original Story by Bradbury Foote and Scott R. Dunlap Screen Play by "rter Milne and Paul Gerard Smith lACLE OF 1944- m' 4c«f*^ »/»H»^' AM'' ELLISON FRICK onif FRACK * Walter CATLETT Lucien LITTLEFIELD * Maurice ST. CLAIR H(NR Y MITCH EDDIE LOU BUSSE AYRES LEBARON BRING FROM MONOGRAM ! :^ Wednesday, May 3, 1944 DAILY Technicality Kills Regulation in P. R. (Continued from Page 1) must be signed in open session by heads of both houses before they can be sent to the governor for ap- proval. Jose Quinones, president of the Motion Picture Exhibitors Associa- tion, stated the organization will press to have the measure re-passed at the next regular session which convenes Feb. 15. Perhaps the most stringent dis- tribution legislation passed on this side of the Atlantic, the measure would have outlawed block-booking and blind-selling, made exclusive cir- cuit deals illegal and imposed a 40 per cent ceiling on "A" rentals. Exhibition interests in several countries already have been supplied with copies of the bill by members of the Puerto Rican Motion Picture Exhibitors Association. Doughboys at McClellan Rap Double-Feature Bills (Continued from Page 1) at the instigation of the Post Thea- ter Officer, who had received com- plaints against duals, 54 per cent opposed, 46 per cent favored double feature programs. Analyzing the vote, the Cycle said: 1. Double feature fans prefer west- erns and comedies. 2. Objectors like one Class A film on the serious side. 3. G-I's do not like war films. 4. Picturization of historical novels are favored. 5. Double feature haters can't stand even Hedy Lamarr twice in one night. 6. Musicals are tops with everyone. Some can go two at once; others one at a time. 7. Most would like double features if there were two Class A pictures shown. 8. A large number desire double bills because it gives them a chance to rest weary marching feet. Jackson Park Brief Due Sat. Chicago — Attorney Thomas Mc- Connell for Jackson Park Theater plaintiffs Saturday will file a brief against granting a new trial to the defendant film companies. It is ex- pected that Judge Michael Igoe will rule on the case May 19. Toddy's "Bronze Venus" Ready Toddy Pictures' "Bronze Venus," musical, is ready for national release throughout the Toddy exchanges. UJEDDIRG BELLS Indianapolis — Capt. John 0. Ser- vass and Jeanie Camp, Dallas, were married. Capt. Servass was asso- ciated with the S & S Theaters be- fore entering the Air Corps. ▼ T ▼ Enter, Mark Twain! • • • WARNERS' "The Adventures of Mark Twain" made its public bow at the Hollywood Theater last night under auspices, and to a warm-hearted reception, that would have given deep pleasure to Mark Twain himself The benefit preview was sponsored by the Madison Square Boys Club boys who were the unending fascina- tion and story material for Twain boys who symbolized the Spirit of Youth that remained with Twain throughout his life and so it is most fitting that the proceeds of last night's performance be de- voted to educational, vocational and recreational activities of present- day Tom Sawyers and Huck Finns ▼ T ▼ • • • THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN that ushered in "Mark Twain" is one for which Charlie Einfeld, Mort Blumenstock and all the Warner publicity boys can take a bow Promotional activi- ties ranged all the way from Frog Jumping competitions, inspired by Mark Tivain's famous story of the Calaveras County jumping frog, to the most extensive list of educational field tie-ups ever made on a picture And not forgetting the use of some 200 major radio sta- tions for a series of five special 15-minute shoius written and directed by Arch Oboler, all backed up by newspaper radio-page ads, and sup- j>U'mented by sjmt announcements, designed to reach a radio coverage of no less than 90,000,000 ▼ T T • • • ALSO PART of the radio buildup were "Mark Twain" presentations on such leading coast-to-coast programs as "Double or Nothing," "Information, Please," "Cavalcade of America," "Dale Car- negie," and others and for special local impact, the Warner boys arranged an all-time record in Fifth Avenue window displays — six dif- ferent window layouts in five leading stores — all devoted to "Mark Twain" T V T • • • ANOTHER NOTEWORTHY ASPECT of the Broadway world premiere was the handling of the lobby broadcast last night by Martin Block, nationally famous conductor of WNEW's "Make Believe Ballroom" and for a time special announcer of "Your Hit Parade" on CBS For a week in advance. Block jylugged this gala premiere broadcast several times daily over WNEW, building up a tremendous listening audience for it ajid the roster of attending celebrities with whom he studded his broadcast were Fredric March, who plays the title role in "Mark Twain" Florence Eldr'idge (Mrs. March) Jesse L. Lasky, producer of the picture Joan Leslie, also a Warner star the Warners themselves and various local leaders in addition to the entertaining descriptive show that the nimble Mr. Block himself put on with the assistance of Paula Stone, of the famous Stone theatrical family, who is now a movie commentator on the air • • • THE MADISON SQUARE BOYS CLUB quintette sang the national anthem before the screening and then as an encore, warbled "Huckleberry Finn" Albert S. Howson served as master of cere- ■non'es Among Warner executives on hand, besides Harry M., Major Albert and Jack L. Warner and those abeady mentioned, were Joseph Bernhard, Samuel Schneider, Ben Kalmenson, Arthur Sachson, Jules Lapidus, Norman H. Moray, Jacob Wilk, Harry Goldberg, Howard Levinson, Mike Dolid, Ed Hinchy, and others ▼ T T • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR! DATE BOOK May 5: UA stockholders meeting, Wilmington, Del. May 7: Eddie Cantor testimonial, Hotel Astor.' May 9-10: ITO of Ohio convention, Datklw- Wallick Hotel, Columbus. May 11-17: Wac Recruiting Week campaign. May 15-16: National Carriers convention, Hot«l Aitor. May 16: Twentieth-Fox stockholders meeting, home office. May 16: RKO golf tournament, Westchestar Country Club. ^|k^ May 24-25: Allied board meeti May 29-31: PRC sales convei June 6: Loew's stockholders meeting, home of- fice. June 12-July 8: Fifth War Loan campaign. June 20-22: New Jersey Allied double anniversary Chelsea Hotel, Atlantic City. June 20-26: Metro's 20-year anniversary. eeting, Philadelphia! , ^ ention, Hollywood. j j US ce Distribs' Decision On Decree Tills Weeic ! (Continued from Page 1 ) in the New York anti-trust case, he said yesterday, evidencing complete readiness to meet with them as soon as they are ready. Clark said his brief meeting with them last Friday did not afford any opportunity to Counsel for the five signatories to the New York consent decree met yesterday with company presi- dents and discussed the meeting held last Friday with Tom C. Clark. get into the important questions in- volved in the negotiations toward either the writing of a new consent decree or the bringing of anti-trust proceedings. The producers explained to him at that time, he said, several causes for their delay, and told him they intended to reach their own decisions this week as to how far they might go in meeting exhibitor demands as submitted through Clark. At a future meeting, he said, he expected to go down the line of ex- hibitor demands in an attempt to discover just what the distribs. offer on each point. He will not attempt to "sound them out," he said, but will instead, apparently, sit back and listen. On the basis of what he is told, he continued, he will decide whether a consent decree should be signed or the case prosecuted. After this meeting, Clark will pre- pare his report and send it to the Attorney General for final approval. The report will go to Biddle what- ever Clark's recommendation might j be. 1 STORK REPORTS Williamsport, Ind.— C. A. Christy, who operates the Williamsport Thea- ter, is the father of a 7% -pound baby boy. 15^ = Wednesday, May 3, 1944 iffii DAILY NBC Sets Television Anciior Points (G>nitinued from Page 1) now does WNBT, its local pioneer 'see-and-hear outlet. ; "While a nation-wide network of, television stations cannot spring up overnight," commented the RCA '^ec, "you need not doubt that, with ^oper co-operation from the Gov- ernment, the radio industry will pro- ceed with the orderly, logical devel- opment of nation-wide television by the use of coaxial cables and auto- '*matic radio relay stations." • General Harbord, who presided in the absence of Col. David Sarnoff, now on active Army duty overseas, disclosed that RCA has developed for the armed forces more than 150 new electron tubes and approximate- ly 300 types of apparatus not manu- factured by anyone before the war. A gain in volume of production in the first quarter of 1944 was an- nounced, but that net profit, after Federal income taxes, was $2,401,- 000— a decrease of $194,000, or 7.5 per cent, compared with the same period last year. Consolidated gross income of RCA during the first quarter of 1944, was reported to be $78,809,000, an in- crease of $11,525,000 or 17 per cent. Net profit before taxes amounted to $10,413,000, 16.5 per cent above the same period in 1943. Earnings on the common before estimated Federal income taxes for the first quarter in 1944 were 69.3 cents, and earnings after the taxes, 11.6 cents a share. Estimated Fed- eral income taxes were 57.7 cents per share. A year ago the first quar- ter earnings per common share be- fore Federal income taxes were 58.6 I cents per share, the taxes 45.7 cents per share, and after taxes were 12.9 cents per share. Stockholders re-elected Colonel Sarnoff, Arthur E. Braun, John Hays Hammond, .Jr., and Edward W. Har- den to the board. As an intei-mission feature, the 500 stockholders were given a show- ing of a television film and one on the use of radio by our armed forces. THEATER DEALS Boston — Brattle Hall, in Cam- bridge, has been acquired by the Leibermann Circuit here and will be remodeled and converted into a pic- ture theater as soon as priorities can be obtained or perhaps directly after the war has concluded. House seats 1,500. Sale will not affect the 1944 season of the Cambridge Sum- mer Stock in which Ethel Barrymore Colt will open week after next. Attica, O. — Joe Bender is the new owner of the Attica Theater which he is reopening for week-end shows. The house has been closed for many months. *: RCVICUIS Of THC nCUl f ILfflS ir THE ADVENTURES OF MARK TWAIN" War with Fredric March, Alexis Smith 130 Mins. BIOGRAPHICAL ENTERTAINMENT IN BEST WARNER MANNER SHOULD CLICK HEAVILY AT THE B. 0. In making 'The Adventures of Mark Twain" Warners has brought to bear all its vast experience as a producer of film biography in the grand manner — which means that the production under scrutiny is an ambitious affair with all the factors necessary for resounding box office success. As written, directed and performed the screen version of the life of the great humorist emerges as a warm, human and at times exciting film, colorfully and lavishly turned out with a wealth of detail and a vivid sense of reality. Every attempt has been made to give the picture popular appeal and high stand- ing as a piece of Americana. Although the film at times tends to be slow and heavy, it is packed with extremely interesting material and holds the attention surprisingly well, resorting freely to laughter and drama in telling the tale of Twain, the man and the author. The film peopled with all the motley characters of his time, takes Twain from his birth in 1835 to his death in 1910 in an episodic screenplay that omits none of the incidents by which the famous author is best remembered in the public mind, many of them being faithfully and graphically re-enacted for the camera. All the joys and dis- appointments of Twain's life are pictured effectively with the help of a large cast of first-rate players. Much is made throughout the picture of the hold the Mississippi river had on the impressionable and imaginative mind of Twain. The picture, made about a year and a half ago, its release having been delayed to permit Warner Bros, to unload product of more timely import, was given an ace produc- tion by Jesse L. Lasky, Irving Rapper contributing direction of the first order. The screenplay of Alan LeMay was expertly conceived from an adaptation by Harold M. Sherman and himself. The biographical material is based on a play by Sherman and on Twain works owned cr controlled by the Mark Twain Co- Fredric March, made up to look amazingly like Twain, plays the leading role with distinction. Alexis Smith is excellent as his wife. Donald Crisp, Alan Hale, C. Aubrey Smith, John Carradine, William Henry, Robert Barrat, Walter Hampden are just a few members of the tremendous cast who acquit themselves meritoriously. CAST: Fredric March, Alexis Smith, Donald Crisp, Alan Hale, C. Aubrey Smith, John Carradine, William Henry, Robert Barrat, Walter Hampden, Joyce Reynolds, Whitford Kane, Percy Kilbride, Nana Bryant, Dennis Donnelly, Hopper Atchley, George Reed, Sam McDaniel, Dudley Dickerson, Betty Roadman, Viola Callahan, Frank Wilcox, Libby Taylor, Lillian Randolph, Mildred Gover, Dickie Jones, Kay Johnson, Jackie Brown, Eugene Holland, Michael Miller, Frederick Spencer, Russell Gleason, Victor Kilian, Christian Rub, Harry Woods, Eddie Waller, John (Skinsl Miller, Willie Fung, Creighton Hale, Fred Kelsey, Oliver Prickett, Leo White, Joseph Crehan, Cliff Saum, Harry Tyler, Roland Drew, Walter Soderling, Sailor Vincent, Richard Kipling, Bill Edwards, Bill Kennedy, Stuart Holmes, Joan Winfield, Sarah Edwards, Leah Baird, Frank Reicher, George Haywood, Frank Darien, Douglas Wood, Willie Best, Burr Caruth, Harry Hilliard, Brandon Hurst, Davison Clark, Harry Holman, Frank Dae, Henry Blair, Francis Pierlot, Joseph Crehan, Jessie Grayson, Bobby Larson, Earl Dewey, Lee Powell, Sammy McKim, Harry Worth, Lee "Lasses" White, Ernie Adams, William Gould, Arthur Aylesworth, Jack Mower, Frank Mayo, William Haade, Robert Homans, Lew Kelly, Paul Panrer, Monte Blue, Paul Newlan, Ernest Whitman, Emmett Smith, Pat O'Malley, George Sherwood, Charles Marsh, Charles McAvoy, Jim Farley, Frank Pharr, Norman Willis, Dick Elliott, Bud Osborne, Thurston Hall, George Humbert, Chester Conklin, George Lessey, Dorothy Vaughan, Gloria Ann Crawford, Lynne Baggett, Carol Joyce Coombs, Charlene Salerno, Joyce Tucker, Charles Waldron, Paul Scardon, Paul Law- ford, Robert Herrick, Charles Peck, Bill Lechner, Jack Gardner, Jack Gargan, Francis Sayles, Charles Irwin, Ross Ford, Rosina Galli. CREDITS: Producer, Jesse L. Lasky; Director, Irving Rapper; Screenplay, Alan LeMay; Adaptation, Alan LeMay, Harold M. Sherman; Additional Dialogue, Harry Chandlee; Based on play by Harold M. Sherman and works owned or controlled by Mark Twain Co.; Musical Score, Max Steiner; Cameraman, Sol Polito; Film Editor, Ralph Daw- son; Art Director, John Hughes; Special Effects, Lawrence Butler, Edwin Linden; Sound, Robert B. Lee; Set Decorator, Fred MacLean; Musical Director, Leo F. Forbstein. DIRECTION, First-rate. PHOTOGRAPHY, Fine. O'Shea Hosts D. C. Luncheon Washington Bureau of THE FILM ^DAILY Washington — Edward R. "Ted" O'Shea, Metro's Eastern sales chief, hosted an informal luncheon at the Hotel Statler yesterday to all Metro exchange employes, Loew's theater management and publicity executives and the local News of the Day chief. WB's "Action" for Sweden WB's "Action in the North At- lantic" has been passed by the Swed- ish Board of Censorship." Fannie Hurst as Critic Fannie Hurst will write a review of one picture each month for Mod- ern Screen, fan magazine, starting with the August issue. Other re- views will continue to be written by Virginia Wilson. Academy Roster at 700 West Coast Biiicau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences has added 68 new members to its roster since Jan. 1, giving it a membership in good standing of slightly more than 700. "Song of the Open Road" with Jane Powell, Bonita Granville UA-Rogers 93 Mins- LIGHT, YOUTHFUL ENTERTAINMENT OFFERED BY MUSICAL; JANE POWELL A HIT IN FILM DEBUT. Invested with the spirit of youth, "Song of the Open Road," a Charles R. Rogers production, is an order of sweetness and charm served to the accompaniment of music hot and soft. The film presents a wide range of entertainment all expertly geared to the popular taste, panning out as a light and gay affair with a tear thrown in. The presence of Jane Powell, young radio singer on the Charlie McCarthy-Edgar Ber- gen, air show, gives film special interest. The youngster's work in her first film role fully justifies Rogers' faith in her. Wholesome and refreshing, Miss Powell plays with sup- prising self-assurance a juvenile film star who rebels at the drudgery and restrictions imposed upon her by her screen work. The girl has an unusually beautiful voice that will gain her immediate favor with film au- diences. Some extremely pleasant tunes have been written for her by Walter Kent and Kim Gannon. Brought into the proceedings for their box office value are McCarthy, Bergen and W. C. Fields, with the Sammy Kaye and Chuck Faulkner band being a special con- cession to the young element. The Albert Mannheimer screenplay, which stems from a yarn by Irving Phillips and Edward Verdier, has Miss Powell running away from home in search of youthful com- panionship. Hiding her identity, the girl finds fun and happiness with a bunch of young people at a youth hostel. They take an aversion to her, but she wins them over after she is compelled to reveal her identity. Meanwhile her mother (Rose Hobart) is carrying on a search for her. At the end the girl shows her appreciation to her young friends by enlisting aid to save the fruit in an orange grove belonging to one of them from being destroyed by a storm. Produced by Rogers with true showman- ship, the film has been accorded fluent and lively direction by S. Sylvan Simon. Miss Powell gets good support. Singled out are Bonita Granville as one of the young- sters who becomes completely sold on Miss Powell after being one of her leading detractors, and Bill Christy, who does con- siderable scene stealing. CAST: Charlie McCarthy, Edgar Bergen, Jane Powell. W. C. Fields, Bonita, Granville, Sammy Kaye and orchestra, Peggy O'Neill, Jackie Moran, Bill Christy, Reginald Denny, Regis Toomey, Rose Hobart, Sig Arno, Irene Tedro, Pat Starling, Condos Brothers, Lip- ham Four, Chuck Faulkner and band, Catron and Popp. CREDITS: Producer, Charles R. Rogers; Production Manager, Val Paul; Director S. Sylvan Simon; Screenplay, Albert Mann- heimer; Based on story by Irving Phillips, EdjWard Verdier; Cameraman, John W. Boyle; Film Editor, Truman K. Wood; Musical Di- rector, Charles Previn; Art Director, Ber- nard Herzbrun; Set Decorator, Earl Wooden; Sound, John R. Carter; Songs, Walter Kent, Kim Gannon; Musical presentations by George Dobbs. DIRECTION, Good, PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. M P P nCHDUC T I C^NS 2 (J W4 AT H ST =?sp 2 I ST Ed= ^'^ DAILY Wednesday, May 3, 194 All-Trade Regionals To Spark Loan Drive (Continued from Page 1) tional campaign committee and local leaders will outline the over-all plans and objectives of the huge drive. State chairmen for the Fifth War Loan, now being appointed, will pre- side. First rally is set for the Hotel Statler, Washington, next Wednes- day, the second for Boston's Statler the following day, and the third, the New York Met. area meeting, for a week from Monday. Sidney Lust, who has accepted chairmanship of the campaign for the D of C area, with J. B. Brecheen, distributor chairman, will preside at the Wash- ington meeting which is designed to give the series of rallies an im- pressive impetus. Chairmen Louis Rome of Balti- more; W. F. Crockett and Morton G. Thalheimer of Virginia; Lewis S. Black, Delaware; Milton Levine, West Virginia; Louis Finske, Phila- delphia, and Ben Amsterdam, New Jersey, will attend and will be ac- companied by delegations from their areas. The Hub meeting, which will at- tract A. M. Kane, distributor chair- man, and state chaii-men of the New England .states and delegations, will have Sam Pinanski, N. E. area drive chairman, presiding. Other Meetings Scheduled Other meetings tentatively sched- uled are: Cleveland, May 16; In- dianapolis, May 17; St. Louis, May 18; Chicago, May 19; Minneapolis, May 20; Des Moines, morning of May 22; Omaha, afternoon of May 22; Denver, May 23; San Francisco, May 25; Los Angeles, May 26; Dal- las, May 29; Atlanta, May 31. The Washington meeting has been called for 10:30 a.m. and will in- clude a luncheon session. One of the most important addresses of the meeting will be made by Ned E. Depinet, national chairman of the WAC Distributors Division, who has accepted leadership of the Fifth War Loan Distributors Division. Bob O'Donnell, national chairman, will disclose the pattern of the nation- wide effort. Other speakers will include Rich- ard M. Kennedy, campaign vice- chairman; John J. Friedl, campaign director, who will discuss "Our Job in the Fifth War Loan"; and Ray IN NEW POSTS MAX SULZBERC, RKO sales staff, New Haven. RAY WYLIE, UA salesman, Rochester territory. PHIL SOLOMON, manager, Drake, Chicago. BOB BLAIR. Paramount exploitation represen- tative, Seattle. JOHN LU5TIC, National Screen salesman. Mem- phis. CEORCE BORNER, manager. Linden Circle, Mem- phis. LEONARD P. NORTHROP. Columbia poster clerk. New Haven. SHERMAN PADOWITZ. assistant. Bijou, New Haven. WHAT'S NEW IN Television Today KLAUS LANDSBERG, director of W6XYZ, Paramount-owned television outlet on the Hollywood lot, arrives next week to confer with Paul Raibourn, Para.'s tele chief and prexy of its Coast Television Productions, inc. . . • Monogram and Republic are eyeing the video picture closely. ■ • Formal opening of the new Du Mont tele studio in New York has been set for the week of July 10. . . • Loew's, Inc. (M-G-M), is priming its radio staffers at WHN, Gotham, for post-war tele production. . . • Be- hind all the NBC forecasts on Hollywood as the important tele production center of the future is a rumored tie-up with RKO Radio Pictures. . . • Tom Hutchinson, former video director of Ruthrauff & Ryan, is now at the New York home office of RKO Corp., parent organization of the film company, where he is helping tele consultant Ralph B. Austrian. . . • Resumption of "live" television shows over the CBS television outlet, WCBW, Friday from 8 to 10 p.m-, will feature a map-illustrated report of home and foreign developments by Ned Calmer, and a visual quiz conducted by Danton Walker. oskowili to Direct N. Y. Loan Campaign (Continued from Page 1) National Chairman Bob O'Donnell that he would serve, Moskowitz pointed out that 'there are more than 2,500 Loew employes now in the armed services and in their names he promised that the New York area would make a greater showing in the "Fateful Fifth" drive than ever before. Moskowitz will announce his aides and set up campaign offices at WAC headquarters next week. Industry's War Loan Quota $6,000,000,000 in E Bonds West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — The motion picture in- dustry will be expected to sell $6,000,- 000,000 in series E Bonds in the Fifth War Loan, according to R. J. O'Don- nell, general chairman of the indus- try's participation in the campaign. This represents the largest quota ever fixed by the Treasury Depart- ment. O'Donnell is here conferring with studio and theater representatives regarding plans for the industry's participation in the Fifth War Loan drive. Beall, publicity director of the cam- paign. Leon J. Bamberger, who has been appointed assistant to Depinet, also will participate. Other top leaders to attend will include Si Fabian, Joseph Kinsky, Francis S. Harmon, Walter Brown and Claude F. Lee. Brit. Pix Via Film Classics Film Classics has taken over the distribution in the United States of "Tank Patrol," a featurette produced by the British Information Services. "Target for Tonight" will be re- issued by the British Information Services also through Film Classics. Pic will have a new epilogue by Quen- tin Reynolds. Odell Adds Finestone Chore With Al Finestone on leave to the WAC for the Fifth War Loan, C. N. Odell will handle trade paper con- tacts in addition to his other chores. D of J's Expansion Policy to Be Aslced (Continued from Page 1) time, George W. McMurphey, head of the OCR Amusements Division, is now trying to get a clear statement from D of J on the whole matter. Processing of the first of eight applications from Fox-West Coast theaters for a new house in a war- boom area around San Francisco Bay is expected to be complete to- day. It is likely that before giving FWC the nod to go ahead, however, OCR will itself discuss the matter with the D of J, which has not thus far taken any clear position in re- gard to major circuit expansion as a wartime measure. Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark, head of the criminal divi- sion, has made it plain that he would prefer to see independent operators building the new theaters, but these FWC applications are not competing with independents. Confers With Berge McMurphey has talked to Berge, who told him substantially the same thing he told The Film Daily last week— that he could not take a posi- tion until he had an actual case be- fore him, but that in any event his of- fice would seriously consider the local competitive problems. He as- sured McMurphey that OCR recom- mendation for approval of the new theater as a war need would receive consideration. He said he has not discussed the matter with Clark. It is likely that final determination will be reached by both Clark and Berge jointly. Berge did not propose that the circuit be permitted to operate its new theaters in event some form of approval is given— only for the dura- tion and then forced to sell or close up. This has been advanced as a possible solution, but McMurphey said it was not discussed. McMur- phey said he has not been able to reach FWC head Charles P. Skouras but that he hopes to sound Skouras out on this question. He is also hop- ing to go over the whole question today or tomorrow with Clark. Report on British Monopoly Is Near ! •J" 111 It' Dd (Continued from Page 1 ) the absence of Sir Walter Citrine general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, one of the member.- of the four-man investigating panel Sir Walter is in the U. S. for the International Labor organizatipli meeting in Philadelphia. y^ Associated with Sir Walter in thej inquiry have been Albert Palache London banker, who is the panel's chairman; Philip Guedalla, historiai and author, who is honorary direc- tor of the Ibero-American Institute- of Great Britain, and Prof. Arnold Plant, of the London University School of Economics. Monogram Will Produce On a Flexible Budget (Continued from Page 1 ) yesterday at the Hotel Warwick. "It is our policy to keep our pro- gram flexible as to both type of product and budgets," Carr said, "for we have found this to be the most constructive way for a company like ours to obtain the best results.'" Declaring that Monogram had started to grow even before general business started to get good, Carr said that production plans depended largely on the sales organization and its advice. Every dollar spent, he said, is aimed at getting the max- imum results in entertainment and box-office returns. Argentine Distributors Nix Exhibition Quotas (Continued from Page 1) elation, according to information re- ceived at home offices in New York. The producers initiated the quota plan allegedly in retaliation to a threat to curtail the exporting of raw stock to Argentina by United States manufacturers. Rejection of the quota by the distributors was printed in Buenos Aires newspapers via paid advertisements on Sunday. itk .p. 1) i FEflimE TOUCH ANN KECK, booker, Warners, Cincinnati. ELEANOR INKROT, booker, Warners, Cinci«- nati. MABEL HOWLETT, sales manager, Adams ex- change, Dallas. PEARL HENLEN, shipper, Adams Exchange, Dal- las. MRS. SIDNEY KLEPER, assistant manager, Col- lege, New Haven. CARROLL HECK, cashier, Orpheum, Omaha. MILDRED WILLIAMS, office manager, 20th-F«x, Omaha. MERLE FRATT, billing clerk, RKO, Omaha. IRENE STOLL, secretary to Claude Morris, United, Artists, Chicago. \ JEANETTE BERLINER, Universal booker, Wash- ington. LILLIE CHAPMAN, inspectress, Paramount. Mem- phis. O^l^'^ Climate in Character .'nternational in Scope independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -IFDAILY' ►OL. 85. NO. 88 NEW YORK. THURSDAY. MAY 4. 1944 TEN CENTS rELE'S BIZ EFFECT MAJOR EXHIB. WORRY lA Seriously Considering Organizing Salesmen Editorial Scratch' . . . jottings :;= By CHESTER B. BAHN pad rHOSE State Department conversations with Allied and neutral nations on ' Ims, concerning which much has ap- eared in your favorite industry newspaper, robably will wait until the war ends.... -uch is the latest word to reach New York ;ia grapevine from Washington. .. .If true, ' represents a change of tactics by the .'epartment, for recently it had been indi- cated that the conversations would be iiaugurated fairly soon. ... Incidentally, you lay expect a closely knit working rela- tionship between Cordell Hull's Department nd Jesse Jones' Commerce Department I the future. .. .There is every reason to elieve that the latter is becoming in- reasingly "commercial minded". .. .Anti- ipated, too, is the restoration to the Commerce Department's Bureau of Foreign nd Domestic Commerce of its former for- ign service duties. .. .The latter in the ast was of invaluable serivce to film :iz....As a side light on State-Commerce o-op. The Journal of Commerce comes up Mth the guess it stems from the expected ventuai exit of the Foreign Economic administration, a war agency, "and also s a more or less deliberate means of Tecluding the establishment of a separate eace-time 'Board of Foreign Trade' which light drain much power from both the Id-line Federal departments." • » 3ECAUSE advertising is the heart of this '^ industry, just as films are its life lood, what Clarence Francis, board chair- iuan of General Foods, had to say this /eek at the Association of National Ad- ertisers' Spring meeting at the Westchester Country Club will bear re-printing here, aid Francis: "No sales forecast is possible without dvertising, and in our company our adver- ising budget is second only to the cost f goods. The advertising executive must e at top management counsel tables not nly at the time of advertising budgets 'Ut all the time in order that he may be- eme acquainted every minute of the day fith the policies, the outlines and the /hole goal that is to be attained. Adver- ising, because of its size and importance, 'ill require men of scope to reach its bjectives." That will, go double for film biz in the 'Ost - war period when attendance and (Continued on Page 6) Midwest Movement Going Before Boardor Convention, Richard F. Walsh Reveals That the lATSE is giving serious consideration to a proposal that it assume jurisdiction over film sales- men for organizational purposes was disclosed yesterday by Richard F. Walsh, head of the Alliance. The lA president said that the matter was expected to be placed before the Ex- ecutive Board or presented on the floor of the St. Louis convention, which opens on May 29. The Exec- utive Board meeting will be held the week preceding the opening of the (Continued on Page 8) Steffes Takes Minn. Bond Campaign Helm Al Steffes, veteran indie exhib. leader of the Northwest, has come out of retirement to lead the Fifth War Loan Campaign in the State of Minnesota, it was announced yes- terday by R. J. O'Donnell, national (Continued on Page 7) Indie Exhib. Protests New FWC House in His Area ll'pshiiwtoii Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — Projected construc- tion of eight new theaters in the San Francisco Bay area of Fox West Coast Theaters has run into its first (Continued on Page 8) Gary Cooper to IP As Producer, Star West Coast Bar., THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Gary Cooper has been signed by the Spitz-Goetz Interna- tional Pictures as producer-actor un- der a long-term exclusive pact. Under the terms of the contract the star, who recently completed a role in the company's "Casanova Brown," will produce and act in his own films. Gov't to Prosecute S(liine Suit May 19 Buffalo — Engaged in studying briefs filed two weeks ago by attor- neys for Schine Chain Theater, Inc., Federal Judge John Knight yester- day was notified by the Government that it intends to go to trial against the theater chain on May 19, the date to which anti-trust proceedings were adjourned two years ago. The Schine briefs ask first, for (Continued on Page 7) Defer Loew's Stockholders' Meet Till Pensions Okayed Because, it is understood, the pro- posed company pension plan has not yet received the official blessing of the Government, the Loew's stock- holders' meeting, carded for June 6, was indefinitely postponed by the (Continued on Page 7) HazBMi and Wallis Near Deal Indie Productions May Go to Eagle-Lion Argue Momand Findings In Oklahoma City June 5 Arguments on the tentative find- ings of fact and conclusions of law in the Momand anti-trust action will be heard in Oklahoma City before Federal Judge Bower Broaddus on June 5. In his tentative findings. Judge Broaddus dismissed the dis- (Continued on Page 6) It is now quite definite that Joseph H. Hazen and Hal B. Wallis, ex- Warnerites, will be associated in a new independent production company releasing through one of the major companies, it was learned yesterday. Although no papers of any kind have been di'awn up yet, conferences between Hazen, Wallis and other parties in New York over the past three weeks are moving in that di- (Continued on Page 7) Connors Finds It No. One Subject as He Meets With Showmen in Branch Cities The effect of television on the fu- ture of the theater business is the question uppermost in the minds of the nation's ex- hibitors, T 0 m i Connors, 20th- Fox's distribution j chief, told mem- bers of the trade press yesterday at a luncheon at I the Hotel Astor. The sales execu- \ five, on a respite from a nation- wide tour of key centers, based his statement on the results of talks with exhibitors in tom CONNORS Philadelphia, Cleveland, Cincinnati, (Continued on Page 8) Allied Caravan Meet Before Board Parley Philadelphia — Program for the Allied Caravan and Allied National Board meeting here, revealed yester- day, lists a four-day schedule begin- ning on May 23, and continuing through May 26 at the Warwick Hotel. The Caravan will meet on May 23 (Continued on Page 7) FPC Calls Managers' Conference for June Toronto — Wartime revival of mana- gers' conference has been decided upon for this year by Famous Play- ers Canadian Corp. with calling of its convention at Niagara Falls next month with President J. J. Fitzgib- bons officiating. Previous managers' convention was held just before the start of the war five years ago at Niagara Falls when the late N. L. Nathanson was president. : W*^ DAILY Thursday, May 4, ^94^ Vol. 85. No. Thurs., May 4 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU General Manager CHESTER 8. