Boxoffice - Feb. 17, 2014

More documents

Recommendations

Info

i ' Neely Bill Aired in Milwaukee Via Columns of the "Journal'' Milwaukee—Responding to a letter in the Milwaukee Journal from Mrs. V. W. Hume, better fUms chairman of the Luther Burbank PTA, in support of the Neely bill, Benjamin J. Miller, film attorney, declared that "theoretically" the measure may be a good one, but "practically" it is unworkable. In defending her stand, Mrs. Hume asserted that "block booking is enforced against the 15,000 independently operated theatres in the United States and not against the 2.500 producer-operated theatres." BoxoFFicE, below and side by side, reprints in full the opinions of both Mrs. Hume and Mr. Miller on the Neely bill as they appeared in the Journal. Says Mrs. Hume: "I was interested in the Journal's account (January 24) of a debate at the Atwater school PTA meeting between Mr. Peck, principal of the Siefert school, and Mr. Miller, Milwaukee attorney for movie interests. I believe that Mr. Miller is mistaken when he says that the movies give the people what they want. Because of the practice known as block booking, we have very little choice in the kind of pictures which are shown. What is block booking? Suppose Mr. Theatre Owner wants to show a certain picture. In order to get this picture he has to agree to take a number of other pictures. Some of these pictures may be undesirable. But Mr. Theatre Owner is obliged to take the other pictures in this 'book.' "Let me add that block booking is enforced against the 15,000 independently operated theatres in the United States and not against the 2,500 producer operated theatres. This is in itself an unfair trade practice and is one of the complaints held against the eight leading film corporations in the anti-trust charges brought by the United States department of justice in July, 1938. This case is of such magnitude pictures. "Mr. Miller also inferred that the public preferred the sexy, trashy movie to the really fine pictures. Dr. Fred Eastman, associate editor of the Christian Century. says: 'The fact that every one of the ten best paying pictures last year was on the approved list of practically every group which appraises pictures is convincing evidence that the public supports voluntarily 32 Says Mr. Miller: "I have read the letter of Mrs. V. W. Hume in Sunday's Journal in which she takes me to task for what I said in a discussion with the principal of Siefert school at Atwater school on motion pictures. The discussion lasted two hours. Mrs. Hume obtained her information from an article which took less than two minutes to read. Yet Mrs. Hume assumes sufficient knowledge of the entire proceedings to vent her feelings. "Principal Peck delivered an intelligent and studied discourse. 'What I said was simply this: Although Mr. Peck might be correct theoretically, from a practical standpoint the problem was entirely different and the motion picture business had to be operated in a practical way. "Theoretically it would be a great thing if all taxes in Milwaukee were reduced 50 per cent. However, if it meant that our police and fire departments would be curtailed, our educational system seriously impaired, our courts rendered ineffective, our parks and streets neglected, then the reduction of taxes would become a detriment and prove impractical. "Theoretically no one can deny that the that it will be some time before it reaches Neely Bill has merit. But if the practical motion court. "Various welfare, religious and educational result would be that pictures became inferior, that the exhibitor could not organizations have been trying for be supplied with sufficient product to keep years to do away with block booking. The his theatre open regularly, that the cost of Neely Bill (S-280) to prohibit 'compulsory film rentals would be materially increased, block booking and blind selling' of motion that theatre admissions would jump so picture films passed the United States senate that only a few people could afford to attend the movies, that hundreds of thousands in July, 1939. It has yet to pass the house. This is the third bill which has of working people and businessmen been reported favorably by the committee depending upon the motion picture business, on interstate commerce. In June, 1938, directly and indirectly, would be ma- Senator Neely claimed that this bill had terially harmed, then the Neely Bill would 'bogged down' in the committee because of a lobby opposing the bill. However, it has continued to survive through the efforts of organizations such as the National Congress the better pictures.' Mr. Miller. "I realize that the I think that answers Journal gets a lot of of Parents and Teachers and a great many others. advertising from the motion picture industry and would be loath to bite the hand "The primary purpose of this bill is to that feeds it, but I would like to see a establish community freedom in the selection of motion picture films. Wlien that is newspaper that has the courage to tell the public the truth about the motion picture passed it will be the problem of the local residents to enforce demands for better industry and its various trade practices. I would like to see the Milwaukee Journal print movie reviews that aren't mostly advertisements. I must say your