Boxoffice-12.1953

.
British Argue TV Setup;
Granada Program Source
LONDON—The amusement industry here is
and when
having a difficult time deciding if
a commercial television network should be
set up which, unlike the existing television
programs controlled by the British Broadcasting
Corp., could present advertising. The
House of Lords has voted approval of the plan,
but it is still to be argued in the House of
Commons.
Out of recent statements pro and con, only
one seemed to have an air of finality about it.
That was made by Cecil Bernstein, managing
director of Granada Theatres. He said that
if the new network is set up, Granada will
supply the programming material.
PROTEST TV SETtfP
Bernstein made his statement at a time
when exhibitor voices continued to be raised
against a new television setup. W. R. Fuller,
general secretary of the Cinematograph Exhibitors
Ass'n, said its attitude hadn't changed,
that producers can produce for any medium
they wish, but that if they make fUms for TV,
they can't expect them to be accepted by exhibitors.
Sir Alexander Korda, a director of the Associated
Broadcasting Development Corp., had
another viewpoint. He said the government
proposals for competitive TV would greatly
increase employment of artists, writers, technicians
and all the others who make films.
He was sure the government would make certain
that predominantly British films were
used. He thought there might even be a
statutory quota.
Bernstein explained the Granada position
by saying it wouldn't conflict with theatres.
He said TV is entertainment the same
as the stage and screen, and that Granada
through long experience could provide the entertainment.
He had originally sought a license
to telecast programs to theatres, but
the government denied his request. He then
applied for a license to operate a commercial
TV station.
DON'T WANT AD CONTROL
The cry has been raised that if Commons
approves the proposed setup, advertising interests
will control programs and, presumably,
spoil their entertainment value. The
United States has been used as a whipping
boy illustration. The government has gotten
out a "white paper" in reply.
The paper said the BBC will continue to be
the main instrument for broadcasting in the
United Kingdom, but that competition is necessary
to improve filmed TV entertainment
with the idea of eventually producing such
entertainment for overseas markets. It said
advertisers will not by hiring time be able
to control programs.
"The government has decided as a basic
principle," the paper said, "that there should
be no 'sponsoring' and that the responsibility
for what goes out on the air shall rest upon
the operator of the station and not on the
advertiser . . . The government has consulted
representative advertising bodies on this
point and is satisfied that separation of advertisements
from the programs would not
prejudice the financial success of the new TV
service."
A corporation would be set up by statute
for a certain period, perhaps ten years, and,
like the BBC, operate under license from the
postmaster-general. The treasury would provide
capital beai-ing an interest rate.
Douglas Fairbanks jr., who produced 39
films this year for American TV, didn't see
the white paper as providing any great inducement
for making TV films. He said that
even with the American market open to him,
it was difficult to make a profit, and that
the smaller British market offered even less
opportunity for profit. He saw wide use of
live programs at the outset.
British Actors Equity is in the picture seeking
higher salaries for TV artists and for
control of TV material to ensure that 80 per
cent of it is British.
SPOKANE
Donald McFarland is the new assistant manager
at the State. He formerly was in the
air force. William Zupon, former assistant, was
transferred to the Orpheum, while John
Rowald, assistant at the Orpheum, was appointed
roving assistant for the Favorite Theatres
of
Spokane.
The Fox Theatre installed a Miracle-Mirror
screen, button-on head four-track sound system
and Cinemascope lenses. Jack Hanaker,
manager for Evergreen here, ran "The Robe"
for five weeks, breaking all Spokane records.
It was being followed by "How to Marry a
Millionaire." Installation of a Cinemascope
system is planned for January at the
Orpheum.
Jack Hanaker is temporary chairman of
the Spokane Managers and Theatre Owners
Ass'n, which was formed to combat city and
federal taxes. Hanaker advises the city business
tax was reduced, due to the association's
activities . . . Bob Freiberger, manager of the
East Sprague Drive-In, returned from a twoweek
vacation at Riverside, Calif. He will
replace Frank Hamilton, manager of the Liberty,
for two weeks while Frank goes on a
vacation to Seattle. Both are Favorite theatres.
Leonard Loyik, city manager for Favorite,
reports the circuit plans to install Cinema-
Scope equipment at the Post Theatre in January.
Stanley Warner Offers
To Sell Two Theatres
From New England Edition
HARTFORD—Phil Zimmerman of Stanley
Warner Management Corp. has disclosed the
circuit is offering the Capitol of Danbury
and the Bristol of Bristol for sale.
The Danbm-y house, seating approximately
1,344, is available subject to prior sale or
withdrawal without notice. The leasehold on
the property would go to interested parties.
The Bristol house is for sale, complete with
equipment, also subject to prior sale or withdrawal
without notice.
:
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December 12, 195S,
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