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Biggest Week Recorded In Depinet Sales Drive As RKO's Ned Depinet Drive for 1944 goes into the home stretch, the biggest week from a dollar stand- point was recorded last week, accord- ing to Charles Boasberg, drive cap- tain. Record was made during the first of the two weeks designated as ^oh Mochrie Weeks in honor of the g:eneral sales manager. Drive ends May 18. Walter Branson's Western division is first of the three divisions to go over its quota cumulatively for the period. Of the 11 districts, J. H. Maclntyre's Western district cur- rently is in the lead. The Montreal branch is leading in Leo Devaney's Canadian division. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, S516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise ^Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. MnnnciflL Ask Nightly Wac Report From N.Y.C. Exhibitors ;S (Wednesday, May 3) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (2'/2% Columbia Picts pfd . . Con. Fm. ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak do pfd Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox 20fh Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Universal Picts. vtc. . ) 18 173/4 18 — l/s 4% 203/4 159 1 182 1 20 605/8 253/s 85/8 89 233/8 307/8 121/4 BOND 41/2 47/8 + 201/8 203/4 + 59 159 82 1 82 -f 193/8 20 + 603/8 60Vi -I- 25 251/4 + 8I/2 85/8 + 89 89 — 23 233/8 -I- 305/8 305/8 — 117/8 121/4 + MARKET CURB MARKET 37/8 33/4 37/8 — l/g 1% 11/4 11/4 23/4 23/4 23/4 — 1/8 235/8 23 235/8 + 7/8 Phil Gerard Joins M-G-M Exploitation Department Phil Gerard has joined the M-G-M home office exploitation department under William R. Ferguson, exploita- tion manager. He succeeds Paul Kamay who has joined the OWI. Gerard has been associated with the 20th Century-Pox and Rialto Thea- ter publicity and exploitation depart- ments. BFILM STORAGE CORplI ' M II V b ll IBOOB'WAY, N.Y.C. -CIRCLE 6-0081-2-3-4 WtTlltUTION lllVICt Theater managers in the five bor- oughs of New York City and West- chester have been instructed to give a nightly report to their captains in the Women's Army Corps recruiting drive as to the number of applicants received during the day. The cap- tains will then report to the county chairman who, in turn, will relay the total to Charles C. Moskowitz, Metropolitan area chairman. Meanwhile, the Restaurant Own- ers' Guild has agreed to have Wac drive copy carried on all menus in 125 leading New York City res- taurants. Canadian Theater Man Missing in Air Action Detroit — Flight Lieut. Lawrence Allen, RCAF, reported missing in action from an English base, was previously in the Italian and African campaigns. Allen was former man- ager of the Capitol at Leamington, Ont., and Temple, Windsor, Ont. He is the only child of Max Allen of Windsor, owner of Lincoln Park Theater in Detroit and secretary- treasurer of Premier Operating Corp. of Toronto, a major Canadian circuit. 48 Metro Veterans Given Loyalty Pins Forty-eight loyalty pins to field employes who have been with M-G-M 10 years or more were distributed by E. K. "Ted" O'Shea, Eastern sales manager, during a tour of Southern exchanges. Five employes received two-star pins, denoting 20 years or more service, and 43 received one- star pins for 10 years or more ser- Hazen and Attorneys Meet on Decree Move Joseph H. Hazen met yesterday afternoon with counsel from the various major companies relative to next steps in the consent decree ne- gotiations, and will now get in touch with Assistant Attorney General Tom Clark for another meeting with him. Los Angeles House Asks Clearance Elimination George Bromley and Alec Mounce, operating the Campus Theater, Los Angeles, have filed a demand for arbitration in which they seek clear- ance relief. Complaint charges that the seven- day clearance granted to the Henleys Theater over the Campus is unreas- onable. They ask that the clearance be eliminated and that the Campus be given availability 49 days after Los Angeles first-run closings when the Campus charges 30 cents admis- sion. Canadian Plane Crash Kills Charles Olmstead Bagotville, Que. — Plane crash here killed Flying Officer Charles Olm- stead, RCAF, former stage and screen player. Olmstead had been assigned to duty in Canada after 18 months' overseas service. Bitzer Funeral Today On Coast; Burial Here West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAI LI Hollywood — Funeral services fo William "Billy" Bitzer, pioneer cam eraman, who died here at the week end, will be held at 11 a.m. today ii the Church of the Blessed Sacrament after which the body will be sen East for interment. Remains of "Billy" Bitzer will b1 taken on arrival here to Gordon': Funeral Parlor, 59th St. and Colum bus. Burial will be in the Bitzei family plot in Cedar Grove Cemetery Flushing, L. I. The Bitzer residence here is 917 Ogden Ave., The Bronx Carr Hosts Exhibs. Trem Carr, Monogram executive director, was host yesterday to 5C theater owners and film buyers at a cocktail party held at the Warwick Hotel. Carr returns to Hollywod tomorrow. NEW YORK THEATERS :— RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL- 50th St. & «Hi Ave. RITA HAYWORTH-GENE KELLY "COVER GIRL" ., i-! , Technicolor Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchestra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4600 HELD OVER — 3rd WEEK IIU£ST0 < I ^r ifirAifo IT 20it cifirut' '-foxj RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL PARAMOUNT'S "GOING MY WAY" In Person CHARLIE SPIVAK AND ORCHESTRA TIP, TAP, AND TOE, WESSON BROS. Doors Open 8:30 a.m. PARAMOUNT TIMES SQUARE Joel McCREA Maureen O'HARA Linda DARNELL ^BUFFALO BILL^ IN TECHNICOLOR PLUS ON STAGE- PAUL WHITEMAN and Orch. VICTOR BORCE - JOAN EDWARDS BUY MORE p fN V V 7th Ave. & BONDS l%V^A T SOfh St THE SONG OF BERNADETTE J CONTINUOUS "Sr ^ OMtsOpen9:3[IA.M. B'WAY & 49th ST. ERROLL FLYNN PAUL LUKAS In "UNCERTAIN GLORY" IN PERSON: TEI> LEWIS HIS ORCHESTRA AND HIS STAR-STUDDED REVUE STRAND OPENS 9 A.M. B'WAY & 47th St. BUY BONDS! WARNERS' THE ADVENTURES OF MARK TWAIN with FREDRIC MARCH and ALEXIS SMITH 't,,^lr..'' HOLLYWOOD Opens 10 A.M. - B'way 51st MM B'WAY & 47th St. A Jive Jamboree Of Stars And 6 Great Bands! 'JAM SESSION' ' I ON SCREEN m PERSON First N.Y. Showing MILT 'ANDY HARDY'S BRITTON BLONDE TROUBLE' and BAND MICKEY RODNEY ^ BONITA GRANVILLE BENAY VENUTA BUY MORE BONDS i II ioi : Hi! ( tJl •0!) strong 0 HOT AS A FIRECRACKER! The news gets around- Sensational reception by Press and public! So the contracts pile in! Don't miss this unique attraction! The real thing— filmed under fire! The whole pulse-pounding story! Invasion Fleet in action! Storming the beaches ! Fall of Casablanca, Oran, Hill 6091 > Blasting the Mareth Line ! The surprise move by the Yanks! It's a show they cheer— a natural for Ticket-selling showmanship ! ASK M-G-M TODAY! "Patriots! Help Recruit WACS! May Uth thru May 17th/" The Governments of the United States and Great Britain present "TUNISIAN VICTORY" • The In- vasion and Liberation of North Africa • An Official Record Pro- duced by British and American Service Film Units • Distributed by the British Ministry of Information A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Release \ -gM ^1 ANDY HARDY'S BLONDE TROUBLE TROUBLE" w,thLew.s^^^^_ Mickey ^°°"^^'JrGranviUe, Sara Haden. Bon ta ^^^ ^"" ^°^'rs'hSl • Screenplay by Harry ^""^^'^'-^^^ Johi^son Directed by Oeorge GASLIGHT Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Gotten in"GASLIGHT" with Dame May Whitty, Angela Lans- bury, Barbara Everest • Screen Play by John Van Druten, Walter Reisch and John L. Balderston • Based Upon the Play by Patrick Hamilton Directed by George Cukor • Produced by Arthur Hornblow, Jr. 3 NiEN IN >WHITE ' ..THB.ee ^^'^^ Van Johnson, ,ih Lionel Barrymo«,Va^^^^_ Marilyn Maxwell. Key ... Gardner, A^^a ^'J^ play by \ A . Original DCTcc „ u^^i Ragland • ^/^^ . Harry Rf ^^ Martin Berkeley^ 3^^dbeck Directed tJY ^ J ''-^e &reatest^ WB Brazilian Manager Here for Conference Ary Lima, Warners' general man- ager in Brazil, has arrived in New York from Rio de Janeiro for con- ferences with Robert Schless, general foreign manager; Joseph S. Hum- mel and other foreign department executives. Lima will remain about 10 days. Syracuse Honors Taylor Syracuse — Syracuse University conferred the honorary degree. Doc- tor of Music, on Deems Taylor, Ascap prexy. Joe Leavitt Recovering Cleveland — Joe Leavitt, owner of the Independent Screen Room in the Film Bldg., is convalescing at Mt. Sinai Hospital, following a minor operation. SEP BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO... May 4 Paul Lazarus, Sr. Howard Da Silva George Josephs Charles Levy ^ Scratch-pad . . . jottings (Continued from Page 1) gross figures hit the toboggan towards "normalcy." • • INTENSELY interesting, those reports link- ing Eric A. Johnston, president of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, with a pos- sible film industry post. . . The capitalistic system, upon which the American way of life is predicated, has no abler exponent or more persuasive advocate than the ex- Marine whose vision, energy and earnest- ness have revitalized the Chamber.... Writing in the May issue of Cosmopolitan on "America Unlimited," Johnston affirms "that the individual man and woman is the pivotal element in a desirable society," and goes on to say, "The individual's safety, freedom, happiness come first and last. The state in any of its forms for us has no authority per se as an end in itself, but only as the tool and servant of the in- dividual." Argue Momand Findings In Oklahoma City June 5 (Continued from Page 1) tributors from the complaint and found no evidence that A. B. Mo- mand's theaters had been damaged through the expansion of the Grif- fith circuit. The findings indicated that some violations by Paramount may have existed in operations in Wewoka, Okla., and therefore it appears likely that only Paramount will be repre- sented at the June 5 hearing. Louis Phillips of the Paramount legal staff will go to Oklahoma City for the arguments. •^ DAILY III iMHininii ^ ▼ TV Monogram Truly Has Arrived • • • SOME FOLKS BELIEVE that wishful thinking means look- ing toward the impossible but the top execs of Monogram, who were doing a lot of wishful thinking a couple of years ago, discovered that wishful thinking coupled with energy and vision could achieve the im- possible and go beyond Trem Carr, the company's vice-president and executive director, yesterday settled back behind a desk at Mono- gram's New York office and did a little reminiscing He wasn't kidding the day before when at a press luncheon in the Hotel War- wick he said that the company had given similar social affairs and then wondered how it was going to foot the bill But that is water under the bridge now, and Monogram is in a solid financial position, its pictures are making money cmd the aspirin bottle has become o relic. T T ▼ ^ 9 0 IT WAS IN 1941 that Monogram's use of red ink made its exit for in the last two and a half years Monogram contractual playing time has risen from 4,000 to 9,000 theaters and that doesn't include contracts for "Where Are Your Children" and "Women in Bondage" which probably will hit 11,000 or 12,000 screens Trem Carr said the company doesn't want to be as big as M-G-M but it wants to stabilize the name of Monogram in the business and to re- tain the good faith of the exhibitors so that they can depend on it for good product today and in the years to come He said Mono- gram would make bigger and bigger pictures with bigger and bigger budgets until it found the limit that the market would stand and the plaiis are plenty ambitious ▼ T ▼ • • • TREM'S CAREER IN the picture business dates back about 20 years After finishing his education at the University of Illinois, he went to Honolulu where his job was to keep the costs down on the construction of Pearl Harbor and its drydocks Next he joined the Army in the first World War and a few years after the armistice he made his debut as a producer of Al St. John comedies for the state right market graduating from there to Rayart as a producer and then with the original Monogram company where he remained until it was sold to Republic He spent the next year in Europe and upon his return he joined Universal where he remained two years Carr then retired from the picture business and became president of the Lakeside GoH Club in California but when the new Monogram was formed, he found himself back in the industry Trem admits it was tough sledding those first few years and Prexy Ray Johnston can tell you the same thing and by cautious operations, slowly but surely. Monogram began to find its place in the sun ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • THE SUCCESS OF MONOGRAM in recent years is laid to a large extent by both Carr and Johnston to the energy, resource- fulness and spirit of its sales manager, Steve Broidy and a closer relationship betiveen the sales department and the studios has achieved the desired results because Steve and his sales staff know what can be sold and what can't And so, guided by past experiences and thoughtful operation, Trem is happy that he didn't shake the industry away from himself as he once planned to do because it is with satisfaction that he has been able to watch a "wishful thouo-ht" become a reality through hard work, ambition and confidence Monogram truly has arrived! ▼ T ▼ • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR Thursday, May 4, 1944 COmmC and coinG LOUIS B. MAYER and JACK POTTER depar for Culver City Monday. [ N. PETER RATHVON, RKO president. Is sched-|i uled to leave Monday for Hollywood. JACK E. FLYNN, Metro's Western sales man- ager, and BILL BISHOP, now on the Coast from Chicago, go to Salt Lake City on May 10, will be in Denver on the 13th and return to the Windy, City on the 16th, 'j JAMES K. McCUINNESS, Metro producer, ar-' rives from the Coast Saturday. SID SILVERMAN has arrived on the Coast from New York. BEN COETZ, here from London, leaves for the Coast Monday. GEORGE DEMBOW is on the Coast. E. K. "TED" O'SHEA is back from a tour of M-C-M Southern exchanges. EDDIE SILVERMAN of Essaness Theaters, Chi cago, is In New York. PHIL REISMAN, RKO Radio vice-president i charge of foreign distribution is expected to arrive from the Coast on Friday. He will be accom panied by RALPH DOYLE, Australasian mana ger. MICHAEL HOFFAY, iRKO Radio foreign publi- city manager, will leave for Hollywood Monday CONSTANCE BENNETT is in Washington. MARGUERITE CHAPMAN is in New York for a two-week vacation in the city with her family, after which she returns to Hollywood. e To Start Canada's First French Talkie in June Montreal — Renaissance Film, Inc., recently organized here with Charles Phillipp as general manager, will send the first French talkie to be made in Canada into production here on or about June 15. Titled "Le Pere Chopin" (Father Chopin), pic will probably have Victor Francen in the male lead, while Phillipp says a deal is being talked with Anna- bella to co-star. Annabella, now appearing on \ Broadway in the Skirball-Theater Guild "Jacobowsky and the Colonel," confirmed that she is considering a proposition submitted by Renais- sance. Move to produce French talkies in the Dominion stirred lively inter- est here yesterday. Hollywood pictures dubbed in the French language for distribution in post-war European markets are be- ing distributed in the province of Quebec with excellent results. Warners has five French-dubbed films in release in Quebec, Universal has nine and most of the other com- panies have four or five. Warners plans a total of 15 this season. Wide distribution of the pictures is re- ported by all companies having the dubbed prints. Pardon, Please! The amusements division of the United Jevdsh Appeal will meet May 11 to receive a report on the cam- paign plan. The Film Daily er- roneously reported yesterday that the meeting would be held today. WUUIM U Thursday, May 4, 1944 TMEl DAILY Steffes Takes Minn. Bond Campaign Helm (Continued from Page 1) -chairman of the industry campaign committee. T O'Donnell tendered the chairman- : ship to Steffes on the strong recom- ,, mendation of John J. Friedl, WAC jSiairman for the Minneapolis ex- change area who is serving as Fifth War Loan Campaign director. Stef- ■, fes, a former president of National Allied as well as Northwest Allied, :Jn recent years has been inactive because of ill health. He is Chief Barker of the Variety Club of Min- neapolis, of which he is a charter member. "Steffes' emergence from retire- ment enforced by reasons of health to lead the drive in the State of Min- nesota exemplifies the solidarity of all of the different elements in the •industry in the huge effort everyone will have to put forth to meet the ■industry's obligation in the Fifth War Loan," O'Donnell said. Bond Premieres to Mark Campaign in Iowa-Neb. ■ Des Moines, la. — A. H. Blank, Iowa and Nebraska WAC chairman, held a second meeting with the film ex- change managers and salesmen to work on plans for the coming Fifth War Loan Drive. i It is planned to hold at least one IBond premiere in every town of at ileast 1,000 population in the terri- 'tory and even most of the smaller communities. The salesmen will again carry the brunt of the work by contacting the exhibitors. O'Donnell Sets West Coast [Participation in Campaign \West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY I Hollywood — Paying high tribute to the part a united industry has played in the four previous national War Bond campaigns, Bob O'Donnell, national chairman of the Fifth War Loan campaign, yesterday continued conferences with top leaders of Hollywood groups which are to have important roles in the June-July irive. O'Donnell, with Claude F. Lee, industry consultant to the Treasury, met with executives of the Holly- wood Victory Committee and studio ind theater leaders. Today, Ted Gamble, head of the Treasury's War IN NEW POSTS IILLIE jOEKEL, posfal clerk, Columbuia, Mem- phis. KNNE FRENKE, Sol Lesser f roductlons, Holly- wood. (ILL KAYS, manager, Hippodrome, Pottsville, Pa. "• tDWARD McCOVERN, manager, Rialto, Scranfon. /IICHAEL O'DONOUCHUE, manager, Westslde, Scranton. • 'ERNON SCHATZLE, manager, Capitol, Mauch "• Chunk, Pa. •' I 'ETER BENDICK, assistant manager, Capitol, Hazelton, Pa. WHAT'S NEW IN Television Today /^^EORGE T. SHUPERT of Para, is preparing a report to the American Television So- ^^ ciety on the part films will play in programming a tele network. . . • CBS has ordered two GE tele transmitters. . . • Increase in the number of channels from 24 to 26 is now being considered as a recommendation to the FCC by the Radio Tech- nical Planning Board on the advice of its television panel. . . •J. Raymond fiutchin- son of the OWI's Film Strip Section has been appointed chairman of the American Television Society's Award Committee. . • NBC's video activity will be stepped up on a live scale as soon as jurisdictional problems are settled among the net's various departments. . . • Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn's tele activities will be directed by F. A. "Ted" Long. . . • FCC Chairman James L. Fly has lined up with CBS on tele, opposing the "freezing" of standards. . . • Anderson, Davis & Platte is the latest agency with look-and-listen plans. . . • General Electric is grooming James D- Mc- Lean, commercial engineer in charge of tele transmitter sales, for a big executive post. • New Canadian monthly, "National Television and Frequency-Modulation Journal," will go to press around June 1. Gov't to Prosecute Sciiine Suit May 19 (Continued from Page 1) dismissal of the suit on grounds indispensable parties (the distribu- tors) have been dismissed from the proceedings; second, and as an al- ternative motion, that the temporary order be modified so Schine may re- tain 10 of the 16 theaters it had been ordered to sell; third, that it be per- mitted to purchase the Liberty 'The- ater, Cumberland, Md.; fourth, that it be permitted in the future to buy additional theatre properties without court approval, and fifth, that the Government not be permitted to ap- point trustees for the theaters still undisposed. Meanwhile, Columbia Pictures, through the New York law firm of Schwartz & Frohlich, is seeking data on the case with a view, perhaps, of re-entering the case, in some manner. The concern has written the court for information. Finance Division, will join O'Donnell and Lee for a final meeting to set the form of the Hollywood industry's participation in the drive. "We have had a magnificent re- sponse, in our first meetings, from the trade press, the newsreels and advertising managers in New York," O'Donnell told local conferees. "Distribution is perfectly organ- ized, with every film salesman mo- bilized, and we have the unfailing backing of the 16,000 theater opera- tors who have supported previous drives." O'Donnell disclosed his organiza- tion is eliminating practically all of the reports which the theater men have found burdensome so they can devote all their efforts to selling Bonds. Don Swariz Joins Brother Don Swartz has resigned from United Artists as salesman in Min- neapolis territory and will join his brother, Abbot Swartz, in manage- ment of PRC exchange in Minne- apolis. Aliied Caravan Meet Before Board Pariey (Goivtinued from Page 1) and May 26 with the board sessions scheduled for May 24-25. On the night of May 24, a stag dinner will be held for all film men, with the tariff $7.50 per person. This will be preceded by a cocktail party at which Metro will be host. Allied of Eastern Pennsylvania will be host for the board conclave and it is expected that between 25 and 30 Allied directors and Caravan leaders from other territories will be on hand. The dinner is expected to attract a turnout of several hundred, inas- much as this also marks the fifth anniversary of the local Allied unit. PRC Negotiating for Radio Program as Climax to Pic IVcst Coast Btneau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — PRC announced it is negotiating for "Breakfast at Sar- di's" for use as a highlight number in its forthcoming musical, "Holly- wood and Vine." Leon Fromkess, PRC production head, plans using the program, em- ceed by Tom Breneman, as the cli- max of the film, with Breneman por- traying himself, and the script including a typical broadcast, but with players of film participating in the radio program. Labor, Talent Parley for Publicizing the Industry West Coast Btiieau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Conference called by the Screen Writers' Guild and at- tended by virtually every labor and talent organization adopted a reso- lution "that we seek to organize the widest possible industry unity to publicize the constructive achieve- ments of the motion picture indus- try." To carry out such a program, a temporary committee will meet next week and draft plans for submission to general group May 16. Hazen and Wallis Reported Near Deal (Continued from Page D rection. Most recent of the negotia- tions have been with Arthur W. Kelly, representing the J. Arthur Rank organization, which is under- stood to have made a very attractive proposal to the Wallis-Hazen com- bination. Because of several other offers un- der consideration, no decision on the Rank deal is eexpected for a while. Defer Loew's Stockholders' Meet Till Pensions Okayed (Continued from Page 1) directors, meeting yesterday at the home office. Pension plan, as already reported, provides a retirement fund of not less than $240 annually nor more than $52,000 annually for all employes with the company 10 years as of March 1 last. Estimated cost of the plan is $3,000,000 annually. Plan, following IRB and SEC ap- proval, will be incorporated in the proxy statement for the annual stockholders' meeting which will be called upon to adopt it. 20th-Fox May Take Legal Action Against New Star West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Twentieth-Fox con- firmed a report that Jennifer Jones had been ordered to report for work April 24 and had failed to do so and as a result the company may take legal action against Miss Jones. No specific vehicle for her was an- nounced. Technicolor Buys Coast Site for Larger Lab. West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Technicolor has bought an entire square block South of its main building in Hollywood as a site for a large laboratory which is expected to be erected when war building restrictions are eased. Rites for Sam Forrest Funeral was held yesterday in Temple Rodeph Sholom for Sam For- rest, 73, stage director, who died Sunday night. Actors, directors and producers were among the 200 at- tending. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. FEmmE TOUCH LORNA PAULS, manager, Madison, Detroit. PATRICIA CLARK, manager, Varsity, Detroit. DOROTHY BARRETT, assistant to the offkt manager, M-C-M, Atlanta. NELL MIDDLETON, secretary to the district manager, M-G-M, Atlanta. LAURA KENNY, secretary to tht branch mint- ger, M-C-M, Atlanta. MARGARET CULLATO, student assistant, RKO- Schine Eckel, Syracuse. Thursday, May 4, 194^ Tele's Biz Effect Major Exiiib. Worry (Continued from Page 1) Detroit, Milwaukee and Chicago. Connors gave assurance that 20th-Fox had no intentions of going into the production of films for television purposes un- til such time the company felt television could be "harnessed to the benefit of all interested in the industry." Commenting on the move to cre- ate unity within the business, Con- nors asserted that the industry "should not wash any linen in public but should sit down across a table and talk things out." The speaker, pointing out that he had "whole-heartedly" supported the TJMPI movement, in which he was a leading spirit, added: "I believe if you listen to the other man's story and have an appreciation of his prob- lems most things can be solved, but if each is kept in ignorance you have only one side of the story and find it difficult. When you learn the other man can't, for good reasons, thor- oughly understand all he asks, then comes the need for unity." To Use Radio More Extensively The 20th-Fox distribution head in- formed the trade-paper men that radio would be more extensively used in selling the company's pic- tures because it was held to be "a very fine medium" of exploitation. He asserted there existed a possibil- ity that the company would create a radio show of its own to promote its product, disclosing that the mat- ter was "being considered." Connors revealed that the distri- bution of 20th-Fox product during 1943-34 was greater than at any time in the history of the company. He said the number of blocks of films for release during 1944-1945 would de- pend upon the number of films com- pleted for the new season. Except for two films, "Home in Indiana" and 'Roger Touhy," all product on the present schedule has been trade- shown, he added. Connors said that although the size of the production bud- get for the 1944-1945 lineup had not been set, it was expected to be at least as large as that for the current season, which amounted to $36,000,000. The policy on "Wilson," the com- pany's $4,000,000 special, will not be determined until after the trade- showing of the film, which is now in the process of being scored, Con- nors asserted. He volunteered the opinion, however, that the picture warranted advanced admission'prices. TO THE COLORS! • ARMY* CLAYTON LEASE, proiecMonist, Globe, Scranton. • NAVY* )IM REILLY, manager, Capitol, Bloomsburg, Pa. WB Using Microfilm For Foreign Puhlicity As means of speeding pictorial material to foreign publications, War- ners has started sending stills of new films to Europe via microfilm. Adoption of the new service by War- ners was brought about by Paul Hen- reid, contract star, who for months has been sending photographic ma- terial in this manner to his cousin, Karl Henreid, who handles his pub- licity abroad. Urges Quick Use of Tele Developmenfs Washington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — FCC Chairman Law- rence Fly yesterday announced some individual views on the future of television. The matter was brought promi- nently into the news with a recent statement by the CBS urging that broadcasters, manufacturers and the Government prepare now for a change of standards to higher qual- ity television pictures. Fly remarked: "It has been my view that the highest developments which our television technicians are capable of producing should be made available to the public so soon as may be feasible, consistent with the over- all economic picture. At the same time it would be foolhardy to lock down future television service to the pre-war levels. Wartime research has been very productive. "The public interest is paramount. American families should be given the benefit of the many technologi- cal improvements created in the labo- ratories in the stress of war. "The Commission is concerned with the orderly introduction of any new standards which may be deemed de- sirable." The sales executive said that the picture would open in New York on that basis, adding he couldn't say whether that policy would obtain nationally. Connor's voiced the pos- sibility that the picture, which is scheduled to open in New York in mid-Summer, might not be released generally until 1946 if it showed it- self all it was supposed to be. Twentieth-Fox is not committed to the distribution of any British or other foreign product in 1944-1945, Connors said. He explained that if the company saw something from abroad that it liked, it would show it. It was Connors' belief that the company would be foi'ced by trans- portation and housing difficulties to hold regionals instead of a national convention this year. Others present from 20th-Fox were William J. Kupper, general sales manager; Andrew W. Smith, Jr., Eastern sales manager; Hal Home, ad-publicity head; Sam Shain, director of trade relations, and Roger Ferri, editor of "The Dy- namo." Indie Exhib. Protests New FWC House in His Area (Continued from Page 1) snag, it was learned here yesterday. Although there has been discussion of protests by exhibitor groups in that area, the first protest to be re- ceived by the Department of Justice came from the Albany Theater, in Albany, Cal. This was independent of any projected organized protest, and referred only to the FWC appli- cation to build in one area. Assistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark revealed yesterday that the complainant had written him pro- testing the projected grant to FWC and proposing that he himself, an independent exhibitor, be permitted to construct a theater in that par- ticular area. Clark said he had called George W. McMurphey, head of the OCR Amusements Section, to discover McMurphey's attitude, and was told by the latter that he would "look into the matter." Although other protests have been rumored, none had reached Clark last night. Regardless of pi'otest, however, Clark plans to reach a de- cision on temporary circuit expan- sion in conference with the anti-trust head, Wendell Berge. ITO Protests Blanket Authority for New Theaters West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — In addition to protest- ing against granting of blanket au- thorization to "certain theater cir- cuits controlled by or affiliated with producing organizations" to con- struct new theaters in the San Fran- cisco Bay area, ITO of Northern California and Nevada, declares there may be a tendency on the part of speculators or ill-advised exhibi- tors to establish new houses in local- ities where existing facilities are adequate. It also contends such the- aters would not only fail to serve the purpose intended by the OCR, but would also result in great eco- nomic waste, both during and after the war. 20th-Fox Hosts 125 Exhibs. At "Bernadette" Hub Bow Boston, Mass. — Gov. Leverett Sal- tonstall and Boston's Mayor Daniel Tobin were among the guests here at the gala premiere of 20th Century- Fox's "The Song of Bernadette" last night at the Majestic. Also in at- tendance were 125 New England exhibs., guests of 20th Century-Fox's district manager, E. X. Callahan, and Branch Manager M. Grassgreen. Coast Honors Joe E. Brown West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — At a banquet yester- day honoring Joe E. Brown for his efforts in entertaining the country's armed forces throughout world, a scroll was presented to Brown by President I. E. Chadwick on behalf of the IMPPA, which tendered the affair. Guest list was headed by Mayor Bowron, and Walter Pidgeon acted as toastmaster. ^ ^J ±5 I lATSE Is Considering Organizing Salesmen (Continued from Page 1) convention. It is the Executive Board] that will set the convention program Walsh is due in St. Louis tomorrow The question of lA affiliation of^ all film salesmen was first revivee" in Milwaukee when Oscar E. OlsoiH business agent of operators' local 164 of that city, was approached by a delegation of salesmen with a re- quest that their field be organized by the Alliance. It was made cleai that the move was not limited to the Milwaukee territory. This was- exclusively disclosed to The Film Daily on April 26. Subsequently, it was disclosed that Local 110, operators, of Chicago was taking an active role in the move to launch a managerial union undei lATSE auspices. Meanwhile, there have been reports that the CIO also was interesting itself in the situa tion and that, should the lA not act, the rival labor organization was prepared to move in. i 1 Stillwell's Troops Need Films, Asserts Goddard A vital need for film entertain ment by our service personnel in the China-Burma-India theater of operations was reported yesterday by Paulette Goddard at a press inter- view at USO-Camp Shows headquar- ters following her return from a 38,000-mile tour of that area that started the middle of February. The actress, the first USO-Camp Shows entertainer to visit the front where Gen. Joe Stillwell is in command, said that, except for the reading of mail from home, motion pictures provided our fighting men with the sole means of entertainment. Miss Goddard asserted that the boys in the areas she visited were so hungry for film diversion that they didn't mind the fact that the figures were "almost impossible to discern" because of the weather- beaten condition of the screens. According to the actress, so badly were the men in need of entertain- ment that she was eager to make another tour of the China-Burma- India theater. The soldiers especial- ly missed musical entertainment, she asserted. Miss Goddard found that our troops especially resented flag-wav- ing in pictures because to them it appeared too obvious. The actress expected to return to the Coast at the week-end. k STORK REPORTS West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Henry Morgan, screen actor, has a new second son, to be ttj^med Timothy. -^ i kj IS H±-»7-»7M nz SNC] i 1 D nci nt\ ci ci w WPB Releases More Freon Gas for Theater Use ON/' {ntimate in Character [niernationa! in Scope {ndependent in Thought (^See Equipment News, Page 15)' The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old t arOL. 85. NO. 89 NEW YORK, FRIDAY, MAY 5, 1944 TEN CENTS INDUSTRY'S "HONORED HUNDRED" NAMED Exchange Men Meet Tomorrow on War Loan Depinet Asks Sessions to Set Up Drive Machinery; lo Contact All Exhibitors All branch managers and salesmen will meet in their respective ex- ;hange cities tomorrow to set up the ,( machinery for the industry's partic- ipation in the Fifth War Loan, the meetings hav- ing been called at the request of Ned E. Depinet, national chairman of the distribution committee. At the same time, De- pinet disclosed that every exhibi- tor in the United States would be contacted by branch managers and salesmen for s|active participation in the campaign. At tomorrow's sessions, the dis- (Continued on Page 5) NED E. DEPINET i- J. S.