reviews are much better than any others in newspapers I've seen. But there is still a tendency to please the movie advertisers. I'd like to see you give a good movie rating occasionally, too. (In regard to suitability for children and adolescents.) I don't see why you don't print more about the Neely Bill, too." "Primary Purpose" Oi Neely Bill Milwaukee—"The primary purpose of this (Neely) bill is to establish community freedom in the selection of molion picture films. When that is passed, it will be the problem of the local residents to enforce demands for better pictures." This is the kernel of the anti-block booking bill as seen through the eyes of Mrs. V. W. Hume, better films chairman of the Luther Burbank PTA, who gave public expression to her view through the columns of the Milwaukee "JoumaL" Benjamin I. Miller, local film attorney, also in a letter to the "Journal," declared that while the bill "theoretically" may be sound, it is "practically" unworkable. , prove to be a detriment and would be im- f practical. "Of course, I know that Mrs. Hume and the welfare, religious and educational institutions she refers to never give any thought to this. Believe it or not, there are two sides to the question. It has been my unfortunate experience that people outside of the film business know little about the Neely Bill, yet they appear anxious to argue the merits of it. "The fact remains that approximately 85,000,000 people attend a movie every week. These people are its chief boosters. Those who seldom attend are its severest critics. "I was particularly surprised to read that your movie critic is influenced by the fact that the Journal receives advertising and, therefore, comments favorably on pictures. I have always felt that movie critics get a lot of pleasure in making the public believe that the really good pictures are bad. "Mrs. Hume's statement that the ten best paying pictures of last year were on the approved list of every group which appraises pictures is 40 per cent incorrect. Four of the pictures did not receive the approval of the Legion of Decency. "The motion picture business is far from perfect. There are many problems that must and will be solved. This can be accomplished only by the people who know; the business from the inside." < Photoplay Indorsers Pick "10 Best" at Ft. Wayne , Fort Wayne, Ind.—The local chapter of the Indiana Indorsers of Photoplays recently announced their choice for the ten |~, best motion pictures of '39 : "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "Young Mr. Lincoln," "They Shall Have Music," "Stanley and Livingstone," "The-, 'Jl Women," "The Old Maid," "Union Pacific"; 1.. "Ninotchka," and "Bai>es in Arms." The above ten were chosen from 35 outstanding films of the year. The selectionwas made at a luncheon meeting at the home of Mrs. E. D. Campbell, in Port; Wayne. BOXOFFICE : : February 17, 1940
f Catcalls as Costello Confiscates Print Chicago—Lieut. Harry M. Costello, Chicago police censor, made page one of the dailies again this week. This time it was for stopping the showing in a private hall at 3310 South Morgan of a 16mm print, "The Invasion of Poland by Hitler." He confiscated the print. However, before that occurred, Costello and the several policemen with him were subjected to boos, catcalls and threats. There were 500 persons of Polish descent in the haU and each had paid 25 cents to see the three-reel fUm. The performance was sponsored by the Polish-American Citizens' League. The police arrested Boles Patzkoski on a charge of showing an uncensored film. He posted $1,000 bond. Patzkoski charged the raid was unfair, saying that the 16mm film used is the type used in homes and clubs and had already been shown three times without police interference. Said Costello in answer: •'The raid was made solely because the organization had no police permit to show the film. "I myself tried to warn Patzkoski. I telephoned the hall to tell him there was a violation. I was told he wouldn't come to the phone. There was nothing for me to do but go to the hall with police." Chicago Council Report Lists Two for Family Chicago—Most pictures in the current of the Chicago Better Films Coun- report :il are listed for mature audiences. Only ;wo— "Main Street Lawyer," Republic, and 'Swanee River," 20th Century-Fox—are isted for family consiunption. The mature list includes: "The Big juy," and "Green Hell," Universal; "The housekeeper's Daughter" and "Raffles," JA; "A Child Is Bom" and "We Are Not Mone," Warner; "Remember the Night," .Paramount; "Mexican Spitfire," RKO; and 'The End of the Day," French. Promotions in Wholesale By Warner in Chicago Chicago—Several promotions have been made in the Warner circuit here. George Finley, chief of service, Avalon, becomes senior chief of service; James Fennell, Capitol chief, becomes senior chief; John T. Mahon. Highland chief, moves over to the post of senior chief at the Stratford, while the post of junior chief at the Stratford goes to Stephen Stanis, chief at the Jeffery. Martin Frain, Stratford chief, to junior chief, Avalon. James R. Chevalier, chief of the Cosmo, to Capitol junior chief. Nicholas Polales. Symphony chief, to Highland chief. Nelzo Cassano, Grove chief, to Cosmo cliief. William Chevalier, Capitol assistant chief, to Jeffery chief. John