-U. K. Trade Pad Revived; Films In! London (By Cable) — A British- American trade pact, which undoubt- adly will include films, is a distinct possibility, it is revealed here. Dr. Hugh Dalton, president of the Board .of Trade, told the House of Commons (Continued on Page 13) SCROLL, CITATION FOR 'HONORED 100' Each of the "Honored Hundred" winners on Tuesday will receive an illuminat'ed parchment scroll signed by Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr., Ted R. Gamble, S. H. Fabian, Charles P. Skouras, F. H. RIcketson, Jr., and B. V. Sturdivant, as part of the Washington ceremonies. Text of the award reads: "He gave of his time and his effort in devotion to our Country's Cause dur- ing the Fourth War Loan. ... He served on the home front. ... He distinguished himself as one of America's great show- men and patriots by establishing a Bond- selling record equalled only by his ninety-nine fellow theater managers in the Honored Hundred of the Motion Pic- ture Industry." Each winner also receives the Treas- ury Department citation for selling a Bond for every seat in his theater dur- ing the Drive. Similar citations have been awarded other theatermen who reached that goal. TED GAMBLE SECY MORGENTHAU To Protest Passage 0\ P. R. Films Bill American film companies are pre- paring to protest the Puerto Rican film regulatory measure to the gov- ernor of Puerto Rico in the event that it goes to him for signature. The bill was signed Wednesday by the president of the House and may have been signed yesterday by the president of the Senate. It previously had been reported (Continued on Page 13) WPB OkesFWC House For San Diego Area Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — One application for a new theater submitted by Fox West Coast — to build in the San Diego area — has already been given full approval by WPB and been sent to FWC, it was learned yesterday. Although George W. McMurphey, OCR amusements chief, had been expected to submit this application (Continued on Page 14) Skouras Cites Fourth Loan Contest Winners For "A Job Well Done' Winners of the "Honored Hundred" contest, the 101 the- ater men in the U. S., Alaska and Hawaii who sold the greatest number of "E" Bonds in percen-j tage ratio to the! number of seats I in their theaters,! during the Fourth | War Loan cam- paign, are an-i nounced today byj Charles P Skouras, national! chairman of the f drive. Terming thef designations "of- ficial recognition i of a job well done " Skouras, in ^^^^^^ p ^^^^^^^ notifying winners of their selection, said "The Treasury (Continued on Page 13) Hoyts Acquires 24 Sydney Suburbans West Coast Bur.. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Hoyts Theaters, Ltd., has acquired controlling interest in 24 Sydney, Australia, suburban the- aters at a price reported to be $1,- 000,000. A. J. Bazant and Louis Parani, who owned most of the houses involved in the deal, will retain an interest in the theaters. With the acquisition of these houses, Hoyts will be operating 150 theaters in Australia. Give Schine 6 Mas. Extension 'Little Three' Dismissed from the Gov't's Suit Joseph Arriving Today For Bergman Confabs John Joseph, national director of advertising and publicity of Univer- sal, arrives today from California to confer with Maurice Bergman, Eastern head of advertising and pub- licity, and arrange final details for (Continued on Page 13) Buffalo — Federal Judge John Knight yesterday afternoon granted the Schine Chain six months' exten- sion to sell the 10 remaining thea- ters of the 16 ordered sold two years ago, and permission to purchase the Liberty Theater, Cumberland, Md., ruling that the sale is not against the public interest. Schine is not required to accept (Continued on Page 5) Lay Attendance Drop To Too Many War Pix West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— ITO of Southern Cal- ifornia and Arizona issued a state- ment to the effect that the decrease in theater attendance evidenced dur- ing past few weeks can be attributed to ever-increasing number of war pictures released. Statement contin- ues that reports show theater pat- (Continued on Page 14) Warners Holding to 20 Pix Next Season? Warners program for 1944-45 in all probability will approximate the same number of pictures being re- leased this season, it was learned yesterday. During 1943-44, WB will distribute about 20, exclusive of re-issues. When the new year starts in August, company will have approximately a full season's prod- uct ready. FOURTH WAR LOAN HONORED HUNDRED PHOTOGRAPHiC GALLERY ON PAGES S-9'12-13 iSi^ u Friday, May 5, 1944 DAILY Vol. 85, No. 89 Fri., May 5, 1944 10 Cents )OHN W. ALICOATE DONALD M. MERSEREAU CHESTER B. BAHN Publisher General Manager Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreigm, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, lU., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eiken O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. nnnnciflL (Thursday, May 4) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High low Close Chg. 143/4 143/4 143/4 — 1/4 18 173/4 173/4 - 1/4 Am. Seat. Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind. Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak 1 do pfd 1 Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd Warner Bros. NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s5S NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Ficts. vtc. Para. Theater Engineers, Springfield, Vote to Strike Springfield, Mass. — Operating en- gineers at the Paramount Theater will strike Monday in protest against refusal of the management to nego- tiate a new contract, Charles Dear- den, business agent of Local 602-UR, International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL, said yesterday. Stagehands and motion picture op- erators at the theater will be asked to strike in sympathy with the engi- neers, Dearden said. Both groups are affiliated with the AFL. Date for the strike was set late yesterday at the conclusion of con- ferences between Dearden and Nath- an E. Goldstein, president of the Western Massachusetts Theaters, Inc., operators of the theater, at which William C. Hornmann of the State Board of Conciliation and Ar- bitration attempted a settlement of the dispute. The union spokesman charged union members had extra work as- signed to them and were paid time and a half for overtime for 18 months. At the expiration of that time, the union contends the mem- bers were billed from the theater management for the overtime wages on the grounds that they had been erroneously overpaid. The War Labor Board in Boston ruled payment of the overtime cre- ated a precedent and stoppage of such payment would constitute a wage reduction. The union seeks negotiation of a new contract to comply with the Board ruling in favor of continued overtime payment for an eight-hour day and a 48-hour week. 5 21% 593/4 1 81 1 43/4 47/8 2OV2 201/2 — 1/4 591/2 1593/4 + 3/4 81 181 — 1 253/8 8% 891/4 233/8 31 121/4 BOND 931/4 CURB 33/4 1% 23/4 133/4 3'/2 237/8 233/4 25 8 1/2 23 25 — 85/8 . 89 231/4 — 305/8 303/4 -I- 12 121/8 — MARKET 931/4 931/4 -I- MARKET 35/8 35/8 — l'/4 11/4 . 23/4 23/4 133/4 133/4 3'/2 31/2 231/2 235/8 233/4 233/4 -I- 3^ '/4 Cagney Promotes Arthur West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — George Arthur, for- mer Paramount producer, has been promoted to general assistant to Wil- liam Cagney, president of William Cagney Productions, Inc. Arthur will work with writers and production assistants on preparation of scripts and will be chief company contact with talent and story agents. ChL Stagehands Elect Chicago — Larry Cassidy was re- elected president. Will Schraut, vice- prexy, and Frank Olson, secretary and business agent, for the stage- hands' union. "U" Dividends in Future Set for Quarterly Basis Universal dividends in the future will be declared on a quarterly basis, it was announced yesterday follow- ing a board meeting at which a divi- dend of $1 per share was declared. J. Cheever Cowdin, board chairman, announced that the dividend should be considered as representing divi- dends for the first two quarters of the current year. The dividend declared yesterday will be payable May 31 to stock- holders of record May 17. Crown to Film Classics As Hirliman's Assistant Alfred Crown has joined Film Classics, Inc., as assistant to George A. Hirliman, president. Before join- ing Fim Classics, Crown was associ- ated with the Charles K. Feldman Agency and previously was with M-G-M in South America, the Co- ordinator of Inter-American Affairs and Grand National. Para. Sets Quarterly Div. Paramount's board yesterday an- nounced payment of the regular quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share, payable July 1 to stockholders of record on June 12. Mass Wac Induction S'et for Times Square One hundred young women will be inducted into the Women's Army Corps at a public ceremony in Times Square next Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., marking the beginning of the Wac recruiting week which starts the next day in 16,000 thea- ters. Important Army, civic and industry leaders will attend in addi- tion to radio and screen personali- ties headed by Frank Sinatra. Jane Powell will sing the national an- them. Suit Delays Bookings Of "The Negro Soldier' A temporary restraining order suspending further bookings on the War Department film, "The Negro Soldier," has been issued by Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard in the suit of Negro Marches On, Inc., against the WAC. A wire from Ned E. Depinet, WAC distributor chairman, to exchanges handling the Army four-reeler, ex- plained that the restraining order did not affect showings now in prog- ress, or bookings already taken. Hearings will be held Tuesday upon the motion for an injunction with representatives of the U. S. district attorney's office for the Southern district of New York serv- ing as counsel for the WAC. It is understood that representatives of the War Department will either ap- pear at hearing or submit affidavits clarifying the issues. SLRB Opens Hearings on Local 306 Century Petition Hearings on a petition by lATSE Local 306 for certification as bar- gaining agent for projectionists em- ployed by the Century circuit began yesterday before the- State Labor Relations Board. The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. The Local 306 move is an outcome of its absorption of Empire State Motion Picture Operators' Union, which at present holds contracts with the Century houses. "Locally Needed" Ruling Expected for Cleveland Cleveland — It is expected that Cleveland will shortly join Pitts- burgh and Philadelphia as areas in which film exchange employes are given essential ratings. Morrison Orr, United Artists branch manager and distributor WAC chairman, has had the matter up with the local authorities who referred it to Wash- ington. Orr reports that the situa- tion looks favorable and he expects a verdict shortly. No Black Market Popcorn Chicago— OPA has warned local theaters not to buy popcorn on the black market. OPA has started a drive against violators. cominc aid Goinc NICHOLAS M. SCHENCK, Loew's president, will go to Culver City Tuesday. BARNEY BALABAN, Paramount president, leaves for Chicago today to meet Y. FRANK FREMAN in Chicago. From there they will proceed to the Coast. NED E. DEPINET, president of RKO Radio I and S. BARRET McCORMICK, advertising-pub | licity chief, leave for Hollywood May 12. »> >, ALFRED W. SCHWALBERC, Eastern represeiSj tative of International Pictures, and ROBERT GOLDSTEIN, New York manager, will go to the | Coast May 12. JOHN HERTZ, JR., Buchanan & Co. board chairman, will go to the Coast May 12. WILLIAM LEVY, of the Walt Disney execu- tives, leaves for Hollywood Tuesday for a month's stay. CHARLES FRANCIS COE is in Oklahoma City today to address the Chamber of Co'mmerce. HARRY C. ARTHUR, JR., Fanchon & Marco general manager, has returned to St. Louis from a New York trip. He will go to the Coast shortly. GERALD SCHNITZER, son of UA's Ed Schnltzer, has been transferred from Courtlandt, Ala. to Santa Anna, Call. He is in the AA. T. R. THOMPSON, UA district manager from Kansas City, visited the UA home office. BERN IE XAMBER leaves today for Toronto where he will handle Joan Fontaine's War Bond Tour. WILLIAM C. GEHRINC, Western sales mana- ger of 20th Century-Fox, returned yesterday from Milwaukee, where he conducted sales confabs. DICK WRIGHT, of the Warner Theaters office in Cleveland, arrived in New York yesterday for a few days. GEORGE B. WEST, Monogram franchise holder in St. Louis and Cincinnati territories, will visit the studio in Hollywood late this month. SEYMOUR NEBENZAL, head of Angelus Pic- tures, entrains from the Coast for New York today with a print of "Summer Storm," co- starring George Sanders and Linda Darnell. JOSEPH BERNE, president of the Singer The- ater Circuit, is in Chicago from his Cleve- land office for conferences. RALPH PIELOW has returned from Florida. LOU SMITH arrives in San Francisco today. JANE POWELL is in town. AL JOLSON arrives in New York this week- end to see the Broadway shows and seek talent for supporting roles in "Burlesque," his first production effort at Columbia. MARJORIE CATESON leaves New York for Hollywood Sunday. J. L. BEDDINGTON, director of the film di- vision of the British Ministry of Information, is due from London over the week-end. J. S. MacLEOD, Loew maintenance executive, leaves for the Coast today. JAY GOVE, Metro sales development manager, leaves at the week-end for a vacation at MyrHe Beach, S. C. SEP BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO... May 5 Charles C. Pettijohn June Lang Alice Faye Tyrone Power Harry J. Takiff May 6 John C. Flinn Oliver H. P. Garrett Orson Welles I. Altman Elsa Warnecke Burtus Bishop May 7 Joseph Bernhard George "Gabby" Hayes Gary Cooper Herman Lorber Benjamin Clazer L. Ward Royalty CHARLES Boyer IN&RID Bergman JOSEPH Gotten El ^Vtif Vj > , 'a: CHARLES BOYER • INGRID BERGMAN • JOSEPH GOTTEN in "GASLIGHT Barbara Everest • Screen Play Ly JoKn Van Druten, Walter Reisck anJ with Dame May Whitty • Angela Lanstury - ' ■ *-.., TT asLci. ivciBtJfi ana Jolin L. BaUer^ton • Ba.eJ Upon tke Play ty Patrick Hamilton . Directed Ly GEORGE CUKOR • Produced ty ARTHUR HORNBLOW JR A GREAT ATTRACTION IN M-G-M'e "SPRINGTIME 5" 4 =riday, May 5, 1944 M*t! Exchange Men Meet Tomorrow on Loan (Continued from Page l) tribution chairmen and their com- mittees of exchange managers will sub-divide and allocate the territories for individual managers' and sales- Xaen's responsibilities. If this al- ready has been done, plans will be reviewed so that everyone will know what his responsibility is when the starting gun is fired. Depinet suggested that a plan worked out by John J. Friedl, nation- al campaign director, in the North- west where the territory has been broken down into zones be tried, unless a workable plan already has been put into operation. All managers and salesmen have been asked to personally influence as many exhibitors and theater man- agers as possible to atteijd the re- gional meetings, first of which is to be held in Washington on May 10. Depinet is being assisted in Fifth War Loan activities by Leon J. Bam- berger. Shumlin Plans to Film "The Searching Wind" Herman Shumlin, producer of "The Searching Wind," said yesterday that the film version of the Lillian Hell- man play would be made by his own organization for release by one of the major distributors. At the same time it was learned that Hal Wallis, who recently re- signed from Warner Bros., was in- terested in the play and would ap- proach Shumlin with the idea of buying the screen rights. According to report, one offer of $475,000 has been submitted for the film rights. tSoldberg Again on JCRC Board Philadelphia — Harry Goldberg, na- ional director of advertising and lublicity for Warner Bros. Theaters, ras re-elected to the board of direc- ors of the Philadelphia Jewish Com- munity Relations Council at the an- nual meeting here. IN NEW POSTS |. H. KELLEY, manager, National Theatre Supply, Cincinnati. JOHN FERRY, manager. Keystone, Towanda, Pa. CEORCE HORLACKER, manager, Capitol, Waver- ly. JOHN KELLY, manager. Sterling, Wilkes-Barre. BARNEY DREXINCER, manager, Luzerne, Luzerne, Pa. MARY GALLAGHER, manager. Liberty, Exter, Pa. EDWARD FEENEY, manager, Kingston, Kingston, Pa. GEORGE WELSCH, manager, Capitol, Milton, Pa. ART BULLOCK, manager, Roman, Pittston, Pa. ROBERT KANE, assistant manager, Capitol, Wil- liamsport. Pa. FRANK FRITZ, manager, Capitol, Bloomsburg, Pa. STANLEY SEARLE, manager, Capitol. Danville, Pa. • • • WARNERS' "comparison screenings" yesterday for the industry press of "Outward Bound," vintage of 1930, and "Between Two Worlds," the 1944 version of the Sutton Vane ploy, broken by luncheon at Dinty Moore's, were interesting and revealing "Outward Bound," directed by Robert Milton with a cast that included Leslie Howard, Doug Fairbanks, Jr., Helen Chandler, Beryl Mercer, Alec B. Francis, Alison Skipworth, Lyonel Watts, Montagu Love and Dudley Digges, still is far from being out-moded Indeed, it holds up sur- prisingly well, and it is easy to understand why FILM DAILY'S critic in 1930 hailed it as "superb drama of the better class" Yet, this is also true "Between Two Worlds," reflecting as it does f odoy's advanced technique and craftsmanship, is superior Whereas "Outward Bound" was essentially a carbon copy of the stage play, "Between Two Worlds" is more fluid and elastic Daniel Fuchs, who adapted, has modernized the story, of course, although the liber- ties taken with Vane's plot are not too great The major departure is in the treatment of characters, and incidentally, you'll find several new ones included in the strange ship's party Incidentally, the idea for that "double feature" screening yesterday is credited to Pro- ducer Mark Hellinger of the new version It was his last contribu- tion before he took off for overseas assignment on behalf of Uncle Sam T ▼ T • • • CUFF NOTES: Both 20th-Fox and Columbia are bidding for pix rights to the Jack Skirball-Theater Guild hit, "Jacobowsky and the Colonel.". . • Looks like plenty of pulpit plugs for Warners' "The Adventures of Mar)} Twain," with the clergy particularly in- terested in Twain's plea for tolerance and democracy and his intro- duction at Oxford. . . % March of Time's "Youth in Crisis" is credited luith inspiring a YMCA innovation, the Oasis Club, in Pitts- field, Mass As a fresh approach to the juvenile problem, its success is instanced by attendance of 200 the first Saturday night, 400 the next and 850 the third Exhibs. troubled with juve de- linquency and vandalism might find their local YM's interested. . . • Another swell New England idea: War souvenir exhibit sponsored in Boston by the Hub's Theatrical Post of the American Legion, headed by Harry Browning, M 8c P public relations chief Souvenirs have been sent back by Boston industryites in service How about na- tional adoption of the idea by film biz? What better means to call attention locally to the industry's luar effort Especially if the exhibit included, in addition to souvenirs, booths for Bond sales, blood donor enrollments, Wac recruiting? Is it news that Warners having remade "Outward Bound" will remake "Petrified Forest" as "Strangers in Our Midst?", with Zachary Scott in the unforgettable Leslie Howard role T T ▼ • • • SWELL IDEA to keep the public aware of the industry's film service to the fighting fronts, theater newspaper ads ore now carrying, once in a while, the legend: "This film is now being shown to our armed forces overseas." Paramount is using it with "Going My Way" Metro used it with "Hargrove" at Astor ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • BREAD ON THE WATERS: A patriotic theater manager in Jersey offered co-operation to his local manpower officials Set up a booth in lobby at which tnanpower representatives made it easy for moviegoers to enlist for war jobs Result: the theater got many war zoorkers for the manpower commission and it also roped in some badly needed ushers, a porter and a cashier! ▼ ▼ T • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR Give Schine Chain (Continued from Page 1) the extension, Judge Knight giving it the alternative of appointment of trustees to operate the 10 houses until sold. Extension is to run from May 15, 1944. United Artists, Columbia and Uni- versal yesterday were dismissed as defendants in the Government's anti- trust suit against Schine Chain The- aters, Inc. Because of their dismis- sal, the trial of the case, which starts in Buffalo on May 19, will be pressed against only the Schine circuit. The other distributor - defendants were dismissed from the action three years ago, leaving only the so-called Little Three as co-defendants and they, too, now are out of the case. Meanwhile, Federal Judge John Knight is studying Schine briefs which ask for the dismissal of the action on the grounds that the dis- tributors, as indispensable parties, have been dismissed and that the cir- cuit be allowed to retain 10 of the 16 theaters it had been ordered to sell. Other requests in the briefs con- cern permission to buy the Liberty Theater, Cumberland, Md., as well as additional properties without court approval and that the Govern- ment not be permitted to appoint trustees for the undisposed of thea- ters. WB Studio Production Hits Peak for Wartime West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Shooting orders just issued by Jack L. Warner, WB exec- utive producer, on six new stories, together with the half dozen now before the cameras, will send War- ner studio activity to its wartime peak this month. It will also be one of the busiest months in his- tory for the Warner lot. Scheduled to start in the month ahead are "Christmas in Connecti- cut," staring Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan; "The Corn Is Green," Bette Davis vehicle; "This Love of Ours," which will star John Garfield; "Hollywood Canteen," resuming with all-star cast; "Strangers in Our Midst," with Jean Sullivan, Zachary Scott, Irene Manning, Helmut Dan- tine and Alan Hale, and "Of Human Bondage." FEmmE TOUCH MRS. IRMA COOK MASON, assistant manager, Clarinda, la. MRS. MARIAN KROSKUP, manager, Ken, Chica- go- ANN DAGGETT, Vanguard Films publicity de- partment, Hollywood. JOY CUNDY, booking department, Hamrick-Ever- green Theaters, Seattle. MRS. CLAIR HOMNICK, assistant manager. Hart, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 0n€ ef i^fie msedeU £iiin ^lemem^ c^f mi TIME (FROM THE MAY 1st ISSUE) 'Going My Way. . . is one of the year's top surprises. It presents Bing^ Crosby as a Catholic priest, and gets away with it so grace- fully that Crosby, the priest- hood and the audience are equal gainers. It offers, in the per- formance of... Barry Fitzgerald, the finest, funniest and most touching portrayal of old age that has yet reached the screen. In so doing, it points the way to the great films which will be possible when Hollywood becomes aware of the richness and delight of human character observed for its own sake . . . "Leo McCarey's leisured, limpid direction and Steve Seymour's splendid sets are partly responsible ... But the best reasons are the loving attention to character, and some magnificent acting. "Father Fitzgibbon as Fitzgerald portrays him — senile, vain, childish, stubborn, good, bewildered, stupid — is the quintessence of the pathos, dignity and ludicrousness which old age can display. "Father O'Malley. . . is subtle, gay, debonair-a wise young priest whose ^ J ^ V^« ^g^W *^'^'^ ,.i^^m ^^1^ st Mk ^ ji^^v^^^^^H ll .t^^.. r^^^^jr^ 41 Ilk ^ ' arresting resemblance to Bing- Crosby never obscures his essential power. ^^ Going My Way is a sort of friendly contest between two diametri- cally different kinds of acting: Fitzgerald's, the immensely experienced, stage-wise sort which leaves mere virtuosity miles behind, and Crosby's, which is hardly acting at all, but merely the unaffected exploitation of an amiable personality. The picture shows that neither kind, at its best, can possibly be beat, and that together, they bring just about the last word in teamwork. "It will surprise nobody who sees Crosby's performance, and the breadth of his control over the film as a whole, that he has just signed a ten- year contract with Paramount ..." I) Songs by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen "DAY AFTER FOREVER" "GOING MY V/AY" "SWINGING ON A STAR" Paramount's FOURTH SENSATION OF 1944 AT N. Y. PARAMOUNT BING CROSBY BARRY FITZGERALD • Frank McHugh James Brown • Jean Heather • Gene Lockhart Porter Hall • Fortunio Bonanova and RISE STEVENS Famous Contralto of Metropolitan Opera Association B. G. DeSYLVA/ Executive Producer Screen Play by Frank Butler and Frank Cavett Produced and Directed by LEOMcCAREY V^* DAILY Friday, May 5, 1944 iHdustry Honors 100 Top ^^E" Bond Salesmen To Receive Scrolls and Place on Treasury War Finance Division Committee FOKKMAN R. RO- B. E. ABEGGLEN*— EWALD A. STEIN* JAMES J. SHARUM* W.G. ALLEN— Own- HOMER Gllil. — FRANK HAYWARD <.KUS- — Former Vilby manager; owner-manager, Ma- con, Tuskagee, Ala. Theater business since 1914; in Alaslta since 1925; managitig Revilla, Kethikan, Alaska. -Radio and sound technician ; operat- ing Ou't Wicken- burg Way Theater, Wiekenburg, Ariz. -Indie, exiiib. af- filiated with Mal- co; operating Sha- rum. Walnut Ridge, Ark. er-manager, Sunr set, BiTerdal'e, Cali£<; also runs grocery store, bus line. Manager, Fox, Ba- ker'sfieia, .Calif.; former indie, film salesman and pub- licit.v man. — Manager, Bel Mar, San Leandro, Calif. : in business 30 years as actor, producer. H.ARRl E. tKE.*S- EY — Golden Gate, Riverside, Calif.; theater 1^usine«fs for 10 years, 13 with FPC. BERT KENNERSON* IRVING LEVIN .MVK .1. I). KI(II\KD!>ON DALE SMILEY — Manager, State, Manager, Coliseum, TEN — Manager, San tlosc, Calif.; San Francisco; Golden Gate, East formerly usher, started as usher, Los Angeles, Calif.; publicity director manager for 10 started in theater and exploiteer. years. business in 1901. — Ritz, Soutli Pasa- dena, Calif. H.\KVEV W. SMITH T. F. WOODS — For- RALPH .J. BATSCH- ELET* — Managed Bluebird, Denver, for 12 years; since Fourth War Loan, manager, Mayan. Manager, Grand, — Manager, Rose- mer stage hand; North Sacramento, ville, Roseville,- managing theaters Calif.; former Fox Calif.; manager since he was 18; West Coast mana- since 1928, with now at Telenews, ger. Roseville 11 years. San Francisco. ""■'-^Uv ma'-n^ger' "^ ^'Ils'^N -'ma^a^- "-owner ''straV' '^'x^NO ^^ t^'^""- ^^"^"^ '• "«««*- ''•^^''^ ^- FOXE*_ "mALCOLM H. MIL- CECIL D. ^RUM- T^x' Tou'deV gU^-'rox, Walsen- for^d Ttratfo?d, ^^^-^ " ^^-^-l?^?'' M-aser of LoeWs With Loew's near- LER* — Prince MEY* Owner- (Colo.) Theaters, managing Isis The- ater. f,"r'g CoTi • form^; Co^n' IW^Vli ^Jr'' ^ '"'^f'''- f^'''"'' , ^"^^^^ '>• i-^ ^ ears sta^tTng The^-pahok e meager- of"" '^. ro^'jectionist and yeZ"- active^n all Ccl'n ■ ^HU \ •' *»"• D^L; in busi- as an usher; man- Fla.; general man- chelle, RocheUe, projectionist and years, active in all Conn.; with Loew's ness since 1914. ager Loew's Colum- agf^r Gold-Dohrow Ga., which he pur- bia, Washington. Theaters. chased in 1941. theater owner. drives. since 1928. ADAM JAMES GO- W.iLTER LEE CAS- WILLIAM B. HOI.- HARLAN CROY MES* — Manager, Quern, Honolulu; s-tarled as door- man :ind operator. State Winners. EV, JR.*-Managcr, Rex, Bonners Fer- r.y. Ida>, bince 1910. DEN* — Chicago Theater, Chicago. Managed Roxy, Frankfort, Inc.; now on duty with USNR. HARRY RUBIN — LEONARD W. SO- With his brother, WAR* — Rivoli, operates four the- aters in Micliigan Cit.v, Ind., manages Tivoli. Muncie, Ind., city manager of The- atrical Managers theaters, owns two. R. J. BAKER* — VIOLET CADLE — Majestic Theater, Manager, Chief, Centerville, la,., cit.v manager. Cen- tral States The- aters. Hiawatha, Kans.. since her husband left for the armed services. Friday, May 5, 1944 IHE^* DAILY ^Honored Hundred^ Winners From Every State ^ Backgrounds Reveal Variety of Former Occupations; Most Are Industry Vets. K. DeLO^G — TER IRWIN* — KOV ULNMCK — BARNES PERDUE — L. Owner - manager, Ute, Mankato, Kans. ; in Kansas theaiter bxisiness for 16 years. Dreamland, Her- ington, Kans., city manager for Com- monwealth Amuse- ment Corp. SPONSLER — \V. B. ASPLEY* — FRED M. EUGLEY* Madrid, Atchison, Kans.; managed three War Dept. theaters before re- cent discharge. Kansan, Katy and Uptown Theaters, Parsons, Kans., city manager, Grif- fith. Liberty, Fort Scott, Kans., city mana- ger for Fox Mid- west ; in show business since 1919. Pla/. a, Glasgow, Ky. ; operates two Kentucky houses, member Affiliated Tlieaters, Inc. — Managjpr Staa*, Westbrook, M e . for past 2.5 years; manager who start- ed Rudy Vallee. CROFT* — Mana- ger, Broadway, Baltimore, Md. where he started as a doorman. H. W. liKALS, ,-Man- ager, Brockton, Brockton, Mass.; in theater business 18 years as usher, chief of service. WILLIAM S. C.\N- .ARTHUR I. KKKX- ,L K. DLNMs'lo.N, i'llOM \s EA- CH.ARLES A. ZINN* W. n-SLE"V* — NORRIS B. CRESS- NING* — Manager, Empire, Fall Riv- er, Mass.; has managed houses for many years. .AN , — Manager, Merrimack, Lowell, Mass. ; former ush- er, graduated at Publix School. Monroe, Monroe, Mich.; opened his first theater in 1905 ; now oper- ates three houses. L.V>D' — Owner- manager, Ferndale, Ferndale, Mich.; president Ferndale Board of C o m - — Managed Cen- tury, Minneapolis ; since Fourtli Loan Drive, manager. State. Manager, Marion, Columbia, Miss., which he built in 193G. WELL — Manager, Lee, Clinton, Mo. ; in theater business in 1906 but out for 18 years. Ty* — Valencia, Macon, Mo.; in theater business 2G years, managing booking, etc. — Owner -manager, Orpheum, Plenty- wood, Mont. ; in theate'r hrusiness since 1916. LER* — Lyric, kinsnn, Neb., e.v- hib:tor since 1908; opened .first the- ater in 1909. MOND — Rivoli, Falls City, Neb. ; in show business for nine years, from doorman up. WRIGHT* — -Vmerican, Winne- mucca, Ncv.; has been usher, door- man, projectionist. SON* — Manager, Strand, Dover, N. H. for 10 years; in theater business since 19?5. NE.AGLKY* — Manager, Cri- terion, Bridgeton, N. J.; in theater business since 191S. I U S S E L L H.VRD- WICK* — Mana- ger, State, Clovis, N. M. ; became usher in 1909. HAROLD deGRAW* LOUISE LEON- BET'PV M.\KGAR — Manager, One- onta, Oneonta, N. v.; formerly lop- erated own the- ater. ARD — Manager, Astor, New York since J01',J; former assistant treasurer, anfl assistant. IDO* — Manager, Forest Hills, For- est Hills., L. I., N. Y.; with Skour- as seven .years. Owner - Utopia, L. I.. N. man for manager. Flushing, Y.; show- ;J1 years. WELL — Manager, State, Newton, N. C, city manager, Everett Enterprises, Inc. PENTER* — Co- lonial, Valdcse, N. ('., partner-general manager. Colonial Theaters f'o. Hollywood, Drtvi Lake, N. C; has been canily b«.v, treasurer, press agent and pnanager. EyVGBN — Partner - manager. New Lyric, Rugby, N. D. ; manager of house for 15 years. * State Winners. 1 roi^^ C ^WAC RECRUITING WEEK ^ ^iN MOVIE THEATRES tY 11th THRU T7th. HELP WIN THE WAR! L rugged ro^^^'^- ^^ . ,v,e 'best bets ior ^ ^^^, "" ' I U in-duces one oi tb ^ ^ ^...ens. ^^.,,^ ^^"'""U-"'*-*^ *e.nati«nelv" tb-«-' ^^ "" , ,t,, „ost spine. ^ One oi ^^^"^ . , i» ;,ht in tbeit seats. O ^^Viefeoing- ^lence bolt UP-^*^^^ . . in many ^eeks ot , »Had audience ^j^counter m n Ne>«^°"' .«• .5 cVimaxes yo" i^ ehdUn. reaching into the jeRev'^^^ .n.absorbini ^ram^ J- sho.--^' '""""' to stir any audience- ..derabie andienee .o. -e. „i the story -"d*^ WATCH THE GREAT KEU^ENINGS! ,Nal*et >N>"*«" ^Orchids to t^ fAotionP'" cense .napo-^"^'^" • , . vvUV. V^n^U--- , .w..ade Picture ^V.* ^^^^^^^,,,,e P ^, herfir*^ ^^^^^^0% office . ,e Should 4*i« ^^^^ Oo«yVo'-'V ,od draw heaW -""^ ^-,.i.«^e,.ca "%-m ■,urewithaP««^^-" 44 JS. picture 44B%citing a^^ ^ tUl Academy Award Winner PAULLUKAS 'H l*l^\ -K . '^^ Carl Esmond Peter Van Eyck Mady Christians * Morris Cornovsky and iniroducing 11. 1 . 0 1 li V Lll O Screen Play by Herbert Dalmas From the best-selling book and Reader's Digest story by Kressmann Tayjor P,.d.ced ind Directed by WILLIAM CAMERON MENZIES ' A COLUMBIA PICTURE 12 '•^ DAILY Friday, May 5, 1944 5 Women Among FourthLoan Contest Winners Indicates Grotinng Sphere of the Feminine Sex in Theater Management WILLIAM M. TALL- .MAN^ — Ceramic, East Liverpool, O,; started in pictures witii (ieneral Film Co. ROBERT L. BROWN- ING* — Manager, Pone an, Ponca City, Okla. ; in l)nsiness since 1919, GrifTith since 192G. EINO HEMMILA — JACK MAXLACK — EDWARD C, NIE- ZOLLIE CHARLES BITTER- CLIFFORD Manageii, Craiter- ian, Medford, Ore.; in business since 193.5. Manager, Broad- way, Portland, Ore.; started in business as artist in 1933. MANN* — Owner- manager, 30th Are. Theater. Portland, Ore.; former oi*- erator. CHOK — Manager, Paramount, Port- land, Ore.; with Hamrick - Evergreen since 1939. PIIILD, Manager, Colonial, Philadel- phia, Pa.; for past 16 years. BROWN — ManB' ger. Temple, Kane, Pa. ; been with Kane theaters since starting as nsher MRS. DOKOTHV M. HENKV EVTINGE — F. K. .JACKSON BROWN — Orphe- um, Franklin, Pa.; in theaters for 13 years as cashier, booker, buyer, etc. Vernon. Philadel- ])hia; started with Warners 14 years ago, becoming man- ager in 1939. St. Mary's, St. Mary's, Pa.; in in- dustry since 1936, former Carolina owner and manager. REUBEN PORIT* — ROY ROBBINS — L.4.RRy WOODIN — P. J. CRAWLEY* — COL. J. B. HABVEY* Manager, Temple, Philadelphia; be- came usher in 1929, with Affili- ated since 1935. Manager, Aldine, Philadelphia; with Warners since 1929, from usher to man- ager. managed Arcadia, Wellsboro, Pa.; in business since 1904; Joining a Coast studio soon. Manager, Bellevue, Central Falls, R. I. ; with theater since 1937 as oflfl- cer, assistant, etc. t — Owner-manager, Carolina, Clover, S. C; started in business as re- winder in 1917. KKX PETEK.S — Manager, .Stage, Pierre, S. D. ; started as usher in 1916, has been projectionist. ETKKfSON* — ABE H. ISOKISKl — -JVAII \LLARD State, Rapid City, S. D.; partner in State Theater Co. ; started in business in 1914. Capitol, Chattan- ooga. Tenn., co- owner Independent Theaters, Inc. ; in business 22 years. Manager, Vernon, Venion, Tex., since 1937 ; in show business as actor, legit, producer. A. L. ('LAK\ — Manager, Kit/., Kil- een, Tex.; small town Texas the- ater operator and manager 14 years. A. D.VNIELS — Palace, Sequin, Tex, ; has been ticket taker, oper- ator, state rights holder, etc. .JOHN D. JONES — Manager, Texas," San Angelo, Tex. ; with theaters since 1912, Robb & Row- ley partner for 31 J. Y. KOBB — Ritz, Big Spring, Tex., partner in Robb & Rowley ; operated theaters since 1906. \\. M. SlIIELDKS — .Manager, T.vler, Tyler, Tex.. Inter- state Circuit city manager; in busi- n^'ss since 1919. !•. W. ZIM.MERMAN ROSS GLAS — Palace, San Mar- cos, Tex.; partner in Interstate Cir- cuit since 193T. M.ANN* — Mana- ger, Orpheum, Og- den, U. ; theater operator since 1916. EUGENE C. KEEN- .\N* — Manager, Burns, Newport, Va. ; former adver- tising-publicity di- rector of Republic. C. C. HELMS^ — L. PAKMENTIER* — Liberty, Hot Liberty and Capi- Springs, Va,; as- tol Theaters, Walla sistant purchasing Walla, Wash.; city agent and purchas- manager. Fox; in ing agent. business 17 years. E M M E T T M . C. L. BALDWIN ^^1 BARNES* — Vir- New Gem, GiUett,] ginia, Wheeling, Wise; former film ^ W. Va. ; former salesman for Pathe, usher and assistant manager since treasurer. 1941. State Winners. i Friday, May 5, 1944 DAILY 13 'Hundred' Assemble in Washington Next Week Will Act as Fifth Loan Advisory Committee to War Finance Division (Continued from Page 1) Department and our industry are |)roud of your achievement, and on Ijehalf of everyone I wish to express to you our grateful appreciation for having served so exceedingly well ion the home front. "Our Fourth War Loan Campaign was an outstanding success due largely to the splendid effort and co-operation of men like you, who have dedicated themselves to patri- otic toil and endeavor here at home, with the realization that whatever we do is insignificant to the sacrifices of our heroic fighting men, suffering and dying for our country on the far- flung battlefronts of the world." Participants in the contest in- cluded every exhibitor in the coun- try, with 10,000 enrolled through entry blanks, although registration was not a requirement. Selected following an audit by Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery, certified pub- lic accountants, the winners were declared official by the national con- test judges, Walter D. Fuller, presi- dent, Curtis Publishing Co., Phila- delphia; Palmer Hoyt, publisher, Portland Oregonian, and Dr. Peter Odegard, science and government -professor, Amherst College, Am- herst, Mass. (Photographs of the "Honored Hundred," with brief background notes on each, appear on pages 8, 9, ,12, 13 of today's Film Daily.) Gather in Capital Tuesday Industry's "Honored Hundred" will gather in Washington Tuesday and Wednesday to act as a special advis- ory committee to the Treasury on the Fifth War Loan. Assembling at the Hotel Statler Tuesday, they will be presented to Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau and Theodore R. Gamble, national director. War Finance Division, by Skouras. At. that time they will receive il- luminated scrolls. Treasury citations, medallions, and Treasury buttons for their staff members. Members and guests will then be taken on a boat ride to Mount Vernon. Committee on Washington ar- rangements embraces Carter Barron, Loew's Theaters division manager; John Payette, Warner Theaters zone manager; Frank La Falce, Warner publicity-advertising representative, and Anthony Muto, 20th-Fox Wash- ington representative. Guests invited by the War Finance Division include Robert J. O'Donnell, F. H. Ricketson, Jr., B. V. Sturdi- vant, John J. Friedl, S. H. Fabian, Francis Harmon, R. M. Kennedy and Ray Beall. Also in attendance will be Ned E. Depinet, Leon Bamberger, Claude Lee, Walter Brown, Arthur Mayer, Hennan Gluckman and Sam Shain. Among Honored lOO Winners T. M. ELLIS, JK.* — Operator, Majestic. Kex and State Tlie- aiters, Beloit, Wis.; theater ope rator since 1919. M. A. NEUMANN — Fox, Stevens Point, Wise; started as projectionist in 1908; became man- ager in 1920. Honored 100 to Get Warm D. C. Welcome W O L F O K D WIL- LIAMS* — Mana- ger, Victory, Kem- merer. Wye; built the FWC house in 1925. * State Winners. Photos of two other Honored Hundred exhibitors, Rosa Hart, of the Paramount Theater, Lake Charles, La., a State award winner, and Fred Cross, of Teaneck, N. J., were not available for inclusion in the Photographic Gallery. — Editor. U. S.-U. K. Trade Pact Revived; Films In! To Protest Passage Of P. R. Films Bill (Continued from Page 1) that discussions toward such a com- mercial agreement will probably be resumed, in the future, although "no commitment or conclusion has been reached." Discussion between British and U. S. officials have been conducted in the past two years but no con- clusive agreement was ever reached. Dalton said similar discussions were held with the Dominions but that talks were at a standstill until the Empire meetings in London are con- cluded. Joseph Arriving Today For Bergman Confabs (Continued from Page 1) Spring and Summer campaigns. Joseph and Bergman plan extensive campaigns for "Christmas Holiday," stari'ing Deanna Durbin, Olsen and Johnson's "Ghost Catchers" and "The Invisible Man's Revenge." (Continued from Page 1) that the bill was killed by a techni- cality. Foreign departments of American film companies yesterday were informed that enactment of the bill was still a possibility. Measure calls for the outlawing of block-booking and blind-selling, imposed a 40 per cent ceiling on "A" pictures and prohibited exclu- sive circuit deals. Brennan Names Hearns To Division Post in N. Y. James M. Brennan, general man- ager of RKO New York Metropolitan Theaters, yesterday promoted John C. Hearns to division manager in charge of RKO theaters in Trenton and New Brunswick. Hearns, long associated with RKO, until this new assignment has been a division man- ager under Louis Goldberg in Brook- lyn and Queens. He assumes his new post immediately. A Bond for Every Seat Too Easff, Batschelet Coins Own Slogan, "A Bond for Each Wliiskcr" Ralph Batschelet, of the Bluebird Theater, Denver, who sold a total of 13 "E" Bonds for each seat in the house during the Fourth War Loan Cam- paign, went all out — including his whiskers — to attain the mark. Agreeing not to shave until he had sold a Bond for each seat, Batschelet reached this ob- jective two days after the drive started. Seeking a new goal, he vowed not to shave until he had sold a Bond for each whisker, and, with the backing of the East Denver Board of Trade, of which he is president, his final total topped the entire nation — and he had a beard reaching to his chest. Again clean shaven, the famous chin curls, mounted to form the letter E, are part of his theater's display. WashUuiton Bureau of THE FILM >DAILY Washington — ^Washington is going all-out in its welcome to the indus- try's Honored Hundred bond sales- men. The group is expected to be all checked in at the Statler by Mon- day evening, ready for the cere- monies to be held Tuesday by the Treasury. Each of the Hundred will be given a guest card by the Variety Club — good for the stay — for both the hon- ored theater operators and their wives. In addition, they will be provided passes to the House and Senate galleries. In lieu of keys to the city — out for the duration — Dis- trict Commissioner J. Russell Young will present each of the Hundred with a personal letter of welcome to Washington. The visiting exhibitors and their wives will have free access to all downtown theaters, through the gen- erosity of Loew's, Warners, RKO and the Little Theatre. In addition, they will be aided in Washington by the local MPTO, which is installing a special "welcome" booth in the Stat- ler lobby, with young ladies on hand to provide all sorts of information about Washington, and to aid them in reaching individuals in Washing- ton whom they may desire to contact. It is likely also that these exhibi- tors will be invited as industry guests for the keynote meeting on the Fifth War Loan drive. Industry leaders and high Government officials will be on hand for this meeting Wednes- day at the Statler. Honor Capt. McCullough, Columbia AAF War Hero Capt. Harry McCullough, AAF veteran of moi'e than 200 air battles in the South Pacific war theater, was guest of honor at a stag lunch- eon given by Columbia yesterday at Gallagher's Steak House. Captain McCullough was employed by Co- lumbia prior to entering the Army in 1941. Those present included: Jack Cohn, A. Schneider, A. Mon- tague, N. B. Spingold, J. McConville, L. Barbano, Samuel Briskin, R. Jack- ter, L. Jaffe, M. Wormser, L. Wein- berg, L. Astor, M. Weisfeldt, F. Rosenberg, L. Lipskin, J. Segal, J. F. Weber, H. Hode, H. McWilliams, H. L. Smith, D. O'Malley, John Kane, George Josephs, H. Kaufman, J. Meyers and M. Seligman, also — B. Birnbaum, A. Levy, C. Blake, W. Brennan, S. Raisler, A. Picker, B. Zeeman, M. Brunet, H. Golden, V. McGrath, H. J. Takiff, I. Moross, A. Rylander, T. Baldwin, V. Borelli, R. Philpott, J. Freiberg, I. Sherman, S. Singerman, George Berman, S. Fitelberg, F. Jantz, M. Rose, B.. Mor- ris, Joseph H. Curtis, Pvt. Ralph Cohn, Dr. Goldstein, D. J. Kramer and Wm. Jaffe. 14 IS^ Friday, May 5, 1944 DAILY s WPB Okes FWC House For San Diego Area (Continued from Page 1) for approval by the Department of Justice, it now appeal's that FWC will itself seek approval of the anti- trust authorities. McMurphey has talked several times on the matter of circuit ex- pansion to fill wartime needs with Assistant Attorney Generals Tom C. Clark and Wendell Berge, who share jointly the responsibility for policy on this matter. He has indicated his intention of sending specific eases to Clark, but has never done so. In the meantime, no case has been passed upon and there is no policy. McMurphey told Clark, however, that he is giving wide publicity to the names of areas where new con- struction is believed needed, and that independents have full opportunity to file. Where the applications are from circuits only the Department of Justice will then consider each case individually, studying local com- petitive conditions and the OCR rec- ommend action of need. Clark made it plaint yesterday that no policy has been agreed upon — that he has not discussed the matter in any de- tail with Berge — and that there will be no overall policy. Don R. Longman, head of OCR's Service Trades Division — of which the Amusement Section is a part — said yesterday that he "would be very surprise" if the Department of Justice did balk the OCR program. He is of the opinion that Clark and Berge will be extremely co-operative with his agency on the matter. Longman revealed also that Mc- Murphey has received no application from the Albany Theater, Albany, Cal., for a new theater in the same area. The Albany Theater has en- tered an independent protest to the projected gi-anting of an FWC ap- plication for d new theater in that area. Show "Twcrin" at Capital Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Government officials and members of Congress will be guests of Warners at tonight's final showing of "The Adventures of Mark Twain." Almost the entire Missouri delegation in Congress as well as numerous officials of the Executive branch who hail from that state are expected to be on hand. Richard C. Mooney Dead St. Louis — Richard C. Mooney, 42, for the past 12 years stage carpenter at Loew's State died of heart disease. THEATER DEALS Indianapolis — Earl Bell, who oper- ates the Howard Theater here, has acquired the Avalon Theater and the building. WHO'S WHO IN HOLLYWOOD ORVILLE 0. DULL. Producer. Born April 25, 1888, Lima, 0. Educated in Lima public school and high schooL Acted in vaudeville, stock repertoire companies, George Primrose minstrels and light operas. Was general manager of banking business in Ohio. Became a motion picture actor in 1914 for the Thomas Ince Co., and played several leads in Ruth Roland series. Was First Sergeant in World War I— overseas and Army of Occupation. Produced and directed 32nd Division Army Show called, "Pas Bon," played in occupied Germany and Paris. Was assistant director and production manager for Cosmopolitan Pro- ductions on "Humoresque," "The Good Provider," etc. Was assistant director with Joseph Schenck, United Artists. At Fox, directed all of the Van Biber and 0. Henry series; also westerns with Tom Mix and Buck W^f Jones. From 1930 to 1931, was general production and ,^»* ic^^p^ / studio manager at Fox Studio. In 1932, joined M-G-M ^ / as unit production manager. Was associate producer at M-G-M on "Boys Town," "Young Tom Edison," "Edison the Man," "Men of Boys Town" and "Third Finger — Left Hand." Has been producing since 1941, and some of his pictures include "When Ladies Meet," "We Were Dan- cing,' "Tish," "Stand By for Action," "Gold Town" and "The Man From Down Under." Now preparing "Suzy Q" and "Bad Bascomb." Is making a spirited fight for a Councilmanic berth in Beverly Hills. Stands 5, 9. Weighs 210 pounds. Eyes blue. Hair, medium brown. L. C. Larson Sees Monopoly In 16 mm. War Pix Setup Charges that three distributors and their sub-distributors hold a virtual monopoly on 16 mm. versions of war films, becaase of the War Depart- ment system of releasing its films, were voiced by L. C. Larson, chair- man of the Educational Film Library Association board of directors, in a talk at a conference of the Allied Non-Theatrical Film Association. Larson said that the War Depart- ment, in releasing its films through civilian distribution outlets, did not give commercial and educational 16 mm. libraries over the nation an opportunity to qualify as depositors. He held that over 100 educational institutions and agencies with large film libraries could be denied the opportunity to serve as a depository unless the agency agreed to pay up to $1.00 for each booking of three reels or less to the distributor hold- ing exclusive rights in territories. Larson pointed out the CIAA and OWI systems of allowing film li- braries to release their films and criticized the War Department for giving "exclusive civilian distribution rights to its official war films even though the films are reports of events of public interest." He said that free competition among independent commercial film libraries is suppressed and that edu- cational institutions and agencies with film libraries are unable to qualify as depositories, with users denied the opportunity to obtain offi- cial war films from a library of their choice. Larson concluded "The War Department's arrangement for the distribution of its official war films thus abridges the freedom of the non-theatrical screen." Chicago Board Passed 80 in April Chicago — Censor Board in April reviewed 339,000 feet of film com- prising 80 films. Three cuts were made but no pictures were rejected. Lay Drop in Attendance To Too Many War Films (Continued from Page 1) rons have declared in no uncertain terms that constant fear of what is happening to their own boys in armed services is being greatly in- creased every time they witness a war picture. "This is a most natural reaction on the part of mothers, wives, sweet- hearts, relatives and friends, who continually carry the image of their loved ones while watching scenes of war action in motion picture, the statement says. "It is understand- able that a certain number, but vei-y few, pictures of this kind have to be produced because they are timely. Pictures made and released by the U. S. Government for the purpose of disseminating information to the public are also very necessary. But, the public is voicing its disapproval of this type of picture by non- attendance, and motion picture pro- ducers should see 'the handwriting on the wall' and produce more pic- tures which will sustain morale and furnish themes that will relax and entertain, rather than create a jit- tery, nervous tension in the minds of the American public. "In addition to the public's abhor- ence of war pictures is the fact that many Army camps closing in dif- ferent sections of the United States, with the boys in these camps going overseas, a vast interested theater patronage is being lost. Their can be no question that these two factors are responsible for the general de- crease in theater patronage." Dick Rogers in Artillery Budd Rogers, a member of the board of directors of Universal, has received word that his son, Richard a private in the Army, has been as- signed to the field artillery and is stationed at Ft. Bragg, N. C. C€ REVIEUIS» "Between Two Worlds" I with John Garfield, Paul Henreid, Eleanor | Parker Warner 112 Mins. EFFECTIVE FANTASY HAS STRONG DRAMATIC APPEAL; ACTING ACES: AIMED AT INTELLIGENT AUDIENCES. £, , This fantasy on death, dealing wit^i th^** subject of morality, is difficult to judge by customary standards of criticism. The ( worth of the film lies as much under the surface as on it. Only an appreciation of spiritual values and an understanding of hidden meanings can lead to full enjoy- ment of the production, which in its con- cern with right and wrong becomes pecu- liarly applicable to the world of the moment. "Between Two Worlds," a new version of Sutton Vane's "Outward Bound," which was first made into a film by Warner Bros, in 1930, is a profound, thought-provoking picture from which devotees of dramatic entertainment will derive no end of satis- faction. As an attempt at something fine and mentally-stimulating the production can be termed completely successful. "Between Two Worlds" is meat for in- telligent audiences. Those who crave popu- lar entertainment will not find it here. To such as these the picture will prove slow, wordy confusing and a trifle tedious, although a certain amount of suspense has been managed despite the preponderance of conversation. The scene is a ship on which the passen- gers are a group of persons killed in a bombing raid while on the way to catch a ship at a British port. The destination is the hereafter. Also aboard are a pair of lovers who believe themselves victims of suicide. Eventually "The Examiner" comes aboard to pass judgment on each of the passengers. The film attains a happy end- ing when the lovers are returned to earth. The acting is the main delight of this film. Paul Henreid and Eleanor Parker are moving as the lovers, while John Gar- field is properly hardboiled as a newspaper man. George Coulouris as a ruthless busi- ness man, Edmund Gwenn as the ship steward who is forever shuttling between this world and the other, Faye Emerson as an actress, Sydney Greenstreet as the one who passes judgment on the dead, Den- nis King as a clergyman, George Tobias as a seaman, and Sara Allgood as a house- keeper also deliver excellent performances. Others bound for eternity who turn In fine work are Isobel Elsom and Gilbert Emery. The film has been effectively produced by Mark Heilinger, with Edward A. Blatt contributing simple and forceful direction. Daniel Fuchs contrived a grown-up screen- play from the Vane drama. CAST: John Garfield, Paul Henreid, Syd- ney Greenstreet, Eleanor Parker, Edmund Gwenn, George Tobias, George Coulouris, Faye Emerson, Sara Allgood, Dennis King, Isobel Elsom, Gilbert Emery, Lester Mat- thews, Pat O'Moore. CREDITS: Producer, Mark Heilinger; Di- rector, Edward A. Blatt; Screenplay, Daniel Fuchs; Based on play by Sutton Vane; Music, Erich Wolfgang Korngold; Cameraman, Carl Guthrie; Art Director, Hugh Reticker; Film Editor, Rudi Fehr; Sound, Clare A. Riggs; Set Decorator, Jack McConaghy; Musical Director, Leo F. Forbstein. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. Building Remodeling Equipment Maintenance J» • • • • NEW YORK, FRIDAY, MAY 5, 1944 • • • • MORE FREON RELEASED FOR THEATER USE Proiector Flow Depends on Needs of Military WPB Authorization Does Not Guarantee That New Equipment Will Be Made ^Washington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — Exhibitors in need of new equipment today stand a fair chance of getting new projectors and lamps, although they can't be cer- tain of getting the brand of equip- ment which they desire. Although production of 945 projectors for civ- ilian use has been scheduled for this year, and materials for another 150 turned over to WPB by the Navy, dealers will have to continue filling (Continued on Page 16) Hispania Seeks Raw Stock Mfg. Equipment Havana (By Cable) — Plans of His- pania Arts Films, of Barcelona, to manufacture raw stock in Spain are revealed by the visit here of Manual Comerma, president of Hispania, and his partners, Jose Mas Nietro and Juan Fuste Noriega. Trio will proceed to the U. S. to purchase equipment following a two- (Continued on Page 16) Equipment Field Notes New Lines Give Bostick Big Volume Rise Dallas — Addition of lines not han- dled before the war has resulted in a volume of business in excess of the maximum for the pre-war period, R. L. Bostick, joint branch manager of National Theatre Supply here and in Memphis, reports. Bostick said (Continued on Page 16) Havana Exhihs. Fight /lisle lAght iff ensure Havana (By Air Mail) — All thea- ters in Havana would be forced to install aisle and step lights, under a measure introduced in City Hall. National Exhibitors' Union opposes the bill, claiming it would force some houses to close as material costs and wage scales are high. KJATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY'S house ' ^ organ, Facts and Figures, notes that girls in the general office have formed a Service Men's Letter Club, comprising 25 girls who have pledged to write at least one letter a week to a man in the ser- vice other than sweetheart, brother, hus- band or relative. Sponsored by Walter E. Green, the club has invited gals in Na- tional's branches to further the plan. * * * D. C. Collins has been made man- ager of Western Electric's Electrical Research Products Division, company announces. Me was formerly Eastern manager. * * * Western Electric also notes that J. W. Dietz, industrial relations manager of the manufacturing department, presently on leave for Government service, has been awarded an honorary degree of doctor of engineering by his alma mater, Purdue Uni- versity. Citation was for his "distinctive leadership in the establishment of better industrial relations through training super- vision, and mutual understanding." * * * Aircraft-Marine Products, Inc., re- ports the development of new solder- less instrument terminals. Said to be virtually impervious to corrosion over long periods of time, the terminals are being used in sensitive electronic equipment in the war effort, * * * Everett Melson has left Bausch b Lomb Optical Company's public relations de- partment to become public relations di- rector of the Sperry Gyroscope Co. •if. -if. jf; From Detroit comes word that Felix Goletz, who took over the Moran The- ater, plans to complete installation of air conditioning equipment in time for Summer use. And Joseph Campis is receiving bids on the Summer re- decoration of his Priscilla Theater. * * * Lloyd F. Knight, chief projectionist at the Granada, Spokane, Wash., has been made manager by S/Sgt. H. D. McBride, owner of the house. He succeeds the late Charles W. York. Sergeant McBride has returned to Camp McQuade, Cal., after let- ting contracts totaling $3,000 for equipment for the house, including new marquee, paint- ing and re-carpeting. Eastman Treasurer Marion Folsom has been appointed staff director of the House of Representatives Post-War Committee on Economic Policy and Planning. ^ ^ ^ Western Electric is manufacturing a new loudspeaker developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories to Navy re- quirements. New unit is designed for speech reproduction during naval bat- tles. It is resistant to shock, vibra- tion, salt spray and gun blast. * * * WPB has issued priorities for material needed to remodel, decorate and re-equip the downtown State Theater, Omaha, which was closed for several years, Herman Levy, general manager of Ralph D. Goldberg En- terprises, revealed, and work has been started. * * * Two Chicago post-war theater proj- ects are in the planning stage, it is re- ported. Architect Erwin G. Frederick is said to be drawing plans for an 800-seater on Ridge Road and a 1,000 seat house, featuring a community center, is scheduled for 130th St. and Ellis Ave. * * * Martin-Davis circuit, operating 86 thea- ters in Florida, Alabama and Georgia, has installed new amplifiers and projection equipment in the Gem, Marianna, Fla., and new drapes and stage equipment in the Panama, Panama City. * * ♦ Donald B. Holbrook will re-open the Five Star, Palmer, Mass., shortly following extensive renovations, in- cluding new sound equipment, pro- jectors, and an interior paint job. * * * J. E. Tweeddale, until recently on special leave of absence from Bell Telephone Labo- ratories to Columbia University's War Re- search Division, has taken over co-ordina- tion and production programming of ther- mistors, varistors, glass-sealed switches and carbon-deposited resistors in the radio divi- sion of Western Electric Co. * * * Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.'s Presi- dent M. Herbert Eisenhart, today re- ceives the Rochester Museum.'s Civic Medal for 1944. OCR Asks Exhibs. Needing Gas for Minimum Comfort To Apply for Refrigerant Washington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILV Washington — Exhibitors who find themselves with a pressing need for Freon gas in order to operate their cooling sys- tems and pro- vide even a | minimum of 1 comfort in i their theaters ' through the ' Summer are urged by the t Office of Civ- i ilian Require- I ments to ap- 1 peal for an ' allotment of | the refriger- ant. A work- JOHN EBERSON ing agree- ment has been reached between OCR (Continued on Page 17) DeVry Reports on Post-war Film Equip. Chicago — Keen interest in and definite opinions regarding post-war motion picture equipment, particu- larly in the amateur field, was re- (Continued on Page 16) Stainproof Upholstery For the Post-war Era Schenectady, N. Y. — Stainproof upholstery is expected to come into wide post-war usage as a result of (Continued on Page 16) Seems Calcium Limes Still Used in Texas Dallas — Modern Theater Supply Co. has received a call for Calcium Light Limes. Writer, A. J. Jackson, rural route 3, Palestine, Texas, says: "Please send me COD one can Cal- cium Light Limes. If not in stock will you refer me to where to find it." — Hail to the screen's 50th anni- versary! 16 EQUIPMENT NEWS A Section of THE FILM DAILY compre- hensively covering the equipment field, pub- lished every second week by Wid's Films and Film Folks, Inc., 1501 Broadway, New York City. John W. Alicoate, Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, General Manager; Chester B. Bahn, Editor; George H. Morris, Equipment Editor; West Coast Bureau, 6425 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., Ralph Wilk, Bureau Chief. Projector Manufadure Depends on Military (Continued from Page 15) their orders out of stock for several months yet. There are less than 100 new pro- jectors on hand now, but it is hoped that judicious release of these by distributors will avert any serious shortage prior to the time machines currently in production reach the market. If there is no hitch, it is not unlikely that more than half the 1,125 machines authorized might be available by the end of this year, but there is no assurance that this will be the case. Most serious short- age appears to be that of ball bear- ings, with even military production suffering from the ball bearing short- age. Although WPB has authority to permit the manufacture of booth equipment, and to schedule it at the various plants, the manufacturers must take their chances along with other competition for parts and ma- terials. The picture on sound systems is even less encouraging. Sufficient production is scheduled to care for the needs of operating exhibitors for replacement and for any new thea- ters which might be authorized — provided authorized production can actually be turned out. More serious than the ball bearing shortage, how- ever, is the shortage of electronic components used in sound system production. In general, successful completion of the authorized program is wholly dependent upon the needs of the mili- tary. If the military does not re- quire as large a quantity of ball bearings, electronic components and other parts and materials as it has until now, the program will be com- pleted in good time. Otherwise, it might carry over to the middle of 1945 or even later. Authorized pioduction has been scheduled by WPB to cover the full ^rPERM ASTON E^^ ANCHOR CEMENT • Permanently Anehors Loose Chairs To Concrete Floors in Ten Minutes SOLD EVERYWHERE BY DEALERS SQUARE $5.00 Per Kit, F.O.B. Chicago FENSIN SEATING CO., 68 E. 13tk St. Hispania Seeks Raw Siock Mfg. Equipment (Continued from Page 15) weeks vacation as guests of Presi- dent Batiste, whose secretary, Capt. Antonio Da Torra, is president of Cuba Hispania Arts Films. Hispania has a large production schedule for 1945 and hopes to man- ufacture enough film in Spain to meet its requirements. Stainproof Upholstery For the Post-war Era (Continued from Page 15) experiments of General Electric Co. chemists with new plastic-like mate- rials known as silicones. A blend of silicon and organic chemicals, the new materials take several forms, including a water-like liquid, solids, oils and a rubbery-like substance. Actual ingredients are war secrets but post-war prospects include a likelihood of using silicones for waterproofing of cotton, wool or pa- per and the stainproofing of uphol- stery. program, but this scheduling is sub- ject to adjustment. Allen G. Smith, theater equipment chief, is still seek- ing permission to schedule produc- tion under the program for Number One labor areas — Chicago and De- troit being the cities affected. The freeze on Number Two areas was relaxed last week-end, with Smith perrnitted to schedule increased pro- duction of sound systems in In- dianapolis, for instance, and of arc lamps and rectifiers in Newark and Toledo. A small quantity of sound systems could be turned out in Chicago, and both projectors and lamphouses could well be turned out in Chicago and Detroit. As things stand now, how- ever, neither city can participate in the increased production schedule. This ban will not in itself hinder the fulfilling of the program— about three-quarters of the nation's projec- tors and lamphouses are made in the New York area. It does, how- ever, interfere with the competitive setup within the industry. For Excellence in the Produc- hon of Motion Picture Sound Eqmpment, DeVRY Alone Flies the Army-Navy "E" with Two Stars When Peace comes, DeVBT will ha bm with the finest m * ""* "• ■ 35 mm. Motion Picture Sound Equipment and ' other precision electronic devices. DeVBT COE- 1 PORATION, nu Arm- ' Itage, Chicago 14, III. DeVRY^ Hollywood . CHICAGO . Ne Friday, May 5, 1944 Mom LiUes Drtve-Ins, Spooners Do ]\ot Fear of early Drive - In Theater operators that their stands would be too freely patronized by spooners, thus driving away other types of cus- tomers, was not realized, L. H. Wal- ters, Cleveland manager for National Theatre Supply, noted in a recent speech before the SMPE. Walters revealed that the majority of patrons seemed to be housewives who don't want to take the time to tidy and dress up after dinner but prefer to go directly from the kitchen to the theater via auto. New Lines Give Bostick Big Volume Rise (Continued from Page 15) that a war slump had been expected, due to a shortage of goods, but addi- tion of such items as janitorial sup- plies, candy cases, popcorn, signs, folding chairs, book matches, flags, tools, and other items, has more than made up the difference. Scheme was evolved and tested in Dallas and Memphis and has been popular with exhibitors who like to concentrate their buying in one ac- count and one settlement, and find it both convenient and economical to makes their purchases on booking trips to the exchange centers. DeVry Reports on Post-war Film Equip. (Continued from Page 15) ported by William C. DeVry, presi- dent of DeVry Corp., in announcing War Bond awards in the company's 1944 motion picture camera and pro- jector design competition. DeVry reported that interest wa^ keen and that winners included sev^ eral members of the armed forces, three Canadians and an occupational variety typical of the universality of the growing interest in motion pic- tures as a hobby. SEEKING A DEPENDABLE SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR TOUR THEATRE TICKETS? INTERNATIONAL OFFERS: Dependable service . . . Low cost . . . 