Melehes, Ogden doorman, to Symphony chief. John Falco, Grove doorman, becomes chief at the Grove. Hugh Ward, assistant chief, Stratford, to chief doorman. Grove. James CoUopy, assistant chief, Rhodes, becomes chief at the Rhodes. Richard Fahey. assistant chief, Stratford, to chief doorman, Ogden. James Hajost, doorman-usher, Stratford, to doorman, Stratford. James Holmquist, doorman-usher, Jeffery, to doorman. Rhodes. William Creswell, doorman-usher. Avalon, to doorman, Jeffery. Clayton Kelly, assistant chief. Highland, to doorman. Avalon. And George Danek, usher; Stratford, to Highland doorman. "Wind" Grows Stronger Each Week in Chicago Chicago—With the second week's gross ahead of the opening week, it appeared the third week of "Gone With the Wind" at the Oriental and Woods here may exceed the second stanza. The first week was slightly under $65,000, while the second week hit almost $67,000. There appears no sign of abatement yet. Yates and Grainger Head Sales Meet Chicago—Herbert J. Yates and James R. Grainger headed the midwest regional sales meeting of Republic franchise holders here at the Drake Hotel. Those attending included: Irving Mandel. Chicago, Milwaukee and Indianapolis franchise holder; Harry Lorch, Chicago branch manager; J. M. Fi-ackman, Milwaukee; L. W. Marriott. Indianapolis; Ro'cert Withers, Kansas City franchise holder; E. J. Tilton and H. M. Warren, Des Moines and Omaha franchise holders; Carl Reese, Omaha; Nat Steinberg and Barney Rosenthal, St. Louis franchise holders; Sam Seplowin, Detroit; Gilbert Nathanson, Minneapolis franchise holder. Woiine Council, Exhibs ^n License Fee Talks MoLiNE, III.—Local exhibitors and the ity council are in a huddle over the pro- •osal of Alderman Harry Roman to inrease the present $50 annual theatre 11- ense now applying to the town's four lOuses. Roman's proposal would hike the fee to 150 for theatres with 500 seats or less, Tith a rate of 20 cents per seat applying b additional capacity. luTora Civic Groups Buy iadio Time for "Baby" Aurora, III.—Local civic organizations, ich as the Parent-Teacher Ass'n, puriiased time on WMRO here to advertise le merits of "Birth of a Baby." Eddie I'TOssman, operator of the theatre reports. At the Warner Parley in Chicago— Lower photo shows Gradwell L. Scars. Vilagiapli president and Warner general sales manager, addressing the jnid-season sales conference in the Wi7idy City. At the left is Roy Haines, eastern and Canadian sales head: at the right, Carl Leserman. assistant general sales manager. The single-column shot reveals S. Charles Einfeld, left, director of advertising and publicity, in a huddle with Mart Blumenstock, director of advertising and publicity in the east. DXOFnCE : : February 17. 1940
Page 1 and 2: •:?'*?;> I xhsi rlcîimi uciWw 17
Page 3 and 4: PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY BY ASSOCIA
Page 5 and 6: 1 "Pinocchio" ; admission i over I
Page 7 and 8: SHOWMANSHIP CE A ZOLA . . \nship Br
Page 9 and 10: When CHARLES LAUGHTON sings it! . .
Page 11 and 12: i beck's Predicts Cycle of Films Wi
Page 13 and 14: êry bit €g fine as we had its pr
Page 15 and 16: ! the I from : tions ' strengthenin
Page 17 and 18: ; the Coated Paper Award Goes to UA
Page 19 and 20: I Complaint I 1 1—The ' 2—The I
Page 21 and 22: I I . . George . . William . . Edwa
Page 23 and 24: , discussed ; ecutives . Warners, i
Page 25 and 26: i Twentieth-Fox . . Claude . . Sam
Page 27 and 28: The never-ending struggle between l
Page 29 and 30: I ' Metro's ANNOUNCEMENT of the nom
Page 31 and 32: I I I Continued Metro Paces Upswing
Page 33 and 34: I Paul ' The to Death Valley for th
Page 35 and 36: I i Joe : February . . Ben . . Sylv
Page 37 and 38: . . Out-of-town . . H. Scoff at One
Page 39: : February 16MM COMPETITION INTO DI
Page 43 and 44: I Miller, I I £71 ! Jack . vice-pr
Page 45 and 46: I The Indiana Employment Continues
Page 47 and 48: . hXCFHCE ''. 15 Now, Nothing But "
Page 49 and 50: I ICansas . . . Doug Kansas City Ba
Page 51 and 52: j ling. He was transferred here fro
Page 53 and 54: ' Kansas ' . . Frank • Continued
Page 55 and 56: , tion j Wood I "I ! "I Pot 0' Gold
Page 57 and 58: : tetroit; iayer Philosophizes U De
Page 59 and 60: . . Mrs. TGG) , . "Jim : Febmary .
Page 61 and 62: . . Bob . . Due ..C.J. . . . W. . .
Page 63 and 64: ' I Time : February Industry in Bos
Page 65 and 66: I ' David . . Charles . . Ditto . .
Page 67 and 68: . . The . . Dave . . Aaron : Februa
Page 69 and 70: ' i Boston—The High-Speed Picture
Page 71 and 72: ' moral Independent Staffs SaysNeel
Page 73 and 74: WAS GODOY ROBBED? 50 Hard-Boiled Th
Page 75 and 76: ! Had ' the ' play Dixie D o in s B
Page 77 and 78: ',
Page 79 and 80: 1 (Continued '. Evidently . . . W.
Page 81 and 82: 1' holdovers : February IHIOU^TOM g
Page 83 and 84: Sask. MPEA Averts Hike in Licenses
Page 85 and 86: According to gossip. Wells. B. C, i
Page 87 and 88: ' c iMiWiiWJiOaganB^s^/îQ\/LQW5 o
Page 89 and 90: Foreign Language Features I Condott
Page 91 and 92:
I the ' wily I Republic I That I fr
Page 93 and 94:
"WIND" SCORES SURGING SUMS ACROSS N
Page 95 and 96:
I I Hidden ! Melodrama. : Ing I I I
Page 97 and 98:
' . when , Comedy. ' tivlty ' Allen
Page 99 and 100:
(. now—pay ' I : February 52 ^san
show all

Boxoffice - Feb. 17, 2014

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?