47 years' experience serving theatres, stadiums, amusement parks, etc. We can supply your needs. Roll, machine folded, reserve seats, etc. Write for samples, prices or other inlormition. Oellvery free Miine to Virginia, TIONAL TICKET (3Sm COMPANY 52 GRAFtON AVE, ^^pf NEWARK, N, J. Salts Oflicei in Principal Cenlfrs |»MW»"*'i i» «!»•»** You'd think twice before sinking your hord-eorne'd cosh info pictures without names, without the background of good production. That's just plain common sense, the same kind of good sense wise showmen use when they sign one of the Altec contracts. Which is another way of saying goodbye to booth trouble. ""mri!lll-1 nma 250 West 57th Street, New York 19, New York THE SERVICE ORGANIZATION OFTHE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY %[ Friday, May 5, 1944 1M' MILY EQUIPMENT NEWS 17 More Freon Released For Theater Use H (Continued from Page 15) and the General Industrial Equip- ment Division of WPB which will make available a larger quantity of the gas for cooling systems impor- tant to recreational plants. i Freon has been one of the toughest items on which OCR has been en- gaged, Don R. Longman, chief of the Service Trades Division, admitted yesterday. John Eberson, theater architect, serving as consultant on theaters to OCR, has been putting much time into justifying industry needs for Freon and other parts of the organization have been prepar- iing estimates on needs of bowling alleys, dance halls and other recrea- tion establishments. Although Longman advised any exhibitor with a real need for the gas to file an appeal, he made it plain that not all applicants will be successful. Stocks of the gas sim- ply are not large enough for both military and civilian needs. The lim- itation order on Freon still precludes any allotment of the gas for "com- fort cooling." "That," said Long- man, "is the rub. The word comfort carries with it a connotation which is most unfortunate in considering the nation's recreational needs." The important question is whether a large proportion of the nation's recreation facilities are to be available or not during the Summer. Appeals should be filed with WPB's General Industrial Equipment Sec- tion, but Longman urged that car- bons be sent to the OCR Amusement Section. Although an agreement has been reached that meritorious ap- peals will be honored by the GIES, Longman believes it is advisable that OCR be kept fully informed in order that it may push the individual ap- peals. He is confident, on the whole, that appeals will be granted where justified, but is anxious that exhibi- tors not be under any misunder- standing. Granting of these appeals will not be automatic, he repeated. Although it is anticipated that ex- hibitors in war production areas may be able to present better justification for an allotment of Freon, there will probably be no sharp line of distinc- tion drawn in their favor. Consider Possihility Of Foundations iVotv Theater architects and operators planning new structures as soon as materials are available, are said to be eyeing the plan advocated by construction companies, engineers, and labor representatives, to clear ^sites and put in foundations now, in- stead of waiting for war's end. As explained by The Journal of Com- merce earlier this week, concrete and reinforcement materials are avail- able, as well as labor to do the work, and several months preparatory work on a structure could be out of the way, so that actual erection could be started as soon as men and materials are relieved from the war effort. Detroit Marquee Sign Ban Includes Replacements Detroit — City Council's ban on auxiliary marquee signs in the down- town area extends to replacements of structures existing before the ban, it is revealed by the veto of a pro- posal by United Detroit Theaters to replace an existing sign atop the marquee of the Broadway-Capitol with a larger sign. Regular marquee signs are permit- ted but auxiliary signs, with inter- changeable letters, are banned under the Council's regulations. New Westinghouse V.-P.'s Pittsburgh — Election of four new vice-presidents is announced by George H. Bucher, president of Westinghouse Electric and Manu- facturing Co. New officers are R. A. Beal, J. K. B. Hare, John H. Ash- baugh and H. H. Rogge. No More Loose Chairs! Parmanently anehora loeu (kaln to conereta floor* In tan mlnutaa. COMPLETE KIT AND INSTRUC> TIONS ... $5. f.e.b. CblatM. CHAIR • PARTS FOR ALL MAKES OF CHAIRS GENERAL CHAIR CO. 1308 Elston Ava. CHICAGO, ILL. ANNOUNCING . . . The availability of one of the largest, best equipped sound studios in the East. Ac- coustics and facilities are finest ... crews and talent (if desired) are at your immedi- ate disposal. Rental fees are nominal. Also-^location shooting for special training or educational films. It*8 no bother write for info, today* FILMCRAFT PRODUCTIONS Division of Soundles Dlstributlna Corporation ef America Ine. 213 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago 6 BUY MORE WAR BONDS It's a lucky man that doesn't have to worry about booth equipment today — and it's a wise manager that lends a hand to his projectionist when it comes to preventive maintenance of the projection and sound equipment. Your projectionists, Mr. Manager, can do a swell mainte- nance job; we know — because we work with thousands of projectionists all over the country. But scarcity of new equip- ment makes preventive maintenance doubly important to you today. So, be sure you are giving your projectionists all possible cooperation. And be sure that they have a copy of the 76-page manual "RCA Photophone Handbook for Projectionists" — written by our specialists in theatre service. Send the coupon today for a free copy. Address: RCA Service Company, Inc., Camden, N. J. RCA SERVICE COMPANY, INC. A Radio Corporation of America Subsidiary Tl\tC This 76-page manual "RCA Photo- phone Handbook for Projectionists" — choci<-full of good preventive main- tenance suggestions. No obligation. RCA SERVICE CO., Inc., Camden, N. J. Name. Theafre_ Address. City _State_ 70-71 F THIS NEEDS THE LEN A LL V I NE 1= EI?SC- n W 4ATH ST NYC 2 2NID FL SIGNATURE OF A PATRIOT - YOU! ^^ In recognition of the meri- torious services rendered to our Armed Forces by the WOMEN'S ARMY CORPS I wish to pledge the whole- hearted cooperation of my- self and entire theatre per- sonnel in promoting National WAG Recruiting Week. I will exhibit the special trailer at every *perform- ance/ as well as display the advertising material, all of which will be made avail- able to me without charge. I will publicize this cam- paign as widely as possible during this week and co- operate fully with other exhibitors in my vicinity in any and all activities to fur- ther promote its success. ^^ sponsored by War Activities Committee of Motion Piaure Industry, 1501 Broadway, New York City ^'Shoulder to shoulder with the troops in the war effort—" MOTION PICTURE THEATRE WOMEN'S ARMY CORPS RECRUITING CAMPAIGN Week of May 11th thru 17*^ Your Pledge Card is in the mails. Sign it and return at once to your local War Aaivi- ties Committee Chairman. I A.lnArc/*kn ¥r\ Pmrlii/"0 fi^r 11^ Edward L. Alperson has closed a deal whereby he will produce six pictures for United r^ipCf^Un UU I lUUUl^c; lUI V^i^V- -Artists, it was reported at the week-end. The former general manager of RKO Theaters is lining up story properties and is expected to announce detailed plans within the next two weeks. Alperson's production project is said to have been in preparation for several months. Intimate in Character Xiiternational in Scope Independent in Thought ■ The Daily Newspaper Oi Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -IFDAriY' OL. 85. NO. 90 NEW YORK, MONDAY. MAY 8. 1944 TEN CENTS 20TH-F0X RESUMING BRITISH PRODUCTION Rank, 20-Fox Deal Puts Skouras on G-B Board British Treasury Approval Awaited; Rank, U. S. Co. To Be Equal M-P Partners London (By Cable) — President Spyros P. Skouras of 20th-Fox will, it is reported, eventually join the board of Gaumont-British, with Francis Harley, 20th-Fox's manag- ing director here, as alternate direc- tor as a result of the deal which transfers Loew's holdings in Metrop- olis & Bradford Trust, controlling (Continued on Page 7) OWI Wants Special Shorts for Europe Major studios this week are sched- uled to get a request from the OWI, via Robert Riskin, chief of its over- seas film division, for assistance in the production of documentaries for (Continued on Page 8) Col. Asks Postponement Of Schine Suit Trial Buffalo — Another adjournment of anti-trust trial of Schine Chain The- aters became a distinct possibility (Continued on Page 8) Leo's Roar Unanimous in Charlotte Sector M-G-M's Charlotte office, man- aged by Benn Rosenwald, has re- ported 100 per cent representation on an M-G-M feature or short sub- ject in every theater operating and served In that exchange territory, William F. Rodgers, vice-president and general manager disclosed over the week-end. This is the first office to advise the home office of 100 per cent terri- torial exhibitor co-operation in con- nection with M-G-M's plans to cele- brate its 20th year anniversary June 22-28 by having at least one or more subjects with Leo the Lion on every screen. United Artists' Stochholders Meeting Off Until May 15; Friday's Session Postponed The meeting United Artists stockholders, scheduled for Friday to pass on a set of resolutions regarding future corporate operations, was postponed until May 15. Session was to have been held in Wilmington with attorneys repre- senting the owners. No reason for the postponement was given. rriirr U" Key Sales Execs. To Huddle at Studio A meeting of Universal's key sales executives will be held at the Am- bassador Hotel, Los Angeles, on June 5 and will take the place of ■ ~~ ^ the usual sales convention here- tofore held in New York or Chi- cago. In making the announcement, William A. Scul- ly, vice-president and general sales manager, said that by eliminat- ing a national convention, the company was co- operating with ^„l,am A. SCULLY the Government in the matter of transportation but that it was important for the key sales executives to convene at the studio to see what was going on. Among those who will attend the studio, in addition to Scully, will be (Continued on Page 8) Lima Reports Brazil Film Biz Up 40-50% A 40 to 50 per cent increase in theater business in Brazil in the past year was reported on Friday by Ary Lima, Warner Bros, manager there who is in town for a month of home- office conferences. Lima, on his first visit to this country in 20 years, attributed the gain to improved eco- nomic conditions in Brazil resulting from the industrial expansion forced upon the nation by the war. He "definitely" expected the boom to continue after the war. The speaker said that the interest (Continued on Page 9) Chaplin's Selznick Suit Will Be Tried in New York Appellate division of the New York Supreme Court ruled Friday that David 0. Selznick Productions and Vanguard Films were doing bus- iness in New York and therefore the action brought against them by Charles Chaplin will be tried in New York. Judge Ferdinand Pecora pre- (Continued on Page 7) Wins Clearance Eiixnination Different Competitive Areas Basis for Ruling Wash. Expects Clarification Of Status of Men 26-30 Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — ^Washington had an air of expectancy over the week-end, with some new regulation expected from Selective Service to clarify the status of men in the 26 to 30 age (Continued on Page 8) In a sweeping decision in favor of the complainants, the arbitration appeal board has reversed the deci- sion of the arbitrator and eliminated all clearance, in the form of priority of run or otherwise, of the Peerless Theater, Kewanee, 111., over the Geneseo Theater, Geneseo, 111. Case was brought by the Mar- ches! Brothers against Loew's, Para- (Oontinued on Page 9) Shooting to Start in Octo- ber; Post- War Program of 8-10 for the World Market London (By Cable) — One result of the J. Arthur Rank-20th-Fox deal negotiated by Rank and Spyros P. Skouras, president of the American company, and now near finalization here, will be the resumption of pro- duction in England by 20th-Fox, in- formed sources reported over the week-end. The U. S. company is expected to start shooting on this side, using Rank studio facilities and British talent, the latter probably bulwarked with Hollywood people, in October, (Continued on Page 8) Exploiteers to Aid 5lh War Loan Drive Ned E. Depinet, national chairman of the Fifth War Loan Committee's Distribution Division, over the week- end suggested to all distributor chiefs that they request their ex- ploitation men in the field to offer their services to the local exhibitor campaign chairman. Betokening a still closer co-opera- (Continued on Page 8) Berle to Emcee Bklyn's Wac Drive Ceremonies Milton Berle will appear in per- son on the steps of Borough Hall, Brooklyn, at 12 noon on Thursday when Borough President John Cash- more officially proclaims "Wac Re- ( Continued on Page 9) Army Releasing Two Wometco Theaters Miami Beach, Fla. — Cinema and Beach theaters, which for the past 18 months have been used by the Army for training purposes morn- ing and afternoon, have been turned back to the Wometco circuit and will again be available for matinee performances. ft 1NI< DAILY Monday, May 8, 194^ Vol. 85. No. 90 Mon. May 8, 1944 10 Cents )OHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Bnar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eiken O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. nnflnciflL may 5) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 141/2 143/8 143/8 — 3/8 177/8 177/8 177/8 + 1/8 Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind. . Con. Fm. Ind. pfd . . East. Kodak 1 do pfd 1 Cen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO 56 pfd 20th Century-Fox 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Picts. vtc . 47/8 207/8 61 1 80 '/2 ■ 201/4 611/8 25% 81/2 89 233/8 31 121/4 BOND 43/4 47/8 20S/8 20% + Vs 61 161 -I- 11/4 80 1/2 180 1/2 — 1/2 201/4 201/4 + 1/4 60 611/g + 5/g 251/8 251/4 -f 1/4 81/8 8 1/2 — i/s 88 1/4 88V4 — 34 231/4 233/8 + 1/8 305/8 303^ 121/8 121/4 -f 1/8 MARKET CURB 13/8 23/4 14 31/2 231/4 MARKET 11/4 11/4 23/4 23/4 14 14 -f- 1/4 3% 31/2 221/2 221/2 — 11/8 Luncheon Honors Hicks, 25 Years With Para. A .surprise luncheon in honor of John W. Hicks, vice-president in charge of Paramount's foreign de- partment, was held Friday at the Hotel Astor as a tribute to Hicks' 2.5th year with the company. Ap- proximately 45 top executives and departmental personnel attended the affair. Rites for Sigbert Wittman Funeral services for Sigbert Witt- man, former Universal sales execu- tive who died in retirement on Thurs- day, were held yesterday at Camp- bell Funeral Home at Madison Ave. and 81st St. Moskowitz to Host Wac Officers at Breakfast A group of Wac officers and other high-ranking military officers headed by Col. Oveta Culp Hobby will be tendered a breakfast by Charles C. Moskowitz, Metropolitan area chair- man for the corps' recruiting cam- paign, at the Hotel Astor on Wed- nesday. Following the breakfast, the Army officers will be escorted to 31st St. and Seventh Ave., from which point at noon they will lead a parade con- sisting of a line of Army officers, three Army bands, 150 uniformed members of the Wac, 300 soldiers wearing complete overseas uniforms and packs, and 100 Wac inductees. They will parade up Seventh Ave. to 43rd St., whei"e the induction and demonstration officially opening the drive will take place. On the grandstand, Moskowitz will introduce Edward Alperson, national chairman of the drive; Colonel Hob- by, other Wac officers and Newbold Morris. Also appearing will be Frank Sinatra, Allan Jones, Jane Powell, Jerry Lester, Gertrude Niesen, Mary Martin, Margaret Sullavan, Elisabeth Bergner, Una Merkel, Alison Skip- worth and Annabella. MPA's Insurance Plan Up At Next Board Meeting A group-insurance plan to be worked out by the board of direc- tors will be presented at the next business session of the Motion Pic- ture Associates, it was disclosed on Fridav by President Morris Sanders at a luncheon meeting of the mem- bershop at the Hotel Astor. Jack Ellis, vice-president of the MPA, said that a goal of .$10,000 had been set for advertising for the charitable organization's annual journal. Schwartz Names Howard As RKO Theaters Aide Sol Schwartz, general manager for RKO's out-of-town theaters, today appointed William W. Howard to be his assistant in the operation of these theaters. Howard who has -long headed the stage show department for RKO, will retain that position in addition to his new duties. WB Appoints Sam Bekeris Central Amer. Supervisor Sam Bekeris, for the past two years in the Argentine film field, has been anpointed by Warners to the post of district supervisor for Central America and the West coast of South America, including Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Pan- ama. Bakeris, who left over the week- end for Lima, Peru, in addition to his activities in South America has had extensive experience in motion picture business in Spain, Yugo- slavia, Czechoslovakia and the Bal- tic States, where he occupied im- portant distribution posts. HVC Sets Capital Parley On Talent for Camp Tours iVcst Coast Biireau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Facing an unprece- dented talent shortage resulting from heavy studio production schedules, the Hollywood Victory Committee turned to high military and Govern- ment officials for instructions as to what allotment of available person- alities should be made to give the greatest service to the nation in the next several weeks. Following a meeting of a HVC sub-committee with Robert J. O'Don- nell, chairman of the Motion Picture Division's Fifth War Loan campaign, a conference in Washington was set for tomorrow to attempt to decide upon a program which HVC will serve. Attending the conference will be O'Donnell, Ted Gamble and Major General Byron in charge of the Army's Special Service Division through which the stars entertain in hospitals, camps and overseas. Withdrawal of some two score name personalities into the armed forces had already created a talent problem before the current produc- tion boom, it was pointed out. With several top stars overseas and others leaving at the end of cui'rent roles and with a number of players com- mitted to hospital tour routes already set up by the War Department, the call on Washington officials for a solution of the problem became nec- essary. Fox Settlement Plan Decision Is Reserved Federal Judge John C. Knox on Friday reserved decision on the pro- posed settlement calling for the re- storing to Fox Theaters Corp. re- ceivers certain assets, including the lease of the Academy of Music, 14th St., by Skouras Theaters Corp. and Ktima Corp. Only objection at the hearing was made by John S. Leahy of St. Louis, who argued that the defendants should pay all costs, fees and expenses in connection with the settlement. Leahy represented Theater Realty Co. and the Fox St. Louis properties which hold judgments totaling $1,- 494,000 against the Pox Theaters Corp. Leahy told Judge Knox that Federal Judge George H. Moore of St. Louis had instructed him to op- pose approval unless the costs are paid. Selig in Capital for "Honored 100" Ceremony IVashiiigton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— Robert W. Selig, as- sistant national campaign director of the industry's Four War Loan, who managed the Honored Hundred con- test and who guided the state chair- men in the direction of and the com- pilation of the winners, arrived Fri- day from Denver to supervise the presentation of the winners tomor- row. Gulf Theaters to Build New House in Tampa Tampa, Fla. — Gulf Theaters, Inc., is preparing to erect a new theatei at the corner of Old Nebraska anc, Sitka Sts. ]\EW YORK THEATERS .. : — RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL- 50th St. tr 6th Ave. RITA HAYWORTH-GENE KELLY 'COVER GIRL" in Technicolor Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchestra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-4<00 HELD OVER — 3rd WEEK lATts^ •qUESTIOH i «^r r20. atUAin tf /Ua «Hnrtr-f*i^ RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Paramount presents "GOING MY WAY" with BING CROSBY and RISE STEVENS In Person, CHARLIE SPIVAK TIP, TAP & TOE — WESSON BROS. PARAMOUNT Times Square STRAND B'way & 47th St. JOHN GARFIELD PAUL HENREID in "BETWEEN TWO WORLDS" IN PERSON U. S. COAST GUARD PRESENTS TARS and SPARS featuring VICTOR MATURE New High Mark In Warner Entertainment "THE ADVENTURES OF MARK TWAIN" Starring FREDRIC MARCH • ALEXIS SMITH B'way at 51st Street Hollywood MM B'WAY & 47th St. A Jive Jamboree Of Stars And 6 Great Bands! 'JAM SESSION' ^9^ ^^ ON SCREEN IN PERSON First N.Y. Showing MILT 'ANDY HARDY'S BRITTON BLONDE TROUBLE' and BAND MICKEY ROONEY BENAY ^^ BONITA SRANVILLE VENUTA I> J^ ■lOWS'AND SHOW FOLK! Jh ^ 4^ ^ P ><£ I y .^.A**^"^ ■ h' ttlWIN L MURIN J'rodureJ b\ EOBIE CANTOR fOD/f CAHJOR GEORGE MURPHY ' JOAN DAVIS NANCY KELLY CONSTANCE MOORE ^ % und DON DOUGLAS And the One Appropriate Spot in all the World for the Gala Openim THE PALACE WORLD PREMIERE ENGAGEMENT BEGINS WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, TtWMMW^iMMMl, at New York's most famous theatre... storied mecca of show folk for generations ... where an appearance was the zenith of success for more headhne stars than any one person can remember! f d r I _l h- J - -I X li N Z Did you see M-G-M's rating in BESA SHORT'S lO-YEAR SURVEY The famed Chief of Interstate Circuit's Short Subject Department gives M-G-M top ranking over all companies for past 10 years. Have you heard about this one : PETE SMITH^S "GROOVIE MOVIE" Here's real fun for the fans! They'll buy tickets when you book this fast-paced demonstration of the Jitterbug Joy Wave that's sweeping the country. Tops in the Pete Smith style. M • G • M . . . THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT! "Patriots! Help Recruit WACS! May Uththru May 17*.'" F Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Ol Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old m L. 85, NO. 91 NEW YORK, TUESDAY, MAY 9. 1944 TEN CENTS INDUSTRY'S RAW STOCK WORRIES AT END WMC Regional Hears Wash. Essentiality Plea Exchange Reps Prepar- ing Additional Data Be- fore Decision is Made Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Washington ex- change representatives were heard yesterday by the regional WMC here as a part of their move to obtain a designation for the exchanges of lo- cal essentiality. No decision vi^as reached, with the distributor repre- sentatives preparing additional data to file with the WMC. Representing the distributors were Branch Managers J. B. Brecheen, (Continued on Page 6) New Houses Needed In 13 Calif. Areas Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Following conversa- tions with Assistant Attorneys Gen- erals Tom C. Clark and Wendell Berge, OCR issued a public press release naming 13 California areas where it believes new theater facili- ties are indicated as a measure to care for the reci'eational needs of war workers. The 13 areas named are North (Continued on Page 7) Michael Todd Launches Second Producing Co. Michael Todd, the Broadway stage producer, has organized not one but two companies to make motion pic- tures, it was learned yesterday. The formation of Michael Todd Produc- (Continued on Page 61 Croy on )Leave for ''Honored 100" Trip Chicago — Harlan Croy, one of the industry's "Honored Hundred," will be in Washington for tomorrow's pre- sentation despite his recent drafting into the Navy. Father of a boy and a girl, Croy was inducted since the Fourth War Loan, but has been grant- ed a Navy leave in order to receive his honors. He managed Alliance Thea- fers' Roxy during the drive. METRO PICKS TYPICAL CUSTOMER Charles A. Midelburg, West Virginia Exhibitor, Named as Twenty-Year M-G-M Showman Named typical of thousands of M-G-M customers who have played the company's product since 1924, Charles Arnold Midelburg, opera- j tor of the Capitol, i Charleston, W. ! Va., has been des- ignated the 20- Year M-G-M Showman, as part of the 20-year an- niversary celebra- tion of the com- pany. Midelburg who calls his house "The All- Metro Theater," has played every M-G-M subject released during CHAS. A. MIDELBURG the past 20 years. The veteran operator has been in the mercantile business, operated a state automobile agency, is a for- mer legislator from Fayette County, and has been postmaster, member of the school board, justice of the peace and deputy sheriff. He purchased the Capitol in 1924 as a real estate venture but became interested in theater operation and has been in full time charge of the house since 1927. His family consists of his wife, Mrs. Kathryn Midelburg, a son, Lt. Charles Wilson Midelburg, USN, and two daughters, Catherine Arnold and Mrs. Kelley E. Reed. Accompanied by Mrs. Midelburg, the 20-Year M-G-M Showman ar- rives from Charlotte Thursday and goes on to Culver City the next day to be the guests of M-G-M at the studios. They will make a tour of the plant and be introduced to the company's top stars and stars-to-be. Exhibs. Set to Open Recruiting for Wac Assurances that the stage is fully set for the opening Thursday of the industry's Wac Recruiting Week campaign came from all parts of the country yesterday to General Chairman Edward L. Alperson. Ap- proximately 16,000 theaters will join in the drive. The mass induction in Times (Continued on Page 7) Sees Exhibs. Angered By Terms, Forced Columbus, O. — The anxiety of the exhibitors over exorbitant film ren- tals and forced percentage playing has grown "into a smoldering anger and is about to burst into flames," Abram F. Myers, Allied general counsel and board chairman, writes in the ITO of Ohio convention pro- ( Continued on Page 7) FUih Loan Exhibs Chairmen O'Donnell Picks Outstanding Theatermen Clark and Hazen Meet; Report "Nothing Definite' Washington Bnicau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — After conferring briefly Sunday with Joseph H. Hazen, distributor counsel in the negotia- tions for a new consent decree in (Continued on Page 7) R. J. O'Donnell, chairman of the National Motion Picture Industry Fifth War Loan Committee, yester- day announced the complete roster of Exhibitor State Chairmen who have been appointed to serve in the Fifth War Loan Campaign, June 12 through July 8. The roster: ALABAMA, Maok Jackson, Alexander City: (Continued on Page 7) Key Workers Deferred, Re- gardless of Age; WPB to Continue 35 MM. Control Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — With deferments for key film workers — regardless of age — granted in every instance, Lincoln V. Burrows, WPB Motion Picture Chief, is confident that the industry will not again be faced with serious prospects of a raw stock shortage. The discouraging picture which pre- vailed a month ago has been com- pletely wiped off the slate, he said yesterday, and there now appears to be no likelihood of any serious shortage in 35 mm. film. The situation is tight on aero film (Continued on Page 6) MOI Sets Hundreds of Invasion Cameramen Plans for the filming of the inva- sion of Europe by the Allied forces have been "elaborately organized," according to J. L. Beddington, direc- tor of the film division of the British Ministry of Information, who arrived here from London Saturday. Beddington said that several hun- ( Continued on Page 6) Reade Taking Over Partnership Theaters? Walter Reade circuit which now operates theaters in Kingston, N. Y., Plainfield, Freehold and Perth Amboy, N. J., in partnership ar- ( Continued on Page 71 Sauter Filling New War Finance Post James Sauter has be^n named chairman of the new Entertainment Industry Section of the War Finance Committee for New York, Nevil Ford, State chairman, announced. Sauter, who is Eastern representative of the Hollywood Victory Committee and chairman of the American Theater Wing's Stage Door Canteen's enter- tainment committee, will announce plans and appointment of committee chairman at a luncheon on May 15. •mc' DAILY Tuesday, May 9, 194 Vol. 85, No. 91 Tues., May9, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher DCNALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; AI Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Bnar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, VirtudesZH. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-AureUo GaUndo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. finnnciflL (Monday, May 8) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak do pfd Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Picts. vtc. . 141/2 141/2 141/2 + 1/8 173/4 173/4 173/4 _ 1/8 435/a 435/8 435/8— ' 51/8 4% 51/8 + 211/8 205/8 21 + 20 61 253/8 83/8 893/4 233/8 311/8 123/8 CURB 37/8 1% 23/4 141/4 3 1/2 233/4 223/4 20 20 61 61 — 1/4 25 25 81/4 81/4 89 89 — 1/4 227/8 227/8 — 1/4 303/4 31 -f 1/4 121/4 121/4 MARKET 37/8 37/8 + 1/4 11/4 11/4 — 1/8 25/8 23/4 + 1/8 14 141/8 + 1/8 31/2 31/2 233/4 233/4 223/4 223/4 + I/s Wac Recruiting Booths In 25 Chicago Houses Chicago — Wac recruiting booths will be opened in 25 Chicago theaters the week of May 11. Drive opens on that day with ceremonies in Victory Plaza, City Hall Square, when 50 Wacs will be sworn in. 1600 iiQua • c A. AoMOOM togM «M iKHAMCi MtMunoN wma Goldberg Appointed RKO Theaters Home Office Exec. J. M. Brennan, general manager of RKO's Metropolitan Theaters, yes- terday announced that Louis Gold- berg, New York zone manager, has been appointed a home office execu- tive. Charles B. McDonald, who has been in the home office for several months, will supervise houses in the Brooklyn, Queens and lower Man- hattan area. Olsen and Johnson Talk New Three-Year "U" Deal IVest Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Olsen and Johnson are expected to sign a new three-year deal with Universal calling for a comedy a year. Deal, it is said, pro- vides for $100,000 plus 40 per cent of the net. Comedians' next Broadway vehicle, "Laughing Room Only," gets a Bos- ton tryout on Oct. 1 and hits New York in mid-November. Eddie Cline may stage it. Olsen and Johnson are also mulling an all-Negro piece, "Hellzapoppin in Harlem." Albany Area's Theaters Back Metro Birthday 100% The Albany exchange, under the management of Herman L. Ripps, is the second M-G-M branch reporting 100 per cent exhibitor co-operation during the week of June 22, when at least one feature or short subject will be shown in every theater served out of that exchange. Benn Rosenwald, manager of the Charlotte branch, was the first to report 100 per cent representation for every theater in the territory for M-G-M 20- Year Anniversary Week. Griffis Due in Sweden On Economic Mission Stanton Griffis, chairman of Para- mount's executive committee recently on leave as head of the OWI's do- mestic film division, was reported in press cables yesterday from Stock- holm to be due in Sweden shortly to augment Allied pressure to halt the ball-bearing trade with Germany. He will talk with leading Swedish ex- porters. Griffis, presumably on loan from the OWI, is a representative of the U. S. Foreign Economic Admin- istration. Griffis is said to be cur- rently in London. Posa Execs, in New York For RKO Producing Talks Pickwick Appeal Hearing Waits on Judge's Return New Haven — Federal Judge Car- roll Hincks, who will hear the argu- ments on the motion of counsel for Prefect Theater, Inc., for a new trial and to set aside the verdict dismis- sing the anti-trust action brought by Prefect and others against the eight major distributors, is at present in Arizona. The judge will not return for several weeks, and no date has been set for the hearing. Santiago Reachi, president, and Jacques Gelman, general manager, of Posa Films of Mexico City, ar- rived in New York yesterday from Hollywood for conferences with RKO Radio home office officials. Confabs will be concerned with the recently announced deal for the pro- duction of a picture starring Cantin- flas, Mexico's ace comedy star, at the RKO studios. Pictures, which will be Cantinflas' first appearance in an English language production, will utilize both American and Mexican acting talent and will probably get under way within the next three or four months. Amusement Celebs Usher In Cantor Film Tonight Eddie Cantor's "Show Business" will make its Broadway bow tonight at the Palace Theater with leaders of all branches of the amusement industry in attendance. Premiere follows by two days the tribute paid to Cantor on Sunday when his 35th anniversary in show business was celebrated at a testimonial dinner in the Hotel Astor. Among the industry executives who are expected at tonight's affair will be Neil Agnew, Walter C. Ament, Jules Brulatour, Ned E. Depinet, Harry Brandt, Jack Cohn, Leopold Friedman, John Hertz, Jr., Ben Kalmenson, Harry Kalmine, Walter Branson, Jules Levey, James Mulvey, Gov. Carl Milliken, S. Barret McCormick, Walter Reade, Charles Reagan, Robert Mochrie, Edward C. Raftery, Nat Levy, Edgar Kobak, Al- fred J. McCosker and Frederic Ull- man, Jr. COmmG and Goinc NICHOLAS M. SCHENCK, LOUIS B. MAYE FRANK ORSATTI and JACK POTTER leave I the Coast today. HENRI ELMAN is here from Chicago. NAT lEFTON arrived from Cleveland yest(| day. BEN COETZ left for Hollywood yesterday/ IKE KATZ, PRC franchise holder in AtH Ca., is at the Edison Hotel for a few days. SEYMOUR NEBENZAL, UA producer, is route from Hollywood. X. F. SUTTON, president of Sutton-Malkami Inc., has returned from a two-month trip I Hollywood, where he made a series of pictui for the Coast Guard. LLOYD RUST, Republic, Dallas, branch man ger, was a Chicago visitor. ARTHUR CREENBLATT, Monogram's home <■ flee rep., is in Philadelphia pinch-hitting I Branch Manager Sam >Rosen, who is recuperatii from a recent operation. JULES LAPIDUS, Eastern division sales ma ager for Warners, left last night for a fern sylvania trip. He will be in Pittsburgh tod| and tomorrow, and in Philadelphia on Thursda MAX MILDER, JAMES CACNEY, AL DAl' and J. L. BEDDINCTON arrived over t| week-end from London. JESSE L. LASKY, Warner Bros, producer, tt' returned to the Coast from New York. ROBERT MOCHRIE, general sales manager ai NAT LEVY, Eastern division sales manager, RKO Radio, left yesterday for a tour of South branch offices. First stop is Atlanta. j , ED MOREY and MAX FELLERMAN of eanij Productions go to Boston for sales meeting. LARRY KENT, executive assistant to Spyr P. Skouras, president of 20th-Fox, returned the home office from London, over the wee| end. Skouras is still abroad. Bill Hartman Promoted Bill Hartman has been upped t metropolitan booker for RKO in th New York exchange. Lillian Vallo becomes assistant booker to Har man. RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC. TRADE SHOWliGS of f? GOYESCA" NEW YORK . . RKO Projection Room 630 Ninth Avenue New York, N. Y. LOS ANGELES . . RKO Projection Room 1980 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, Calif. SAN FRANCISCO , RKO Projection Room 251 Hyde Street San Francisco, Calif. . Monday, May 15 11:00 A.M.-2:30 P.M. Monday, May 15 2:30 P.M. Monday, May 15 2:30 P.M. ^ :l j^MSTfeTi iTi FOR sp^<^ tfVCK -r\o»*^ fOP.'^ ,UE^PH -r**e Cwo THE LADV-^^_ CASTLE ^AN'5 HtART THAT A <:^>.. THE KEYHOLE SENTINEL OTTKE SECRET OF THE SCALPEL • ^HAS THE KEY TO THE PERFECT FORMULA FOR A PICTURE that is OUT OF THIS WORLD ! ox- OFFIC^RAIN STORM nil Tuesday, May 9, 1944 DAILY WMC Hears Wash'n Essentiality Plea (G>n'tinued from Page 1) RKO; John S. Allen, M-G-M; and George Gill, PRC. Later this week, perhaps, they w^ll file full proof of all the contentions included in their original brief petitioning for the lo- cally essential rating. The move for local essentiality loomed as ever more imperative throughout the country in view of General Hershey's week-end predic- tion that men over 26 in essential in- dustry will not be drafted before Fall. This is the most definite state- ment to come from Selective Service on the matter thus far. It is believed that men over 30 in war industries, or war-supporting, will not be called this year and probably not at all. In those areas where the :ndustry is held locally essential, it will have the same status as direct war industries and will be able to hold many men it would otherwise lose to the armed forces. The Washington move is on behalf of the exchanges alone, but theaters in some parts of the country have also petitioned for recognition of lo- cal need. MOI Sets Hundreds of Invasion Cameramen (G>ntinued from Page 1) dred official photographers were or- ganized to record the invasion when the time came as a joint operation. Approximately 200 MOI shorts are planned for production this year, including 125-foot informational sub- jects to be tagged on to the news- reels, Beddington said. He explained that six two-reel subjects, showing developments since Dunkirk, had been prepared for showing in liber- ated countries. Twelve features have been selected for showing in Italy, he said. Michael Todd Launches Second Producing Co. (Continued from Page 1) tions already has been announced. The other outfit is Leahcim Corp., which, like Michael Todd Produc- tions, is owned 100 per cent by the producer. Todd is head of both com- panies. When he gets going with his film plans the Broadway showman will divide his productions between the two companies, which are understood to be identical in set-up and in pur- pose. Un BIRTHDAY GREETMGS TO... May 9 Richard Barthelmess Connie Russell John H. MacMahon Thomas J. Lynch, Jr. • • • THIS AND THAT: That nostalgic — and corking — "Mark Twain" display in the W. & J. Sloane window which is stopping crowds on Fifth Ave., will be shipped to the Coast shortly for similar display in the Beverly Hills Wilshire store Leonore Boe. the artist, is responsible for the amazingly life-like figure of Twain, and many of the props, ore real No need to tell you the window is exploitation for Warners' pic, of course. . . • Museum of Modem Art, except for the film auditorium, closes tomorrow night in preparation for its 15th anniversary exhibition. Art in Progress, which stents May 24 Film auditorium closes Sunday night Summer film program will be an- nounced shortly. . . • Dr. Herman Lissauer, head of Warners research dept., arrives today from the Coast to attend the 55th wedding anniver- sary of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Lissauer. . . • Directors of the ITO of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan are hosting Frank McWil- lioms. Portage, Wis., exhib. at diimer in Milwaukee tonight. . . McWilliams, former prexy of the ITO, is retiring from active operation. • Leon Schlesinger will make five additional pix for the Navy. . . • Sam Kaplan of Al Dezel's Chi. office is a six times' Red Cross blood donor. . . O Metro Seattle personnel feted Lillian Powers, resigning after 20 years service, at the Film Club. . • The latest count shows 27 former femme employes of 20th-Fox now serving in one or another of the women auxiliaries of the armed services. . . • A program whereby members will donate blood to the Red Cross regularly in groups of approximately 20 has been organized by lATSE Local 306, operators. . . • Paula Fraser, formerly of Parcmiount's press book department in New York, has been named Universal's press book editor at the studios Her husband, George, formerly foreign publicity manager for Paramount, Columbia and 20th Century-Fox, is a unit publicity man at the RKO studios The Frasers went to California in January T ▼ T • • • LOEWS ABROAD: Irving Martin, formerly assistant manager for Loew's in Baltimore, now in the Merchant Marine, walked into the USO canteen in Cardiff, Wales On the wall he spied a painting showing Times Square at night but the building at 45th and Broadway failed to show the big "Loew's State" sign Next day an artist-seaman from Martin's ship went to the USO can- teen and painted in luminous paint "Loew's State" on the mural, pro- viding a touch of home for all ex-Loewmen visiting the port ▼ ▼ T • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR Riskin, Producers Confer On OWI Documentaries West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Robert Riskin, head of OWI's overseas motion picture bu- reau, is here to confer with pro- ducers regarding documentary sub- jects OWI seeks to have made for showing in the liberated countries. If producers feel these subjects can- not be financially profitable for their companies, OWI will make a deal with them to buy 12 such pictures. Riskin is also seeking technicians to work on a series of films depict- ing participation in the war of the peoples of occupied countries and governments in exile. He announced that OWI has completed a three-reel subject featuring Arturo Toscanini, who left Italy because of his oppo- sition to Fascism. It is designed chiefly for showing in Italy. Ad Agency Plan Stock Company for Television The Charles M. Storm Co. has com- pleted plans for a television stock company, Raymond E. Nelson, the company's radio and video director, announced yesterday. First production of the experimen- tal group will be a two-hour drama- tic show which will dedicate the new studio of W2XWV, DuMont tele out- let m New York on July 13. Purpose o± the stock unit is to establish pro- gramming groundwork for visual dramatic presentations. Clark Brown Dies in Ohio Ashtabula, 0.— Clark D. Brown 66, supervisor of five Jamestown Amusement Co. theaters, is dead. His wife and two daughters survive. Industry Raw Stock Worries at End (Comtinued from Page 1) and one or two other types, Burrows^ said — but he believes there will be enough of all types to go around. Despite the promising outlook,i however, Burrows has given vlJ planning for the lifting of WP^ control over 35 mm. film. Before the serious manpower difficulties arose several weeks ago both Burrows and his predecessor, Harold C. Hopper, had thought the industry's film sup- ply might be removed from govern- mental control by this time. The control will be maintained indefinite- ly. Burrows said, in order that "we not be caught short by some emerg- ency." Burrows emphasized strotigly his statement that the maintenance of control was a matter of insurance, and made it plain that he does not believe the industry has any fears about film. He mentioned that a sizeable quantity of film wall probably be shipped via lend-lease to the Soviet Union shortly. Russia has not par- ticipated in the film program to any large degree heretofore, but a re- quest for a fairly large quantity has now been received. Filling of this request will not, however, endanger the filling of our industry needs. Kent Charges Monopoly In UAC-Vitagroph Suit Montreal — A writ of injunction to restrain execution by United Amuse- ment Corp., Ltd., and Vitagraph, Ltd., to an alleged illegal contract which is said to grant monopolistic rights to Vitagraph to distribute pic- tures and to United to exhibit the pictures in 23 local theaters under United Control, before they are re- leased to other theaters, has been requested by Kent Theaters, Ltd., be- fore Justice Louis Cousineau of Su- perior Court. Action is part of Kent's i anti-trust action against United and T Vitagraph. Bitzer Interment Today In Cedar Grove Cemetery Last rites for "Billy" Bitzer, pio- neer cameraman, whose death occur- red on the Coast, will be held at 11 a.m. today from Gordon's Funeral Parlor, 484 W. 60th St. Interment in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Flushing, L. I., will follow. BACK IN CIVVIES Honorably Dischargred EARL LOGAN, former Clarence, la., exhibitor, from the Army. JAMES SMART, from the Army, to manager, Metropolitan, Seattle. JOSEPH TATA, from the Army, to manager, Colony, Detroit. SILLY WILSON, formerly manager, Athens, Deland, Fla., from the Navy. Tuesday, May 9, 1944 TOEi Name 5th War Loan Exhibitor Chairmen (Continued from Page 1) ARIZONA, Harry Nace, Phoenix: ARKAN- SAS, Co-chairmen. M. S. McOord, Little Rock, Claude Mundo, Little Rock: SOUTH- ERN CALIFORNIA, Dave Bershon, Los An- g-eles: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, Charles t. Than, San Francisco: COLORADO, Rick cketson. Denver: CONNECTICUT, Harry Shaw, New Haven; DELAWARE, Lewis S. Black. Wilming-ton: FLORIDA, J. L. Cart- .wri&ht. Tampa: GEORGIA, Nat Williams, Thomasville, Ga.: IDAHO, Nevin McCord, Boise: ILLINOIS, J. J. Ruhens. Chicago: INDIANA. Don Rossit^r, Indianapolis: IOWA, A. H. Blank, Des Moines; KANSAS. H. E. Jameyson, Wichita; KENTUCKY, Ned Greene. Mayfield; also — LOUISIAJSIA, E. V. Richards, New Orleans; MAINE. Connie Russell, Bang-or: MART- LAND, Louis A. Rome, Baltimore: MASSA- CHUSETTS. Sam Pinaski. Boston: MICHI- GAN. Co-chairmen, Martin Thomas. Iron Mountain. (Peninsula) ; Earl Hudson. Detroit: !:Lew Wisper. Detroit: MINNESOTA, Al Steffes. Minneapolis: MISSISSIPPI. Co-chair- ' men. Burg-ess Waltman, Columbus: Arthur Lehmann. Jackson: EAST MISSOURI. Harry Arthur, St. Louis: WEST MISSOURI. Elmer Rhoden, Kansas City; MONTANA. J. A. Eng-- lish. Anaconda: NEBRASKA. William Mis- kell. Omaha; NEVADA. N. Dow Thompson. '"Reno: NEW HAMPSHIRE. Edw. J. Fahey. !r Manchester; SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY, Ben !- Amsterdam. Philadelphia. Pa.; NORTHERN [, NEW JERSEY, Co-chairmen, H. H. Lowen- stein. Newark; Don Jacocks, Newark; NEW MEXICO, George Tucker, Albuquerque; ■ also — |; METROPOLITAN NEW YORK. Charles ;.■ C. Moskowitz. New York City: UPSTATE ;' NEW YORK. Lou Goldinff. Albany : NORTH !• CAROLINA. H. P. Kineey, Charlotte: WEST NORTH DAKOTA. Mike Cooper. Grand Forks; EAST NORTH DAKOTA. Ed Kraus. Fargo; OHIO. Martin G. Smith, Toledo: i OKLAHOMA. C. B. Akers. Oklahoma City; OREGON, Co-chairmen. Al Finke. Portland; Bob White, Portland; EASTERN PENNSYL- VANIA. Lou Finske, Scranton WESTERN j PENNSYLVANIA, Moe Silver, Pittsburgh: ' RHODE ISLAND. Ed Fay. Providence: • SOUTH CAROLINA. Warren Irwin. Colum- bia: SOUTH DAKOTA. Fred Larkin, Sioux - Falls: EASTERN TENNESSEE. E. W. Street, Knoxville; WESTERN TENNESSEE, M. A. Lightman. Memphis: TEXAS, John Q. Adams. • Dallas; UTAH. Samuel Gillette. Tooele; r VERMONT, Frank Vennett, Rutland; VIR- GINIA, Co-chairmen, Wm. Crockett. Virginia Beach; Morton G. Thalheimer. Richmond; WASHINGTON. D. C, Sidney Lust, Washing- J ton; WASHINGTON, Frank Newman, Sr., .-Seattle; WEST VIRGINIA. Milton Levine, Williamson; WISCONSIN, Harold Fitzgerald, Milwaukee: WYOMING. Co-chairmen. E. J. ' Schulte. Casper; Tom Berta. Rock Springs. I Campaign and WAC Execs. iOff for Washington Events Executive staff of the National In- dustry Fifth War Loan committee and offic;als of the WAC left last night for Washington where tomor- row they will participate in the campaign first all-industry regional : mass meeting. Today they will be guests at the Treasury tribute to the ; "Honored Hundred" of the Fourth War Loan. Fifth War Loan heads attending , include Bob O'Donnell, R. M. Ken- nedy, John J. Friedl, Ray Beall, Jos- eph Kinsky and Claude F. Lee. Ned E. Depinet, Francis S. Harmon, Si Fabian, Walter Brown, Herman lUEDDinC BELLS Jane Roberts, daughter of George A. Roberts, sales manager of March of Time, has been engaged to Lt. John Lysaght Murphy, USNR. IN NEW POSTS RUSSELL JENSEN, Army booker, St. Louis. PEGGY ENGLAND, assistant ad-sales manager, 20th-Fox, Cincinnati. DOROTHY WEAVER, assistant booker, 20th-Fox, Omaha. MRS.^GERALDINE McCLURE, assistant cashier, 2bth-Fox, Omaha. MRS. JESSIE STUMPF, ad-sales manager, 20th- Fox, Cincinnati. Sees Exhibs. Angered By Terms, Forced (G>ntinued from Page 1) gram. The convention opens today at the Deshler-Wallick Hotel. Myers asserts that this is true de- spite the fact that exhibitors are ex- erting "all their ingenuity, effort and resourcefulness in the solution of problems inherent in wartime opera- tion and are doing a magnificent job." The tradition that the show must go on has not been and will not be broken, Myers adds. Giving praise to Martin G. Smith, Allied president, Myers said that Smith, aided and abetted by Pete Wood and his "trusty mimeograph," will devise the method and find the means "of combatting the exhibitors' greatest problem and direct threat — exorbitant film rentals." In his "president's message" in the convention program. Smith writes: "Generally speaking, the motion picture industry is in a very healthy condition. This is reflected in the tremendous profits being made by the major film producing-distributing companies. But, the ever-increasing film rental demands of these same companies upon theater owners pre- vent these profits from flowing pro- portionately to the independent ex- hibitors with the results that the lat- ter are more and more thinking in terms of Government control of the industry. "As good business men, and for the future well-being of a great in- dustry, the responsible heads of the major film producing - distributing companies should take heed of this danger. They should permit a more equitable distribution of the tremen- dous profits that accrue to the indus- try by being more temperate in their demands for higher film rentals and obnoxious playing terms." Gluckman and John C. Flinn repre- sent the WAC. Newark Meeting Today Names Fifth Loan Com. Newark, N. J. — Special Activities Committee to stimulate Bond sales in the Fifth War Loan campaign will be selected at a meeting today in the Downtown Club. Ben Griefer has been named chairman of the group with Frank Dailey and Jay Wren as co-chairmen. In attendance at today's session will be John Man- ning, Harry Murphy, William C. Cope, Al Nugent, Adam A. Adams, Griefer, Wren, Bob Paskow, Dailey, William Phillips, George Gold, Harry Weiss, Russell Mack, Roland Trench- ard and Harry Mack. DAILY Exhibs. Set to Open Recruiting for Wacs (Continued from Page 1) Square at noon tomorrow will key countless similar demonstrations. The other New York Boroughs will promptly follow the Times Square Rally with their own Wac Recruit- ing Week demonstrations. Tomor- row night in Staten Island, Borough President Joseph A. Palma will read his Proclamation from the stage of the St. George. Thursday night, the S. I. Paramount Theater will stage a presentation entitled "Meet the Wac" with the Halloran Hospital Wac personnel featured. Brooklyn on Thursday, will be the scene of two Women's Ai-my Corps Salutes. Borough President John Cashmore will officiate at a Boro Hall rally, and U. S. Army officials at the Albee Square Demonstration. In Queens, ceremonies are sched- uled for Saturday on the Jamaica Court House steps at 2 P. M. with Borought President James A. Burke, participating. Clark and Hazen Meet; Report "Nothing Definite" (Continued from Page 1) the New York anti-trust case, As- sistant Attorney General Tom C. Clark remarked yesterday that noth- ing of a definite nature was accom- plished. Hazen, he said, appeared confident that the distribs. and the Government can get together in a new decree but was unable to make any definite commitments for his clients. A formal meeting in which Clark will receive authorized distrib. reac- tion to exhibitor and Government proposals for a new decree is due to be arranged today or tomorrow. Hazen was in Washington Sunday, Clark said, and called Clark at his home. A half hour conference at Hazen's hotel followed during which Hazen gave Clark his impression of distxnbutor opinion, emphasizing, however, that he was talking off the cuff. Hazen felt, said Clark, that it will be unnecessary for the Govern- ment to press the anti-trust case. Screen's Axis Portrayal Assailed as "Sketchy" Washinciton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The Society for the Prevention of World War III in the first issue of its new monthly bulle- tin asks that Hollywod adapt for the screen. Correspondent Sigrid Schultz's book, "Germany Will Try It Again." In an open letter, the Society, headed by Writer Rex Stout, lauds the industry for its war contribu- tions, at the same time complaining of unrealistic treatment of the Ger- man people. Portrayal of the Axis evil has been "sketchy," and showing of the op- posing forces "conventional," the let- ter says. John Russo Dead Seattle — John Russo, husband of Mollie Russo, of the billing depart- ment at Paramount exchange, is dead. New Houses Needed In 13 Calif. Areas (Continued from Page 1 ) Glendale-Burbank, Englewood, Long Beach-North Long Beach, Ventura County, and the following areas in Los Angeles: Hawthorne and Broad- way, Compton, Dixie Canyon, Sepul- vida and National Windsor Hills area, Manchester and three areas in San Diego: Linda Vista, Chula Vista and Coronado. The release made it plain that pub- lication was not a guarantee that new theaters would be authorized in these areas, stating that "there is an appearance of need for additional theater facilities in 13 California areas." The statement said also that the applicants must show that they have the necessary seating facilities avail- able, adding that possession of pro- jection equipment is desirable (but not, significantly, terming it essen- tial.) The new method of naming pos- sible areas where new theaters will be authorized is a direct result of conversations between George Mc- Murphey and the two Assistant At- torney Generals, both of whom have made it plain that they will not authorize cix'cuit expansion to carry out this program in any instance where indies are ready to build. The wide publicity is designed as a move to insure the fullest possible par- ticipation in the program by indies, and is OCR's way of assuring the D of J that all interested parties are on notice. Reade Taking Over Partnership Theaters? (Continued from Page 1) rangements is reported to be taking the theaters over and operating them alone. Acquisitions of the partners' interest are said to be now under way. Former New Haven Usher Florida Training Casualty New Haven — Lt. Nicholas Lou- kides, USMC, former usher at the Poli here, was killed in a train- 1^^ ing accident in Florida, the l^ij Navy Department has advised his family here. STORK REPORTS Pittsburgh — A seven-pound son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dave Brown at Montefiore Hospital. Father is office manager and head booker for United Artists here. Charlotte — Paul Wall, M-G-M salesman, is the father of a new son, Robert Jay, born in Washington. John O'Leary, 20th-Fox traveling auditor, is the father of a baby girl, Maureen Jean. ^ ALMIGHTY SOCKft Sock that old apple for a Texas-leaguer —in receipts . . . Clean those bases— and bring in the ticket-buyers . . . Hits are what count— in show business too . . . This game is just as exciting as baseball . . . Only there's more chance to foul out —with cockeyed showmanship ... Or get caught off base —by careless promotion ... Or get beaned— by a bum ad ... So pile up a champ batting average— with fool-proof Advertising . . . Bust that old house record over the fence . . . Knock the cover off . . . Win your game . . . Win it the way all smart players in this business win— with good Advertising. PMIE BBBf OFTHEinDUSTRY T-A.ik.^1 I..C D C Ar!rF<(«nDiE<( Great Britain^s Two Largesi Circuits to Merge {See Columns 2 and 3 Below) THE Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -IPDAILY' IVOL. 85, NO. 92 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1944 TEN CENTS OHIO ITOASKS PROBE OF N. Y. TRUST SUIT "Honored 100" on Fifth Loan Strategy Board Receive Special Medal- lions for Fourth Loan Efforts From Treasury Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Charles P. Skouras and a host of high Government and industry officials yesterday escorted the "Honored Hundred" of the Fourth War Loan drive to their place of honor on the board of strategy for the Fighting Fifth. R. J. O'Donnell, who takes the industry portfolio from Skouras to carry on for the nation's war chest, will this morning welcome the aid of the industry's top Bond salesmen as he outlines (Continued on Page 14) IState Dep't Ready ITo Aid Pix 'Envoys' Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY ' Washington — Commenting upon approval by the majors for the ■ MPPDA plan to send "industry en- l voys" into major capitals of the world (Continued on Page 9) Only 13 Arbitration Cases Filed in Last 5 Months Only 13 demands for arbitration were filed in the key city tribunals between Dec. 1, 1943, and May 1, 1944, indicating that exhibitors ap- (Continued on Page 14) ^ants Running Time Affixed to All Pix Detroit — A move to induce dis- tributing companies to mark each feature or reel with the running time is being launched by Jack Greer, operator at the Eastwood Theater, East Detroit. Greer proposes that the time should be marked clearly in a special frame right at the start of the reel, or, alternatively, that the shipping tag on the film can should be marked with it. Latter would require repeating the infor- mation for each shipment, of course, and so is less desirable. Honored MOO Hear Vandegriii Acme News Pictures Telephoto AT HONORED 100 CEREMONIES: LT. GEN. A. A. Vandegrift, USMC commandant, (third from left), is pictured as he addressed the Fourth War Loan's Honored 100 exhibitors at yesterday's Washington ceremonies. General Vandegrift is flanked at the left by Charles P. Skouras and Ted Gamble and at the right by F. H. "Rick" Ricketson, Jr. Rank to Make Two Yearly for 20th-Fox London (By Cable) — J. Arthur Rank will produce two features a year indefinitely for 20th-Fox here, it was learned authoritatively yes- terday as a result of an agreement reached between Rank and Spyros P. Skouras, 20th-Fox prexy. First probably will go into production in the late Summer or early Autumn. Higher Television Standards Favored Voting overwhelmingly for the radical improvement in television standards which CBS recently pro- posed, 91 independent radio stations in 38 states have replied to ques- tionnaires on the subject of im- proved television pictures. At the same time, CBS revealed that engi- (Continued on Page 14) G'B and Odeon will Merge British Treasury Okays Rank Deal Skouras and CEA Execs. Meet on Rental Problem London (By Cable) — In an at- tempt to iron out the rental problem in the United Kingdom, Spyi'os P. Skouras, 20th-Fox prexy, conferred (Continued on Page 9) London (By Cable) — Merger of Gaumont-British and Odeon circuits, two of Britain's largest, with an ag- gregate of 607 houses, is believed imminent in the wake of deal nego- tiated here by Spyros P. Skouras of 20th-Fox and J. Arthur Rank, who (Continued on Page 2) Would Ascertain If At- torney General Used Due Diligence Prosecuting Case By ELSIE LOEB FILM DAILY Staff Correspondent Columbus, 0. — A resolution de- manding a Congressional investiga- tion of the Attorney General's con- duct, in 1940, in connection with the halting of the New York anti-trust suit, was adopted unanimously at the first day's session of the annual convention here of the Independent Theater Owners of Ohio. According to the resolution, the New York anti- trust suit, resulting in the consent decree, was halted in 1940 as the result of secret conferences. The purpose of the resolution, it states, is to ascertain whether the (Continued on Page 9) Report Wallis Close To Making Film Deal Future distribution possibilities for Hal Wallis were reported yesterday to be narrowing down, although ne- gotiations are continuing with sev- ( Continued on Page 9) Syndicated Pix Shows For Tele Station Use? Syndicated film program services for television stations are a strong possibility for the future, according (Continued on Page 13) $536,918 via Dimes March in Etet. Area A check for $536,918.89, represent- ing Metropolitan area March of Dimes collections yesterday was turned over to Basil O'Connor, president of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, by Fred J. Schwartz, Metro- politan chairman of the recent drive. Attending the ceremonies were Harry Brandt and Charles C. Mos- kowitz, national co-chairman; Oscar Doob, D. Walker Wear, David Wein- stock, Sam Rinzler, Max A. Cohen and Leo Brecher. : 0*\ DAILY Wednesday, May 10, 1944! f ■• ■ ■ ""^AU THE HMl Vol. 85, No. 92 Wed., May, 10, 1944 10 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. fintinciflL (Tuesday^ May 9) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2% Columbia Picts. pfd . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind ptd . . . East. Kodak do pfd Gen. Prec. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO $6 ptd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Universal Pictures . . Universal Picts. vtc . . 5'/8 5 5'/8 221/4 211/8 22 + 1 1611/2 1611/2 1611/2 + 1/2 201/4 61 1/4 253/8 83/8 883/4 231/4 311/8 121/4 BOND 931/2 CURB 37/8 l'/4 23/4 151/4 201/8 201/8 + Vb 61 61 1/4 + 1/4 25 25 8I/4 8I/4 883/3 885/3 — 3/8 227/8 227/8 31 31 121/a 121/8 — 1/8 MARKET 931/2 931/2 + 1/4 MARKET 33/4 37/8 1 '/4 11/4 25/8 23/4 143/8 15 -I- 7/8 Record Industry Turnout For RKO Golf Tourney With more than 400 tickets already sold, indications are that RKO's an- nual golf tourney next Tuesday at the Westchester Country Club will be a record-breaker. Prizes of $25 War Bonds that will go to the win- ners of these events: Kickers' Han- dicap, one for RKO employes and one for guests; Low Gross, one for the South course and one for the West course, with a winner and runner-up in each case, and separate competitions for RKO employes and guests; Putting Contest; and a Nearest to Pin Contest on each of the two courses. In addition, prizes will be awarded the winner of each foursome. Committees in charge are: Tourna- ment, N. Peter Rathvon, Ned E. Depinet, Malcolm Kingsberg, Major L. E. Thompson, Robert Mochrie, Garret Van Wagner, Sen. J. Henry Walters, Phil Reisman; Prize AwardSj Ned E. Depinet, former Sen. J. Henry Walters, John A. Par- mer, Harry Pimstein, R. S. Gavin; Publicity, S. Barret McCormick, Harry Mandel, Rutgers Neilson, Arthur M. Brilant, Jack Level, John Cassidy; Working, Arthur White, Herbert Mayes, Frank Angotti, Al Tuchman, Charles Fetz, John Jones, Jack Carney, Sol Spiller, Wally Stickerling; Ticket, John A. Farmer, Dick Gavin. D. C. Inspectress Chosen Metro's '44 War Mother 223/4 223/4 22% Rites for Burton L. Eing iVest Coast Bureau of TUP. FILM DAILY Hollywood — Funeral services were held here for Burton L. King, vet- eran producer-director. He directed for several years in the East before coming to the Coast. M-G-M has selected Mrs. Josephine Byrnes, inspectress at the Washing- ton exchange, as its branch office War Mother of 1944, in honor of Mother's Day. Mrs. Byrnes, who has worked with the company about a year, has five sons in the service, a son-in-law is reported missing in action over Germany, and a Dober- man-Pinscher dog serves with the Coast Guard. Her son, James T., a former M-G- M Washington employe, is in the Navy, as is another son, John. Charles is with the Army Medical Corps.; Stephen P. is a Coast Guard radioman and Patrick B. is a Marine. Her daughter's husband, John L. Dougherty, AAF bombardier-naviga- tor, was reported missing in a raid over Germany on Jan. 11. The dog, Sandy, has been with the Coast Guard since 1942, through Dogs for Defense. Brecher Joins WAC On Volunteer Basis Leo Brecher, New York indie cir- cuit operator, and long active In WAC projects in the Metro- politan area, has joined the WAC execu- tive staff on a permanent volunteer bas- is, S. H. Fabi- a n , Theaters Division Chalr- m a n , a n - nounced y e s - terday. Brecher, whose duties will be in con- LEO BRECHER nection with the role of the exhi- bitor in the various activities, joins such other full-time volunteers as Herman Gluckman, Arthur L. Mayer and Fabian. Gaumont-Brilish And Odeon to Merge (Comtinued from Page 1 ) heads Gaumont-British and Odeon. Only approval by the Board of Trade, expected momentarily, re- mains to seal the Rank-Skouras bar- gain by which Rank and 20th-Fox jointly acquire the holdings of Loew's in Metropolis & Bradford Trust, which controls G-B-. The British Treasury has given the deal its blessing, Skouras told The Film Daily yesterday. Skouras is understood to favor the merger of G-B and Odeon. United Artists has a financial stake in the latter circuit. National Screen Service Drive Honors Dembow To inaugurate a better business campaign, Herman Robbins, presi- dent of National Screen Service, an- nounces the George Dembow Tribute 1944 beginning June 5 and ending Dec. 30. This tribute is given in recognition of George Dembow's twelfth year of service with the company as vice- president in charge of sales. Jack Cohen, Eastern division man- ager, has been appointed captain of the drive. Bemhard to Philly for Theater, R. C. Parleys Joseph Bernhard, general manager of Warner Theaters, goes to Phila- delphia today for a meeting with local zone executives of the circuit. While in Philadelphia, Bernhard also will meet with Norman Davis, national chairman of the American Red Cross, for a talk in connection with the recent Red Cross drive, for which Bernhard was national indus- try chairman. Harry Goldberg, director of ad- vertising and publicity for Warner Theaters and campaign manager in the Red Cross drive, accompanies Bernhard. London Hears Rank Deal With Wallis-Hazen Near London (By Cable) _ J. Arthur Rank is nearing a deal by which Hal Wallis and Joseph H. Hazen will produce in Hollywood for Eagle- Lion world-wide distribution, it was reported in Wardour St. circles ves- terday. COfflinC aid Goinc SPYROS p. SKOURAS, 20th-Fox prexy and FRANCIS HARLEY, the company's British man- aging director, leave 'London shortly for New Yorl<. GEORGE DEMBOW arrives from the Coast on Friday. MAXWELL CILLIS, Republic district manager, leaves for Washington after Friday's regionaj meeting to fill in for Jake Flax while the latter is mending from a recent operation. FRANCES OREENBERG, of Warners exchange, is off for a vacation in Connecticut. . HANK HEARN, Astor PicfuiraS franchise holder in Charlotte, is in town booking shows for the Sixth Naval District. ADRIANA CASELOTTI, the voice of Snow White in" "Snow White and the Seven Dwarifs," is back in town after a personal appearance tour in connection with the release of the film in the Middle West and New England. After three weeks she will head for Canada for more of the same. JAMES MELTON of the Met. Opera leaves for the Coast today to appear in Metro's "The Ziegfeld Follies." JACK SHEA has returned from a 10-day visit to circuit houses in Ohio and >Pennsylvania. JOE MARKWITZ left yesterday for a new Loew auditing post in Los Angeles; he was formerly located in Chicago. JAMES K. Coast Friday. McCUINNESS departs for the MAX HIRSHMAN goes to Washington today. PATRICE MUNSELL, Met. Opera singer re- cently signed by Warners, is back in New York from a road trip before leaving for the Coast. NORMAN ELSON, Trans-Lux vice-president, has returned from PthJIadelphia. EDWARD A. GOLDEN has returned to Holly wood to start production of ''The Master Race." TREM CARR, Monogram production head, is back on the Coast. PAT CASEY is back in Hollywood from the New York labor conferences. BARNEY ROSE, new manager of Universal's San Francisco exchange, is en route from Chi- cago. Vacate Writ Blocking 'Negro Soldier' Release The WAC yesterday was permit- ted to distribute "The Negro Sol- dier," produced by the War Depart- ment, when New York Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe vacated a tem- porary injunction issued by Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard. The suit was brought by Negro Marches On, Inc., producers of a similar film called "We've Come a Long, Long Way," showing the contribution of the Negro to the war efl'ort. The plaintiff charged that release of the War Department film constituted un- fair competition by the Government with private enterprise. / SMD BIRTHDilY GREEfflfiS TO... May 10 David 0. Selznick Clarence Brown Fred Astaire William Thiele Jay Kaye \ musical ■■■ . W"..'- ^ ■* •«! >-^ .X ^.r;^^;:.:: ^^— -*^< ,#""' ^^^m M 4. 1^ r ^ ,' r^ d^ 'n J »0 * # ^w-B^ llliMi K^ i w3l mti"^' '" 'w||H|f % g :S§;.mZi .*25l. mi if 'i '^. M z' ' Jt- ,v/ r£^ ^;^ ^>? iecAnicoJor HARVEY • MARIflA RAYE • JOE E. EUGENE PALLEIIE • SKATING VANITIES OOROIHEA KEN! • DAVE WILLOCK • CONDOS BROIHERS records everywhere! Dirtcled h| ^dAzs orchestra EHUlERSION[-pr.ten,WILL LE ^ ^ir»:VI Sumo PUt by HoMri llli-. •>») Hfitn i ot*". ">< >"> iltldKin Stuil «i I Slorr tnf litM NoU tjiits III) MuiK ■ »0>(l Mr unit Prn Up Olll" • "Ilml Km Will rm- • IlH-, ll II" • "CMM too OtUn" • "Tinlj. Ooodit Hiriidl" • 'Till Slorr o( im Viif Miiir Wii)o»" Oonl C»rrj Iiitt Oiil 01 Stfioof • "Kid doDiiii. Bob vn»l« ani WW B«ih- bj ««* Cofilofl md l««i« Monxo Uincal SiqMKn Oancn SUfid by HMam Pki ■ M1H17 Nuiiibn Stt(>4 by Ma SiAmi • IMff SWnif Mimbcf SU|»< by tw FoUtr • Vtmjc* Hmbm iifiiilnd by fuclm i 1 ptetu] wUh the befst linc^ '"^wiMinyKiMnriMRKW^'RiiMpjy] are all from... liiilliWiyUii&iil&&yuwi F Wednesday, May 10, 1944 <^4 DAILY Dislribs. and Exhibs. Held Drive Partners Declaring that "the distributors are full partners with the exhibitors in this great campaign," John J. Friedl, campaign director for the industry's participation in the Fifth I War Loan, yesterday expressed his delight with the manner in which ^ the Distribution DiAdsion, headed by Ned E. Depinet, is marshalling its forces in the field. "The Distribution Division is des- tined to play a greater role in this campaign than in any previous war effort," commented Friedl. 'Much of the success of the campaign de- pends on the Distribution chairman i and the branch managers and sales- 1 men in the field. The fact that they are to contact every exhibitor for the Fifth War Loan will mean a great deal toward assuring the great- est possible theater participation." Leon Bamberger, Depinet's aide, is working closely with Friedl in setting up the machinery for dis- tributor reports on exhibitor partici- pation and will be in charge of fol- lowing through for the duration of the campaign. Washington Meet Today Maps Fifth Loan Drive Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The industry's pre- Fifth War Loan drive will be launched here this morning at a meeting at the Hotel Statler which will set the spark for 16 similar regional rallies covering all sections of the nation. All branches of the film and allied industries will be represented. The climax of the meeting will be an address by R. J. O'Donnell, na- I tional chairman, who will be intro- duced by Si Fabian, theater division chairman of the WAC. A highlight of the meeting, which will be called to order by Sidney Lust, drive chair- man in this area, will be the presen- tation of the "Honored Hundred" of the Fourth War Loan to O'Donnell by Charles P. Skouras, national chairman of the last drive. Among scheduled speakers are: Fabian, Ted R. Gamble, R. M. Ken- nedy, John J. Friedl, Ray Beall and Claude F. Lee. Greer Garson Cited For "Ditwes" Trailer Greer Garson has been presented with an illuminated scroll for her work in the 1944 March of Dimes appeal trailer. Citation, signed by Nicholas M. Schenck, national chair- man, and the members of his com- mittee, credits the M-G-M star with doing much to make the record- breaking theater collections possible. Frank Whitbeck, writer-producer of the trailer, made the presentation. "Slioti? Business" Bows • • • SHOW BUSINESS saw "Show Business" last night, along with Wacs, WAVES, Spars, iemme Marines and Army and Navy nitrses The occasion was the Broadway world debut of Eddie Cantor's RKO picture, "Show Business," at the Palace The setting blended with the spirit of the shovr inasmuch as many of Eddie's triumphs were recorded at the historic playhouse And he was on hand last night as both a producer and a star The gals in uniform were Eddie's own guests and in addition there were stage, screen and radio stars galore, as well as a large representation of leaders from the motion picture industry in the East all paying tribute to Cantor Among the industry leaders and trade press guests were Neil Agnew, Walter Ament, Jules Brulatour, Ned E. Depinet, Harry Brandt. Jack Cohn, John Hertz, Jr., Ben Kalmenson, Hcnrry Kalmine, Walter Branson, lules Levey, James Mulvey, Gov. Carl Milliken, S. Barret McCormick, Walter Reade, Charles Reagan, Edward C. Raftery, Edgar Kobak, Alfred McCosker, Harry C. Arthur. Harry Katz, George Lynch, Abe Montague, Dan Michalove, Sam A. Morris, Arthur Mayer, Elsa Mcrxwell, Don Mersereau, Leon Netter, Sam Rinzler, Nate Spingold, Abe Schneider, Louis Schine, Walter Vincent, Niles Trommell, J. Meyer Schine, Glen Allvine, Mort Blumenstock, Maurice Bergman, Frank Rosen- berg, Si Seadler, Chester B. Bahn, R. W. Baremore, James Cunningham, William Formby. Abel Green, Jack Harrison, Al Steen, Sherwin Kane, Tom Kennedy, and Mel Konecoff, "Chick" Levris, Martin Quigley, Leopold Friedmon and Terry Romsaye T ▼ T • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR Report Wallis Close To Making Film Deal (Continued from Page 1) eral companies. It appears quite likely that Wallis in association with Joseph Hazen will acquire the stage hit, "The Searching Wind," from Herman Shumlin and Lillian Hellman and that a deal will be made with the Theater Guild. Other reported deals include Pai-- amount, RKO and J. Arthur Rank, the latter negotiations being consid- ered "hot." It is known that Wallis, Hazen, Barney Balaban, Y. Frank Freeman and Austin Keough held an extended conference last Friday at the Paramount home office. Simi- lar sessions are said to have been held with RKO executives. It is possible that Paramount or RKO would distribute product Wal- lis would make for the Theater Guild if a deal with the latter were closed. Skouras and CEA Execs. Meet on Rental Problem (Continued from Page 1 ) here last night with the president and secretary of the CEA. Meanwhile, it was learned that the Granada Theaters have been taken off the KRS barred list and are paying percentage terms. State Dep't Ready To Aid Pix 'Envoys' (Continued from Page 1) in order to represent the pix indus- try, Francis C. De Wolf said he thinks the move is "an excellent idea. I'm extremely happy to hear it's finally been approved." De Wolf, head of the State Department's Tele- communications Division, said his office will be glad to co-operate with the industry representatives. In ad- dition, he promised aid to the indus- try in getting State Department ap- proval of passports and visas for the foreign assignees. Nathan D. Golden, Department of Commerce pix specialist, hailed the approval as "a big step in the right direction. The industry will benefit greatly from this project," Golden said. "I am glad to know that the industry will have a number of well- trained individuals to look after its affairs, and to maintain personal con- tacts with key foreign officials." Mrs. Sidney Smith Dies Milwaukee, Wis. — Mrs. Sidney Smith, 54, wife of Ray A. Smith, owners of the Ray Smith Co., the- atrical equipment, died at Deaconess Hospital, following an emergency operation. Mrs. Smith was office manager of the Ray Smith Co. Ohio ITO Asks Probe Of Trust Suit Halting (Continued from Page 1) then Attorney General exercised due diligence in the prosecution of the suit, also what legislation is neces- sary to restore industry competition. Copy to Gov't Officials The resolution is ordered sent to the Vice-President, the House Speak- er, the House and Senate Judiciary Committee chairmen, all members of both Houses of Congress and the Allied board of directors. Abram F. Myers, general counsel and board chairman of national Al- lied, told the gathering that high film prices are the independent ex- hibitor's greatest worry, attributing this in great pai-t to the high cost of film checking and support of the MPPDA, totalling about $4,000,000. H. M. Richey, aide to William F. Rodgers, M-G-M's sales chief, who was unable to attend the convention, represented Rodgers. Richey stressed his company's good-will in meeting the problems of the individual exhib- itor. In the course of his remarks he stated that television is so uncer- tain as not to be an exhibitor worry for five years yet. Percentage Evils Discussed The first day's session closed with an open forum discussion of percen- tage evils. A banquet was held last night, followed by a midnight screen- ing of RKO's Eddie Cantor picture, "Show Business," selected as an out- standing picture of the day, and a buffet supper at the Variety Club. President Martin G. Smith pre- sided at the session which was at- tended by about 100 exhibitors and representatives of all the distribut- ing companies. Final business session and the election of officers will be held today. William Vance of Cincinnati was chairman of the resolutions commit- tee, and Ernest Schwarts of Cleve- land chairman of the nominations committee. English Films Gets Rights English Films, Inc., has acquired U. S. distribution rights to the Brit- ish-made Marcel Hellman produc- tion, "They Met in the Dark." THEATER DEALS Belasco Theater, legit, house, has been purchased from the David Bel- asco estate by Belasco Theater Corp., headed by Sherman S. Krellberg, president of Goodwill Pictures Corp., and John J. Wildberg, theatrical pro- ducer. Spokane — James Pike, owner of of the New Rex, has taken over the Empress. North Bend, Wash. — Ruth Holman has purchased the North Bend The- ater from Jay Tew, who has bought a ranch near Ellensburg. mam ?• k IHIIHililiilli waaaBmsaamLLUiaim ■ OUR AlB.JUS0iaiRSL-ji£sy=,t/Lj^-^i^^.^..iS I Wednesday, May 10, 1944 Distribs. and Exhibs. Held Drive Partners Declaring that "the distributors are full partners with the exhibitors in this great campaign," John J. Friedl, campaign director for the industry's participation in the Fifth I War Loan, yesterday expressed his delight with the manner in which the Distribution Division, headed by Ned E. Depinet, is marshalling its forces in the field. "The Distribution Division is des- tined to play a greater role in this campaign than in any previous war effort," commented Friedl. 'Much of the success of the campaign de- pends on the Distribution chairman and the branch managers and sales- men in the field. The fact that they are to contact every exhibitor for the Fifth War Loan will mean a great deal toward assuring the great- est possible theater participation." Leon Bamberger, Depinet's aide, is working closely with Friedl in setting up the machinery for dis- tributor repoi-ts on exhibitor partici- pation and will be in charge of fol- lowing through for the duration of the campaign. Washington Meet Today Maps Fifth Loan Drive Wasliiyigton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The industry's pre- Fifth War Loan drive will be launched here this morning at a meeting at the Hotel Statler which will set the spark for 16 similar regional rallies covering all sections of the nation. All branches of the film and allied industries will be represented. The climax of the meeting will be an address by R. J. O'Donnell, na- tional chairman, who will be intro- duced by Si Fabian, theater division chairman of the WAC. A highlight of the meeting, which will be called to order by Sidney Lust, drive chair- man in this area, will be the presen- tation of the "Honored Hundred" of the Fourth War Loan to O'Donnell by Charles P. Skouras, national chairman of the last drive. Among scheduled speakers are: Fabian, Ted R. Gamble, R. M. Ken- nedy, John J. Friedl, Ray B^all and Claude F. Lee. Greer Garson Cited For "Dimes" Trailer Greer Garsor) has been presented with an illuminated scroll for her work in the 1944 March of Dimes appeal trailer. Citation, signed by Nicholas M. Schenck, national chair- man, and the members of his com- mittee, credits the M-G-M star with doing much to make the record- breaking theater collections possible. Frank Whitbeck, writer-producer of the trailer, made the presentation. ''Shotv Business*' Bows • • • SHOW BUSINESS sow "Show Business" last night, along with Wacs, WAVES, Spars, iemme Marines and Army and Navy nurses The occasion was the Broadway world debut of Eddie Cantor's RKO picture, "Show Business," at the Palace The setting blended vrith the spirit of the show inasmuch as many of Eddie's triumphs were recorded at the historic playhouse And he was on hand last night as both a producer and a star The gals in uniform were Eddie's own guests and in addition there were stage, screen and radio stars galore, as well as a large representcrtion of leaders from the motion picture industry in the East all paying tribute to Cantor Among the industry leaders and trade press guests were Neil Agnew, Walter Ament, Jules Brulatour, Ned E. Depinet, Harry Brandt, Jack Cohn, John Hertz, Jr., Ben Kalmenson, Harry Kalmine, Walter Branson, Jules Levey, James Mulvey, Gov. Carl Milliken, S. Barret McCormick, Walter Heade, Charles Reagan, Edward C. Raltery, Edgar Kobak, Alfred McCosker, Harry C. Arthur, Harry Katz, George Lynch, Abe Montague, Dan Michalove, Sam A. Morris, Arthur Mayer, Elsa Maxwell, Don Merserecni, Leon Netter, Sam Rinzler, Nate Spingold, Abe Schneider, Louis Schine, Walter Vincent, Niles Trammell, J. Meyer Schine, Glen Allvine, Mort Blumenstock, Maurice Bergmcm, Frcmk Rosen- berg, Si Seadler, Chester B. Bahn, R. W. Baremore, James Cunningham, William Formby, Abel Green, Jack Harrison, Al Steen, Sherwin Kane, Tom Kennedy, and Mel Konecoff, "Chick" Lewis, Martin Quigley. Leopold Friedman and Terry Romsoye ▼ ▼ ▼ • • • AVENGE PEARL HARBOR Report Wallis Close To Making Film Deal (Continued from Page 1) eral companies. It appears quite likely that Wallis in association with Joseph Hazen will acquire the stage hit, "The Searching Wind," from Herman Shumlin and Lillian Hellman and that a deal will be made with the Theater Guild. Other reported deals include Par- amount, RKO and J. Arthur Rank, the latter negotiations being consid- ered "hot." It is known that Wallis, Hazen, Barney Balaban, Y. Frank Freeman and Austin Keough held an extended conference last Friday at the Paramount home office. Simi- lar sessions are said to have been held with RKO executives. It is possible that Paramount or RKO would distribute product Wal- lis would make for the Theater Guild if a deal with the latter were closed. Skouras and CEA Execs. Meet on Rental Problem (Continued from Page II here last night with the president and secretary of the CEA. Meanwhile, it was learned that the Granada Theaters have been taken off the KRS barred list and are paying percentage terms. State Dep't Ready To Aid Pix 'Envoys' (Continued from Page 1) in order to represent the pix indus- try, Francis C. De Wolf said he thinks the move is "an excellent idea. I'm extremely happy to hear it's finally been approved." De Wolf, head of the State Department's Tele- communications Division, said his office will be glad to co-operate with the industry representatives. In ad- dition, he promised aid to the indus- try in getting State Department ap- proval of passports and visas for the foreign assignees. Nathan D. Golden, Department of Commerce pix specialist, hailed the approval as "a big step in the right direction. The industry will benefit greatly from this project," Golden said. "I am glad to know that the industry will have a number of well- trained individuals to look after its affairs, and to maintain personal con- tacts with key foreign officials." Mrs. Sidney Smith Dies Milwaukee, Wis. — Mrs. Sidney Smith, 54, wife of Ray A. Smith, owners of the Ray Smith Co., the- atrical equipment, died at Deaconess Hospital, following an emergency operation. Mrs. Smith was office manager of the Ray Smith Co. Ohio ITO Asks Probe Of Trust Suit Halting (Continued from Page 1) then Attorney General exercised due diligence in the prosecution of the suit, also what legislation is neces- sary to restore industry competition. Copy to Gov't Officials The resolution is ordered sent to the Vice-President, the House Speak- er, the House and Senate Judiciary Committee chairmen, all members of both Houses of Congress and the Allied board of directors. Abram F. Myers, general counsel and board chairman of national Al- lied, told the gathering that high film prices are the independent ex- hibitor's greatest worry, attributing this in great part to the high cost of film checking and support of the MPPDA, totalling about $4,000,000. H. M. Richey, aide to William F. Rodgers, M-G-M's sales chief, who was unable to attend the convention, represented Rodgers. Richey stressed his company's good-will in meeting the problems of the individual exhib- itor. In the course of his remarks he stated that television is so uncer- tain as not to be an exhibitor worry for five years yet. Percentage Evils Discussed The first day's session closed with an open forum discussion of percen- tage evils. A banquet was held last night, followed by a midnight screen- ing of RKO's Eddie Cantor picture, "Show Business," selected as an out- standing picture of the day, and a buffet supper at the Variety Club. President Martin G. Smith pre- sided at the session which was at- tended by about 100 exhibitors and representatives of all the distribut- ing companies. Final business session and the election of officers will be held today. William Vance of Cincinnati was chairman of the resolutions commit- tee, and Ernest Schwarts of Cleve- land chairman of the nominations committee. English Fihns Gets Rights English Films, Inc., has acquired U. S. distribution rights to the Brit- ish-made Marcel Hellman produc- tion, "They Met in the Dark." THEATER DEALS Belasco Theater, legit, house, has been purchased from the David Bel- asco estate by Belasco Theater Corp., headed by Sherman S. Krellberg, president of Goodwill Pictures Corp., and John J. Wildberg, theatrical pro- ducer. Spokane — James Pike, owner of of the New Rex, has taken over the Empress. North Bend, Wash. — Ruth Holman has purchased the North Bend The- ater from Jay Tew, who has bought a ranch near Ellensburg. 'e':!iu TheIaster M YES will b Soon to be distributed to all subscribers of ND'of the industry.. HAT were the titles of I yy the Ten Best Pictures of W 1943? Awards? HO were the winners of he 1 943 Academy W"of 'HAT stars headed the list 1943's Filmdom's Fa- mous Fives? WHICH director was voted the top director of 1943 and for what picture? WHAT is the estimated cap- ital invested in the United States film industry? HOW many people are em- ployed in the United States theatrical film industry? HOW many features were re- leased in the United States last year? H OW many United States' film exchanges are there? HOW many exchanges do each of the major com- panies operate? HOW many features have been released in the United States' market since 1917? WHAT is the average num- ber of prints required per feature? W HAT are the estimated annual film rentals? HOW many people are em- ployed in the United States' exhibition field? HOW many theaters are there in the United States and how many seats do they contain? WHAT is the average weekly attendance of the United States film theater? \A/HAT is the average run of a picture? \A/HAT is the average nega- N tive cost per feature? AME the cast of "Casa- blanca"? W HO directed "For Whom the Bell Tolls"? NAME the pictures released since 1915. (There are only about 20,000.) WHO is the president of Allied Theater Associa- tion? W HO is the president of the MPTOA? N AME the officers of RKO Pictures, Inc. HOW many fan publications are there and give their addresses. HOW many theaters are there in Paramount The- aters, Inc., and where are they located? N AME the feature releases for 1943. NAME the directors, cast, and all other credits for each feature release. NAME the supply dealers in each key city and the prod- ucts they handle. WHAT are the regulations on Sunday closings for all theaters? GIVE the state censorship rules for each state in which censorship prevails. STATE the number of the- atrical film directors in the United States. W HAT is the average daily film rental per theater? HOW many trade publica- tions are there, and in what cities are they located? NAME the laboratories on the East Coast and the West Coast. I The answers to these and 1001 other questions found in THE 1944 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK XE FILM DAILY . 1501 Broadway, N. Y. City 12 l3i^ Wednesday, May 10, 1944 DAILY ■Cr ^ REVI6UJS OF TH€ MW flimS i^ i^ "Three Men in White" with Lionel Barrymore, Van Johnson, Marilyn Maxwell M-G-M 85 Mins. LATEST OF THE GILLESPIE PICTURES IS GOOD ENTERTAINMENT; LIGHT SIDE OF STORY STRESSED. The friendly rivalry between two young doctors for the privilege of being Dr. Gil- lespie's assistant is continued with such a show of amiability in the latest of the series that audiences will find it well-nigh impossible not to be favorably impressed with the doings in "Three Men in White." The film leans more heavily to the lighter side than have the others in the series, with the result that there are far more laughs than drama in the production. Lionel Barrymore, the grumpy but de- lightful Dr. Gillespie, is hard put to it try- ing to choose between his two bright young medicos, Van Johnson and Keye Luke. In the hope of solving his problem he gives each of the lads a medical nut to crack. For his test Johnson selects the mother of Ava Gardner, a baffling arthritis case, while Luke attempts to diagnose the case of a child suffering from a diet deficiency. Each of Dr. Gillespie's proteges solves his case with equal competence. However, Johnson is left with a clear field when Luke is ap- pointed a lieutenant in the Chinese medical corps upon the recommendation of Dr. Gil- lespie, under whom the Chinese doctor will do research work- Most of the human interest derives from the restricted life of Miss Gardner is forced to live as her ailing mother's attendant. By making it possible for her mother to walk again Johnson frees her to find happiness with the man she loves. The needs of ro- mance are well served by Marilyn Maxwell, glamorous heiress who does everything pos- sible to get Johnson to marry her. Consid- erable amusement is provided by Johnson's struggle between surrender and resistance to the girl's wiles. Martin Berkeley and Harry Ruskin did the screenplay, which was directed nicely by Willis Goldbeck. Barrymore is robust as usual in his acting of the Gillespie role. Johnson and Luke perform entertainingly as the young rivals. The Misses Maxwell and Gardner supply plenty of eye appeal. "Rags" Ragland subs for Nat Pendleton as the ambulance driver. CAST: Lionel Barrymore, Van Johnson, Marilyn Maxwell, Keye Luke, Ava Gardner, Alma Kruger, "Rags" Ragland, Nell Craig, Walter Kingsford, George H. Reed, Patricia Barker, Addison Richards, Violet Wilson. CREDITS: Director, Willis Goldbeck; Screenplay, Martin Berkeley, Harry Ruskin; Based on characters created by Max Brand; Cameraman, Ray June; Musical Score, Nathaniel Shilkret; Recording Director, Douglas Shearer; Art Directors, Cedric Gib- bons, Harry McAfee; Set Decorators, Edwin B. Willis, Helen Conway; Film Editor, George Hively. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. Son of Ralph Ripps Missing in Air Fight Lt. Robert Ripps, son of Ralph Ripps, booker at the M-G-M ex- change in Albany, has been reported by the War Department as missing in action over Germany. "This Is the Life" with Donald O'Connor, Susanna Foster Universal 87 Mins. MUSICAL ROMANCE CONTAINING WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT IS TOP O'CONNOR PIC; FOSTER GAL BIG HIT. Although the young star is curbed some- what and not allowed completely to dom- inate the proceedings, "This Is the Life" is easily the best of the Donald O'Connor films. Greater attention to production de- tails, a more appealing story, finer musical content and last, but definitely not least, the presence of Susanna Foster, who is paired delightfully with O'Connor in this charming musical romance, which is warm, human entertainment of universal appeal. The music has been selected with an eye to pleasing both the jive addicts and the lovers of finer music. From "Angela Is 22," the Sinclair Lewis- Fay Wray play, Wanda Tuchock has ex- tracted a screenplay that presents a romantic triangle involving O'Connor, Miss Foster and Patric Knowles. O'Connor, in love with Miss Foster, finds strong competition in Knowles, a distinguished Army surgeon of middle age on whom the girl has a youth- ful crush. The action revolves around the boy's efforts to cure the girl of her in- fatuation for the older man. This he does by engineering a reconciliation between Knowles and his divorced wife, Louise All- britton. Finally Miss Foster realizes she is in love with O'Connor, her reunion with him taking place during an Army show in which the boy, now in service, is a partici- pant- Whether clowning, singing or dancing O'Connor never ceases to be a whopping attraction. Almost as important as he to the success of this film is Miss Foster, who displays her lovely lyric soprano in a variety }f musical numbers, including "L'amour, Tou- jours l'amour" of Rudolf FrimI and Catherine Chisholm Cushing, the Rodgers-Hart "With a Song in My Heart," Georges Bizet's "Open Thy Heart" and the famous "Ciribiribin," all solos, and "It's the Girl," a Buddy Pepper- Inez James tune which she sings with 0' Connor. The film contains a number of other tunes, among them Walter Donaldson's "Sundown." Knowles and Miss Allbritton are a great help to the two young stars in putting over the film. Also a definite asset is the clowning of Peggy Ryan, who makes a play for O'Connor. Bernard Burton has functioned commend- ably as associate producer, while Felix Feist has directed uncommonly well. CAST: Donald O'Connor, Susanna Foster, Patric Knowles, Louise Allbritton, Dorothy Peterson, Peggy Ryan, Jonathan Hale, Frank Puglia, Eddie Quillan, Maurice Marsac, Otto Hoffman, Frank Jenks, Ray Eberle, Virginia Brissac, Bobby Brooks Quartette. CREDITS: Associate Producer, Bernard Burton; Director, Felix Feist; Screenplay, Wanda Tuchock; Based on play by Sinclair Lewis, Fay Wray; Cameraman, Hal Mohr; Musical Director, Charles Previn; Super- vising Art Director, John Goodman; Asso- ciate Art Director, Harold McArthur; Sound Supervisor, Bernard B. Brown; Film Editor, Ray Snyder; Songs, Rudolf FrimI, Catherine Chisholm Cushing, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Georges Bizet, A. Pestalozza, Buddy Pepper, Inez James, Walter Donaldson, "Man From Frisco" with Michael O'Shea, Anne Shirley Republic 91 Mins. STORY OF SHIPBUILDING WIZARD PROVIDES STRONG DRAMATIC ENTER- TAINMENT FOR DUALS. In making "Man From Frisco" Republic obviously was inspired by the career of Henry J. Kaiser, shipbuilder extraordinary. The resemblance between Kaiser and the central character in the film is more than coincidental. In this perhaps lies the film's chief claim to attention and best money-making possibilities. The film sticks rather closely to for- mula in telling its story of a construction wizard (Michael O'Shea) who turns his genius to the building of prefabricated ships for war use. His revolutionary methods gain him the animosity of every- one, including the shipyard superintendent's daughter (Anne Shirley). The only ex- ception is Miss Shirley's brother (Tommy Bond), who has a lot to do with turning the tide in our hero's favor. When Bond is .killed during the construction of a ship, O'Shea is unjustly held responsible, but subsequently he is absolved. He winds up fully vindicated and with Miss Shirley not only on his side but in his arms. Considerable vigor has been brought to the film's production by Associate Producer Albert J. Cohen. The story has been interestingly told with the elements of excitement generously drawn upon to enhance the box office prospects of the picture. From a story by George Worthing Yates and George Carlton Brown has been con- cocted a dramatic and vivid screenplay by Ethel Hill and Arnold Manoff which was di- rected with a good deal of. punch by Robert Florey. O'Shea plays the leading role with force- fulness, although it is sometimes hard to imagine him as the master builder of ships. Anne Shirley plays the romantic foil nicely. Others who deserve a nod are Gene Lockhart as Miss Shirley's father, Dan Duryea as the guy from whom our hero wins the girl, and young Bond. Ray Walker and Stephanie Bachelor are others in good roles. CAST: Michael O'Shea, Anne Shirley, Gene Lockhart, Dan Duryea, Stephanie Bachelor, Ray Walker, Tommy Bond, Rob- ert Warwick, Olin Howlin, Ann Shoe- maker, Russell Simpson, Stanley Andrews, Forbes Murray, Erville Alderson, Michael Barnitz. CREDITS: Associate Producer, Albert J- Cohen; Director, Robert Florey; Screen- play, Ethel Hill, Arnold Manoff; Based on story by George Worthing Yates, George Carlton Brown; Cameraman, Jack Marta; Musical Score, Marlin Skiles; Film Editor, Ernest Nims; Sound, Earl Crain, Sr., Howard Wilson; Art Director, Russell Kimball; Set Decorator, Otto Siegel. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. Clark Back With Hiway Philadelphia — William Clark has resigned as regional director of the division of motor transportation, ODT. He returns to Hiway Express Lines as secretary-treasurer. Jack Lawrence, Arthur Altman, Sidney Mil- ler, Grace Shannon, Bill Crago. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. "One Inch From Victory" Scoop Productions 67 Mini. STIRRING DOCUMENTARY OF U.S.S.R.'S RISE AND MILITARY REBOUND FROM NAZI INVASION- Super-charged with action unparalleled in history, — the Nazi campaign against Russii which the world watched with sickening dread lest freedom fall with the defeat of the Soviet arms — , this documentary, ex- cellenttly narrated by Quentin Reynolds, famed war correspondent, is eye-opening material. It gives, as a preliminary, the emergence of the USSR as a military power, and de- lineates the evolution of the German war machine, particularly under Hitler and his war lords. Then follow sequences of the sudden Nazi invasion, notwithstanding the then-extant non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union, and the overrunning of the western lands of the latter as city after city falls, — among them Kharkov, Stalingrad, Sevastopol and Voronezh, at each of which enormous battles were fought. This feature-length attraction is not a compilation of footage of Russian origin. On the contrary most of the material Is culled from captured Nazi films used by them as propaganda at home, in occupied France, and even in South America. Con- sequently is disclosed the terrific pounding to which the Soviet armies were sub- jected. That they did survive is one of the impressive things to any onlooker. Be- fore reaching the Grozny oil fields, the German hordes were turned back. At Stalingrad they met decisive defeat, held by many military experts to be the war's turning-point. Reynold's narration is authoritative and excellent. Included in the gallant Russian saga are shots of the Teheran conference; U' S. lend-lease supplies; Hull's visit to the Kremlin; Stalin reviewing the Red Army; Lenin's funeral, etc. The terrible aspect of the picture is contemplation of how close the Nazis came to victory in Russia. The thrilling thing is how the people of the USSR bounded back from apparent defeat to overwhelm their would-be conquerors. Noel Meadow was in charge of produc- tion, and Maurice Levy the supervisor. "One Inch From Victory" is presented by Robert Velaise, and footage compiled by Pathe. Gruenberg, RKO District Manager, Joining Navy Len Gruenberg, RKO's Rocky Mountain district manager, has been , commissioned a lieutenant, junior * grade, in the Navy and reports June 15 at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He is said to be the highest sales executive to be called into the service. NBC to Produce Shows For Tele on Long Island NBC was reported yesterday to have acquired a sizable structure on Long Island as a center for post war television production of stage shows and operettas. It was under stood that a formal announcement would be made shortly. Wednesday, May 10, 1944 ^ 13 DAILY ik ik RCVICUIS W THE n€UI FILmS i^ ik "Arizona Trail" with Tex Ritter, Fuzzy Knight, Dennis Moore, Janet Shaw. Universal 57 Mins. FAIR WESTERN WHOSE CHIEF ASSET IS ACTION, SUPPLEMENTED BY SONGS, SKETCHY COMEDY AND ROMANCE. Typical of the sagebrush mellers, "Ari- zona Trail" mixes fisticuffs, hoofbeats and shootin' as Tex Ritter and his pal. Fuzzy Knight, return from the Spanish-American War to help the former's dad hang on to his ranch which a gang covets for water rights while indulging in rustling the cattle. Villain back of it all is Joseph Greene, the apparently honest doctor in those parts. Ritter does a spot of singing, and there's some adequate harmonizing by Johnny Bond and His Red River Valley Boys. Fuzzy Knight handles what comedy relief there is, set off against the rootin'-tootin'-shootin' stuff and a sketchy bit or romantic interest fur- nished by the presence of Janet Shaw as the young nurse attending Ritter's invalid father- Vernon Keays has kept the action going directorially, and there are some good natural backgrounds for the camera to work on. Considerable realism has been injected by Director Keays, for in a mass gun battle toward the finale some of the participants actually re-load their shooting irons, in- stead of firing scores of shots consecutively. Houses that are customers for the westerns will find this generally okay. CAST: Tex Ritter, Fuzzy Knight, Dennis Moore, Janet Shaw, Jack Ingram, Ervilie Alderson, Joseph Greene, Glenn Strange, Dan White, Art Fowler, Johnny Bond and His Red River Valley Boys. CREDITS: Director, Vernon Keays; Asso- ciate Producer, Oliver Drake; Original Screenplay, William Lively; Cameraman, Wil- liam Sickner; Musical Director, Paul Saw- tell; Art Direction, John B. Goodman, Abra- ham Grossman; Sound Director, Bernard B. Brown; Set Decorations, R. A. Gausman, Lee R. Smith; Film Editor, Alvin Todd; Special Photographic Effects, John P. Fulton. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Okay. Syndicated Pix Shows For Tele Station Use? (Continued from Page 1) to reports. All major companies are said to be looking into the idea, with RKO believed to be nearest a decision. Proponents hold that in the not too distant future, some 1,000 tele sta- tions, using syndicated films of 15 minutes and longer running time in a four-hour broadcasting sched- ule, will pay an estimated half mil- lion dollars daily in film rentals. Estimate is based in the need for professionally produced video shows, with film transcriptions scheduled to play a major part. Observers believe that eventually rentals of films to television sta- tions may bring more money to Hollywood than the present returns from theater rentals. "The Contender" with Buster Crabbe and Arline Judge (HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW) PRC 63 Mins. PRIZE - FIGHT SCENES HIGHLIGHT FAIR MODEST-BUDGET OFFERING. This offering is highlighted by prize-fight scenes, in which Buster Crabbe, former swimming star, playing the role of a truck driver turned pugilist, appears. Arline Judge, who is co-starred enacts the part of a feature sports writer, who has great faith in Crabbe as a fighter and man. Sam Newfield directed the modest-budget of- fering, while Bert Sternbach produced. In order to keep his son, Donald Mayo, in military school, Crabbe becomes a prize- fighter. He is taught the fine points of the game by Milton Kibbee, a veteran handler of fighters. Crabbe wins his early fights by knockouts, and Roland Drew, im- portant manager, signs him. Julie Gibson, a "gold-digger" lures Crabbe away from Miss Judge, and he gives her costly presents. He also starts drinking and gets unfavorable publicity. Crabbe loses his chance to fight for the championship, 3nd Julie turns against him when he asks her for a loan. He is forced to fight under as- sumed names. Arline stands by Crabbe and agrees to marry him. CAST: Buster Crabbe, Arline Judge, Julie Gibson, Donald Mayo, Glenn Strange, Mil- ton Kibbee, Roland Drew, Sam Flint, Duke York, George Turner. CREDITS: Producer, Bert Sternbach; Di- rector, Sam Newfield; Authors, George Sayre, Jay Doten; Screenplay, Sayre, Doten and Raymond Schrock; Cameraman, Robert Cline; Art Director, Paul Palmentola; Set Decorations, Elias H. Reif; Editor, Holbrook N. Todd; Musical Score, Albert Glasser; Musical Supervisor, David Chudnow. DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good. * SHORTS ^ "Tender Comrade" Into Capitol "Tender Comrade" has been set by RKO Radio for its New York premiere at the Capitol following "Gaslight," current attraction. Daff Sees Post-war Boom For 16 mm. in England A boom in the 16 mm. film indus- try is predicted for England after the war, according to Al Daff, Uni- versal foreign supervisor, who has just returned from London. Daff said yesterday the increased use of 16 mm. during the war and its great possibilities for educational pui"poses have aroused the interest of educa- tional organizations and other groups, with the result that a great demand for the narrow film is seen in the post-war period. Daff said that while theater busi- ness in the West End of London had dropped off in recent months, the biggest Summer business since the war started was anticipated. The reason for the prediction, he said, was the plan to close the last show daily while there is still daylight. This is possible because of the "double" daylight saving time in effect in England. By finishing the last show in daylight, patrons will be able to get home before possible raids at night. Universal's two biggest grossers, Daff said, were "Phantom of the Opera" and "His Butler's Sister," both of which have done heavy busi- ness throughout the territory. "Poppa Knows Worst!" RKO 17 mins. More of the Same It's more marital trouble for Leon Errol in his latest comedy short. His wife, to curb his wolfish instincts, has a friend make a date with him and then poses as the friend. Errol, fooled by his wife's disguise, makes a perfect ass of himself. At the end she lets him guess the truth. Errol goes through his usual gyra- tions, managing to draw a few chuckles from the customers. Pro- duced by Bert Gilroy, the short was directed by the late Ben Holmes. Claire Carleton and Joan Blair are the chief supporting players. "Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips" Warners 7 mins. Good Fun Bugs Bunny, castaway on a Pacific isle, thinks the setting is ideal until he finds his paradise infested with Jap soldiers. How he single-handedly exterminates the enemy makes for a laugh-filled few minutes of typical Bugs antics, off-screen remarks and action in this Technicolor cartoon produced by Leon Schlesinger. "Dancing Romeo" (Our Gang) M-G-M 10 mins. Kids Will Laugh Froggy dominates the latest of the series of comedy shorts for youthful audiences. The lad, faced with the loss of his girl because of his inabil- ity to dance, decides to do something about it. He devotes himself seri- ously to the art of dancing to the point of staging a recital in which he executes some fancy steps with the aid of wires. Of course his trickery is discovered. The kids will enjoy the short a lot. ^ SERIAL'^ "Unusual Occupations" (L3— 3) Paramount 10 mins. Lots of Good Stuff A collection of some mighty inter- esting subjects. The opening scenes are of Buenos Aires macaroni and spaghetti factory. Then we see a girl who tests parachutes at the risk of her life, a whittling genius, the Chinese telephone exchange in San Francisco, a demonstration of candle- making by a Mexican artisan and the training of fire fighters by the Navy. "Groovie Movie" (Pete Smith Specialty) M-G-M 10 mins. Hot Dig.gity Humorously Pete Smith prods into the origin of jive and comes up with an extremely entertaining short. He really goes to town when he treats the patrons to some samples of rug- cutting as it is practiced by those "The Great Alaskan Mystery" Universal Av. Chapter 20 mins. Strong Chapter-Play Intrigue harnessed to the field of exploration and unfolded in a grim and foreboding setting is an element of relief from the usual serials, even though venues of the Far North have previously been used for such films. Other distinct assets which "The Great Alaskan Mystery" pos- sesses are crisp action, a highly ex- perienced cast, a more novel type of story, and the adept technical manner in which each chapter plunges directly into continuity without old-fashioned waste of time and film. Adventure fans will cer- tainly take to this rip-roaring yarn like the proverbial duck to water, or, to use more appropriate sym- bols, the seal or polar bear. Judging from the first two chap- ters, which recount the enforced voy- age northward of a famous scientist and his party to find an element or compound which will permit the transfer in space of physical mat- ter, and how a sinister international gang set about thwarting the trek in order to seize the invaluable in- vention, there is lots of excitement in the story. There are 13 chap- ters. Universal, wise in the ways of making such chapter-plays, has mar- shaled Marjorie Weaver, Milbum Stone, Ralph Morgan, Edgar Ken- nedy, Fuzzy Knight and Samuel Hinds for the top roles. who are authorities on the subject. Fast and furious diversion directed by Will Jason. "Sweet Sioux" (Blue Ribbon Cartoons) Warners 7 mins. Routine A cartoon burlesque of an attack by Indians on a covered wagon is just a routine Technicolor subject. Featured ai-e a couple of gags such as the Indians circling the wagon turning into a merry-go-round, the defending prospector picking off In- dians in a shooting gallery setting, etc. "How to Play Golf" (Walt Disney) RKO 8 mins. Highly Hilarious This, another of Walt Disney's Technicolor cartoons featuring the Goof, is a howl. While the narrator explains how properly to play golf, the Goof attempts to demonstrate. Naturally he does everything wrong, with superb results from a comedy point of view. The technique and animation are noteworthy indeed. Mark this down as a topflight book- ing of its kind. 14 Ti L [INTr L I3(]I?TH W I C M P l=» l^cnDUCT I CINS 2 n W4 A-T H ST r^i \' r = K I HT FL ^'afe Wednesday, May 10, 1944 4th's 'Honored 100' on Sth's Strategy Board (Continued from Page 1) plans for the Fifth War Loan, which gets under way next month. Eighty per cent of the "Honored Hundred" are independent exhibitors. Yesterday was a busy day for the ace Bond sellers beginning at 10 in the morning, when they met in the Hotel Statler to receive their special medallions and certificates from the industry and the Treasury. First award was to Jack Foxe, formerly manager of Loew's Columbia in Washington. Following this, they assembled for a special luncheon in the hotel, with Frank H. (Rick) Ricketson, Fourth War Loan national vice-chairman, sei'ving as master of ceremonies. Invocation was delivered by Lt. Col. Daniel Wylie, after which Rick- etson introduced Skouras. The FWC head spoke briefly, thanking the na- tion's exhibitors for their willing co- operation in the Fourth War Loan and thanking the American public whose support was responsible for the industry's outstanding record. Skouras was followed by a special guest, Lt. General A. A. Vandergrift, Marine Corps Commandant, who praised the industry's home front ef- forts and spoke of the appreciation of our fighting men for the battle the industry is fighting back home. Other Luncheon Speakers Other speakers in the' brief lunch- eon program included Ted R. Gamble, chief of the Treasury's War Finance Division; Ned E. Depinet, RKO pres- ident and national distributor chair- man for the Fourth and Fifth War Loans; B. V. Sturdivant, Fourth War Loan campaign director; Major Allen Martini, AAF, of the War Finance Division, and Robert W. Selig, assistant national campaign director for the Fourth War Loan. Also on the dais for the luncheon were O'Donnell and Richard M. Ken- nedy, national co-chairman for the Fifth War Loan; John J. Friedl, UIEDDIRG BELLS Indianapolis — Grethyl June Zaring, daughter of A. C. Zaring, who op- erates Zaring's Theater here, and William Lester Chapman, will be married May 26 at the Franklin (Ind.) Christian Church. Pittsburgh — A farewell party was given by the M-G-M Family Club for Hannah Braff, secretary to Branch Manager "Buck" Stoner, whose marriage to a Youngstown, 0., man will take place this month. Buffalo — Richard Etkin, Para- mount booking agent, and Geraldine Chertoff, will be married June 4, the ceremony to take place in the Georgian Room of Hotel Statler. A reception will follow. WHAT'S NEW IN Television Today POSTPONEMENT until after the war of assignments of ultra-high frequencies for tele- vision experiments, is the recommendations of the Radio Technical Planning Board sub-committee which holds that, due to a lack of laboratory and field experience with more detailed images and pictures in color, consideration at this time would be "pre- mature.". . • NBC President Niles Trammell, in a statement to stations, affiliated with the network, said that television should be made available to the public as soon as possible and not held in laboratories for technical perfection. . . • Commenting on reports that a television transmitter would be build atop Montreal's Mount Royal, S. V. Olive, chief engineer of CBC, noted that the network's television plans had been postponed because of the war and must wait its conclusion when equipment can be made available. • • WRGB, General Electric television station in Schenectady, has scheduled a child- ren's party at the studio the evening of May 14, for the sons and daughters of television set owners in the area. . . • Jam Handy's application for a permit to build a tele station in Detroit was returned by the FCC because it was incompletely filled out. . . • Navy's reported plan to utilize television, via the Du Mont station, for uni- form training of Naval personnel, is said to hinge on the problem of acquiring enough 20-inch-screen sets for installation in 50 training centers within 70 miles of New York. • With departments headed by Lee Cooley in New York, Ros Metzger, Chicago, and Nate Tufts, Hollywood, Ruthrauff & Ryan's television facilities reach from coast to coast. . . • Eleanor Balz, formerly of the GE production staff, has moved to Du Mont where she is in charge of a new program service for agencies. . . • American Tele- vision Society has its election meeting tomorrow evening at the Capitol Hotel. . . • Tele- vision debuts of two major Young & Rubicam clients are in the offing. Only 13 Arbitration Cases Filed in Last 5 Months (Continued from Page 1) pear to be holding back on filing- complaints until the status of the New York consent decree is clarified. In the same period of the previous year, Dec. 1, 1942, to May 1, 1943, a total of 35 cases were docketed and in the 1941-42 bracket exhibitors filed 61 complaints. "Up in Arms" Tops Sunday Biz Mark in RKO Met. Spots Sam Goldwyn's "Up in Arms" gave the RKO Met. circuit the biggest Sunday biz in the circuit's history last Sunday, Goldwyn's local office reported yesterday. Isaac C. Mishler Dead Altoona, Pa. — Isaac C. Mishler, 82, theater owner and manager who retii'ed several years ago, is dead. campaign director for the Fifth War Loan; Joseph Kinsky, national cam- paigr co-ordinator; Sam Shain, trade relations director. Fourth War Loan; Claude Lee, Treasury liaison officei for the Fourth and Fifth War Loans; Francis S. Harmon and S. H. Fabian of the WAC; Ray Beall, publicity di- rector, Fifth War Loan; Jay Eman- uel, John C. Flinn, and the local WAC committee responsible for much of the planning of this event — Carter Barron, Loew's division manager; John J. Payette, Warners' division manager; Anthony J. Muto, 20th Century-Fox's Washington represen- tative; Sidney J. Lust, head of the D. C. Fifth War Loan campaign committee, and Frank J. LaFalce, Warners' publicity and advertising director for the district. After lunch the "Honored Hun- dred" went from the Statler to the steps of the U. S. Capitol, there to be photographed by the newsreels with Senator Walter F. George of Georgia and Representative Robert Doughton, North Carolina, chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, respec- tively. Also welcoming the group were Senators Ernest MacFarland of Arizona and Robert LaFollette of Wisconsin. Visited Mount Vernon This was followed by a special Higher Television Standards Favored boat ti'ip on the Potomac River, with the industry's "Honored Hundred" visiting Mount Vernon, one of the birthplaces of the liberty for the preservation of which their Bond- selling activities was directed. Here, Skouras laid a wreath on the tomb of George Washington. The group met last evening at the Variety Club, as guests of the club and the local exchanges for a gala buffet supper attended by many lead- ing industry and Government figures in Washington. This morning they will be led by Skouras in a body into the meeting room at the Statler where the first regional meeting in preparation for the Fifth War Loan is to be held. Many of the same speakers who were heard yesterday will be heard this morning, with the emphasis, how- ever, not upon the job already done but on the job to be done. District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia exhibitors will be on hand for this meeting which is the opening gun in the national campaign. Members of the "Honored Hundred" will be heard and personal statements from each regarding the technique of Bond sales will be given. Arrangements for the action- packed two days were handled by the local committee named above and by Robert Selig. (Continued from Page 1) neers of 15 radio companies voted for higher television standards. The broadcasters' opinions were divided on questions of eye-strain, extent of consumer set-purchase after the war and the importance of full-color television as compared with black and white. Ninety-two per cent of the broad- casters expressed the opinion that at present levels, pictures could not be viewed for as long as two hours without eye-strain; 52 per cent found that such pictures could not be viewed for even one hour without eye-strain, the average indicating that only one hour and 26 minutes could elapse before eye-strain set in. Broadcasters were not optimistic about the sale of television sets un- less the quality of the pictures was improved, 81 per cent declaring that present television pictures were not good enough to induce wide-spread sale of receiving sets at $200 or more, and 19 per cent taking the opposite stand. As to tele pictures in color, all agreed that some increase in popu- larity would result. Average esti- mate of the importance of full-color television as a means of increasing consumer appeal fell at 263 per cent. Survey was conducted by John W. Churchill, Columbia's director of re- search. Paul W. Kesten, CBS executive vice-president, yesterday refuted the idea that its recent proposal for higher television standards lacked support from industry engineers. "On the contrary," Kesten said, "one of the few motions passed by Television ComjTiittee 3 of the Radio Technical Planning Board contained recommendations almost identical with Columbia's recent proposals." [ STORK REPORTS A daughter, Linda A., was born yesterday morning to Mrs. Phil A. Williams, wife of the advertising di- rector of March of Time. Philadelphia— With the birth of a boy to his son, Sidney H. Ellis, A. M. Ellis, indie, circuit head, became a grandfather. Frank Quinn, Daily Mirror film critic, is the father of a boy. David Ornstein of 20th Century- Fox became a father for the second time Monday night when Mrs. Orn- stein presented him with a son, weighing seven pounds, 14 ounces. Weighing in of the Ornstein heir took] place at the Jewish Hospital, Newj York. ISRM {See Column 4 Below) Smith Urges Pool for Post- War Equip. Buying THE Intimht^On Character } Interactional in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Twenty-Five Years Old -^DAILY' |rOL. 85, NO. 93 NEW YORK. THURSDAY. MAY 11. 1944 TEN CENTS LAUNCH ^FIGHTING 5TH' WAR BOND DRIVE Century Wins Writ Blocking Empire Dissolution Court's Action Serves to Uphold Circuit Contract Which Continues to 1951 Ai Capiial^s Sth Loan Ratty A permanent injunction prevent- ing dissolution of the independent Empire State Motion Picture Op- erators' Union was won in Kings County Supreme Court yesterday by the Century Circuit, Inc., in the the- ater firm's action against the union arising out of the defendant's con- soHdation with the lATSE's Local 306. Justice William P. Wilson's action served to uphold the circuit's con- (Continued on Page 8) Post-war Extension Of Blacklist Mulled Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — With the State De- partment seriously considering the continuation of the war blacklist of Axis firms into the post-war period, (Continued on Page 6) 50% of Rep. Distribution Hike Via Super De Luxers Fifty per cent of Republic's dis- tribution increase has come from Super De Luxe pictures on the com- pany's program, it was reported by (Continued on Page 7) Showmanship in Selling Bonds Keynotes Industry's Kick-Off Session in Wash. International News Photo by Wire LEADERS "SPARK" FIRST REGIONAL: Pictured at Washington's first rally for the Fifth Loan campaign yesterday are, left to right, Sidney Lust, Ray Beall, Ned E. Depinet, R. J. "Bob" O'Donnell, John J. Friedl and Richard Kennedy. Play 2 instruments? Time & Half — Petrillo West Coast Bur.. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — It is understood that James C. Petrillo at his conferences with film company representatives will insist that time and a half be paid studio musicians who are re- quired to play more than one in- strument in recording work, and that doubling be restricted to one instrument. Petrillo is also ex- pected to ask that studios maintain permanent staff orchestras. Nicho- las M. Schenck, N. Peter Rathvon. Barney Balaban and Nate J. Blum- berg will be major company heads at conferences with Petrillo, who arrives here today. NT in Five Millions Fiftli War Bond Buy Washington Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Washington — Initial pledge to the Fifth War Loan campaign was made yesterday by Charles P. Skouras, president of National Theaters and chairman of the Fourth Drive, who announced to R. J. O'Donnell, chair- man of the new campaign, that Na- tional will purchase $5,000,000 in Bonds in the drive and that Skouras personally would buy a "E" Bond for every theater in the circuit. (Continued on Page 8) Induction Ceremony Launches Wac Drive By ANDREW OLDER Washington Bureau of THE FILM -DAILY Washington — Showmanship was the theme of the keynote meeting which opened the industry prepara- tion for the Fifth War Loan. Over 350 exhibitors and other industry members were on hand at the Hotel Statler for the kick-off session, with Charles P. Skouras, national chair- man for the Fourth War Loan, turn- ing over his seat to Robert J. O'Don- nell, leader for the Fifth. "It is the happiest event in my life," Skouras said, "to present to you this magnificent body of men (Continued on Page 6) Industry's metropolitan area Wo- men's Army Corps recruiting drive got off to a rousing start yesterday with a Broadway parade and cere- monies in Times Square. Highlight of the display was the swearing in of 100 Wac inductees by Col. Sum- ner Waite, chief of staff. Second Ser- vice Command. Speakers in the WAC-sponsored demonstration included Edward L. (Continued on Page 8) Dub Metro Pix in Spanish N. Y. Studio to Supply Dubbed Versions Re-issues in Ontario Must Carry Original Title Toronto — O. J. Silverthorne, direc- tor of the motion picture branch of the Ontario government, in his an- (Continued on Page 8) M-G-M is reported to be preparing to dub all of its pictures in Spanish for the Latin American market. Move for 100 per cent dubbed ver- sions is .said to have been motivated by the present and probably further inroads of Mexican and Argentinian (Continued on Page 8) Post-War Equipment Buying Pool Urged Columbus, O. — Formation of an equipment buying pool for post-war delivery was advocated yesterday by Martin Smith, president of the ITO of Ohio and of National Allied, at the closing session of the association's annual meeting. It was pointed out that it would be to the exhibitors' (Continued on Page 8) Films, Religion Must Walk Hand in Hand--J. L. Warner Pointing out that motion pictures will play an increasing part in cre- ating a better understanding of all mankind. Jack L. Warner, executive (Continued on Page 8) All Chi. First-Runs In Arbitration Case Chicago — A demand for arbitra- tion involving clearance and some run has been filed by R. J. Miller, Colony Theater, McHenry, III., against the five consenting companies, all of the Chicago first-run houses, ail first-runs in Elgin, III., and theaters in Woodstock, Crystal Lake, Barring- ton and Dundee, III. EVERY WAC RECRUIT YOUR THEATER EiVLfSTS FREES A SOLDIER FOR COMBAT SERVICE L.„ V*^ DAILY Thursday, May 11, 194^ Vol. 85, No. 93 Thurs., May 11, 1944 10 Cents )OHN W. ALICOATE : : : : Publisher DONALD M. MERSEREAU : General Manager CHESTER B. BAHN :::::: Editor Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N. Y., by Wid's Films and Film Folk. Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary- Treasurer; Al Steen. Associate Editor. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 8, 1938, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 1501 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone BRyant 9-7117, 9-7118, 9-7119, 9-7120, 9-7121. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Representatives: HOLLYWOOD, 28, Calif. —Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Phone Granite 6607. WASHINGTON— Andrew H. Older, 5516 Carolina Place, N. W., Phone Ordway 9221; CHICAGO, 45, 111., Joseph Esler, 6241 N. Oakley Ave., Phone Briar- gate 7441. LONDON— Ernest W. Fred- man, The Film Renter, 127-133 Wardour St., W. I. HAVANA— Mary Louise Blanco, Virtudes 214. HONOLULU— Eileen O'Brien. MEXICO CITY— Marco-Aurelio Galindo, Apartado 8817, Mexico, D. F. FinnnciflL (Wednesday, May 10) NEW YORK STOCK MARKET Net High Low Close Chg. 143/8 143/8 143/8 — l/g Am. Seat Col. Picts. vtc. (21/2%) Columbia Picts. pfd. . Con. Fm. Ind Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . . . East. Kodak do pfd Cen. Free. Eq Loew's, Inc Paramount RKO RKO ?6 pfd 20th Century-Fox . . . 20th Century-Fox pfd. Warner Bros NEW YORK Par. B'way 3s55 NEW YORK Monogram Picts Radio-Keith cvs Sonotone Corp Technicolor Trans-Lux Universal Pictures . . . Universal Picts. vtc. . . 5V8 47/8 5 — i/s 221/2 213/4 213/4— 1/4 182 182 182 20 20 20 -- 1/8 615/8 611/2 611/2 -1- 1/4 25 241/2 25 81/2 81/8 81/2 -t- 1/4 90 88 'A 90 -I- is/s 23 227/8 227/8 31 307/8 31 121/8 121/8 121/8 BOND MARKET CURB MARKET 37/8 33/4 33/4 "" 11/4 23/4 15'/8 3'/2 13/8 23/4 16 31/2 Vs 13/8 + 1/8 23/4 157/8 + 7/8 31/2 23 223/4 237/8 -f 1/8 Technicolor Stockholders To Meet Here Monday Annual meeting of Technicolor Corp. stockholders will be held in New York on Monday. Meanwhile, Dr. Herbert Kalmus, president, is here conducting a series of meetings with Technicolor personnel. urn BIRTHDAY GREETIES TO... May 11 Johnny "Scat" Davis Doodles Weaver New Engineers' Pact Cancels Strike Threat Springfield, Mass. — Granting wage increases of $15 a week for day men and $11 a week for afternoon men, a new contract was signed by rep- resentatives of Paramount Theater and of the International Brotherhood of Operating Engineers, Local 602, AFL, cancelling the strike threat scheduled for Monday. The contract was signed by Charles Dearden, business agent of the union, and Nathan E. Goldstein, president of Western Massachusetts Theaters, Inc., owners of the theater. The contract, retroactive to March 8, will be in effect until Labor Day, 1945. It provides for a 40-hour week with time and a half for all over- time. The final signing is the cul- mination of several weeks of nego- tiations with a conciliation attempted by Charles C. Hornemann of the State Board of Arbitration and Con- ciliation. The controversy started when the union men were billed for overtime wages on the grounds they had been overpaid. The War Labor Board ruled the theater must continue to pay the overtime or be guilty of il- legally cutting the wage rate. Dearden also announced that the engineers had signed another con- tract with the Poli New England Theaters. The contract grants a 15 per cent increase in the wage scale, the amounts paid in the past have been $1 an hour for chief engineers and 82 cents an hour for ordinary engineers. It is retroactive to Feb. 8. Viv Thea. Operator Asks Investment Determination Buffalo — Through his attorney, M. M. Heuser of Norton, Va., M. K. Murphy, last operator of the Viv Theater, Corbin, Ky.', before Schine acquisition, yesterday served notice in Federal Court that on May 22 he will move the court to reconsider and amend its determination of the capital-investment in the Viv inso- /ar as it affects his right, under the temporary order, to be reinstated to his former status as lessor of the property. Murphy said he will undertake to show the court that the investment in the leasehold, by acquisition from him, was $5,127.12 instead of $7,- 554.91, as stated in the Court order. In the meantime, it was learned the Government has had prepared more than 50 subpoenas for the bringing of records to court at the start of trial, still set for May 19. New PRC Pacts Reported For Franchise Holders A new distribution agreement for PRC franchise holders was reported to have been agreed upon during meetings held in New York this week. The new contract may be signed today. The guarantees for- merly required on pictures were said to have been eliminated. A large group of PRC franchise holders, in- cluding Nat Lefton, Ike Katz, Henri Elman, George Gill and others, were here for the sessions. COminC and Goinc JACK L. WARNER and MRS. WARNER left New York last night, Coast-lwund. CHARLES P. SKOURAS, F. H. RIOKETSON, JR., B. V. STURDIVANT, FRED STEIN and SAM SHAIN returned from Washington late yester- day. WILLIAM J. HEINEMAN, general sales manager for Samuel Coldwyn, left yesterday for Boston where he will conclude negotiations on several ''Up In Arms" deals. CHARLES R. ROGERS and BUDD ROGERS have returned from Boston. GEORGE HIRLIMAN, Film Classics president, has left on a tour of Southern exchanges. ALBERT SWERDLOVE, Film Classics Boston franchise holder, returned to Boston yesterday following home office conferences. SIDNEY FRANKLIN and MRS. FRANKLIN left for the Coast yesterday. ANDREW STONE arrives from Hollywood next week. JOHN FLYNN, Metro's Western division man- ager, arrived in Salt Lake City yesterday. CHARLES LA TORRE has returned to New York from the Coast after appearing in several pictures for Warners and other studios. GEORGE ROSENBAUM, Universal salesman in the Toledo territory, leaves for Miami on Monday with his family to regain his health following a serious motor accident. L. C. SIMANSKY' of the Fensin Seating Co. has returned to Chicago from a Florida vaca- tion. MOSE CUMBLE of Warner Bros., Music Pub- lishers Holding Corp. leaves Monday for a six- week business trip to the Coast. RALPH AUSTRIAN leaves for the Coast to- morrow. STANTON CRIf FIS is in Stockolm. Atlanta Area Salesmen Launch M. P. Colosseum Atlanta — Designed as a national association of film salesmen, the Motion Picture Colosseum of Ameri- ca has been formed here by area salesmen. Atlanta group, comprising 90 per cent of sales representatives in the territory, recently elected officers and held its first annual banquet last week as Column No. 1 of the proposed national organiza- tion. Officers of the Atlanta Column comprise W. G. Carmichael, presi- dent; Frank W. Salley, vice-presi- dent; Francis Rudolph, board chair- man; E. H. Hays, treasurer; Bill Talley, recording secretary, and E. B. Foster, financial secretary. Film salesmen in other exchange centers are invited to contact the MPC at P. 0. Box 958, Atlanta, for information on national plans. Film Men Proposed for Labor Advisory Council At a meeting of the industry's committee to study the proposed re- vision of the New York State Build- ing Code as it applies to places of public assembly, it was recommended that three persons be added to the Department of Labor's advisory council. Recommended for the posts were Harry Moskowitz of Loew's, Lou Lazare of Schine, Henry Ander- son of Paramount and Martin Tracy of the Century Circuit, as an alter- nate. The committee yesterday continued its study of the proposed provisions and will continue to hold meetings until it has been decided which por- tions it will approve and which por- tions it will vote down. XEW YORK THEATERS PARAMOUNT'S "GOING MY WAY " In Person CHARLIE SPIVAK AND ORCHESTRA TIP, TAP, AND TOE, WESSON BROS. Doors Open 8:30 a.m. PARAMOUNT i^JJ^i^ STRAND B'way fir 47th St. JOHN GARFIELD PAUL HENREID In "BETWEEN TWO WORLDS" IN PERSON U. S. COAST GUARD PRESENTS TARS and SPARS featuring VICTOR MATURE New High Mark in Warner Entertainment "THE ADVENTURES OF MARK TWAIN" Starring FREDRIC MARCH • ALEXIS SMITH B'way at 51st Street Hollywood BETTY GRABLE - CHARLIE SPIVAK & ORCH ^PIN-UP GIRL^ IN TECHNICOLOR PLUS ON STAGE— CONNEE BOSWELL - WILLIE HOWARD RAYMOND SCOTT & ORCH. BUY MORE P^\VY ''*** Ave. & BONDS 50th St. Ul B'WAY & 47th St. 'SHOW BUSINESS' EDDIE CANTOR GEORGE MURPHY JOAN DAVIS * NANCY KELLY ON SCREEN M-G-M'S "BROADWAY RHYTHM" GEORGE MURPHY ■GIN NY SIMMS IN PERSON ADRIAN ROLLINI TRIO SUNNY SKYLAR RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Showplace of the Nation-Rockefeller Center Proudly presents Metro-Goldwyn-iMayer's production 'THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER' IRENE DUNNE with Alan Marshal A Clarence Brown Production Gala Stage Show - Symphony Orchestra 1st Mezz. Seats Reserved. Circle 6-MOO THE SONG OF BERNADETTE B«fs0pen8:3l»A.M. BWAY & 49th ST! ^' r^^ n«.»x .-YN*^ )i >^ o>^ rt> % ft^jP^ \»3<^^- \Si>^ ciK ^^ a ^ )^ Oj<^ Vv o^H' /?»' .l^- oT' ^ ^ Y^- M«^; .xo- tf)i\v StVJ tR^ \H ■Vttt .